Champa Meuanglao: May-June 2026

MeuangFeuang

A Valley Still Becoming

Kiridara Hotel

A Hilltop Luang Prabang Retreat

More Than English

How Lone Buffalo Builds Futures

Beyond the Classroom

President & CEO's Message

Saleum Tayarath

Acting CEO of Lao Airlines

Sabaidee

Dear Valued Passengers, Welcome aboard Lao Airlines, and thank you for choosing to travel with us.

As we move into the summer season, a time when many travelers set out to explore, reconnect, and discover new experiences, we are pleased to be part of your journey. Whether you are traveling for business, returning home to loved ones, or setting off on a welldeserved holiday, we are honored to serve you along the way.

At Lao Airlines, we remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable service while continually improving the travel experience for all our passengers. We take pride in offering a warm welcome that reflects the hospitality, care, and cultural values of the Lao people, and we strive to make every journey with us smooth and memorable.

Thank you once again for your continued trust and support. It is our privilege to serve you, and we hope Lao Airlines will remain your preferred travel companion wherever your plans may take you.

Wishing you a pleasant journey and many rewarding experiences ahead.

With our highest respect,

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the new issue of Champa Meuanglao. In these pages, we invite you to slow down and look a little closer, through stories of striking landscapes, hilltop retreats, railway journeys, and young lives being transformed through education.

In this issue:

Escape to Kiridara Hotel in Luang Prabang, where hillside calm, sweeping views, and understated Lao elegance offer a peaceful retreat above the heritage town.

Discover Meuang Feuang, a quiet valley of river, mist, rice fields, and rising temples, where nature and community continue to shape a place still becoming a tourism hotspot.

Meet Lone Buffalo in Xieng Khouang, where free English classes, life skills training, girls’ football, and student-led enterprise are helping young people build futures far beyond the classroom.

Step onto the slow line out of Bangkok and follow the Maeklong Railway through seafood towns, salt marshes, floating markets, and one of Thailand’s most memorable day trips.

Safe travels,

The Champa Meuanglao team

ADVISORY BOARD

Saleum Tayarath

Acting Managing Director

Sitthideth Douangsiththy

Deputy Managing Director of Ground Handling and Cargo

Fongsisouphan Phommavong

Deputy Managing Director of Finance

LAO AIRLINES STATE ENTERPRISE LIMITED

Headquarters Wattay International Airport Vientiane Capital, Laos Tel: (856-21) 513243-46, Fax: (856-21) 513247 www.laoairlines.com

Follow the official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/laoairlines to get the latest news and updates from the national carrier of Laos.

DISCLAIMER

PUBLISHING

Editor In Chief Editor

Creative Director

Contributing Writers

Head Photographer

Contributing Photographer Jason Rolan

Soulinthong Sanyadeng

Phounsouk Samounty

Anita Preston Mick Shippen

Phoonsab Thevongsa

Anita Preston / Evensong Film Mick Shippen

ADVERTISING

sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 56581416

RDK GROUP

134 Samsenthai Road, Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos (856-20) 55731717 info@rdkgroup.la

Champa Meuanglao is published bi-monthly for Lao Airlines State Enterprise by RDK Group. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Champa Meuanglao do not necessarily reflect those of Lao Airlines State Enterprise or its publishing agents. All information in Champa Meuanglao is correct at time of printing. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved. Copyright ​© ​2026 by Lao Airlines State Enterprise and RDK Group. www.champameuanglao.com

Laidback heritage charm in the heart of Luang Prabang

Wake up steps from the Mekong, Royal Palace, and buzzing markets, then unwind in style at Avani+ Luang Prabang.

S etthathirath Road, Hua Xieng Village, Luang Prabang 06000

T: +856 71 262333

E: avaniplus.luang.prabang@avanihotels com

I HOTEL S . C O M

皮肤护理

天然手工皂

纯天然精油

香薰蜡烛

手工艺术品

天然手工皂

来自老挝纯手工制作的天然有机产品

天然精油大豆香薰蜡烛

CAPITAL Food

Chubby Hands — a delightful culinary adventure through Vientiane. From street snacks that burst with unexpected flavors to hidden cafés, cozy noodle bowls, and weekend treats that are worth the wait, I share the places that bring a smile to my face, stimulate my appetite, and keep me excited to explore more. My reviews are straightforward, authentic, and honest — just me enjoying the city one delectable moment at a time.

