Owing to its mountainous geography and proximity to remote regions of China, Laos abounds with colourful cultures, some 49 in all!
So many, in fact, that in the 1950’s a simple classification system was created to better understand them. Lao ethnic minorities are divided into Lao Loum (Lowland lao), Lao Theung (Lao of the Mountain Slope) and Lao Soung (Highland Lao). Some of the more prominent ethnic groups include the Hmong, Tai, and Khmu. Among the many fascinating reasons to visit Laos, its people are certainly one of them.
