New Day, New Country

From Siem Reap, Cambodia we took a 14 hour daytime bus ride to the Laos border and the town of Paske.

Imediately after crossing border Laos (or Lao and locals seem to refer to it) seems slightly more prosperous and prices are higher. Perhaps higher due to stronger currency.

Laos is a closer ally to China with considerable joint border and it shows in more Chinese influence.  More Viet Nam banks, more Chinese goods and numerous red flags with a yellow hammer and sickle hung on businesses and homes.  Still less police presence observable by us (compared to USA) but some must be present.  Lots of army uniforms walking around with no noticeable job to do.

After the night in Paske, them a small town 30 km away where Denyse visited an unrestored temple/shrine next day was short bus trip to the area known as 4000 island.

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