Present-day Laos traces its historic and cultural identity to the kingdom of Lan Xang Hom Khao (Kingdom of a Million Elephants Under the White Parasol), which existed for four centuries as one of the largest kingdoms in Southeast Asia. Today, Laos offers truly authentic experiences in a country of friendly and hospitable people. Laos is “Untouched Nature”, trees cover 40% of it and has 20 National Protected Areas conserving the environment and rare wildlife.