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Laos Walking, Trekking & Tours
Once a well-kept secret, the former kingdom of Laos, with its jungle-clad mountains, ancient temples and history, is fast gaining a reputation as a fascinating travel destination.
- Capital city: Vientiane
- Population: 6,803,699 (est 2014)
- Size of country: 236,800 sq km
- Currency: Lao Kip
- Power supply: 230 Volts
- Sockets: two pin, either flat blade or round pin
- Language: Lao
- Time difference: GMT +7 hours
- Visas: British nationals require a visa which must be obtained in advance
- Religion: Buddhist 67%, Christian 1.5%, other and unspecified 31.5%
- Popular dishes: Làp, a 'salad' of mined meat or fish, with garlic, chillies, shallots, herbs, fried rice and fish sauce.
- Popular drinks: Lào lào, a rice alcohol
- Did you know: One of the more popular sports in Laos is Kalaw. Similar to volleyball but played with the feet instead of the hands, a high degree of athleticism and skill is required to kick the bamboo ball over a high net.
- FCDO advice: FCDO travel advice