| During my visits here in 1999, 2001, and 2004 I have seen a lot of changes to the tourist situation in Laos. Especially along the Mekong in the north and in small towns like Vang Vieng the impact of tourism has been profound. Still Laos remains a relatively quiet and slow-paced country, and it only takes a little initiative to leave the mob behind and find places of great peace and tradition. It's still one of the world's poorest countries, largely due to it's unfortunate past victimisation and current lack of foreign investment. Yet the majority of people are usually ready to offer a smile. |
