ສປປ ລາວ ມີຊາຍແດນຕິດຈອດກັບປະເທດເພື່ອນບ້ານ ສະນັ້ນຈິ່ງເປັນທາງຜ່ານດ້ານເສດຖະກິດ, ອຸດສາຫະກຳ, ກະສິກຳແລະອື່ນໆທັງມີລາຍຮັບຈາກການລົງທຶນຂອຕ່າງປະເທດ ທີ່ເປັນຕົວຂັບເຄື່ອນເສດຖະກິດໃຫ້ກ້າວຂຶ້ນເລື້ອຍໆຫນຶ່ງໃນນັ້ນອຸດສາຫະກຳການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທີ່ກຳລັງມາແຮງໃນປະຈຸບັນລາວເຮົາກໍ່ເປັນປາຍທາງຕະຫລາດນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງຕ່າງປະ ເທດເຊັ່ນກັນ.

ເຊິ່ງສັງເກດເຫັນໄດ້ໃນກອງປະຊຸມຜ່ານບົດລາຍງານການຝຶກອົບຮົບທີ່ປະເທດສິງກະໂປໂດຍພາຍໃຕ້ການອຸປະຖຳຂອງໂຄງການຮ່ວມມືກັບຍີ່ປຸ່ນ, ສິງກະໂປສຳລັບສະຕະວັດທີ 21. ກ່ຽວກັບການຝຶກອົບຮົມຫລັກສູດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທີ່ໄດ້ຈັດຂຶ້ນໃນວັນທີ 31 ຕຸລາ-ວັນທີ4 ພະຈິກຜ່ານມາທີ່ປະເທດສິງກະໂປ. ຝ່າຍລາວນຳໂດຍ ທ່ານ ສຸກກະເສີມ ໂພທິສານ ປະທານ ອົງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວແຫ່ງຊາດພ້ອມເຈົ້າຫນ້າທີ່ຂັ້ນສູງຂອງລາວເຂົ້າຮ່ວມ, ຫລັກສູດດັ່ງກ່າວນີ້ມີຈຸດປະສົງມຸ້ງເນັ້ນໃນການສົ່ງເສີມການທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃນອາຊີສຳລັບການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງລາວ ໄດ້ກຳນົດເອງຢ່າງເປັນທາງການໂດຍໃຊ້ບົດຮຽນແລະປະສົບການຂອງສິງກະໂປໃນການສ້າງອຸດສາຫະກຳ, ຕະຫລາດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃຫ້ປະສົບຜົນສຳເລັດດ້ວຍການນຳໃຊ້ວັດສະ ດຸທີ່ທັນສະໄຫມ, ມີປະສິດທິພາບໃນການສົ່ງເສີມຕະຫລາດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວເຊັ່ນ: ໂບຊົວ, ປົດສະເຕີ, ເວັບໄຊຕ່າງໆ ແລະ ລວມເຖິງການບໍລິການດ້ານຂໍ້ມູນຂ່າວສານຕ່າງໆທີ່ສະດວກ ແລະວ່ອງໄວ.

ອັນສ້າງຄວາມປະທັບໃຈໃຫ້ແກ່ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຕ່າງປະເທດທີ່ເດີນທາງໃນເຂດອາຊີແລະທະວີບເອີຣົບເຂົ້າມາທ່ຽວສປປລາວໃຫ້ນັບມື້ຫລາຍຂຶ້ນເຊິ່ງທັງສອງປະເທດຍີ່ປຸ່ນ ແລະ ສິງ ກະໂປຈະຊຸກຍູ້ໃຫ້ລາວກາຍເປັນຕະຫລາດນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຕ່າງປະເທດທັງເປັນການສ້າງລາຍຮັບຈາກວຽກງານດັ່ງກ່າວໃຫ້ຫລາຍຂຶ້ນດ້ວຍທ່າແຮງບົ່ມຊ້ອນໂດຍສະ ເພາະກໍ່ແມ່ນພູມສັນຖານພູມີປະເທດທີ່ອຳນວຍຄວາມສະດວກໃຫ້ແກ່ດ້ານການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງລາວ, ປຸກລະດົມຂົນຂວາຍໃຫ້ຊາວຕ່າງຊາດເຂົ້າມາທ່ຽວລາວຫລາຍຂຶ້ນໃນປີທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ລາວ 2012 ທີ່ຈະມາເຖິງແລະຫວັງດຶງດູດນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃນເອີຣົບ ແລະ ອາເມລິກາໃຫ້ເພີ່ມຂຶ້ນເລື້ອຍໆ.

