"Tung Wai Homestay" is a semi-resort style accommodation located near Khao Luang, Pak Song, Southern Laos.

Exhausted from my journey from Dakchung, Sekong District, I decided to rest for the night in Pakxong.

There are two ways to reach Pakxong: from Pakse and from Attapeu. If you are coming from Pakse, cross the border from Chong Mek and head to the main bus station (No. 8) in Pakse. From there, you can take a bus to Pakxong, Attapeu, or Sekong. The fare is around 40,000 kip per person. You can ask Tung Wai Homestay to pick you up at Pakxong (additional fee) or hire a car at Pakxong. The distance from Pakxong is 40 kilometers.

As for me, I traveled back from Dak Chung to Sekong and then continued to Pak Song. Therefore, I will tell the story as if rewinding a film...

Upon arriving in Sekong, I immediately booked an air-conditioned bus ticket to Paksong, skipping a night's rest in Sekong. Upon reaching Paksong, I intended to spend my time solely on sightseeing. The bus dropped me off in front of Simmaly Guesthouse, a popular choice for Thai tourists in Paksong due to its affordability, ranging from 250 to 450 baht per night. However, I opted against staying there that night, yearning for a truly liberating experience amidst nature. Additionally, I hoped to visit another ethnic minority village during my stay.

Lugging my heavy backpack and camera tripod, I stumbled off the tour bus in front of a shop where four or five teenagers were chatting animatedly. A 15-year-old boy, noticing my struggle, offered to help, volunteering to carry my belongings as he saw I was elderly.

"I'm hungry. Can we grab something to eat before we go?" I asked him.

The young man, whom I later learned was named Neng, or "Thao Kham Phu Chai Maha Lat" (Khamphuchai Maharaj), had recently lost his father at the end of last year. He drove me on his motorbike to a Korean pizza restaurant, the only one in Pak Song, after I told him, "Take me to any restaurant you want to eat at." On the way, he recommended places to stay and restaurants, letting me know what was available where.

The Korean pizza restaurant I visited prepares pizzas individually, resulting in a limited dine-in clientele. Most customers opt for takeout due to the extended wait times. Despite the slight sweetness, the pizzas are undeniably delicious. Upon arrival at Pak Song, inquire with locals for the readily identifiable Korean pizza restaurant situated along the main road.

While having lunch, I searched on Google and found a homestay that someone had written about. It was located at the foot of Phu Luang Mountain, a long mountain range stretching from Savannakhet to the Cambodian border. At the foot of Phu Luang Mountain, there is a homestay called "Tung Wai Homestay." The atmosphere was very inviting, so I called Mr. Kiew, the caretaker, to inquire about the price. It was 1,000 baht per night, not including meals. Two meals, breakfast and dinner, cost an additional 350 baht. At Tung Wai, they have a car that takes tourists to visit Bolaven Plateau and the mountains for 3,000 baht per day. So I decided to stay there. Mr. Kiew picked me up at the pizza restaurant and took me to visit the Ya Heun tribal village on the way to the homestay. (Here I encountered a mysterious event: a ghost that made a mournful sound on the full moon day. If there is no offering, I will tell you about it in the section about this village.)

The distance from Pak Song to Tung Wua Homestay is approximately 40 kilometers, a significant journey. The route consists of a red laterite road, passing through two tribal villages along the way. The first village, belonging to the Ya Haen people, is a large settlement situated by a stream. The second village, inhabited by the Laven people, is located further ahead. Following these villages, Tung Wua, a settlement of lowland Lao people, is situated at the foot of a mountain and near a large, clear-watered stream.

Tung Wai Homestay: A Tranquil Escape in Ubon Ratchathani

Tung Wai Homestay, nestled in the foothills of Ubon Ratchathani, offers a unique and serene escape for those seeking a respite from the digital world. Founded by Mr. Decha, a local Thai resident, the homestay has gradually evolved from a humble coffee farm into a picturesque haven.

Its idyllic location, bordering a tranquil stream and nestled amidst rolling hills, provides an unparalleled opportunity for relaxation and rejuvenation. The absence of internet connectivity, a deliberate choice due to limited signal availability, further enhances the immersive experience, allowing guests to fully disconnect and reconnect with nature.

