I’ve now been back in northern Thailand for a week in Chiang Mai. With the internet lacking in Myanmar I had so much catching up to do on my blog, I’m sure you’ve all noticed my overload this last week. I have read the internet in Laos is also pretty lacking so I might be quickly back logged again. For now, I’m all caught up and so I started researching Laos. I leave tomorrow for a 3 day trip from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. One day is spent traveling by bus and then two days on a slow boat down the Mekong Delta. I have compiled a list of things I’m guessing you didn’t know about Laos, because I sure didn’t.
- Laos has been named the most bombed country. It is said that nearly 2 billion tons of bombs were dropped on Laos by the USA during the Vietnam War.
- Most all meals are based around sticky rice. It’s a prominent crop for this country
- Coffee is one of the leading crops in Laos and it is said they have the best coffee in SE Asia. I’ll be the judge of that.
- Beer Laos is their main international export, is super cheap and can be found everywhere (YESSSSS!!!)
- Laotians are said to be the most laid back people around.
- A human fossil was found in Laos that is said to be 46,000 years old, making it the oldest modern fossil in the world.
- Laos has 900 species of orchids. I can’t wait to see this.
- I couldn’t find a total number, but there are TONS of waterfalls, one of which is the 3rd largest in the world.
- Loas is one of the 5 remaining communist countries.
- Laos has a country wide midnight curfew. Don’t worry I rarely make it past ten so this shouldn’t affect me.
- The population is 6.5 million
- The climate is tropical and known for monsoons. Most importantly I will be there during their rainiest season. We’ll see how that goes.
- The highest point in Laos is called Phou Bia and is not open to tourists because it is filled with in unexploded ammunition. Ummm No Thank You!
- Most places will except US Dollars, Thai Baht or Lao KIp. Sweet, I can use up my left over Thai money and not pay to exchange it!
- Laos official name is Lao People’s Democratic Republic. But that’s just too wordy, so Laos we will call it.
- The king cobra, one of the worlds most dangerous snakes, lives in Laos. Thank god I have my snake bite kit (Thanks Jerry)
So there we have it, a nice list of things you and I did not know about Laos. Can’t wait to be able to share this next adventure with you’ll!!