Among my hundreds of photos from a trip I seem to have relatively few of people. I still can’t get over that discomfort of asking someone for a photo, even when they seem happy about it, and often stand back when others are clicking away.
As a result there are a number of people we met along the way who I wish I’d captured in a photo: the lovely lady who single-handedly ran the cafe in Nong Khiaw, the people we shared a long bus ride with and the many faces young and old who stopped to laugh at the strangers in their town.
There were however some moments in Laos where it seemed too easy to get a picture, and even as a reluctant photographer I was able to capture a willing subject. Here are just a few of those faces:
These pictures are great. Its inspiring to see such happy faces ๐
I am a 23 yr old woman planning to travel Laos for a week or two at the end of the year. Would you recommend travelling by myself or should i go with a tour? I dont mind travelling alone at all however I keep reading many conflicting views over the safety and ease of solo female travel. It would be great to hear your opinion.
Thanks
Emma
For Emma – I’m a solo female traveler. The first time I went to Laos (2002) I went with an Intrepid tour group, then I went back on my own. If you have experience traveling alone no reason you shouldn’t go to Laos alone, especially along the now well-worn Vientiane – Vang Vieng (skip if you don’t want to party) – Luang Prabang (magical) route.
Thanks Emma for visiting and posting here, and to Kathy for your great reply. We met a number of females travelling alone in Laos and Cambodia, and as Kathy has said there is a popular trail where you will be able to travel with others and by yourself as the mood takes you. Solo travel does offer some great personal experiences and I would highly recommend it. Laos is probably one of the safer places to do this. Sure, you need to be careful, but isn’t that true everywhere?
Let people know where you are and where you’re heading and follow the same common sense rules you would do at home. I hope you enjoy Laos whichever way you choose to see it ๐
Hi Kathy & Andy,
Thank you so much for your quick responses! I have travelled solo a few times but I’ve never been to South East Asia at all so just doing my research and you’ve been real helpful!! Thanks again
Emma
Wonderful photos. Such innocence and care free looks of the kids.
Thanks Yna ๐
great photos thank you for sharing
What a wonderful way to capture memories of a wonderful place.. the people! Thanks for sharing these.
Thanks for the compliment guys, you must have many more photos than me to share. But Laos was perhaps the easiest place I’ve ever visited to capture a smiling face ๐