Tung Wai Homestay stands as a testament to Mr. Decha's dedication and vision, transforming a simple farm into a haven of tranquility. Its unique charm lies in its rustic simplicity, offering a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The dinner that night consisted of boiled chicken, "nam phrik thung huai" (a spicy chili paste), fried eggs, and clear soup. The customers staying at the homestay were given a one-bedroom room in the main house, while the other buildings were fully booked by a group of off-roaders. The next day, over 50 off-roaders from Thailand were expected to arrive at Thung Huai Homestay and camp there. This group planned to embark on an off-road adventure to the summit of Phu Luang Mountain. Unfortunately, I only had one night to stay, otherwise I would have joined them on their exciting journey.

The overall atmosphere of the resort is great for groups, as it prevents loneliness, unlike my solo experience where I only interacted with the resort's one-legged dog. Unfortunately, I was unable to swim or participate in other activities due to time constraints. After waking up the next morning, Mr. Kiew took me to visit the Laewa villagers on the Huasao Hill, followed by a trip to the Sekatham Waterfall, the highest waterfall in southern Laos located at the foot of Mount Luang. We concluded our trip with a visit to the Thanathon Orange Orchard before returning to Pakse.

The total cost of staying at Tung Wai Homestay, including transportation, accommodation, meals, and various excursions, was 4,500 baht. This does not include the cost of lunch for the driver on the way back to Pak Song, where we enjoyed a delicious and authentic local meal for the first time since arriving in southern Laos. This was a worthwhile experience.

This homestay boasts a large coffee roaster and brewer, offering guests a unique opportunity to sample coffee directly from the farm.

Alternatively, if you're feeling weary and desire to rest while listening to the sound of flowing water, you can do so. It's incredibly peaceful.

Another stunning image showcasing the serene beauty of "Tung Wai Homestay," a coffee farm nestled in the foothills of Khao Luang, Southern Laos. This tranquil haven has been transformed into a charming accommodation, inviting guests to immerse themselves in its peaceful ambiance for a night or two.

What I appreciate most about this place is the refreshing and cool flowing water. The sound of the water at night lulls me to sleep.

I enjoy the tranquility of this place, far from the hustle and bustle of civilization and devoid of any technology.

This delicious chili paste is a must-try, even though it doesn't contain any vegetables. It's a local favorite.

The usual dinner menu here always includes "Wae Young Oam Curry," but it was unavailable on this particular day. The homestay owner, Mr. Decha, assured me that it would be available every day from now on. I was very disappointed that I couldn't try it that day.

The Sekatham Waterfall, the most beautiful and highest in southern Laos, will be featured in the next episode.

The Sekatak Waterfall is located beyond the Tung Wua Homestay in Boliven. I will continue this story in the next episode.

The private bridge over the stream is a perfect spot for relaxation and conversation, from morning till night, without a single mosquito in sight.

Every corner of this house exudes tranquility, offering a serene haven for weary souls seeking respite from the burdens of daily life.

The entrance to the houses is in the back.

This little frog doesn't come alone, but with a whole group of frog friends, sitting and waiting for customers at the counter.

Though small, a flower can be a focal point if it is vibrant enough. Similarly, a person of small stature can be valued by others if they possess inner beauty and good character.

Every tree is adorned and hung with various epiphytic plants.

This bridge crosses the stream to the other side of the resort, which is a field and coffee plantation up to the foot of the mountain.

A spacious vacation rental ideal for large gatherings, featuring a cozy fireplace perfect for bonfire parties.

Summary of expenses for staying here

Accommodation: 1,000 Baht

Meals: 350 Baht for 2 meals (breakfast and dinner)

Transportation:

• From Pakse to Thung Wa: Negotiate price directly or hire a car in Pakse.
• Full-day tour: 3,500-4,000 Baht (including fuel) for transportation to Tad Lo Waterfall, Boloven Plateau, and ethnic villages, as well as pick-up and drop-off from Pakse to Thung Wa (potentially to Pakse itself).

Thank you

- Infinity Plus Trading Co., Ltd.

• FOTOPRO THAILAND provides photography equipment.

This affectionate father is a dog that is kept by the homestay.

This concludes with a lovely and well-behaved dog with one paw missing. It is a dog that lives in a village and is currently nursing puppies. It comes to beg for food for its puppies every day. It is a very cute and pitiful dog.