Blog Post #32 - Fun and (Mill) Runs in Pakse

Until this week I have not had the opportunity to visit southern Laos. It is far from the Khao Kai Noy (KKN) paddy fields of Xiengkhouang in northern Laos. But as I develop a stronger network in Laos, I was lucky to be connected with a firm that operates the largest and most sophisticated milling operation in the country. 

Pakse is not far from my next stop in Attapeu

The arranged meeting was an opportunity to tell the unique story of KKN and determine whether there is interest to purchase 'large' quantities of paddy at future harvests (November / December each year). Although informal, with data gathering a primary focus of both parties, the obvious traction of the LOPA business is exciting. 

I barely have any spare clothes because my bag from Vientiane was full of KKN samples

Different varieties of sticky rice grow in southern Laos....
but nothing compares to Khao Kai Noy (but I may be a bit biased)

LOPA is a credible organization with a premium, niche sticky rice product. Growing interest, not only from southern Laos, is a sign that the organization may quickly become a sticky rice force to be reckoned with. LOPA's success will ultimately mean market access and improved livelihoods for the farmers that SAEDA has spent years supporting in sustainable agriculture and organic practices. 

I am fortunate to say that I have played a small part in the puzzle that is the KKN value chain. But we are far from throwing a sticky rice party (which you can only imagine get pretty crazy). There is much work to be done and we are a long way from any formal commitments being made.

Stacks on stacks of paddy rice

Imagine having a business lunch with this view

Considering obvious sensitivities with full business planning transparency, I will not go into further detail about the outcome of the meetings. At this stage it is pretty unexciting anyways. Instead I will shift focus, and share pictures and stories from the short amount of tourist travel I was able to do while in Pakse.

The surrounding area of Pakse is famous for some stunning waterfalls (Salavan Province, Champasak Province, Sekong Province).

Less water during the dry season but still impressive

Even the monks have selfie sticks

Which do you prefer?
The BeerLao waterfall shot from Luang Prabang or this one from Salavan Province?

Took an evening walk to the bridge over the Mekong to watch the sunset

A short distance outside of Pakse is the Bolaven Plateau. This elevated region of southern Laos is the heart of coffee growing in the country.

Coffee from Laos is still quite unknown on the world stage but that may soon change due to the hard work of cooperatives like this one on the Bolaven Plateau

A small little roastery in the countryside
Had an AMAZING cup of coffee here

If only more companies had business models and missions like Jhai Coffee House

Coffee cherries everywhere!

Coffee beans drying along the side of the road is also a common sight

As you drive through the countryside, there are many opportunities to stop at small villages. It was an amazing day of exploring! Everyone was so welcoming and friendly

Laughing at my Lao accent
(that is tapioca drying around them)

Quite the pipe
(I may have added the sunglasses)

I was also really lucky that my free time overlapped with the Wat Phu Festival. Wat Phu is a short distance away in the Champasak Province countryside. The temple was built by the Angkors, is older than Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and today is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Not as impressive as Angkor Wat but definitely worth the trip

Climbing stairs to get some great views

Okay, maybe one or two selfies

"Saibaidee nong sigh" (hello little brother)

Evening lantern festival

The temple made for an impressive backdrop...
if only I had a better camera

Full moon in the background

Ours did not catch fire before liftoff...unlike some others

In the next few days, stay tuned for my post with an overview on the sustainable development workshop I just facilitated in Attapeu. Heading to the airport now for a flight back to Vientiane.