Bernhard Heiser Articles
Laos – Land of the Million Elephants (Pre-trip)Introduction
“Why Laos?”, I was asked many times before I left for my trip. As a friend of unconventional travel, good Asian food and warm climate, the decision was quickly made. Inspired by the beauty of northern Thailand some years ago, I decided to travel again to this region.
Laos is the least developed of [...]
Laos – Land of the Million Elephants #7Homeward Bound
Thursday, Dec 10 – Bus to Bangkok
From the guesthouse we have a nice view, overlooking the Burmese village on the other riverbank. My bus to Ching Rai leaves at 8am. Nuek takes me to the bus terminal, which is quite far out of town. I say goodbye to him and get on the bus. [...]
Luang Prabang
Wednesday, Dec 2 – Luang Prabang
Breakfast in the Luang Prabang Bakery with Udo and Gabi. Westerners usually converge here at this time of day, almost all tables are occupied. Ken comes along, when he could not find me at my guesthouse.
We decide to explore some places across the Mekong river today. At half past [...]
Laos – Land of the Million Elephants #3Luang Prabang
Monday, Nov 30 – Luang Prabang
In Luang Prabang, immigration is very strict when it comes to officially checking in and out of the province. So we first go to the immigration office to get the in-stamp in our passport and then have breakfast at the Khem Karn Food Garden. A beautiful garden restaurant with [...]
Political Situation
After the 1975 takeover, Laos is ruled by the communist LPRP. The national motto is Peace, Independence, Democracy, Unity and Prosperity.
Prime Minister Khamtay Siphandone is also Secretary-General of the Politburo, the Permanent Secretariat and the Central Committee, thus giving him the key role in Lao political affairs. He received political training in Hanoi, hence [...]
