Laos

Laos. One of my "not much expectation" destinations. It turned out to be my favorite country in Southeast Asia.

This is also the place where I started going more toward people, walking into random villages, meeting families who always welcomed me with the warmest smiles. It was the first time I saw Buddhist monks and joined their morning alms ceremony. I also had the chance to be there during the Hmong New Year, and was invited to join the celebrations and photograph their stunning traditional costumes.

And whenever I had the opportunity, I would never miss a sunset on the Mekong River. The colors were always breathtaking, and the peacefulness of standing there, watching the light slowly fade, is something I still carry with me.