SQUEEZED UPWARDS between Thailand, China and Burma, as well as a long border with Vietnam, Laos’ mountainous north has emerged as a destination for nature lovers, hikers, adventurers, or just those crossing between those countries.
The fabled temple town of Luand Prabang has apparently begun to suffer from its popularity. Viang Vieng is apparently over its reputation of debauched gap-yearists, and Luang Namtha was determined not to let tourism ruins its province and people.
There are numerous other destinations in this forested piece of earth, such as the mysterious Plain of Jars, and when BatFlu goes away, jump on a battered old bus, and see where you end up.
Twenty years ago, Luang Prabang, in the middle of Laos' northern mountains was a quite town with many beautiful buddhists wats.
In the last 20 years, the city has become crowded with tourists, many of whom jostle for positions as the monks make the morning alms.
A fisherman works the river with his daughter in the low or dry season.
On the Nam Khan river, Luang Prabang, kids ham it up for the camera.
8 hours by road north of Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha has carved out a reputation as a hiking and biking destination.
Rice fields on the edge of Luang Namtha. Town officials were working together with NGO to preserve the culture and environment of the area, and to make it a show piece for Laos tourism.
Trekking organisers and provincial officials are trying to strike a balance between tourism and culture, development and the environment.
Kids hanging out at a hillside stupa.
Mountain and village scenery on a Luang Namtha hike.
A girl checks the meagre contents of her net.
Mountains and rice fields in the scenic farmland around Luang Namtha. Cycling with an umbrella, can't be too easy.
Poor girls look so sad, with their basket of greens, but I did get them to smile in another shot.
On a guided hike around Luang Namtha, we saw many aspects of rural life, including the distilling of moonshine/rice wine, laos laos. Absolute firewater.
Rural village life like this attracts hikers to Luang Namtha.