Episode 3: Case Study—Sustainable Tourism in Luang Prabang, Laos

Mrs. Om weaves some magic at Ock Pop Tok. Photo courtesy of Ock Pop Tok.

There are many fascinating corners of Southeast Asia to explore, from the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia to the islands of Vietnam’s Con Dao archipelago and the spectacular topography of Thailand’s Ang Thong National Marine Park. Unfortunately, many are increasingly (or were, before COVID-19) overrun with travelers, with no discernible strategy for sustainable tourism in place. One wonderful exception is the ancient royal capital and former French colonial outpost of Luang Prabang, at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in the north of Laos.

Despite receiving plenty of luxury jet-setters and budget-strapped backpackers, Luang Prabang retains its many-layered charm. That’s thanks in part to some extraordinary tourism-based businesses that incorporate community development, cultural education, and environmental initiatives into the way they conduct their affairs.

We’ll hear from the folks at Mandalao Elephant Conservation about why elephant treks shouldn’t include rides.

On this episode, we talk to Jo Smith about Ock Pop Tok, the textile workshop and visitor center she and her Lao partner, Veomanee Douangdala, established there over a decade ago, and why it’s important to preserve traditional crafts from the area. Next up is a discussion with Susie Martin, the Australian expat who co-founded the Laos Buffalo Dairy, which not only produces delicious cheeses and ice creams for restaurants in town, but does so with a sustainable business model that helps local farmers breed and care for their animals. Finally, co-founder Michael Vogler tells us why they embrace a no-riding approach on the treks they offer at MandaLao Elephant Conservation.

Eric helps feed the calves at the Laos Buffalo Dairy.

Visit our Instagram feed @conscioustravelerpod for images from Eric’s visits to these wonderful outfits. And follow @ockpoptok to check out some drool-worthy handmade textiles, @laosbuffalodairy to see the cute little calves and their moms, and @mandalao_elephants for pictures of the elephants out on their daily rounds.

Tourism is so often extractive - people come, they see, eat, take, and leave a destination without thinking of their impact on the place and its people. Today, we explore tourism-based businesses in Luang Prabang that provide powerful counterpoints to this model, and funnel traveler dollars to supporting local communities.