Luang Prabang, the most famous tourist destination in Laos, has so much to offer from beautiful landscape, delicious food, diversified culture from different ethnic groups, traditional handicraft and gorgeous temples. Those who love Laos countryside might have heard about a whiskey village nestled along the Mekong River near LuangPrabang. It’s a regular stop for boats going to the historical Pak Ou Caves, but can also be reached via a 30-minute drive: Ban XangHai.
This small village is known for its Lao Lao, a strong whisky made from rice that’s sometimes fermented with snakes, spiders or other creepy crawlies and sold by the bottle. Lao-Lao is an important part of Lao culture. People use Lao Lao in important blessing ceremonies.
Once visiting this village, you will likely be invited a small cup of whiskey (Sometimes a large glass!) no matter what time in the day. Accepting a shot or even a sip is the fastest way to make friends with the locals. It’s also a sure way of instantly growing chest hairs.
Travellers have chance to buy the famous alcoholic creation, but those who prefer water to whisky can watch locals weaving Lao silk and purchasing locally made fabrics and paper instead.
A visit to Ban XangHai Whisky Village is often in a trip to Pak Ou Caves, since these two popular spots are located near one another on the Mekong River.
The biggest negative about Ban XangHai is lao-Lao jars containing wildlife, which is now not a nice images. Bear paws, tiger bones and snakes with whiskey are believed to increase a man’s virility and sexual prowess, and they are also added to give it the wow-factor for tourists. Under no circumstances should you sample or buy whiskey containing endangered wildlife.
