With no glitzy malls or sparkling beaches to call its own like neighboring Thailand, and without the cache of traveling to Vietnam, Laos just might be one of the most underappreciated countries on what is known as the Banana Pancake Trail.
After my recent trip, though, I’m beginning to realize that Laos’ greatest resources are its land and its people. It felt strange to drive by long stretches of undeveloped land. How long that will last is a disheartening guessing game, most likely accelerated by its accession to the World Trade Organization in early February 2013. In the meantime, I’d like to share with you just a few photos of the beautifully gentle people of Laos.
Children of the Hmong minority villages
The Women of Laos
The Men of Laos
Lovely collection of an even lovelier people.
Dyanne@TravelnLass recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Remembering China of Old…
Thanks, Dyanne!
Were’s the Tries Really Hard Monk?
JR Riel recently posted..Days Go By – Hawaiian Kine English or “PIDGIN 101”
LOL. I must have missed him…
Beautiful! I only spent a short time in Laos and didn’t get to visit any hill tribes unfortunately. Next time!
Sarah Somewhere recently posted..Keeping Kids In School and Myself Sane
Thanks, Sarah. Seriously. I’m not a people person, but I was super impressed with the Lao people that I met!
Great portraits! I’m impressed with how many minorities you came across – we didn’t see a single one in Luang Prabang! Will just have to go back.
cosmoHallitan recently posted..Authentic Spanish Tapas at el Willy, Shanghai
Really? I can’t believe you didn’t see any while in LP! The surrounding areas are full of minority villages. Not necessarily authentic, but still!