About Laos
The Nation
Laos is the only land-locked country in mainland Southeast Asia. It shares borders with China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar. The Mekong River forms much of its western frontier and is central to transport, trade and daily life. Mountain ranges and forested plateaus dominate the landscape, with pockets of fertile river valleys such as around Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Pakse.
Laos’ recorded history includes the Lan Xang (“Million Elephants”) kingdom, French colonial rule, and a modern period shaped by regional conflict and post-war recovery. Today it remains closely tied to the Mekong and its neighbors through trade, hydropower and overland links
Laos’ recorded history includes the Lan Xang (“Million Elephants”) kingdom, French colonial rule, and a modern period shaped by regional conflict and post-war recovery. Today it remains closely tied to the Mekong and its neighbors through trade, hydropower and overland links
The People
Around two-thirds of the population are Lao-Tai (including the Lao ethnic majority). The remaining third belongs to Mon-Khmer, Hmong-Mien and Sino-Tibetan language families—distinct cultures living largely in upland and remote areas. Lao is the national language; Theravada Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion, alongside indigenous belief traditions and small Christian communities.
Lifestyle
Buddhist temples (wats) and saffron-robed monks are everyday sights across towns and villages. Community life often orbits morning alms, temple festivals, and ceremonies such as the baci (a rite of welcome and blessing). Traditional textiles, village markets and the slow flow of the Mekong shape a calm, unhurried pace of life visitors frequently notice