Nestled on the banks of the mighty Mekong River in northern Laos sits the tiny village of Ban Pak Nguey, location of Stray’s Laos village homestay. Over the past 3 years, this rural community has hosted Stray travellers on their Laos tour from all over the world.
In 2016 alone, over 900 people strayed through the village, stopping overnight for an authentic homestay experience that many consider being the highlight of their time in Southeast Asia.
This unique overnight experience sees Stray Laos guided tour travel by slow boat down the Mekong River to the banks of the secluded village, where they spend the afternoon visiting the local school, playing a competitive football match against the villagers or simply observing the daily routines of rural life in Laos. By far, the most memorable part of the village stay is the traditional Baci welcoming ceremony, a ritual in which the Elders offer prayers and symbols to welcome their guests and protect them when they leave to continue their travels.
Included in the cost of each traveller’s stay in the village is a monetary contribution to the village project fund, and we’re excited to share exactly where those contributions have gone.
Contributing water pipes
In January 2017, Stray Asia Regional Manager Richard North and Operations Manager Sack travelled up the Mekong River by boat, a day’s journey each way, to personally deliver 1.2kms of water pipe to the Headman and Elders of Ban Pak Nguey village.
This pipe is Stray’s contribution towards securing a better water supply for the village and was paid for by the Stray Laos tour traveller donations from the previous 12 months.
In 2016, Stray travellers partially funded the building of a new village community hall using the 2015 donations. The community hall is a focal point in the village setting and is regularly used for official village meetings and many community celebrations.
Contributing to projects that benefit the village is a key part of ensuring that Stray gives back to the wonderful community that is giving so much to our travellers. One of Stray’s missions is to promote responsible travel and leave a positive impact on the places we visit.
Facts about Ban Pak Nguey
- Population: 1200
- Location: Northern Laos, between Houay Xai and Luang Prabang
- How to get there: Stray travellers take a private slow boat down the Mekong River from Houay Xai.
- Don’t miss: The traditional Baci welcoming ceremony!
- Other highlights: A visit to the village school or football match to connect with the delightful and always curious local children.
Want more? Check out the Mekong River Homestay section of our Laos Travel Guide or read what it’s like to go swimming in the Mekong River at Ban Pak Nguey.
Best way to experience Laos
Want to visit Laos? Check out Stray’s Asia tours and add Laos to your travel plans.
Wow! LOVE this initiative! So many times tourists would love to help make a difference but don’t have the right avenues to do so, well done Spray for helping to facilitate the right type of giving to make a serious impact!