MOSAIC

The cultural capital is the lovely city of Luang Prabang, with a collection of classic temples unrivalled in Laos. Mosaic mirror work is unique to Laos, and is a quirky, naive style.

COBRA IN A BOTTLE

Southeast Asia has incredible food, but some items are a bit strange by our standards. Mekong whiskey infused with whole scorpions and cobras is popular and is supposed to increase virility. No thanks.

EPIC TALE

Although a Buddhist country, Laos retains some elements of its Hindu past. The Ramayana epic is still revered, and this carved door shows the battle of the gods and demons.

FAR NORTH

Laos is a sleepy little country for now, and the villages of the far north have barely changed for centuries. Life is difficult, but the climate is great and the stresses of the modern world are far away.

MR LAO LAO

We went on a trek into the northern jungles, and were only the second group of six allowed into the area since the Vietnam war. Few of the locals had even been to Luang Nam Ta City, a dusty area capital with 2 roads and 3 hours of electricity. To them it

SERENITY

The interior of a Buddhist temple is a study in serenity and peacefulness. Note the portraits of deceased monks.

NAKED BOATMEN

The Mekong river is the lifeblood and mother of the Laotian people. Like these naked captains to be, most youngsters learn to fiddle around with boats at an early age.

ROYAL POOL

Laos is a sleepy and charming tropical backwater. The Chinese have their eyes on the hydro potential of the Mekong, so life may change soon. Go now, before development alters everything.