Name: Somphone Sayasit
Age: 29 yrs. old
Married with two children, 4 yr. old girl Poy and 1yr. old boy Tino
Worked for tour companies for the last 10 yrs., been a guide for 6

What did it take to become a guide in Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R.?

When I began working as a guide there was no policy or rules to follow. If I wanted to get work as a guide
I would have to test at the companies individually. There was no one test to become a guide like they do today. When the Ministry of Tourism made it a rule for the guide to have a license I didn’t have to take the test. They just gave it to me because they knew I had been working in the industry for such a long time.

What do you like about guiding?

I like everything about it. I think it is the best job in Laos. Many Lao people do not get the chance to travel around the country,`but as a guide you can see all over this beautiful country.

What’s the hardest part?

Sometimes communication can be difficult. Because people speak different languages you have to work hard to try to understand each other, but I always make sure we do.

Where is your favorite place to take guests?

My favorite place in Laos to take guests is north of Luang Prabang to Luang Namtha. It is very beautiful with nice green forests and such nice people. It is the best place for trekking and kayaking. It is always best to get outside and excercise.

Which restaurant to recommend for guests and what local food should they try?

I think the best restaurants for guests to go is L’Elephant and the 3 Nagas restaurant. They are very nice restaurants with the best chefs. These restaurants have a lot of Western and Lao food. If they wanted Lao food I would tell them to try special foods you can only get in Luang Prabang, Mekong Riverweed, Chili Sauce and Luang Prabang sausage.

What should guests coming to Luang Prabang know?

They should know some things about the culture. They should know that in Luang Prabang and all over Laos you should dress respectfully. If you go to the temple you should have your shoulders and knees covered. And that Lao people do not get angry or show tempers so, it is not good if you show yours.

Favorite guests and why?

There was a german guest who came to Laos for the first time a couple of years ago. I was his first guide. Since then he visits Laos twice a year and has become a good friend. Whenever he comes I am his guide everytime. He is one of my favorite guests because he is a very good person who always helps everyone. He sponsors everyone he meets! He built a small primary school in a village in the countryside and gave them books. When I needed a new motobike and didn’t have the money he bought one for me. He continues helping me by paying for my children’s school and care. He even helped my friend go to the University in Luang Prabang. I have many favorite guests, but he is one of my favorites because he helps so many people and doesn’t ask for anything in return.

Thank you Phone!!… Read more »