Lao People's Democratic Republic
Lao PDR is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders with China to the North, Myanmar to Northwest, Thailand to the West, Cambodia to the South and Vietnam to the East. With a total area of 236,800 square kilometers, around 70% of Laos' terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 meters in Xieng Khouang Province.
Laos is the only Asean country without direct access to the sea. However, it is blessed with the impressive Mekong River which flows through nearly 1,900 kilometers of Laos. The river shapes much of the lifestyle of its people. In the South, the Mekong reaches a breadth of 20 kilometers, creating an area with thousands of islands.
As one of the least visited countries in the world having been isolated for many years, has meant that Lao PDR retains a remarkable serenity and timeless charm.
The capital, Vientiane, a small, charming and picturesque city, sits on the banks of the Mekong. It contains colourful and sacred pagodas, fascinating museums, wide boulevards and attractions like Patuxai and Vientiane's Arc de Triumph.
To the north of Vientiane lies the former capital, Luang Prabang, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.
River Cruises on the Mekong River are especially popular. One of them would be the Luang Say river cruise. It is a journey through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong between the Golden Triangle at Houei Say and the royal old city of Luang Prabang.
Laos also has one of the most pristine natural landscapes in Southeast Asia. An estimated half of its woodlands consist of primary forest, in particular the tropical rainforest. In addition to its fascinating vegetation, Laos plays host to a diverse animal kingdom. Several exotic mammals are endemic such as leopard cats, Javan mongoose and goat antelopes.
Laos is landlocked and thus do not have any international cruise ports.
Language
The official language is Lao. Other languages spoken here include English, French, and other Lao dialects.
Climate
Laos has a monsoon climate of a dry and a wet season. The dry season lasts from November to May with the cooler period in December and January. At its coldest, the temperatures can fall to as low as 15 deg C. The cold periods tend to be at night and early morning with colder temperatures at higher altitudes. During the hot period of the dry season, between March and May, temperatures can rise beyond 30 degree Celsius. The rainy season is a lot cooler, and rainfall varies according to altitude and location.
Currency
The local currency is the Kip.
Local Time
Seven hours ahead of GMT.
