Bamboo along the Nam Khan, outside of Luang Prabang. For an insider's look, see the next photo.

The Mekong, outside of Luang Prabang. As you ride up the river, among the heavily forested shores you glimpse hints of small villages like this one. Many of those away from the towns and cities belong to hill tribes like the Hmong. Most of central and northern Laos is verdant hills and mountains. Get a tour of Chom Phet, the village below, by clicking HERE.

I'm not sure, but the name of this village may be Phaa Hen; it's at the juncture of the Nam Ou and Mekong rivers, by the Pak Ou caves. Click HERE for a tour.

This is at the junction of the Ou and Mekong rivers, where the caves with hundreds of Buddha statues are, and around 15 kilometers south of the Hmong village shown in other photos. So rainy and dark, should have scanned a post card!

Another scene along the Mekong, north of Luang Prabang.

From the Mekong.

Hmong village, about 40 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, on the Mekong. For a closer look, click HERE.