โIt was one of those rare, beautiful experiences that stays with you long after you leave.โ Lorraine Stone, South East Asia Backpacker Contributor
Traveller Lorraine Stone shares thoughts and photos from her time at a unique homestay in the heart of the Laotian countryside.
Disclaimer: Traveller stories published on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinion of South East Asia Backpacker.
Related: (opens in a new tab)
- ๐ฑ๐ฆ Backpacking Laos
- ๐ง Guide to Kuang Si Waterfall
- ๐งณ Luang Prabang Travel Guide
Fasay Garden Homestay: Much More Than a Place to Stay
We had the privilege of staying with Sai (Si) and his family at Fasay Garden, a small homestay tucked away in a village near the Kuang Si Waterfalls in Laos. It was one of the most special parts of our year-long adventure!
It wasnโt just a place to stay โ it was an experience that moved us deeply. Sai is doing something truly incredible. In a community where many families canโt afford to send their children to school, he opens his home every evening to teach local kids maths, Lao, and English โ for free!
Immerse Yourself in Lao Culture ๐๐ฅข๐ชท
Fasay Garden offers more than just a bed for the night. It’s a place to learn about local Lao culture with host Sai, who lives in the village with his wife, mother-in-law and three children. Cooking classes, gardening, alms giving, school visits and teaching English to the local children are a few of the ways you can take part in community life in the village!
We got to help with the English lessons, and it was honestly one of the most rewarding things weโve ever done.
The children are so sweet, respectful, and keen to learn. He also teaches them how to grow their own fruit and veg to support their families and encourages them to keep the village clean and cared for.
Some children even travel long distances just to attend his lessons. All the money from the homestay goes towards buying books and supplies for the children, and you can see exactly where your stay is making a difference.
And then thereโs the waterfall. Because Sai lives right next to Kuang Si Falls, you get to visit before the gates even open, just you, the jungle, and the sound of cascading turquoise water. Itโs absolutely magical.
Location, Location, Location ๐ก
Fasay Garden Homestay is located in the small village next to the world famous Kuang Si Falls, around an hour’s drive from Luang Prabang. As well as offering the opportunity to engage with local life and learn about Laotian culture, it’s perfectly positioned for exploring some of Laos’ must-see destinations.
In the afternoons, weโd go swimming with the kids, which turned into the most joyful chaos imaginable. We also got to learn about local culture and the alms-giving tradition, and visit the rescued bears.
It was one of those rare, beautiful experiences that stays with you long after you leave. If youโre ever in Laos โ go! Support this family. Be part of something meaningful.
Contact Details ๐
Get in touch with Sai on WhatsApp: +856 20 54 379 966 or find Fasay Garden on Facebook.
Lorraine Stone
Iโm a 60-year-old accountant โ but donโt let that fool you, Iโm anything but boring. I swapped spreadsheets for street food, and now with my husband Phil (a fellow travel addict), weโre plotting our next big adventure as digital nomads. We spent a year roaming Southeast Asia, avoiding tourists like bad Wi-Fi, and falling in love with elephants (I volunteer at ENP every chance I get!). Iโve got a season ticket for MK Dons, a mild obsession with Christmas, and a knack for inventing ridiculous games for the family. Lifeโs better when youโre exploring it โ together, full-time, and off the beaten path.
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