About Discovering Laos, an ecotour operator conscious about sustainable development and conservation

OUR ECOTOURISM
MIssion STATEMENT

Ecotourism means responsible travel to natural areas which minimizes the impact on the environment and sustains the well-being of local communities. Our mission encompasses these practices each step of the way, making sure every person involved and the stunning environment flourishes. When our tours are booked by visitors, a large percentage of the funds is shared with locals and minority tribes which means collectively, we all work together to support this vision.

We contribute for the protection of NamHa National Protected Area as our ecotourist are organized and managed to ensure no negative impact that can damage or destroy its natural and cultural character. Working with the minority people also means the routes are well-planned and maintained within all our interests as well as the protection of the natural plant and wildlife. For tools, we use traditional and natural materials using jungle techniques for overnight stays and purchasing local food.

We help to maintain sustainable tourism as we only book trekking tours in small groups to ensure that the tourism development in our region does not exceed its social and environmental capacity. Our interest is foremost the conservation of this natural area which is more important than any monetary gain.

We aim to educate you on the importance of our conservation efforts and the traditional way of life of the minorities. Each of our tours includes an English speaking guide along with one minority guide from the tribal village. Our experienced tour guides will provide information on the flora and fauna of the might forest and cultural peculiarities of each Eco-system and communities that you visit. They are able to explain and answer all questions visitors have along the trek.

ABOUT US

Discovering Laos is a family owned ecotourism operator in Luang Namtha, northern Laos, since 2010 specializing in fulfilling the adventure needs for visitors such as trekking, kayaking, rafting, cycling, village home stays, jungle camping and bush craft. The feedback from past visitors have been phenomenal which is a testament to their commitment to ensure an authentic experience for all.

Before the creation of Discovering Laos, the owner Vanxai Inyasone, was a guide himself trained for all the adventure activities. In order to acquire professional guide status he took extensive training from veteran guides of the United States and Japan professional teachers and in addition receiving formal training and certification for River Rescue.

It is local knowledge that Vanxai's commitment for improving ecotourism and conservation knows no bounds, the reason why he's chosen as the head speaker for the annual Eco-tourism events in Luang Luang Namtha visited by fellow conscious leaders from different countries.

Vanxai’s priority for his customers is to ensure that they gain knowledge of the importance of ecotourism and come away with fond memories of their trip. He values each and every customer who books a tour with his company and takes great joy in seeing his customers come back feeling happy and fulfilled by their adventure.

He enjoys all different types of sports, playing rattan ball and spending time with his family. He has a wife and two young children.

Meet the discovering Laos TEam

VANXAI INYASONE
OWNER

Vanxai Inyasone

“Being mindful about our environment and our close relationship with the minority people means the proper measures are taken for the conservation of NamHa NPA. If they are all involved in this project and have a stable income they will have the means to preserve their rich heritage and the national park which is vital to their livelihood.

I hope that future visitors to Luang Namtha choose Discovering Laos and understand how they will be contributing massively to a greater cause whilst taking away an unforgettable experience. Please take the time to read our excellent TripAdvisor reviews from our past customers and contact us now to start your adventure with us!”

Our Dedicated GUides

SAY

FUN FACTS:

- Full name is Khamsay Aisaeng
- Call him Say
- Incredibly humorous
- Loves a good joke!
- English Language speaker
- Great conversationalist!
- Personable and likable
- Professional experienced guide
- Knows many funny stories!

SEEYONG

FUN FACTS:

- Full name is Seeyong Saobuawai
- Call him Seeyong
- Master jungle craftsman
- Fantastical forager
- Handcrafts bamboo items
- Bamboo flutes, cutlery, jungle crowns
- Sweet, fun and gentle
- Always ready for the camera!

Tong

FUN FACTS:

- Full name is Khamtong Kunthajuck
- Call him Tong
- Mischievous personality
- Loves playing pranks!
- English Language speaker
- Memorable laughter and chuckle!
- Very relaxed and patient individual
- Wants everyone to have fun
- Great knowledge of jungle life

TUA

FUN FACTS:

- Full name Kitsomphone Soulitham
- Call him Tua
- English Language speaker
- Enjoys talking about Lao culture
- Popular among st friends
- Frank, honest and tells it like it is!
- Fashionable tastes in everything
- Likes to share a beer and a story!

HOW YOUR FUNDS CONTRIBUTE TO THIS REGION

Your travel and tour supports the conservation project for Namha NPA with up to 5% of the revenues being directed towards the National Protected Area project for each tour that is undertaken.

Your travel and tour brings economic benefits to the local minorities as we direct up to 15% of revenues to local people living within and near the protected area, by employing local minority assistant guides for each tour, encouraging overnight stay in minority villages and contributing to the villages facilities and trail maintenance. Furthermore, we have in our employment the best local guides and drivers who also benefit financially of up to 20% for each tour booked through us.

Your travel and tour benefits our region and country as we ensure that all revenues are directed towards our people and economy, by using only locally-owned facilities and services. We are lucky to have visitors from all over the world who understand our commitments entrusting us to provide truly wonderful experiences to take back to their respective homelands.