Xe Pian protected area

We went to Xe Phian on the way back from Si Phan Don because it is one of only 2 places I have found in Laos which is advertised for its bird watching. There are supposedly trained guides and you can trek with elephants through jungle.

Well, the community project didn't have any trained guides when we were there and the elephants wouldn't keep still for bird watching and a half day trek was only in the forest for half an hour, though that half hour was pretty amazing.

But the punting on the wetlands were stunning and the guides charming even though it was a 6km walk to get to them in the dry season. And the punt was barely big enough for my bum and the end was made of turf.



























The children at the homestay did a cute dance.