Laos · Lao culture
7 things you probably don't know about Laos
A landlocked country crossed by the Mekong, the kingdom of a million elephants, more than 50 ethnic groups: seven facts about Laos before you go.
Capital
Vientiane
The river
The Mekong
Ethnic groups
More than 50
Currency
The kip
Laos is often the country people pass through between Thailand and Vietnam. That's a shame: this small Southeast Asian country has a history, traditions and landscapes like no other. Some things are beautiful, others recall a harder past. Here are seven facts to understand it better before you go.
Laos at a glance
Southeast Asia · landlocked · mountainous in the north
Laos is bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar. The Mekong crosses it from north to south, and Luang Prabang, in the north, is a Unesco World Heritage site.
“Some are beautiful, others recall a harder past… but all of them are part of what makes Laos so unique.”
The first 3
- No sea: the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, but crossed by one of the region's great rivers, the Mekong
- Lan Xang: its old name means “kingdom of a million elephants”
- More than 50 ethnic groups: each with its own clothing, language and beliefs
01
And 4 more facts
The bombs
Between 1964 and 1973, Laos was bombed for nine years. It is the most bombed country in history per person.
Mountains
Much of the country is mountainous, especially in the north, around Nong Khiaw and Vang Vieng.
Sticky rice
Khao niao is at the heart of every meal. It is eaten with the fingers.
Unesco
Luang Prabang is a World Heritage site for its mix of Lao architecture and colonial heritage.
Bo pen nyang
“Never mind”: the phrase you hear most, and a bit of a way of life.
Do
- Take your time: Laos is best discovered slowly
- Learn a few words of Lao
- Take an interest in the country's history
Avoid
- Treating Laos as a mere stopover
- Leaving marked paths in rural areas
- Mixing up Lao culture with its neighbours'
Discover Laos with us
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang temples and Mount Phousi
A day in the old town with your guide, in French, English, Chinese or Thai: the day market, the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat May, then Mount Phousi, by private tuk-tuk.
From 65 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Mekong cruise and Pak Ou caves
The town in the morning, then about two hours by private boat on the Mekong to the Pak Ou cave and a village where rice spirit is distilled.
From 78 € / person
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Our tours · Luang Prabang
Kuang Si waterfall and Hmong village
About an hour's drive to the Kuang Si waterfall, a stop in a Hmong village and at the buffalo farm, then the Ock Pop Tok textile workshop before returning to your hotel.
From 72 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Street food at the night market
A street food evening guided by our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to Lao food among the stalls of Luang Prabang.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Our tours · Luang Prabang
Sindad evening, the Lao barbecue
An evening around the sindad, the Lao barbecue you share, with our students in training: they learn French with NK Seeds and introduce you to the meal Lao people love to share with friends.
From 30 € / person
See the tour
Frequently asked questions
Does Laos have a coastline?
No, it is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. The Mekong crosses it from north to south.
What does Lan Xang mean?
“Kingdom of a million elephants”, the old name of the Lao kingdom.
What language is spoken in Laos?
Lao, the official language, plus the languages of many ethnic groups.
Where should I start a trip to Laos?
Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, is a great way in: temples, the Mekong, waterfalls and Lao food.
A question about Laos?
Write to us: we answer you ourselves, from Luang Prabang. Please book at least one week in advance.
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