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  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A truck headed into China passes Chinese man walking along the highway near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject116.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: People in a small village on Highway 13 work together to put new thatch on a neighbor's roof. Although many people still use traditional means of home construction, like thatch and lumber, more and more people along the highway are using tin roofs and cement posts for their homes. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject138.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: People in a small village on Highway 13 work together to put new thatch on a neighbor's roof. Although many people still use traditional means of home construction, like thatch and lumber, more and more people along the highway are using tin roofs and cement posts for their homes. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject137.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: People in a small village on Highway 13 work together to put new thatch on a neighbor's roof. Although many people still use traditional means of home construction, like thatch and lumber, more and more people along the highway are using tin roofs and cement posts for their homes. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject136.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A woman lays out rice to dry along the side of Highway 3, the main road through northern Laos from Highway 13 to the Thai border. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject124.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A woman lays out rice to dry along the side of Highway 3, the main road through northern Laos from Highway 13 to the Thai border. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject123.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A local bus passes a mileage marker on the side of Highway 13 in rural Laos. The highway has brought 20th century conveniences like electricity and television to the people living along it. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject059.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A Hmong girl walks past a mileage marker on the side of Highway 13 in rural Laos. The highway has brought 20th century conveniences like electricity and television to the people living along it. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject058.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Football (soccer) players watch a game on an improvised field along Highway in Luang Prabang. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject154.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Buddhist monks walk along a side street leading to Highway 13 in Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject153.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Laborers work on a construction site for a series of reservoirs and dams along Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject150.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A man looks at dead birds being sold as bush meat in a small village on Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject141.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Three men and a woman (far right) sing karaoke in a restaurant/karaoke bar at the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. Many of the karaoke bars in northern Laos front as brothels that service Chinese truck drivers. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject133.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese cell phone vendor waits for a customer in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject111.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese man waits for a break in traffic to cross the road near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject095.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese migrant workers going to jobs in Laos stretch their legs near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject094.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A man fixes a flat on truck along the side of Highway 13. The truck was hauling raw materials for brooms to China. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject052.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A motorcyclist on Highway 13 passes green rice fields. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject046.jpg
  • 10 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A woman in a Hmong village on Highway 13 makes thatch for roofing while her son plays nearby. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject024.jpg
  • 09 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Bus passengers at a rest stop in Hmong hilltribe market on Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject012.jpg
  • 09 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  RIders in the back of a truck on Highway 13 in rural Vientiane province, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject005.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A man dances while people walk around him at the temple fair at Wat Nong Sa in the village of Nong Sa, which is on Highway 13, in Vientiane province of Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject164.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Laotian woman dances in a traditional style during a procession at the temple fair at Wat Nong Sa in the village of Nong Sa, which is on Highway 13, in Vientiane province of Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject163.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A woman carries a tree of money to make merit at the temple fair at Wat Nong Sa in the village of Nong Sa, which is on Highway 13, in Vientiane province of Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject162.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Paving tar used to repair Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject161.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Workers on a road repair crew patch stretches of Highway 13 by putting down gravel and covering it with paving tar. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject160.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Workers on a road repair crew patch stretches of Highway 13 by putting down gravel and covering it with paving tar. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject159.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Workers on a road repair crew patch stretches of Highway 13 by putting down gravel and covering it with paving tar. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject158.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Chinese tourists at a scenic overlook between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, Laos on Highway 13. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject157.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A tower for electric transmission lines carrying power to China along Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject156.jpg
  • 16 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A woman winnows rice in front of her home in the village of Phou Dam on Highway 13. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject155.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Laborers work on a construction site for a series of reservoirs and dams along Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject152.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Laborers work on a construction site for a series of reservoirs and dams along Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject151.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Laborers work on a construction site for a series of reservoirs and dams along Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject149.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Laborers work on a construction site for a series of reservoirs and dams along Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject148.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  School girls cross the Nam Oh Bridge on Highway 13 in Luang Prabang province. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject146.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  School girls cross the Nam Oh Bridge on Highway 13 in Luang Prabang province. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject147.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A dump truck goes past clothes drying along the side of Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject145.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A man props up his motorcycle, with a pig lashed to the back seat, before going into a village on Highway 13 to visit a friend. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject144.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A woman sells bush meat in a small village on Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang. The animals cost about 300,000 Lao Kip each (about $42 US). The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject143.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Bush meat for sale in a small village on Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang. The animals cost about 300,000 Lao Kip each (about $42 US). The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject142.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A gas station under construction on Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang, Laos. As the road is improved, other infrastructure developments, like gas stations follow. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject140.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A truck hauling materials to China through Laos passes an overturned Beer Lao truck on Highway 13 north of Luang Prabang. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject139.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A family walks up Highway 13, leading their water buffalo to new fields. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject134.jpg
  • 15 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A family walks up Highway 13, leading their water buffalo to new fields. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.   PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject135.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A road going past deserted buildings leading to an abandoned Chinese hotel near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject132.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese men relax in front of a Chinese pharmacy in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject131.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese truck driver does paperwork in the cab of his truck at the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject130.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Laundry from a brothel hangs in front of a car park being paved to accommodate Chinese traffic at the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. The Lao businesses on the site, salt evaporation factories, will have to relocate when the parking area is finished. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject128.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Empty Chinese hotels at the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject129.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Construction equipment works on a car park being built to accommodate traffic from China near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. The Lao businesses on the site, salt evaporation factories, will have to relocate when the parking area is finished. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject126.jpg
