Laos
The Land of a Million Elephants
The tag ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ is a justly romantic name for the wonderful country of Laos. It’s a varied country of contrasts attracting the more intrepid traveller as its infrastructure is still developing.
With only 5 million people and a country the size of the UK its cities are small by comparison with others in the region, lending a relaxed atmosphere to the capital Vientiane, cultural centre of Luang Prabang and others.
Cut with valleys and punctuated by high mountains, dotted with paddy fields and caves there is much to see outdoors. Trek in the north to remote hill tribe villages and then join the mighty Mekong River as wends its way through the country, exploring by boat taking in places such as Pakbeng. The country’s temples or wats never fail to delight and impress – head to stunning UNESCO-recognised Luang Prabang and Wat Phu near Pakse.
You can discover the mysterious Plain of Jars, the country’s numerous National Biodiversity Conservation Areas and top-class heritage hotels and rainforest lodges, then head south to enter neighbouring Cambodia for a cross-border adventure.