Overview
Laos shares borders with China (505 km) to the north, Myanmar (236 km) and Thailand (1,835 km) to the west, Vietnam (2,130 km) to the east and Cambodia (435 km) to the south. That is 1,000 km from north to south and 140 to 500 km from east to west, the central part (Paksane, Thakhek) being the narrowest area of the territory. The mountains and highlands cover more than 70% of the country's surface. Alluvial plains and terraces cover about 20 per cent of the territory. Only less than 5 per cent of the country's land is arable. Cities are mostly organized along rivers, especially along the Mekong River. The territory of Laos can be roughly divided into two main parts: the mountainous north and the southern plains.
Main mountains: Phou Bia (2,819 m), Phu Xai Lai Leng (2,720 m), Rao Co (2,286 m), and Phu Soi Dao (2,120 m).
The North
The North is the largest part of the country, consisting mainly of mountain ranges. The average altitude is about 1,500 m. In the province of Xieng Khouang, some peaks exceed 2,000 m, including Mount Phu Bia, the highest point in the country at 2,820 m. The Xieng Khouang Plateau, at about 1,200 m, is home to the famous Plain of Jars. In the very north of the country, there is a territory still preserved from mass tourism, which is difficult to access: the province of Phonsaly, inhabited by many ethnic minorities. With its enchanting landscapes, rugged terrain and numerous tea plantations, it is a paradise for adventure and hiking enthusiasts. It is crossed by the Nam Ou, a long river that was once the only communication route to China. The Luang Namtha province is mostly tropical forest and is home to many protected areas. It is one of the best places in the country to observe the fauna and flora. It is crossed by another important river, the Nam Tha, which serves as a transportation route and ends its course by flowing into the Mekong. The mountainous relief also allowed the soldiers of Pathet Lao and some civilians to take refuge in caves to escape the American bombardments during the Vietnam War. The most famous are the caves of Vieng Xai. The region of the capital, Vientiane, on the other hand, is much flatter and is a transition to the South
The South
In the southern half, the Annamite Range, rugged mountains with an average altitude of 1,200 m, form a natural border with Vietnam. It has also served as a physical barrier between the influence of Chinese-inspired culture (on the Vietnamese side), and countries whose history and religion have been influenced by Hindu culture (Laos and Thailand). In its centre, the province of Khammouane is famous for its large plateau with magnificent landscapes, where small rivers make their way through superb karstic reliefs. Exceptional sites are to be discovered in the national protected areas of the region, such as the Kong Lor cave, a natural jewel located on the circuit of the "Thakhek loop". The Boloven Plateau, in the south, is an agricultural area known for its coffee and tea plantations, rice cultivation, semi-altitude flora, and the relative coolness of its climate. It also has many spectacular waterfalls, located in the heart of lush forest, such as Tad Lo, Tad Yuang and Tad Fane, near Paksong. The best way to discover the Boloven Plateau is to do the famous "Pakse Loop".
The Mekong
This great mythical river stretches from the north to the south of Laos over 1,865 km and forms the natural border of the west of the country, first with Myanmar in the north and then with Thailand. It is called Mae Nam Khong in the Tai language, which means "the mother of all rivers". The Mekong originates in the Himalayas in the Chinese province of Qinghai, flows through Yunnan Province, and forms a natural border with Myanmar for over 200 km. It then reaches Houay Sai, in the northwest of the country, and flows only in Laos to the east of Vientiane province, near the city of Loei in Thailand. From this point it forms the natural border between the two countries as far as Champassak province.
The Mekong River is the main river system in Laos, providing irrigation, drinking water, transportation, electricity and livelihood to a large number of citizens, which is why almost all of the country's major cities are located along its course. South of Vientiane, the Mekong River is several kilometres wide in places and floods can reach 2 m high in Luang Prabang. The river is still a commercial transport route with China and Thailand, but only certain segments are actually navigable. Close to the border with Cambodia, the Khone Phapheng Falls in Champassak Province form a natural barrier that prevents river access to the sea. During the colonial period, the French tried to get around this problem by building a railway on Don Det and Don Khone, two of the 4,000 islands (Si Phan Don) in the south of the country. The aim was to create a link to transport cargo on the river and bring it to Cambodia. Remains of this railway can still be seen, including a bridge and two old locomotives. The Mekong River provides a livelihood for many riverside populations: fishing and irrigation of the land. The construction of dams in the watershed now allows Laos to export a significant part of its hydropower to Thailand. Most of the rivers in Laos flow into the Mekong River. Among its most important tributaries are the Nam Ou and Nam Tha in the north, the Nam Ngum in the centre and the Nam Khong in the south. The Mekong and the Nam Ou are the only two waterways for large ships.
Main cities along the Mekong: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannakhet, Thakhek, Paksé, Champassak.
