COUNTRIES

After crossing the border from Vietnam, the road was closed because of roadworks

Nobody's in a hurry in Laos. Driver took a nap even after the road was open

We arrived in Muang Khua and crossed the river by this long boat on the left

Taxis were waiting to take people to the bus station outside of town

There was only one bus, leaving when full. I mean, really FULL

Locals enjoying a game of Pétanque in Muang Khua

It was a bit cold and these people where sitting around fire outside of the shop

Main road towards China. There was an accident and we got stuck

It turned out to be a minor accident, but the road was blocked for a long time

After smoking this, obviously they were very happy :)

Village transport in Laos

Vieng Phukha. In late afternoon, locals come to the river to wash

Next day we started our 4-day trek to visit Akha hill tribe people living in mountain villages

We followed a jungle path all day, crossing many streams

Akha people walk very fast. Here they prepared bamboo cups for drinking water

Sometimes views of surrounding mountains opened up

Wild-growing banana plants (they are not trees). It's fruit is too small to be eaten

The path goes up and down many times, fortunately in the shade of the trees

Bananas are native to tropical Southeast Asia

Akha people collected fire wood in baskets

Nam Hi, our first village. We arrived very tired in late afternoon

Main square emptied as soon as we showed up, only a few children were watching from distance

Vongsay, our guide (compulsory) cooking in the kitchen. We stayed in the Chief's house

Chief with his family. He wanted only his sons in the photo