AirBites

A irBites introduces a Neapolitan-style, airycrust pizza that adds a fun, unique texture to the pizza experience. The crust is light, fluffy, and beautifully airy, making every bite feel different from a traditional pizza. The pasta was excellent, and the tapas and desserts were equally impressive, demonstrating great attention to quality throughout the menu. Truly worth every bite. Located near the Mekong riverside tourist area next to the BCEL bank headquarters, the restaurant is easy to find, with plenty of street parking available during dinner time.

don't miss.

Chubby Hands is a food vlogger based in Vientiane Capital. Follow him on TikTok: @chubbyy.hands

Grilled pork and mixed organs don't miss. don't miss.

Open Daily | 11AM - 11PM

Open Daily | 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Variés

Variés is a must-visit for lovers of premium egg tarts. Their egg tarts feature an imported crust that is incredibly flaky and buttery, with delicate layers that crumble beautifully in every bite. The egg filling is silky smooth and rich, pairing perfectly with their caramel sauce, which adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the custard. The balance of texture and flavor feels thoughtful and refined. A lovely stop for anyone who appreciates well-crafted pastries.

Ban Fai Grilled Pork and Mixed Organs

This family-run spot has been serving grilled pork and mixed organs for more than four decades. Once located in downtown Vientiane, they have now moved the restaurant to their own home, continuing the same beloved tradition. The signature dish is the aromatic grilled pork and mixed organs, served with a generous plate of fresh vegetables for wrapping and enjoying bite by bite. It’s a well-known local favorite with deep roots in the community. Keep an open mind and give the pork organs a try — surprisingly tender, flavorful, and truly heavenly.

Open Mon - Sat | 2:00PM - 7:00PM

A Hilltop Luang Prabang Retreat

Text by: Jason Rolan

Photos by: Kiridara Hotel

Like stepping onto a quiet stairway above the bustle of Luang Prabang, arriving at Kiridara feels like rising into a slower world. The town hums gently below with temple bells, drifting incense, and the murmur of the Mekong off in the distance, but up here, the air is softer, and the pace slows.

K iridara describes itself as “A Hilltop Luang Prabang Retreat,” and the phrase captures the experience perfectly. Perched above the historic center, the hotel offers a vantage point where the sacred town reveals itself in layers: tiled temple roofs peeking through trees, Mount Phousi rising gently above the skyline, and mountains framing the horizon beyond.

Though the heart of Luang Prabang lies only minutes away, the hotel feels removed from its rhythms. It is the sort of place you retreat to after wandering temple courtyards, exploring the night market, or chasing waterfalls in the surrounding countryside. And once you return, the quiet hillside setting invites you to linger just a little longer.

The name Kiridara comes from Sanskrit, meaning “star upon the mountain,” and its design embraces that elevated sense of calm. Designed

by a Lao architect, the hotel blends contemporary comfort with Lao sensibility. Cascading ceramic roofs, garden terraces, and winding stairways give the impression of a small hillside village unfolding along the slope.

W alkways weave through manicured greenery and ivy-covered stone walls, leading to quiet corners where guests pause for a moment of shade or conversation. It is a property that encourages wandering slowly, discovering small pockets of tranquility along the way.

Kiridara’s forty-three rooms and suites continue this understated elegance. Teak wood floors, soft neutral tones, and delicate Lao design motifs create interiors that feel warm without excess. Morning light pours through the windows while mist lifts gradually from the surrounding hills.

From private balconies, the view stretches toward Phousi Hill and the lush gardens below—an ever-changing scene that shifts with the light of the day.

But the true centerpiece of this Hilltop Luang Prabang Retreat is its infinity pool. Suspended above the valley, it offers a sweeping perspective over the town and distant mountains. Guests drift between sun loungers and cool water while clouds move lazily across the sky.

T ime seems to stretch here. Afternoons pass in quiet ease— reading, swimming, or simply gazing at the landscape unfolding beyond the hillside.

A s the sun begins to set, the atmosphere shifts into something quietly magical. The pool terrace glows with warm light as lanterns sway in the

evening breeze. Below, Luang Prabang begins to shimmer as Phousi Hill lights up. The terrace becomes a natural gathering place for cocktails before dinner. Conversation flows easily while the sky deepens into shades of violet and blue.

D ining at Kiridara reflects the same balance of elegance and simplicity. At Lao Derm restaurant, dishes draw inspiration from the region’s forests and rivers, featuring fresh herbs, local ingredients, and traditional flavors, interpreted with a gentle, contemporary touch. Kiridara Steak House restaurant provides allday dining, where guests can enjoy everything from leisurely breakfasts and light lunches, and then transforms into a relaxed steak house in the evening, offering sunset cocktails

and grilled specialties on the openair terrace overlooking the city.

