The Lao originally came from the north in a region that is now part of China, and is connected by one common denominator, the Mekong River. Now imagine eating foods from the Mekong, a river that is murky, fast moving in places and said to be relatively clean.

The Mekong is not a chemically polluted river and we know this because of testing. The number one continuation is feces from farm animals and humans, a dumping ground where most “shit” ends up.

It is staggering when you go to Siem Reap and you see open sewers, black water running into a canal like 300 years ago. The problem exists throughout these poor countries, something we take for granted. In the Mekong there are enough total faecal coliforms found and E. coli, and Salmonella are obvious contenders for hosting a travellers nightmare of toilet-itis and more. Think twice before you decide to be too adventurous.