Swimming by the Mekong in Vientiane: What Visitors Should Know
VIENTIANE, LAOS — Many visitors staying along the Mekong River in Vientiane notice locals relaxing by the river and may wonder whether it is possible to swim there. The short answer is: yes, but only in very specific places and seasons, and with caution. Along the Mekong River near Vientiane, swimming is not generally recommended
Sangthong: A Quiet Escape Just Outside Vientiane
If you are looking for a peaceful place to slow down and relax without traveling far, Sangthong district is a destination worth considering. Located not far from Vientiane, Sangthong feels a world away from city life, with open countryside, riverside views, and a calm rural atmosphere. Sangthong is known for its natural scenery and simple
Visiting a Lao Home: Simple Etiquette for Meals, Parties, and Family Gatherings
Being invited to a Lao home—whether for a meal, a small party, or a family gathering—is a warm and meaningful gesture. Lao hospitality is sincere and generous, and guests are usually welcomed as part of the family. If you are a foreign visitor or someone new to Lao culture, a few simple practices can help
The Lao Sinh: Everyday Beauty Woven into Daily Life
In Laos, seeing women wearing a sinh—the traditional Lao skirt—is not a special occasion or a performance for visitors. It is simply everyday life. From schools and government offices to family gatherings and daily errands, the sinh is a natural and respected part of how many Lao women dress. The sinh is more than clothing.
Visiting Luang Prabang During a Busy Travel Season: How to Enjoy the City Even When It’s Crowded
LUANG PRABANG, LAOS — In recent weeks, Luang Prabang has seen a noticeable increase in visitor numbers. Streets in the Old Town feel busier, popular attractions are more crowded, and cafés and restaurants fill up quickly. Even so, Luang Prabang remains a beautiful and rewarding place to visit—if you travel with a bit of awareness
Housewarming ceremony in Laos
When a Lao family moves into a new home, the occasion is marked by a housewarming ceremony, known locally as a meaningful and joyful moment rather than a formal event. For Lao people, building and moving into a new house is closely connected to spiritual belief, family unity, and community support. If you are a
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