Laos
It is surrounded by a series of countries whose coasts are a source of national pride: China, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Laos, however, is positioned on the world map distinctly detached from the sea.
Until now, there are still no direct flight connections from other continents to this country. These facts ensure that Laos remains one of the countries least contaminated by mass tourism. Thus, the nickname “the hidden gem of Southeast Asia” was born. A gem appears beautiful only to those who know how to appreciate its value. Today, with Laos guided tours, AmoTravel hopes to reveal its beauty to tourists.
Only 6 million and 800 thousand inhabitants on a surface area of 236,800 square kilometers divided into 19 provinces. The average population density remains at a very low level of 27 people/sq km. 80% of the population lives in rural and mountainous areas, basing their lives on agriculture (rice is the main product). It is clear now why this country possesses truly unique natural scenery and landscapes, a timeless land.
For more than twenty years, Laos remained practically closed to the outside world and was also relegated to a secondary role – a buffer between the two most important states of Southeast Asia: Thailand and Vietnam.
It was officially opened to foreign tourism at the beginning of the 90s. Since then, more and more tourists seek information and travel to this fantastic country. Travelers do not ignore the possibility of adding another must-see destination to their list, as well as having a good Italian-speaking Laos guide.
Today, Laos is a stable country in terms of politics and economy, a safe and peaceful place both for traveling and living. Obviously, the number of tour requests in Laos is constantly increasing.
A journey with a Laos guide is a path that leads into close contact with the most hidden and fascinating aspect of this part of Asia, where one can venture to discover the traditions of a people and a country where people maintain a very strong relationship with myths, language, and traditions.
In Laos, there are as many as 49 ethnic groups, and many of these have kept their lifestyle unchanged over the last few centuries. Therefore, it would be an incredible adventure where activities such as trekking, photography, and kayaking to discover the daily life of tribal people are essential.
The abundance of mountains, forests, and waterways makes this territory very green; one can go on a zipline adventure in both the North and South of Laos, or experience a romantic cruise along the Mekong River from the Triangle area to the 4000 Islands area to enjoy the peaceful sunset.
Main Information of Laos:
Official name: Lao PDR
Area: 236,800 km²
Population: 6.4 million (2011)
Density: 27 people per km²
Capital: Vientiane
Major cities: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet
Official language: Lao, French
Religion(s): Buddhist (65%), Animist (33%), other (2%: Catholics and Muslims)
Government: Socialist Republic
President of the Republic: Mr. Choummaly (since 08.06.06)
Prime Minister: Mr. Thongsing Thammavong (since 2010)
GDP: 2.4 billion dollars
Average GDP per capita per year: US $360
Currency: Kip (US dollars and Thai Baht are also accepted)
Main products/sectors: rice, tobacco, coffee, tin mines, timber, and opium
Main trading partners: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan
Division of Tourist Regions:
Northern Laos: Mountain villages, mountains, and the extraordinarily charming former capital. A mountainous region, the north of the country is wedged between Burma (Shan State) to the west, Vietnam to the east, and China to the north (Yunnan province). It hosts the cities of Vientiane, the country’s capital, and Luang Prabang, the premier tourist destination in Laos, featured on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Central Laos: Squeezed between Thailand and Vietnam, it includes the quietest capital of Southeast Asia and rural countryside.
Southern Laos: Traversed by the Mekong River and bordering Cambodia to the south; it is the area least visited by tourists.
Urban Centers:
Vientiane: Capital of the country.
Huay Xai: On the border with Thailand.
Luang Namtha: The most important center of the country.
Muang Xay (Oudomxay)
Pakbeng: A river hub where boats stop while shuttling between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang.
Pakse: Base for excursions to the nearby ruins of Wat Phu.
Savannakhet: On the borders with Thailand.
Other Destinations:
Plain of Jars: A plateau where enormous jars have been found; their origin and function are unknown, though various hypotheses have been formulated.
Si Phan Don: A sub-region on the borders with Cambodia characterized by countless islands formed by the Mekong River.
Vang Vieng
Tham Nong Pafa: A cave discovered in the province of Khammouan in 2004; inside were kept several hundred Buddha statues of different sizes and materials, from terracotta to bronze.
Vieng Xai
