Lao People's Democratic Republic

February 2009

the 'black chedi' in Vientiene

teak plantation during the dry season

Boris, of Tropical Forest Trust,
giving us a tour of a community teak plantation outside of Luang Prabang

pineapple fields

sawn teak log at nearby small factory

talking with the owner around a beautiful table

Jack Hurd, of The Nature Conservancy, and I in front of the old royal capatal

one of the many famous temple's around the city

riverbank gardening around Luang Prabang

riverside chill out spot

...and at night

pruning a massive tree, with a machete

can you see the guy sitting up there, no ropes, hacking away?...the branch is about 75% cut through at this point...

sunset cruise on the Mighty Mekong

Off to the Sayaburi Elephant Festival

hours of traffic to cross the Mekong ferry

but not for us motorbikes!

cars boarding the 15-car ferry

ELEPHANTS!! about 70 in all, marching to the river

a typical rural festival--lots of garbage, and snacks!

over the ferry once again..

and back in Luang Prabang

great restaurants along the Mekong

and beautiful guesthouses

river entrance to the Palace

the royal Lan Xang 'million elephants' emblem

view of the palace climbing up Phou Si