Laos History Ethnic Khmu were among the region’s earliest permanent settlers, arriving around the 1st century A.D., but advanced civilizations did not appear until the 5th - 8th centuries, as evidenced by remnants at Bokeo’s historic Souvannakhomkham City, and bronze-making kilns and ancient city ruins around Vieng Phoukha. Ensuing centuries found Siamese, Burmese and Chinese struggle over the region’s strategic trade routes, known as the “Tea Caravan Trail”, taking mules and pack ponies through Laos to China and Tibet. Among the three major routes, the most difficult but most direct ran from Houei Xai through Vieng Phoukha to Luang Namtha Town – today’s Lao Route 3 – before continuing to China. By the 14th century, the Lane Xang Kingdom, with its capital in Luang Prabang, held sway over Laos’ northwest mountains, before bandits took control in the 18th century. This prompted residents to abandon the area for some 150 years, before Burmese leader Khun Ching established Houei Xai in 1884. Tai Yuan began migrating from Burma and China, and the Hmong arrived via Vietnam followed by Yao and Lanten from Yunnan. Credit: bokeotourismlaos.org/laos_general_info/laos_history.htm Khmer ruins at Vat Phoo, Champasak, southern Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The details of carving of sandstone are amazing, some are well preserved. It was built about 2 centuries before the Ankor Wat in Siam Rieb, Cambodia. Pictures Credit: Doctor S. Rojanasathit Thanks
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 03:39:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015