F or guests seeking deeper relaxation, the Kiridara Spa provides another quiet sanctuary. Rooted in Lao healing traditions, treatments incorporate local natural botanicals and mindful techniques designed to restore balance after a day of exploration.

Yet perhaps the most memorable part of Kiridara is the perspective it offers. As the sun moves through the heavens, the colors of Luang Prabang unfold below like a living painting with temple roofs glowing softly, the Mekong catching the last light of sunset, and mountains standing quietly in the distance.

In a town celebrated for its beauty and heritage, Kiridara lives up to its promise as a Hilltop Luang Prabang Retreat, where travelers can step back, breathe deeply, and experience Luang Prabang not from the crowds below but from a peaceful vantage point above it all.

For more info: souphattra.com/kiridara

Email: stay@kiridara.com

Tel. +856 20 2926 3311

+856 (0) 71 261 888

Getting there: Lao Airlines has frequent flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Pakse, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok.

琅勃拉邦山顶静修之所

文字：Jason Rolan 图片：吉里达拉酒店 译者：航

仿佛踏上一条远离琅勃拉邦 喧嚣的宁静阶梯，抵达吉 里达拉酒店的那一刻，便 如同缓缓步入一个节奏更为舒缓的世 界。山下的古城镇，寺庙钟声、袅袅香火 与远处湄公河的轻语交织低吟；而在此 处，空气更为轻柔，时光也放缓了脚步。

吉里达拉酒店将自己定位为"琅勃 拉邦山顶静修之所"，这种描述精准的 捕捉了此处的体验。酒店坐落于历史中 心的山巅，提供了绝佳观景位置，在你 面前这座神圣之城层层展现：寺庙的金 色脊饰在树影间若隐若现，普西山温柔 地高出天际线，远山如黛，勾勒出远方 的地平线。

尽管琅勃拉邦的心脏地带仅咫尺 之遥，酒店却仿佛超然于其韵律之外。

在您穿行于寺庙庭院、流连于夜市、或 探寻过周边乡野瀑布之后，这里是可以 回归的处所。而一旦归来，这静谧的山 坡之境，便会邀请您再停留片刻。

酒店之名 吉里达拉（Kiridara）源 自梵文，意为“山巅之星”，而其设计亦 诠释了这份超然于上顶之上的宁静。酒 店由老挝本土建筑师操刀，将现代舒适 感与老挝式的感性气质完美融合。层叠 的陶瓦屋顶、花园露台与蜿蜒的阶梯， 宛如一座依山势铺展的山地小村落。

小径蜿蜒穿梭于精心修剪的绿植 与爬满常春藤的石墙之间，通向幽静的 角落，常有宾客在此驻足，寻觅一片荫 凉或轻声交谈。这也正是酒店的巧妙设 计，鼓励您缓步漫游，沿途偶遇片刻宁 静。

吉里达拉酒店共43间客房与套房， 延续了这份低调的优雅。柚木地板、柔 和的中性色调、以及精致的老挝传统纹 样，共同营造出温润而不失简约的内饰 空间。晨光倾泻入窗，薄雾从四周山峦 间缓缓升腾。

从私人阳台远眺，普西山与下方葱 茏的花园尽收眼底——这幅随天光流转 而变幻的景致，美得动人心魄。

而这座琅勃拉邦山顶静修之所的 真正点睛之笔当属其无边泳池。泳池悬 于山谷之上，将古城与远山的辽阔景致 尽收眼底。宾客们或闲卧于日光浴椅， 或浸入清凉池水，任云朵在天空中悠然 舒卷。

时光于此仿佛被拉长。午后时光在 静谧安逸中缓缓流淌——宾客或捧卷而 读，或畅游泳池，或只是凝望山坡之外 铺展的如画风景。

预订或了解更多信息， 请访问 souphattra.com/kiridara

Email: stay@kiridara.com

Tel. +856 20 2926 3311 +856 (0) 71 261 888

抵达方式： 老挝航空有多条从万象、巴色、河内、 清迈和曼谷等地飞往琅勃拉邦的航班。

当夕阳西沉，氛围转入悄然静谧的 奇妙之境。池畔露台沐浴在温暖余晖中， 灯笼在晚风里轻摇。山下的琅勃拉邦，随 着普西山亮起灯火，开始闪烁微光。露台 自然而然地成为晚餐前鸡尾酒会的欢聚 之所。在天色渐变为紫罗兰与深蓝的暮 光中，宾客自在交谈。

