LAOS - Jewel of the Mekong

Laos

Unlike its neighbours in the South-east Asia, Laos is unique as it is the only ASEAN member country that does not have direct access to the sea. It is surrounded by Myanmar to the north-west, Cambodia to the south, Vietnam to the east and Thailand to the west.

This former Lane Xang Kingdom – jewel of the Mekong is mountainous, covered in dense forest, and unspoiled. The population density is low, ethnic lifestyles are diverse, and traditions prevail. Some say Laos is the only “original” South-east Asian experience left and it is waiting to be discovered as a tourism getaway.

Laos has one of the richest, most extensive networks of eco-systems in the Indochina Peninsula. More than 800 species of birds and 100 large mammals have been identified, and new species are constantly being discovered every year.

The destination has been attracting visitors who want to take their time to discover the country’s Buddhist culture, national and colonial architecture, gastronomy, World Heritage Sites, trekking locations, multi-ethnic people, silk, local handicraft products and more.

The best time to visit Laos is between November and April, which is the high season. The average temperature in Laos is 28°C. However, it can drop to 19°C in the capital Vientiane in January and below freezing in the mountains at night, and rise to 38°C during April and May. The rainy season is from May to September and the dry season is from October to April.

Discover Hidden Treasures in Laos

Laos

Not to be missed are the destination's smaller towns and provinces.

• Pakse is the former gateway to the ancient royal capital of Champasak. It is near the ruins of the Vat Phou Temple Complex, a second World Heritage Site in Laos, which predates the famous Angkor Wat Temple.

• Bokeo, the smallest province in Laos, is home to many minority groups. Lying at the heart of the Golden Triangle where Laos meets Thailand and Myanmar, this province is known as the Land of Sapphires because the area is well known for this precious gemstone.

• Savannakhet, a town in the south of Laos, was the main trade route between Vietnam and Thailand. It gained popularity with French colonialists because of its temperate climate and fertile lands.

• The province of Champasak has a rich and grand history dating back over two millennia.

• Bolaven Plateau is famous for its coffee and fruit. Cardamom and rattan are grown in this area. The plateau is also a centre for the Mon-Khmer culture with many tribal villages.

Fast Facts

Area    236,800 sq km

Capital            Vientiane

Cities  Vientiane, Savannakhet, Luang Prabang, Pakse

Total population         6.2 million, comprising 49 ethnic groups

Religion          Buddhism

Language       The official language is Lao.

Other languages used are French, English, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese

Currency         Kip

Climate           Hot and humid with two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from the beginning of May to the end of September, and the dry season is from October through April. The yearly average temperature is about 28°C, rising to a maximum of 38°C during April and May.

Laos

In Vientiane a minimum temperature of 19°C is to be expected during January. In mountainous areas, however, temperature drops to as low as 14-15°C during winter months, and during cold nights, can easily reach freezing point.