The Waterways of Laos

There are three bamboo bridges taken down and rebuilt annually according to the rains. They serve as a pedestrian crossing the Nam Ou River.

2000 to 10000 kip to cross depending on which bamboo bridge

This rivers continue to thrive. Raw water runoff flows to it from Luang Prabang and nearby provinces. The runoff courses beside stone walkways built over 100 years ago and sudsy bubbles gather in creeks and streams that feed it. Across Laos illegal and legal mining, deforestation and increased sediment threatens its over all health. The Laotian people depend on this water source for thier very livelyhoods and it absorbs a lot of abuse. I am in awe of the natural system’s resilience. These rivers serve the country as its bathtub, washing machine and at times septic. Yet, fish, plants and wildlife still continue to live and feed the people. Despite being the wash basin for millions, these rivers do not smell putrid or run thick with algae or garbage. I do wonder about the large number of dams built and being constructed. How will these disruptions affect the river’s ability to self regulate? I imagine even these impressive water ways will be pushed beyond their limits.

The above bridge is used by motorbikes in the center lane, the outside for pedestrians. Twenty years ago, when I crossed this bridge on foot, only bicycles passed by. Most people were on foot and we all used the center lane.