在吉里达拉酒店的餐饮体验，同 样体现了优雅与简约的平衡。 在 Lao Derm 餐厅，菜肴灵感撷取自当地的森 林与河川，以新鲜的香草、地道食材和传 统风味为特色，并以温和的当代手法重 新演绎。吉里达拉牛排餐厅则提供全日 餐饮服务，客人可以在此享用从悠闲早 餐、轻食午餐及各式美味；待到夜幕降 临，餐厅便化身为休闲牛排馆，在可俯瞰 城市美景的露天露台上，邀您一边品酌 日落鸡尾酒，一边享用烧烤特色菜肴。

对于寻求更深层次放松的客人，吉 里达拉水疗则提供了另一处静谧的避世 之所。水疗根植于老挝的传统疗愈智慧， 采用当地天然植物、注重正念的手法，旨 在帮助您在一天的探索之后，重新恢复 身心的平衡。

然而，吉里达拉酒店最令人难忘的， 或许是它所提供的独特视角。 随着太阳 在天空中移动，琅勃拉邦的色彩在下方 缓缓铺展，宛如一幅鲜活的画卷：寺庙的 屋顶泛着柔和的光，湄公河捕捉着夕阳 的最后一缕余晖，远山静默伫立。

在一座以美丽与世界遗产闻名于世 的古城，吉里达拉酒店名副其实地履行 着其作为"琅勃拉邦山顶静修之所"的承 诺。

旅人可以在此抽身而退，深呼吸，体 验琅勃拉邦的方式不再是置身于下方的 人群，而是从高处一个宁静的 绝佳视角， 俯瞰这一切。

More Than English

HOW LONE BUFFALO BUILDS FUTURES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Text

Founded in 2011, the Britishregistered charity Lone Buffalo is one of the very few free English-language centers in Laos. Since its inception, it has provided tuition to hundreds of young people, from ages 12 through high school graduation. Many students have gone on to tertiary education, won international scholarships, and studied at universities at home and abroad. Just like its students, Lone Buffalo has continued to develop over the years. Today, it is so much more than an English language center. There is a strong focus on dynamic life skills programs designed to help senior students grow and mature.

L one Buffalo is located in Phonsavan, a small but developing town in the northern province of Xieng Khouang. The students’ achievements at school mean that many need to leave the area to pursue their personal educational goals. Co-founder Mark Steadman said that early on, his team recognized the importance of focusing on holistic development, not

just language skills. “Getting a place at a college in Vientiane, a university in China or Vietnam, or a scholarship in the USA is truly life-changing, but for students who have grown up in rural Laos, the opportunity presents them with many challenges. English

language skills are very important, but not enough to help them compete with others who may have come from more privileged backgrounds, been educated at an international school, or feel at home in the big city.”

1: Each year, Lone Buffalo gets to visit Vientiane for their annual awards ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Lonely Chopstick)

2: Co-founder Mark Steadman MBE, and Operations and Student Development Officer, Chanthala Vinthasai.

3: Green Buffalo and DevTog, two inspiring programs at the center.

4: Widening horizons. The school Alumni Gallery shows how far and wide students have traveled.

Developing Together

To address the problem, Mark and Lone Buffalo’s Operations and Student Development Manager, Chanthala Vinthasai, implemented DevTog, a life skills program designed for the school’s senior students. Short for ‘Develop Together’, participants benefit from 18 focused development workshops ranging from CPR and first aid training to reproductive health, hygiene, and mental wellbeing, financial literacy, and advanced technology platforms. To help build confidence and creativity, it is the students themselves who present DevTog workshops.

“Many of the practical workshops, activities, and presentations are also in collaboration with external partners such as the Lao Youth Clinic, Lao Women’s Union, and the Mines Advisory Group,” says Mark.

Talk to the students, and the impact that the DevTog program has had on their lives soon becomes apparent. Miss Pavisa said, “I gained knowledge related to life skills not being taught at my school. I was empowered and inspired by my trainers and gained confidence and self-esteem.” Pavisa went on to graduate from High School, completed an internship with an international hotel group, and then won a scholarship to study International Trade in Vietnam.

And then there is Miss Sara, who is studying a degree in International Business Management at the National University in Vientiane. She said, “I grew from being a little girl who didn't see the importance of education into the leader and youth influencer I have now become. I would like to say a million thanks to Lone Buffalo and DevTog for saving my life!”

Football Fever

T eam spirit is central to an individual's success at Lone Buffalo. In 2021, the school founded the Lone Buffalo Girls Football Club (LBGFC). This important initiative provides an environment where girls can develop as players and coaches, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. The coaching team comprises senior alumni coaches, assisted by student coaches, all of whom have successfully completed official FIFA or Lao Football Federation coaching certification. Former Lone Buffalo coach, Miss Chua E Vue, now works at the Lao Football Federation, and Head of Coaching, Miss Phetvanee, now teaches sports at Panyathip International School in Vientiane.

