Sometime described as the Vatican of Laos, That Luang is the holy place. The yearly festival held in its honour certainly is worth a detour!
The banks of the Mekong were lined with spectators watching the boat races. My favoriet were the monks that had come out to watch - brighly standing out in their orange.
I was lucky enought to ride with a boat racing team on the Mekong River in Laos near Vientiane. This team was practicing and I sat in the front with my cameras ready.
Boat Racing on the Mekong brings excitement and heartache. I watched from the coaches boat with the pink flag fell behind in the race.
This young rower on the Laos Boat Racing team was focused. I loved his cowboy hat and bandana, making him look like a Laoation Cowboy....and definitely a competitor.
Boat Racing team practicing at sunset on the Mekong River near Vientianne, Laos. I had the opportunitiy to ride in the coaches boat next to them as well as on the boat with them to photograph the live action.
Boat Racing practice on the Mekong Delta near Vientiane Laos. I was lucky enough to ride along in the coach's boat and photograph this action at dusk.
The coach stands and cheers his team in the face of a photo finish!
The team leaves after a long day of racing. They seemed quite happy riding in the 'team bus'...or maybe they were just happy to be done with a long day on the river!