|
Laos, officially known as the Lao People's
Democratic Republic has an area of around 236,000 sq km, (92,000 sq miles)
and is located in Southeast Asia. Laos is a landlocked, mountainous country
with a population of around 6.5 million. After many years of war and
isolation, Laos has become stable and now welcomes foreign visitors. The
capital of Laos is Vientiane, which has a population of around 300,000. The
Laos economy has been based on its exports of rice, tobacco and coffee, but
in recent years the country has been discovered as a tourist destination.
The country’s oldest town is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang,
around 500km upriver from the capital, and with about 20,0000 inhabitants.
Here you will experience a scene of monks in saffron-coloured robes and
centuries-old monasteries. The people of Laos are open, friendly and
courteous and visitors receive a warm welcome. The country enjoys a tropical
climate and thus most of the year is hot and humid. Laos is well worth
exploring with the best time to visit from November to March. April and May
should be avoided as that is the very dry hot season.
|
