Bathe in the Serenity of Northern Laos

Experience tranquility on the edge of the Nam Pak River in the remote regions of northern Laos. Where small hill tribe communities are framed by rolling hillsides and peaceful farmland, the quiet rural town of Muang La is waiting to be discovered.

Famous for its natural hot springs, picturesque mountains and traditional villages, the town lies about five hours’ drive north of Luang Prabang. Here, in this far-flung corner, you will be inspired by the Lao people’s laidback way of life and uplifted by their generous and open attitude.

Soothe your spirit with the steaming hot water of the thousand-year-old springs – a restoration for the body and a rejuvenation for the soul. This is the type of place that lends itself easily to meditation and mindful retreats. 

For active travelers, Muang La is also a great base for trekking, river cruising and mountain biking through untouched landscapes to explore the villages of the Hmong, Akha and Khmu people or simply admire the natural scenery. Visit a 400-year-old pilgrimage site at Wat Pha Singkham, home to one of the most sacred Buddha images in Laos and taste some of the regional cuisine including fresh fish from the river.

Stay a few nights at Muang La Lodge, a boutique property with private hot spring baths and unsurpassed views of the surrounding countryside. Find out how to include this memorable experience in your next Southeast Asia journey.
See Full Itinerary Plan Your Journey Now

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Our Top 5: Bangkok Markets - From Chic to Cheerful

From colorful and chaotic bazaars to hidden gems that only locals know about, Bangkok's markets are a heady mix of street food, crafts and unique local buys. Check out our absolute favorite places to discover something chic or pick up a bargain in Bangkok.

1. A Buzzing Local Night Spot

Amazing street food, chic local designer pieces, vintage bargains and a chilled out vibe, Ratchada Rod Fai Market has it all. Tucked away behind high-rises on one of the city’s biggest boulevards, this is one of our favorite weekend hangouts. Sip local beers, taste pad Thai and enjoy live music at one of the laid-back bars fashioned from converted shipping containers. Then hunt for souvenirs and collectibles in the rainbow-colored marquees where you might find anything from new and well-priced clothing to well-loved vinyl records, old beer signs and Coca-Cola bottles.

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2. Charms, Talismans and Trinkets

If you are looking for tiny bronze buddhas, votive tablets carved from stone, sacred talismans or any kind of religious trinket, you are sure to find it at Bangkok’s Amulet Market. Just down the road from the Grand Palace, this market contains just about every form of religious, especially Buddhist, paraphernalia one could ever need. Observe the many faithfuls who painstakingly study each amulet with a fine-tooth comb to find the one that will bring them that extra bout of good fortune, ward off evil spirits or keep them in good health.

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3. Foodie, Fun and Fabulous

Succulent rambutans, mountains of mangoes and all manner of exotic fruits are waiting to be devoured at the freshest of fresh markets, Or Tor Kor. Taste local dishes such as duck noodles or crispy pork and browse the handicrafts and coffee of the Thai Royal Project, promoting the livelihoods of hill tribe villagers. For a complete shopping indulgence, head across the road to Bangkok’s biggest bazaar, the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, which has over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to arts and crafts, ceramics, antiques and household goods.

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4. Fragrant Floral Traditions

Follow the sweet scent of rare orchids and fragrant jasmine to one of our favorite markets - the famous flower market of Bangkok, or Pak Klong Talad. Wander through the maze of stalls and learn all about Thai floral culture as busy vendors peddle every color and variety of local flowers imaginable. Admire the strings of marigolds, which are often used to make offerings at temples and spirit houses, meet a family of florists who have been weaving jasmine garlands here for generations.

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5. Tales and Traditions on the Canal

Take a short drive out of Bangkok to experience the old-school Amphawa Market where traditional wooden shophouses line both sides of a sleepy canal. Selling succulent seafood, aromatic noodles and coconut ice-cream as well as local crafts and creative fashion, this is a great place to just wander and enjoy the lively atmosphere. You can also explore the nearby Tha Kha Floating Market on a paddle boat ride through coconut sugar plantations and residential neighborhoods where vendors sell fresh fruits and snacks from their boats – an authentic and very local floating market experience.

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Curated in Cambodia: An Akorn Insider’s Look at Siem Reap’s Art Scene

Filling an artistic gap no one knew was there, our Akorn Insider and art expert has been almost single-handedly connecting travelers with artisans in Siem Reap, Cambodia for over ten years. We caught up with the dynamic curator, who is an avid art collector herself, to discover the latest in arts, design and fashion in the up-and-coming Cambodia town.   

Q: What are your favorite places to shop, eat and hangout in Siem Reap?

A: Kandal Village is a must-stop neighborhood for fun shopping experiences. It is a little street filled with a vast array of boutiques, cafes and concept stores. Shop 676 is one of my favorite boutiques there and Jodi Arden and her team take pleasure in styling you with the most luxurious cottons, cashmeres, accessories, womenswear and menswear. Another gem is Trunkh, a Cambodia-(ec)centric lifestyle brand selling unique fashion, homewares, art and desirable quirky collectables. They embrace, celebrate and elevate ordinary objects and daily traditions of Cambodian rural, home and street life, both exotic and mundane. 

