Bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Myanmar (Burma), with its 4.5 million inhabitants covering 235,000 sq km, Lao has been spared the population pressures of neighbouring countries. Now, after a decade and a half of isolation from the outside world, this landlocked, sparsely populated country is enjoying peace, stabilising its political and economic structures and admitting foreign visitors.

Over 70% of the country is mountains and plateaus, and two-thirds is forested. Most of the population is settled along river valleys. The largest river, the Mekong, or Nam Khong, runs the entire length of the country. It provides fertile flood plains for agriculture and is the main transportation artery.

The lack of foreign influence offers travellers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional South East Asian life.