Vientiene (Vientiene)

Member Name: WendyMacc

Product:	Vientiene
Date:	09/08/00 (49 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: the people

Disadvantages: unexploded landmines

In Vientiene, you can get a better perspective of the struggle that is daily life here for many Laos people. Laos is the poorest country in Asia, with social indicators mirroring those of many african countries rather than its Asian neighbors. Additionally, it has the unfortunate title of being the most bombed country in the history of warfare. UXO's (unexploded landmines) litter the landscape, the socialist goverment rules with a heavy hand, and people struggle to eak out a living in an unstable economy. Only 5% of the country's land is arable, illiteracy and infant mortality is some of the highest in Asia, and the per capita income is less than $400. The UNDP, World Bank and other development agencies are active here.

Perhaps it helped that we had no idea what to expect of Laos. But we are absolutely floored by this amazing place. The poverty is difficult to see, but beauty as I have only dreamt of. The people charming, friendly, honest. They say it is what Thailand was 30 years ago, before tourism really hit. But Laos is in a class of its own. We long to return here when we have more time to explore the south and the north.

Summary: