Travel Guide: All you need to know about money in Laos
Here’s the lowdown on dealing with money in Laos. Kip is King: The local currency is the Lao Kip. As of May 2025, about 21,430 Kip gets you a US dollar, but check BCEL Rates closer to your trip. You’ll need cash for most things. Get it from ATMs, but it’s a pain to change […]
Travel Guide: Luang Prabang – An Insider’s Perspective
Luang Prabang a UNESCO World Heritage town nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers is, without exaggeration, the jewel in Laos’ crown. Let me share what I’ve learned about this magical place that effortlessly blends French colonial charm with traditional Lao architecture and spirituality. Getting to Luang Prabang By Air Luang […]
Travel Guide: Health and Safety in Laos
I thought I’d share some straightforward advice about staying healthy and safe in this lovely corner of Southeast Asia. It’s a brilliant country with genuinely warm people, but there are a few things worth knowing before you visit. Jabs and Medications I recommend getting these vaccinations: As for malaria, it’s mostly been eradicated here – […]
Travel Guide: Getting Around Laos
Let me share what I’ve learned about getting from A to B in this laid-back nation, with plenty of insights about crossing those borders. The Reality of Booking Transport Forget what you might be used to back home. Laos operates largely offline when it comes to transport. Those handy booking sites like 12go.Asia simply don’t […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Travelling in Laos
So, you’re dreaming of Laos? Excellent choice! This Southeast Asian gem offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich culture, and laid-back charm. I will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for your Lao adventure. Why Laos? Discovering the Allure Laos has something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking spiritual solace in […]
Watering the ພະມານ Buddha at Wat Xieng Thong
The evening air carries the sweet scent of frangipani as I walked towards Wat Xieng Thong. This beautiful 16th-century temple complex, one of Luang Prabang’s most revered religious sites, is particularly busy today as locals and visitors gather for a special occasion. It’s mid-April in Laos, and the annual Pimai Lao (Lao New Year) celebrations […]
Temples and Pi Mai in Luang Prabang
The spiritual pulse of Luang Prabang beats through its 35 temples scattered across this small UNESCO World Heritage city. For temple enthusiasts, this former royal capital offers an unparalleled concentration of sacred architecture, seamlessly blending with its French colonial heritage. Each morning at 4:00 AM, temple drums break the silence, signaling the awakening of the […]
LEOT School’s Dreamcatcher Students Explore Tourism Careers
A group of enthusiastic students from the LEOT School’s Dreamcatcher program in Luang Prabang had the opportunity to visit the Tiger Trail office for an immersive learning experience about careers in tourism. The visit was designed to provide these young learners with insights into various professional pathways within Laos’s growing tourism industry, with a special […]
Laotian city becomes tourist hotspot, but residents lament loss of serenity
The old Laotian royal city of Luang Prabang, which is a Unesco World Heritage site, has long been a quiet tourist destination. But with recent Chinese investments, including a new high-speed railway, it has become easier for tourists to admire the city’s golden temples. While more tourist money is welcome, many residents are unhappy with […]
Sleepy little Luang Prabang no more
Ron Gluckman, Published: 12:00pm, 8 Mar 2025 As the small plane banks, then dives steeply towards rugged hills below, I feel a familiar thrill, seeing rivers loom closer on a scenic descent to one of my favourite destinations, Luang Prabang, the charming old capital of northern Laos. For several decades I’ve been happily revisiting one of Asia’s […]
Nam Khan Riverbank Protection: Securing Luang Prabang’s Heritage and Future
Project Background and Urgency The Nam Khan Riverbank Protection Project emerged from urgent concerns about riverbank erosion threatening Luang Prabang’s historic core. During recent monsoon seasons, significant erosion has compromised sections of the riverbank, putting historic structures and infrastructure at risk. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recognized that without intervention, continued erosion could threaten both […]
Disadvantaged Students Explore Sustainable Tourism in Laos
In the lush landscapes of northern Laos, a group of 26 disadvantaged students recently experienced a day that may well shape their futures. Through the generous support of Responsible Travel’s Trip for a Trip” initiative” and Tiger Trail, these young learners embarked on an educational adventure through Luang Prabang’s sustainable tourism destinations, gaining invaluable insights […]
Luang Prabang Takes Bold Step Toward Sustainable Tourism with Free Transit Launch
