Laos Boat Trip 2/9: So Shy When Joining the Authentic Lao Traditional Ramwong Dance at Ban Tha Suang, Hongsa, Laos

Laos Boat Trip 2/9: So Shy When Joining the Authentic Lao Traditional Ramwong Dance at Ban Tha Suang, Hongsa, Laos

When talking about Laos, many might think of the mighty Mekong River, high mountains, and simple yet profound culture. For mr.hotsia, cruising past small riverside villages like “Ban Tha Suang” in Hongsa, a province not often talked about, became a unique experience in my travel life.

Ban Tha Suang is a small community that firmly preserves its traditional way of life. Everything here blends harmoniously with nature and authentic Lao culture passed down through generations. Whether it’s fishing by the river, growing kitchen gardens, or the annual festive events filled with warmth and simplicity, this Laos boat trip gave mr.hotsia the chance to join the villagers’ standard Ramwong dance event, which I must say made me “so shy I was trembling,” but it was a memorable moment I want to share.

Atmosphere of the Ramwong Dance Event at Ban Tha Suang

The Ramwong dance at Ban Tha Suang is unlike the ones seen in big cities or movies. Everything here is truly traditional, without any embellishments, but full of sincerity and joy from villagers of all ages. Seeing children, teenagers, and adults dancing together to local folk music played from simple speakers in the village yard is an image mr.hotsia will never forget.

I was also invited to join the Ramwong dance, and although I felt shy enough to run away, I couldn’t resist trying. This was a precious and rare experience in Laos. The villagers’ friendliness turned my shyness into pure fun filled with genuine friendship.

Travel and Lifestyle Along the Mekong River

To reach Ban Tha Suang, mr.hotsia chose to cruise from Hongsa city, enjoying the beautiful and peaceful nature along both sides of the Mekong River. The quiet here has almost no car noise or tall buildings, only the sound of flowing water and birdsong. This journey took me into a world completely different from big cities.

Upon arriving at Ban Tha Suang, I witnessed a simple lifestyle still ongoing. Most people here rely heavily on nature and the Mekong River, using traditional fishing nets, growing kitchen gardens in front of their homes, and a small market where villagers sell fresh produce from their gardens and the river.

If anyone is interested in experiencing this kind of local market atmosphere, I recommend readingLaos Boat Trip 2: Raw and Unmatched, The Kha Mu Local Market Deep in the Forest by the Mekong River in Laoswhere I described a local market full of vibrant colors and authentic local flavors.

Ban Tha Suang Lao Food, Flavors That Captivate

After dancing Ramwong until sweating, I had the chance to sit around and eat with the villagers at Ban Tha Suang. Most food here is fresh from the river and surrounding gardens, such as freshly grilled Mekong River fish, spicy Lao papaya salad, hot steamed sticky rice, and local vegetables hard to find in big cities.

The villagers’ friendliness made this meal warm and full of happiness. Listening to laughter and casual Lao conversations made me feel like part of this community. For those who love spicy Lao food and want to try home-style dishes, I recommend watchingLaos Boat Trip 8: Warm and Full, Sharing a Meal with Lao Villagers at Ban Tha Suang, Hongsa, Xayaburi - Laotian Foodwhere I previously wrote about this kind of food atmosphere.

Memories from Laos at Ban Tha Suang

For mr.hotsia, joining the authentic Lao Ramwong dance event at Ban Tha Suang was an unforgettable experience. It was not just about sightseeing or eating, but about truly experiencing a lifestyle and culture that still exists in a rapidly changing world.

If you want to experience raw and authentic Laos like this, I recommend taking a boat trip with me, mr.hotsia, along the Mekong River and these small villages. Here, many stories await you to discover and keep as lifelong memories.

And if you’re still interested in following more boat trip adventures, I have shared inLaos Boat Trip 3: Tense Moments Catching Large Fish with Nets Deep in the Forest Along the Mekong River in Hongsawhich is full of excitement and equally beautiful nature.

Finally, if you like this kind of video, mr.hotsia also hasLaos Boat Trip 2/9: So Shy When Joining the Authentic Lao Traditional Ramwong Dance at Ban Tha Suang, Hongsa, Laosfor you to watch as moving images, adding fresh atmosphere straight from the field.