The girls' team trains every Saturday morning from 6.30 a.m., with up to 30 percent of Lone Buffalo’s female students participating regularly. After showing their commitment to the team, players receive team uniforms and football shoes. And all the training and early mornings have paid off for the girls! This year, LBGFC won the female football competition at the Hmong New Year Festival for the second time. It was an incredible achievement considering the players were competing against adult teams, including a team of female soldiers whom they beat in the final.

From Bombs to Beans

E nterprising students at Lone Buffalo also set up and manage their own coffee co-operative to develop business skills. As well as being one of the most heavily bombed places on earth, Xieng Khouang Province has a history of producing coffee. The school brand 'From Bombs to Beans' is a premium 100% Arabica, grown at altitude by smallholders in the province.

How can you help?

Lone Buffalo shapes young people’s futures in rural Laos. $332 provides a student with one year of highquality English-language tuition and development activities. You can also help by donating any amount to the school or by purchasing From Bombs to Beans coffee.

1-3: The popular DevTog program is organized and presented by the students.

4-5: The Lone Buffalo football team is sponsored by the British Embassy in Vientiane.

For more information, visit lonebuffalo.org.

Getting there:

Lao Airlines flies daily to Xieng Khouang from Vientiane.

: DevTog,

(MAG),”.

2-3:

Meuang Feuang

A VALLEY STILL BECOMING

Text by: Jason Rolan

Little known beyond Laos, Meuang

Feuang is a valley that reveals itself slowly: a braid of river, mist, and mountains. The Nam Lik River snakes between jagged limestone peaks through fertile valleys, its banks lined with lush rice paddies that come to life each June, when villagers dam na, easing verdant rice seedlings into the swollen earth. Nearby, giant colorful nagas and statues of Buddha overflow from several megatemples under perpetual construction, as if the land itself is in a constant state of becoming. This corner of Laos is a sanctuary, a place of community and togetherness, where life hums alongside the river's peaceful currents.

1: Villagers planting rice

2: Pha Nor Kham towers over the area

3: Everyone works together to ensure a successful harvest

1:

2:

The Slow Line Out of Bangkok

THE MAEKLONG RAILWAY

Text by: Anita Preston

Photos by: Anita Preston / Evensong Film

Most people come to Bangkok for its energy: the street life, the food, the traffic, the heat, and the constant motion that gives the city its pulse. But after a few days, that same intensity can start to feel overwhelming. When that happens, one of the easiest and most rewarding escapes is to leave the capital behind for a day and let the train carry you into a quieter landscape of canals, salt marshes, fishing towns, and floating markets.

Taking inspiration from Richard Barrow’s Thai Train Guide, we set out on a day trip through the outskirts of Bangkok on a railway line first built in 1904. Our destination was Samut Sakhon province, an area with a long commercial and maritime history just beyond the capital. The trip promised

not only a change of scenery but also a chance to see a side of central Thailand that feels far removed from the city, despite being close enough to reach in a morning.

The journey begins at Wongwian Yai Station, west of Bangkok, across the Chao Phraya River. It is best to start early, before the day’s heat settles in. Near the station is a large roundabout, a wongwian yai, graced by an imposing statue of King Taksin atop a powerful-looking steed. Before boarding, the market near the station is worth a quick stop for breakfast or an early lunch. Vendors serve curries, rice dishes, snacks, and drinks to commuters and passersby, setting the tone for a day in which food becomes as much a part of the journey as the scenery.

The station at Wongwian Yai itself is simple: one track and one platform that is, of course, lined with food vendors. A ten-baht ticket bought on the platform will get you to the first stop, Mahachai. It’s a working commuter line used by people traveling between the city and the outskirts. The pace is slow and the journey breezy. Fans and open windows soften the heat as the train passes through the city and transitions from urban to countryside. Slowly, the city is left behind, and concrete buildings and level crossings are replaced by numerous canals, salt marshes, flocks of herons, and groves of banana and mango trees.

