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Laos

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Recommended Laos Tours|

Explore Luang Prabang and around by a family package! This journey uncovers the wonders and culture of the Laos in a fun, hands-on way that is perfect for anyone...|

Laos join in tour with monthly departure from Luang Prabang! Described as "Thailand 40 years ago", Laos continues to offer travelers an adventure off the beaten track. Here, wander...|

Disappearance in December of Sombath Somphone, United States-trained agriculture specialist who led one of most successful nonprofit organizations in Laos, has baffled his family and friends and raised alarms that nascent liberalization of Communist country could be sliding backward; Laos government has history of crushing any dissent deemed to be threat to monopoly on power it has held for three and a half decades.|

Somewhere in Southeast Asia there’s an idyllic village full of smiling faces. It might be perched on precarious mountainside, nestled in a hidden valley or languidly swinging in a riverside hammock, but one thing is for sure—it’s in Laos. The years of war and instability are gone, and Laos has emerged as a friendly, pristine destination luring intrepid travelers off the beaten path. Their reward? Wild elephants, ancient temples, vibrant markets, cave-hidden Buddhist statues and some of the best ecotourism opportunities on the continent. You can kayak, rock climb, spelunk, and bike; most popular of all are the community-based treks through green wildernesses and lush landscapes, where village homestays get you up close and personal with true Laotian living. Even in cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, the simple joy of Laos’ laid-back lifestyle is never far from hand. Settle in and start to feel that blood pressure drop and those muscles loosen. That’s easy living, and that’s Laos.|

Thailand / Laos / Vietnam Motorcycle Touring Maps|

A list of resources from around the Web about Laos as selected by researchers and editors of The New York Times.|

World Wildlife Fund releases report showing that poor wildlife-protection efforts by Asian and African countries in response to illegal poaching is putting the survival of rhinoceroses, tigers and elephants at risk; names Vietnam, Laos and Mozambique as the countries that have done the least to combat trafficking of the endangered animals.|

A list of resources from around the Web about Laos as selected by researchers and editors of The New York Times.|

Find exciting bike tours in Laos for your vacation. Hit the pedal to the metal and experience the excitement of our bicycle tours. Our bicycle trips can be guided for beginner riders or self-guided for experienced bikers. Bike trips are a fun physical activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. Go off-road and take your wheels into the woods on our mountain biking tours in Laos. Enjoy speeding down trails and ripping through the forest on our mountain biking trips. Browse our bike tours in Laos and plan your vacation today!|

China is planning to build railroad through Laos to Bangkok and eventually to Bay of Bengal in Myanmar, development vital to its strategy of pulling Southeast Asia closely into its orbit and providing Beijing with another route to transport oil from Middle East; critics say most of wealth from project would flow to China while costs would be borne by Laos.|

Laos’ government began a return to private enterprise and economic reform in the late 1980s. A new constitution in 1991 allowed for government elections, but the country has retained a mainly one-party government so far. Laos joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 1997.|

Apart from being a great place to pick up handmade wares, buy fresh produce and mingle with locals, the many markets of Laos are one of the most interesting places to take photos also. It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.|

A list of resources from around the Web about Laos as selected by researchers and editors of The New York Times.|

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