Nestled in the serene landscapes of Bokeo Province, Laos, Houayxay is a district on the border with Thailand, offering a unique blend of cultures and experiences. Ban Houayxay, its administrative centre, sits peacefully along the Mekong River, mirroring Thailand’s Chiang Khong.
I stayed and volunteered for a week at Daauw Village Huay Xai, where the Kajsiab grassroots initiative bridges Hmong and Western perspectives on vital issues such as education, healthcare, and women’s rights. This endeavour is dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of some of Laos’s most underprivileged citizens.
I also indulged in two days of pure exhilaration at the Gibbon Experience, home to the world’s highest treehouses. Surrounded by the lush forest canopies, I revelled in the heart-pounding thrill of flying through the treetops and the pure delight of waking up to the sounds of gibbons in their natural habitat.
