how to support minority communities in northern Laos

Laos is home to an estimated 42 ethnic minority communities. Most travelers get glimpses of Khmu, Hmong, and Lao Lum culture, but very rarely do people journey up north where the Akha, Oma, and Lanten people live. During my trip to Luang Namtha Province with Luang Namtha Tourism, I was given the unique opportunity to learn more about these ethnic minority cultures in Laos in an initiative with the tourism board to broaden the economic opportunities of these communities through the tourism industry.

the best place to stay on a Bangkok layover: why Sloth Hostel is my pick on a layover from Don Muang Airport

What’s the worst part of a long, late night layover? Finding accommodation that’s in close proximity to the airport and affordable. Luckily, passengers flying in and out of Don Muang Airport in need of a place to sleep and shower need look no further than Sloth Hostel Don Muang.

homestay highlight: Vanvisa At The Falls in Luang Prabang, Laos

As a total surprise to me {and I can count the number of times I’ve actually been surprised on two hands}, I was told only to pack an overnight bag and swimwear, I was at an absolute loss for what to expect. Whisked away on the back of a motorbike, I was more and more confused as we got further and further south. Surely, we were heading to the waterfalls? But…there’s no place to stay the night at the waterfalls? I WAS CONFUSED. We pulled up near the gate of Kuang Si and took a turn down a dirt alleyway. Pulling up to an area filled with open seating and pools of teal water I’d never seen before, Luke jumped off the bike and said, “We’re here.” And that’s how our time at the hidden hotel I’d never heard of in all my time in Laos started— the Vanvisa At The Falls Homestay Resort.

a review of Mekong Kingdoms' sunset cruise in Luang Prabang, Laos

Right before the daylight dips behind the jungle-covered mountains of Luang Prabang, tourists sit on the banks of the Mekong to witness the end of the day that was. Basking in the golden light of the low-hanging sun, Luang Prabang steps fully into its best self. It’s because of this, its “unspeakable beauty” as the late Anthony Bourdain put it, that sunset cruises along the Mekong River has become a “must-do” for most travelers visiting this tiny UNESCO town.

Asia, Lao PDR, travel, destination guide, collabWhere Tara WentJanuary 31, 20192019, asia, southeast asia, Lao PDR, Laos, laos, mekong river cruise, hosted, Mekong Kingdoms, luang prabang, tours, travel, collabComment

what to expect from Tamarind Cooking School in Luang Prabang, Laos

Long-time readers of this blog will know, ya girl is a fan of cooking classes. I think there are so many benefits to learning about the cuisine of a culture. So, when I was asked to check out Tamarind cooking school to see what they’re evening classes offer guests in Luang Prabang, I was over the moon.

a day of rice farming in Laos on Living Land Farm

Have you ever wondered where your food comes from? Maybe you make the effort to buy organic fruits and pesticide-free vegetables? But what about your rice? Do you know where it comes from? I didn’t. More than that, I didn’t know how much work it was to grow it, harvest it, and get it on my plate.