In an exciting development for both residents and visitors, Luang Prabang is launching a groundbreaking free transportation initiative this week. Starting February 24th through March 2nd, 2025, the UNESCO World Heritage city will offer complimentary bus and tuk-tuk services throughout its historic peninsula area, marking a significant step toward sustainable urban transportation. A New Vision […]
A Spiritful Journey in Laos
Laos is renowned for its stunning temples, or wats. These sacred sites offer a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. Visiting temples, which is difficult to avoid in Laos gives insights into many parts of life here. There are a few things you need to know before entering a temple. By […]
Nong Jung: No Laos tourist trap
If you’re looking to experience a more authentic side of Luang Prabang, head to Nong Jung Bar. This isn’t your typical tourist trap; it’s a local hangout with a laid-back vibe and the usual local selection of drinks (mainly beer) and local Lao food. The atmosphere is super chill, with low-key music. It’s set around […]
Viewpoint Cafe: A Culinary Journey with a View
Nestled in the heart of Luang Prabang, Laos, Viewpoint Cafe offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines stunning scenery with fantastic Lao cuisine. As the name suggests, the cafe boasts breathtaking views of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers converging, creating a mesmerizing spectacle of colors as the two waterways intertwine. However as of now, […]
The charm of Tuk Tuks in Laos
Laos has a unique mode of transportation that has captured the hearts of both locals and travelers alike: the tuk tuk. This three-wheeled vehicle is not just a means of getting from point A to point B; it embodies the spirit of adventure of the Lao people. Tuk tuks are small, motorized vehicles typically featuring […]
Art Gallery – Vunhuhai Artist
Vunhuhai is from Luang Prabang and has been painting since he was a child. He studies in Vietnam and has exhibited around the world. He has a studio covering 3 levels in Luang Prabang near the KeMekong down from the restaurant L’elephant. Below is his shop and some of his varied works.
A Legacy of Healing: UXO
In the picturesque town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and serene landscapes, lies a center dedicated to raising awareness and addressing the long-lasting impacts of conflict on its people: the UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) Centre. This facility stands at the intersection of history and hope, providing education and […]
Navigating the Laos-China Railway
A Guide to Security Screening and What Not to Bring Traveling on the Laos-China railway is a good experience. However, tales of difficulties at security checks can cause potential travelers to feel anxious. This blog will guide you on how to navigate the security screening effortlessly while informing you about prohibited items to ensure a […]
Refuge of the Last Dreamers
Luang Prabang, a city in Laos, is a refuge for those seeking peace and tranquility. It is a place where time seems to stand still, and the worries of the modern world fade away. The city is steeped in history and culture, with numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries dotting the landscape. The Mekong River winds […]
Timeless Art of Saa Paper in Ban Xieng Lek
Ban Xieng Lek, a serene village nestled close to the historic city of Luang Prabang, boasts a rich tradition of Saa paper making that spans generations. This artisanal craft relies on the bark of the mulberry tree, which locals meticulously gather and prepare. The process begins with stripping the bark from the tree, followed by […]
Why People Travel to Laos
One issue Laos struggles with for tourisn, is that most people have never heard of Laos. So why would people go to Laos? Laos, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, it is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Thailand and Vietnam. However, those who venture into this serene and culturally rich nation […]
The Old Bailey Bridge
The Old Bailey Bridge in Luang Prabang, Laos, often referred to simply as the Old Bridge, dates back to the 1920s. During this period, Laos was under French colonial rule, and the French colonial government invested in infrastructure projects to improve trade links and accessibility within the region. According to most information available, this seems […]
Boun Suang Heua in Luang Prabang
Nestled along the banks of the Mekong River, Luang Prabang is a city rich in history and culture. One of its most vibrant and eagerly anticipated events is the annual Boat Racing Festival, known locally as Boun Suang Heua. This festival is not just a thrilling sporting event but a deep-rooted cultural celebration that brings […]
Great off-the-beaten-path destinations for families
More articles featuring Laos as a wonderful destination such as this article by Gina Kramer In the shadows of popular bucket list destinations like Paris, Tuscany and Santorini are some lesser-known places that make family travel on a budget easy—and are equally dream-worthy. Freshen up your travel wish list with my eight top picks for […]
Travel for Less Than $30 a Day
