The oldest couple in the village…
So and Loi are both in their nineties and live in a small fishing village called Tra Que, just outside of Hoi An in Vietnam. It’s only recently they decided to tie the knot, but they’ve been together for years, surviving the Vietnam War and raising their children. Now they’re still tending their crops & hosting tourists.
Life in Tra Que
Hoi An night market
The “yellow city”
Hoi An is a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s a favourite stop for tourists with lots to see, do and buy. It’s known for its yellow buildings and lanterns strewn across the tops of the alleyways.
Saigon
Khmer New Year
Phnom Penh
The Killing Fields
This site outside of Phnom Penh will remain a mass grave to the hundreds, if not thousands killed here during the Khmer Rouge. Each bracelet is a prayer said. For years, Cambodians did not want to live near the site because they believed there were bad spirits. Each year, there is now a mass memorial day for the victims of Pol Pot’s monstrous regime. To this day, families are still discovering their long lost family members.
Tuol Sleng Prison
Many of those who were killed in the killing fields were brought to this prison and interrogated first. The torture was so brutal, that victims would often admit to things just to escape the punishment. Either way, the only escape was death. When the regime was overthrown, there were only four living prisoners found here. I was able to meet one of them and buy his book. Out of respect, these are the only photos I took at these harrowing sites.
Phnom Penh
The farmers’ market
Siem Reap
Phare Circus
Phare, the Cambodian Circus helps support the next generation of young actors, singers & performers. The movement began in the refugee camps after the Khmer Rouge. Money made from the shows now go back into the foundation to provide young people with an education and circus training. For many, it’s an opportunity which has stolen them away from living on the streets and crime.
Bangkok
The floating market
Koh Phi Phi
Laura Sanders 