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Offbeat Goat

Exploring immersive and sustainable travel through a curated lens. A design-lover's guide to conscious travel.

20/11/2024

Feel good retail therapy.

Beyond the crowds at Angkor Wat, there’s a whole world of craft, history, and silk waiting to be discovered. Our tour of .artisans was a fascinating deep dive into the behind-the-scenes magic of silk-making—a process that starts with mulberry trees and ends in a boutique store where a little retail therapy turned into a full-on silk obsession (stocked up for xmas).

We learned more than we ever thought we’d know about silkworms—how they live, how they work, and how their little silk-producing lives fuel an entire industry. And then, there’s the weaving (traditional craft was nearly lost ). Watching artisans transform those delicate threads into intricate patterns was the highlight of our stay.

The two shots of the boutique shop were provided by .angkor so I could focus on shopping. 😉

19/11/2024

The proverb feels fitting...Journeys end, but some places, their people, and the moments we savored along the way, seem to linger....

Finally getting around to the last leg of our journey. And for the record, there’s a whole lot more to Cambodia than just Angkor Wat. Stick around for photo dumps, travel stories, and insider tips on how to skip the crowds.

14/11/2024

That’s a wrap on Laos! Final photo dump… until the next time.

12/11/2024

Akha wedding celebration—ritual, revelry, and endless toasts of Beerlao 🍻.

On our final night in Northern Laos, we stumbled into an Akha hill tribe wedding—pure traveler’s luck.Unlike neighbouring Vietnam and Thailand, it’s less often that you see the hill tribe people flaunting their hand-woven traditional clothing, as it’s reserved for special moments like this. A heartfelt shoutout to our local guide, who not only knew the family but also spoke their language, seamlessly pulling us into their celebration, one Beerlao toast after another. Here’s to the bride and groom—may their journey together be as unforgettable as our experience.

07/11/2024

Turning the simple into the extraordinary. .

Up in the mountains of Laos, I met hill tribes who could teach the world a thing or two about resourcefulness, crafting beauty from scraps—woven baskets, bamboo tools, and embroidered head dresses. It’s a reminder that creativity doesn’t need a 3D printer to thrive—it just needs a little resourcefulness and a lot of heart

06/11/2024

Just me, my camera, and stories untouched by the red or blue lens...😵‍💫...

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31/10/2024

The mighty Mekong—the “Mother of Waters” and lifeblood of Laos.

I’ll admit, I hesitated to add a sunset boat cruise to the itinerary, imagining throngs of tourists snapping the same photos. But here’s the thing: find the right boat, make it your own, and it changes everything. Drifting along the Mekong with nothing but the sound of the water beneath you and the sky melting into dusk—worth every penny.

DM me for tips on booking a private ride. Some things are meant to be done right.

30/10/2024

“The shortest distance between two people is a smile.” – Victor Borge

Up in the far-flung corners of Northern Laos, we hung out with the Akha, Hmong, Khamu, and Ikho communities—each with their own way of life, their own rhythm, and,as it turns out, their own contagious laughter.

29/10/2024

Jungle living, but make it boutique(ish) -

At Nam Kat Yorlapa, the trek to our room felt like an expedition, though the bikes definitely helped. Set deep in the rainforest, this tiny retreat may have a touch of wear (it is the jungle, after all), but the warm welcome makes up for it. With Muang La Resort lost to floods, it now holds the crown as the area’s sole boutique option. And pro tip: opt for the rooms closer to the lodge + load up on mossie spray– trust me.🌿

Thank you 🙏to the lovely staff for taking such good care of us!

28/10/2024

From snout to tail, stalk to leaf, morning markets in Luang Prabang are a feast for the senses—and a masterclass in sustainability. Here, nothing goes to waste, and everything finds a purpose.

Crayfish wrapped in bamboo, delicate riverweed snacks, fiery chili pastes, and bundles of fragrant herbs line the stalls, each more vibrant than the last. If you want to understand Laos, this is where it all begins.

24/10/2024

Slip off your shoes, cover your left shoulder, and hand out the sticky rice.

At 5:30 am, the streets of Luang Prabang stir with quiet reverence as the monks begin their Sai Bat (Morning Alms). But to experience the alms authentically, avoid the crowded tourist spots and seek out the quieter streets where the practice feels personal and undisturbed. And remember to cover the left shoulder, remove shoes, and secure your steaming pot of rice early.

23/10/2024

From kernel to steamy sticky rice bowls—what I thought would be a gimmicky experience (picture me knee-deep in mud, donning a conical hat, trailing behind Suzy the water buffalo 🫣) turned into something far more meaningful.

Yes, we waded into mud to plant rice, tasted fresh rice prawn crackers with Lao chili paste, and sipped self-made lime-infused sugarcane juice—all made on the farm. But what stuck with me most were the stories: how the farm supports the local community, how it stayed afloat during COVID by feeding locals, and how it funds education and English classes for kids. If you’re heading to Luang Prabang, don’t miss it.

A big thank you to our brilliant guide, Sai!

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22/10/2024

It’s the little things that do all the talking.

At , every corner whispers stories—of Laos, of its heritage, of beauty found in simplicity. Hand-painted Asian marionettes adorn the walls, oversized sepia-toned portraits capture the quiet elegance of Laotian people, and handpicked lotus flowers in oversized vases add that home-away-from-home vibe.

Hotelier, Lamphoune Voravongsa, sums it up perfectly: “My ambition when I created Satri House was to show the rest of the world the beauty of Laos—its indigenous lifestyle, its elegance, and sense of grace. I love sharing my favorite spots to watch the sunrise, stroll through old town, or simply listen to the silence in the temples. Here, I hope guests can discover just how beautiful life can be.”

Thank you, Satri House. Mission accomplished. 🙏

21/10/2024

Love at first site.

