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| Kuoni Travel — Indochina, Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos 2008 |
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Small and enchanting this unspoilt nation provides a snapshot of Asia's past with its colourful traditions and cultural kaleidoscopes.
laos
Poetically known as the Land of a Million Elephants and one of the most enchanting countries in South East Asia. Laos is eye wateringly beautiful and offers visitors a rich embroidery of traditional culture and wondrous scenery. If your desire is to tread a path that is less travelled then this charming country is certainly for you. You will find genuinely warm and friendly people, fabulous sightseeing and outstanding local cuisine. This is one of the few places on earth that does not disappoint.
INFORMATION Capital: Vientiane Population: 5,800,000 Time Difference: GMT +7 Flight Time: 13 hours Language: Laos and ethnic dialects, English, French & Thai. Visas: Required for British passport holders and can be obtained upon arrival. Currency: Kip. US Dollars also widely accepted. Banks: No ATMs exist. Geography: 70% of Laos is mountainous and over 50% of the country is forested. Northern Laos is mountainous, giving way to the Bolaven Plateau in the south. Weather: The most pleasant weather is between November and February, the cool and dry season with short bursts of heavy rain. The hot and dry season is between February and mid April. The wet season generally lasts from June to October. LAOS REGIONAL MAP China
Muang Xing Luang Namtha Muang Xai Houay Xay Luang Prabang Hanoi
Laos
Vang Vieng Phou Khau Khouay Vientiane
GULF OF TONKIN
Vietnam
Laos is one of the least populated countries in South East Asia and for many years was hardly visited by travellers. The country today offers a genuinely rewarding experience for the visitor with its rich mix of traditions and awesome landscape. One of the safest countries in the area, Laos holds many treasures and is closely connected to Thailand in its religion, customs and language. Laos is a sleepy laid back country easy to explore yet difficult to leave.
Savannakhet
Thailand
Pakse
see & do
LUANG PRABANG This enigmatic city lies shrouded by forested green hills with the mighty Mekong running through its heart. A remarkable city of Buddhist and colonial architecture protected by UNESCO since 1995, its cultural gems are its mixture of once royal palaces and historical temples dating back to the 14th century. This delightfully enchanting city is one that time has truly forgotten and is a perfect port of call on your exploration of this fascinating region. VIENTIANE Curved around the capital city of Lao like an elongated letter `S' the Mekong river provides the reason for Vientiane's being. The slow pace and relaxed attitude of this sleepy capital and its tree lined boulevards can provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of other Asian capitals. Take time while in Lao to spend a day or two visiting the many temples of this capital, from the shimmering golden Stupa of Pha That Luang to Vientiane's oldest temple, Wat Si Saket and its 2,000 silver and ceramic Buddha images. PAK OU CAVES Just a short boat trip along the Mekong from Luang Prabang lie these fantastic limestone caves encasing many images of Buddha. On the opposite bank of the river is the small village of Ban Xang Hi which is today famous for the production of LaoLao, a fierce local brew distilled from rice. HILLTRIBES OF NORTHERN LAOS The remote northern provinces of Laos lie close to the borders of China, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar and are home to many minority groups who still maintain their traditional ways of life from centuries past until the present day. The most remote area of this forgotten country provide a host of hidden experiences waiting to be explored.
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