Journal archive
Every article.
22 articles
Local storiesJun 2026
The Plain of Jars, explained
Three thousand stone jars, no consensus on what they were for, and one ongoing UXO clearance effort.
By Phoxay Inthavong
TransportJun 2026
The Slow Boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang: Worth the Hype? (2026)
An honest 2026 guide to the Mekong slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang — real prices, what to expect in Pakbeng, and whether the 2-day journey is worth it.
By Khamla Vongphachanh
TransportJun 2026
Luang Prabang Airport (LPQ): Everything You Need to Know in 2026
A complete guide to Luang Prabang International Airport in 2026 — airlines, routes, transfers into town, and the smartest way to get to your hotel.
By Leuth Sengphachanh
TransportJun 2026
Is the Lao-China Railway Worth It? A Local's Take (2026)
An honest review of the Laos-China Railway from people who actually live in Laos. What it changed, what it didn't, and whether it's worth the booking hassle.
By Leuth Sengphachanh
TransportJun 2026
Vientiane to Luang Prabang: Train, Bus, Van, or Flight? (2026)
A no-nonsense comparison of every way to get from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in 2026 — train vs flight vs minivan vs bus. Real prices, real times, what we recommend.
By Leuth Sengphachanh
TransportJun 2026
How to Book Laos Train Tickets in 2026 (The Honest Guide)
Everything you actually need to know to book Laos-China Railway tickets in 2026 — the official app, third-party sites, the ticket office, and what to do when seats sell out.
By Leuth Sengphachanh
DestinationsMay 2026
Luang Prabang with kids: a five-day plan
Where the kids will love, where they'll be bored, and how to pace it so everyone makes it through the heat.
By Anong Khounvilay
DestinationsMay 2026
The Bolaven coffee loop in three days (or four if you can)
How to ride the southern coffee country properly. Where to stop, where to sleep, where to eat.
By Khamphan Vilaysane
DestinationsMay 2026
Where to stay in Luang Prabang (without the chains)
Family-run guesthouses, restored colonial houses, and one stilted homestay across the river. All Lao-owned.
By Anong Khounvilay
DestinationsMay 2026
River tubing in Vang Vieng: is it still good?
The reformed version of the once-infamous activity. What to expect now, and whether it's worth it.
By Vieng Sengaloun
Food & cultureMay 2026
A Lao Food Primer: Larb, Tam Mak Hoong, Mok Pa
The three dishes you should eat first in Laos — what they are, why they matter, where to find the good ones.
By Mae Lai Phommachit
PracticalMay 2026
Tipping in Laos: what locals actually do
Restaurants, guides, drivers, hotels — the real answer to a question every traveler asks.
By Leuth Sengphachanh