It’s great to see Laos getting publicity and slowly discovered as in this article by Evie Carrick on August 25, 2024 In case you haven’t noticed, everything from groceries to rent is getting more expensive. Since 2021, the inflation rate has remained at or more than three percent, with the high being a seven percent increase in […]
Life Between Two Worlds
“Slow” Living in Luang Prabang and Reconnecting in New Zealand My home has been the charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Pang, nestled along the banks of the Mekong River in northern Laos. It’s a far cry from the rolling green hills and coastal vistas of New Zealand, although at times the landscape does […]
Volunteering in a thoughtful, responsible way
It’s been 12 years since I decided to start volunteering. After my trip to Cambodia in 2010 I spent 2 years looking at what I could do to help in the region. I didn’t expect I’d end up in Laos but I can confidently say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of […]
Laotian city transformed by investment
The old Laotian royal city of Luang Prabang, which is a Unesco World Heritage site, has long been a quiet tourist destination. But with recent Chinese investments, including a new high-speed railway, it has become easier for tourists to admire the city’s golden temples. While more tourist money is welcome, many residents are unhappy with […]
Laos, Luang Prabang, News, Travel, Video
Boun Pha Vet / Mahachat – Temple festival
The annual festival, known as Vessantara in other nations, is typically held in the preaching hall or sala of the local temple or wat. It commences in the early morning and continues until midnight. Occurring once a year, the festival spans three complete days, taking place between February and April, during the fourth lunar month. […]
The Roofs on Temples in Luang Prabang: A Symbol of Beauty and Belief
The temples of Luang Prabang are renowned for their elegant and ornate architecture. One of the most striking features of these temples is their roofs, which are often multi-tiered and decorated with intricate carvings and symbolism. The roofs on temples in Luang Prabang are not just decorative. They also play an important symbolic role. The […]
Wat Pa Phon Phao: A hidden gem in Luang Prabang
Wat Pa Phon Phao is perched atop a small hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding town
Establishing a Farm for the Khmu
In 2020 I began setting up an organic farm for a local Khmu family. Today 8 people live or work on the farm. Six dogs also live there, mainly Rosie’s offspring and they provide company and security. The farm is known as Numtong farm and is 10km from Luang Prabang in Laos. Fruit trees were […]
Lao New Year 2023 is here
Lao New Year, also known as Pi Mai Lao, is a traditional festival celebrated in Laos in mid-April, marking the start of the Lao calendar year. The celebration usually lasts for three days, from April 14 to 16, and is a time for family reunions, paying respects to elders, and splashing water on each other. […]
Worst Ever Air Pollution in Laos 2023
Smog caused by the annual burning off of fields has hit all-time highs in 2023. The annual burn-off runs from Dec to April with March traditionally being the peak. From Jan to Feb large particles of ash fell from the sky and by March the particles below PM2.5 caused the air to become hazardous – […]
Enjoying the Mekong River in Laos
Over January I got the chance to enjoy a taste of life on the Mekong River a few times. The first was to take the dogs out for a trip with my friend past cucumber island to the island near the new China-Laos railway bridge. It was the most relaxing day I have had in […]
Laos Inflation hits 12.8%
The rate of inflation in Laos reached 12.8% in May, the highest point in 15 years. In reality it seems the rate of inflation is over 250% on many items. However, according to information provided by the Bank of Laos, inflation has now increased to a five-year high after reaching 10% in January 2016. Increases […]
Continued support for Chansy
I know you are interested in how Chansy is progressing. With the help of John and other locals in her village and your support, Chansy has received regular food and toiletry supplies over the last year. She is still interested in moving into a blind center house when she can. This has been delayed because […]
“No Water Play” in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has issued guidelines for safely celebrating Lao New Year in the province this year, with water play prohibited. The notice, issued by Luang Prabang Provincial Governor’s Office, encourages small celebrations at home or with family, while large group celebrations will be prohibited without authorization from the provincial Covid taskforce. At the same time, […]
Laos Cuts Quarantine times
Quarantine times slashed as health system no longer under pressure
Lao authorities urge people to get vaccinated
The Covid-19 vaccination campaign in Laos achieved good results last year, with at least 50 per cent of the population vaccinated. The government urges people in all at-risk groups to come forward and be vaccinated to minimize the impact on people’s health and the economy.
