Village Portraits - STEVEN R. TABOR

Village Portraits: Between Generations

What brings happiness?

In early 2026, I visited several ethnic minority villages near Luang Prabang, Laos. Nestled among rolling hills and lush green mountains, these communities are home primarily to Laos’ highland peoples—often referred to as Lao Theung (upland) and Lao Soung (highland). Over the past few decades, the Lao government has undertaken resettlement programs aimed at relocating highland families from remote mountain areas into more accessible lowland valleys. The intention has been to improve access to education, healthcare, transportation, markets, and public services. The policy was controversial in its early years, but over time many of these villages have begun to establish firmer foundations in their new environments. Schools are more accessible, clinics are closer, and economic opportunities—though still limited—are far broader than before.

When I visited several of these villages, what immediately struck me was the strong presence of two generations: the very young and the very old. Throughout the day, the narrow dirt paths and open clearings were filled with small children—toddlers trailing after older siblings, infants secured in cloth carriers, and groups of preschoolers inventing games with whatever materials lay at hand. In the heart of the villages, grandparents formed the steady center of daily life. They watched over the youngest children with a quiet attentiveness shaped by experience and patience.

Although these remain poor communities by most economic measures, there are unmistakable signs of steady progress. Children wear colorful clothing and several have bikes. Some of the villages now have access to running water and electricity—amenities that were absent just a generation ago. Wooden houses are gradually being reinforced or replaced with sturdier materials. Small shops sell packaged goods alongside homegrown produce. Progress is incremental, but it is clearly visible.

Yet what left the deepest impression was not the infrastructure or the material signs of development—it was the joy on the children’s faces. The children appeared healthy, energetic, and well nourished. The children didn’t have much, but they had each other.

This photo series seeks to capture this village spirit: the unguarded smiles of children, the watchful warmth of grandparents, and the texture of village life in transition. It reflects the dignity, adaptability, and an enduring sense of togetherness that defines these northern Lao communities.

A photobook of this series is available here.