Laos

Synopsis

Lonely Planet's Laos is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Whiz through the jungle on ziplines in Bokeo Nature Reserve, dine on French cuisine in historic Luang Prabang and trek to minority villages on the Bolaven Plateau - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Laos and begin your journey now!

Inside Lonely Planet's Laos:

• NEW pull-out, passport-size 'Just Landed' card with wi-fi, ATM and transport info - all you need for a smooth journey from airport to hotel
• Colour maps and images throughout
• Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests
• Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots
• Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices
• Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss
• Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politics
• Covers Luang Prabang & Around, Northern Laos, Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Around, Central Laos, Southern Laos, and more
• The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Laos is our most comprehensive guide to Laos, and is perfect for discovering both popular and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.

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Summary

Chapter 1: The Land and Its People

* Summary: Introduces Laos as a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, describing its geography, climate, and ethnic diversity.
* Example: Laos is home to the Mekong River, which flows through the center of the country and provides a vital source of food and transportation.

Chapter 2: History

* Summary: Explores Laos's rich history from ancient times to the present, including the rule of the Laotian monarchy, French colonization, and the Vietnam War.
* Example: In the 14th century, the Laotian kingdom of Lan Xang rose to power, becoming a major cultural and economic center in Southeast Asia.

Chapter 3: Culture and Society

* Summary: Delves into the diverse cultures and traditions of Laos, including its unique Buddhist heritage, ethnic customs, and art forms.
* Example: Laos is known for its traditional silk and cotton weaving, which is practiced by many ethnic groups throughout the country.

Chapter 4: Economy

* Summary: Analyzes Laos's economy, which is based on agriculture, mining, and tourism.
* Example: Laos is a major exporter of coffee, which is grown in the northern highlands.

Chapter 5: Politics and Government

* Summary: Discusses Laos's political system, which has been dominated by a single party since 1975.
* Example: The Lao People's Democratic Republic is a one-party state with a president and a prime minister.

Chapter 6: Foreign Relations

* Summary: Examines Laos's foreign policy, which focuses on maintaining close ties with its neighbors and promoting peace in the region.
* Example: Laos is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has close relations with China and Vietnam.

Chapter 7: Challenges and Opportunities

* Summary: Identifies the challenges and opportunities facing Laos in the 21st century, such as economic development, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.
* Example: Laos is working to develop its hydroelectric power industry to provide electricity to its own citizens and export to other countries.

Chapter 8: The Future of Laos

* Summary: Discusses the potential for Laos's future development, focusing on the importance of education, sustainable economic growth, and international cooperation.
* Example: The government of Laos has invested in education to improve literacy rates and equip young people with the skills needed for the modern economy.