Houayxay is the Laotian port of entry for travelers coming from Chiang Rai, Thailand. Once we get in, we'll head downstream on the Mekong.
A simple ferry crosses the great river from Chiang Khong on the Thai side. The immigration office is a block uphill from the landing on the Laotian side.
Looking the other way. The tallest white building, with the satellite dish, is a hotel.
The Wat Jawn Khao looks down on the street. The stairs are flanked by rippling nagas, mythical serpents.
At the bottom of the stairs, the serpents are fed.
So are the monks who come down the long flight.
The temple itself.
Nearby drums, protected from the rain.
The path up the back side of the hill is less formal.
Roadcuts reveal hard laterite.
From the top of a nearby hill one sees Thailand, the Mekong, and the roofs of Houayxay.
So did French eyes 50 years ago, when they were stationed at Fort Carnot, atop the hill.
Sharp eyes may detect the word "honneur" near the top.
