Country Laos – Rising of the Forgotten Nation

Laos is a small nation in the Southeast Asia, it being the only landlocked country in this region. Surrounded by the countries, including Vietnam, Burma, People’s Republic of China, Thailand and Cambodia, the country is often given the title of being a forgotten nation. However, the country is experiencing a rise in its tourism industry for the past two decades.

Accommodation Options
Basic budget hotels and guest house facilities are among the main accommodations served in all parts of Laos. Vientiane and Luang Prabang are the two main cities to find great accommodation facilities. Vang Vieng and Champasak province are other safe places to stay at.

Lodges can also be found in these areas as good accommodations. Hot water, clean and comfortable beds, well-equipped bathrooms, TV, cable TV, bar fridge and breakfast facilities can be expected at various accommodations.

History
Founded in the 14th century as the kingdom of Lane Xang by Fa Ngum, the country was first a Khmer vassal state. It was by the end of the 17th century that the kingdom was fragmented into three parts and was brought under the control of Siamese. Laos was declared a unified territory by French forces in the year 1907, as they pulled the region out of Siamese control. During the World War II, the region was annexed by Japan and conflict started between Japan and France. The country was dragged into Vietnam War and in the Civil War later, before the fall of centuries old monarchy in 1975. Lao People's Democratic Republic was decided the official name of the country.     

Popular Places
Vientiane is the capital city of Laos, while many other popular cities include Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Vangvieng, Phonsavan and many more. Among the most popular tourist places, Champasak, the World Heritage Site of the Khmer Temples, can be a great place to visit.

Vang Vieng is the place to view marvellous limestone caves and Tham Nong Pafa Cave is a popular place to explore nearly 200 Buddha statues. The Plains of Jars has become a world-famous tourist site in the country. Luang Prabang is the ancient royal city with more than 30 large temple complexes.  

Getting Around
Domestic flights, buses, minibuses and converted trucks form the public transport system of the country. Jumbo is an interesting transport vehicle operated throughout the country. Boats, bicycles and motorbikes are other useful means of getting around the country. To visit various World Heritage sites and historical places, you can hire the services of a professional guide.

Places of Entertainment
Full arrays of activities are available in different parts of the country. Trekking, climbing Mount Phousi, swimming in Kuang Si Waterfalls and hot springs, tubing along the Nam Song River and elephant riding are some of the many entertaining activities in Laos. Lao dresses are among the attractive items to purchase. Laap, Tam Maak Hung, Pa Daek and Ping Kai are among many popular dishes and Beerlao is the tasty drink in the country.   

Language(s) Spoken
The official language of the country is Lao and many other languages, including Hmong, Tai and Khmu are also popular.

Currency
Lao kip is the official currency of the country and one kip contains 100 att. Coins can be found as 10, 20 and 50 att and 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 kip. Banknotes are available as 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 kip. Obtain more information about currency exchange rates from the online news.

Group accommodation in Laos | Cheap hostels & budget hotels