Welcome to The Adventures of Nguyen

Welcome Travelling Thailand   China   Cambodia Laos Vientian & Van Vien Luang Prapang Colombia

Period: Fall 1999

Laos

Laos, a very peaceful and untouched country. The standard of living is very low and Laos rates among the least developed countries in the world. By that reason the country gives you the opportunity to experience the uncivilised part of the world. In Laos, you see people living by the river in small bamboo huts, using the river as an essential part of their everyday life. In Laos, my travel partners and I, had a long discussion about tourism and how this changes a country. When looking at Thailand there is no doubt, the tourist industry has changed the country a lot. Has the change been good or a bad for Thailand? In some peoples opinion, the changes has been devastating, look at the beaches in the south of Thailand, getting more and more polluted and unclean, the coral reefs dying as an effect of the treatment of the many tourists. What about the many Karen tribes in the North and North West of Thailand, have they lost their identity? When arriving to the tribes, you are met by kids, what you see is not the way they live, but instead how they beg and want you to buy some of their stuff. Who learned them this? The travellers, the tourists, of course! On the other hand, the tourists give the local people an opportunity to reach a higher standard of living, in addition to this, give them the opportunity to get out of their poor life, which is a good effect. The reason for this debate is caused by the talk among many backpackers about always reaching something new, something other people havenīt experienced, the wish to go to the best and less visited places on this planet. Therefor backpackers tend to blame the many Japanese or American group-luxury-tourists, who come in their big jeeps or busses, making a lot of noise and spending a lot of money. These tourists, are blamed for devastating and ruining attractions as the above mentioned. They only think about getting the best shot, which they can show for their family or friends. Is it fair only to accuse the group-luxury-tourists for doing these things? In my opinion, NO!! I think all of us is a big part of it, some people in a better sense than others. The backpackers are in general more concerned about the local environment than the other tourist group. Though, there are still foreigners penetrating areas, which in the long run has an effect on the local environment. My message is, that all of us is a part of it, changing the local environment. It is difficult to blame others more than you. All of us, should think about our acts and behaviour, when entering a new country or area, and not only blaming other people for changing the things you want to see. You might as well change the environment for the next group of people reaching the area you just visited! Laos is very primitive and quite behind in everything compared to other countries. The country is beautiful and has a lot of things to offer. The French influence is clearly seen in the food and in the beautiful architecture of the country mainly in Vientiane and Luang Prapang. The atmosphere is very relaxed, quiet and harmless. You will find unspoiled areas and the country is not yet filled with tourists and postcard sellers.

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