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| Mustard greens, an indispensable specialty at the Lao border market |
About 20km from Nam Can border gate (Ky Son), we went through steep and winding roads to reach Noong Het (Xieng Khong province of Laos). Suddenly remembering, around a cup of warm wine in the cold of the end of the year in Vinh city among the press with Mr. Bo Keo, Secretary of the Special Working Group (Laos Ministry of Labor), Mr. Pu Khau - Deputy Director of the Vietnam - Laos Economic Cooperation Department, we heard the explanation that Noong Het has the ancient name Noong Het, meaning rhinoceros pool. The old story says that this land was the place where the "grandfathers" rhinoceros, giant and mysterious animals have now almost entered the subconscious. So we have the chance to touch the ancient land, surrounded by many legends in the land at the head of the neighboring country. Laos appears close in the eyes of those who go against the border at the end of the year. Here, it seemed that Spring came early on the plum branches blooming with pure white flowers beside the gray wooden fences, next to the low, time-darkened roofs. Spring was also present in the colorful dresses and the gentle music coming from the small cassettes of Lao boys and girls in the con throwing party by the roadside, where our car passed. The landscape of Lan Xang country was as peaceful as the deep blue sky. Noong Het town was also peaceful and gentle.
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| Lao women go to the border market at Nam Can border gate | Throwing love ball on the roadside to Noong Het |
Photo reportage by Tran Hai