ຫລັກສູດທີ່ຈະກຳນົດເປົ້າຫມາຍສາມາດເຮັດໃຫ້ສະພາບແວດລ້ອມໂດຍສະເພາະດ້ານອຸດສາຫະກຳການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຈະສ້າງລາຍຮັບເປັນກອບເປັນກຳໃຫ້ກຸ່ມປະເທດອາຊີໃນປີ 2015 ສະເພາະລາວພາກການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຈະເປັນສ່ວນຫນຶ່ງໃນການພັດທະນາ ແລະກຽມຄວາມພ້ອມສຳລັບການລວມກຸ່ມອາຊຽນຊ່ວຍໃນການຂົນສົ່ງນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວເຂົ້າມາທ່ຽວລາວຫລາຍຂຶ້ນ ໂດຍເສດຖະກິດຂອງລາວກຳລັງເດີນຫນ້າໄປເລື້ອຍໆເຮັດໃຫ້ມີລາຍໄດ້ ຈາກນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວທັງພາຍໃນແລະຕ່າງປະເທດເຂົ້າມາທ່ຽວໃນແຕ່ລະແຂວງ, ເມືອງ ແລະ ເຂດອື່ນໆ.

Ecom

VIENTIANE, March 2 (Bernama) -- Vientiane expects some 800,000 tourist arrivals this year, compared with some 700,000 last year, Laos KPL news agency reported the Vientiane Tourism Service as saying.

"2009 saw slightly over 711,000 foreign tourists entering Vientiane, lagging behind the 2008's record by 88,049," Head of Vientiane Tourism Service, Khampadith Khemmanith told a press conference.

"The decline in the tourist number is due to the global economic recession, the political unrest in Thailand and the spread of A(H1N1)," he said.

However, investment in tourism over the last one year has been increased, especially in establishing tour operators and hotels.

Khemmanith said that the Tourism Service of Vientiane Capital has several projects to improve the tourism environment in Vientiane .

He also said that that the main tourism markets of Vientiane are the US, Canada, France, England, Germany, the Netherlands, Thailand, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.

A new feature film, entitled Sabaidee Luang Prabang , a collaboration between Lao Art Media and Thailand 's Spata, will soon be enthralling audiences with colourful images of Laos .

Work on the film began in December, with three of the 70 scenes filmed in Vientiane and the rest in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces. It will be released ahead of Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April.

After approval by the various sectors, the producers expect to feature their film at the National Culture Hall and Lao-ITECC; at the same time it will be screened in theatres in Thailand .

The film tells the real-life story of a young man of mixed Lao-Australian parentage, who grew up in Australia immersed in a culture very different to that of his parents. But he falls in love with Lao charm and hospitality - and a beautiful girl - during a visit to his mother's home in Luang Prabang province...more info and photos>>

Thai actor Ananda Everingham, who was happy to contribute his time, play's the lead role, falling in love with a local Lao beauty, the daughter of a Luang Prabang souvenir shop owner.



“We didn't encounter many difficulties during shooting and our team was determined to produce a good film,” said the President of Lao Art Media, Mr Anousone Sirisackda, on Monday.

He was unable to calculate the overall cost of the production, but explained that everyone involved had tried to make the best film they could within budget, to capture the beauty of Laos for local and foreign audiences alike.

“The film won't just showcase the beauty of our nature and culture, but will also help to promote and develop the entertainment industry in Laos , particularly if it is successful in foreign cinemas,” Mr Anousone said. “After this release, I hope that Lao films and filmmakers will become more well-known and have the chance to work on further productions.”



The producers will be adding subtitles in English so that overseas visitors can follow the story and gain an insight into Laos .

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes

More photos at:
http://www.activeboard.com/forum.spark?forumID=98894&p=3&topicID=15155300

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS: Visitors to Luang Prabang will no longer be able to rent bicycles and motorbikes in the main town, following a ban by local authorities on these rental businesses.

The ban has been put in place despite complaints by some local residents that it will present a negative image of the town to tourists.

The Head of the Luang Prabang Tourism Office, Khamphui Phommavong, said Monday (21 Jan) that motorbikes and bicycles were a major cause of road accidents, as visitors often were not experienced at riding or did not understand the local road rules and caused confusion among other road users...more info

He added that the problems also included an increase in thefts of rental bikes from tourists, further tarnishing the image of the World Heritage-listed town.

“We want to encourage people to walk around the city,” he said. “Those who don't want to walk can always take tuk-tuks and vans to get around.”

However, local people will still be allowed to ride their motorbikes and bicycles, but should observe the traffic regulations.

A local tour guide, Champou, said the former owners of bikes for rent were now selling them to locals who wanted them for their children to ride to school.

Officials said tourists could still ride bicycles and motorbikes if they were part of a group tour with a guide as this would avoid problems.

Specific parking spaces would be arranged for tuk-tuks and vans, which would leave more walking space and cut down on traffic congestion.

Luang Prabang authorities are also discussing how to ease traffic flow by installing more signs and increasing awareness amongst local people of the regulations.

“Only after we have our traffic problems sorted out can we consider allowing rentals again. We expect this to be some time in 2010,” said Khamphui.

A senior official from the Lao National Tourism Administration, Saly Phimphinith, stated that the administration was aware of the issues and believed that improving the regulations would create a more ordered city and attract more tourists.

But critics say bicycles, at least, should be allowed in central Luang Prabang, as they do not cause pollution and the city is small enough to be suitable for bike riding.

