Andrea Vinsonneau
With parents who both worked in the hospitality industry, Andrea had a more international upbringing than most.
Hailing from France and settling in Thailand from the ripe age of two, is Andrea is a rare and wonderful living example of multiple cultures being fused into one. Those who meet her are immediately struck by the ease at which she transitions between languages and connects with people from a multitude of backgrounds; a true ‘chameleon’ in the best sense of the word.
Through her multi-national, multi-cultural meanderings growing up, it was Laos that truly captured her heart.
‘There’s just something about the warmth of the people, the beauty of the landscapes, and the richness of the culture that has always captivated me’.
Through this love of her adoptive homeland and her deep-seeded desire to share it with others, she became increasingly drawn to the industry of her parents, which not only allowed her to follow in their footsteps, but to carve out a path of her own in tourism.
When describing her passion, she said:
‘Laos is so unique and magical, and the opportunity to share it with others while also helping to support local communities through tourism drives me to excel every day. ‘
Through the knowledge and familiarity that comes with a lifetime of experience, Andrea is able showcase ‘real Laos’ to visitors in a way that only true locals can.
Laotian cuisine, in many ways, is similar to Andrea: equal parts sweet and spicy, a big part of what makes it so unique is its multitude of cultural influences. Despite its strong French, Thai, and Vietnamese influences, it has a strong character and heritage all its own.
Andrea’s favourite dish, which perfectly embodies this uniqueness, is ‘red ant egg “laap”. She’s not the only person who loves it, either. This dish was once nationally celebrated as the favourite dish of Laoatian royalty. Although it’s normally a seasonal dish, Le Calao, an authentic restaurant in Luang Prabang, offers it all year round.
In terms of where to go in Laos, Andrea had this to say of her top recommendations:
‘There is a long list of my favourites but, for visitors to Laos that are interested in history, Luang Prabang, Vat Phou and the Plain of Jars are must-sees. For nature-lovers, Nam Kat Yorla Paa and Vang Vieng can’t be missed. Also, don’t hesitate to take the train instead of a plane when you can. It’s not only more sustainable, but just as quick and offers you a really unique perspective on the country.’
Tourism brings numerous benefits to Laos and Laotian people. It provides a significant source of income for the population, particularly in towns like Luang Prabang where many people are directly or indirectly involved in the travel industry.
Tourism also helps preserve cultural traditions, handicrafts, supports local craftsmen and can even revive lost ancient arts.
However, waste management and sustainability are challenges in Laos, particularly plastic consumption. In the future, it is important for the country to focus on building back better and integrating sustainability into all levels of the tourism industry in order to preserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage. Local expertise and knowledge are also crucial for helping visitors navigate the country and experience all the charm that Laos has to offer.
Curious about Laos or have any questions for Andrea? Feel free to reach out below!
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