HOMEWARD BOUND
$2.99
| Homeward Bound V1 | 6:08 | |
| Homeward Bound V2 | 5:51 |
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.
Description
I was born Lao, but most of my life has been spent far away from the land of my ancestors. Each time I returned, it was only for a short visit—one or two weeks at most. Those trips were never enough. I would spend most of my time in Vientiane, the capital, and before I knew it, I was back on a plane, leaving again.
Over the years, I managed to see several provinces beyond the capital—Champasak, Louang Namtha, Savannakhet, Bolikhamxai, Salavan, Khammouane, Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Each place gave me a glimpse of Laos’ beauty, but with 17 provinces in total, I’ve only scratched the surface. My heart tells me there is so much more waiting to be discovered.
I dream of traveling across the entire country, from the misty mountains of Phongsaly in the far north to the lush green fields of Champasak in the south, where I was born. To me, this isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about reconnecting with my roots, walking the same paths my ancestors once walked, and truly knowing the land that shaped my identity.
My Bucket List Provinces
There are four provinces I’ve longed to see most:
- Bokeo – I imagine waking up in a treehouse in the middle of the jungle, listening to the calls of gibbons echoing through the forest. The famous Gibbon Experience has always fascinated me, and I want to feel what it’s like to glide through the canopy on a zip-line, surrounded by untouched nature. And of course, we must go to witness opulence of the golden triangle special economic zone.
- Houaphanh – Known for its revolutionary history, I picture myself standing in the caves of Viengxay, where leaders once lived and planned during the war. Beyond history, I want to see the traditional weaving villages, where women still create textiles by hand, each pattern telling a story of their culture. Picturesque Viengxay could be an excellent political and administration center of Laos as per revolutionary leaders had shown.
- Xaisomboun – A province not many people know about. Remote, mountainous, and quiet, it feels like a hidden corner of Laos. I imagine trekking through its rugged landscapes, climbing Lao highest mountain, and experiencing a slower, simpler way of life.
- Sainyabuli – The land of elephants. I want to be there during the Elephant Festival, to see these gentle giants celebrated and cared for. I picture myself walking through rice fields, watching the sun set over the hills, and feeling the deep connection between beautiful people and the land.
A Future in Laos
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in Laos again. If the opportunity ever came, I wouldn’t hesitate. Life overseas has given me many things, but it has also kept me distant from my heritage. Some people might question my identity, but I know who I am.
One day, I will make this journey. I will travel across every province, from north to south, east to west. I will eat in roadside stalls, ride in crowded buses, cross rivers on wooden boats, and wake up to the sound of roosters in small villages. I will see the mountains, the rivers, the temples, and the people who make Laos what it is.
This is more than a dream—it’s a promise to myself.
I am going to Laos.
