My parents were missionaries in Lao from 1960 to 1975, and I spent my early childhood there. Until I was about 5 we lived on the Boloven plateau in Ban Nong Met and Houay Kong, and I remember well playing under the house. We had to move because of the war to Thakek after that, and my parents went out to villages all around the district. I love these videos of the big loop tour, it is really moving for me to see the area where my parents worked. As a child I did not get much chance to see this countryside because of the war, although a few times we did go out visiting villages and a few caves. I came across a recording a few years ago of music of the Khaen. I played it for my parents, and theirs eyes got big and they smiled at each other when “Lam Mahaxai” played. They heard it many times out in the villages! I noticed it as background music I think in one of Neenee’s videos and it made me smile. Love your channel!
I spent 9 years in Laos and did learn the language. Watching Tod's videos brings back a lot of memories. I left Laos 9 months after the Pathet Laos took over. Terry
The Big Loop Tour E19 was indeed epic. Harriet and I totally enjoyed it. You know Todd, a lot of misinformation is out there about Lao. It's great that you are there to set the record straight. Love the musical selection for this video. Perfect for this vlog. Thanks for taking us along this journey. Much appreciated. All the best my friend 👍👍 Jim and Harriet
@@costasworldofmusicmemories5792 Thank you Jim, Harriet. Yes, unfortunately most misinformation is from those who have never visited or left many many years ago. Laos is a very safe country by any standards.. anybody who has spent some time here will no doubt agree 😉 Take care guys 💚
What a absolutely fascinating day you have had! I love the fact that in all the villages there were people somehow related to Neenee. The landscape is just incredible and every village is different. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. God Bless you all 😀❤🙏
Yet another amazing production, Todd. The music set the mood perfectly once again. Wonderful drone filming and lovely countryside, visiting special places like the cave temple, and Nee Nee's family places. I'll be back to the UK on Saturday. Traveling from city to city, and town to town like I've done recently is in contrast to your precious countryside journeys. keep it up, and thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Thanks David.. be well mate, and hopefully we can enjoy another drink together again soon. Was a pleasure meeting you and very generous of you to help out with donations. Take care mate
Had to laugh at the Aussie word ' Servo '.. Took me alittle while to warm to your video, but once I did I was hooked..Me and my Thai teenage son plan to do a super big loop of Lao and Vietnam by motorbike early next year, and will travel some of the same route you took..looks fantanstic...love the black and white photos at the end of the video..
Thanks for Big Loop Tour E 19. Drone footage was beautiful and best of all, the black and white stills were amazingly interesting, and I was very happy to that you took so many. Like all the water in Lao, Big Loop Tour E 19 has sailed and Big Loop Tour E 20 is on the horizon. Thanks again, Todd.
Wonderful that Nee Nee is catching up with relatives and re -visiting where she came from as a young girl. The Aunt would of enjoyed the ride and visit to her brother too. Always beautiful,natural Laos scenery. 21 : 00 awesome village and water ways.I'm always fascinated with those huge big, old shady trees. Great video mate. Cheers .....Kenno
Another great video...I really like your still photography at the end of many of your videos (my girlfriend is from Tad Pha Suam Lao...(Pakse)...We live in Bangkok but she goes up to Mukdahan every month or two for border crossing.. ( I am a US serviceman retired in Thailand)...I first came to work in Thailand in 1972... Cheers
I Was due to fly Saigon to Vientiane today But got back to Sydney from Hua Hin only 2 x Months ago Due to money issues and probably a little to do with the alcohol poisoning’s I decided to postpone until May Not really in right mindset right now Been looking forward for it for ages But I think May-Aug will be better Escape the Australian winter and hopefully Vang Vieng will have picked up a little and hope not too many businesses there feeling the financial pinch Good luck Guys 👍
Lol.. Maybe your Mekongpearl would see it differently if she knew it's those little exchanges that make videos more interesting and therefore helps with revenue generated.. Yeah? or still no.. hahaha
Do your videos with a beautiful girl in the thumbnail get more views? She did give you a nice smile. Like the Beer crate step, it works. Thanks for introducing us to Neenee's extended family and friends. That bridge at 7:45 is so picturesque and a little bit scary. What beautiful country, forests, farm fields and mountains. Those dragon stairs are amazing. Another one for the bucket list.