Students learn remotely during COVID
Since the rapid spread of COVID-19 (119,000 cases and 437 deaths) took hold of Laos schools have been closed and education moved to online learning. This is not an option for many students but it is pleasing to see a reasonable number of LEOT School students have been able to continue lessons.
Buy Food for Lao Families
I am helping to raise money to buy rice for Lao families in need. Lao people eat sticky rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner! A large bag of 50kg rice costs $60 NZD and will feed an average family for 2-4 weeks.
Community Development, COVID-19, Donation, Laos, Luang Prabang
Laos Launches Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate
Health authorities in Laos have launched a new enhanced Covid-19 vaccination certificate with a QR Code that will allow for greater authenticity and digital verification. According to a report by the Center of Information and Education for Health, the QR code on the Covid-19 vaccination certificate will ensure that the certificates are authentic and can be more […]
Laos First Train Gets Name – Langxang
The Lao flag symbol with it’s three colors inspires the new passenger train design for the Laos-China Railway. The passenger train has been named Lanxang and is due to arrive this week, ahead of the grand opening on 2 December 2021. The Prime Minister’s Office on Monday issued a notice that named the historic passenger […]
Laos COVID Vaccine update
The sixth batch of China-donated Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines has been handed over to Laos this week upon arrival at the Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday. A million doses were donated. China is trying to donate 6.8 million doses in 2021. Laos has a population of approximately 7 million people. The Republic of Korea will also […]
Villages Locked down for COVID-19
Today an order was issued to lock down Luang Prabang to stop the spread of COVID-19. Authorities in several Lao provinces have ordered lockdowns with travel banned between some districts due to a surge in Covid infections. All Covid rule-breakers will be fined. This includes anyone who comes into contact with a known COVID case […]
Laos-China Railway on Track for December
The 6 US Billion Laos-China railway which was started in December 2016 is a year early and set up open on Lao National day this year, 2 December. The railway runs from the town of Boten on Laos’s border with China to the capital Vientiane and is now 93.82% complete according to the Miniter of […]
My COVID Journey: Prologue
In the future, I may look back on this and remember what is was like to travel during COVID-19. Of course, unless one really had to, you would not choose to travel at such a time. I will summarize my two-week quarantine in New Zealand. In the meantime here is a prologue while I remain […]
Blessing at Wat Naxang
I visited this monk at Wat Naxang this week. It had been a while since going to temple and it was time for a Buddhist blessing of good luck and protection evidently. I have followed this monk over the years from Wat That Luang to Wat Taohai and now Ban Naxang. He seems to move […]
Students get bicycles fixed
Many local Luang Prabang school students had their bikes fixed while being served free lunch at the town library in Luang Prabang, Laos. The Solidarity Food Canteen was started in 2020 during COVID-19. Volunteers prepare food that is donated by local suppliers or purchased with donated funds. They serve 120 meals every weekday. I arranged […]
Update: Helping Teenage Girl
Today with the kind help of a few people in Luang Prabang we drove 20 minutes outside Luang Prabang and picked up Chansy, the 17 year old girl we have been assisting, with her mother, and we went to the Fred Hollows Foundation center at the Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital. The wonderful doctor at the […]
Chansy, Community Development, Donation, Laos, Luang Prabang, Volunteering
Helping a young Lao girl at risk
2 days before the new year I was contacted by Khmu people I know well, who discovered an at-risk teenager in their village. She has hardly any clothes and food and had been abused in the past. She is 17 years old and left alone most of the day in her parent’s house. She went […]
Life in Ban Paksanam
This past weekend I was invited to help a remote village about 3 hours out of Luang Prabang with a new roof for the school, clothes and blanket (it’s almost cold season). About an hour south of Luang Prabang we stopped at Xiang Ngeun at the top of the hill. Lovely views (including the new […]
Anouluck Xang – Protect our Elephants
Laos has been known as Lan Xang, the Land of a Million Elephants, since it was a remote, reclusive, ancient kingdom. Elephants are part of Lao peoples’ blood, bones and essential beings – as important as roots are to trees. It is with the understanding and respect for this connection that we share with you […]
Lao New Year 1974
A video showing the celebrations in Luang Prabang, Laos in 1974. Not a lot has changed.
