Known in antiquity as Lan Xang (Million Elephants), and by Indochina War-era journalist as the Land of a Million Irrelevant, this sparsely populated country is finally enjoying peace after nearly 300 years of war with Annam, Myanmar (Burma), China, Siam, France and the USA.
From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong valley to the rugged Anna mite highlands, travelers who have made it to Laos – even if only for a few days in transit to or from Vietnam – are almost unanimous in their admiration of the country. Many visitors have found Laos to be a highlight of their South-East Asian journeys.