Unfortunately there may be even less travelers to Laos from Australia after the methanol poisonings. There have been a significant number of cancellations, particularly from young women. Great to see the Government there taking steps to reduce the risks.
Todd somewhere down the track, you may be able to do a book with your stills and a small story for each visit etc etc. Not sure if sell your stills now? Yer i know a lot of "P-ss farting about" and is it worth it.
@@SteveSmith-zz4ih Maaate.. I'd love to do something like that with them, yeah.. but you nailed it. Just too much life getting in the way right now, and the editing takes up a huge hunk of that. Many have said to hire an editor, but they fail to see how much that would change the videos. From the story I'm telling, the music and to WHY I'm doing the videos to start with. Yeah.. I need a clone 😕
Laos new on line visa requirements, cash only must be paid at your home embassy, wait weeks until you can get an answer, will keep tourist and visa runners away.
Excuses moi Tod's mais depuis ce soir, j'ai tes videos traduites en français par IA?, je n'aime pas cette voie, je préfère ta voie celle de Nina et Néenée, pourtant je suis français et ne suis pas au top en anglais, surtout en autralien , comment faire ? merci
Thanks for the honest and open footage. Not for me. No thanks. Standards are just too low . Did you see the ladies around the 9 mins mark- sitting around and two feet from them a pile of freshly dropped manure .🥴
@@tbnc70 Im a real person too. It was a real pile of manure. Casually sitting that close to a pile of manure, then letting a kid into a hammock swing right next to it, like it doesn't matter, is too low a standard IMHO. Sometimes we cant see the wood for the trees.
@@Alexanda-mj5vd then I guess I appreciate people with "low standards" much more than others. 🤷🏻. I'm definitely a "low standard" person going by your honest opinion. I grew up around cows. I even eat them from time to time 😁
Hey smiling lady on the bike. If your leaving , can i come to ? 😂 Hey todd i have a recue pit bull pup whos now grown up now. She is like a young child and that is how i treat her. Maybe if Mina can see the dogs as small children not vicious animals it might leason her fear of dogs. Ofcourse their are dogs that are not safe but they let you know long before anything happens . Trust your sensors. Thoughs dogs looked happen and well socialized. Anyway love your channel.
I was born in laos and move out of laos in 1975. I always told you that laos is never safe. Especially for those are moving out, is not safe for them to visit. When I cross the mekong river I never look back and I promise to myself never return. Maybe watch from UA-cam a distance away.
Hello how are you? I have a question, and hoping to get some first hand advice from someone like yourself that truly knows... I'm from Texas, born and raised... traveling is deep in my blood, absolutely love it... I just turned 45 and inmy days I've been dang near all over the world... except southeast Asian... from the time I was around 10 I've been in love with the Asian culture... for the last 8 moths I've been saving and just sent off for my passport renewal... My plains are to stop in the Philippines and see a friend east of manila, then Vietnam, Cambodia and maybe Thailand... But I was really doing some research and looking Forward to visiting Laos, but I came across you text here... I'm a 45 yr old white male but looks like I'm Cuban, so I've been told... My question and advice from you is, do you think anyofthe places I've named are not safe for me to go? I will be solo, but I've done 80% of my traveling solo, so I'm not scared, but I'm not stupid either... I want to be wise about things also... Any feed back would be much appreciated... thank you for your time...
@Stickman7.9 hi im Bruce ( English name ) from pakse Laos. Again affected by sad truth reality. Warfare 1975..living with my folks. Parents overseas. Yes of course. My friend 😊😅 do research. Planning ahead prayer ❤😂 🙏 be wise. Do enjoy 😅😊 it's supposed to be much better with current lifestyle Yet please extra careful as per drinks 🍸 cocktails. Or and lovely lonely back country. With respect of local authority. I'm we are of similar heart ❤️ feeling. Wish desire to travel 🏝 🍔 🍺 🍜 👍 🚗 🚆 ✈️ .🎶 💃 🕺 or solo peace ✌️ 😅😊 enjoy 😉 sir. Kub jai . Cherrs Thank you. Bruce sm😊
I travelled 3 times in laos (last time was 3 weeks ago and after 3 times you see a lot of laos. I never was scared and it one of the most beautiful countries i saw especialy in the north@@Stickman7.9
@@Stickman7.9 your biggest dangers arise from a lack of competent emergency services (fire, ambulance, rescue), abuse of intoxicants (drugs & alcohol) and forgetting to bring your common sense. have medical insurance. avoid motorbikes, all drugs and any sketchy liquor. don’t argue with anyone. act and dress respectably and you will receive respect in return. enjoy!