Utterly charmed by this sleepy riverside town, with its gilded temples, weathered French colonial facades, and monks in saffron robes drifting along narrow streets, as the mighty Mekong slips past, unbothered by time. Its streets feel laid-back yet refined, with tiny bakeries, outdoor markets, elegant cafés, and tucked-away art galleries. We also loved that much of the town’s retail supports social enterprises, with every purchase giving back to artisans and their communities.

But this paradise comes with a warning. This city does seem to be facing mounting pressure from overtourism, with new high-speed rail connections bringing waves of visitors, particularly from China, and further linking it’s major cities.

Eager to watch ‘s documentary, Onlookers, which explores how tourism both disrupts and sustains local traditions in places like Laos. The big question remains: How can we all enjoy the world’s beautiful places while helping destinations stay true to their roots? 🤔

17/10/2024

Hands down, favorite hotel in Laos...

Satri House feels like a window into the past—a sophisticated blend of faded grandeur and slow-paced living, where sustainability is more than a gesture, it’s a way of life.

Welcoming you with ice-wrapped, lemongrass-scented towels and refreshing homemade tea, the staff (50 strong for just 30 rooms) embody warm, genuine care. And no plastic here—only banana leaves, glass bottles, and a commitment to eco-forward hospitality.

Thank you to the entire team for sharing your stories, your warmth, and your dedication to caring for every detail during our stay.

14/10/2024

With Hanoi just a stone’s throw away and “Indochine” vibes in full swing, Ninh Binh pulls in the crowds—teetering dangerously close to theme park territory. Timing and going off-script is key.

Yes, the boat cruises through Trang An or Tam Coc are spectacular—especially if you hit the water at dawn, well before the banana-pancake crowds roll in. But the real magic lies in grabbing a bike and setting off on your own. We spent hours pedaling through quiet lanes, villages, and endless rice paddies, uncovering corners the tours never touched.

And a big thank you to .ninhbinh for welcoming us in despite the typhoon floods. 🙏

09/10/2024

30 K of bushwhacking, leeches, and landslides—not quite the gentle rice field stroll we had in mind...

Our trek from Ban Luoc to Nam Son kicked off in the most charming way, with a lovely homestay at Nam Ly Retreat—highly recommend if you find yourself in northern Vietnam!

From there, we embarked on what seemed a 28 km hike through what we thought would be gentle strolls past rice fields and village-strewn valleys. Instead, we found ourselves scrambling through bamboo forests, bushwhacking, pulling off leeches, and dodging landslides. Not quite the tranquil trek we had envisioned!

The final stretch redeemed itself with a stop at a tea processing plant and witnessing the harvesting activities—definitely a highlight. Lunch at a homestay along the way was a nice break, and the overnight stop was a real experience.

Unexpected? Absolutely. It’s all part of the adventure. Stay tuned for more.

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Videos

#farmerforaday. Thank you Sai at #livinglandfarmlaos for sharing the stories of Laos through rice. 🍚

Early arrival at the Sunday market in Thong Nguyen gave us a quiet start, but soon enough, the crowds—both local and tourist—rolled in. It’s a small, vibrant market where locals come down, many still in traditional clothing. But it’s no secret anymore; tourists, cameras in hand, flock down to the markets every Sunday. We came across a photography tour, mindlessly snapping away, darting from one shot to the next as if the locals were mere subjects on display. As someone who loves shooting, I get it. We all want that picture-perfect composition. But photography has an etiquette. Telephoto lenses should keep their distance, gently observing, not thrust into someone’s face. It’s not just about getting the shot; it’s about engaging. Show your subjects the photo. Maybe even ask for their name. Share a laugh. In Vietnam, many don’t mind, but it’s about respect—respect for the moment and for the people. Another lesson learned. #Photographyetiquette #Respectfultravel #Marketscenes #Culturalrespect #Engagewithlocals #Travelphotography #Vietnamculture #Authentictravel #Mindfulphotography #SlowTravel #Communityoverclicks #Traveldeeper #Ethicalphotography #Localexperiences #Offthebeatenpath #TravelWithPurpose #CuratedExperiences #experienceoverthings #thongnguyen #beautifuldestinations #maketravelmatter

Ban Phung. Tucked high near the Chinese border, where the air is crisp, and the crowds are few. No frills, no fuss—just simple homestay vibes, hearty communal meals, and breathtaking views. Was lovely meeting fellow traveler, Anthony @arkan_elric who was kind enough to share his beautiful drone footage. 🙏 #Offthebeatenpath #thatchtravel #fora #foratravel #Exploringbeautifulplaces #SlowTravel #seekingremote #beautifuldestinations #BanPhung #AuthenticExperiences #TravelDeeper #VietnamTravel #SimpleLiving #FoodAndTravel #RemoteAdventures #EthnicMinorities #yolo #goodplacemagazine #suitcasetravels #remotevietnam #travelwithfathom #conscioustraveler #conscioustravelcurated #experienceoverthings #CulturalTravel #SustainableTravel #UntouchedPlaces #banphung #vietnamview

Othonoi: wild, strange, and far from your typical Greek isle. An Italian twist, and the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen—but it’s not for everyone. #Othonoiunseen #Wildothonoi #Offbeatgreekislands #beautifuldestinations #Hiddengreece #Undiscoveredgreece #Othonoi #wildplaces #remoteislands #SecretgreekIslands #Notyourtypicalgreece #Mostbeautifulbeachever #thesefeetweremadeforwalking #livetoexploretheworld #livetotravel #fronteirdestinations #revelindiscovery #offthebeatenpath #offthebeatentrack #postcardplaces #passportlife #yolojournal #goodplacemagazine #wideoystermag #hiddencompass #sidtrackedmag #outsidemag #adventuretravelmag