The first stop after about one hour is Mahachai. On the banks of the Tha Chin River and near the Gulf of Thailand. The province is famed for its seafood, as the numerous rivers and canals crisscrossing it are rich in nutrients and plankton. Local mackerel, or pla thu, is especially famous for its meaty, abundant flesh. The town has the bustle of a place shaped by fishing, trade, and transport. Markets spill into the surrounding streets with displays of fresh fish, squid, shellfish, fruit, and prepared snacks. The air carries the mixed scents of river water, charcoal smoke, and cooking seafood.

unch here is one of the highlights of the trip. We found a breezy restaurant overlooking the ferry crossing, with wide views across the water and the easy movement of boats coming and going. Shrimp fried rice, prawns with young coconut, and a rich crab curry made for a memorable meal, generous in portion and full of the freshness for which the province is known. After lunch, it was a pleasure simply to sit for a while and watch the river traffic and spot numerous herons standing on large rafts of water hyacinth idly

F rom Mahachai, the journey becomes more varied. A short ferry ride crosses the Tha Chin River to Tha Chalom pier, followed by a brief songthaew ride to Ban Laem Station. This transfer is part of what makes the trip feel exploratory. It breaks the day into stages and gives each stretch of the route its own character. Ban Laem itself has a quieter feel, and for railway enthusiasts, there is even a small museum nearby with old steam engines.

T he second train ride, lasting about an hour, leads to one of Thailand’s most famous railway sights: the Maeklong Railway Market. The market is known for the way vendors set up directly beside the tracks, then pull back awnings and goods moments before the train enters. Once it passes, the market folds back into place almost instantly, as though nothing unusual has happened. It is a spectacle, but it is also part of the daily rhythm of the town. Arriving in Maeklong feels akin to royalty as the crowd cheers, waves, snaps selfies, and stands daringly close to the passing train.

A songthaew ride from Maeklong took us to the Amphawa Floating Market, the final stop of the day. There are many floating markets around Bangkok, and they can blur together in memory, but Amphawa has a gentler, more local character, especially later in the day. Old wooden shopfronts line the canal. Boats move slowly past with seafood sizzling over charcoal grills. Visitors browse for sweets, coffee, ice cream, and souvenirs, while locals come to eat, stroll, and stay overnight to spot fireflies dancing in the evening air.

1: The train arrives in Maeklong Station to a welcoming crowd of tourists

2: A local monk in Maeklong

3: Amphawa canal is flanked by a lively local market

4: Bicycle trishaws await to shuttle visitors to the train station in Tha Chalom

5: Wongwian Yai, the great roundabout near the train station

For more information, check out Richard Barrow's excellent train guide to Thailand at www.thaitrainguide.com.

Getting there:

Lao Airlines operates daily flights from Vientiane to Bangkok.

For anyone needing a break from Bangkok without straying too far, this journey offers an ideal reset. It is affordable, atmospheric, and rich in variety, moving from city neighborhoods to marshland, from seafood town to railway market to canal-side evening retreat. More than a day trip, it feels like a small unfolding adventure, one that reveals how much of Thailand can still be found just beyond the capital’s edge.

Richard Barrow

我 和 老 挝

2012 年，我从阿里巴巴辞职，踏 上老挝这片神秘而原始的土地。那 时，我注意到许多中国游客来老挝， 可以选择的伴手礼很少。而这里原始 森林保存完好，蕴藏着丰富的野生草 药 — —这让我萌生了一个念头：能不 能把这些大自然的宝藏，变成真正改 善健康的产品？

带着这个想法，我走遍了老挝的 高原与丛林，几乎踏遍全国各个省 份，搜集石斛、灵芝、东革阿里、鸡血 藤、土茯苓等草药。我们与村民合作 采集，就近建立粗加工厂，把草药制 成饮片出售。

BBL 工厂外观图 我大学学习的是化学制药专业，最初对这些草药并没有太多期待。 但很快，消费者的反馈让我震惊：有人吃了诺丽果便秘改善了；有人服 用灵芝后血压稳定、睡眠变好；甚至有人说东革阿里缓解了痛风。原本 只是 土特产 的草药，逐渐显现出强大的健康价值。

BBL 创始人龙攀先生 2015 年起，我们成立了专业团队，用野生草药 研发保健品与成药。2017 年，老挝著名草药专家段 萨旺教授加入我们。我们一方面查阅大量国际文献， 另一方面深入调研老挝民间传统用药习惯，结合中 医临床经验，并与老挝卫生部传统草药研究所合作 开展临床研究，不断优化产品。

老挝著名草药专家段萨旺教授 经过多年的努力，我们终于打造出一系列疗效 确切、副作用小的中成药。

野生灵芝的故事 我们在老挝原始森林中找到了珍贵的野生灵 芝。最初只是采回来晒干出售，但很快遇到难题：仅 仅一个月，许多灵芝就被虫蛀空。我们尝试过蒸汽杀 虫，却损失有效成分；改用 90℃烘烤，虽然好一些， 但仍易生虫。因为坚持不用熏硫，损耗巨大，不少灵 芝只好用来泡酒。至今，我们还留有 100 多坛 2016 年泡制的灵芝酒。后来，我们逐渐摸索出更科学的保 存方法。

