Laos Geography and Maps
Laos is a landlocked nation located in the middle of the Southeast Asian peninsula. The population of 6,803,699 is divided into seventeen provinces and one prefecture and shares borders with Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Thailand and Vietnam.
The northern border with China is quite mountainous and shares part of the Mekong River with Myanmar. The western border is dominated by the Mekong River which flows through Laos for a 1,500 km (932mi) of its course. The eastern border with Vietnam runs for 2,130 km (1,323.52 mi) along the Annamite Chain which extends approximately 1,100 km (680mi) through Laos, Vietnam and a small part of Cambodia. The small southern border is shared with Cambodia
The total area of Laos is 236,800 kilometres squared (147,140mi) and approximately 70% of that is mountainous. To the east and northeast is the Annamite Range while the Luang Prabang Range is in the northwest. Much of the Khammouan Province as well as parts of the southern provinces are also characterized by mountains. Those peaks located at the southern end of the Annamite Chain reach heights of 2,600 m (8,530ft) while many other mountains in Laos reach elevations of over 500 m (1,640 ft). The highest point is Phou Bia at 2,820 m (9,252 ft) located in Xiang Khuang in the Annamite Chain.
The geography of Laos is characterized by mountains, steep terrain, narrow river valleys, dense forests and low agricultural potential. Only around 4% of the total land area is suitable for farming and forested areas have declined heavily since the 1970s as a result of logging and slash-and-burn farming where forests are burned to make way for fields. Almost all the rivers and streams found in Laos eventually make it into the Mekong River. The “panhandle” located in Savannakhet and Champasak provinces in the southern part of the country is well suited for paddy rice cultivation (rice being Laos’ main crop) and livestock.
Laos Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Laos.
Learn about the history and culture of Laos, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Laos's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Laos for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Laos tours today!
Extend Your Trip
After your Laos tour, consider taking the time to visit other destinations. Goway offers exciting China vacation packages, India tours and Thailand vacation packages plus a comprehensive selection of vacation packages in many other Asian countries.
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ASIA by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Laos tours, vacations and experiences. Choose from a simple city stopover, a stay of distinction, an independent travel module, and much more. We want to be your first choice when next you go globetrotting to Laos.
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