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

Here at Discovering Laos, we take eco-tourism to heart.
Everything we do supports our vision to preserve our natural environment
while sustaining local communities and the traditional ways of Laos culture.

our vision

To preserve our environment and the traditional ways of Laos culture.

our Mission

With our local communities, provide travellers with excellent ecotourism services through responsible, sustainable and inclusive practices.

our Values

Supporting responsible travel
Protecting our environment
Sustaining & including local communities
Teaching traditional ways

responsible Travel

In order to support responsible travel, we make sure every part of our experiences minimize the impact on our environment. This is why we teach all our travellers about the traditional and natural materials we can use from the jungle for various purposes like cooking, building or medicinal uses.

PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT

In order to protect and maintain our environment we try to book our trekking tours in small groups to
ensure the tourism development in our region does not exceed its social and environmental capacity.
By also working with the minority people, it means the routes are well-planned and maintained
within all our interests as well as the protection of the natural plant and wildlife.

SUSTAINABILITY & INCLUSIVITY

Sustaining our local communities is important to us. We want to ensure travellers not only get to experience the local ways of life but also support the communities they visit. This is why a large percentage of the funds from each tour booked with us is shared with locals and minority tribes. Additionally, we also ensure to hire minority assistant guides from nearby tribal villages for everyone of our tours. This means collectively, we all work together to support our vision.

teaching traditional ways

Keeping local traditions alive, not only keep the character of Laos culture thriving but the
traditional ways of life also support sustainable ways of living within nature.
We understand this and continually strive to learn and pass down the knowledge of those who
live closest to nature for they understand the balance we should always yearn for.

Who we are

our team

At Discovering Laos, our team is highly important to us.
Because without their dedication and experience,
we would not be able to provide the excellent services that we do.
Scroll down to get to know our team!

Portrait, Team Member, Discovering Laos, Tong, Person

Vanxai

Owner and operator

Vertical Divider

As a previous guide himself, Vanxai intimately understands the importance of eco-tourism in Laos. It is a way to provide locals with new job opportunities and to support the ongoing expansion of National Protected Areas to protect local minority cultures and the natural environment.

With this in mind, Vanxai created Discovering Laos in 2015. His priority is always to ensure travellers gain knowledge of the importance of ecotourism and come away with fond memories of their trips.

Khamsay

english speaking guide

Khamsay's 10+ years of guiding experience not only mean you will be well taken care of, but that he also has many jokes up his sleeve. Always finding ways to make everyone smile. He also has a wealth of knowledge about the environment and the local ways of life. Be sure to chat him up anytime!

Thong

English speaking guide

You can always expect to have a good laugh when Thong is around. His laidback and funny quips will have you smiling all through your adventures!
With over 10 years of guiding experience, Thong is also very knowledgeable about the forest and the local minority groups. Ask him anything and he will share his knowledge with you.

Toua

English speaking guide

Toua is wise and honest. He enjoys talking about Lao culture and tells it like it is. Have a beer with him and enjoy one of his many stories. Or, ask him about the natural world around you and he may surprise you with information he has gained during his 10+ years of guiding experience.

Phonkeo

English speaking guide

Phonkeo has a lighthearted and energetic personality. Always bringing out his playful comments and making everyone laugh or smile. With over 10 years of experience, Phonkeo also has a lot of knowledge of the local minority culture and the natural vegetation of the jungle. Ask him anything and he will be happy to share his knowledge.

Seeyong

Assistant guide

Seeyong's creativity knows no bounds. Whether it's with bamboo, food, or ferns, he is constantly creating something new. His near 10 years of guiding experience and in depth knowledge of the natural forest vegetation, allow him to always work creatively. Ask him about his creations, or to teach you to create the beautiful art pieces!

Kang

assistant guide

Kong is the strong but silent type. But don't let his quiet nature fool you. Kong is our most experienced guide with almost 20 years of guiding experience. His skills are specialized in kayaking and trekking meaning you'll likely have a hard time outrunning him if you tried.

Touy

Assistant guide

You may (or may not) notice Touy silently disappear during your adventures. Where does he go? To harvest of course! Using his keen knowledge of the forest and over 10 years of guiding experience, Touy knows what vegetation to gather and use during meals. Keep an eye out and you may see what he gathers for your next meal!