The official name of Laos is the Lao People's Democratic Republic, or Lao PDR - but it has been said that the acronym could equally stand for "Lao People Don't Rush!". For many, that is the charm and main attraction of Laos. The country moves at a pace as languid as the Mekong River that flows through it. Towns are less hectic than elsewhere in Asia and the countryside is beautiful and relaxed.
Like its neighbours in Indochina, Laos spent much of the last half of the 20th Century hidden from the view of the outside world. Visitors discover a simple society where the stresses and pressures of the modern world seem to have less relevance than elsewhere. Many travellers bemoan the loss of "Asia in the old-days", but it still can be found in Laos. The temples of Laos have a unique charm and whilst not as grandiose as the temples of Angkor, they exude serenity and character.
GENERAL INFORMATION
GEOGRAPHY
Laos is a landlocked country sharing its borders with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. 70% of its total land area is comprised of mountains and plateaus. The Mekong River is Laos' primary geographical feature and serves as a natural border with Thailand.
CLIMATE AND SEASONS
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with wet and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to September, and the dry season lasts from October to April. Temperatures and rainfalls vary considerably throughout the year and also by region. The coolest and driest time to visit Laos is between November and February.
PEOPLE
Laos' population of 5.4 million consists of 47 different ethnic groups, with most falling into three main categories: The Lao Loum are lowlanders, the Lao Theung are semi-nomadic mountain dwellers, and the Lao Soung are hill tribes originating from Burma, Tibet and southern China.
LANGUAGE
The Lao language has varying dialects throughout the country. Interestingly, many ethnic groups don't speak any Lao. Other languages used in Laos are French, English, Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese.
RELIGION
The great majority of the Lao people are Theravada Buddhists. Many Laotian men attend Buddhist monasteries for training before entering secular life. Other religions practised are Anglican-Episcopal, Baha'I Faith, Christian Fellowship Group, Evangelical, Islam, Lutheran and Roman Catholic. Animism is widely practised among ethnic groups.
FESTIVALS AND HOLIDAYS
Pimai, the Lao New Year, is the country's most important holiday. The three-day celebration usually takes place in mid-April and is characterised by the ceremonial washing of Buddha statues in temples. Other noteworthy festivals include the Baci ceremony, the Rocket Festival (a celebration of fertility during the full moon in May), the October Water Festival on the Mekong River, and the week-long That Luang Festival that honours the dead buried at stupas around the country.
HANDICRAFTS AND SOUVENIRS
Laos has a strong tradition of cotton and silk weaving. In fact, several renowned European designers have recently started coming to Laos to purchase elaborate Lao weavings. These weavings display a level of skill and artistry not seen anywhere else in the world. Artists from each province incorporate distinctive colours and patterns into their work. Such pieces can be bought in all the major markets, or directly from makers in silk weaving villages in Luang Prabang.
