CAPITAL VIENTIANE - POPULATION 6.5 MILLION - AREA 230,800 SQ KM -OFFICIAL LANGUAGE LAO
Though it was once a crucial corner of the Golden Triangle, opium crops in this tiny country have declined in recent years as Laos gears itself up for tourism. For the first time Vientiane will host the Southeast Asian Games in 2009, bringing together 11 countries from across the region to admire the country's economic progress. To the north, new freedom of travel for Chinese citizens is bringing in a new crowd to mingle with backpackers. These backpackers have already discovered the majestic former capital, Luang Prabang, and Mekong cruises, opting for ecotours and participating in volunteering for even more memorable travel experiences. |
