Laos

Laos, the 'Land of the million elephants', as it used to be called, is most certainly the most relaxed and laid-back country in South-East Asia. Not without reason many of the travellers who come here found what they had missed in its neighbours. It conserved the charme of the 'original' Asia, before the economical race began.

The Pha That Luang is the national symbol of the Laos nation. Its golden four-sided spire is said to symbolise the growth of a lotus.

The surrounding monestaries are vivid places full of young novices, who like to approach foreigners: Excuse me, may I talk English with you?

In this fantasy garden one will find statues of  all kinds of creatures and gods of any Asian religion, and a few ones nobody has ever heard about.

Luang Prabang, the ancient capital, with its abundance of historic tempels full of monks.

The old city might appear forgotten from the world, but all ornaments on the tempels are in excellent condition.

In the spring the Mekong river is low on water. To have dinner in one of the restaurants that stand on wooden sticks on the river's steep shore, and to watch the sun going down, was without doubt one of the most enchanting moments in my life.

After playing soccer in the mud, the kids enjoy to cool down in the water.

With some hired bikes out in the paddy  fields. Time seem to stand still here.

A small village in the hills.

Even all the burden they carried did not hinder this family to great us with all their courteousy.

The final (water-)curtain: This magical sight was the turning point of our trip. We then  had to return to were we came from. It was hard to leave.