Houses along the river tucked between palm trees and people in boats on the river.

Travel

Photo story: where temples and rice paddies meet the mighty Mekong River in Laos

Journey along the Mekong River through southern Laos, from the region's highest point on the Bolaven Plateau down to its lowest, the idyllic 4,000 Islands. Discover ancient Buddhist temples, rice paddies and spectacular waterfalls, and see how life is shaped by the 'Mother River'.

A fisherman travels along the Mekong River in Si Phan Don (meaning '4,000 islands'), close to the border with Cambodia in southern Laos. The area is known for its traditional, laid-back way of life.

Story and photographs byRichard James Taylor

Published May 23, 2023

• 6 min read

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

The sleepy riverside city of Pakse is the starting point for any journey along the Mekong in southern Laos. Sitting high above the town is Wat Phou Salao, an impossibly picturesque hilltop temple dedicated to the life-giving river that meanders through the valley below.