My first visit to Laos was in the summer of 2012, whereby I spent 2 weeks in the northern region. I immensely enjoyed every day of that trip: from multi-day hikes through soft, rolling, lush hills, to wandering on a rented bike and stumbling upon local carnivals, street food, and grand temples in construction, to taking long-tail boats across the Mekong River and befriending local strangers who would later show me awe-inspiring empty caves.
Three years later, I was fortunate to return to Laos. This time, I visited the Central and Southern regions: Thakhek, Pakse, and the 4,000 Islands. During three weeks, with the help of public buses and a rented motorbike, I saw, experienced, and ate as much as I could. I’m particularly grateful for the fact that wifi, cell service, and Google Maps weren’t available at the time, which made navigation and travel more challenging and fun.
Laos remains one of my favorite places in the world. Here, in chronological order, are the photos I took.