The former "kingdom of a million elephants", which has been governed by a single political party since 1975, is gradually beginning to develop an environmentally friendly tourist industry. Laos, which boasts a history dating back to before the Christian era, and is strongly influenced by the Khmer and Dvaravati civilisations, has suffered long periods of foreign domination, firstly by the kingdom of Siam and later by France, as can often be seen in its urban architecture. Most importantly, the country was damaged and divided by the Vietnam War, the scars of which are still apparent, especially along theHo Chi Minh Trail. Marked by this troubled past and by persistent poverty, Laos is nonetheless a gentle country with luxuriant natural landscapes, many of which have yet to be explored. Bordered to the west by the life-giving Mekong river, Laos is a long and land-locked country, surrounded by Thailand to the west, Vietnam to the east, China and Burma to the north and Cambodia to the south. Agriculture, fishing and forestry account for 80% of the activity of its multi-ethnical population, which has largely maintained its traditional way of life. To the background of Khen music (the country's national instrument), discover the capital Vientiane. renowned for its eclectic architecture, Luang Prabang. an important centre of Buddhism, the magnificent site of Vat Phu , the thousand-year-old Plain of Jars. the waterfalls of theBoloven plateau and numerous other splendid, mysterious and spiritual sights, all of which command the greatest respect and admiration.
|