Vientiane, Laos: A comparison of photographs from fifty years apart

A faded black-and-white image of a stunning Buddhist stupa stands beside its modern counterpart, gleaming in gold. Two photos taken half a century apart illustrate the same structure—a simple yet poignant reflection of a bygone era and a fleeting present.

Captured by Laotian filmmaker and photographer Thanavorakit Kounthawatphinyo (known as Nin), this series of images documents the evolving landscape of Vientiane. It juxtaposes present-day shots of monuments with their counterparts from 50 to 60 years ago.

The photos depict a city that remains largely recognizable from the mid-1900s, yet reveal subtle shifts that reflect Vientiane's transformation over time.

Dinogo spoke with Nin to explore the story behind these powerful photographs.

Dinogo: How did these photos come about?

Nin: I've spent the last four or five years collecting vintage photos from various parts of Laos, and my collection just keeps growing.

One day, I stumbled upon an online album where the photographer juxtaposed old and new photos of the same places. I thought this was a brilliant way to highlight the changes time had brought to each location.

Inspired by that idea, I began creating my own series in early September 2014. I started with a simple set of iconic Vientiane landmarks, like The Monument Park and the That Luang Stupa.

I wanted to keep the editing process as natural as possible. So, I decided to print out the old photos on paper, tear them up, and use them to show the contrast between the past and the present. The torn photos, along with my hand, are real, with minimal digital manipulation.

I also attempted to create a photo series of Luang Prabang, Kounthawatphinyo's hometown, but haven't had much success yet. There are some technical difficulties in creating a compelling past-versus-present comparison for that location.

Dinogo: How would you describe Vientiane? Have there been significant changes in recent years?

Nin: In short, Vientiane is a rapidly developing city, with visible foreign investments driving its growth, from towering buildings to the spread of franchise restaurants.

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Dinogo: How does it compare to Luang Prabang?

Nin: In Luang Prabang, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the government takes great care to preserve the city's historical core. The city's buildings, particularly in the downtown area, have remained largely unchanged for many years.

These images of Luang Prabang capture the quiet charm of a small city that still boasts many colonial-era buildings, many of which have stood for over five decades.

Dinogo: What projects are you currently working on?

Nin: I currently work as a linguist for Vistatec, one of the leading localization companies globally, and also collaborate with Moravia and Webdunia as a language expert.

In my spare time, I continue working on a script I've been developing for several years, hoping to finalize it soon. It's a short film about a man who stumbles upon a way to travel back in time and attempts to change his childhood. I created a similar short film years ago that won the Vientianale Film Competition.

I find time travel an intriguing concept to explore – perhaps because I'd love the chance to journey back myself!

I’m also planning to complete the Past versus Present photo album next year.

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