Bolikhamxay

The Bolikhamxay province is to the East of Vientiane, and a large area runs along the banks of the Mekong River. The main highway runs beside the Mekong too, running to the South of the country, and the road forms the southern boundary of the province for a long distance. Fish is prepared and sold at different places along the road – fished from the Mekong River and its tributaries. The water in this tributaries is considerably different in colour to the yellow water of the Mekong – this is very noticeable at the points where they flow into the Mekong. Two National Parks in the province offer different kinds of eco-tourism trips.

This ancient temple complex with a 36-meter stupa is located on the banks of the Mekong River in a quiet place full of legends and myths. Inside the temple is a revered golden shell, which is a trace of Buddha. The temple is also interesting for its many sculptural images of Buddha made of various materials: gold, bronze, copper and other metals. On some of them there are inscriptions in Sanskrit, which speaks of their antiquity. Those traveling along these roads should definitely, at least for a short while, stop at this place.

While making a short stop at the famous monastery of Buddha’s Footprint, we noticed with sadness that they were stripping away the old brickwork fencing around the temple... and replacing it with reinforced concrete. 

Laos’s Buddhist shrines are kept in good condition. Building work is done by professionals – the monks help. The monks also help keep the temples and shrines clean, and contribute to their decorative content. 

Boat racing contests – held in honour of the river-spirits or crop-spirits – are held all over Laos in September or October. The teams start training a few weeks before the contests begin. The largest contest is held in October in Bolikhamxay province, at the San River – it attracts competitors and spectators from many miles around, and is accompanied by markets and a local festival. 

Fish makes up a major source of food – as in so many Asian countries. Although there are no sea fish, the river fish make up the gap. There are two types of fishing – catching fish from rivers and lakes, and fishfarming in artificial lakes.