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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.
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.
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
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
Indochina travel packages are allowing people to learn more about South East Asia. Thailand’s tourist industry has been well established for years and Vietnam’s travel industry offers a great deal
Laos has certainly benefitted from the growth of tourism in its near-neighbour, Vietnam. As an increasing number of tourists have experienced the joys of one country in Indochina
Take your time to discover and experience the Lao way of life with one of our wonderful bike and cycling excursions in Laos. Meet people, and discover hidden places and the secrets of Laos and Thailand on a 1-3 week guided biking tour. You will find fewer people and more nature when you cycle in beautiful remote Laos!
Laos is fast becoming a popular cycling destination in southeast Asia. Read these five reasons below why Laos is the best place to go cycling in Southeast Asia, and possibly the world!