LAOS
The Lovely Planet!!!
Laos,a long forgotten backwater, combines some of the best elements of Southeast Asia in one bite-sized destination.
Something for Everyone!!!
Laos deserves all the accolades it receives. Adrenaline junkies can lose themselves in underground river caves, white-water rapids or jungle ziplines. Wildlife nuts can trek through some of Southeast Asia's most pristine forests, still home to rare creatures. Foodies can experiment with the kaleidoscope of flavours that is Lao cuisine. From thrillseeker to gourmand, every type of traveller finds what they're looking for in Laos, one of the most authentic destinations in Asia.
- Capital :Vientiane
- President :Choummaly Sayasone
- Offficial Languag: :Lao
- Currency :Kip(LAK)
- Conversion Rate :1kip=0.0081INR
Laos Must-See Attractions
1 Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Laos, is an important yet charming little town that ranks among the top must-visit destinations in the country. It features former royal palaces and more than 30 temples, old French colonial architecture as well as beautiful natural sites.
2 That Luang
That Luang, or the Great Stupa, in Vientiane is a national symbol (on Laos’ official seal) and also the most sacred monument in the country. From the outside That Luang looks more like a fortress surrounded by high walls and it features two temples with the main stupa, the top of which is covered with gold leaf, standing 148 feet tall.
3 Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is simply a piece of heaven on earth that has attracted many world travelers for years, especially young backpackers. Surrounded by great mountains, rivers, limestone cliffs and rice fields, this small and scenic town offers a long list of interesting attractions. The Nam Song River is where you will witness the infamous 'tubing'.
4 Wat Sisaket
Wat Si Saket located in Vientiane is famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha images and rows with hundreds of seated Buddhas. These images mainly date from the 16th and 19th centuries and come in all sizes and are made from wood, stone and bronze – more than 6,800 Buddhas in total.
5 Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane Waterfall
Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is famous for its great scenery, ethnic villages and unexplored corners. It’s probably best known for being home to some of Southeast Asia's most spectacular waterfalls including Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao.
6 Bokeo
Bokeo is a peaceful rural province in northwestern Laos. Rich in natural resources with hilly mountains, tropical forest and farmland, Bokeo is also home to many ethnic groups who still preserve their traditional lifestyles and culture
A country is known by its people!!!
Monks gathered at evening prayer
Lao women in traditional Luang Prabangsinh
Luang Prabang, Wat Mai, gilded wood bas relief scenes from the Prince Vessantara Jataka.
Laap is a traditional dish made from chopped meat, chicken or duck and is a favorite.
Sticky rice – No Laotians can live without it.
Tam mak hoong – Spicy green papaya salad made out of raw papaya, peanuts, garlic, chile, sugar, lime juice, and fermented fish sauce.
Some interesting facts
- Since December 1975, the official name of Laos has actually been “Lao People’s Democratic Republic” – but to this day, everyone still calls it Laos.
- The Khone Papeng, which is found in Laos, is the largest waterfall in the whole of Southeast Asia.
- Laos has been tagged as the “World’s Most Bombed Country.” Over two billion tons of bombs were dropped in Laos during the Vietnam War.
- The jars in the Plain of Jars are each big enough to hold a person. The largest of these jars weighs more than six tons!
- The highest point in Laos, the Phou Bia, is unfortunately not open to tourists because it is filled with unexploded ammunition.
- A full 80% of all Laotian work is in agriculture.