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Homepage > Destination > Laos Laos – Key facts & travel tips Official name : Lao People's Democratic Republic Geography & Population Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia bordering China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam; and the thickly forested landscape consists mostly of rugged mountains, the highest of which is Phou Bia in Xieng Khuang Province at 2,817m above sea level, with some plains and plateaus. The Mekong River of 1,754km forms as a western boundary with Thailand whereas the mountains of the Annamite Chain of 2,067km as a eastern border with Vietnam. As its neighbor of Vietnam, Cambodia, the Mekong River valley and its fertile floodplains form the country’s agricultural zones including wet-rice lands and important source of fish as well. The current population of Laos is about 5.6 million. About 68% are ethnic Lao or Lao Loum (lowland), 22% are Lao Theung (upland), 10% are Lao Soung (highland) including the H’mong and the Dao 9%, ethnic Vietnamese and Chinese 1%. Culture Lao PDR, formerly called Lane Xang, "The Land of A Million Elephants". It was the name given to the country by King Fa Ngum when he reunified the country in 1353 A.D. Lao folk music features the Khaen, or Lao panpipe, a wind instrument that is devised of a double row of bamboo like reeds fitted into a hardwood sound box. The Khaen is often accompanied by a bowed string instrument or Saw. The National Dance is a folk dance called the Lamvong, or Circle Dance, in which couples dance circles around one another until there are three circles in all: a circle prescribed by an individual, a circle danced by a couple, and one by the whole crowd. Theravada Buddhism is an official religion in Laos that dominate influences in Lao culture. It is reflected through out the country from language to the temple and in art, literature, performing arts. Many elementary of culture Buddhism capter its Luang Prabang – the most enticing destination – with gilded temples. In addition, the wild highlands of the North will give visitors the prospect of trekking to nearby hill tribe villages or a spectacular landscape of rice paddies. Lao calendar is influenced by both solar and lunar rhythms so the dates of festivals change from year to year. Festivals are based on Theravada Buddhism. Tourists are usually welcomed to participate in the more public Buddhist festivals. Lao cuisine is distinct from other Southeast Asian cuisines but is closely related to Thai cuisine. Lao food has many regional variations, according in part to the fresh foods local to each region. Eaten with the hands along with the staple sticky rice and protein fish source. Much of Lao cuisine is roasted over an open fire and served with fresh herbs and vegetables. Climate Laos has a dry and wet monsoon climate. The rains begin from June to September, followed by a dry season from October to May. October to February are the pleasantest months to travel in lowland Laos, when daytime temperatures are agreeably warm and evenings slightly chilly. |
