Luang Prabang is a charming city in Laos and stands out as one of the popular tourist stops in this former French colony. The area is perfectly suited for those seeking outdoor activities or a spiritual journey among local monks. Nestled along the Mekong River—a body of water rich in biodiversity—Luang Prabang offers a glimpse into local tradition, where fishermen can be seen perfecting their craft on the shores of the 12th longest river in the world.
Follow this photographic journey featuring two of these fishermen:
Fisherman on the Mekong River
The Mekong River plays a vital role in the economy of several Southeast Asian countries. Laos is particularly dependent on it, as all of its major cities are located on the river. Luang Prabang, a north-central city, is an interesting spot for a river voyage or to simply watch locals at work. 
Fishermen on the Mekong River
The best time to view the fishermen in action is early in the morning, which is when they catch fish for their personal needs or to sell at market. The men working on the river are approachable with help from a local or guide, but rarely speak English. Learning a few Lao phrases will help break the ice before you ask to photograph them.
Fisherman of Luang Prabang
The condition of their equipment gives some insight into the economics of fishing on the Mekong. Local fishermen often use primitive gear that requires a lot of manual labor, which limits their daily catch. The men in the photographs remained in the same spot for two hours and caught six decent-sized fish.
Fisherman of Luang Prabang
Minor updates and edits were made from the original article.
Photos © Gennaro Salamone
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Gennaro Salamone is the founder and editor of Enduring Wanderlust. Please contact him with questions regarding article or photo submissions.