Laos-A Country in Transition
The Victory Monument
 Visions of modernity: a poster depicting Lao men and women in traditional clothing, to the backdrop of highrisers and temples. |
Following the revolutionary take-over of the Vietnamese backed Pathet Lao in 1975, Laos closed its doors to the capitalist world. External ties were confined to the communist bloc, while an internal restructuring took place, following the principles of socialist reengineering. Exacerbated by the flight of most of the country’s intelligentsia, the communist regime faced considerable obstacles in modernizing the country. Consequently, in the late 1980s, the government adopted new policies, aimed at stimulating economic growth and foreign investment. |
| The inauguration of the Australian-donated Friendship Bridge in 1994 represented a symbolic manifestation of the transition to a more open society. Traversing the Mekhong River, the bridge linked land-locked Laos to Thailand, facilitating access to the then booming Asian market. |  |
 From ideology to cyberspace: Laos' gateway to the Internet is located in the 5-star Lao Plaza Hotel (on the right), next door to the Lao Revolutionary Museum (on the left). |
In 1997, Laos joined the regional grouping ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations), something that confirmed Laos' transition to a more open society, while spurring the development of the Internet in the country. Recognizing the needs of the ASEAN Department to get on-line (all ASEAN communications are conducted by electronic means), the government permitted the establishment of the country's first Internet Service Provider (ISP) in August 1998. Symbolically enough, the ISP is located in the Lao Plaza Hotel, a five-star hotel built right next door to the Revolutionary Musem. |
 Poster displayed at the National Tourism Authority, Vientiane |
It soon became clear that there was a latent demand for on-line services, not the least as a result of growth in tourism. In 1999, Laos launched its "Visit Laos Year 1999/2000" campaign. So far, the campaign has paid off and more and more tourists pass through the country. |
| By February 2000, a handful of Internet cafés had popped up in Vientiane, mainly catering to tourists passing through the city. Most of the Internet café visitors use Web-based e-mail applications, such as hotmail and yahoo mail, to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Laotian users are also increasingly common. Initially prohibited from using Internet cafés, they are now allowed to surf away, something that Laotian students in particular are taking advantage of. |  Internet café run by the
government news agency KPL. |
 Bus heading upcountry |
Meanwhile, the transportation infrastructure of Laos continues to be largely underdeveloped. Most roads are unpaved and public transport tends to be more functional than comfortable. |
| Which is why many prefer to fly. Lao Aviation planes are perhaps not known for their safety, but many visitors prefer a 40-minute flight over a 10-hour bus ride. For Laotians, prices are greatly reduced, making air travel even more attractive as an alternative. |  Boarding QV 103 bound for Luang Prabang. |
Continue on to Luang Prabang, one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful towns
For images of Malaysia, start with the introductory Malaysia-The Way Forward
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© Paula Uimonen 2001