Where Is Laos?

Laos occupies a mountainous, forested territory that serves as a crossroads between the major cultures of Southeast Asia. The mighty Mekong River flows through the western part of the country, forming much of the border with Thailand and providing a lifeline for local communities.

The country is characterized by rugged highlands in the north, three distinct plateaus in the central regions, and the fertile Mekong floodplains in the south. This varied terrain creates diverse landscapes, from misty mountain villages to lush river valleys and the green, coffee-growing Bolaven Plateau in the south.