In addition, they say more traffic police could be deployed to tell people when they are riding in the wrong direction or breaking any other rules.

Two years ago, Luang Prabang's governor issued an order banning bicycle and motorbike rentals in the town, but the order was not strictly enforced.

Authorities also banned buses in the central town area two years ago to help improve the traffic flow.

Luang Prabang became a UNESCO World Heritage town in 1995, on the condition that it attempts to preserve its urban environment.

However, the town centre has changed as hotels, restaurants and other businesses have been established to cater to the tourist trade, with visitors numbering more than 300,000 in 2007. Authorities are anticipating a further increase this year to 400,000. (By SOMSACK PONGKHAO/ The Vientiane Times/ ANN)

(KPL) By the year of 2007, the tourism sectors has grown up steadily which created revenue for the country almost 26 percent per, said Mr Soukhaseum Phothisane, Vice Chairman of Lao National Tourism Authority to the media on 27 December.

He added that there were 1.3 million foreign tourists arrival Laos during 10 months, growing 900,000 people over last year figure, about 37 percent increased compared to the same previous of last year. About 1,400,000 tourists are expected to come to visit Laos at the end of this year, which will provide a benefit to the country about US$ 200 million...more

According to Mr. Soukhaseum, the service sector is now improving its facilities to serve their clients including hotel, guesthouse, and restaurant and tourist sites. In other hand, the handicraft products by ethnic people is also encouraged to display at the various activities in domestic and foreign countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Japan.

In addition, Lao government also plans to upgrade the communication and transportation system in grass root level in order to attract more tourists. This included the road from Km 20 to Konglor cave, Luang-Namtha Airport, and other roads to the new tourist sites.

Go together with the tourism administration office improvement in the provincial level, the government will also build the awareness on how importance of tourism to the social-economic development.

Source: kpl

Asian visitor arrivals to Laos surge

The steady increase in the number of visitor arrivals to Laos has continued, with a 29 percent rise during the first seven months of this year.

Visitor arrivals from January to July reached 887,842, up 29 percent from the same period last year, according to statistics from the Lao National Tourism Administration.

The figures indicate that Asean and regional visitors alone reached 765,255, up 35 percent compared to the same period last year, while there were 82,183 visitors from Europe , a 4 percent increase...more info

This period saw an increasing number of visitors not only from Southeast Asian countries but also non-Asean regional countries, especially Brunei , the Philippines , Singapore , India , Japan , and China .

People from European countries such as Greece , Germany , the Netherlands and Finland are also arriving in increasing numbers.

The only tourist group that did not increase in this time was visitors from central and South America , with only 36,250 during the period, according to statistics.

Thai visitors to Laos lead the way, with 519,288 (a 35 percent increase), followed by Vietnam with 155,754 (49 percent more than last year), and the US with 27,324 (a 1 percent increase).

“The increase in the number of tourists is due to our government's open-door policy to tourism, and the general stability of the country,” said the director of the administration's Department of Planning and Cooperation, Mr Sounh Manivong, yesterday.

“It's also the result of Lao tourism promotion efforts throughout the region and the world, from both state and private sectors.”

Mr Sounh said that Laos has become a well-known destination for visitors to Asia , and it is now easier to travel to and within the country, with upgraded transportation systems and more flights coming into the country from foreign airlines.

There have also been improvements in general facilities and services as well as tourism infrastructure, along with more visa exemption agreements with countries in the region that have allowed visitors to gain easier access to Laos , he said.

Most tourists arrive in Laos via the new Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge in Savannakhet province, and the border checkpoints from Thailand in Champassak and Luang Prabang provinces and Vientiane , Mr Sounh said.

By M.Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes

:: During the nine years we have improved our
businesses.
:: Being honest to customers is important to us.

:: The Party and State policy and rich natural
resources of the country are potential for attracting tourist investment.

Inthy Deuansavanh, former student of the statistics faculty in the former Soviet Union, former salesman of Marlboro Company, shifted from being an employee to run a small barbeque business in Namphou, Chathabouly district, Vientiane Capital. Eventually, he becomes a young businessman well known as manager of Khop Chai Deu Restaurant, which gives birth to many businesses with total investment of USD 1,000,000...more info >>

In last September 2007 Inthy disclosed to Target Magazine team, saying: ”I used to study the statistics in the Soviet Union for three years at the time, when the Soviet Union experienced the political change. Therefore, I could not finish my study and returned home. After I arrived in the country, I worked for the Finance Office of Kenthao district, Sayaboury province for six months. I wanted to study for Bachelor Degree so I came back to my family in Vientiane Capital.

When I waited for further study, I worked for Marlboro Company for six months in order to get some earnings for relieving the burden of the family and for school fees and textbooks. The company saw that I gained good achievements so it assigned important work to me more. Now, I think that working there had many advantages, It helped me meet with many businessmen, learn business operation and experiences, which can be used. If I study, I will get only theory, therefore, I decided to work. After I worked for five years, in 1997 the economic crisis so called bubble economy occurred in this region and put negative impact on our country.

