Mrs Dali Phetsiriseng, was born in 1952 within the very walls of the Traditional Villa Lao, and studied at the Vientiane High School where she learned French. She then returned to live in Laos, working at the Ministry of Commerce until the beginning of the 1980s, right around the time the Lao government allowed for the opening of its borders to foreign investments and tourism in 1989. Seizing the opportunity with her husband, she opened one of Laos’ first non-government guest houses, Villa That Luang Guest House, where she still lives today surrounded by her family. Speaking fluent French and English, the couple quickly earned a reputation amongst the foreign communities and international organizations, such as Jica and the first Thai and Japanese investors. Very quickly after, the Kamu Lodge in the north of Luang Phrabang, the Vang Vieng ecolodge, amongst others, all opened, testament to the enterprise’ success. She has since worked tirelessly to share her passion for Laos, and particularly for her home city of Vientiane, as well as her refined taste for decoration and knowledge of the hospitality business.