Southern Laos in the Dry Season – A Journey of Love, One Water Basket at a Time

Under the scorching April sun in the lowlands of Laos, our team journeyed through bumpy, red-dust-covered roads, carrying heavy “water baskets” on our backs, determined to overcome all obstacles to reach remote villages in Samsay, PhuVong, and Sanamsay districts of Attapeu Province. On both sides of the road, the cracked earth and sun-scorched grass painted a desolate, heartbreaking landscape — a mirror to the daily hardships faced by local communities during the harsh dry season.

Seeing with our own eyes how people must trek for kilometers just to find water — carrying anything that could hold it, from old plastic containers to disposable bottles, even pesticide canisters — left us speechless. They make do with whatever they have, despite the dangers of polluted water near gold mining areas and the health risks of reusing unsafe plastics. For generations, these makeshift tools have accompanied them, etching themselves into the burdens they bear in their struggle for survival.

Only by going, by witnessing, can one truly understand. And it was in those very moments that the flame of compassion within us burned brighter than ever.

Following the success of our “Borewell Project” and “Gui Project” in Gia Lai and Kon Tum, ASIF Foundation has now expanded its journey to our neighboring country of Laos — beginning by donating 1,000 "GUIs" as a meaningful and practical gift of friendship to the gentle people of Attapeu Province.

These "GUIs" are inspired by the traditional bamboo baskets of Vietnam’s Central Highlands ethnic communities but improved using durable, safe HDPE plastic. With a 20-liter capacity, sturdy shoulder straps, and a convenient drainage valve, the baskets not only ease the burden of water transport but also carry the hope for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable life.

We invite you to look back with us on the moving moments of this heartfelt journey — where every drop of clean water carried deep meaning and hope.

And if you, too, want to help continue this journey — bringing clean water and human kindness to remote villages — join hands with ASIF Foundation. Every small action today can build a safer, brighter future for those who need it most.