Smiles of Laos is a two part photo essay showcasing the lovely people of Laos in both posed and candid portraits. The following photos are from the capital city of Vientiane and the cultural hub Luang Prabang. The Laos people are possibly the most gentile and laid back in all of South East Asia. The pace of life just slows right down when you cross the border from neighbouring countries Vietnam and Thailand. It’s a place I never get tired of visiting. Enjoy the smiling faces travel photos below:
These two young monks share a laugh as they walk down a quiet street in Luang Prabang, Laos.
These cute children enjoy a moment of play together as they smile and laugh out loud – Luang Prabang, Laos.
A friendly Laos vendor at the night market in Luang Prabang, Laos.
A cute family portrait is slightly off kilter by the motorbike this is zooming on past.
Some Laos ladies stare at a photography and giggle together.
This is one of my favourite photos. As the night market was about to close these two vendors sat together and shared some music on their mp3 player.
A cute Laos child plays in the school yard.
A Laos vendor smiles during a transaction with her customer.
These two laugh hysterically as they shake the alms they are about to present to the monks.
A Laos lady with a bit of a lonely smile sits patiently waiting for a customer at the night market.
These two smiles in anticipation of the Alms giving.
A young friendly vendor with a genuine smile.
This lady appears to be ecstatic over what is happening during the Alms Giving ceremony.
Two cute girls with very different facial expressions.
A lovely lady smiles with her baby on her back.
A group of ladies sit down and enjoy a smiling moment together.
Some Laos monks.
A smiling lady.
A smiling police officer.
A cute smiling pose from a happy couple.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
You totally need to turn this series into a book – “Smiles around the world.” Would be a great, oversized coffee table book. Think about it..
Phil recently posted..How to Prevent and Treat Dengue Fever
Phil, I’d love to do that! I’ve self published a few books for gifts but would love to expand it to something like you suggested
A lot of these smiles have such a genuine and truth to them. These photos are all beautiful.
Kita recently posted..Cherry Coke Float Cupcakes
Thanks Kita, I really appreciate you saying that. It’s a very cool country to visit.
The fourth photo is my favorite
I agree with Phil, you can make a coffee table book out of this series or maybe an e-book will do too. 
No statue or stuffed toy this time LOL
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Life of a Hopeless Romantic Virtual Assistant
Thanks Mica! I’ll try to sneak in more inanimate objects next time
When I make my coffee table book you’ll get an autographed copy 
I like the little girl with the black teeth. She reminds me of when I was a little girl with my silver teeth that I loved to show off to everyone. Very cute photos. And, I agree… this should be a series.
Sherry recently posted..“Seabrook: Oasis at the Edge of the Rainforest”
Thanks Sherry! I’d love to turn it into a series. I have plans for more galleries
More great shots mate. Love your work.
Incidentally, I really need to take more photos when I travel :-p
Chris recently posted..Guest Post: Waking Up in Belfast
Thanks!
Great photo portraits! This reminds me of my visit to Laos during my RTW trip. Overall, the people were very friendly and helpful.
Leslie recently posted..Madonna, cone bras and sailors: Review of Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit at Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (photos)
Leslie, I agree with you about the people – very generous, kind and helpful
Such warmth and cheer in their smiles! Perfect post to start this beautiful day of mine
Arti recently posted..In Honour of Bapu, The Father of The Nation – Mahatma Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
Thanks Arti, it’s been a fun series to make
Stunning photos! I love the colors!
JoAnna recently posted..Here’s a Question for You: Week 39
Thanks JoAnna!
Great collection of candids. I like this series on smiles. Lot of misery in some of these places, but not in these peope (at least in that moment).
Kris Koeller recently posted..Daily Photo: The Louvre at Sunset
Kris, that’s very true. Some countries where I would expect people to possibly be dreary are in fact the opposite.
Great photos. I loved Laos for that, people were so friendly and smiling a lot.
Jarmo @ Arctic Nomad recently posted..A Cautionary Tale: How 6h Bus Ride Can Take 30h in Laos
Jarmo, that’s definitely true! The people are very warm and accommodating.
Fantastic, don’t know how I missed this, but luckily A Dangerous Business sent me here. I’m a pretty new blogger too, and and amazed by your success. Congratulations.
Remember to keep having fun!
Nancy
NLM recently posted..Baby Got Back
Thanks Nancy, I’ve been enjoying blogging even though it is a lot of work at times. Best wishes with your blog as well!
Thanks for putting this series together. Such pleasant, wordless moments.
twoOregonians recently posted..Traveling Couples’ {Digital} Dinner Party – October 2011
Thank you, really appreciate you saying that
I have just started working in Laos, and I can say the people are fantastic. All smiles and they are always relaxed.
Of course, this can also make it mind-bogglingly frustrating to get things done, but their moods are contagious.
Great series of posts, keep it up!
Even though I’ve “stumbled upon” this one before, it was just as good the second time. Maybe I should just bookmark it and start EVERY day with a smile. Thank you!
NLM recently posted..Sibling Rivalry? Us?
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