Few places in the world are as overlooked as this. Rarely in the headlines, it hides breathtaking landscapes, vibrant traditions, and a history full of surprises you won’t find anywhere else.
Nestled in the heart of Indochina, it shares borders with China, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand. With just under 8 million people (as of 2025), it remains one of the least populous countries in the region. Its quiet charm, mountains, and laid-back lifestyle attract adventure travelers seeking something truly off the beaten path.
Let’s explore what makes this hidden gem so unforgettable.
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Not being famous
It’s a place very much under the radar, sometimes completely forgotten. Ask most people what they know about it, and chances are, they’ll come up blank.
Limited media coverage, a small population, and a modest economy are part of the reason why few pay attention. However, the bigger factor is its long history of isolation — both politically and geographically — which has kept the country largely out of the spotlight.
Its communist government and a cautious approach to foreign engagement have also contributed to its relative invisibility. Tourism marketing has been minimal, meaning only the most curious or adventurous travelers tend to discover it.
Being under the radar has its perks. For those seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences without the crowds, this country offers precisely that.
Mekong River
The Mekong River is one of Southeast Asia’s most important natural landmarks, serving as a border with Thailand in the north and dividing a country that’s both stunning and little-known to its east and west. It is the main source of water and the lifeblood for local communities.
Most people in this country live in the valleys along the Mekong and its tributaries. The river provides opportunities for fishing, agriculture, and daily life. In fact, it’s considered the world’s largest inland fishery.
Stretching an estimated 4,909 km (3,050 mi) from the Tibetan plateau in China to the South China Sea, it crosses southern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and southern Vietnam. It is the third largest river in Asia and the 12th in the world.
During our visit to Laos, we took a slow boat down the Mekong for two days — an incredibly slow but mesmerizing journey. Watching the mountains, tiny riverside villages, and the mighty Mekong itself is an experience that lingers long after you leave.
Luang Prabang
The slow boat we mentioned earlier took us to Luang Prabang, the most popular tourist attraction in Laos. And one of our favorite small towns in Southeast Asia, offering a mix of both cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.
Located in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is one of the country’s most significant cities, renowned for its stunning natural setting and rich historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. The vibrant night market, featuring traditional textiles and other handicrafts, is also popular among tourists.
The blend of traditional Lao and French colonial styles of architecture earned Luang Prabang a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. But the city is also famous for its Buddhist temples, particularly Wat Xieng Thong.
Situated in the confluence of the Nam Khan River with the Mekong, Luang Prabang is also well-known for its beautiful backdrop and the many natural attractions close by, including lush mountains and beautiful waterfalls (particularly the Kuang Si Falls).
French Heritage
Another thing Laos is known for is that it was briefly ruled by France, as it constituted part of French Indochina. Although it lasted only 60 years, from 1893 to 1953, it left a significant mark on the country’s architecture, culture, and overall atmosphere.
French Indochina was significantly larger than Laos, encompassing Vietnam and Cambodia. This brief colonial period had a profound impact on the three countries. In Laos, it is more evident in Luang Prabang than anywhere else.
There, you will find most of the French Architecture, a city layout with wide boulevards and tree-lined streets. However, it is also evident in Lao Cuisine, with baguettes and pastry shops, and in the languages, as many Laotians (particularly older generations) still speak a bit of French today.
Secret War
The Secret War, also known as a shadow war, took place in Laos during the more famous Vietnam War. It involved several parties, including the USA, North Vietnam, and the Lao Communist forces. Recently, the details of this war have become increasingly visible, but at the time, it was conducted in almost complete secrecy.
This was a clandestine war by design, with much of the fighting and bombing campaigns conducted in secrecy. The main goal was to destroy the communist supply lines between Laos and Vietnam. The US also provided support to anti-communist factions and recruited local fighters.
Despite Laos having declared itself neutral to the Vietnam War, and the government wanting to keep itself out, the strategic location, geographical features, and activities of all the other parties made it impossible.
The Laotian War ended with a victory for the communist forces, the Pathet Lao, in 1975, and the country became the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, aligned with the Soviet Union and other communist states.
Bombies
The most crucial factor of the secret war was the bombing campaign. Between 1964 and 1973, the USA dropped more than 2 million tons of bombs on Laos, making Laos the most heavily bombed country in history, per capita.
