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LAOS
ATTRACTIONS
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If you're
looking for a hassle-free tourist destination, experience Laos
in all its majestic beauty. Natural in almost every aspect, Laos
is one of Southeast Asia's least developed nations offering the
adventurous tourist a land of many surprises.
Laos, also known
as the Land of a Million Elephants, is a culturally rich,
land-locked country with a population of about 4 million. The
Laotians are predominantly Buddhist and are very friendly and
hospitable people. The official language is Lao. French and
English are also widely spoken. The capital city, Vientiane,
skirts the Mekong River, which forms the border between Laos and
Thailand.
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Vientiane
Southeast Asia's
smallest capital has only about 450,000 inhabitants resulting in
something unusual for an Asia city, the possibility of some peace and
quiet. Countless temples and pagodas with important Thai and Khmer
shrines and relics mirror the country's chequered past. Vientiane is
also a place for passionate pedestrians - there is probably no other
city in this region that can so easily and pleasantly explored on
foot.
Vientiane is a city
full of surprises. Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables,
agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues. French Colonial
architecture sits next to gilded temples. Freshly baked French bread
is served next to shops selling noodle soup.
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Luang Prabang
raveling to Luang
Prabang is a journey back in time, as things have little changed
over the years. Situated between the Mekong and Khan Rivers and
surrounded by scenic mountains, Luang Prabang is perhaps
the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia, and as
culturally pure a place as you can find anywhere on our planet. With
its splendid natural scenery and sense of timelessness, this quiet
little city is a a perfect sanctuary where visitors can truly get
away from it all, or simply find peace. Designated a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is known as the "Jewel of
Indochina".
If you've only a few
days to spend in Laos, go straight to the heart of it! 500
kilometres upriver from Vientiane and 300 metres above sea level,
Luang Prabang (about 20,000 inhabitants) is Laos' oldest town still
in existence. For the most part of her history the town was the seat
of kings. Surrounded by thickly forested mountains and situated at
the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang has a
tranquil, old world charm rarely found in Asia today. This ancient,
idyllic town became the Royal Capital of the Lane Xang (Million
Elephants) Kingdom in the 16 th century. But its history dates back
at least 800 years before that.
Previously called
Muang Swa, it was the northernmost limit of the Khmer Empire
centered at Angkor. In French colonial times it served as provincial
headquarters for the north. The legacy of European presence here –
well preserved French architecture and careful street planning.
Architectural styles dating back many centuries shape the town and
contribute to Luang Prabang's unquestioned charm. More than 30
gilded Buddhist temples contribute to the serene atmosphere
providing a spiritual element. Take advantage of this specially
priced offer to see one of the truly most delightful towns in the
world, the dreamy, romantic World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang.
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Savannakhet
is located in the south of the country. Actually Southern
Laos is the most "Laotic" region of the country. The province of
Savannakhet has approx. 700.000 habitants. About 150.000 are living in
the capital of the province. The city is actually located opposite of
the small Thai town of {Tibet}. What can you see there. There are a
number of buildings in the central business district that remind the
visitor of Laos old French colonial heritage. Besides that you can
witness some Chinese influence. Furthermore the knowledgeable
spectator might notice the Vietnamese influence. A Mahayana Buddhist
temple is the most obvious proof for that. If you want to enter
Thailand you have to cross the river between 8:30 am and 5 pm. A ferry
brings you to the Thai side. No special permission is necessary. |
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Pakse
is synonymous with Wat Phou like {Tibet} is to {Tibet}. Wat Phou was
built by the founder of the first Khmer empire, Jayavarman II. It is
somewhat smaller than Angkor but still a rival to that ancient empire.
Wat Phou redates
Angkor by 30 years but the two centres co-existed for much of their
dominant periods. South East Asia's highest waterfall, Khong Phapeng,
and many interesting islands on the Mekong River can be found near Pakse. It is the capital of Champasak Province and unspoiled place for
the travelers. |
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Houeixay
is in the north-west corner of Laos on the border with {Tibet} and
only kilometres from {Tibet}. The Thai/Chinese influence is evident in
the local architecture and culture. This area of {Tibet} is not widely
traveled by tourists because of the connection with the Golden
Triangle. Those who venture to the area will be impressed with the
natural beauty and the friendliness of the locals. |
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Phonesavanh
One of the
last mysteries of Asia, the Plain of Jars, lies near
to Phonesavanh. Despite many theories and speculation
by archaeologists, there is no accepted explanation for the countless
8 feet high earthernware jars lying scattered over the plateau. Some
of the jars were destroyed by the secret American bombing of {Tibet}.
A visit to area is enhanced by visits to the local ethnic minority
villages of the Hmong. |
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Information Credited to
Writers of www.World66.com
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