Land of a
million
elephants, Laos is a comparatively undiscovered
country. Now, after two decades of isolation from
the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated
country is enjoying peace, stabilising its political
and economic
structures and admitting foreign visitors once
more.
A mystical land of mountains and forests it has so far
escaped the dramatic industrial development that has
gripped most of its neighbouring countries thus
making
it a country of true discovery and adventure.
The country offers real tranquillity with its French
colonial character still very much intact along with
many Buddhist temples and pagodas. (From the fertile
lowlands of the
Mekong
River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands,
Laos has it all.) There much to interest everyone from the intrepid explorer to the
most novice traveller or business person seeking that
opportunity of a lifetime. Now that things are opening
up again,
hotels
have re-opened or are being built and the general
infrastructure is improving
on a daily basis.
The capital
Vientiane,
situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong river has
changed little over the years and still offers an
exotic veneer of French Culture.
Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos is one of
Asia's most beautiful cities in the country.
Surrounded by forested mountains, the Mekong and Nam
Khan rivers, old villas, temples
and civic buildings nestle among palms and tropical
foliage that offer photographic opportunities like no
other and beg your discovery.
Be a true adventure seeker and discover this
fascinating land for yourself!
Warning
As of 2001,
most
areas of the country are considered secure. The
western portion of Rte 7 in Xieng Khuang Province,
between Muang Phu Khun and Phonsavan, has recently
opened to regular bus traffic though you are advised
to ask around on arrival to make sure the situation is
still safe. The Saisombun Special Zone, considered a
'troubled' area, is definitely not safe.