If I have to choose my most favorite Southeast Asian country, it will definitely be Laos.
Laos, a landlocked country surrounded by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and China, is one of the world’s few communist states. The former French colony got caught up in the Vietnam War that lasted some 20 years. Despite economic reforms and opening up to the world in the 1990s, the country remains poor and is heavily dependent on foreign aid. Most Laotians live in rural areas, with around 80% working in agriculture.
I started traveling from the capital Vientiane and worked my way north to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Each city is about 4 hours apart and can be easily reached my taking buses or mini-vans. The cities are unique in their own way and the commute is always remarkably scenic (especially the route between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang).
Much of Laos lacks adequate infrastructure: The country has no railways, except a short link to connect its capital Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge; that said, Laos has strong desires for developing hydro-power – The country has ambitious strategies to generate electricity from its rivers and selling the power to its neighboring countries.
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
The giving of alms to monks is an ancient tradition in Buddhism. At 6 a.m. every morning, monks of all ages collect alms from sitting people.
\\
Most males in Laos will be a monk at some point in their lives, and many rural families send their young sons to temples for a good education and better quality of life. Some remain monks all their lives, whilst others return home after a year or two.
@LuangPrabang
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
My Canadian hotel roommate in Vang Vieng recommended a riverside restaurant and bar in Luang Prabang called Utopia – She said it was a MUST go. This place was WOW and I came back again the next day for Lao Laap (Lao’s national dish, minced chicken with herbs and spices).
@LuangPrabang
My Canadian hotel roommate in Vang Vieng recommended a riverside restaurant and bar in Luang Prabang called Utopia – She said it was a MUST go. This place was WOW and I came back again the next day for Lao Laap (Lao’s national dish, minced chicken with herbs and spices).
@LuangPrabang
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
For 9 years during the Vietnam War, Laos became a battlefield between the US and the neighboring North Vietnam, with the local Hmong militia supported by the US and Laos supported by the North Vietnamese. The US dropped more than 270 million cluster bombs (cans filled with many smaller bombs) over Laos in the bombing missions – More tonnage than was used during the entire WWII. This makes Laos the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita in history.
\\
20% of the bombs / unexplored ordnance (UXO) have still not explored and remain on the ground, contaminating villages and causing new casualties every year. Children are injured because the shape and color of the cluster bombs make them alluring to play with. The most impoverished and desperate are also injured because UXO contains copper and the scrap metal can be traded to supplement their low incomes.
\\
UXO LAO, a government-run / UN-supported organization, runs clearance programs to remove bombs from contaminated lands throughout the country. UXO LAO removes and destroys 60,000+ UXO in a typical year. However, with existing resources, it will take at least 100 years to get rid of all the bombs.
@LuangPrabang
For 9 years during the Vietnam War, Laos became a battlefield between the US and the neighboring North Vietnam, with the local Hmong militia supported by the US and Laos supported by the North Vietnamese. The US dropped more than 270 million cluster bombs (cans filled with many smaller bombs) over Laos in the bombing missions – More tonnage than was used during the entire WWII. This makes Laos the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita in history.
\\
20% of the bombs / unexplored ordnance (UXO) have still not explored and remain on the ground, contaminating villages and causing new casualties every year. Children are injured because the shape and color of the cluster bombs make them alluring to play with. The most impoverished and desperate are also injured because UXO contains copper and the scrap metal can be traded to supplement their low incomes.
\\
UXO LAO, a government-run / UN-supported organization, runs clearance programs to remove bombs from contaminated lands throughout the country. UXO LAO removes and destroys 60,000+ UXO in a typical year. However, with existing resources, it will take at least 100 years to get rid of all the bombs.
@LuangPrabang
For 9 years during the Vietnam War, Laos became a battlefield between the US and the neighboring North Vietnam, with the local Hmong militia supported by the US and Laos supported by the North Vietnamese. The US dropped more than 270 million cluster bombs (cans filled with many smaller bombs) over Laos in the bombing missions – More tonnage than was used during the entire WWII. This makes Laos the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita in history.
\\
20% of the bombs / unexplored ordnance (UXO) have still not explored and remain on the ground, contaminating villages and causing new casualties every year. Children are injured because the shape and color of the cluster bombs make them alluring to play with. The most impoverished and desperate are also injured because UXO contains copper and the scrap metal can be traded to supplement their low incomes.
\\
UXO LAO, a government-run / UN-supported organization, runs clearance programs to remove bombs from contaminated lands throughout the country. UXO LAO removes and destroys 60,000+ UXO in a typical year. However, with existing resources, it will take at least 100 years to get rid of all the bombs.
@LuangPrabang
My daily dose of coconut pancakes: Twice a day, every 8 hours.