In 1998 I requested to quit the job in the company and started running a small barbeque restaurant and at that time the Government laid down the policy on tourism promotion. I noticed that a number of foreign tourists visiting Laos increases consistently. My house is located on Khoum Namphou (Khoum - residential area of a city), which is a tourist area surrounding by government department buildings, including many banks. When I saw that, I thought if I run barbeque business, it will not be profitable. Therefore, I discussed with parents and family to renovate the house, an old building that was built in 1923 in the French colonial era to be a small-30-seat restaurant with order and barbeque service to serve foreign tourists. Beginning from a few dishes, the restaurant expands consistently. It is lucky that the business is accepted by customers, who come to use the service. The number of clients of the restaurant increases consistently.”

Inthy added that 18 July 2007 is the ninth founding anniversary of Khop Chai Deu Restaurant. If you are our clients, you may notice that during the nine years we have restored, expanded and improved the Khop Chai Deu restaurant. The business profits have been used to expand the business from the small-30-seat restaurant to be able now to serve over 200 customers.

Question: Why is Khop Chai Deu named?

Inthy smiled and answered that it is thought about many names, however, Khop Chai is a Lao word or foreign tourists know what its meaning is. This word is widely used in daily life so Deu was put in the end of this world in order to make this word more informal. It is also lucky that the name “Khop Chai Deu” becomes a selling point, which helps foreign tourists remember and can say it.

Question: What point can attract customers to the restaurant, in addition to the suitable location, attractive name, interior and exterior decoration with harmonious combination of Lao traditional and modern styles?

Inthy thought shortly and answered confidently that our honesty to customers means those who come to use our service feel that they obtain justice. Even though our restaurant is not cheapest or not the most expensive, customers will understand that what they pay for the presented service plus location and taste of foods is profitable. This helps customers satisfy Khop Chai Deu.

Question: What other businesses do you have, besides the restaurant?

Inthy smiled one more time and answered that after we opened Khop Chai Deu restaurant for two years, we established Sayo restaurant in Vang Vieng. After this business was opened a year half, it was noticed that foreign tourists were interested in the tourism of Vang Vieng with beautiful nature. Therefore, tourist service unit was opened there to carry out main tourist service activity, adventure rafting along Song River for watching nature. This activity is accepted by customers and expands. To date, we have had six tourism branches in Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Thakhek and Pakse. Tourism conservation program was added to the activities.

In particular, we are currently carry out this program in Luang Namtha for nearly two years, aiming at local participatory development and helping the locals generate incomes and protect environment. Since then, we have named the company as Green Discovery, which guides tourists to villages and reach people living in remote areas. It helps the people shift from the occupation destroying wildlife, forests and environment as before to occupy stable jobs.

Inthy showed that before people living in Namlay village, Luang Namtha province had only income of 500,000 kip per a family per year. After we started the programme, bringing tourists to this area for less than 16 months, it is noticed that the income of the people multiplies. Sometimes, they work as guide to lead tourists to watch birds and wildlife and they can earn 100,000 kip per day. The bank of the village has 54 million kip.

Question: Is this kind of tourism good? What do you think?

Answer: On my opinion, this kind of tourism has advantages, if we have a good plan to cope with it. But if we have no programme and do not arrange and determine a detailed goal, the flow of too many tourists will surely cause losses to environment as well as culture, he said.

In 2003 Inthy built a resort with 13 rooms in Sisavang village, Vang Vieng district, Vientiane province and in 2006 also constructed a hotel with 13 rooms in Thakhek, Khammouan province. It is projected this hotel will open in November 2007.

In the future Inthy sets up the target for expanding businesses in the tourism network, particularly tourist sites and hotels.

Inthy Duanesavanh concluded that tourism investment in our country has bright future and many conveniences such as the government policy on widening tourism investment, rich tourist destinations plus hospitality of Lao people. This is reason, which investors are interested in.

The last question about the current investment value made Inthy to think for a little while and he gave a simple answer: “about one million U.S dollars.”

Source: kpl.net.la

Planeta.com announces the winner of the 2007 Ecotourism Spotlight Award: Ecotourism Laos funded by the Laos National Tourism Administration.

The award is announced in advance of World Tourism Day (September 27) as way of pointing out best practice in sustainable travel and ecotourism...more info

There were two other nominees for the Ecotourism Spotlight Award. Runners-up were Quito Visitors' Bureau and US Agency for International Development / FRAME Program.

LAOS
The original nomination for the Ecotourism Laos gave kudos to this " clearinghouse for just about every local tourism related business and ecotourism product in the country." Planeta.com readers agreed, casting the majority of votes for this nominee.

Supporters called attention to the ecotourism resources section with its maps, manuals and brochures.

ACCEPTANCE
Mr. Sounh Manivong, Director-General of the Lao National Tourism Administration's Department of Planning and Cooperation said, "We are very happy and proud to receive Planeta.com's Ecotourism Spotlight Award in recognition of the Lao Government's effort to promote sustainable ecotourism in the Lao PDR.."

