economic reform began with the introduction of the "New Economic Mechanism" Surrounded by five countries namely Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China, Lao is the only landlocked nation in ASEAN and is comprised of approximately 50 ethnic groups. The mainstay industry is agriculture,and coffee is an important export among agricultural goods. Studded with alluring World Heritage designated site such as Luang Prabang and Vat Phou, developing its tourist industry remains to be achieved