Mak Ka Bok ໝາກກະບົກ: A Symbol of Sustainability and Cultural Heritage in Phonghong District

In the heart of Phonghong District, Lao PDR, the Mak Ka Bok, or Lao wild almond, is a treasured local species that tells a story of tradition, sustainability, and cultural heritage. At Pun Souk Eco Farm, we are proud to have some of these special trees on our farm and share their significance with visitors.

Mak Ka Bok trees have grown in this area for generations. The seeds are loved by local people, but they are very hard to open and require special skill. Traditionally, farmers have used a creative way to prepare the seeds. They let cattle chew the fruit’s skin to remove it, then leave the seeds to dry. After drying, the seeds can be collected and carefully cracked open to reveal the nut inside.

There is a traditional belief in Lao culture that eating Mak Ka Bok seeds can help clear worms from the body. People often eat the seeds directly or use them as a topping for desserts, where they add a delicious crunch. Recently, new ways to use Mak Ka Bok have been developed. Oil can be extracted from the seeds and used to make soaps and other natural products. These innovations show how versatile this wild almond can be.

Unfortunately, Mak Ka Bok trees are becoming rare in the area. Their wood is highly valued for making furniture, which has led to fewer trees being preserved. At Pun Souk Eco Farm, we are one of the few farms still keeping these trees as part of our commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage.

If you would like to learn more about Mak Ka Bok, see the trees up close, and discover how they are used, we invite you to visit Pun Souk Eco Farm. It’s a chance to connect with nature, experience Lao traditions, and explore the unique story of this wild almond.

Come visit us at Pun Souk Eco Farm and discover how Mak Ka Bok reflects the harmony between tradition and sustainability in the Lao countryside.