Laos

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. Laos is a tropical country in the heart of Indochina and was once known as `The realm of a million elephants.' Set amid mountains and surrounded by China, Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar, Laos lay undiscovered for many years but today it is gradually opening its doors and its dreamlike royal cities, contemplative temple complexes, mysterious plains and ethnic mountain villages are now accessible to all. The capital, Vientiane, originated at the point at which the first navigable section of the Mekong River joins with the Gulf Of Thailand, once an important trading route to South China. We travel north into the pure Asia of bygone times, a land full of adventure where there is little tourism, past many villages with small markets at the roadside and various temple complexes. Most of Laos consists of rugged mountain areas and only a small number of roads connect the country's few large towns. We repeatedly pass through large valleys flanked by densely wooded mountain slopes until karst covered mountains appear and reveal yet another captivating landscape. Amid this romantic area on the banks of the Mekong River is a town that is one of Laos' most impressive historic destinations, Luang Prabang, which became the official residence of the monarchy in 1453 and remained so for several centuries. 35 monasteries that accommodate around 700 monks as well as 1,000 novices and also the city's many splendid temples highlight the deep religious faith that determines the everyday life of Luang Prabang. Laos is one of the most fascinating countries in South East Asia: a sleepy paradise that is slowly awakening. It is a land trapped somewhere between age-old traditions and a modern way of life.

DVD. Globe Trekker Video. The Southeast Asian countries of Thailand, Malaysia and Laos have long been major destinations on the backpacking route. Their lush tropical rainforests, glorious beaches and remote tropical islands are now attracting more mainstream travelers. Laos however remains the forgotten jewel of the Southeast. It is dreamily remote and unspoiled by tourism. Traveler Justine Shapiro starts her journey in Kuala Lumpur, heading up through the highlands to the glorious beaches of Southern Thailand. Ian Wright begins his journey in bustling Bangkok traveling North for a trek in Chiang Mai. From there he travels up the Mekong River into neighboring Laos. Length: 1 hour, 50 minutes Along the way: $_$_START_LIST ? Learn the popular art of Thai boxing ? Visit the Tong red light district in Phuket ? Witness the legacy of American bombing in Laos during the Vietnam War ? Go trekking in the jungle with traditional hunters from the remote Temenggor region ? Sample the local cuisine and haggle with the women at the Damnoen Saduak floating market $_$_END_LIST

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. North of Laos' capital of Vientiane on the banks of the legendary Mekong is one of the country's most impressive historic cities, Luang Prabang. In contrast to many other metropolises in South East Asia the former king's residence of Luang Prabang has retained its pre-Colonial appearance and a seemingly endless number of temples and monastery complexes that are of great historical significance attract hordes of visitors each day. Thirty five monasteries that accommodate around seven hundred monks as well as a thousand novices and also the city's many splendid temples highlight the deep religious faith that determines the every day life of Luang Prabang. The inhabitants of Laos are made up of a combination of several mountain tribes yet despite their differences they live together in harmony and perform their centuries old dances to the sound of traditional music, their performances filling the city streets with life. Luang Prabang, the unique former king's residence on the banks of the legendary Mekong, has most assuredly managed to retain its remarkable architectural, artistic and religious splendour right up to the present day.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Located in the north east of Laos, Phon Savang is the starting point of a journey to one of the country's most mysterious archaeological discoveries. On our journey to the archaeological excavation site that is situated eight kilometres south west of Phon Savang a simple monastery is a reminder of the poverty that is rife in the region. At first it looks as though several rocks are towering up into the sky but they are actually the legendary `Jars', hundreds of huge stone jars that cover an area of twenty five hectares. A short journey separates the first archaeological site of the Plain Of Jars from the second that is close to Ban Lat Sen. Most of the present knowledge of the Jars was due to the work of French archaeologist, Madeleine Colani who came here in the nineteen thirties. She believed that that the mysterious jars were created by an unknown civilisation that lived in the region during the first century B. C. The Plain Of Jars has managed to keep its secrets right up until the present day and remains one of the most mysterious historic discoveries in Laos.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Since the sixteenth century Vientiane has been the capital of Laos and is situated in the heart of Indochina. The city originated at the point at which the first navigable section of the Mekong River joins with the Gulf Of Thailand. Vientiane was once a group of rural settlements and even today contains several village-like districts each with its own temple and traditional marketplace. At the end of the nineteenth century the French began to renovate the city's most important buildings and made Vientiane the administrative capital of their new colony and gave it a French look. There are some fascinating places to visit outside the city such as the Cultural Park Of The Laotian People, a large area on the banks of the Mekong River. Historic Vientiane also has some fine reconstructed buildings such as the Wat Impeng on the western bank of Pagoda Street. Artistic wooden carvings on the windows and doors, along with the paintings and stucco work on the walls, feature various legends from the life of Buddha. Some signs of affluence are beginning to appear and in future years Vientiane may become yet another Asian metropolis with skyscrapers, smog and manic rush hours. It is now poised to leap into contemporary times as it gradually emerges from its atmospheric curtain of bamboo.