"tampa_shawn's new Laos Page" a Laos Travel Page by tampa_shawn

I hired a private guide from Chaig Rai to go into Laos. When I was there the US travel warning were pretty harsh so was unable to find any other tourist willing to go with me and split the cost. I decided to go anyway.

Here I am by the border

After hearing all the stories about how dangerous Laos was for an American to visit, I was a bit apprehensive.

When my guide told me I needed to wear a "Safety Vest" to "enter the country" I panicked....."I am NOT going anywhere that I need to wear a bullet proof vest!!!!!!!!"

I later realized there was a translation problem. I needed to wear a floatation vest for the boat ride over!!

Here I am in my "safety vest" ;)

Of course, I found that Laos was safe and the people there were wonderful...no reason at all to panic

My favorite part of visiting Laos was meeting the ancient hill tribe people. Various hill tribes live in the Golden Triangle Region.

I am standing on Thai Soil here in the Golden Traingle, Laos is to the right, Mirmar to my left. The muddy river separates the three counties.

The golden triangle is famous for the Opium and Jade trade.