Laos
Context of Laos
Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west and southwest. The country has a population of approximately eight million. Its capital and most populous city is Vientiane. The country is characterized by mountainous terrain, Buddhist temples including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, and French colonial architecture.
The country traces its historic and cultural identity to Lan Xang, a kingdom which existed from the 13th to 18th centuries. Through its location, the kingdom was a hub for overland trade. In 1707, Lan Xang split into three kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. In 1893, these kingdoms were unified under French protection as part of French Indochina. Laos was under Japanese administration duri...Read more
Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast, and Thailand to the west and southwest. The country has a population of approximately eight million. Its capital and most populous city is Vientiane. The country is characterized by mountainous terrain, Buddhist temples including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, and French colonial architecture.
The country traces its historic and cultural identity to Lan Xang, a kingdom which existed from the 13th to 18th centuries. Through its location, the kingdom was a hub for overland trade. In 1707, Lan Xang split into three kingdoms: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak. In 1893, these kingdoms were unified under French protection as part of French Indochina. Laos was under Japanese administration during World War II, gaining independence in 1945 before returning to French administration until achieving autonomy in 1949. The country regained full independence in 1953 as the Kingdom of Laos, with a constitutional monarchy under Sisavang Vong. A civil war from 1959 to 1975 saw the communist Pathet Lao, supported by North Vietnam and the Soviet Union, oppose the Royal Lao Armed Forces, backed by the United States. The war ended with the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic in 1975, a people's democratic state aligned with the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991.
As one of the five active communist states, and the only one that self-designates as a people’s democratic state, Laos has been governed by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, under which non-governmental organisations have routinely characterised the country's human rights record as poor, citing repeated abuses such as torture, restrictions on civil liberties and persecution of minorities. The country's political system has been described as authoritarian by Freedom House. Despite the challenges, Laos has transitioned toward market-oriented reforms, marking a new phase of development.
Laos's development strategy emphasizes regional connectivity through infrastructure development. The 2021 completion of the Laos-China Railway, connecting Vientiane to Kunming, has increased trade and tourism accessibility. The country participates in the Greater Mekong Subregion economic cooperation program, focusing on cross-border infrastructure and energy projects. The World Bank has recognized Laos as one of Southeast Asia and Pacific's fastest growing economies, with annual GDP growth averaging 7.4% since 2009, driven by expanding tourism, energy exports, and foreign investment. While classified as a least developed country by the United Nations, Laos is a member of ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement, East Asia Summit, La Francophonie, and the World Trade Organization.
More about Laos
- Currency Lao kip
- Calling code +856
- Internet domain .la
- Mains voltage 230V/50Hz
- Democracy index 1.77
- Population 6858160
- Area 236800
- Driving side right
- Stay safe
WARNING: There are 78 million unexploded bombs and grenades in Laos as a result of bombing by the USA during the Laotian Civil War and Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s. Do not touch any loose metal items and be particularly careful in areas that were controlled by North Vietnam during the war.Laos in general is a safe country, in part because crime is punished to a significant extent by the government. This said, petty crime remains a concern.
Corruption See also: Corruption and briberyCorruption is a huge problem in Laos. According to Transparency International, Laos is the second most corrupt country in South East Asia.
...Read moreStay safeRead less WARNING: There are 78 million unexploded bombs and grenades in Laos as a result of bombing by the USA during the Laotian Civil War and Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s. Do not touch any loose metal items and be particularly careful in areas that were controlled by North Vietnam during the war.Laos in general is a safe country, in part because crime is punished to a significant extent by the government. This said, petty crime remains a concern.
Corruption See also: Corruption and briberyCorruption is a huge problem in Laos. According to Transparency International, Laos is the second most corrupt country in South East Asia.
Given how the police earn very low salaries, it's not uncommon for them to routinely target, harass, or intimidate people for bribes. As a foreigner, you may be seen as a "walking wallet" to them. Should you be stopped for any reason, do not argue or fight back, even if you've not done anything wrong; simply pay the bribe and be on your way.
AuthoritiesThe police are woefully ineffective. Their response to crimes is severely limited by bureaucracy, inadequate training, corruption, and a lackluster justice system. If you're the victim of a crime, it's not unheard of to not be taken seriously by the authorities. In addition, expect little to no help if you're not fluent in Lao.
In accordance with the law, you are required to have an identification document on you at all times, and the police have the legal right to ask you for it. If they ask you for it, just give it to them. Failing to produce an identity document on request will result in a heavy fine.
As obvious as it may sound, always behave respectfully to law enforcement authorities, even if they happen to be highly corrupt.
Relationships with Laotian nationalsTrue to its nature as a communist country, the Laotian government dictates how foreigners should interact with the locals.
Foreigners are not allowed to stay in the homes of Laotian nationals without permission from the government. Foreigners are not allowed to stay in the homes of their family members without permission from the government. Sexual contact and cohabitation between a Lao national and a foreigner is illegal unless they are married. Foreigners are not allowed to invite someone of the opposite sex to their hotel room. Adultery is illegal in Laos. It is punishable by up to a year of imprisonment and a fine. If you've been accused of adultery, know that you and your partner will be prosecuted. If you are thinking about getting serious (i.e. marriage or engagement) with a Laotian citizen, you are required to submit a formal application to the authorities. Not doing so can result in heavy penalties. If you have married a Laotian national outside of Laos, you must have your marriage certificate authenticated at a Laotian embassy before travelling to Laos.LGBT travellersHomosexuality is legal in Laos. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples may be tolerated in large cities like Vientiane, but in smaller towns, homosexuality remains taboo, especially among the Hmong people.
Illegal substances WARNING: The Lao PDR penal code penalises illegal substances severely. Depending on the circumstances, you can expect to face lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, or at worst, execution.
Government travel advisories(Information last updated 16 Feb 2022)United Kingdom United StatesLaos is at the center of the illegal drug trade; therefore, the country has a huge problem with illegal substances. At some point during the 1990s, it was believed the country was the largest opium producer in the world. Although the government has done a lot to stamp out the illegal drug trade, the country's remote geography and high level of corruption mean that the issue is difficult to fully and adequately control.
Expected to be treated with no leniency if you have been accused of being involved in illegal substances.
The following tips will come in handy:
Never leave your food or drinks unattended, and always be careful when someone gives you food or a drink. Be wary of "special" or "happy items" in restaurants; such dishes may contain opiates.Traffic conditionsAlthough Laotian traffic laws are strict (at least on paper), driving by the majority of Laotians is wild and reckless. Speeding, reckless passing, and failure to obey traffic laws are common, as is driving under the influence.
In the event you end up in a car accident, do not flee the scene. It is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine up to 10,000,000 Kip. Attempting to flee the scene is also unwise.
PoliticsAccording the Laotian Penal Code, it is illegal to "conduct propaganda" against the government and the country, i.e. saying negative things about the country and/or the Laotian government.
Doing so is punishable by up to five years in prison and a very hefty fine. Also, you should know that if the authorities feel you have "disgraced" the country, you will not be allowed to leave.
Foreigners are not exempted from this law; in 2012, a Swiss NGO director was deported and banished from the country after she published a letter openly criticising the government.
Miscellaneous Landmines or unexploded ordnance left over from the Vietnam War maim or kills hundreds of people every year as Laos is the most bombed country in history. Almost all of these occur in the eastern and northern parts of the country, especially near the border with Vietnam. Never enter areas marked as minefields and travel only on paved roads and well-worn paths. If you are unsure of which areas are safe, ask the locals. Fake products are very common. Laos is one place where Chinese or Thai companies dump sub-standard products. Similar to Myanmar, there are few if any laws preventing such trade.
