Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is one of the most peaceful and least explored nations in Southeast Asia. A mountainous and landlocked country, Laos shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar and China to the north.

the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

Of course, ‘Lao’ is perfectly correct in English when used as an adjective. For example, a Lao person, the Lao language, a Lao poem, etc. In English, when describing this Asian nation, the correct pronunciation is ‘Laos’ with a voiced ‘s’.

The trifecta of Laos’ national cuisine are sticky rice, larb, and tam mak hoong. The most famous Lao dish is larb (Lao: ລາບ; sometimes also spelled laab or laap), a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish that is sometimes raw (prepared like ceviche) with a variable combination of herbs, greens, and spices.

According to the Asian Development Bank’s latest data from 2015, 23.2 percent of Laotians live below the poverty line, the second-highest poverty rate in Southeast Asia. Like many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, European colonial rule and a disturbing lack of freedom makes Laos poor.

Though expensive relative to its neighbors, Laos is still a cheap country to visit. You really have to try to spend money here. Most attractions are near cities and don’t require you to go with an organized group. You can either rent a motorbike or hire any number of tuk-tuk drivers.

Crime and safety. Laos is a relatively safe country for travellers, although certain areas remain off-limits because of unexploded ordnance left over from decades of warfare. As a visitor, however, you’re an obvious target for thieves (who may include your fellow travellers), so do take necessary precautions.

What is Laos Most Famous For?

• Luang Prabang.
• That Luang.
• Vang Vieng.
• Wat Sisaket.
• Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane Waterfall.
• Bokeo.
• Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
• The Plain Of Jars.

Laos is also famous for having the tallest treehouse in the world, the oldest human fossil in Southeast Asia, and is considered one of the fastest-growing economies in all of Asia. They also have papayas – lots and lots of papayas – some of which are absolutely ginormous!

Beautiful Laos is one of the prettiest countries in Southeast Asia but also one of the least visited. The country is small and landlocked so it has no coastline, but it is known for its spectacular limestone mountains which offer you amazing opportunities to go trekking and explore eerie karst formations and caves.

From 1964 to 1973, the U.S. dropped more than two million tons of ordnance on Laos during 580,000 bombing missions—equal to a planeload of bombs every 8 minutes, 24-hours a day, for 9 years – making Laos the most heavily bombed country per capita in history.

The elephant is considered a national animal in Laos for a very long time. For years, it has been the symbol of prosperity and represents the strength of the nation.

The Europa Hotel

Current Status of Unaccounted-for Americans Lost in the Vietnam War

The U.S. bombing of Laos (1964-1973) was part of a covert attempt by the CIA to wrest power from the communist Pathet Lao, a group allied with North Vietnam and the Soviet Union during the Vietnam War.

The North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao eventually emerged victorious in 1975, as part of the general communist victory in all of former French Indochina that year. A total of up to 300,000 people from Laos fled to neighboring Thailand following the Pathet Lao takeover.

Communist Laos (1975–1991)

While Laos is a nice place to live, and it offers an affordable existence for many people, it does take a bit of time, effort and money to make the move. There’s a lot to like about Laos, and it’s an affordable place to live after retirement, or for someone looking for a new way of life in general.

Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion of the ethnic or “lowland” Lao, who constitute 53.2 percent of the overall population. According to the LFNC and MOHA, the remainder of the population comprises at least 48 ethnic minority groups, most of which practice animism and ancestor worship.

In power since 1985, the leader of the communist Cambodian People’s Party is now the longest-serving prime minister in the world.