Short URL: http://tnot.es/LA - National Anthem of Laos.
The Lao People's Democratic Republic is a mountainous country with
the Mekong River forming its border with Thailand.
Laos
Travel Brochures.
Quick Links
Getting Around Laos, Land of a Million Elephants, Laos Accommodation, Laos Travel Guides,
Laos Travel Tips, Luang Prabang,
Map of Cambodia and Laos, Travel Around
Laos, Vientiane, Visiting Laos.
Countries neighbouring Laos are: Cambodia, Vietnam, China, Myanmar
and Thailand.
Vientiane Weather:
View a graphical weather forecast for the week ahead in Vientiane.
In the mid-14th century the Khmer king at Angkor, Jayavarman
Paramesvara, married his daughter to a Lao prince, Fa Ngum, and helped him found the
independent kingdom of Lan Xang - Million Elephants - with its capital at Muong Swa;
present-day Louangphrabang.
Fa Ngum, a great warrior, united the Lao principalities and was
frequently at war with both the kingdom of Ayutthaya and Annam. His Khmer queen encouraged
the Lao to adopt Theravada Buddhism.
The capital of Laos is on the Mekong River, almost opposite Nong
Khai, Thailand.
After the division of the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang into two
kingdoms in the late 17th century, Vientiane became the capital of Wieng Chan.
When the Siamese seized control of Vientiane Kingdom in 1827, the city
was virtually destroyed. A rebuilt Vientiane was made the administrative capital of the
newly created state of Laos in 1946.
In a capital with very few street signs, directions are given by the
way of traffic lights and various wats.
© Travel Notes
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Pha That Luang:
This is the most important monument in Laos; a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and
Lao sovereignty.Sleepy Laos:
An interesting journey by dusty road, from Vientiane to Savannakhet. |
Accommodation in Vientiane
Hotels
in Vientiane:
Find hotels in Vientiane with special online rates.
Compare Lao Hotel Prices
Champasak,
Luang Prabang, Pakse, Savannakhet, Vang Vieng, Vientiane.
By Rail
Laos has no railways.
By Road
The condition of the roads outside of the major towns are appalling,
so only those who have to, or enjoy dusty adventures, use them. To travel long distance
often means going by truck.
The lorry will be carrying anything from rice to petrol, quite likely
both, and the passengers sit on top; squeezing in where they can.
By Air
Because of the terrain and poor land connections, an internal air
service is important in Laos.
By Boat
The Mekong river is the main waterway in this landlocked exotic
country of less than 5 million inhabitants; as it flows down the entire length of the
country.
Other smaller rivers such as the Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Ngum in the
north, and Se Don in the south all run into the Mekong.
Ferries with overnight accommodation are rather basic. For shorter,
water trips use the river taxis.
Engine-mounted long-tail boats, Thai-made speedboats, and even rowing
boats are all available for hire.
The official language of Laos is Lao, one of the Sino-Tibetan
languages. French is also used in bureaucracy.
Numerous ethnic groups have kept their own languages and dialects.
Laos has 68 ethnic minorities and some of the most unspoiled countryside in Asia.
The best time to visit Laos is between November and April.
The hot season, from March to May, is very dry; making some river
trips not feasible.
The Lao
Embassy in Washington DC is located at 2222 S St. NW. You can make Lao visa applications
online.
Laos Highlights:
When travelling within Laos, from north to south, you'll never find two places that have
the same environment and style.
Lao
National Tourism Administration:
From historic temples, lush landscapes and welcoming smiles, the heart of Southeast Asia
is waiting to be explored.
Luang Prabang is a sleepy town in northern Laos, at the confluence
of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan. It was the early capital of Lan Xang, between 1353
and 1545.
The French were in town from 1893 to 1954, with Luang Prabang again
serving as the royal capital of Laos; from 1950 until the country became a republic, in
1975.
Luang Prabang:
Most of the historic temples are between the Phu Si hill and the Mekong River. The Royal
Palace Museum is a good place to start, as the displays give you a good idea of the area's
history.
Accommodation in Luang Prabang
Hotels
in Luang Prabang:
Find hotels in Luang Prabang with special online rates.
Grand Luang Prabang Hotel:
Prince Phetsarath chose this site for tranquillity, its stunning views of the mighty
Mekong River, and the breathtaking landscape of mountains surrounding Luang Prabang.
Luang Prabang on Video
Luang Prabang:
The World Heritage City in northern Laos that feels like a village.
Video Tags: Luang Prabang, Laos, Asia.
Laos Travel Diary:
Tapa King's account of travel from Bangkok to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Laos -
November/December 2000. Includes helpful travel tips and related links.
Luang
Namtha:
Luang Namtha, Laos' north-western most province, has large and diverse ethnic groups many
of whom still live traditional life styles. The main ethnic groups in the area are Tai
Yuan, Black Red and White Tai, Tai Lue, Khmu, Rok, Akha, Lanten, Mien and Hmong.
Lao Hotel Group:
An association of hotels and guest houses established under the Lao National Chamber of
Commerce and Industry.
The Boat Landing
Guesthouse:
An Ecotourism lodge on the banks of the Namtha River with access to the 222,000 ha Nam Ha
National Biodiveristy Conservation Area.
Villa Santi Hotel:
This boutique hotel, in Luang Prabang, was the former house of a Lao Royal Princess and
has been elegantly renovated to gracefully blend Royal Lao and the classic French colonial
decoration themes.
When in Laos, make certain to bring a comfortable amount of smaller US
dollar notes, as the local currency is too bulky to carry; given the exchange rates and
denomination of their notes.
Sent in by: Tapa
King.
Travel
to Laos:
Browse Amazon's best-selling list of books on travel in Laos.
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