My parents were missionaries in Lao from 1960 to 1975, and I spent my early childhood there. Until I was about 5 we lived on the Boloven plateau in Ban Nong Met and Houay Kong, and I remember well playing under the house. We had to move because of the war to Thakek after that, and my parents went out to villages all around the district. I love these videos of the big loop tour, it is really moving for me to see the area where my parents worked. As a child I did not get much chance to see this countryside because of the war, although a few times we did go out visiting villages and a few caves.
I came across a recording a few years ago of music of the Khaen. I played it for my parents, and theirs eyes got big and they smiled at each other when “Lam Mahaxai” played. They heard it many times out in the villages! I noticed it as background music I think in one of Neenee’s videos and it made me smile.
Love your channel!
I spent 9 years in Laos and did learn the language. Watching Tod's videos brings back a lot of memories. I left Laos 9 months after the Pathet Laos took over. Terry
The Big Loop Tour E19 was indeed epic. Harriet and I totally enjoyed it. You know Todd, a lot of misinformation is out there about Lao. It's great that you are there to set the record straight.
Love the musical selection for this video. Perfect for this vlog. Thanks for taking us along this journey. Much appreciated. All the best my friend 👍👍 Jim and Harriet
@@costasworldofmusicmemories5792 Thank you Jim, Harriet. Yes, unfortunately most misinformation is from those who have never visited or left many many years ago. Laos is a very safe country by any standards.. anybody who has spent some time here will no doubt agree 😉
Take care guys 💚
What a absolutely fascinating day you have had! I love the fact that in all the villages there were people somehow related to Neenee. The landscape is just incredible and every village is different. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. God Bless you all 😀❤🙏
" In her blood ' brought tears to my eyes :-)
I enjoyed also vlogging while exploring Laos. It is beautiful in terms of nature but had some wild experiences over there to be honest . Stay safe!
Love your videos! Absolutely beautiful country. Thank you so much for sharing.
@@CynthiaNordstrom Thanks Cynthia
Great drone shots ❤ Good to see Neene connect with her many relatives
That village was stunning!
ahh the serenity! 💚
Yessssss, bring it on folks.
Yet another amazing production, Todd. The music set the mood perfectly once again. Wonderful drone filming and lovely countryside, visiting special places like the cave temple, and Nee Nee's family places. I'll be back to the UK on Saturday. Traveling from city to city, and town to town like I've done recently is in contrast to your precious countryside journeys. keep it up, and thanks for sharing your adventures with us.
Thanks David.. be well mate, and hopefully we can enjoy another drink together again soon. Was a pleasure meeting you and very generous of you to help out with donations. Take care mate
The village you drove through with only timber dwellings was a beautiful use of wood and very rustic in appearance.
Had to laugh at the Aussie word ' Servo '.. Took me alittle while to warm to your video, but once I did I was hooked..Me and my Thai teenage son plan to do a super big loop of Lao and Vietnam by motorbike early next year, and will travel some of the same route you took..looks fantanstic...love the black and white photos at the end of the video..
Thank you 🙏
🤗🙏🏼!
Great video, enjoyed it, thank you. Special occasion for Neenee, I bet she is happy finding out more about her ancestors.
Take care ❤
Stunning footage from using the drone .......and the way you edit it into the rest of the video, with the accompanying music is just breathtaking
Thanks for Big Loop Tour E 19. Drone footage was beautiful and best of all, the black and white stills were amazingly interesting, and I was very happy to that you took so many. Like all the water in Lao, Big Loop Tour E 19 has sailed and Big Loop Tour E 20 is on the horizon. Thanks again, Todd.
