Welcome to Laos on The Worldwide Traveler

Laos has a rich history stretching back 10,000 years. At its height, it ruled over present day Laos and much of neighbouring northern Thailand. Landlocked and laid-back, it’s a unique spin on the Southeast Asia experience.

Here Buddhism permeates every facet of life, change comes slowly, and cities bed down early. The perfect place to break from office politics or put a pause in a hyperactive travel agenda, this land of mountain, mists and untamed natural beauty tempts with unrivalled peace and serenity.

Open your heart, open your mind, and let the genuine faith and generous hospitality of Laos replenish your soul.

Area: 236,800 square kilometers

Surrounded by China, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, Laos is a completely landlocked country. However the Mekong Valley, the life-giving river of Indochina, and its fertile plains take in almost all the country's rice paddies; it is here that the civilizations and capitals were established whose vestiges are still admired today. 85% of the population is rural. Two-thirds of the country is covered by vast forests, rivers, mountains and plateaus.

Climate
Laos has a hot, humid tropical Climate. The dry season goes from November to April, and the rainy season from May to October. During the latter, there is abundant rainfall, flooding is common and it is very hot. Though it is pleasant to visit throughout the year, the dry season (winter) is preferred.

General Information

Capital
Vientiane

Political System
People's democratic republic

Language
There are about 5.3 million inhabitants, 50% of whom are Laos, as well as Theung Laos or Khas, Hmongs and Yaos. The country also includes minority populations of Vietnamese and Chinese, exclusively in the cities.

The official language is Lao, but each tribe also has its own language. French is still spoken by the older generation and English is being learned by many young people.