Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. It is a socialist republic ruled by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The country has a rich history dating back to the 13th century kingdom of Lan Xang. It was colonized by the French and later ruled by the communist Pathet Lao. Laos is known for its scenic beauty and has many attractions such as the city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the impressive Buddhist temple of Pha That Luang in Vientiane.
