Laos, formally the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia and one of the poorest countries on the continent. It borders Vietnam to the east, China and Myanmar to the north, Thailand to the west, and Cambodia to the south. smallest of Southeast Asia's countries, squeezed between vastly larger neighbors, Laos as an entity was first created in 1353, when warlord Fa Ngum declared himself the king of Lan Xang ("Million Elephants"), although the kingdom was initially a Khmer vassal state. After a succession dispute the kingdom split in three in 1694 and was eventually devoured piece by piece by the Siamese, the last fragments agreeing to Siamese protection in 1885.

The area east of the Mekong, however, was soon wrenched back from Siam by the French, who wanted a buffer state to protect Vietnam and set up Laos as a unified territory in 1907. Briefly occupied by Japan in 1945, a three-decade-long war was triggered when France wanted to retake its colony. Granted independence in 1953, the war continued between a bewildering variety of factions, with the Communist and Vietnam-allied Pathet Lao struggling to overthrow the French-leaning monarchy. During the Vietnam War (1964-1973), this alliance led the United States to dump 1.9 million metric tons of bombs on Laos in what was later known as the Secret War.

In 1975, after the fall of Saigon, the Communist Pathet Lao took control of Vientiane and ended a six-century-old monarchy. Initial closer ties to Vietnam and socialization were replaced with a gradual return to private enterprise, an easing of foreign investment laws, and the admission into ASEAN in 1997.

Less than a two hour flight from the westernized hustle and bustle of Bangkok, life in Laos continues in the same way it has for hundreds of years. But things are beginning to change. In the mid-90s the government reversed its stance on tourism and declared 1998 'Visit Laos Year.' Despite their efforts and all Laos has to offer, monks still outnumbered tourists throughout the country.

Asia Travel Information

General Information About Burma

Truly, Myanmar is one of the most magical and beautiful places in the world. It has more historic religious temples than anywhere on earth, and the oldest archaeological site in South East Asia. To this day Myanmar remains one of the most mysterious and undiscovered destinations in the world. A

General Information For Tourists

1. Airport Tax Any passengers departing Myanmar on international flights will need to pay a departure tax of US$ 10.00 per person. 2. Duty Free Allowance Two bottles of liquor; two cartons of cigarettes; 100 cigars; 1.5 lbs. of tobacco; and one pint bottle of perfume or eau de cologne. 3. Currency The monetary unit

Orientation Of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is conveniently divided into four parts. First there is Hong Kong Island, the original part of the colony on which stands Hong Kong Central, the city of Hong Kong. A short ferry ride across the harbour from the island is the Kowloon peninsula which is also totally city.

Festivals in Myanmar

Myanmar is a Land of Festivals: a festival for every month of the year. Most festivals are cultural and religious. Majority are nation-wide celebrated while a few are distinctly regional. The dates of the festivals and special events are determined by the Lunar Year. 1. January • Kayin New Year celebrated on

General Information For Tourists - I

11. Climate & Weather Myanmar has three seasons. 1. Cool Season - October through February with average temperatures 20-24 C, 2. Hot Season - March through May with average temperatures 30-35 C, 3. Wet Season - June through September with average temperatures 25-30 C. The ideal time to visit Myanmar is

Visa Information For Tourists

Most visitors to Hong Kong still don't need a visa. The exception is for blacklisted countries, many of which (ironically) have or had communist regimes: Hong Kong has always made it difficult for nationals from such countries to enter its borders, and despite the return of Hong Kong to the

Nightlife of Hong Kong

Hong Kong provides a vibrant nightlife. Do not fight the temptation to join the party. Things to do: take a luxury night cruise over Victoria Harbor; visit pubs, bars, night clubs; or stroll in the bubbling streets with the locals. Don't just sit back and watch. I. Night Tour Do you fancy

When To Visit Hong Kong

Subtropical Hong Kong has four distinguishable seasons. Good weather makes it an ideal destination for travelers all year round. The peak travel season is in autumn, from September to around Christmas time. The spring, from March to mid-May, tends to be warm and humid, accompanied by fogs and drizzles. The average

Myanmar Tourist Guides — Attractions

City - Mandalay: Second capital after Rangoon, has world’s largest stone book situated in the compound of the 'Kuthodaw Pagoda' where Buddhist scriptures are inscribed on 729 stone slabs. The delicate tapestry works, stone sculpture, the time-honored art of gold leaf home industry is definitely worth a visit. Bagan is known as

Top Rated Tourist Attractions In Hong Kong

Hong Kong is full of fabulous events and attractions. The following are a few of the must-sees rated tops by tourists. Victoria Peak is the best place from which to admire the lights of this Oriental Pearl. Peak Tower with its famous wok-like architecture standing at the exit of Peak Tram.

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