Boun Hor Khaopadapdin, The festival That Feeds The Spirits
Boun Hor Khaopadapdin is an annual festival during which the people of Laos “feed” spirits with home-made parcels of food, reflecting their love, respect and gratitude for their deceased ancestors and guardians.
Food, Laos, Luang Prabang, Monks, Temple
Hardship in Laos: Can you help someone?
It’s the time of year when Novice Monks finish school and many leave the temple to become laymen. School exams have finished and many novices decide to leave the temple around this time. They are often ill-prepared with little to no education about living life as a layman and no financial support. Many of these […]
Culture, Donation, Food, Laos, Luang Prabang, Monks, Volunteering
Helping the hungry In Luang Prabang
A Solidarity Canteen has been setup be people living in Luang Prabang to provide food assistance to people living in Luang Prabang who are finding it difficult to eat =as many have lost their incomes due to COVID-19. Every day, this nonprofit serves lunch for everyone from 11 to 1PM at the Institut Français du […]
Blessings from a scholarship student
Monk Sivone was a LEOT students and was successful in getting a scholarship to continue his study. He is one of the most motivated students I have met. He is completing his studies this year and had this to say: My name is Phra Sivone Keovilaipunya who was born and raised in the countryside at […]
LEOT School opens after Lao COVID lockdown
Laos locked down in March and a country-wide lockdown was enforced on 1 April for 6 weeks. The entire country had to stay at home and only go out for food. With only 19 COVID-19 cases in Laos the lockdown was effective with no community transmission for over 100 days. LEOT, the only English and […]
A love of reading
Mr Outhiphon is studying at Law College but also comes at 9am to study in our Elementary 1 class. He is enjoying borrowing and reading books from the library. If he has a problem with difficult words, he uses his dictionary to find out the meaning. He keeps his library book in his bag and […]
Helping victims of bomb accidents
Up to a third of the bombs dropped did not explode. In 2008, 300 people a year were injured or killed and today that figure is closer to 50. Uncleared land still poses a threat to farmers and villages and sadly people still suffer injuries today, often lost limbs or eyesight.
Exhibition, Health, Laos, Luang Prabang, Poverty, Travel, UXO
Vientiane Opthamology Centre
It’s almost been 12 month since I rushed down to Vientiane to the Opthamology centre after losing sight on one of my eyes. Looking back, I was surprisingly calm throughout the whole ordeal which took about 4 months with professionals to try and get to the bottom of the situation. At the time I thought […]
Is there enough parking in Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos at the heart of a mountainous region built on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers. They say Buddha would have smiled when he rested there during his travels, prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful city. […]
Business, China, Community Development, Laos, Luang Prabang, Monks, Nam Khan, Travel
The Dammed Nam Khan River
I took this photo of Novices washing in the Nam Khan river on the way home today. It’s one of my favourite landscapes and I don’t stop to appreciate it enough. The bamboo bridge is up at the moment as it is dry season. It will come down when the monsoon season arrives in May. […]
Bamboo bridge, Business, China, Culture, Dam, Laos, Luang Prabang, Monks, Nam Khan, News, School
Getting around Luang Prabang
I was back at the motorbike shop this week. I’ve had a good run lately. I was going to the shop every few months since I got my fake Honda motorbike in 2016. I’ve changed shops during the last few years, from one Vietnamese shop to another. I decided bypassing the fuse to fit the […]
Secret train streets in Hanoi?
