Despite the Communist takeover in the mid-1970s, Laos remains a Buddhist country in everything but name. Patriotic holidays are still celebrated in this landlocked country, but only on Buddhist holidays do the Lao people let their hair down and celebrate.
Laos has a rustic appeal to many travellers who enjoy getting away from the sealed and packaged amenities of the West.
Officially name: The Lao People's Democratic Republic
Capital: Vientiane
Largest city: Vientiane
Official language: Lao
Government: Socialist republic, Communist single-party state