The two days boat ride down the Mekong River was surprisingly relaxing and enjoyable, although a bit slow. In the country of Laos, everything seems so static and slow. I am in the township of Luang Prabang, supposingly the largest town in northern Laos, yet there are no traffic light on the road and the 24hrs availability of electricity is just implemented few months ago. I feel like stepped back one hundred years, and enjoying the real taste of spring rolls in the evening night market.

It's great that most Laos people understand the Thai language, so my broken Thai is still useful around the town. Wandering around I found myself in a monk school. A young monk, Sou, speaks commendable English. He showed me around the school and his dormitory and asked me a lot of question about Buddhism in Tibet and China. I wish I have enough knowledge to satisfy his curiosity...

I am in the poorest country in South East Asia. But the humbleness and honesty of the Laos people enlighten me. Now I truly understand being poor is not equivalent of dirtiness. In fact everything are clean and tidy. It is definitely miles ahead of China even though it is so undeveloped.


The morning of Mekong River. The river separates two countries. I am on the Thailand side looking at the Laos side.


The border checkpoint at Chiang Kong




Two days was spent on the boat, so finding the best resting position is VERY IMPORTANT.


Sun set at the village of Pakbeng


The village of Park Ou, famous for the striking limestone cliff


The Budda Cave near the Pak Ou village



The township of Luang Prabang











Night market outside the Golden Palace.




Monk school residence