Laos Tourist Guides — Introduction

Laos loves to remain within an exquisite isolated world and wait for its turn to attain development at its own ease. But it is this isolation from foreigners, who aspire for high-energy growth that works wonders for Laos. Laos portrays the exquisite sight of traditional Southeast Asian life. The most appealing city in Laos is the Luang Prabang, which is dotted with beautifully carved temples and a newly made airport for flights from Chiang Mai to land in. One should visit Laos during November to February, for the temperature remains fine. Laos otherwise has a truly filthy weather. The humidity and temperature rises high. Although rains in June-October bring showers of relief yet, winter remains the undisputed pleasant season.

The fate of Laos is dependent on its neighbors in South East Asia. Constantly ruled by Siamese and Vietnamese it suffered a tremendous disaster through the two decades of civil war. Until 1890s before the French came, Laos did not even possess a boundary of its own. Laos was often plagued by the invasions of North Vietnam army and the U.S. Air force and drawn into even larger wars. These frequent wars left Laos helpless in the hands of the foreigners. Economically, socially and culturally Laos began to decline. The country was further isolated and the people faced acute starvation and disease, the government therefore undertook plans for developments and now with lots of foreign aid and private enterprise effort and source of income from hydroelectric power have induced the government to add to the progress rapidly.

Laos remains one of the poorest of all nations in the world. Agriculture is the primary source of sustenance of the Laotian workers and along with rice as the chief crop and corn, vegetables and sweet potatoes even commercial crops like soyabeans; tobacco coffee and cotton are also grown. Since forests cover a majority area therefore expensive woods like teak, mahogany are sold for income. Fish also adds to the diet. Bordering Laos on the west are Thailand and Myanmar, the two countries famous for cultivation of illegal opium and cannabis.

Metallurgy and hydroelectric power also are sources of sustenance. Tin, gold, gypsum and gemstones along with hydroelectricity as a major export product, Laos is earning profits in recent years.

Laos is a landlocked country bordered by Vietnam in the East, China in the North, Thailand and Myanmar in the West and Cambodia in the South. The capital city of Laos is Vientiane. Laos hitherto is still untouched by modernity. Mekong River flowing through is the source of fertility for the heavily cropped and forestland. There are no railroads and health facilities remain poor. Along with illiteracy rate high, other than the minority of Vietnamese and Chinese the groups of people comprise black Thai duo yao [mien] hmong[meo]and tibeto speaking people. Just like Cambodia and Thailand even here in Laos.

Full name: Lao Peoples. Democratic Republic.
Language: mainly Laos also English and French.
Religion: Theravada Buddhism also some spirit cults.
Area: 236800 sq. km approx
Landscape: rugged mountains forest few plains and plateaus
Agriculture and industries: rice, sugarcane, timber, coffee, cotton, fish and tin mining.
Map reference: Southeast Asia.

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