For eating, Cuisine Wat Damnak is hands down the best restaurant in Siem Reap. It has twice been officially listed in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, the only Cambodian eatery ever to be honored with this prestigious award. Chef Joannès Rivière’s innovative menus are inspired by the food traditions of Cambodia's golden age, when each day’s fare was made up of herbs and vegetables from the family garden and fish and game from the surrounding fields.

A big favorite for drinks is Wild Cocktail Bar, set in a lush landscaped garden this cozy creative watering hole is a must. With a cool and relaxing atmosphere, it is the perfect place to chill. Get there early or make a reservation, they get full fast and have a very limited number of tables.

Q: So where are the hot art spots in Cambodia?

A: One Eleven Gallery has to be top of the art hot spot list. The space is perfectly located in the heart of Siem Reap and boasts work by acclaimed Belgian artist Christian Develter. His magnificent 'Chin Series' body of work highlights the fierce and empowering story of the facially tattooed women of Myanmar's north-western hill tribes. Deep in the unforgiving hills and jungles of the Chin state, generations of women have endured the pain of tattoos on their faces as a symbol of beauty, especially for young girls coming of age.

The gallery also has delectable signature cocktails. It is a really fun space to hang out and enjoy the perfect mix of contemporary art, fascinating company and obsessive people watching from their outdoor seating area.

Q: And any local artists we should look out for?

A: There are a couple of names that spring to mind. Nou Sary is an artist who studied in both Phnom Penh and Paris, he received his National Certificate in Fine Arts in 2006 and has not stopped working since. Sary is a gifted painter, photographer and sculptor to name just a few of his many talents. His work is currently being exhibited in two locations in Siem Reap.

Another artist in trend at the moment is a young lady from the south. Kek Soon works primarily with woodcuts, a medium not very prevalent in the Cambodian arts scene, which is why her work is so interesting. Soon’s art is inspired by her interactions with the people and daily life in her native town of Kampot. From women workers in fishing and farming communities to the lady who sells her fish in the market, Soon’s keen perception reveals a curious and often comical view of life in and around Cambodia’s tranquil but fast-developing coastal province.

Q: What is the one thing you would like guests to take away from their time in Siem Reap?

A: A revised sense of energy. When visitors arrive in Siem Reap, they are often a little flustered and time seems to be of the essence. I want people to take a breath, relax and enjoy every aspect of what this extraordinary town has to offer. There is so much to explore here, especially within the arts, and it is always gratifying when visitors take time to get to know the highly talented creative community as well as the serene spiritual journeys that also exists here.

Meet the artisans of Siem Reap on an Akorn Insider’s journey that takes you beyond the temples of Angkor to discover the living legacies of sustainable fashion, lacquerware, textiles and art.
More About our Ethical Artisans Experience Plan Your Journey Now

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Update: Siem Reap Students Reap the Benefits

The road from Siem Reap town to the school in Beng district is dusty, bumpy and long. Due to its remote location away from most tourist trails, the school is off the radar and usually does not receive much funding. Now, thanks to the generosity of Akorn guests, this long and dusty road leads to a bright new future for the students who now have a sturdy and well-designed school building in which to learn.

Education is not something Cambodian children take for granted. Schools are often so crowded that they must operate in shifts, with one group of students attending classes in the morning and a second group attending in the afternoon. The classrooms are not always well-maintained, which can cause disruptions to the students’ learning. At the Beng school for example, classes were regularly cancelled as the teachers were concerned that the roof might collapse due to rain.

Through our guests’ contributions, AKP Philanthropy has been able to provide the students at Beng and another nearby school in Tapeng district with classrooms that are safe, clean and airy. The students also have access to new sanitation facilities that will make an important difference in their lives.

AKP Philanthropy is involved in several projects creating an impact around the world. Be part of the change and find out how you can give back on your next Southeast Asia journey.
Give Clean Water in Siem Reap More About Our Philanthropy Plan Your Journey Now

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Taking Groups to New Heights, Simon Marzys

We are delighted to introduce Simon Marzys as our Groups Manager for Akorn Southeast Asia. Having traveled the world, from his hometown of Paris, France to the far reaches of the Asian continent, Simon is now based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where he has lived for the last three years. Fluent in English, French and Spanish, the proactive groups manager is championing our success in bringing trailblazing incentives as well as private leisure and special interest groups to Southeast Asia.

Start planning your next groups experience today and ask about our range of active, cultural and transformational programs across the region, including team bonding activities in off-the-beaten-path locations around Bangkok, restaurant and bar hopping through Siem Reap’s best kitchens or sailing the Gulf of Thailand by private Catamaran and more.

Connect with Simon at smarzys@akorndmc.com.

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More Insider News from Around the Region

• Rosewood Bangkok will open its doors on 31 March 2019 with 159 rooms and suites, including the city’s only sky pool villas. The hotel is now available for booking through Akorn.

• Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is undergoing renovation from 1 March to 31 October 2019. Please contact your Akorn Destination Specialist for advice about the best alternative accommodation during this period.

• Ballooning in Myanmar has taken to new skies over Loikaw, showcasing the rich natural beauty of mountains, rice paddies and ethnic villages in the remote Kayah State - a welcome addition to the hot-air balloon experiences already available in Bagan, Inle Lake and Mandalay.

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