Learn how to play the khaen
If travelers or long-term visitors would like to learn how to play the khaen, there are a few realistic and culturally appropriate ways to do so in Laos. Learning the khaen is usually informal and relationship-based, rather than through fixed commercial classes, which makes the experience more personal and meaningful. In Vientiane, formal learning is
Where to Hear (and Try) the Khaen in Laos
The khaen is one of the most recognisable sounds of Laos. Made from bamboo pipes joined together with a wooden wind chest, this traditional mouth organ has been played for generations and remains deeply connected to Lao identity, daily life, and celebrations. For many Lao people, hearing the khaen immediately brings a sense of home,
Phra That Sikhottabong: A Peaceful and Sacred Stop in Thakhek, Khammouane
THAKHEK, LAOS — Tucked along the Mekong River in Thakhek, Phra That Sikhottabong is a meaningful cultural and spiritual site that many travelers are pleasantly surprised to discover while exploring central Laos. Phra That Sikhottabong is considered one of the most important stupas in Khammouane province. Local people believe it contains sacred relics and has
Traditional Lao clothing and take photos
If foreign visitors would like to wear traditional Lao clothing and take photos, it is quite easy to arrange in several parts of Laos, especially in popular tourist towns. These experiences are usually relaxed, affordable, and designed to help visitors enjoy Lao culture in a respectful way. In Luang Prabang, many small studios and local
Traditional Lao Wedding: A Gentle Journey from Beginning to Celebration
A traditional wedding in Laos is not just a ceremony between two people. It is a family-centered, spiritual, and community-based event that reflects respect, harmony, and the importance of relationships. For foreign visitors or couples attending a Lao wedding for the first time, the experience may feel quiet, warm, and deeply meaningful rather than formal
The Ethnic Groups of Laos: Culture, Traditions, and Everyday Life
Laos is home to a rich diversity of ethnic groups, which play a central role in shaping the country’s culture, traditions, and ways of life. Rather than being defined by one single identity, Lao society is made up of many communities with different languages, customs, clothing styles, and relationships with the land. Understanding these ethnic
Provinces in southern Laos
If you are traveling in Champasak province and have extra time, the surrounding provinces in southern Laos offer many opportunities to extend your journey. These neighboring areas are less visited than Champasak but are rich in nature, rural life, and quiet landscapes, making them ideal for travelers who want to explore beyond the main routes.
Southern Laos: Champasak provine
If you are planning a trip to southern Laos, especially Champasak province, three to four days is a very comfortable amount of time to see the highlights without rushing. The area is well connected, the distances are manageable, and the atmosphere is relaxed, making it ideal for travelers who want to combine culture, nature, and
Pakse City: A Relaxed Gateway to Southern Laos
Pakse often feels like a place travelers pass through—but it rewards those who slow down and spend a little time. Set where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet, Pakse is calm, practical, and quietly charming, offering a genuine look at everyday life in southern Laos. Life in Pakse moves at an easy pace. Mornings
Bolaven Plateau Remains a Favorite Nature Escape in Southern Laos
CHAMPASAK, LAOS — The Bolaven Plateau continues to attract travelers looking for cooler weather, dramatic waterfalls, and scenic countryside in southern Laos, especially those visiting Pakse and Champasak province. Rising high above the Mekong lowlands, the Bolaven Plateau is known for its rich volcanic soil, which supports vast coffee and tea plantations, vegetable farms, and