Laos is a landlocked country, which means it’s surrounded by only land, however Laos is home to one of the world’s major rivers, the Mekong River, and as well as many other small rivers.

So not surprised that many locals are fishermen and catch their meals on these bodies of water.  For others, this is a way to earn extra money, and most of the fish are exported to Thailand for a profit.

As for some fishermen, selling to the locals, and drying fish and selling it at a roadside stand is a way to support their families.

I took these pictures while we were on our way to Boun That Luang, my cousins were stopping by to pick up their friends on the way to the festive event, and in a Lao tradition, when you visit someone’s home, it’s a must to bring them gifts and in this case dried fish.

At first, I didn’t know that this was a roadside stand, it looked to me as if someone were drying their fish on the side of the road.  I was puzzled when my cousin stopped the car, I thought she was picking up her friends, not realizing that it was the gift to bring to her friend that she was buying.