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| Shop in Phonsavanh Market catering to the needs of traditional tribal outfits. They sure are colourful! |
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| A restaurant in Phonsavanh (extreme right of pic) run by a proprietress we fondly called "Mama" as she is super friendly. Her kitchen whipped up delicious inexpensive Lao food in the manner we desired. She also owns the cafe at the end of the row of shops. |
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| A museum in Phonsavanh with exhibits of weaponry and munitions used during the Vietnam and internal wars for the freedom of Laos from colonial rule. |
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| The other bank of the river (Mekong) is Thailand. |
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| The Laotian side of the Mekong spanned by the first Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge built with American funds.The Thai side is the province of Nong Khai. There are several other friendship bridges built to promote trade, communication and bi-lateral relationships. |
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| A Lao train crossing on the bridge to Thailand. Whenever a train comes, other traffic will be stopped to enable its crossing. |
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| Buddha Park in Vientiane viewed from a tower designed to represent Earth, Hell and Heaven. Vientiane meaning Valley of Sandalwood is also called Vien Chang and is the capital city of Laos. |
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| A huge reclining Buddha statue in the park.It's about 500 years old and many of the exhibits here are from India. |
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| This is an interesting restaurant set in a rice field where diners sit and eat in huts. Some diners are having lunch in the hut which is shuttered. Traditional Lao fare is served here. Come when the rice stalks are green or yellow and the feel will be totally different. |
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| Many varieties of mushrooms grow in the highlands, including the much sought-after Linzi type. |
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| Insects which are a crucial source of proteins for the common people. |
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| These may be mistaken for silkworms but they look like bamboo worms to me. |
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| Basket weaving is a thriving cottage industry. Bamboo is also widely available. |
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