Laos

Overview

Laos is known as the land of a million elephants and when you see the acres of jungles you'll understand why. The beauty of this country is its untamed natural environment and the relatively few tourists who visit it. Laos is a country full of the most beautiful architecture and wild rainforests.

Probably the highlight of Laos is Luang Prabang in the north of the country is one of the most beautiful towns in Asia. A UNESCO world heritage site, it is full of beautiful temples, orange robed monks and beautiful river views. The town is incredibly laid back and it is quite possible to spend days sitting in the riverside cafes watching the world go by. The country is very much dependent on the rivers that run through it and cruising these rivers is a perfect way to see the Laos peoples way of life. Watching the world go by is definitely a worthwhile occupation when in Laos.

History

The first recorded history of the Lao begins with the unification of Laos in 1353 by King Fa Ngum. King Fa Ngum established his capital at Luang Prabang and ruled a kingdom called Lane Xang (literally million elephants ) which covered much of what today is Thailand and Laos. His successors especially King Setthathirat in the 16th century helped establish Buddhism as the predominant religion of the country.

In the 18th century Lane Xang entered a period of decline caused by dynastic struggle and conflicts with Burma Siam (now Thailand) Vietnam and the Khmer kingdom.

In the 19th century the Siamese established hegemony over much of what is now Laos. The region was divided into principalities centered on Luang Prabang Vientiane and Champassak. Vietnamese influence was felt in Xieng Khouang and northwest Laos. Late in the century the French supplanted the Siamese. France integrated all of Laos into the French empire as directly ruled provinces except for Luang Prabang which was ruled as a protectorate. The Franco-Siamese treaty of 1907 defined the present Lao boundary with Thailand.

During World War II the Japanese occupied French Indochina including Laos. King Sisavang Vong of Luang Prabang was induced to declare independence from France in 1945 just prior to Japan's surrender. In September 1945 Vientiane and Champassak united with Luang Prabang to form an independent government under the Free Lao (Lao Issara) banner. In 1946 French troops reoccupied the country and conferred limited autonomy on Laos following elections for a constituent assembly.

France formally recognized the independence...more