  • 14 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A Chinese truck drives down Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone in northern Laos, a few miles short of the Chinese border. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject127.jpg
  • 10 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A woman harvests cabbages in a field along Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject125.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Construction equipment works on a car park near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. The Lao businesses on the site, salt evaporation factories, will have to relocate when the parking area is finished. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject122.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Construction equipment works on a car park near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. The Lao businesses on the site, salt evaporation factories, will have to relocate when the parking area is finished. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject121.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Lao woman walks past a construction near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The site will eventually become truck and car parking for people shopping in the Chinese markets in the SEZ. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject120.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Lao warehouse workers move freight onto Lao trucks for shipment into markets in Laos near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject119.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Lao truck drivers play pool while they wait for a load to come in from China near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject117.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Lao warehouse workers move freight onto Lao trucks for shipment into markets in Laos near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject118.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A nearly empty Chinese hotel near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject115.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: An abandoned casino in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject113.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Lao hilltribe girl picks up cardboard for recycling in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject114.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: An abandoned casino in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject112.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A passenger van turns into a Chinese hotel near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject110.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A boy rides his toy bike in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject108.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese pornography for sale in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. This is the only place in Laos where pornography is openly sold. It is banned in the rest of the country. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject109.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A women cleans her shop in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject107.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A women cleans her shop in the Chinese market near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject106.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A nearly empty Chinese hotel and condo development near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject105.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Lao "tuk-tuk" drivers play cards and wait for passengers about 100 meters from the Lao - Chinese border at the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject104.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese truck driver walks back to his truck near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject103.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese tourist relaxes on a sleeper bus to Luang Prabang on Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject101.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese migrant worker headed to Laos looks for a ride near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject102.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese tourist relaxes on a sleeper bus to Luang Prabang on Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject100.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A Chinese tour bus going to Luang Prabang near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject099.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese migrant workers going to jobs in Laos stretch their legs near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject097.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese tourists heading to Luang Prabang stretch their legs after entering Laos near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject098.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese migrant workers in a bus near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject096.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Trucks near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject092.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Chinese migrant workers going to jobs in Laos stretch their legs near the end of Highway 13 in the Boten Special Economic Zone. The SEZ is in Laos immediately south of the Lao Chinese border. It has turned into a Chinese enclave but many of the businesses struggle because their goods are too expensive for local Lao to purchase. Some of the hotels and casinos in the area have been forced to close by the Chinese government after reports of rigged games. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject093.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A woman works on her Chinese made sewing machine in her shop on Highway 13 north of Oudomaxy, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject091.jpg
  • 13 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A woman works on her Chinese made sewing machine in her shop on Highway 13 north of Oudomaxy, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject090.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Motorcycles on Highway 13 use the bridge over the Nam Kor River in Oudomaxy. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject088.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A truck heading for the Chinese border crossing at Boten drives along Highway 13 through Oudomaxy. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject089.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Women walk up Highway 13 across the Nam Kor River in Oudomaxy, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject085.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A woman walks along Highway 13 across the Nam Kor River in Oudomaxy, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject087.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Motorcycles on Highway 13 use the bridge over the Nam Kor River in Oudomaxy. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject086.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A Chinese construction project on Highway 13 in Oudomaxy, Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject083.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A Chinese passenger bus drives south on Highway 13 in rural Laos towards Luang Prabang. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject066.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Riding along an unpaved stretch of Highway 13 in northern Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject065.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A Chinese passenger bus drives south on Highway 13 in rural Laos towards Luang Prabang. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject064.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Hilltribe women sell bushmeat at a rest stop in a Hmong community along Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject061.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: A truck passes through a Hmong community on Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject062.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Bush meat for sale in a Hmong community along Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject063.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS: Hilltribe women sell bushmeat at a rest stop in a Hmong community along Highway 13 in rural Laos. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject060.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A man keeps score during a bocce ball game on the side of Highway 13. Bocce ball was brought to Laos by the French. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject055.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Men play bocce ball in a village on Highway 13 in rural Laos. Bocce ball was brought to Laos by the French. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject057.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Men play bocce ball in a village on Highway 13 in rural Laos. Bocce ball was brought to Laos by the French. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject056.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  Men play bocce ball in a village on Highway 13 in rural Laos. Bocce ball was brought to Laos by the French. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject054.jpg
  • 12 MARCH 2013 - ALONG HIGHWAY 13, LAOS:  A man fixes a flat on truck along the side of Highway 13. The truck was hauling raw materials for brooms to China. The paving of Highway 13 from Vientiane to near the Chinese border has changed the way of life in rural Laos. Villagers near Luang Prabang used to have to take unreliable boats that took three hours round trip to get from the homes to the tourist center of Luang Prabang, now they take a 40 minute round trip bus ride. North of Luang Prabang, paving the highway has been an opportunity for China to use Laos as a transshipping point. Chinese merchandise now goes through Laos to Thailand where it's put on Thai trains and taken to the deep water port east of Bangkok. The Chinese have also expanded their economic empire into Laos. Chinese hotels and businesses are common in northern Laos and in some cities, like Oudomxay, are now up to 40% percent. As the roads are paved, more people move away from their traditional homes in the mountains of Laos and crowd the side of the road living off tourists' and truck drivers.    PHOTO BY JACK KURTZ
    LaoRoadProject053.jpg
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Jack Kurtz, Photojournalist & Travel Photographer

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