LAOS

LAOS - Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Burma and people's Republic of China to the Northwest, Viet Nam in the East, Cambodia to the South, and Thailand to the West. From the 14th century to the 18th century, the country was called Lan Xang or "land of a thousand Elephants".

Early history of Laos is dominated by the Kingdom of Nanzhao, which continues in the 14th century by the Kingdom of Lan Xang local which lasted until the 18th century, after Thailand ruled the Kingdom. The French then ruled the region in the 19th century and incorporated into French Indochina in 1893. After the occupation of Japan during World War II, the country's emancipation in 1949 under the name Kingdom of Laos under the reign of King Sisavang Vong.

Political riot in neighbouring Viet Nam made Laos face the Second Indochina war (also known as the secret war) who becomes a factor of instability that triggered the birth of the civil war and several times the coup. In 1975, the Pathet Lao Communists supported the Soviet Union and the Communist Viet Nam Savang Vatthana rule kicked in support of United States and France. After taking over the country, they renamed the Lao People's Democratic Republic which still stands to this day. Laos retain with Viet Nam and the relax the ban on the economy at the end of the Decade of the 1980s and incorporated into ASEAN in 1997.

Historic places in Laos:

• Pha That Luang

The best tourism places first in laos is Pha That Luang. PHA That Luang () is a large Buddhist temple and covered with gold. The temple is located in the center of Vientiane, Laos. Since the beginning of its formation is believed to be in the period of the third century, the temple is undergoing some renovation works until the 1930s due to invasions from the colonizers. In General sights Pha That Luang is considered as the most important national monument and as a national symbol. According to the ethnic Lao Pha That Luang Temple was initially built as a Hindu temple in the third century. The architecture of the temple includes many cultural references and has become a symbol of Lao nationalism. PHA That Luang is composed of three levels, each of which conveys a reflection of part of Buddhist doctrine.

• Buddha Park

The best tourist attractions in Laos next is Buddha Park. Buddha Park also known as Xieng Khuan is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast of the city of Vientiane, Laos. Although there are no Temples (Wat), the Park is commonly referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains many elements of different religions. Buddha Park has more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist sculptures so that the local Government to make the Park as a tourist spot. The statues will look like sculptures from 17th century-18an, when in fact it is not. It is estimated the Buddha Park and sculptures in it made in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat.

• Wat Si Saket

The best tourist attractions in Laos next is Wat Si Saket. Wat Si Saket is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Vientiane, Laos. Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 on the orders of King Anouvong (Sethathirath v.) with which Buddhist-style siamese. Wat Si Saket features a wall with more than 2,000 Silver and ceramic Buddha's picture. This temple also has a museum in it.

• Wat Xieng Thong

The best tourist attractions in Laos Xieng Thong is Wat next. Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple located at the northern end of the peninsula of Luang Luang Prabang, Laos. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important monastery of Lao and become a significant monument against the spirit of religion and traditional art. Wat Xieng Thong was built in 1559 by King Setthathirath near the meeting of the Mekong River and the river Nam Khan. The building of Wat Xieng Thong has a wooden door in the carving and gold berlampis depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. In the 1950s to 1960s refurbishment project carried out for the sake of repairing temples damaged by war and not groomed.

• Bolaven Plateau

The best tourist attractions in Laos next is Bolaven Plateau. Bolaven Plateau is a plateau region located between the Annamite Mountains between Laos, the border with Viet Nam. The height of this plateau ranges from 1,000 to 1,350 metres above sea level. The plateau is crossed by several rivers and has many beautiful waterfalls. The name Bolaven is derived from the Laven ethnic group has historically dominated the region. Baloven Plateau has become a tourist spot because it has many waterfalls are countless. Tad Lo waterfalls is the most popular falls in Bolaven Plateau. Plants that grow around a Tad Lo waterfalls making became popular despite the falls have only few meters altitude. In addition there is a waterfall.