of those who have spent time in Singapore’s closest neighbours for a variety of meaningful pursuits.
From Bangkok, we rode an overnight train for 12 hours to reach Vientiane. We stayed for a couple of nights, before taking a bus to Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. The roads were very bumpy and the rides long, but we were mesmerised by the beauty of each place in Laos. Laos’ tourism industry was then at its infancy and we saw tourists in sleeping bags on the streets and temples as there was a lack of accommodation.I convinced my parents to support me on my journey to being a hospitality service provider after encouraging them to visit Luang Prabang.
Our company also rents electric cars, bikes, scooters and buggies to tourists in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. As foreigners in Laos, we have to be mindful of being kind to our colleagues. If you are antagonistic to locals, they will likely not stay long in your company.Lao culture is conservative, laid-back, and focused on family and friends.We often get invited to join a meal or drink while walking past local families or people who we hardly know. In that way, new friendships are formed.
When Covid-19 struck, hospitality businesses were the hardest hit and I did everything I could to survive and keep our team and staff together. We managed to retain jobs, which was my biggest achievement.