ບໍ່ເປັນຫຍັງ - Bo Pen Yang

ບໍ່ເປັນຫຍັງ - Bo Pen Yang, you must have heard this phrase, if you spent some time in Lao. Bo Pen Yang can mean "no problem" or "everything will be fine." But it’s so much more than a phrase - it’s a mindset, an attitude deeply ingrained in the Lao culture. Its a way of acceptance and embracing challenges to move forward with resilience and hope. When our main building burned down on October 27, 2024, we embodied this spirit completely. The very next day, with the incredible help of our Lao staff and guests, we got to work. In just three days, we had a clean slate to rebuild. Over the following two weeks, we constructed a temporary outdoor restaurant. Support came pouring in: Inthira Hotel and the local pizza place generously donated tables and chairs. We added a slackline, a windshield, some lights, and just three weeks after the devastating fire, our "cowboy restaurant" under the stars was open for business. Sure, not everything was perfect—there were long waits for food, and the setup was far from conventional - but the atmosphere was pure magic. Guests didn’t just come to eat; they turned the space into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection. Accro yoga sessions, Jiu Jitsu workshops, dancing, and stargazing transformed the restaurant into a place of shared joy and unforgettable memories. Through it all, one truth shone brightly: as long as we live at the crag, bo pen yang.

Thanks!!!!

We wouldn’t have made it through without the incredible support of so many amazing people. To our hardworking staff, who stayed strong and gave their all, thank you. To our lovely volunteers, who jumped in with boundless energy and enthusiasm, thank you.

To the guests who patiently waited for their food during the high season chaos, your understanding meant the world to us—thank you. To everyone who dug, cleaned, and rebuilt alongside us, and to those who traveled from far and wide just to lend a hand after the fire, we are deeply, deeply grateful.

This journey has been challenging, but thanks to you, it’s also been a testament to the power of community and kindness. You’re the reason we keep moving forward, and we’ll never forget it.

Building The Future


Our goal is to have a brand-new main building ready by the start of the next season in October 2025. This time, we’re doing things differently to ensure safety and sustainability for years to come. The new building will feature fire-resistant materials like concrete and bricks, marking a shift in how we approach construction. While this change means the building will have a new look and feel, it’s also a chance to reimagine and recreate the space we all love. We’re committed to maintaining the warmth and charm that made the original building so special, while thoughtfully incorporating these durable materials. It’s an exciting opportunity to blend tradition with innovation, creating a space that’s not only beautiful but also safe and long-lasting.

The Challenges We Face

Every summer, the entire campsite floods, forcing us to pause all operations. Not only can we not make money during this time, but the jungle also takes over parts of the camp. Floating trees and debris wreak havoc, damaging bungalows and infrastructure. The months after the rain are always a race against time to clean up, repair, and get ready for guests. Now, on top of this, we need to construct an entire building - with a fully furnished interior - in just four weeks before the season starts. In order to make this happen on time, we’re looking for help.

Expertise and Volunteers Needed

To bring our vision to life, we’re building a team of climbers who are also experienced in construction work. If you’ve got the skills and the passion to help, we’d love to have you on board! One of the most crucial positions we’re looking to fill is an electrician to handle the electrical systems of the new building. We’re also searching for skilled woodworkers to help craft furniture like chairs, tables, shelves, and even the bar. A big part of the new building will incorporate bamboo, adding a natural and sustainable touch to the design. If you have experience working with bamboo, that’s a huge bonus! The plan is to start construction at the beginning of October—if all goes smoothly. Volunteers will work about 30 hours a week with flexible scheduling, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the crag. In return, you’ll get free accommodation in one of our bungalows and free meals throughout your stay.

Raising Funds Through Creativity


Uncertainty with Insurance While we have fire insurance, we can’t count on it being resolved quickly—or fully. This uncertainty means we need to raise funds ourselves to ensure we can start building on time. Raising Funds Through Creativity Over the years, we’ve been blown away by the generosity and support of our incredible climbing community. During tough times like Covid, many of you stepped up to help, and it’s something we’ll never forget. This time, as we rebuild after the fire, we’ve had so many kind people already asking how they can contribute. While we’re deeply grateful for your offers to donate, we wanted to approach this in a way that feels meaningful for everyone involved. That’s why we’ve teamed up with talented artists to create a series of unique merchandise items: a comic poster, a beautiful illustration, and an exclusive T-shirt design. The shop isn’t ready just yet, but we’re working hard to set everything up. Our priority is ensuring the best quality for each item and collaborating with a local printing provider to avoid unnecessary shipping around the globe. The comic poster is still in progress, and the T-shirt shop setup is underway—we’re taking the time to get it just right. By purchasing these items once the shop is live, you’re not only supporting our efforts to rebuild, but you’re also getting something special in return—a keepsake created with the help of talented artists that reflects the spirit of our camp and its community. It’s a way to make this journey together, with both sides giving and receiving. Stay tuned for updates on the shop launch—your support and patience mean the world to us!

How Your Contributions Will Be Used

Transparency is important to us, and we want you to know exactly how your support will help us rebuild and grow. Our top priority is constructing the new main building, which will house the restaurant, office, and storage. This will become the heart of our camp once again, ensuring we can provide the welcoming atmosphere and services you love. Thankfully, we were able to set up a fully functional temporary kitchen and restaurant, so we don’t need to replace any kitchen appliances or equipment. However, the fire destroyed all of our climbing gear, including rental shoes, harnesses, helmets, and bolting equipment. Replacing this is essential for us to operate as a climbing camp. If everything goes better than expected—if the insurance pays out, the Fire Relief Sale is a success, and we raise more than we need for the building and climbing gear—we already have plans to put the extra funds to good use. These will be focused on improving the camp’s future sustainability and guest experience.