\\
They might look unassuming at first sight, but man are they delicious! Warm coconut custard inside slightly crispy soft bread. OMG.
@LuangPrabang
My daily dose of coconut pancakes: Twice a day, every 8 hours.
\\
They might look unassuming at first sight, but man are they delicious! Warm coconut custard inside slightly crispy soft bread. OMG.
@LuangPrabang
My Canadian hotel roommate in Vang Vieng recommended a riverside restaurant and bar in Luang Prabang called Utopia – She said it was a MUST go. This place was WOW and I came back again the next day for Lao Laap (Lao’s national dish, minced chicken with herbs and spices).
@LuangPrabang
My Canadian hotel roommate in Vang Vieng recommended a riverside restaurant and bar in Luang Prabang called Utopia – She said it was a MUST go. This place was WOW and I came back again the next day for Lao Laap (Lao’s national dish, minced chicken with herbs and spices).
@LuangPrabang
King Sisavang Vong, king of the Kingdom of Laos for 55 years, until his death in 1959. Vong was known as a “playboy” king: He had up to 50 children by as many as 15 wives, two of whom were his half sisters and one of whom was a niece.
The statue depicts him in the act of bestowing a constitution upon the people.
@Vientiane
Flag of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and flag of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party. Currently both flags can be seen all over Laos, oftentimes side by side next to each other.
@Vientiane
Sunset at Mekong River.
\\
Vientiane (the capital of Laos) is located next to the Lao-Thai border, which separates Laos from Thailand. The two countries are separated by Mekong River, which is only about 500 meters wide – You can technically swim across the river to get to the other country.
\\
Of course, if you want to stay dry, taking the bus to enter Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge would be a good alternative.
@Vientiane
The giving of alms to monks is an ancient tradition in Buddhism. At 6 a.m. every morning, monks of all ages collect alms from sitting people.
\\
Most males in Laos will be a monk at some point in their lives, and many rural families send their young sons to temples for a good education and better quality of life. Some remain monks all their lives, whilst others return home after a year or two.
@LuangPrabang
The giving of alms to monks is an ancient tradition in Buddhism. At 6 a.m. every morning, monks of all ages collect alms from sitting people.
\\
Most males in Laos will be a monk at some point in their lives, and many rural families send their young sons to temples for a good education and better quality of life. Some remain monks all their lives, whilst others return home after a year or two.
@LuangPrabang
While people are giving alms to monks, this old lady comes here every morning to feed stray dogs.
@LuangPrabang
While people are giving alms to monks, this old lady comes here every morning to feed stray dogs.
@LuangPrabang
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Having just healed from the motorbike accident in Vietnam, I was about to skip riding motorbike in Laos – This thought only lasted about 8 hours and the next morning I found myself cruising on a motorbike doing the 26km West Vang Vieng loop!
\\
How could I resist? There was no other way to do the 26km loop without a motorbike. There is a reason why everyone has a motorbike here – This is the way of life.
\\
Majority of the route was loose rocks so I was extremely cautious the entire time and drove very slowly. After stopping for hikes, lunch, and photo opps, the 26km ended up taking me the entire day.
@VangVieng
Last day in Luang Prabang. I could have visited an elephant camp or a waterfall – But I did that in Chiang Mei and wanted to do something different. I read a book called “The Story of Big Brother Mouse” at my hostel, and saw that this local non-profit organization is changing Laos from a country where “people don’t read” into a country that loves book. They have English practice group twice a day where English-speaking tourists can come in to help young people (usually ages between 3-20) with their conversational English. I thought it was a cool concept and decided to participate. Walked there in the morning from my hostel and had the opportunity to speak with a couple of young monks – The couple of hours that I was there, I feel like I learned from them just as much as they learned from me.
\\
Their daily 9-11am / 5-7pm practice group was such a cool concept. Young people who come for 2-3 years end up speaking English better than college graduates.
@LuangPrabang
Kids at school.
@LuangPrabang
Some pretty crazy stuff are being sold at the day market.
@LuangPrabang
Some pretty crazy stuff are being sold at the day market.
@LuangPrabang
Some pretty crazy stuff are being sold at the day market.
@LuangPrabang
Some pretty crazy stuff are being sold at the day market.
@LuangPrabang
Exhibit at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center in Luang Prabang.
\\
Based on geographical distribution, Laos has 3 main Ethnic groups: Loum (inhabitants of lowlands), Theung (inhabitants of mountain slopes), and Soung (inhabitants of mountain summits). This classification is somewhat oversimplified because, for instance, many Hmong are considered highland people but have settled in lowland towns.
\\
Based on language and traditions, Laos has 4 main Ethnic groups: Austroasiatic, Hmong-Yao, Tai-Kadai, and Sino-Tibetan.
