Laos (pronounced "Lao") drifts at its own pace, following the winding flow of the Mekong and the steady beat of village life. Once known as the "Land of a Million Elephants," Laos is rich in culture and natural beauty, but many communities still face challenges with access to water, education, and sustainable livelihoods. Towns like Vang Vieng were once known as "the Sin City of SE Asia," but the majority of the country has no interest in regaining that reputation. Laos may be too rugged or slow-paced for many travelers, but that's exactly why we love it.
In the Hmong village of Ban Long Lao, we're helping our friend and village chief Kua to build a new community center that will serve as a gathering place and a living museum of Hmong culture. The space will host festivals, performances, and community events, while the old meeting hall will be transformed into a women's union shop and café showcasing local crafts.
Across the Mekong from Luang Prabang, in another Hmong village called Ban Chok, our friend Lue tells us that clean water is scarce, especially during the dry season. We're working with Lue and local leaders to restore and upgrade the system with new filters that prevent buildup and provide the community with a reliable, clean water supply all year long.
Local non-profit promoting literacy.
Sustainable dairy farm supporting local farmers and community nutrition.
Rescues and cares for bears saved from the wildlife trade.
Showcases the diverse cultures of Laos' ethnic groups while advocating for their preservation.
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Say "sabaidee" with a slight bow (nop). Don't touch anyone's head. Don't point your feet at people or sacred objects. Try sticky rice with your hands the way locals do. Support local businesses over foreign-owned ones. Dress modestly at temples and in rural areas.
Crisp mornings in the highlands and comfortable daytime temperatures. Ideal for trekking, village visits, and festivals like That Luang in Vientiane.
High temperatures, especially in lowlands, but a beautiful time for river journeys. Lao New Year (Pi Mai) in April is full of water fights and cultural performances.
Lush rice paddies and flowing waterfalls. Afternoon rains refresh the landscape and bring cooler evenings. Great for slow, immersive travel.
