There are places where there's no need to rush; just let yourself wander along dusty red roads, listen to the sound of water lapping against the shore, or smile in return to a gentle gaze.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, there is a land where time seems to stand still, where people live slowly, peacefully, and share genuine smiles, much like the Mekong River flowing gently for centuries. That is Laos – the Land of a Million Elephants, a destination for those who love simplicity and tranquility, yet also possess a captivating charm. Dam Quoc Khanh, a Vietnamese tour guide living there, will lead you on a journey to discover the beauty of Laos in the most special way – through his own authentic experiences.

Dam Quoc Khanh's trip to Laos wasn't a pre-planned one. It was simply a vacation while waiting to receive his graduation certificate, yet this land naturally captivated him. "Compared to other places, I find Laos very familiar. It gives me the feeling of reliving the past, when everything was slower and simpler," Khanh recalled.

It was that very peace that made him decide to stay, becoming a tour guide to introduce Laos to those who share his passion for exploration.

When mentioning Laos, people often immediately think of Luang Prabang or Vientiane, but according to Khanh, the beauty of this country is not limited to these familiar destinations. "Vang Vieng, Nong Khiaw, or Champasak are places that are truly worth exploring," Khanh said.

Vang Vieng is like a picturesque landscape painting, with crystal-clear rivers, lush green rice paddies, and majestic limestone mountains. It's a haven for adventurous souls, offering activities such as kayaking on the Nam Song River, exploring mysterious caves, or simply cycling through peaceful villages where children run barefoot on red dirt roads.

Nong Khiaw is a dream for those who love unspoiled nature. This small village on the Nam Ou River is surrounded by towering limestone mountains, where you can climb to the highest peaks to watch the clouds swirl below, or paddle a boat down the deep blue water, winding through the villages of ethnic minorities. As the sun sets, simply sit quietly by the riverbank, sip a cup of bitter coffee, and let time slowly drift by.

Champasak, a land of heritage, offers a different kind of charm. It is home to Wat Phou – a sacred ancient temple recognized by UNESCO, once the cultural center of the ancient Khmer kingdom. Moss-covered stone steps lead up to the ancient temple, from where visitors can gaze out at the vast rice fields, a scene where the past and present intertwine.

For those who prefer a relaxing getaway, Luang Prabang is the perfect destination. This ancient capital boasts the beauty of ancient temples, tree-lined streets, and a peaceful pace of life. In the morning, visitors can stroll along the cobblestone streets, watching monks in their yellow robes silently begging for alms, and then in the evening, immerse themselves in the shimmering lanterns along the Mekong River.

“Luang Prabang has many temples and traditional villages, giving tourists many options to experience the culture. And I'm sure that anyone who has been to Luang Prabang once will definitely want to come back,” Khanh affirmed.

Traveling to Laos in April will take visitors to one of the most vibrant and lively festivals – Bun Pi May, also known as the Water Festival. This is when the Lao people celebrate the new year according to the Buddhist calendar, lasting for three days (usually from April 13-15), with rituals deeply rooted in spiritual culture.

In the morning, people perform the ritual of bathing the Buddha statue with fragrant water, scattering flowers, and offering prayers for peace. Afterward, a festive atmosphere fills the streets as people happily splash water on each other as a way to wash away bad luck and wish each other a peaceful new year. During these days, the entire country becomes a giant street festival, where visitors can immerse themselves in the crowds, letting the cool water wash away all their worries.

Laos is captivating not only for its scenery but also for its slow pace of life and the sincere and simple lifestyle of its people. Laotians always smile and say "Sa Bai Dee" when they meet, sometimes just a gentle glance or a bow is enough to warm the heart. Here, no one is in a hurry. People sit and sip coffee by the Mekong River, watching the water flow lazily, or stroll leisurely along small, tree-lined streets. In Laos, you're not just traveling; you're also learning to listen to the rhythm of time, to live more slowly and gently.

Lao cuisine is an adventure for those who love to explore, not only because of the flavors but also because of the stories behind each dish. Khanh especially suggests that visitors should visit the night markets in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, where there are not only colorful stalls but also a space where the best of local cuisine converges.

Lao cuisine is influenced by Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but it still retains its own unique characteristics. Laotians enjoy grilled food, especially Ping Kai grilled chicken, marinated with lemongrass, garlic, and pepper, then grilled over charcoal, giving off an alluring aroma. Another must-try dish is Larb – a salad of minced meat mixed with herbs and lime juice, symbolizing good luck and often featured in traditional celebrations.

But there are also dishes that are truly a "challenge" for the taste buds of Vietnamese tourists. "Tam Mak Hung – Lao-style papaya salad – can confuse many people from the very first bite. It's incredibly spicy, and the sauce is Thai-style, so many Vietnamese tourists might find it a bit difficult to eat. For tourists, this dish is often modified with added shrimp, crab, or squid," Khánh said.

Traveling independently in Laos isn't too difficult if you have a clear plan. Khanh advises tourists to exchange money beforehand and prepare a 4G SIM card or eSIM for easy communication. Transportation in Laos mainly consists of tuk-tuks; taxis are not as common as in Vietnam, so you need to plan your transportation carefully.

One notable aspect is that Laos doesn't have as many "tourist traps" as some other destinations. "Here, the people are very sincere and simple. They don't pester or overcharge. That's one of the reasons I love this land," Khanh confided.

However, when interacting with Laotians, visitors should be aware of some specific cultural rules. Laotians are not accustomed to greeting with physical contact such as shaking hands or patting on the shoulder; instead, they perform the "nop" gesture – clasping both hands in front of the chest and bowing slightly to show respect.

Speaking to Travellive reporters, Khanh explained that in Laotian culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body, while the feet are the lowest. Therefore, touching someone's head or using one's feet to point is considered impolite. Additionally, when entering a local's home, remember to remove your shoes to show respect. These small details will help tourists have a more complete and intimate experience with the local people.

When asked about his most memorable experience during his years in Laos, Khanh readily mentioned the Bun Pi May festival in 2024. He recounted, “The people I met on that trip are still close friends to this day. We blended in with the crowds, splashed water together, laughed together, and felt a genuine connection between people.”

Looking ahead, Khanh will continue his journey of discovery and guiding visitors from afar to his unique Laos. And for those who are dreaming of a trip to this land, let the rhythm of Laotian life sweep you away. Don't rush, don't schedule too tightly. Because Laos isn't in a hurry – and you don't need to rush either.