It might sound odd, but after months of exploring the Himalayan paradise, arriving in Vietnam felt more like a chore than a reward. It’s hard to explain, but I just lost the drive to snap photos and keep moving.

That’s when he entered the picture - a much-needed friend I met a year ago. As soon as I crossed the border at Lao Bao, time seemed to slow down, and everything started to feel authentic again.

Laos reignited a love story - between me and my camera. Things got so intense that I almost forgot about the camera. Poor thing took a hit from a pétanque ball as I arrived in Savannakhet.

- ປະເທດລາວ, Oct '23