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Events – MICE and Responsible Tourism are organized by Apsara Tours Co.,Ltd.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Laos) is a land-locked nation bordering Myanmar,
Thailand, Cambodia,
Vietnam
and the People’s Republic of China. While officially still a communist country, Laos has had
a free market
economy
since 1986. Famously laidback, Laotians are one of the friendliest people in South East Asia
and the nation’s
geography among the most stunning.
Though tracing its history back to the 14th Century, Laos became a modern nation state in
1953 after gaining
independence from France. The capital Vientiane lies on the Mekong River with Laos’ close
neighbour Thailand on
the
opposite bank.
Laos forms part of the Golden Triangle and is the world’s third largest opium producer
behind Afghanistan and
neighboring Burma. Forestry, agricultural land, hydroelectricity and minerals account for
more than half of
Laos’
total wealth.
Stretching gently along the bank of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a relaxed, relatively compact
capital city,
perfect
for catching the stunning sunsets with a drink in hand. Typically laid back, Vientiane is an ideal
city to explore
on
foot or by bicycle to enjoy the distinctly French-style architecture that sits side by side with
Buddhist temples.
There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to accommodation and dining, especially along the
riverside area.
After
dark there are plenty of bars and some upscale cocktail bars to enjoy but don’t expect much in the
way of
nightclubs.
Lacking the hustle and bustle of other regional capitals, Vientiane is the perfect place to enjoy
effortless
charm.
Luang Prabang is an ancient Royal Lao capital that was declared a UNESCO
World
Heritage
Site in 1995, and is a must-visit destination for all who travel to Laos. Surrounded by mountains
and serenely
located
at 700m above sea level where the Mekong and Nham Khan rivers converge, Luang Prabang is at the
heart of Laotian
culture and is the country’s number one tourist destination. This idyllic, pristine little town with
its French
colonial architecture offers a greater variety and quality of accommodation and dining options than
other Laotian
cities. Thanks to its popularity among tourists.
Luang Prabang remains the centre of Buddhist learning in Laos and 33 beautiful temples populated by
hundreds of
saffron-robed monks are dotted across town with a dedicated tourist trail guiding visitors to each
of the
shimmering
golden pagodas.
Beyond the wealth of cultural highlights, Luang Prabang also boasts stunning natural beauty with
waterfalls,
mountains
and caves, as well as the mighty Mekong River to explore.
A rare cultural gem, Luang Prabang lures visitors with its unique ambience and mystique.
The Plain of Jars in central Laos is one of the most mysterious
prehistoric sites in
the
whole of Southeast Asia. With over 90 sites scattered across the Xieng Khoang province, the small
country town of
Phonsavan has become the centre for marvelling at the giant stone jars scattered across the
landscape.
Although no full-scale archaeological digs have been conducted and no meaning has yet been accepted
as to why the
jars
exist, walking around the major sites brings a sense of awe-inspiring history. More recently, the
area was heavily
bombed during the Vietnam War and hundreds of bomb craters are still visible from the air and the
threat of
unexploded
ordnance means only seven major sites are completely safe and accessible to tourists. Together, they
comprise more
than enough for a couple of days walking.
The Laotian government is working hard to gain UNESCO World Heritage Status for the Plain of Jars
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Events – MICE and Responsible Tourism are organized by Apsara Tours Co.,Ltd.
This group came to build the public toilets as well at Doun Rik Lake for the poorest family
Building the House