LAOS IS THE LAST INDO-CHINESE "DIAMOND" IN MY BACKYARD

I was in Laos in Nov last year. Arriving in Luang Prabang (LP), I saw a wedding photo shoot in Wat Xieng Thong, the most prestigious temple there. The couple was dressed to look like royals. LP was the capital of the Lane Xiang Kingdom and has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is located at the confluence of the Lam Khan and Mekong Rivers.

UNESCO requires that all new buildings to be erected have to follow architectural guidelines and design of the hitherto existing buildings to preserve its status. This house has complied with that requirement. The owner should be a person of means.

He was busy photographing the monk and novices and I him.

Bamboo toll bridge across the river leading to a restaurant on the other bank.

Artist hard at work with three admirers.

This modern building housing a restaurant is also compliant to architectural requirements.

Most visitors to LP will end up in the night market which sells many things, from cooked food to clothing.

LP at night. This end of the street has all the shops that cater to needs of visitors. The people from the higher ends will lodge in another segment with expensive hotels and restaurants.

A LP tuk tuk with dazzling colours.

Cruising down the Mekong to visit Pak Ou Caves. Everyone is hale and hearty in anticipation of the sights to behold.

In preparation for more Chinese investment and influence. The bridge is constructed by the Chinese to link Vientiane to China. Update: Construction of the bridge has been completed and it carries a rail link with a bullet train running from Kunming, China, to Vientiane, Laos and vice versa.

On the way, we stopped at Ban Xiang Hai to witness the production of rice wine and to taste it. Our guide, Tou, explains the process and types. See a few bottles with cobras in them? 

From Ban Xiang Hai, a view upriver.

Across from the caves, this hill looks like its composed of limestone.

A steep staircase up to the cave that is open.

Hundreds of statues of Buddha or other deities are placed in the cave by villagers over the years. Some 200 m away is another cave which is connected to this one that is open. I wonder what my friend, David, is shooting from up there.