Visit Dec 2018 Hanoi, a city of many past names, was originally known as Long Biên ( “dragon edge”) during the CHinese ccupation. Long Biên Bridge, built during French colonial time just happened to be the highlight of my recent revisit to Hanoi. I’ve long had a love affair with Vietnam. It is the incredible […]
Chasing Dreams in Laos
LEOT School runs a Dreamcatcher programme for students pursuing their goals and dreams. About 30 students who are in their final year of high school or have finished school meet twice a month. Some are unsuccessful at getting one of the limited places at university We aim to help students identify their dreams and provide […]
Follow-your-dream, Laos, Luang Prabang, School, Volunteering
Luang Prabang Bamboo Bridge
Each year at the end of the rainy season the local village builds a Bamboo Bridge across the Nam Khan river. It is narrow and very sturdy. It washes away when the high waters come again in rainy season. For 5,000 kip you can cross from the peninsula side to Ban Phuang Luang (or vice […]
Bamboo bridge, Food, Laos, Luang Prabang, Nam Khan, School, Travel
Students painting for exhibition
LEOT School students have been learning to paint from a volunteer who has kindly been coming 3 times a week. The French Institute has allowed us to use their building in the heritage area of Luang Prabang to display the artwork. It’s an opportunity for students to publicly showcase their work and artwork sold is […]
Education, Exhibition, Follow-your-dream, French, Laos, Luang Prabang, Painting, School, Volunteering
Wat Wisunarat (Wat Visoun) has a new watermelon
Wat Wisunarat is Luang Prabang’s oldest temple and was once home to the Prabang Buddhas. It also contains what is known as the “Watermelon stupa”, build in 1530, it’s shaped like a watermelon. It is one of my first memories when I arrived in 2011. It took me a few years to remember this temple […]
Sunday morning roadworks
One of my favourite sights in Luang Prabang … roadworks!!! It is not a sight seen often but a very welcome one. It seems the roads, including main roads and main tourist streets, were only repaired 6 months ago and already large potholes had reappeared causing traffic to grind to a halt. So imagine my […]
Food, Laos, Luang Prabang, Travel, Video
5 computer topics taught in Laos
Computer education in Laos is limited. It is not taught in many schools and experienced teachers are unavailable. Students are increasingly needing to have computer skills to compete with others to secure jobs. English and computing and becoming vital skills to gain employment which is why I helped establish computing lessons in 2015 so 16-22 year […]
Community Development, Education, Employment, Information Technology, Laos, Luang Prabang, School, Volunteering
Making merit at Buddhist temple
Buddhism is practiced by most Laotians. Life in Laos beats to a rhythm set by religion. Alms are given every morning at 5 am in the hot season and about 6.30 when colder. Sticky rice is washed and soaked the evening before and cooked early the next morning. Sometimes it’s mixed with banana and wrapped […]
History of Luang Prabang by Nat Geo
This video by National Geographic gives you an overview of Luang Prabang and sights around the area.
