Oiy's Bakery

The extreme south of Laos is home to Si Phan Don, or 4000 islands. There are many hidden treasures in this laid back and peaceful part of the world. A big surprise was a wonderful bakery run by the friendly Oiy, aka Darren, from Western Australia.

A short stroll through the village of Don Det will lead you to the Lamphone guesthouse. Adjoining this guesthouse is Oiy's bakery. Oiy, aka Darren, was born in Mount Barker in Western Australia. He did his baking apprenticeship in the seaside town of Dunsborough, the gateway to the world famous Margaret River wine region.

A holiday in SE Asia turned into something a bit more permanent. Darren really enjoyed the laid back style of southern Laos, and it's super friendly folk. So much so that he decided to set up his own bakery. Darren imported the bakers oven from neighbouring Thailand, along with all his other baking equipment. His day generally begins at around 9.00am, quite rare for a baker.

He prepares all his goods by about 3.30, sells some from the deck of the guesthouse, overlooking the Mekong. Then he packs all the remaining goodies into specially designed trays he stores on his push bike, and pedals his wears to the guesthouses around Don Det, first in, best dressed, of course.

You can choose from gorgeous baguettes, mushroom foccacias, carrot and chocolate cakes, and at least 3 varities of moorish donuts, cinnamon sugar, chocolate or banana and chocolate.

Decisions, decisions.