A languid paced destination, dotted with long lunches, afternoon naps on hammocks, and evenings spent watching the sunset by the beautiful Mekong riverside. The imagery is inviting. Laos that opened up to tourism in 1989, remains a lesser trod, and hence a mystery to most travellers. One of the least urbanised nations in this part of the world, it offers an old-fashioned charm, complete with French villas, and golden spires of Buddhist temples.

An aerial view of the Buddha Park in Laos. Pic CourtesySY/Urmi Popat

Hinduism meets Buddhism
Unlike its neighbour Vietnam, Laos was influenced by Indian culture rather than Chinese. From 1AD, Indian merchants introduced Theravada Buddhism to Laos. From the 9th to the 13th century AD, the Khmers from neighbouring Cambodia ruled much of what is now Laos. Hinduism was one of Khmer Empire’s official religions, and examples of Hindu themes can be found on the Laotian temples from that era.