BBL 团队到原始森林寻找灵芝 随着产品推向市场，消费者反馈让我们 深受鼓舞：有人睡眠改善了，有人免疫力提 高了，感冒恢复得快了；还有长期服用的客 人，血压下降，用药量减少。事实上，灵芝对 三高 辅助调理和修复西药导致的肝损伤， 都有明显益处。

BBL 工厂员工正在挑选灵芝

后来，不少化疗患者尝试服用灵芝胶 囊，反馈三四天后便不再恶心呕吐，睡眠改 善，检查甚至显示化疗效果更好。老挝一位 宫颈癌患者，因化疗导致血细胞数值长期 偏低，服用灵芝胶囊十天后，在泰国检测结 果显示红细胞和白细胞接近正常。查阅文 献后，我们确认灵芝确实有促进骨髓造血、 减轻放化疗副作用的功效。甚至还有客人反 馈，长期服用灵芝破壁粉后，甲状腺结节消 失了，这与灵芝的免疫平衡作用高度一致。

原始森林中正在生长的野生灵芝 2014 年昆明南博会，我们带回的一批灵 芝未售完，正好送给一位癌症晚期的湖北同 事婶婶。她本已放弃治疗，却在服用灵芝后 状态明显改善。虽然一年后因复发离世，但 她的村子很多人因此开始服用灵芝。还有一 位肺癌晚期患者，至今服用已近八年，仍保 持良好状态。

BBL 工厂员工正在晒灵芝

正是这些真实案例，让我们更加坚定要 把灵芝做好。一方面，不断改进剂型，让灵芝 更易吸收和坚持服用；另一方面，广泛收集 老挝各地赤芝、紫芝、桑黄等三十多种灵芝， 送至权威检测中心分析，筛选出有效成分含 量最高的品种。我们还发现，带虫眼的野生 灵芝往往品质更佳。为了确保品质，我们坚 持 就近采集、立即干燥、防止霉变 ，只选用 成熟健壮的灵芝，仓储采用低温真空保存。

(灵芝胶囊 119 元/瓶，灵芝粉 168 元/瓶)

BBL 灵芝产品合集

北京大学林志彬教授主编的《灵芝的现代研 究》为我们提供了很多指导。总体来说，野生灵芝 子实体是国人千年来信赖的中草药，能有效调节 免疫，无论是免疫过激还是免疫不足，都有良好 作用，且长期服用副作用小。我们的灵芝产品推 出已十年，身边很多中老年亲友都在坚持服用。 这是老挝原始森林给予我们的珍贵馈赠。

东革阿里的故事

2012 年，我们和一位马来西亚朋友在老挝 森林中发现了野生东革阿里。最初，我们只是把 树根挖出来切片销售。按照传统，这种草药被认 为能壮阳，用来泡水饮用，但味道极苦，能坚持喝 的人并不多。

东革阿里树根

直到有一次，几个客人找到我们，说喝了三四天虽然没 有感受到壮阳的效果，却意外发现痛风症状缓解了。这让我 们意识到，东革阿里可能不仅仅是传统认知中的 壮阳草药 。

我们查阅大量国际研究文献，发现它确实兼具降尿酸和抗炎 活性，于是决定沿着这一方向深入研究

然而，很快我们也遭遇了挑战。两位客人反馈，长期饮用 东革阿里切片泡水后出现肚子疼，去医院检查发现肝脏转氨 酶升高了十几倍。这提醒我们：未经炮制的水提物长期服用 存在安全隐患。

为了破解这一问题，我们专门成立团队，改进炮制工艺 和剂型。在东革阿里基础上，配伍辅助草药，最终研发出更安 全的胶囊剂型。经过追踪检测，服用一段时间后，所有客人的 肝功能指标都保持正常，再没有出现类似情况。

东革阿里胶囊上市后，很快得到了 广泛认可。不仅痛风和高尿酸患者受益， 还有客人反馈：原本夜间要起床四五次 上厕所，坚持服用一周后，基本只需一 次；更令人惊讶的是，有客人前列腺钙化 点居然消失了。我们特地邀请部分客人 做对照检测，结果证实：在同一家医院、 同一台设备上，一个月后钙化点真的消 失了。

(东革阿里胶囊 199 元/瓶) BBL 东革阿里胶囊

与此同时，传统认知中的壮阳提神效果在胶囊中依然保留，通 常十天左右就能明显感受到。甚至有备孕阶段的客人反馈，原本精 子活性不足，坚持服用半个月后，活性水平提升到 80%以上。

