Showing posts with label Laos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Laos. Show all posts

Kuang Si Waterfall Side-trip with Tiger Trail | Laos

May 19, 2021

 

After several days of exploring the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, the lure of the great outdoors took me 30 kilometers south to the town of Long Lao—the home of the Hmong indigenous people of Indochina. Accompanied by three other staff of Tiger Trail Adventure, our truck set off under the misty fog of the early morning. After an hour of driving through small settlements and along a long stretch of rough road, we reached the trekking jump-point to Kuang Si Falls under a still gloomy sky.


Sophie Gianan

Hiking to the Mist-Veiled Peak of Mount Pha Daeng | Nong Khiaw, Laos

July 05, 2019


At the foot of Mount Pha Daeng, a sign reads “Unexploded Bombs, Still in this Area. Dangerous!” remains a chilling reminder of the horrors of the Vietnam War. Collectively unmindful of the warning, we reckoned every bomb ordnance buried along the trail stretching to a radius of a few kilometers, were all swept clean already. Laos—by the way—is a vastly different nation now compared to what I first read in history books.



Where to Stay in Luang Prabang, Laos | Satri House

March 19, 2019


The narrow entrance of Satri House betrays the gem of a place hidden inside: A stunning collection of charming colonial buildings inspired by Lao architecture and culture. Adding a layer of lure are the quaint corners and the lush gardens surrounded by towering trees. As the female staff briefs me about the property, my eyes wandered everywhere. "Satri House was first built in 1904 as a royal house by the parents of Prince Souphanouvong, the first President of Lao People's Democratic Republic. This property was refurbished in 2002 by Mrs. Lamphoune Voravongsa - now the current owner" she tells me.


Pool side of Satri House

Where to Stay in Luang Prabang: Lotus Villa Boutique | Laos

March 05, 2019


It was starting to darken when I arrived at Luang Prabang causing me to hurry my pace in locating my hotel. Guided by my Google Map, I walked pass the main street of the city's historic district. It was a lovely surprise finding out a few days before, that Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel situates right smack in the UNESCO Heritage area of the city. Established in 2008, this small property houses 15 soothing rooms and 2 suites – all designed within the fervor of the architectural style of Laos’ colonial past.

Where to Stay: Nong Kiau Riverside | Laos

January 20, 2019


Sandwiching our almost week-long Luang Prabang blogger’s trip sponsored by Destination Mekong, was a two-day jaunt to a rustic village three-hours away. The town of Nong Khiaw situates in a picturesque countryside on the banks of the Ou River and squeezed by saw-toothed limestone peaks. So where did our host billet us? Of course, in a water's edge property called Nong Kiau Riverside.

the welcome sign of Nong Kiau Riverside

Laos | Luang Prabang’s Laid-back Lure and Rich Heritage

September 16, 2018


I remember sitting inside a cramped van negotiating the snaking countryside road of Laos, feeling very excited as I reached my next destination. My high anticipation stems from the desire to unlock the truth behind the prevailing word-of-mouth on Luang Prabang. “The place is so laid-back,” fellow travelers would often rave. As simple as it may be, that description is music to my ears. Throw in the heritage structures and rich culture of the city, my giddiness got the best of me for the rest of my ride.