Great stuff buddy. Very interesting 🙏🏽🤟🏽👍🏽
Absolutely beautiful place and stunning drone pics. Thanks again 😊
@@jacquelinesullivan5873 Thanks Jackie 👋
Wonderful that Nee Nee is catching up with relatives and re -visiting where she came from as a young girl. The Aunt would of enjoyed the ride and visit to her brother too. Always beautiful,natural Laos scenery. 21 : 00 awesome village and water ways.I'm always fascinated with those huge big, old shady trees. Great video mate. Cheers .....Kenno
@@KennoRob thanks Ken Oath 😉👍
Another great video...I really like your still photography at the end of many of your videos (my girlfriend is from Tad Pha Suam Lao...(Pakse)...We live in Bangkok but she goes up to Mukdahan every month or two for border crossing.. ( I am a US serviceman retired in Thailand)...I first came to work in Thailand in 1972... Cheers
Definitely a lovely picturesque country with abundance of natural resources.
We left Laos in 1979 got to the states in 1980 now live in California been here ever since I think laos is safe
I Was due to fly Saigon to Vientiane today
But got back to Sydney from Hua Hin only 2 x Months ago
Due to money issues and probably a little to do with the alcohol poisoning’s
I decided to postpone until May
Not really in right mindset right now
Been looking forward for it for ages
But I think May-Aug will be better
Escape the Australian winter and hopefully Vang Vieng will have picked up a little and hope not too many businesses there feeling the financial pinch
Good luck Guys
👍
Beautiful......Thanks for sharing........Namaste
Hey Todd, Nee needs and Mina, have a great trip to Aus. Regards Nev
Thank you for sharing! ❤️🤩🙏😇
Absolutely amazing 🙏💚💚💚
2:02 ... my Mekongpearl-wife would have killed me for looking or filmimg that smile ...
Lol.. Maybe your Mekongpearl would see it differently if she knew it's those little exchanges that make videos more interesting and therefore helps with revenue generated.. Yeah? or still no.. hahaha
Great video mate 👍
Looking good Todd & Neenee 👍🙏
Nice the audio track 😇
great vlog
Do your videos with a beautiful girl in the thumbnail get more views? She did give you a nice smile.
Like the Beer crate step, it works.
Thanks for introducing us to Neenee's extended family and friends.
That bridge at 7:45 is so picturesque and a little bit scary. What beautiful country, forests, farm fields and mountains.
Those dragon stairs are amazing. Another one for the bucket list.
Hmmm sometimes it does, sometimes not. All depends on the context of the video title.. Cheers mate
Looking for a Heart of Gold ? Good one 😂
💯🔥💙👍
That's a statue of a "hermit" 😊
First comment
@@pj-vq3by 🏆
Unfortunately there may be even less travelers to Laos from Australia after the methanol poisonings. There have been a significant number of cancellations, particularly from young women. Great to see the Government there taking steps to reduce the risks.
Forewarned may be a clearer way to express the awareness now present .
Hi whats the name of the song that starts at 17:00? Thanks
When did you film this Tod ? I’m here now but it’s been dry for about 6 weeks
At 4:07 you'll see the date and episode number 😉
@ cheers pal
Todd, beautiful!
Todd somewhere down the track, you may be able to do a book with your stills and a small story for each visit etc etc. Not sure if sell your stills now? Yer i know a lot of "P-ss farting about" and is it worth it.
@@SteveSmith-zz4ih Maaate.. I'd love to do something like that with them, yeah.. but you nailed it. Just too much life getting in the way right now, and the editing takes up a huge hunk of that. Many have said to hire an editor, but they fail to see how much that would change the videos. From the story I'm telling, the music and to WHY I'm doing the videos to start with.
Yeah.. I need a clone 😕
Rainbolt brought me here
hi guys
Laos new on line visa requirements, cash only must be paid at your home embassy, wait weeks until you can get an answer, will keep tourist and visa runners away.
False, people pay for visa online all the time, but most still opt for visa on arrival.. it's cheaper and in most cases quicker.
Hi, Tod
My name is Kham from U. S
Please tell me what city where Wat Nanglao you are visiting now?
@@aukhamlee2032 There's a map at the start of each of these travel videos showing you where we are in Laos. Vilabuly
I had noticed the absence of coins there. Makes me wonder how many other countries don't use coins.
Vietnam also no coins for last 20 yrs
thanks
Young men with pretty girls on motorbikes begs for WILD NIGHT, come on you know I'm right. Any reason to play Van The Man
I hear ya! Haven't been able to find a copyright free version 😕
rule 1 never screw with the people who make your food
@@wayneburke4381 😆👍
Excuses moi Tod's mais depuis ce soir, j'ai tes videos traduites en français par IA?, je n'aime pas cette voie, je préfère ta voie celle de Nina et Néenée, pourtant je suis français et ne suis pas au top en anglais, surtout en autralien , comment faire ? merci
I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand what you mean. How to do what? Change back to English, or do you mean you'd like subtitles?
