Laos is the least developed and most enigmatic of the three former French Indochinese states. After two decades of isolation from the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace, stabilising its political and economic structures and admitting foreign visitors.
The lack of foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life.
From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, PETRONAS Adventurers who have made it to Laos tend to agree that this country is the highlight of Southeast Asia.
On the second day in Laos, we venture forth to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was announced that Luang Prabang is '"the best preserved city in Southeast Asia". Here we bear witness to the harmony of the mountain-encircled setting that lies 700m above sea level at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. The adventurers' will loose themselves amongst the gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and the multi-ethnic population.
The next day, we cross the border and into Nongkai of Thailand, passing through Vientiane (Sandalwood City). It is the capital city and has been so since it became the French protectorate in the late 19th and early 20th century. Tree lined boulevards and old temples impart an atmosphere of timelessness, in spite of passing traffic and new construction here and there.