💣 Did you know? Between 1964 and 1973, more bombs were dropped here than on Germany and Japan combined.
The bombings had severe humanitarian and environmental consequences, causing significant global damage, disrupting civil life, and causing many casualties. Of the more than 270 million cluster munitions dropped, it is estimated that about one-third haven’t exploded.
This had a noticeable, long-lasting effect on Laos. In particular, the UXO (unexploded ordnance) continues to threaten the population, causing deaths and injuries even today! Efforts to clear the UXO are still ongoing. For example, in 2016, President Obama announced $90 million to help Laos remove the UXO.
Communism
As mentioned above, following the victory of the communist Pathet Lao forces in 1975, Laos became a communist country. It has been renamed the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and has been governed by the LPRP (Lao People’s Revolutionary Party) since then.
Naturally, the Lao government has close ties to many other communist countries, particularly Vietnam and China. The country has adopted socialist policies, and its political and economic systems adhere to most communist principles, where the state controls the majority of the economy, and the Communist Party plays a central role in society.
Consequently, the LPRP is the only legal party in Laos. It is a centrally planned economy and has implemented policies to collectivize agriculture and other sectors. Although some reforms have been implemented lately, they are allowing more private initiatives.
Finally, and similarly to other communist countries, Laos has few political freedoms, restricted freedom of the press, and limited civil liberties. Opposition to the ruling party is not tolerated.
Sticky rice
While Lao Food isn’t the most popular or well-known worldwide, it has unique and distinct characteristics. Highly influenced by the cuisine of Thailand, Vietnam, and China, it is unique and flavorful.
Laos’s most popular staple food is Sticky Rice or glutinous rice – Khao Niew. It is primarily a side dish, served with several others. It may be eaten in several ways, but is usually eaten by hand, rolled into small balls, and dipped into sauces.
Glutinous rice is a round-grained rice that doesn’t have (or has very little) starch amylose. This makes it have a sticky, almost glue-like texture when cooked. It may be used in sweet and savory dishes and is most often steamed.
Laos has the highest consumption per capita worldwide, with an average of 171 kilograms of sticky rice per person. Sticky rice is essential and is ingrained in the country’s culture, religious traditions, and even National identity. It is said that the sticky rice is the glue that holds together the Lao communities, even abroad.
The Lao even call themselves luk khao niaow, which loosely translates to “the children of sticky rice.”
Elephants
Another thing Laos is known for is Elephants. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) can be found in Laos, and it has played a relevant role historically, culturally, and economically. They were used for work, carrying goods, and in religious and cultural ceremonies. They were also symbols of power and prestige.
Between 1353 and 1707, a large area of present-day Laos was a kingdom called Lan Xang, which roughly translates to “the land of the million elephants.” This ancient kingdom is the foundation of Laos’s national historic and cultural identity.
During this time, the country was known to be the home of many elephants roaming free. However, there are no estimates about how many. In the last two centuries, the number of elephants has decreased significantly due to poaching, habitat loss, and changes in land use.
Recent statistics estimate that about only 1000 elephants remain in the wild, with about 500 more in captivity. Yet, the historical significance of elephants in Lao culture is still recognized even though the literal abundance of elephants is no longer accurate.
Conservation and protection efforts have been made in recent years, including elephant sanctuaries and ethical tourism around these beautiful animals. However, the number of these beautiful creatures in the wild is still decreasing.
Buddhism
Laos is also known for its Buddhist heritage, with Buddhism playing a significant role in the culture, traditions, and daily life of the Lao people.
Monks and temples are integral parts of Lao society. They are respected and even revered in Laos, with young men spending time with monks to gain education and merit. Monastic life is characterized by meditation, prayer, study, and community service.
Many monks participate in the almsgiving ritual, where they walk through the town receiving offerings from the local community and tourists. This is a very popular thing to experience in Laos, particularly in Luang Prabang.
Naturally, Laos boasts a rich collection of significant Buddhist temples, some of which are absolutely beautiful and adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals. The most famous are Pha That Luang in Vientiane – a World Heritage Site – and Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and Wat Wisunarat – all three in Luang Prabang and part of its UNESCO heritage listing.
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