It's going to be china. There so much change
No no no.
those here because of rainbolt?
That temple he visited chatting to the monk is only a few hundred meters from my house.. I drive past it everyday! 😉👍
Thanks for the honest and open footage.
Not for me. No thanks.
Standards are just too low .
Did you see the ladies around the 9 mins mark- sitting around and two feet from them a pile of freshly dropped manure .🥴
You need to harden up 😂
@@Dan-uc7vl 😆😆😆🤣🤣
Just could swing in a hammock a few feet away from fresh dung. Seriously- what are they thinking?
Yes I did..... and it didn't bother me in the least. I respect folks like that more than most others. They are real people.
@@tbnc70 Im a real person too.
It was a real pile of manure.
Casually sitting that close to a pile of manure, then letting a kid into a hammock swing right next to it, like it doesn't matter, is too low a standard IMHO.
Sometimes we cant see the wood for the trees.
@@Alexanda-mj5vd then I guess I appreciate people with "low standards" much more than others. 🤷🏻. I'm definitely a "low standard" person going by your honest opinion. I grew up around cows. I even eat them from time to time 😁
Fortes fortuna adiuvat
The luck is with the brave
Hey smiling lady on the bike. If your leaving , can i come to ? 😂 Hey todd i have a recue pit bull pup whos now grown up now. She is like a young child and that is how i treat her. Maybe if Mina can see the dogs as small children not vicious animals it might leason her fear of dogs. Ofcourse their are dogs that are not safe but they let you know long before anything happens . Trust your sensors. Thoughs dogs looked happen and well socialized. Anyway love your channel.
I was born in laos and move out of laos in 1975. I always told you that laos is never safe. Especially for those are moving out, is not safe for them to visit. When I cross the mekong river I never look back and I promise to myself never return. Maybe watch from UA-cam a distance away.
Hello how are you? I have a question, and hoping to get some first hand advice from someone like yourself that truly knows...
I'm from Texas, born and raised... traveling is deep in my blood, absolutely love it... I just turned 45 and inmy days I've been dang near all over the world... except southeast Asian... from the time I was around 10 I've been in love with the Asian culture... for the last 8 moths I've been saving and just sent off for my passport renewal...
My plains are to stop in the Philippines and see a friend east of manila, then Vietnam, Cambodia and maybe Thailand...
But I was really doing some research and looking Forward to visiting Laos, but I came across you text here...
I'm a 45 yr old white male but looks like I'm Cuban, so I've been told...
My question and advice from you is, do you think anyofthe places I've named are not safe for me to go?
I will be solo, but I've done 80% of my traveling solo, so I'm not scared, but I'm not stupid either... I want to be wise about things also...
Any feed back would be much appreciated... thank you for your time...
@Stickman7.9 hi im Bruce ( English name ) from pakse Laos. Again affected by sad truth reality. Warfare 1975..living with my folks. Parents overseas. Yes of course. My friend 😊😅 do research. Planning ahead prayer ❤😂 🙏 be wise. Do enjoy 😅😊 it's supposed to be much better with current lifestyle
Yet please extra careful as per drinks 🍸 cocktails. Or and lovely lonely back country. With respect of local authority. I'm we are of similar heart ❤️ feeling. Wish desire to travel 🏝 🍔 🍺 🍜 👍 🚗 🚆 ✈️ .🎶 💃 🕺 or solo peace ✌️ 😅😊 enjoy 😉 sir. Kub jai . Cherrs Thank you. Bruce sm😊
I travelled 3 times in laos (last time was 3 weeks ago and after 3 times you see a lot of laos. I never was scared and it one of the most beautiful countries i saw especialy in the north@@Stickman7.9
I m 43 from belgium by the way
@@Stickman7.9 your biggest dangers arise from a lack of competent emergency services (fire, ambulance, rescue), abuse of intoxicants (drugs & alcohol) and forgetting to bring your common sense. have medical insurance. avoid motorbikes, all drugs and any sketchy liquor. don’t argue with anyone. act and dress respectably and you will receive respect in return. enjoy!