Two thirds of Laotians are Buddhists. There are wats (Buddhist temples) on nearly every corner. The faithful bring decorative offerings like this when they visit wats:
These are made of banana leaves and decorated with marigolds, and sometimes also orchids, candles and incense sticks. This vendor has a prime shady spot to make and sell these, right on the grounds of Mount Phousi:
These vendors set up on the sidewalk outside. More traffic perhaps, but definitely less scenic:
Street food is everywhere. This one is at the entrance to the Kuang Si waterfalls. Note the industrial-strength skewers:
This one is on a side street in the capital, Vientiane. Note the two fly-repellers. They are small electric motors that spin a wire coat hanger with plastic sacks attached. The one on the left — its motor is hanging just above the rice cooker and its sacks are the blur just to the left of the cooker.
As with many places in hot climates, a large amount of commerce takes place after dark. The merchants typically start setting up their stalls just before sunset:
Food and drinks of all kinds are available. Fruit shakes are a common offering. Fresh fruits and ice, no dairy.
These are advertised as “Speakers for iPhone.” They are decorated lengths of bamboo, open at both ends with a slot in the middle for the phone.
Other tourist trinkets involve a bit more skill. This man has a stand in the park at the tip of the Luang Prabang promontory. He sells winged decorations (butterflies and birds) carved out of coconut shells.
