While walking in Luang Prabang we stumbled upon a tiny theater that offered short concerts featuring a storyteller accompanied by a flautist playing a khaen. We wanted to attend so we convinced everyone in our group to join us for a unique local experience.

A khaen is similar to pan pipes and its use is a dying art. Unlike pan pipes, the bamboo tubes contain a small metal reed that produces a tone on exhale and inhale. The instrument is a central part of Laotian cultural identity.

The performance included two men. An older one playing a khaen, and a younger very animated storyteller talking about the tales and legends of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.