Introducing Laos by Michele Harvey Oct 14, 2014 Sabaidee! Hello! Modern-day Laos has its roots in the ancient Lao kingdom of Lan Xang, established in the 14th Century under King FA NGUM. For 300 years Lan Xang had influence reaching into present-day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as over all of what is now Laos. After centuries of gradual decline, Laos came under the domination of Siam (Thailand) from the late 18th century until the late 19th century, when it became part of French Indochina. The Franco-Siamese Treaty of 1907 defined the current Lao border with Thailand. In 1975, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of the government ending a six-century-old monarchy and instituting a strict socialist regime closely aligned to that of Vietnam. A gradual return to private enterprise and the liberalization of foreign investment laws began in 1988. Laos became a member of ASEAN in 1997. After years of war and isolation, Laos is Southeast Asia’s most pristine environment with intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth, making it a favorite among travelers. Laos is developing quickly but still holds much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. In the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, you can watch around 200 Buddhist monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries for the morning alms giving. Away from the cities, there is so much more to see; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos and the gothic limestone karsts around the backpacker-haven Vang Vieng. In the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the mighty Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken. The Lao wilderness is drawing travelers looking for nature, adventure or both. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are all available, but it’s the community-based trekking that is most popular. This is because it combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance for a village homestay, to experience the ‘real Laos’. There is undoubtedly a growing tourist trail in Laos, but that just means there’s plenty of roads off Rte 13 where you can make your own trail. After all, half the fun of travelling here is in the travel itself – the people you meet, chickens you share seats with, wrong turns you take and lào-láo you drink with the smiling family at the end of the road less travelled. Please visit our website www.ansovatravel.com to view our Laos Portfolio Trip Collection. Or contact us via email at contact@ansovatravel.com for more information. Have you ever been to Laos? Tags: Laos
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