#12 - Trekking in North-Eastern Laos

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Muang Ngoi and surrounding villages, 25-28 January 2008

The villages we visited on a three-day trek from Muang Ngoi were absolutely amazing. Their skills, their commitment to their village and love of their neighbours, their resourcefulness and their motivation to not only survive but thrive in this isolated place prompted me to ask myself the question: Why are their equivalents in a so-called '1st World' nation like Australia so much worse off than those of this under-developed, poor nation? With no government 'assistance' or even true recognition, these people develop their own society and flourish!

Arriving in Muang Ngoi, the serene farming-come-tourist village on the Nam Oh River, we took a dozen steps out our front door and found a dirt cheap lunch and an enthusiastic guide willing to take us on a 3-day trek around the surrounding villages. Kai, owner and proprietor of Kai's Trekking, arranged to meet us bright and early the next day for the start of our greatest adventure to date.

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Photos

Village blacksmith
This guy makes steel tools from leftover ordnance that he finds in the jungle.

Ballgame
We were mesmerized. Firstly by the skill at which these guys played this kind of 'volleyball with the feet', and secondly how they found the energy after a full day's work collecting materials to build and repair their houses.

Village scene
Between the chickens, dogs, pigs, ducks and babies, theres hardly room to put your feet!

Choosing my favourite
Only to have it served up for dinner within minutes.

Spider
One of thousands along the track.

Generator
What for? Charging their mobile phones, of course!

Trying the ball game
This is no hacky sack

Kai
Our fantastic and humble guide