This land-locked mountainous country is gaining a reputation as
an ecotourist destination. Its many rivers criss-crossing the
country and unspoilt national parks are ideal for activities
such as trekking, kayaking and caving. The capital, Vientiane,
and the other major towns have been spared major modern
developments with traditional and colonial architecture still
dominant. Laos is one of the few Communist countries left in the
world. Until 1988, tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but
now it is perfectly feasible to travel all over the country,
preferably with a recognised tour company, although plenty of
backpackers do it independently. The number of tourists is
expected to continue increasing over the next few years as more
and more people discover the delights of this laid-back country
of mountains and rivers. Unspoilt and undeveloped For now, Laos
remains relatively isolated and undeveloped. Its capital,
Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded Asian hub
and life throughout the country