The potential of eco-tourism is recognised by the Government and under co-operation between Laos and Netherlands, a pilot development project has been carried out in Huaphan, the northern province of Laos.
No seat inside! Full! You go up!" A short, stocky Laotian man shakes his head and waves his hand towards the roof of the bus. There, another man is pulling up backpacks from a group of latecomers - like us - and securing them with a thick rope. My partner and I look at each other and smile!