Laos: Capital, Flag and Fun Facts

About Laos

Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Most of it is mountainous and thickly forested, and the Mekong River forms much of its western border with Thailand. It is known for peaceful temples, sticky rice and the ancient Plain of Jars.

About Vientiane

Vientiane lies on the banks of the Mekong River near the border with Thailand, and its name may mean 'walled city of sandalwood'. Its golden Pha That Luang stupa is a national symbol of Laos.

Fun facts about Laos

1. The name of Lan Xang, an old kingdom in Laos, means "a million elephants", and the elephant is a national symbol.
2. The Plain of Jars has more than 2,100 giant stone jars carved during the Iron Age.
3. Khone Phapheng Falls, on the Mekong River in southern Laos, is one of the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia.
4. Sticky rice, called khao niao, is a staple food in Laos.
5. The khaen, a bamboo mouth organ, is the national instrument of Laos, and its music is on UNESCO's heritage list.
6. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town, mixes traditional wooden Lao houses with brick colonial buildings.