Uplifting a local village school in Laos
I visited a village with colleagues near the famous Kuangsi waterfall as we’d been told their classrooms were in need of repair. It is a typical school in a village serving the families from that village. There were 8 classrooms split among two buildings. One was wooden and would be very hot much of the […]
Community Development, Donation, Education, Health, Laos, Luang Prabang, School
Fundraising concert a hit
LEOT and the Music School, both not-for-profits providing education opportunities to Lao youth held a fundraising concert on Sunday night at the beautiful Heuan Chan Heritage center in Luang Prabang, just off the main street. It took some organising and a big thank you to all those who gave us prized for the raffle. I […]
Education, Festival, Follow-your-dream, Laos, Luang Prabang, School
New students learning computer skills in Luang Prabang
The fourth year of teaching computer skills to students began a few weeks ago. Students learn during weekdays Monday to Friday and extra classes are held on Saturdays allowing other students to attend. A small fee is asked in order to get some commitment to come each week if things are free people tend to […]
Community Development, Education, Follow-your-dream, Information Technology, Laos, Luang Prabang, School
Road collapses in Luang Prabang
The road on the peninsula in UNESCO Heritage Zone 1 has collapsed further from the rain this past season. The road runs along the Nam Khan (the river that joins the Mekong River). It is a very beautiful part of Luang Prabang and teenagers love to ride their motorbikes round and round at night (much […]
Cats and dogs left over after rain
Well the rainy season in Laos has ended and it was a bad season. There is a lot of damage to roads and of course, there was the Dam collapse in Attapeu on 23 July. It’s not raining cats and dogs anymore but there are a lot of cats and dogs in Laos. They can […]
Dam, Food, Laos, Luang Prabang
Fishing on the border
Bokèo is a northern province of Laos. It is the smallest and least populous province in Laos. For most people they enter Bokeo when crossing via land from Thailand. I love going from Luang prabang up the Mekong River to Huay Xai, in Bokeo Province and into Thailand, it is a magic few days. I […]
Stunning Laos – Together we thrive
A beautiful video of Laos showing the stunning scenery and people that fill this magic country. Video by: Cedric Jean-Baptiste They say travelling is one of the best ways to grow and whilst true this only occurs if you reflect on the experience and learn from it. After going through hours of footage, this is what […]
Follow-your-dream, Laos, Luang Prabang, Travel, Vang Vieng, Video
Beautiful Laos – Paradise seen from Heaven
Filmed by: Christoph von Toggenburg Laos is covered in wild jungles, mirroring lakes, colourful rice paddies, beautiful temples, ancient ruins, amazing waterfalls and slow rivers. This short film takes you on a journey across Laos, captured from the air, showing this unique country from an entirely unseen perspective. Celebrating our engagement, my finacée Valentine and […]
Making hand washing stations in Luang Prabang, Laos
As part of the community projects LEOT School does, we are often improving sanitation and washing facilities. Handwashing stations at schools are often lacking. Niew is our project man as well as helping administer the school in Luang Prabang. He recently returned from the capital Vientiane, where washing stations are manufactured. He went to learn […]
Community Development, Donation, Laos, Luang Prabang, School, Vientiane
Napao Primary School,Laos get painted
Last month, Jeannette school staff, a Government education official and myself surveyed Napao primary school as we were told it needed supplies and a good paint. Painting a school not only instills pride in teachers and students but makes the rooms lighter as many rooms do not have good lighting. We found donors for the […]
Community Development, Education, Laos, Luang Prabang, School, Volunteering
A dream comes true to study in France
Alounny Thammavongsavanh is a student studying at LEOT and she has written this short story. I’m 17 years old and I live in PhanLuang village. I’m a student in my final year at Pasathipatay school. It’s a bilingual school. I have been studying French for 10 years at primary and secondary school and then I […]
Phousi Mountain – Luangs Prabangs sunset vantage point
Phousi Mountain or Mount Phousi as some say is a hill located in the centre of town in the heritage area, located on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The “sacred hill” is about 100 meters high. Many tourists climb the hill about 5.30pm to view the sunset so it gets rather […]
Making Change in the Mekong
Film for Change Aotearoa New Zealand produced this short film about my volunteer work in Laos establishing computer education programs to raise awareness of opportunities to support sustainable, grass-roots education efforts in Laos to help improve people’s lives a little. I volunteer with Lao teachers to provide free education, scholarships and hardship support for impoverished […]
Community Development, Development, Education, Featured, Follow-your-dream, Laos, Luang Prabang, Monks, Poverty, School, Video, Volunteering