history of Laos

History of Laos

The history of Laos dates back thousands of years; in fact, the people of Laos can trace back their roots for almost 50,000 years! In 2009, a human skull believed to date back at least 46,000 years, was discovered in the northern Laos!

Around 8th century AD, the Lao people moved southwards from China and in the 13th century, seized control of Muang Sua – modern-day Luang Prabang. Between the 14th and the 18th centuries, Laos acquired the title of Land of a Million Elephants. The name was given in deference to the powerful animals that defended the kingdom and, as you will find during your Laos tours, persists even today! Despite many invasions over the next 350 years, the kingdom prospered, but this was not to last.

In the 19th century, Laos was divided into three parts and large scale deportations into Siam, slave raids and rebellions, greatly weakened the country. The French ruled Laos between 1893 and the 1950s, and after independence, Civil War ensued.

Eventually, in the 1990s, the country began to introduce social and economic reforms, and diplomatic relations improved. Today Laos tourism brings much revenue into this developing nation.

Top Laos Travel Tips – History

Visit the famous Plain of Jars during one of our private Laos tours to see hundreds of megalithic stone jars from the early Iron Age that contain human remains and burial goods.