<\/div>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\u2014one 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Over the years, I managed to see several provinces beyond the capital\u2014Champasak, Louang Namtha, Savannakhet, Bolikhamxai, Salavan, Khammouane, Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Each place gave me a glimpse of Laos\u2019 beauty, but with 17 provinces in total, I\u2019ve only scratched the surface. My heart tells me there is so much more waiting to be discovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019t just about sightseeing\u2014it\u2019s about reconnecting with my roots, walking the same paths my ancestors once walked, and truly knowing the land that shaped my identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
My Bucket List Provinces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are four provinces I\u2019ve longed to see most:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Bokeo<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019s 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Houaphanh<\/strong> \u2013 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Xaisomboun<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sainyabuli<\/strong> \u2013 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A Future in Laos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to live in Laos again. If the opportunity ever came, I wouldn\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is more than a dream\u2014it\u2019s a promise to myself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am going to Laos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHomeward Bound<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"On](\"https:\/\/www.laopress.com\/press\/wpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/aa.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nI’ve seen the world, a thousand towns,
Felt the pull of a million suns going down.
But a different ache, a different call,
A homeland I’ve barely known at all.
Just a week or two in Vientiane’s blur,
A distant echo, a hopeful stir.
I’ve got a map, but the path’s unclear,
For the country that’s always been so dear.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOh, I’m homeward bound, on a winding road,
Shedding the weight of an empty load.
From Phongsaly’s peaks to Champasak’s grace,
I’m searching for my own true place.
A stranger’s accent, a familiar soul,
I’m finally making myself whole.
The river’s calling, the mountains sing,
This is the journey my heart will bring.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLeft footprints in Luang Prabang’s stone,
Felt the whisper of a world I’d known.
I’ve seen Savannakhet’s gentle hand,
But there’s so much more of this promised land.
My bucket list, a dreamer’s plea,
For Bokeo’s jungles and what’s to be.
Houaphanh’s history, a story to find,
A missing piece for my restless mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnder the stars in the northern night,
Breathing in dreams, chasing fragile light.
With every stop, I gather their tales,
The laughter, the sorrows, the echoing wails.
Just a sip of Lao coffee warms my soul,
Reminds me of roots that make me whole.
In the markets bustling, amidst the smiles,
I find fragments of joy that span the miles.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo here I stand, with my heart outstretched,
Embracing the land that I once etched.
From the valleys deep to the skies above,
I\u2019ll find my way back, bound by love.
With every step, I reclaim my past,
In this homeland, my heart beats fast.
A thousand towns fade in the haze,
But here in my soul, I\u2019ll forever blaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t - Houaphanh<\/strong> \u2013 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. <\/li>\n\n\n\n