Officially name: The Lao People's Democratic Republic
Capital: Vientiane
Largest city: Vientiane
Official language: Lao
Government: Socialist republic, Communist single-party state
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.
Planning a visit to Laos? You can expect to see a ton of interesting things during your trip to Laos such as ancient temples, rice fields, natural parks, Buddhist monks and shrines, as well as enjoy memorable experiences such as cruising the Mekong River.