Author: Andy Chan

This is the heartfelt journey of a Lao person who has spent most of their life overseas, returning only briefly to their homeland. Though they have visited a handful of provinces—including Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Champasak, and Savannakhet—their time has always been too short to truly explore Laos in its entirety.

With a deep longing to reconnect with their roots, they dream of traveling across all 17 provinces, from the northern mountains of Phongsaly to the southern fields of Champasak, their birthplace. Their bucket list highlights four provinces in particular—Bokeo, Houaphanh, Xaisomboun, and Sainyabuli—each offering unique landscapes, traditions, and cultural treasures.

More than just a travel plan, this story reflects a search for belonging and identity. Despite living abroad for most of their life and sometimes facing questions about their ethnicity, they affirm their Lao heritage with pride. The journey across Laos is not only about seeing new places, but also about rediscovering themselves, embracing their culture, and fulfilling a lifelong promise: to truly know the land that made them who they are.

September has rolled in, bringing with it the excitement of my upcoming birthday and the realization that the New Year is just around the corner. Time has flown — a whirlwind of moments, challenges, and small victories. It’s also been nearly a year since laopress.com came back to life, quietly drawing in curious visitors eager to see what we’ve been creating. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding — a mix of hard work, creativity, and connection that’s kept me grounded and inspired. As the months ahead promise more milestones and memories, I’m embracing the ride, one story at a time.

Lately, my usual outings have been on hold. The reason?

This unexpected downtime has become a chance to do something productive at home. I’m diving into some cosmetic improvements, starting with the garden. My goal is to make it look tidy and inviting. Inside, a long list of small projects awaits. I’m planning to tackle most of them myself, as the cost of hiring tradespeople has become prohibitive. Well, the truth is that there is no spared cash available. Online renovation videos have given me plenty of ideas and motivation.

The projects are underway, and I’m curious to see the final results.

“We Are Lao!” is a powerful rock song that serves as a moving tribute to the strength, resilience, and unity of the Lao people. The song aims to inspire a new generation, celebrating a shared culture and history with a simple yet powerful melody and English lyrics. It’s an anthem of pride and identity, encouraging the Lao community worldwide to come together, find strength in their roots, and joyfully celebrate who they are.

Get ready to move to another irresistible beat with ຍີງລາວ – Lao Woman – a sultry new track that’ll have you dancing before you even know it! This seductive anthem blends traditional Lao elements with modern rhythms, creating an infectious groove that’s impossible to resist. Put on your dancing shoes and let the music take control!

Lately, I’ve noticed my stomach getting bigger. It’s a clear sign I’m not moving enough, thanks to spending most of my days stuck behind a computer screen. By the time evening rolls around, I’m just too tired to properly play with my young son, and that’s something I really want to change.

I’m definitely feeling the strain. On weekdays, I already walk about half an hour from home to the station to catch public transport to work, and then back again in the evening. Sometimes, I even manage a walk around the city during my lunch break. And once I’m home, my youngest usually wants to go to the park, adding another two kilometers to my day.