Laos, is a landlocked country located in the center of Indochina in Southeast Asia between latitude 14-23 degrees north and longitude 100-108 degrees east. It has common borders with China - 416 km, Myanmar - 230 km, Thailand - 1730 km, Cambodia - 492 km and Vietnam - 1957 km. Laos is 236,800 sq. km in land area, the major part being mountainous and forested. Geographically, the country is divided into three areas : the North, the Central and the Southern parts. The Mekong River flows through 1865 km of Laos territory and forms the major portion of the border with Thailand (1500 km). 60% of the water entering this major river system originates in Laos. The three highest mountains are all located in Xieng Khouang province; Phu Bia - 2.820 m, Phu Xao - 2.690 m, Phu Xamxum - 2.620 m, (Phu is the Lao word for mountain).

Lao P.D.R. has currently a population of above 5 million inhabitants comprising 68 ethnic groups, such as Hmong, Khmu, Yao, Akha, Ikor, Lu, etc., each tribe with its own distinctive customs. The population density of Laos is 19 people per square km, making the country one of the most sparsely populated country in Asia and quite different from its neighboring countries : Thailand - 120 people per square km, China - 200 people per square km and Vietnam - 230 people per square km. Presently, Vientiane is the only legal point of disembarkation by air.

Climate 
Laos can be visited throughout the year. The dry or cool season begins end of October and lasts until end of February. It is necessary to take along a pullover or jacket during the cool season as nights can be very cold, especially in mountainous areas such as Luang Prabang, the Plain of Jars, Saravane and Houeisay. The hot season lasts from March to June and light cotton clothing and hats are recommended. The rainy season starts in June and ends in October. For visitors traveling between end of March and beginning of April, please note in the mountainous area where the slash and burn cultivation remained, the weather may be worse caused by smokes and domestic flights might be delayed or cancelled.