LAOS
Laos is a peaceful and authentic travel destination known for its lush mountains, quiet villages, golden temples, and relaxed atmosphere. From the charming streets of Luang Prabang to adventures along the Mekong River, Laos offers slow travel, beautiful nature, and a unique glimpse into traditional Southeast Asian culture.
Traveling in the North of Laos became easier since the etablishment of the Laos China Railway. It connects Laos to China and runs in Laos between Boten and Vientiane. Getting around has become a lot easier now. No more long bus drives on curvy mountain roads but a fast train service from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and to Vientiane. This was the route that I took because I didn't want to travel by bus in Laos.
But if you go to the South of Laos, traveling will still be less convenient.
The Lao language is the official language of Laos and closely related to Thai. It has its own beautiful script and is spoken with a soft, melodic tone. Learning a few simple Lao phrases is a great way to connect with locals and experience the country’s warm and welcoming culture.
Hello — Sabaidee (ສະບາຍດີ)
Thank you — Khop chai (ຂອບໃຈ)
Fun fact about Lao language: All words are connected, there are no spaces inbetween.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of my favorite places in South East Asia.
It's located by the Mekong River and surrounded by mountains.
If you walk around the small city, there are so many beautiful golden pagodas and cute cafés and restaurants to explore.
Go for a hike to watch the sunset from Phousi Hill, enjoy some snacks on the night market but remember that you will wake up with the sunrise as you will hear the bell to wake up the monks.
It's a fascinating place that feels like traveling back in time and should definitely be included on your trip to Laos.
An American man speaking Lao,
butterfly pea tea & traditional weaving
On the day I visited the Teahouse Luang Prabang, I was lucky to meet the owner.
I asked him about the blue flowers he dried in the sun. We started to talk about butterfly pea flowers, the blue flowers that grow in tropical countries and can be used to make blue tea.
We kept talking and he told me about himself. He was an American man who got married to a Laotian woman and who could speak Lao language. That impressed me so much that it gave me the motivation to work on my Vietnamese. (Back then I was about to give up, because nobody could understand me.)
He asked me if I wanted to see the garden where he grew the fruits and vegetables for the tea house. We went there together and he showed me around. He said that it took a long time to figure out where to grow the plants for a good harvest. Also, he found out that mango trees grow healthy next to avocado trees.
Everything seemed like a dream to me. I thought of how nice it would be to own a garden, grow my own fruits and vegetables and offer them to my guests.
Furthermore, speaking the local language and getting married to a local woman.
Little did I know that one day, my lifestory would sound similar. It was like planting a seed that would grow over time. Remembering his stroy while I was back in Ho Chi Minh City, missing plants and trees. A fast-pace city with over 14 million inhabitants was just not the right place for a person like me who loves nature.
I kept moving forward to work on myself and growing the seed of inspiration I got in Luang Prabang. Dreaming of mango trees inbetween sky scrapes and concrete. Until the day that I'm finally here - in my garden in Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Speaking Vietnamese and having Tuong by my side.
Additionally to his story, he shared me about his wife's textile business, Ock Pop Tok.
It means "East meets West" - as it was founded by his Laotian wife and an English woman.
His wife learned how to weave from her mother when she was still a child. She became a weaver with exceptional skill. Now, she is the co-founder of Ock Pop Tok, one of the "most important textile and artisanal institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia".
I went to the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center where they had a little festival.
There, I was able to meet Laotian people, learn about traditional weaving and admire their beautiful artworks.
Hearing both their stories on one day inspired me a lot and it was one of these moments that I will never forget in my life, because it felt so special to me seeing someone making their dream come true.
"The most magical memories of all my travels are the ones where I met inspiring people who live their dreams."
Vang Vieng
Surrounded by carst mountains and the famous photo spot on Nam Xay Viewpoint:
Sitting on a motorbike and waving the Laotian flag.
There are also some nice lagoons around but I would recommend you to stay two nights only so you can spend more time in Luang Prabang.
Nam Xay
Viewpoint
It's located outside of Vang Vieng and a steep hike up (especially at the end) so I recommend going there early in the morning.
To be honest, I was scared to drive the dusty road and go up there alone, but it was totally worth it.
Luckily there were two other people who could take that photo of me that I had dreamed of and it turned out even more beautiful than I could have imagined.
I'm very proud of me that I made it up there and left my fear. behind. Facing my fears has made me grow so much on all my travels.
Vientiane
Ventiane is the slowest pace capital city I've ever been to.
Beautiful golden pagodas, cute coffeeshops and a promenade by the Mekong River.
It's worth it to take one day to take a walk through the city.
