Pak Beng
Trip Start
Feb 17, 2007
1
25
57
Trip End
Sep 06, 2008
Pak Beng,
Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Greetings from Laos. The only land-locked country in SE Asia.
The height of the Lao kingdom was between the 15th and 17th centuries. The same time the Thais were establishing themselves southwest. Of all the countries in the region, Laos and Thailand are the most similar. Their languages compare similarly to Spanish-Italian. Some travelers to Bangkok may have seen the famed Emerald Buddha. It's a two-foot statue, cloaked in gold, found inside Wat Phra Kaew of the Royal Palace. 300 years ago, the Emerald Buddha was housed in Vientiane, the modern capital of Laos.
Northern Laos is very mountainous. With an average altitude of 700 meters above sea level, it has one of the more pleasing climates in the region. It is mineral-rich with deposits of gold, zinc, iron, coal and more. Laos' largest natural resource is hydro-electric power from the Mekong River. It sells electricity to its more populous neighbors Thailand and Vietnam.
The Mighty Mekong originates up in Tibet. It starts as just a little creek. By the time it reaches Laos, it has a strong current and measures up to 300 meters across. The Mekong eventually travels 4,500 meters through 7 countries when it reaches the Vietnam delta.
The main tourist destination in northern Laos is Luang Prabang. It is a charming city most easily accessed by plane. Another route is by boat down the Mekong River. For those who have the time, it is a relaxing trip. And a great introduction to two features of Lao culture - peaceful and slow. Ideal for those who want a break from the fast pace of western culture.
Welcome to 'Lao Time.' Where restaurants take an hour to serve meals. And things happen whenever they happen. Sometimes my passengers comment, "I wish I had come here before it became discovered." My response - "go to Laos."
Pak Beng is one of several tiny villages in northern Laos. It is located on the Mekong River, midway between the border of Thailand and Luang Prabang. An ideal stop for tourists going
both directions.
Most of Pak Beng's commerce today is the collection of hotels and restaurants catering to the overnight boat travelers. So some of its cultural beauty is disappearing. However, it does provide a springboard to more remote villages.
The Laos People's Democratic Republic recognizes over 160 different ethnic groups. On my last tour through Pak Beng, our boat randomly stopped at a couple of villages. All my passengers loved it. It's the kind of experience you can't list in an itinerary. I have personally visited about 20 countries. Of those, the people in Laos are probably the most kind.
Eric
