Laos rests in the center of Southeast Asia It spreads over 91,429 square miles 236,800 square kilometers Because it is landlocked Laos only touches other countries China lies to the north Vietnam is Laos’s eastern neighbor and Cambodia borders southern Laos The Mekong River forms most of Laos’s western boundary It separates Laos from Thailand and Burma Myanmar Vientiane is Laos’s capital and largest city It sits on the banks of the Mekong River Pakxe Savannakhet and Luang Prabang are other major Laotian cities They also stand along the Mekong River 4 Where Is Laos
China Burma Myanmar Laos Vietnam W N S E Vientiane Mekong River Thailand Cambodia Did you know The Mekong River is Southeast Asia’s longest river It winds for 2,700 miles 4,345 kilometers 55
Rugged mountains define Laos’s landscape The Annamite Range crosses central Laos and its eastern border Woodlands cover nearly half of the country Tropical rain forests blanket northern mountains In the south are forests of bamboo and banana trees Three high plateaus offer grassy farmland Lowlands surround the Mekong River Some years the river floods these areas 6 The Land
fun fact During the rainy season the Bolovens Plateau in the south receives up to 160 inches 406 centimeters of rain Laos has hot temperatures year round The mountains are cooler than lowlands From May to October is Laos’s rainy season During that time monsoons blow heavy rain into the country The dry season lasts from November to April 7
