Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar (Burma), China, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. Although landlocked, it has over 3,000 kilometers of waterways, making it the twelfth most populous country in the world. The Mekong River flows through the country from north to south. Laos is a communist state and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is also one of the few remaining communist countries in the world. Here is our pick of the top 10 things you should know before you visit Laos:

Number 10. Most boys in Laos are expected to become novice monks for 3 months

More than 60% of the population of Laos belongs to the Buddhist faith, and it is the country that is primarily a Buddhist country. It is expected that boys between the ages of 8 and 20 spend at least three months as novice monks in order to learn the ways of the monks.

Number 9. It’s a landlocked country with 4000 islands

Laos does not have a sea, but that does not mean there are no beaches or places where you can go swimming in Laos, so you need not worry. The Si Phan Don archipelago, also known as the 4000 islands archipelago, is a riverine archipelago composed of thousands of small islands.  Among the main islands are Don Kong, Don Som, Don Det, and Don Khon. It is also here that you can see Irrawaddy dolphins living along the Mekong River.

Number 8. Home to a magical ‘crater’ lake

Located at an elevated level in the mountains of southeast Laos, Nong Fa Lake is a stunning volcanic lake shrouded in legend, respect, and fear. Laotians do not swim or bathe in the waters of the lake because they believe that it is home to a giant snake pig. Although locals are unsure of the depth of Nong Fa, which translates directly to ‘sky lake’, locals believe it to be around 78 meters deep.

Number 7. There are many festivals in Laos

One of the biggest celebrations throughout the year is the Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai. A number of the most popular festivals in Laos include Boun Bung Fai, Boun Khao Phansa, and Boun Ock Phansa. A lot of locals dress up in traditional costumes in celebration of the national day, which is also widely celebrated across the country. 

Number 6. Coffee is one of the main agricultural exports

Since the early 20th century, coffee plants were imported from France and have become one of the country’s major exports. Bolaven Plateau is known for its volcanic soil, which is perfect for growing coffee, due to the perfect growing conditions that can be found there.

Number 5.Home to a surprising abundance of wildlife

There is an abundance of wildlife in the lush jungles of Laos, including King Cobras, white-cheeked gibbons, tigers, and Asian black bears. Wild animals like sambar deer, sun bears, leopards, and leopard cats live here too. Visitors to the biodiverse Nam Et-Phou Louey National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) can spot some shyer, nocturnal animals on night safaris. 

Number 4. Buddhism is the most prominent religion 

There is 67 percent of the population practice Theravada Buddhism. It is estimated that approximately 30 percent of Buddhists also practice animism, sometimes in conjunction with Buddhism.

Number 3. The Laotians consume more sticky rice than anyone else in the world

Laos consumes more sticky rice than any other country on earth. Every year, Laotians consume 155 kilograms of this national dish, eaten with their hands and served sweet, fermented, or sour. In contrast, the average European or American consumes only around 9 kilograms of rice per year. As a matter of fact, Laotians commonly call themselves “Luk Khao Niaow,” which translates as “children of sticky rice”. 

Number 2. Laotian silk is 100% handmade

It is well known throughout the country, Laos is known for its handwoven silk and the finished products can be purchased in a number of markets throughout the country. Even today, most weavers still utilize ancient weaving techniques in order to produce silk products that are of the highest quality.

Number 1. It’s one of the most bombed countries in the world

There were more than two million tons of bombs dropped over Laos by the US military during the Vietnam War. In the end, about 30% of the bombs did not explode, and even today, these unexploded bombs pose a threat to locals throughout the country who live near them. 

In Conclusion, Laos should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. The Southeast Asian gem offers stunning and unforgettable landscapes and unique culture. The capital Vientiane has world-class dining and shopping, while the country’s rural attractions make it an excellent place to unwind and unplug.