Land of a Million Irrelevants

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Laos - Land of a Million Elephants so named by Emperor Fa Ngum. Foreign correspondents stationed here during the Indochina wars used the more cynical term. I would agree. Laos is the most unremarkable and boring country I've ever visited. I've seen exactly one elephant. A better name for the country would be Land of a Million Barking Dogs and Crowing Roosters at 4 am. Probably been victimized by overly high expectations since nearly everyone I met who's been here raved about it. Hate it when that happens. The sole reason behind writing this brief blog is so I can have one entry from every country.

Came into Laos in the north from Chiang Khong, Thailand to Huay Xai. Blew right through the country to Luang Nam Tha, Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Pakse, Champasak, Tadlo, and Savannakhet from where I'll take a ferry across the Mekong River to Thailand tomorrow.

Soon be basking on beaches in the steamy Gulf of Thailand. It's not as easy as it sounds.

Jon

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Photos

Pak Ou
At the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong Rivers near Luang Prabang, Northern Laos.

Boat Trip to Nong Khiaw
Really the middle of nowhere but scenic.

Wat Phu, Champasak, Southern Laos
During Bun Wat Phu. Many making a pilgrammage to Champasak.

Elephant Rock, Wat Phu
Some of the thousands of pilgrims.

Coffee Plantation, Bolaven Plateau, Southern Laos
Lao coffee is excellent and some of the most expensive in the world. Fortunately not here at 20¢ a cup.

Yuang Waterfall, Bolaven Plateau
Many waterfalls even in the current dry season.

Dressed for Travel
Riding in the back of a songthaew (pickup with 2 rows of bench seats) can be a bit dusty.