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Laos Overview
 This
land-locked mountainous country is
gaining a reputation as an
ecotourist destination. Its many
rivers criss-crossing the country
and unspoilt national parks are
ideal for activities such as
trekking, kayaking and caving. The
capital, Vientiane, and the other
major towns have been spared major
modern developments with traditional
and colonial architecture still
dominant.
Tourism newcomers
Laos is one of
the few Communist countries left in
the world. Until 1988, tourists were
not allowed access to Laos, but now
it is perfectly feasible to travel
all over the country, preferably
with a recognised tour company,
although plenty of backpackers do it
independently. The number of
tourists is expected to continue
increasing over the next few years
as more and more people discover the
delights of this laid-back country
of mountains and rivers.
 Unspoilt
and undeveloped
For now, Laos
remains relatively isolated and
undeveloped. Its capital, Vientiane,
is more like a big village than a
crowded Asian hub and life
throughout the country is slow
paced. Most people come to Laos and
make a brief tour of Vientiane and
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang
Prabang with perhaps a brief detour
to the mysterious Plain of Jars. But
those who make the effort to explore
further afield will be well rewarded
with luscious landscapes, friendly
people and unique glimpses of a
country hardly changed for over a
century.
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