A few pictures from our brief visit to Laos. We were told it would be like Thailand "twenty years ago" and I think that was apt. A little more relaxed than Thailand, but also more expensive.

Patuxai, an Arc de Triomphe replica, in the capital city of Vientiane. Also referred to as the "vertical runway" because it was wholly built with cement donated by the US for the purpose of building a new airport.

A carved wooden guardian on the second floor of a six story pagoda we climbed to get an overview of the capital city.

The view from atop Phu Si in Luang Prabang, looking due East.

Sabbath Buddha, as designated by the seven naga looking over his shoulders, found on the slopes of Phu Si in Luang Prabang.

Sunset during our overnight stay in Pak Beng village as part of the Mekong river slow boat trip (boats pictured).