Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos is a land where time seems to stand still, inviting travellers to lose themselves in its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Here, the mighty Mekong River winds through mist-shrouded mountains and emerald rice fields, carrying with it the echoes of an ancient civilisation. The temples of Luang Prabang, glittering with golden spires, stand as silent sentinels of a bygone era, their walls whispering tales of kings and monks who once walked their sacred halls.
But beyond its storied past, Laos pulses with the vibrant energy of a country awakening to the world, and its people embody a rare blend of grace, resilience and warmth. To travel through Laos is to step into a living tapestry where every thread tells a story of natural bounty, spiritual devotion and a quiet, enduring strength that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.
Tropical monsoon; rainy season (May to November); dry season (December to April)
Lao 53.2%, Khmou 11%, Hmong 9.2%, Phouthay 3.4%, Tai 3.1%, Makong 2.5%, Katong 2.2%, Lue 2%, Akha 1.8%, other 11.6% (2015 est.)
It is considered very rude to touch another person's head or to touch their body with your feet.
Larb (or Laap) — minced meat, seasoned with lime juice, fermented fish sauce, and a variety of other ingredients such as finely ground roasted sticky rice, chilli, mint leaves, onions, herbs, and spices
Lower middle-income, socialist Southeast Asian economy; one of the fastest growing economies; declining but still high poverty; natural resource rich; new anticorruption efforts; already high and growing public debt; service sector hit hard by COVID-19