Mr. Soun added, "I would like to extend a special thanks to the team responsible for creating and maintaining Ecotourism Laos and also thank Planeta.com for acknowledging the role government websites can play in promoting sustainable ecotourism products and services."

TESTIMONIALS
Comments from the voters:

The site focuses on the importance of including local communities and ethnic groups.

I liked the dos and don'ts!

This site makes it very easy to do research on ecotourism in Laos.

This site stresses the cultural diversity of the country and how travelers can visit in a responsible manner.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Nominations for the next Ecotourism Spotlight Award will be accepted at the start of 2008. Financial sponsorship is welcome in the development of this initiative.

KUDOS
Thanks in to everyone for assistance in developing this award. Special kudos to Green-travel, Travelmole, DestiNet, Tony Charter, Practical Environmentalist and StepUp Travel.


Q&A: ECOTOURISM SPOTLIGHT AWARD
Q - What is the objective of the Ecotourism Spotlight Award?
A - Simply put, we wanted to create an incentive for improved communication from government portals. This award allows us to highlight best practices and hopefully show other managers of government websites how to showcase operations striving toward sustainability and ecotourism.

Q - What is the origin of this award?
A - We suggested the award during the 2007 Communication and Sustainable Tourism E-Conference: "there could be an award for National Tourism Boards websites that illustrate a country's sustainable tourism practices. National tourism portals could be rated not only by what they have online, but also by how they participate in independent groups (ECOCLUB, green-travel, and Planeta) and whether or not they link to independent sites, including blogs (internet logbooks) and flickr galleries."

Q - Who voted?
A - Voting was open to the public. We asked that individuals review the finalists and make one vote in each category.

Q - What is story behind Planeta.com?
A - Planeta.com is an award-winning website that conducts seminars and features tips for all stakeholders about eco-friendly, people-friendly travel. Our fortee is linking environmental conservation and tourism, particularly the development of ecotourism which is highlighted in the popular Exploring Ecotourism Resource Guide.

Q - What other awards has Planeta.com created?
A - We have created two other awards. The Colibri Ecotourism Award was launched in 2000 and highlights the leaders developing ecotourism in Mexico. We also have established a 'readers' choice' award to select the book of the year.

Q - Can I link to the award from my blog/website?
A - Yes! Please add a link to the Ecotourism Spotlight Award page. You can use the logo.

Q - Why does this award spotlight government websites?
A - There are many tourism awards for individuals, places and operations. That said, there are no awards for government portals. If we want to create incentives for communication from government officials, an award is a sound place to start!

Source: http://www.planeta.com/planeta/07/0709spotlightaward.html

Royal Lao life in this laidback paradise

LUANG Prabang was once home to the nation's royal family. The socialist state no longer supports royalty but some 5.6 million Lao people call home this country that is one of the region's poorest.

Like many poor nations, Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic happily welcomes tourist who inject much needed foreign exchange into the economy.

Luang Prabang is the jewel in the nation's tourism crown and attracts tens of thousands of tourists each year. They come to appreciate the laid-back lifestyle, the former vestiges of royalty, many ancient Buddhist temples, a collection of stylish boutique hotels and some ultra chic restaurants...more

Since Laos relaxed it's tourism policies and opened its doors to more tourists over the past few years, it has become one of Indochina's hottest destinations. Perhaps it is the mystique of this small-landlocked nation situated between Thailand and China, maybe it's the history or possibly it's just that more travellers these days are interested in getting off the well-trodden travel trails of Asia.

While the development in Luang Prabang has made noticeable modifications, very little has changed in the urban fabric since I was last there some 12 years ago. This is mostly due to Luang Prabang obtaining World Heritage status in 1995, and the rigid adherence to a masterplan that protects the town from rampant and irresponsible development. While chic boutique hotels offer some very smart designer accommodation, the facades of most historic buildings remain intact.

Laos has experienced a turbulent history and the Luang Prabang monarchy became so weak and ineffective that it was forced to pay tribute to various foreign forces, from the Thais, Burmese to the Vietnamese. After being attacked in 1887 the kingdom accepted the protection of the French. The last king died in 1959 and the subsequent communist uprising in the country meant that the royal family would never rule again.

These days, princely travellers have several choices for accommodation in the royal town including Maison Souvannaphoum, once the royal residence of Prince Souvanna Phouna, and the stylish and chic The Aspara.

When you arrive at both properties you know they are out of the ordinary. Maison Souvannaphoum is managed by Angsana Hotels and Resorts (part of the Banyan Group) so guests should expect the unexpected in a country that is full of pleasant surprises. While retaining the residence's architectural integrity there are splashes of colour to arouse the senses. Bright orange is the colour of choice and the stunning orange perspex wall in each bathroom introduces contemporary style to the building's heritage qualities.

A short distance across town (nothing is more than 10 minutes away in Luang Prabang), overlooking the Khan river, The Apsara has been described as the most chic place in town. There's only one problem for design-conscious travellers they may check in and never want to leave.

The streetside restaurant at The Apsara features both western and eastern cuisine including four-course set meals from an astonishing US$12 ($18).

