Lao children Vientiane 1969

Children pose outside the Buddhist temple, contented and curious, without toys and modern amusements.

Planting rice, Vientiane 1969

Lao women working hard to transfer rice seedlings to the paddy fields. Lao people prefer glutinous rice to any other variety.

Samlor Driver Vientiane 1969

A friendly samlor (3-wheeled cycle taxi) driver poses for a photo in the street

Boys At Mekong River, Vientiane 1969

A small market by the river where coconuts can be seen piled for market

Lao National Radio Vientiane 1969

My VSO posting was to work at Lao National Radio in Vientiane 1969-70. Note our two project Land Rovers – one a lorry – parked outside.

Radio station Vientiane 1969

This sign says in Lao that it is the National Radio of the Royal Kingdom of Laos. After 1975 under the communist government this sign was modified.

Aerial view Vientiane 1969

Lao National Radio adjacent to the National Stadium in the centre of Vientiane

Fresco Vientiane 1969

Decorative fresco on wall of Lao National Radio denotes the artistic culture that abounds.

Fishing in Mekong, Vientiane 1969

The Mekong River is in flood and this woman takes the opportunity to fish in Lao style. Lao people love their fish, the small ones being dried and made into ‘pa dek’ a spicy fish paste to eat with their sticky rice.

Building levees Vientiane 1969

In August 1969 the Mekong was threatening to flood Vientiane as it was rising at an alarming rapid rate. Levees were built in haste.

Mekong vendor, Vientiane 1969

This vendor has a stall on the banks of the dried-up Mekong, selling tasty chicken roasted on her portable spit, together with fish sauce.

Siesta Time Vientiane 1969

The 3-wheeled pedal cycles (samlors) used to provide a vital taxi service in most towns, but it was hard work for the cyclists. It was therefore a welcome rest for them at midday.

Ox cart in Vientiane 1969

Ox carts were frequently seen in the streets of Vientiane in 1969, their giant wheels coping well with potholes.

That Luang Monks collecting 1969

Inside the stupa complex monks with bowls collect alms from the waiting women

Hmong Chief Vientiane 1969

Panya Touby Lyfoung was considered head of the Hmong in Laos and served in Lao government until 1975 when he was exiled.

Aerial view of Monument Vientiane 1969

This aerial view of the Monument at the top of Ave Lane Xang depicts its position opposite the Laos National Assembly (r). Known locally as the Annusaveri it used to be called ‘The Vertical Runway’ supposedly built of foreign aid cement.