Today’s destination is Laos. Let’s get stuck in.

What I knew about Laos before today

Surprisingly little, other than it’s landlocked and is one of Southeast Asia’s least-known countries. It’s also Laos is one of the poorest countries in the region and similarly to Vietnam is a Communist country.

What’s Laos’s top tourist attraction?

Laos is a far less popular tourist destination than many of its neighbours such as Vietnam and Thailand. According to my quick research, Laos capital Vientiane is its most popular destination with the Patuxay (or victory gate) Monument being the most visited attraction

What was the last war or conflict Laos took part in?

Laos was severely affected by the Vietnam War and still is to this day while at the same time enduring its own interconnected civil war.

During the Vietnam War Laos was bombed by America for nine years during which hundreds of millions of bombs were dropped on the country. Since 1964 more than 50,000 Lao have been killed or injured by American bombs.

A Bizarre fact about Laos

Despite officially being neutral during the Vietnam war, Laos has been bombed more than any other country. 

Was Laos a former colony?

Yes, it was a French colony until 1953.

What are Laos’s main exports?

Laos’s closest export partner is Thailand and its largest export is “wood products”. Sounds unspecific.

What’s Laos’s National dish?

Apparently, laab (or larb) is Laos’s most popular dish. If you haven’t had laab before it’s a surprisingly tasty meat salad. Goes great with a Beerlao.