Each room in the house has been decorated with four-poster beds, antique teak furniture and luxurious teak-lined bathtubs, while air conditioning and hot water keep guests in touch with the comforts of contemporary travel.

There is also an abundance of budget accommodation for backpackers who flock here in droves as part of their Indochinese tour of duty. Simple, clean accommodation is available in any number of 20 or so guesthouses established in converted homes. The good news is that rates start from just US$5 a night.

Not only is Luang Prabang a stylish retreat where life moves at a very simple pace (heavy vehicles are not allowed in the historic precinct) but its compact size makes it easily negotiable either on foot or bicycle, which can be rented for just US$1 per day.

Visitors should take time out to enjoy a little sightseeing along the historic streets with rests in between to partake of some delicious Lao coffee, soothing fruit shakes, shopping for intricate hill tribe embroided products and to relax beside the mighty Mekong river at sunset to enjoy some spicy Lao cuisine.

While moving around Luang Prabang is uncomplicated, getting there is not so easy and that's what makes it so appealing only the truly dedicated make the effort. This is the place for independent travellers armed with the last copy of the Lonely Planet. Tour bus groups are not part of the Luang Prabang scene yet and hopefully won't ever be thanks to well-established Unesco development procedures.

The quickest, easiest and most expensive way to arrive is by Lao Aviation on one of several daily 40-minute flights from capital Vientiane. There are also international flights from Bangkok and Hanoi.

The overland alternatives from the capital include buses, mini vans or private vehicle with a driver. Such journeys take from eight to 11 hours and while much cheaper, take a very circuitous but scenic route.

Adventurous travellers can take the two-day boat journey from northeast Thailand along the Mekong river. There are several options from luxurious travel, tourist boats and local public boats.

Like much of Laos, travellers arriving by boat have to endure a little hardship. However, travelling here is well worth the effort as there are few places in Asia where life moves at such a relaxed pace. The Brunei Times

by David Bowden

KUALA LUMPUR


Source: The Brunei Times

By: Diana Plater

The Australian, Irish and Welsh backpackers I met at the Hive bar in Luang Prabang, Laos, invited me 10 pin bowling.

It's not the sort of thing you'd expect to do in a UNESCO-protected town high up in the mountains of northern Laos.

But not surprisingly this town has few western night clubs or late night bars.
And the only place to drink late at night in town is at the bowling alley...more

But, by the time we'd had a few drinks of beer Lao, a deliciously spicy dinner at one of the many restaurants in town, then nightcaps of Lao Lao (or locally-made whiskey) with local Diet Coke (I'm not sure what was worse) we never got there.

I was lucky to find a tuk tuk driver to take me back to my hotel.

It was a fairly active night for what could be one of the most languid places I've ever been to.

It's almost as if time stands still in this French colonial town known more for its spirituality than bowling.

Even the Buddhist monks seem to move slower than normal.

And walking around town in 38 degree heat, I'm reminded that only mad dogs, Englishmen and then maybe tourists go out in the midday sun. It's so hot you can almost feel the air swallowing you. Everybody else seems to be lying inside or in the shade using as little energy as possible.

It's low season and local school holidays. They say Christmas time is better for visiting and can even get chilly at night.

I visit the 16th century Wat Xieng Thong, known as a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture with a tiered roof, glittering golden facades and richly coloured mural painting. It's a working temple and monks have hung their orange robes out to dry after doing their laundry.

I stop for an iced lemon tea and lunch at one of the riverside cafes overlooking the murky brown waters of the Mekong. The son of the restaurant owner is painting pictures of monks with pen and ink on saa paper made from the mulberry tree and its bark.

He tells me he's an art student. The town seems to be full of them, if you go by the number of art shops and galleries.

In the late afternoon, men play boule along the river front, on even the smallest patch of dirt.

In his book The Mekong: Turbulent Past, Uncertain Future (Allen and Unwin, 2006), former Australian diplomat Milton Osborne says the Mekong has ``always been a river for work, for travel and for fishing, and, not infrequently, for war''.

Luang Prabang was once known as Asia's sleeping beauty. The former capital of the ancient Lam Xang kingdom, with around 32 pagodas along with religious and historical monuments, was made a World Heritage town by UNESCO in 1995.

It has especially strong ties with Buddhism, being a traditional destination for novices and students of the faith.

Flying over the mountains on the way in, you can't imagine anybody living in such rugged land. This is the country where what became known as The Secret War was played out - US bombings including attacks on what came to be known as the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a North Vietnamese supply route through East Laos and the Cambodian-Vietnam border.

The Communist Pathet Lao took over in 1975; they've only opened the place to tourism in the past 10 years. Now, around 140,000 people or seven times the city's estimated population visit the place over a one-year period.

UNESCO's role is partly to try to support the town's growth within the framework of strict controls so the historic buildings are preserved.

Development must take into account ancient Laotian social, architectural and religious mores.

Buddhism is a force that underpins every aspect of life here.
Around 6am every day, hundreds of monks and novices attend the alms-giving ceremony, where locals give them sticky rice, fruit and sweets.

