[Fact 1: Land of a Million Elephants]
Did you know that Laos is also colloquially referred to as the 'Land of a Million Elephants'? This is because Laos was once home to many hundreds of thousands of gigantic pachyderms. Although the population of wild elephants has drastically dropped, Laos still takes pride in this title, showcasing the local, cultural reverence towards this majestic creature.
[Fact 2: The most heavily bombed country per capita]
Laos holds a devastating record as being the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. During the Vietnam War, the United States dropped more than two million tons of bombs on Laos in an attempt to destroy the Ho Chi Minh trail used by the Vietnamese. This equals to a planeload of bombs every 8 minutes, 24 hours a day, for 9 years.
[Fact 3: Landlocked Laos]
Laos is the only Southeast Asian country that is landlocked. Surrounded by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, it has no direct access to the sea, however, the mighty Mekong River that flows through the country, serves as a crucial waterway for trade and transportation.
[Fact 4: More than 49 ethnic groups!
Laos is rich in cultural diversity, with over 49 ethnic groups officially recognized by the government. Each of these groups has their own unique traditions, cultures, languages or dialects, and festive events. This gives Laos an immensely rich tapestry of cultural experiences for the visitor.
[Fact 5: World Heritage Site - Luang Prabang]
Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list since 1995. This city is renowned for its blend of traditional Laotian and French colonial architecture, as well as its numerous temples and monasteries. It is considered one of the best-preserved cities in Southeast Asia.
[Fact 6: Pha That Luang - Sacred Relic]
Pha That Luang located in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is the most significant Laotian religious and national monument. According to Laotian legend, it is built over a shrine that once held a piece of the Buddha's sternum.
[Fact 7: Sticky Rice Capital of the world]
Laos is sometimes called the 'sticky rice capital of the world'. Sticky rice, or 'khao niew', is an everyday staple in the Laotian diet and is included in practically every meal. Laotians claim to eat more sticky rice than any other people in the world.
[Fact 8: A No-Hurry Culture]
Laotians are known for their 'no hurry' culture. The phrase commonly used to describe this lifestyle is 'Bo Pen Nyang', which translates to 'no worries' or 'it's okay, no problem'. This relaxed mindset is ingrained in the Laotian way of life.
[Fact 9: Coffee Production]
Laos is also renowned as a major producer of coffee. The Bolaven Plateau in the southern part of the country is blessed with an ideal coffee-growing climate, and the country exports robusta and arabica coffee beans to several international markets.
[Fact 10: Mekong River - The Lifeblood]
The Mekong River is critical to Laos’ existence. Not only does it bring trade and transport, but it also houses diverse ecosystems and several kinds of fish which are essential for the country's food source.
[Fact 11: New Year Celebrations]
The most important holiday in Laos is Pi Mai, or the Lao New Year, which is celebrated in mid-April. The three-day festival involves massive water fights, parades, and good-natured public fun.
[Fact 12: Gigantic Catfish Habitat]
The Mekong River is home to the giant Mekong catfish, which can reach lengths of up to ten feet long and weigh as much as 650 pounds. This makes it one of the world's largest freshwater fish species.
[Fact 13: Monastic Tradition]
Laos perhaps has the most considerable number of monks per capita. Buddhism plays a huge part in Laotian life and most males spend some time in a monastery, often as young children.
[Fact 14: Plain of Jars - Mysterious Site]
The Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological mysteries. Thousands of stone jars scatter across the Xieng Khouang Plateau, and historians are still debating their original purpose. Some believe they were part of ancient burial practices.
[Fact 15: Beerlao - National Drink]
Beerlao is the national beer of Laos and is incredibly popular. Made with Laotian jasmine rice and malted barley imported from Europe, it has a unique flavor that has won several international awards.
[Fact 16: Mines and Unexploded Ordnances (UXO)
Sadly, a significant part of Laos still deals with the danger of Unexploded Ordnances (UXO) left from the Vietnam War. While efforts are ongoing to get rid of these hidden dangers, Laos remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world regarding UXO.
[Fact 17: Elephant Festival]
Every February, the province of Xayaboury holds the "Elephant Festival" to raise awareness about the conservation of elephants. This festival showcases parades, games, and traditional rituals involving the elephants.
[Fact 18: Rare Dolphins]
In the deep pools of the Mekong River, one can find the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. While they are rarely seen, their presence is a thrilling part of Laotian wildlife.
[Fact 19: Laos New Year - A Big Splash]
During the Laos New Year (Pi Mai), it is customary to cleanse images of Buddha by pouring water over them. It has escalated into a national water fight where everyone gets soaking wet, believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
[Fact 20: Marriage Customs]
In Laos, a traditional wedding includes a "Baci" or Sou Khwan ceremony. It is believed that the human being has 32 spirits and the Baci ceremony calls all the 32 spirits to come back and protect the person on their starting of a new life.