This past weekend I took a silk dyeing class at Ock Pop Tok’s Living Crafts Centre. The day was gorgeous, the sun was shining, and the skies were the brightest blue. As I walked into their cafe to wait until the class began, I was handed a complementary fruit tea. I was told that it was some snake
Just last week we decided to go out for a ‘work lunch’ at Ock Pop Tok and sit by the majestic Mekong. A placard that was propped up in the center of each table had advertised their special of the month: Brunch Set featuring Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce. Although we decided on having a
Ock Pop Tok’s Silk Road Cafe is a tranquil place to come for either a brunch or lunch and gaze out at the slow and mighty Mekong. It is also a place where you can find traditional Lao food infused with Western favorites that will surely excite anyone’s taste buds. As we quickly grabbed a
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Tucked away down a quaint, little road near the UNESCO certified Manorom Temple, Hotel de la Paix is one of the upmost luxurious places to spend a few nights here in Luang Prabang. In a town where there is stunning architecture and continued traditions to be observed around every corner, it is rare to find
One of the harder transitions I am having here in Laos is eating a heavy meal for breakfast. I still dream about eating my giant bowl of chilled almond milk poured over a mound of crunchy granola that I was so used to in the United States. I asked someone what Lao people eat for
It was extremely hot and sunny during my first two weeks here in Luang Prabang, a rarity during the ‘rainy season’. For my first weekend, I decided to cool off from the mid-day sun and experience some cultural diversity by visiting the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. While some may think that the TAEC is
I usually go far away from the city center to find both delicious and authentic Lao food at a fair price. Though after passing this place everyday on Sisavangvong Road during my commute, I knew I just had to take a seat and order a bowl of khao piak khao (boiled rice soup). For only
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Last Thursday and Friday, Tiger Trail had a two-day tour guide training session at a local college in Luang Prabang. This was one of the few times of the year that all of our guides are together in one room! This training workshop was lead by both Peter Richards and Markus Neuer. Peter was an inspirational speaker and
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This local spot is known as “Pasaneyom Coffee Shop”, and it is very popular among local Lao. It is conveniently located near the banks of the Mekong, and it is very busy in the early morning. This coffee shop seems like it has been around for years, and caters Tuk-Tuk drivers, retired men, and some Thai
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Random things that are awesome about living in Luang Prabang, Laos I’ll be moving out of Laos in a week or two (or three…) and I have grown to love this country more than I ever imagined. It surprised me how quickly Luang Prabang has come to feel like home. Here are some of
The new Nam Ou Riverside Resort outside of Luang Prabang is Gorgeous The Tiger Trail team recently went out and explored the Nam Ou Riverside Resort and Nam Ou Elephant Farm. They’re located next door to each other, between a lovely little village and the Nam Ou River in the Pak Ou District, not far from
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Rice is Life Learning how to grow sticky rice at the Living Land Farm near Luang Prabang Living Land Farm The other morning I went to the Living Land Farm just outside of Luang Prabang to experience the Rice is Life program. It was fantastic! Our small group met with Mr. Laut Lee – a phenomenal farmer and
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Nong Khiaw – One of the most beautiful and chilled out places in Laos The night before I left for Southeast Asia I was at my friend’s warehouse for a housewarming party. I met a girl who had just returned from Asia and she told me she had really liked Laos, but
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Hi everyone. I’m Jordi, the new Tiger Trail representative for Spanish-speaking clients. A little info about me: I fell in love with Laos back in 2006, when I entered the country for the first time. On that first trip to Laos I travelled every province of the country with my friend Ferran, with the
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One group’s experience biking from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng with Tiger Trail’s help! In our research on Laos, Tina had read some time ago of a special experience, which is to ride a bike from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng. This route is considered by many cycling enthusiasts from all over the world as
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Discover Southern Laos… A Few Days in 4000 Islands, Don Khone, Don Det and Don Khong. A Southeast Asia Visa Run Vacation My first three months in Laos just came to a close which meant a necessary trip out of the country for a visa run. It just so happened that my best friend from
Upscale New Hotel Breaks Ground in Luang Prabang The latest in the Laos tourism boom is the beginning of construction on the Anantara Resort and Spa. The operator already has branches in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Qatar, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. The design of the new five-star hotel will follow the operator’s model
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Coffee Roasters in Laos serve delicious coffee and help communities One of my absolute #1 favorite things in the entire world is a good cup of coffee. When you arrive in Laos, it might seem that 3-in-1 packets of instant coffee are the only option, but let me let you in on a little secret
Every year rocket festivals explode across Laos This month has brought rocket festivals to fields just outside of villages and towns all over Laos and eastern Thailand. The festival is called Boun Bang Fai and it takes place during the 6th lunar month of the year as a way to call the gods to send the rain.
Next time you’re in Laos have an easy-going stay at the Ibis Hotel in Vientiane When you head to the Lao capital, you should be sure to check into the Ibis Vientiane Nam Phu. This affordable and family-friendly hotel provides a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Ibis Hotel is conveniently located in
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