Tourists are asked not to be obtrusive.

The Pathet Lao forced the last king of Laos, Savang Vathana, to abdicate, snuffing out a 600-year-old monarchy. Twenty years later, Christopher Kremmer, an Australian foreign correspondent, tried unsuccessfully to crack the mystery behind the fate of the royals - as outlined in his book, Stalking the Elephant Kings: In Search of Laos.

The former Royal Palace is now a National Museum, which is worth visiting for its rooms that give a glimpse of what life was once like for the royals. There's an eclectic mix of exhibits, including gifts from other countries, among them a boomerang from Australia.

It's where the Pha Bang Buddha is kept, which gives the town its name.

It's said to be have been cast in Sri Lanka in the first century AD and twice stolen by the Thais. But, it has been back in Laos since the mid 19th century.

A beautiful exhibition known as The Quiet in the Land of Buddhism-inspired images, including photographs, was on display in an outer building.
Luang Prabang is now on the backpacker route. My new friends had made their way across country after doing an elephant trek near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand then crossed the border and came by boat up the river, taking two days to get there. Others come down the river from Vietnam.

And it's also a town with a growing number of more well-heeled visitors.

Many fly in to what is considered one of the most difficult airports to land in in South-East Asia.

The hotel where I'm staying, La Residence Phuo Voa, has a spa which overlooks the mountains with its own small swimming pool - lazing in it after a massage is like having a huge bath to yourself.

At night, staff place candles in the main swimming pool overlooked by the floodlit shrine on top of Mount Phou Si. The food at its Phou Vao restaurant is traditional Laotian cuisine alongside European dishes with local influences.

The walk up Mount Phou Si from the town gives spectacular views and is popular at sunrise and sunset.

Apart from exploring the town and its wonderfully photogenic architecture and temples, shops and galleries there's also the night markets full of traditional clothes, woven cloth, scarfs, jewellery and souvenirs.

The only two relatively close excursions out of town are the Pak Ou caves and the Kuang si waterfall. Many agencies run half-day tours. But then there's also bowling.

IF YOU GO:
La Residence Phou Vao is from $141 per room per night for a garden view room.
To book/query call Orient-Express Hotels (02) 8248-5200 or email: charlie.turnbullorient-express.com
Also visit www.residencephouvao.com.
Bangkok Airways flies daily and sometimes twice daily between Bangkok and Luang Prabang. Details: visit www.bangkokair.com
Qantas flies to Bangkok. Visit www.qantas.com.

Source: www.brisbanetimes.com.au

(KPL) The Tourism Office of Xay district has prepared to open its natural tourism site, Chom Ong Cave, believed to be the largest cave of the country.
A guesthouse to cope with the flow of both domestic and foreign visitors has also been constructed since November last year.

According to data correction conducted by the tourism office of the district, there are 52 caves across the district and eight of them have already been exploited.

The government has earmarked 20 million kip for constructing facilities to deal with tourists.

Locals have contributed 20 million kip to the construction of such infrastructure, aimed to complete at the end of this year.

Chom Ong cave is a recently rediscovered natural attraction located about 45 km from Oudomxay town near the Khamu Lu village of Chom Ongthai. In the village you can see traditional handicraft production. From the village it is a one-hour walk, to the cave up the creak through rice fields and lovely forest with various animals, insects and small birds. The cave is the source of the Nam Kaang River. Entering the cave you can follow the spring for 1600 m passing through large halls with heights of 35 m and 20 m wide. The exploration of Chom Ong Cave takes about four hours and is a real adventure as the cave is still in its natural state.

source: kpl, ecotourismlaos

Located at the center of the province of Champassak, to 38 km of Paksé, in the middle of the famous plate of Bolovens, the water falls of Tad Fane are a true treat for the eyes. To have the heart Net of it, return in the ZNP of Dong Hua Sao, one of the 18 zones protected from Laos, which shelters a particularly rich biodiversity, with some animals threatened like the tiger or various species of monkeys. Opened with the public in 2002, the site of the cascade is in full nature, in the middle of the forest. If you wish not to limit your visit to this wonder of nature, spend a few nights to Tad Fane Resort, partic ulièrement located well, in order to benefit from the sites close like the coffee plantations and the villages to the Alak ethnos groups and Laven to the surroundings to Paksong. Further in the east, you can leave to research the falls of Nam Tok Katamok, less high than that of Tad Fane but much more wild, hidden in the forest. The best season to visit this area is the dry season, but the plate of Bolovens, as its name indicates it, is at a relatively high altitude which preserve it hot seasons and heat wave which prevails in the plains... more info:.

The visit of the falls of Tad Fane is not particularly long, but much of tourists like to be delayed in front of this spectacle of water masses plunging in the vacuum of more than 200 m in height. In bottom, a pretty lake attracts some fishermen, even if it is difficult to reach.



If your budjet is not limited too much, Tad Fane Resort will fill you. You will be able to occupy one of the many bungalows built in the greenery, with their private bathrooms, and to raise you the morning to the song of the birds and grondement remote of the cascade.



