Small landlocked Laos is bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Burma. The capital Vientiane is just across the Mekong from the Thai border. The north is mostly limestone mountains cut through by many rivers, the largest of which is the mighty Mekong. The country's royal city of Luang Prabang is roughly in the center of the north. Roughly in between and to the east is Phonsavan, where you'll find the extensive Plain of Jars. In the south, around Pakse, you'll find more remnants of the ancient Khmer civilization.
![Map of Laos](laos_provinces.png)