Less than a decade ago, Laos was largely unknown to western travellers. However, since the early 1990's, a steady flow of visitors has trickled into this poverty-stricken, old-fashioned country, and a few traveller-oriented services have begun to emerge. For many a journey through Laos consists of a whistlestop tour through the two main towns of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Those willing to explore further and brave difficult roads and basic, candlelit accommodation will be rewarded with sights of a rugged natural landscape and ethnically diverse people not much changed from those that greeted French explorers more than a century ago. Once the heart and soul of the ancient kingdom of Lane Xang, tiny, cultured Luang Prabang is Laos's most enticing destination, with a spellbinding array of gilded temples and weathered shop-houses.

Capital City = Vientiane
Time Zone = GMT + 7
Currency = Kip
Official Language = Lao