Wat Phou reveals its true beauty and history for those who make time to visit. Tiny Champasak, gateway to a small hillside temple complex of outsized spiritual importance, lies in one of the most enchanting spots in all of Laos. Travelers I met tell me they’re skipping a visit to Champasak to...
At the end of Buddhist Lent, the green monsoon season draws to a close, and the harvest season begins. To give thanks for their livelihoods and annual bounty, Lao people make merit by making offerings to the mother spirit of rivers. In Luang Prabang, this is especially magical, as the entire...
During the three-month period of Buddhist Lent, monsoon rains have swollen the rivers, allowing mythical water serpents, known as Nagas, to swim into the irrigated paddies. As the Lao wait for their rice to grow, they organize longboat races between neighboring villages in an attempt to lure...
The Lao Rocket Festival One of the most uniquely Lao holidays is the Rocket Festival. Taking place in the hottest time of year, just before the rice planting season, locals create rockets, known as bang fai, which are launched into the sky. To get a closer look, my friend Phou invited me to his...
The International Jazz Festival Vientiane is now a major event in Southeast Asia. The festival draws thousands of Jazz lovers and musicians from around the world. Champa Meuanglao spoke with Micka Perier, founder of the festival, to find out what makes it such a success. Good afternoon...
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