November 23rd, 2010 — 5:04pm
Thailand’s annual Loy Kratong festival was held on Sunday, the night of November’s full moon. I did hope to spend an evening enjoying the atmosphere and getting dozens of shots but I wasn’t really in the mood for it. I ended up with just a few – enough to get me out of trouble. During the
November 21st, 2010 — 1:33pm
Whenever I am travelling in Laos, or any country in Asia for that matter, my morning ritual is a leisurely stroll around a fresh market chatting to the ladies selling produce, grazing on a couple of local snacks, and taking pictures. Up north, markets are particularly colourful due to the presence of many different ethnic
November 21st, 2010 — 12:54pm
The provincial capital of Oudomxai is overlooked by visitors to Laos. Most stop here for one night or simply pass through on the way from Luang Prabang to Luang Nam Tha. I’ve stayed here on several occasions now and always enjoyed it. Stay well away from the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the guide books and
November 19th, 2010 — 9:26am
I’ve been a regular visitor to Laos for well over a decade. One thing that becomes immediately evident, even to the first time visitor, is that for so many people the Mekong is the lifeblood of the country. For much of its journey from north to south, the mighty river forms a border, first between
November 18th, 2010 — 6:23pm
In northern Laos, Luang Nam Tha and Oudomxai provinces are home to one of the country’s smaller minority groups, the Lanten. One Lanten lady told me there were 21 villages in the valleys of the north. I have a special affection for Lanten. They are a friendly group of people, although understandably a
November 17th, 2010 — 6:27pm
For adventurous travelers, one of the best ways to explore Laos is by motorcycle. For the past four years I’ve been taking a trip in November when the cool season arrives, and in February before it starts heating up again. The country is home to deserted sealed roads winding through dramatic terrain and dense forests.
November 17th, 2010 — 4:52pm
I’ve recently returned from the last of my biannual blasts around Laos on dirt bikes with my brother and a friend – ten days of hardcore off-road adventure in the far north of this stunningly beautiful land-locked country. The trip began with a night in Luang Prabang, planning the route over plenty of iced Beer
