Hoi-an, Vietnam

This is Hoi-an in Vietnam, see BACK TO CHIANG MAI - Hoi-an. It is a pretty little place which I hope comes across in these pictures. It was absolutely baking hot for the few days I spent there.

Saying Farewell

This is me, Ed and Steff at a restaurant in Don Khone on their last night before travelling on, see BACK TO CHIANG MAI - 4000 Islands. Ed is from Derbyshire and Steff from London. They met at Sheffield University and have been travelling together for around 4 months - nice couple.

Raging Waters

In Don Khone, the Mekong River at one point becomes raging rapids that cover an entire area. Every crack and crevasse has water rushing and raging through it and the noise must reach the same decibel level as a Pink Floyd concert. It is a tremendous sight and enhanced further by it being the aftermath of the rainy season. The volume of water is greatly increased. These pictures cannot due full justice to the experience, but hopefully you get an impression.

4000 Islands

Typical dwellings found in Don Khone on the 4000 Islands, Laos - notice the colour of the Mekong River and the satellite dish.

Wedding

These are 2 pictures of the wedding in Don Khone , 4000 islands, Laos, see BACK IN CHIANG MAI - 4000 Islands. The bride and groom are on the right in the top picture - the groom is wearing a shirt and tie and the bride wore traditional costume - didn't quite fit together. The music that blared from the poor quality speakers in the background could be heard for miles around which is OK except the sound was very distorted and had no clarity at all. As this was an island there was no escape.

A Great Day's Trekking

Pictures from the trek - see text BACK IN CHIANG MAI - trekking. 1st picture is me on top of the volcano. Next is me and the local guide somewhere in the jungle. 3rd, me again during the lunch break checking out the ants, the quiet, except for the chirrup of the chickada and the heat (it was in excess of 40 degrees celsius. The 4th picture is of the 2 guides scraping the resin from the Yang tree and the last is just one variety of mushroom to be found in that forest. This was a great day. Do check out the text.

Ban Khiet Ngong

About 1km from the Kingfisher Lodge is the village of Ban Khiet Ngong and these are some of the villagers. The kids from a very early age help with the family business. The 2 girls weaving are between 6 and 9 years old. Try getting some of the spoiled brats in the west to help in the same way. The guy in the photo is the non english speaking local who was the guide on the trek - see text under BACK TO CHIANG MAI - trekking