越来越多的证据表明，以东革阿里提取物为主要原料的胶囊剂 型，不仅能改善痛风和前列腺问题，还能帮助修复肾功能损伤，延缓 肾功能衰退，为更多患者带来切实的健康改善。

石斛胃康散

做草药生意，经常有人问我： 胃不好、老胃病能吃什么？过去我 总是推荐日本的一款草药。直到 有一天，一位客人在茶叙中提到， 吃了我们定制的石斛粉后，多年 的胃痛几乎消失。这让我十分震 惊，因为我自己也有胃病 胃胀、胃 痛、打嗝不断，常常靠日本胃药缓 解。于是我立刻开始尝试，每天早 晚服用 3 克石斛粉，不到一个月， 症状竟然完全消失了。

老挝原始森林树上的野生石斛 我们早就知道老挝石斛品质 好，但大多数人只是煮水喝，效果 有限。后来才明白，石斛真正的有 效成分微溶于水，主要是石斛胶 质，石斛多糖，于是我们根据相关 医学理论，把石斛做成破壁粉，加 入黄芪破壁粉配合，成为可以经 常服用的产品。

(石斛胃康散 168 元/瓶) 石斛胃康散

通过随访，许多服用者的胃部 症状都有明显改善。查阅文献后， 我们进一步确认：石斛对修复胃 肠道有确切作用，若配伍黄芪等 草药，疗效更佳。

后来，一位日本汉方业内人士 告诉我，日本市场上最畅销的就 是胃肠道类产品。他还特别强调， 老挝石斛品质极佳，希望我们能 提供原料或成品。这更加坚定了 我们研发石斛黄芪胶囊的信心。 它不仅能帮助本地人，也注定要 走向更广阔的国际市场。

安宫牛黄丸

新冠疫情爆发后，安宫牛黄丸 需求量越来越大，我们团队一方 面依照《中国药典》准备原料，一 方面研究生产工艺，经过一年多 努力，终于研制出合格产品，并顺 利获得老挝卫生部门 起初，我们对安宫牛黄丸的期 望并不高，但几件事改变了我的 看法。

(安宫牛黄丸 658 元/盒)

BBL 安宫牛黄丸

一次，一位广东奶奶来老挝旅游时突发中 风，被送到医院救治。护理人员坚持每天给她 服用一颗我们的安宫牛黄丸，五天后她顺利出 院，没有留下后遗症。

另一次，在华潘省，一位朋友突然嘴角歪 斜、说话含糊，明显是中风但当地医疗条件有 限，我让他立即服下安宫牛黄丸，再转到万象 治疗。仅一周时间，他就恢复如常。

最让我动容的，是一位朋友突然来访，坚持 要做我们的代理。他说：“ 你们的药救了我妈妈 的命。”

原来，他母亲在医院病危，他抱着试试 看的心态，给她服下了从我们这里买的安宫牛 黄丸，没想到真的起了奇效。正因为这些真实 的故事，我们深信：生产安宫牛黄丸不仅仅是 做一款药，而是一份积德行善的事业。

BBL 网站二维码 目前我们的产品在老挝各大超 市都有销售，比如，百盛超市，BigC 超市总店，DMART 超市，长颈鹿超 市，Xokthavy 超市万象中心店，中老 铁路火车站商店等等，线上销售渠道 有老挝外卖平台 简单点 ，电商平台 WOWBUY 等。

BBL 的产品在百盛超市售卖

BBL 产品在 Big C 超市售卖

这些年来，我们发现老挝传统草 药对于目前的慢病防治有着非常独 特的作用，比如糖尿病，高血压，高尿 酸血症，各类结节，肿瘤等。

但是很多患者因为各类原因服用 效果不佳，比如选择的产品不对，比 如品质不好（所选草药已经霉变），比 如产品剂型不对吸收不好，比如没有 坚持下去等等，未来我们希望不只是 提供草药，而是提供整个慢病管理服 务，真正帮患者解决问题。如果对我 们的产品感兴趣可以通过以下方式 联系我们：

微信号:BBL98666618 电话：+856 2096990808

RDK Group is a full-service communications agency that speaks your language – literally. We’re a lively ensemble of linguistic virtuosos, marketing maestros, and media mavens, specializing in translation, market research, campaigns, and media relations, all with a dash of wit. Our spirited team your business struts center stage on any platform. Our diverse clients become long-term partners, as we conjure up campaigns and services striking a chord with their audiences in perfect harmony.

At RDK Group, we’re all about language creativity, and making your brand’s voice sing loud and clear, resonating throughout the marketplace.

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