The evening, take glass at the restaurant bar in order to give you from your small excursion, and taste a beer or one of the delicious cocktails around a fire. The interest of the site is not limited to the cascade, and you will be able to carry out in the surroundings of very beautiful excursions, to bathe you in the river or to admire the many orchises. In all the cases, remain at least two days on the site, or will regret it to you.

Source: lerenovateur.org.la

PUTRAJAYA: Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane in Laos will resume from July after nearly a decade of hiatus. Budget carrier AirAsia will be operating between the two cities, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar announced yesterday.

This was agreed upon by both governments at the third joint commission meeting for bilateral co-operation here.

The decision to resume direct air links was made as part of steps to increase co-operation in tourism and to boost trade and investment, he said after the two-day meeting.

Syed Hamid led the Malaysian delegation, while Laos Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Thongloun Sisoulith led the Laos delegation.
Malaysia Airlines had mounted flights into Vientiane beginning in 1996 but ceased operations since 1998 due to the Asian financial crisis...more

Syed Hamid said resumption of direct flights was mutually beneficial as Laos was keen to have more Malaysians invest there.

Malaysia is the ninth largest investor there, with interests in hotels and hydropower facilities.

Trade with Laos is now worth US$58 million (RM197.7 million).

Both countries also discussed plans to exchange plots of land in Putrajaya and Vientiane for the building of their respective embassies and ambassadors’ residences.

Other areas of co-operation such as capacity-building to help develop Laos’ economy were discussed, including plans for the country to explore rubber planting.

Laos has also extended an invitation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to visit the country.

The next bilateral meeting will be held in Vientiane in 2009.

Source: The New Straits Times

A collection of caves in Laos which provided shelter to 23,000 Laotians during nine years of aerial bombardment in the Indochina War, are to receive funding from the PATA Foundation grant in 2007. The initiative has been welcomed by the Mekong Tourism Office (MTO) as the grant will be awarded to the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Tour Cave Office to fund the research and development of an audio tour and related promotional material on the ‘Viengxay Story’ into three languages - Lao, Vietnamese and English.

“The Mekong Tourism Office is very happy to see this financial support coming from the donor parties. It will prove invaluable to developing what is an important tourist site and the livelihoods of local residents in the area” said MTO executive director Stephen Yong...more

PATA members the Netherlands Development Agency (SNV) and the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) aim to develop the caves as both a tourist destination and a ‘world peace site’ focusing on poverty reduction and the needs of local people. The caves are located in Viengxay district in Laos’ northeast in Houaphanh, the poorest province in Laos, where 40% of the population survives on less than US$1 per day. Locally, tourism is now being heralded as a vital tool in the fight against poverty.

The area’s development is supported by the Laotian government. The Prime Minister`s office has a permanent representative on the committee set up to oversee developments at Viengxay, the physical birthplace and spiritual cornerstone of modern-day Laos. The LNTA is promising an enriching and educational experience to those who visit the ‘cave city’ and plans for its development are set to be unveiled at the Lao Ecotourism Fair July 26-29 in Vientiane.

The 480 caves in Viengxay are those which were transformed into a de facto cave city when Laos - between 1964 and 1973 - became caught up in a secret war which remains largely ignored in world history. They were used to house leaders and fighters of the Phathet Lao army.

Source: traveldailynews.com

Photo: Kayak in Vang vieng, Laos.

(KPL) Tourism sector attracted over 1.2 million tourists last year, increased by 11% from the year before.

President of National Tourism Administration, Mr Somphong Mongkhonvilay said “2006 was another year the tourism sector has kept its constant growth.”
Last year, the revenue raised by tourism sector was US$ 173.2 million, equivalent to five percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP).
Forty-five tour companies were registered last year, while the number of guesthouses and hotels was increased by 17%. There are over 2,100 guesthouses and hotels nationwide.

“The constant growth of tourism sector in the recent years is due to the certain tourism promotion policy of the government,” said Mr Somphong. “The government has invested in the development of tourism infrastructure such as airports and roads accessing provinces and neighbouring countries. In addition basic facilities have been built to meet the demand of tourists.”
Laos has exempted visas for visitors from eight ASEAN member countries, and a non ASEAN country Japan.

The event became a highlight of Pi Mai Lao, held on April 13 and 14 at the Military Airport . Around 60 parachutists from three continents, 20 of them Lao, joined in the event, and plunged 4,000 metres from the sky.

The festival was organised by the Lao National Tourism Administration and the Savannakhet Travel Company to promote tourism in Laos , but unfortunately the site was not open to the public... more info and photos

The administration had initially planned to hold the festival near Don Chan Palace Hotel, but had to change locations due to concerns about strong winds pushing parachutists onto Thai territory.

One parachutist from Australia said she had been jumping regularly for one year, and had had a lot of fun jumping with parachutists from other countries. “I think that I'm learning and it's really fun,” she said.

At the airport, some parachutists landed far off the mark, and organising staff had to pick them up in a van.







Source: vientianetimes
photos: Internet