@LuangPrabang
Hmong Du (black Hmong) woman’s outfit.
\\
The Hmong has a significant diaspora across the world. For instance, there are over 300,000 in the US alone. I have a couple of Hmong friends in the US so learning a little bit about their history seems quite fascinating and relatable.
@LuangPrabang
Grilled banana with coconut. Simple yet delicious.
@VangVieng
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Xieng Khuan “Buddha Park”, a sculpture park 25km southeast from Vientiane next to the Thai-Lao border / Mekong River. The park contains over 200 characters of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu mythology – Humans, gods, animals, and demons.
\\
The park was built in 1958 by Luang Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat, a priest-shaman who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism; 20 years later he built another sculpture park next to Thai-Lao border, this time on the Thai side, only a few kilometers apart from each other.
\\
The Buddha Park can be reached by taking the public bus from Vientiane (takes approximately 1 hour). Near the entrance of the park is a giant pumpkin tower, which has 3 stories representing 3 levels – Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Visitors can enter through the mouth of the demon head and climb the staircases from Hell to Heaven, overlooking the entire park from the top of the pumpkin tower.
@Vientiane
Did the 2-hour hike up Pha Ngern viewpoint while motorbiking the 26-kilometer West Vang Vieng loop. Amazing view at the summit.
@VangVieng
Did the 2-hour hike up Pha Ngern viewpoint while motorbiking the 26-kilometer West Vang Vieng loop. Amazing view at the summit.
@VangVieng
Did the 2-hour hike up Pha Ngern viewpoint while motorbiking the 26-kilometer West Vang Vieng loop. Amazing view at the summit.
@VangVieng
Lao laap, the national dish.
@VangVieng
The bamboo bridge.
@LuangPrabang
The bamboo bridge.
@LuangPrabang
The bamboo bridge.
@LuangPrabang
Monks going back to their monastery at Haw Pha Bang.
@LuangPrabang
Reclining Buddha at Tham Poukham Cave.
@VangVieng
Mount Phousi.
@LuangPrabang
Mount Phousi.
@LuangPrabang
Mount Phousi.
@LuangPrabang
Visited the Blue Lagoon while motorbiking the 26-kilometer West Vang Vieng loop.
@VangVieng
The Naga Buddha statues (multi-headed king cobra sheltering the meditating Buddha) are considered to have originated from India but later started to appear in many Southeast Asian countries with the spread of Buddhism.
@Vientiane
Wat Xieng Thong.
@LuangPrabang
Night market.
@LuangPrabang
Garlic squid with sticky rice.
@VangVieng
@LuangPrabang
Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist stupa, is the national symbol of Laos.
@Vientiane
Wat Sene.
@LuangPrabang
Wat Aham.
@LuangPrabang
Wat Aham.
@LuangPrabang
Wat Sene.
@LuangPrabang
For 9 years during the Vietnam War, Laos became a battlefield between the US and the neighboring North Vietnam, with the local Hmong militia supported by the US and Laos supported by the North Vietnamese. The US dropped more than 270 million cluster bombs (cans filled with many smaller bombs) over Laos in the bombing missions – More tonnage than was used during the entire WWII. This makes Laos the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita in history.
\\
20% of the bombs / unexplored ordnance (UXO) have still not explored and remain on the ground, contaminating villages and causing new casualties every year. Children are injured because the shape and color of the cluster bombs make them alluring to play with. The most impoverished and desperate are also injured because UXO contains copper and the scrap metal can be traded to supplement their low incomes.
\\
UXO LAO, a government-run / UN-supported organization, runs clearance programs to remove bombs from contaminated lands throughout the country. UXO LAO removes and destroys 60,000+ UXO in a typical year. However, with existing resources, it will take at least 100 years to get rid of all the bombs.
@LuangPrabang
For 9 years during the Vietnam War, Laos became a battlefield between the US and the neighboring North Vietnam, with the local Hmong militia supported by the US and Laos supported by the North Vietnamese. The US dropped more than 270 million cluster bombs (cans filled with many smaller bombs) over Laos in the bombing missions – More tonnage than was used during the entire WWII. This makes Laos the most heavily bombed country in the world per capita in history.
\\
20% of the bombs / unexplored ordnance (UXO) have still not explored and remain on the ground, contaminating villages and causing new casualties every year. Children are injured because the shape and color of the cluster bombs make them alluring to play with. The most impoverished and desperate are also injured because UXO contains copper and the scrap metal can be traded to supplement their low incomes.
\\
UXO LAO, a government-run / UN-supported organization, runs clearance programs to remove bombs from contaminated lands throughout the country. UXO LAO removes and destroys 60,000+ UXO in a typical year. However, with existing resources, it will take at least 100 years to get rid of all the bombs.
@LuangPrabang
