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Laos Travel Guide

Welcome to our Laos travel guide. This land-locked country of less than 5 million inhabitants offers unparalleled opportunities for adventure and "off the beaten track" travel.   Virgin jungle, lush fresh countryside, friendly people and mighty rivers offer a foretaste of this wonderful hospitable country.

Touches of French colonialism still exists in harmony with the native customs and buildings to provide a real contrast of sights. Laos provides a destination unique in the region for the bold of spirit.

Laos Quick Facts

Borders: Yunnan China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar/Burma and Thailand

Land Area: 90,700 square miles, 70% of which is mountainous with high plateau's.  These are part of the Himalayan Range.  Mekong is their biggest river which provides transport to many otherwise inaccessible villages and towns. The river runs from North to South and irrigates the fertile flood plains.

Population: 4.5 million

Religion: Buddhist, similar to the versions also practiced in Thailand and Burma.

Racial Characteristics: Mainly members of the Thai-Lao or Mon-Khymer families.  There are also 68 ethnic groups.

Language: Lao, which is closely related to Thai. English is understood in tourist areas whilst French is spoken by many born prior to 1950.

Capital: Vientaine, population 400,000 which, in keeping with many of her SE Asia neighbours, is almost 10% of the entire population.

Economy: Teak  forestry and minerals, rice, wheat cotton, fruit and vegetables. Less than 10% is suitable for agriculture.

Time: GMT +7 (or 6 daylight saving).  Same as Thailand

Driving: Right-hand side although traffic is generally very light in provinces and the cities.

Currency: Kip.  Most tourist transactions are priced in US$ such as air tickets. The Thai Baht is also generally welcome.

Phone Codes: Country +856,

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