We visited three Hill Tribe peoples of Laos. The Hmong, the Khmu and the Lao. Each was unique, inviting and charming. The Hmong live in the highest hills, the Khmu in the mid hills and the Lao in the low hills.
Approaching Luang Prabang from my window seat on Lao Airlines. Hills and mountains of Laos.
A pineapple farm on the way to the Hilltribes. We ate lucious, fresh pineapple.
Hills and pineapples
Home of a Hmong tribe. The Hmong are descended from Mongolian nomads. They are industrious and known for living in the hills and highlands, with their homes built on bare earth in order to accommodate their livestock and protect themselves against the highland winds. The Hmong are renown as fierce fighters. The worked with the CIA during the Vietnam war.
Young Hmong girl
Hmong father and daughter
The Hmong were celebrating and in lavish costume
Hmong girls in full dress
Playing a courting game. The girls and boys toss balls to one another. Sometimes the girl picks up the ball, other times.....
Pensive Hmong girl in full regalia
A Khmu village. Khmu villages are normally quite poor and most do not have electricity. Khmu build their houses on two levels, with the main living area elevated on stilts.
Sorting peas
A dear little Khmu girl.
Taking care of little brother
Two by two
Striking a pose
Generations
A conversation
Boys--What can you say?
A Lao Hill Tribe Village. The Lao live in the lower hills and make their living from the river and low-lying agriculture. The are also lovely weavers.
Pretty school girl
This little one captured my heart and followed me everywhere.
Weaving in her home.
They weave in their homes. Scarves take weeks to make and sell for $5
She kept following me. We bonded :-)
Wonderfully happy, cared-for children
The cave of 2000 Buddha's
The ubiquitous Lao rooster who has no sense of time whatsoever.