Laos is a land locked country that is often overlooked because of the popularity of its neighbors, especially Vietnam and Thailand but its popularity is rising, and rightly so. It’s a fairly poor country, mountainous and beautiful.

Laos is now an independent state with a fairly progressive communist government which is tolerant of religion and has undertaken a programme of urbanisation and industrialisation. The fall of the USSR may well have accelerated that policy. Despite being a one party communist state

Our Laos Travel FAQ aims to give you all you should know if you take a holiday in Laos; visas, language, money, food, climate, places to see and the time difference. Laos is a mountainous land-locked country west of Vietnam and north of Cambodia.

Visa travel is the norm these days but countries like Laos have realised that it is important to make them readily available to tourists on Laos travel packages. A good Laos tour operator will certainly be able to advise you about the requirements. In most cases a visa can now be obtained on arrival; the main airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse are the most popular places of entry and each has the facility to provide a visa if needed.

The modern borders of Laos were defined by the French over a century ago when as colonial rulers they occupied much of Indochina. The history of the region of course goes back much further and those on Laos travel packages will learn more about that as they travel around the Country.

The Lao are a strand of the Tai people of South East Asia; the Al Lao were mentioned as long ago as the Hang Dynasty in China and Vietnam in what is now Yunnan Province.

Even though external influences have brought change to Laos traditions prevail particularly on special occasions. That is reflected in clothes. While in urban areas western style clothing is seen regularly during the working day Lao people have certainly held on to the colourful clothing that they take out whenever there is something to celebrate.

Laos remains a fairly poor country but that does not mean that it is not making great strides. Certainly, the increased number of overseas visitors booking Laos travel packages is helping the economy and the positive experience that Laos is providing should ensure tourism continues to grow.

Superficially Indochina is Buddhist but there is more to it than that. Tradition plays a role in Laotian life and the spirits play a role, especially amongst the small ethnic tribes. In total, there are around 50 such groups. Buddhism in the region dates back to the 8th Century and over succeeding centuries it spread. Laos kings were patrons of the religion which was adopted as the national religion in the 16th Century.

Buddhism is central to life in Laos and that is reflected in the number of festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate the fact. Animism plays its part as well and whenever you book a Laos tour package

While there are similarities between the different cuisines of South East Asia, there are also several differences, country to country. The produce that chefs have throughout the region and there has been significant movement

Laos has all the international favorites available when it comes to drinks, but the local juices, including sugar cane juice and coconut milk are among the more authentic locals. Tea is also very popular in Laos and it is generally served with sweetened condensed milk over ice. Coffee, milk, and soft drinks are also readily available in Laos.

Laos has many attractions; the natural environment, culture and history. Music and the arts make an important contribution of life as well and those who book Laos travel packages are likely to see and hear traditional performances. They have developed over many centuries and there is determination that such things will continue to live on.

The ancient town of Luang Prabang in the center of northern Laos has been described as one of the most charming and best preserved towns in Southeast Asia. There are 34 Buddhist temples among Luang Prabang's colonial and Chinese architectures, all set in a backdrop of lush green mountains.

Travellers to exotic countries inevitably bring back great memories, an album of photographs and usually some local craft souvenirs/ If you take a Laos travel package