Oasis of tranquillity before darkness falls

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Xekong or Sekong is a province of Laos, located in the south-east of the country. Xekong is among the most remote areas of Laos and it's rugged, wild and very scenic, but transportation is very difficult, especially by land in the rainy season. The eastern districts of Dakchung and Kaleum, in particular, are characterized by mostly mountainous terrain which is rugged and difficult to access. This isolation has meant that forest cover, biodiversity, and ethnic traditions have changed less in recent years than in other areas in Laos. However, the province has become much less isolated in recent years with the upgrading of a major road up from the Mekong valley. Remaining forest cover in Xekong Province is high. Much of the natural forest in Xekong has never been subject to commercial logging, but this is unfortunate changing. Xekong is ethnically diverse. Only about 3% of the population is ethnic Lao. The vast majority 97% come from one of at least 14 distinct ethnic minority groups. The province was heavily bombed during the last Indochina war. Remains of the bombs are still found along the former Ho Chi Minh trail.

Photo taken of the Xe Khong river at sunset running through the Dong Amphan National reserve. The Eastern border of Dong Amphan follows the international boundary with Vietnam. Dong Amphan covers 1,975 km2 and is located in the north-east of Attapeu Province. It is very remote and mounatinous. Access is mainly limited to dry season only although this can still be hazardous and time consuming. There are impassable rapids on the river approximately 35km from the Attapeu. A dirt road roughly follow this river. A network of well-established walking trails exists, interconnecting villages. Population density of 8 persons/km in the province. For us the world seems to stop here. The boy in his dugout canoe is paddling home before the darkness falls over the rain forest. For those searching for an oasis of peace and tranquility this is an idyllic spot for lovers of nature with its wild unspoiled natural beauty. Within the park, animals include elephants, grey-faced tit-babber, and the yellow-cheeked gibbon. You can wander around aimlessly and that is about it. Welcome to remote Southern Laos!

Sekong of Xekong is een provincie van Laos. Het ligt in het zuidoosten van het land. Het uiterste zuiden van Laos biedt ongeëvenaarde afgelegen districten en wordt langzaam ontwikkeld tot een uniek trekking gebied. Hoewel veel toeristen meteen doorrijden naar het verre zuiden is er in het midden en zuiden van Laos veel meer te zien en te ervaren - Wees dus niet te gehaast. Attapeu, Sekong en Salavan zijn allemaal de moeite waard om te bezoeken. We hebben overdag vanaf ons terras een prachtige kijk op het weelderige groen en modderige rivier Xe Khong in het zuiden van Laos. 's Avonds bij het restaurant genieten we van een kleurrijke zonsondergang en de rust op het indrukwekkende hoogland. Af en toe zien we een bootje langs varen. Leven in het regenwoud begint met zonsopkomst en eindigt na zonsonderdang. Aan de overkant lijkt de wereld te eindigen. Hier begint het Dong Amphan National park met een oppervlakte van 1,975 km2. Een park waar o.a. nog wilde olifanten voorkomen. Welkom in het verafgelegen Laos! Het leven gaat hier zeer gemoedelijk, zo rustig als de stroming van de modderige Xe Khong rivier. Je gemoedstoestand wordt al gauw één met deze prachtige en rustgevende omgeving. Een plek om gewoon tot rust te komen en te genieten van de ongerepte natuur.

Taken in: Laos / Xekong (show map)

Taken on: July 17, 2009

Tags:

Laos

Little boatman

Sekong

Sekong province

south-east of Laos

Natural forest

mountainous terrain

biodiversity

most remote areas of Laos

ethnic minority groups

Ho Chi Minh trail

Attapeu

Salavan

Muddy river

Rainy Season

rugged, wild and very scenic

Rainy monsoon

slow paced atmosphere

boys in the river

Standing in the river stream catching fish

Daily life in Laos

The Dong Amphan Forest Reserve

Sekong River

Adventure

Eco tourist

Boattrip from Sekong to Attapeu

Wild elephants

grey-faced tit-babber

gibbon.

Dong Amphan protected area

The giant Catfish

Sunset at the Sekong River

Sunset at the Xe Khong river

density of 8 persons/km

Unspoiled nature

Little skipper

Rainforest

Before the darkness falls

oasis of peace and tranquillity

No light pollution

Red sky

BRAVO

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Reserve area 1,975km2

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Dugout canoe

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Camera: Panasonic DMC-LX3, f/2.1, 1/80 sec, 5.9mm, ISO 100 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Panasonic DMC-LX3
Aperture:	f/2.1
Exposure Time:	0.013 sec (1/80)
Focal Length:	5.9mm
ISO:	100
Exposure Bias:	-0.66 EV
Flash:	Off, Did not fire
Exposure Program:	Program AE
Exposure Mode:	Auto
Metering Mode:	Multi-segment
White Balance:	Auto
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	sRGB
Software:	Paint Shop Pro Photo 12,01
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