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PHOTO STORY LAOS
A "MONSTER OF CONCRETE"
"At the northeastern end of LaneXang Ave rises a huge structure resembling the Arc de Triomphe. It is the Patuxay or Victory Gate of Vientiane, built 1962 (B.E.2065), but never complete due to the country's turbulent history. A sign on the Victory Gate tags it a "monster of concrete". The structure may be incomplete, however, it is ornately decorated in a fusion of European and Asian design.
WAT XIEN THONG
Built around 1560 the "Temple of the Golden City" is one of the most architecturally and historically significant Buddhist temples in Laos. Located in Luang Prabang, the former Royal capital, the temple played an important part in royal ceremonies and is the resting place of Lao Kings. Carved gilded wood doors and coloured glass mosaics depict scenes from Buddha's life, Lao legends and royal court life.
A LAO FOODIE AFFAIR
When we think of Asian food our culinary journey doesn't usually take us to Laos. This little known landlocked country is a foodies delight. Bordering Vietnam, China, Thailand and Cambodia and having a recent French history and even more recent Tamil migration, Laos food is a fusion of some of our favourite flavours with Laos own. Local produce, organically grown completes the recipe. If you thought 'sticky rice' was all Laotian food has on the menu then you couldn't be more wrong. Open the image to discover the eats on the streets of Laos.
DRAMATIC ART & DANCE IN LAOS
Dramatic art that fuses music, dance and theatre is the primary art form in Laos. The Khon is a drama ballet known for its elaborate masked costumes and graceful moves with poetic lyrics from the Indian epic Ramayana. Performances were once patronised by the King today dancers are still trained in the former Royal capital, Luang Prabang. Storytelling and modern theatre likewise draws on myths and legends from Laos and Indian culture and are often accompanied by music. Images below include the Royal Ballet Luang Prabang performing Prah-Lak Prah-Lam and The Vientiane Performing Arts Festival that brought acts from within Laos and neighboring countries including Cambodian circus performers.
ACROSS THE TOP
Journey across the north of Laos from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. Treks, homestays, farmwork, cooking, kayaking, cities, villages, temples, markets...and a lot of bumpy roads