Fish can, amazingly, negotiate their way up the falls during annual migrations, but boats cannot. Six Frenchmen of the intrepid Francis Garnier expedition hoped to use the Mekong as a profitable trade route to China. They had their dream dashed when the reached the falls in 1866. Children play in coconut groves, fishermen ply the waters in little skiffs, women in sarongs gather at sunset to bathe in the river. A few French colonial buildings survive, including a hospital converted to a charming hostelry, the Auberge Sala Done Khone.
Legends abound about the endearing dolphins, their rounded faces set in what seems like a smile.
They want them to be there for their children. Hotels and food are cheap in Laos. The language is Laotian. Light cotton clothes, a sunhat, sunglasses, sunblock and walking shoes. We welcome your feedback.