Successful businessman Inthy Deuansavanh was born to humble beginnings. His father, famous Lao novelist, Chanthy Deuansavanh, spent his life savings on providing his son with the best education he could afford. The good son didn’t disappoint, returning home with a degree in statistics from the University of Moscow. After his stint working for the public sector, Inthy opened a Lao restaurant thirteen years ago in Vientiane. The rest as they say is history. He has since opened Xayoh, a group of hip Euro-Asian restaurants in Vientiane and Vangvieng and stylish Inthira boutique hotels around the country. His greatest passion is Green Discovery Laos, an eco-tourism and adventure company.
Maida Pineda connects with this fitness and nature lover at his latest offering, Tree Top Explorer in a small farming village in Paksong, Laos.
Working in adventure tours, you’ve had your share of adrenaline surges. Which has been your most exciting trip?
I would say my trip to Australia. I was one of the crew for the Clipper Round of the World Yacht Race in July 2008 from Western Australia to Qingdao, China. I was part of the Asean clipper contingent project promoting the region as a destination, sailing on Uniquely Singapore. The member countries sent one delegate each, so I was representing Laos for this event. We had six-weeks rigorous training in Portsmouth, England. It took us 17 days from Freemantle to Singapore, and another 19 days to Qingdao.
As a hotel owner, you must have high standards as a hotel guest. How do you choose your hotels when you travel?
I’m quite an easy person to please when I travel. I often choose a simple hotel when I travel on my own. When I travel with my family, I choose a good hotel in terms of comfort, cleanliness, and location. But it doesn’t need to be expensive.
Do you have travel essentials you can’t live without?
Camera, notebook, cash.
How are you as a green traveller?
I do very small things like try not to use plastic bottles. I refill my water bottles. I support local businesses and respect local culture and traditions. I try to educate the people I travel with to do the same.
Fitness is obviously a huge part of your life. How do you keep fit while travelling?
Sports are something I do in my daily life and also while travelling. I trek, kayak, bike, or run wherever I go.
Where are you headed for your next adventure?
Hopefully I will be going to Tibet for mountaineering and hiking. I will also go to Mongolia for biking. But my big dream is to climb Mt Everest in Nepal.
