Author: Andy Chan

Pakse has changed in many positive ways, but during my recent visit I was struck by how quiet my home villages have become. Despite years of investment in education, health, and infrastructure, many young people continue to leave Champasak — and Laos — in search of higher‑paying jobs abroad. This growing trend is draining our communities of their most important resource: the people who should be shaping the nation’s future.

After more than 25 years away, returning to Pakse felt like stepping back into the beginning of my own life. With only a few days in town, I walked the city, breathed in the Mekong breeze, and watched old memories rise with every street. Pakse has grown into a neat, welcoming hub for the south, surrounded by cool Paksong, the 4000 Islands, and the stunning road to Vat Phou. It’s affordable, diverse, and full of quiet charm. Riding through Champasak reminded me why this place will always feel like home — and why anyone visiting Laos should make their way south to discover it for themselves.

Travelling through Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Pakse, and Paksong gave me a beautiful yet eye‑opening experience. Riding a motorbike offered freedom, fresh air, and stunning landscapes, but the roads were often chaotic and dangerous. Monster‑sized trucks, many from neighbouring countries, crowd roads that were never built for them, while broken or ignored traffic lights make crossings risky. In the suburbs, reckless driving is common, and in Vientiane many businesses still offer no proper parking, causing congestion. The positive sign is that new shopping centres now provide organised parking, and with time, more businesses may follow — improving traffic flow and safety for everyone.

I love travelling solo—anywhere, anytime, to any place. I’ve done it many times and find it wonderfully convenient. Travel can be chaotic, unpredictable, tiring, boring, and fun; those contrasts are exactly why I love it. Sometimes it’s challenging or even a little scary, but exploring foreign places is fascinating and educational. Don’t rely only on magazines, TV, or social media—those sources can be biased. The best way to learn about a place is to see and experience it yourself. The hardest part of solo travel is homesickness. Our new song “My Heart’s With You” captures that feeling—missing your children, partner, or family while you’re away. If you’re travelling alone, this song is for you. If you enjoy it, please share it with friends and family.

Vientiane, Laos’s capital, may be small by global standards, but it offers a timeless charm and modern energy. In just a few days, I explored its streets, temples, coffee shops, and restaurants, while also venturing to the outskirts to see how the city is growing. From authentic Lao cuisine to the vibrant coffee culture, Vientiane reveals both tradition and progress — a destination that leaves you wanting more.