We did a quick trip through Laos, about a week in only the biggest, and therefore most touristy, cities. It’s a beautiful country, and the atmosphere is much more relaxing and welcoming than Vietnam. In the northern city we visited, Louang Prabang, electricity and telephones only arrived about 5 years ago. Even in the capital, Vientiane, there were some dirt roads and all open sewers. Wow, we really loved it. Lots of sitting around, and lots of looking at temples. We arrived in Louang Prabang, unwittingly, just as the yearly boat racing festival was beginning - the biggest party in town. There was a gigantic street market for a couple of days, and thousands of people came in from the countryside to watch and compete. The city was just PACKED and there was music and food
... read more