An ethnic Laven playing a native guitar
Just a short walk from Pa Suam Falls, is an ethnic village where we found a community of Laven Tribe. The Laven Tribe is the most predominant tribe in Southern Laos. Bolaven Plateau actually came from the name Bolaven which means “Home of the Laven”. Before, when people say Laos, the first picture that comes to mind for me are monks and temples. So I’m glad to be able to interact with some indigenous tribes in Laos as well.
Laven Tribe generations of Women
The Laven are hillside tribes living mostly at the altitude of more than 600 meters and still wears their traditional cloths unlike the minorities of the north as I was told. At first look, the tribe reminded me a lot of our Ifugao Minority. Their red clothes and weaving patterns but they don’t have the elaborate head dresses the Ifugao have.
A young Laven girl by the door
What some of the women has are facial tattoos and elaborate earings, bracletsa nd necklaces. Laven tribe are known for their hand woven cloths and unique bead patterns woven into their clothes. I also noticed their strong inclination to music. They’ve got a lot of native instruments.
Laven Ethnic Tribe Portrait
Laven are also believed to follow animistic beliefs while some groups still practices animal sacrifice. Though a small number has already Buddhist beliefs. I also noticed that these people enjoy living high altitude that some of their houses are as high as the trees. They also have interesting pottery at their central museum.
An elder Laven with a bamboo smoke
If one wishes to experience living with the Laven tribe, they accept home stays here at the ethnic tribe near Pa Suam Falls. It would have been an interesting experience if I had more time. Still I enjoyed taking a glimpse of the lives of a Laven. This was our last stop for the day and we made our way back.
A Laven Flute Player
On our way back to Pakse, I told Lomee to stop first for a late lunch. On the road we stopped by a local lao eatery. I met a few friends of Lomee who happens to be eating there as well. An English professor from his university and his companions. There I learned how to properly eat Sticky Rice Lao Style. Which is to roll the rice on the palm of my hand to shape it like a ball and attach some of the viands to it then eat. We arrived back at Pakse by almost mid-afternoon, ending my exploration of Bolaven Plateau.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
