Laos Overview, Facts, Vacation Information of Laos

Eco-tourists enjoy canoeing on a river in Laos.
Phil Whitehouse

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Laos, formally the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, but also is one of the most beautiful. A mountainous and landlocked country, Laos shares borders with Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west and Myanmar and China to the north.

The Lao National Tourism Administration uses the epithet “Jewel of the Mekong” to describe the country and its landscape of thick forests and rugged mountains, which draws many backpackers, spelunkers and ecotourists. Laos is also home to some of the most spectacular animal species in the world, most notably the Indochinese tiger, the giant gaur and the Asiatic elephant.

Laos boasts a few grand attractions, especially around the capital Vientiane and its former French colonial capital Luang Prubang in the north, as well as some surreal attractions, like the enigmatic Plain of Jars in Xiang Kong province. However, many traveleres are simply drawn by the laid-back lifestyle and the opportunity to knock back a few cold Beerlao while watching the sunsets on the Mekong. These visitors explain the country’s appeal by revealing that the true meaning of “Lao PDR” is Lao—Please Don’t Rush.