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

Listeners to Hot Wave radio broadcasting on 105.5 MHz tune in from 8.30pm to 9.30pm every day to hear their favourite DJ, Tick.

Ms Chandalaphone Thammanyvong, AKA DJ Tick, is currently one of the country's best known radio announcers and commands a fan following among young music aficionados.

A fifth-year student at the Faculty of Economic and Business Administration, Ms Chandalaphone decided to become a DJ in 2004 following encouragement from her friends...more info and photos >

“Before I became a DJ, when I was a child, I liked music very much and listened to the radio every day. Today I also listen to Thai and US stations that I can access on the Internet after I finish work,” said Chandalaphone.



“I trained for a short time but in my spare time I always listen to radio stations in other countries to compare the quality of our programme with others.”

She added, “I don't have many techniques. But I always prepare before I go to the studio. When I am riding to work, I plan what to say in the programme each day, such as ‘welcome to hot wave radio, today we will talking about'…”

“My favourite Lao band is Pumpkin, because they were the first band to play hardcore Lao music, and singers Tee Oudalay and Alunar both have talent to write lyrics themselves. Also their voices are very fascinating and attractive to teenagers.”

DJ Tick's programme plays modern Lao and international music, has gifts for people who phone in with requests, phone-in votes for the most popular song, and also a competition which gives away
prizes to lucky callers.



Last year Chandalaphone paid a visit to Fat Radio, a famous Thai station based in Bangkok to learn their production techniques.

Two months ago at her house in Simeuang village, DJ Tick opened a shoe shop selling styles popular among teenagers including hiphop and punk styles.



Chandalaphone DJs, studies, operates a small business, and also models at Sinxay Club. The club carries out many activities, mainly centred on modelling and here she can practise her skills onstage before attending other events.

Sinxay Club members meet every Saturday to discuss problems, give advice to new members and learn new tactics from other models.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Source: Vientianetimes.org.la

Laos to exempt VISA for Russian tourists

(KPL) Laos is to discard visa requirements for Russians who go to the Southeast Asian country for under 15 days from September 19. With the decision, Laos becomes the second country in Southeast Asia after Thailand to exempt visas for Russian travellers, the Russian news net said.

According to statistics from the Russian Tourism Agency, the number of Russian tourists arriving in Thailand and Viet Nam in 2006 doubled compared to that of the previous year, while the figure to France dropped by 20 percent and the UK 16 percent. The reduction was attributed to complicated visa procedures in these countries, the news net stressed.

Source: kpl.net.la

KPL) The construction project of a railway system in Laos linking sub-region is almost 30 per cent completed, and is anticipated to open for public use by 2008 and to serve the 25th SEA-Game 2009 that will be hosted by Laos.

This is according to the project owner concluded last month, compared to the project plan.

The project was pressed button by Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh to kick start the construction earlier this year with an appreciation of linking sub-region along the Road No 1, which is belongs to an initiative idea of ASEAN Railway Kunming-Singapore...more

The project phase 1 stretches from the end of Friendship bridge to Ban Dongposy is valued at 197 million baht, of which 30 per cent of grant aid and loan for the rest.

For the second phase the railway will be built from the first station at Ban Dongphosy to Vientiane station at Ban Dongsavath with a stretch of nine km.

This project was granted by the French Government through Agence Francaise de Developpement that has approved the first grant of 150,000 euro.

This project has drawn attention from many companies both local and foreign that now five foreign companies have bought bid envelops from project owners.

Next phase of railway construction will build to connect the km 21 on the road No 13 passing through behind of the 25th SEA-Game stadium, industrial zone and an international airport that will be built in future.

The railway line of km 21 stretch is under survey and will be succeeded by this year.

Linking this railway from the km 21 to Thakhek district, Khammouna province, which connected Muda of Vietnam to Tan Up of Hanoi with a total stretch of 519 km.

One of the railways is the China-ASEAN rail link with three separate lines linking Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos with China.

The rail link will further go to Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and will be altogether 5,500 km-long. With its expected completion by 2015, the rail link will play a key role in pushing forward regional economic cooperation and integration.

China has already stated construction of the eastern line of rail link from Kunming to the Vietnamese border and it is investing 50 billion yuan (6.25 billion U.S. dollars) to build a total of three lines in Yunnan province to link them with Laos and Myanmar besides Vietnam.

Source: kpl

photo: A staff member at Monument Books displays a copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , the final installment in the series, on Friday. The book went on sale globally on the same day.


Harry Potter fever has once again gripped readers around the world, and Vientiane is no exception, as the seventh and final book in the popular series went on sale on Saturday.

Vientiane 's Monument Books, the country's only distributor of the book, joined bookstores around the world in pre-ordering a large number of copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows , the latest episode in the adventure of the boy-wizard and his friends...more info

The shop opened promptly at 9am Saturday, letting in a stream of customers who had been waiting to snap up a copy.

Some had reserved a copy several days before its arrival in Vientiane , having seen an advertisement in the newspaper.

The shop has ordered about 90 copies initially, and will order more once the book becomes a sell-out, said the manager of Monument Books, Mr Jerome Bertheau.

This is likely, as staff confirmed that 50 percent of the shop's copies had already been sold.

The book was selling for about 300,000 kip (US$32) on the day of its release, and is now being sold for 340,000 kip (US$36) a copy.

While the series is world-famous and extremely popular in many countries, Monument staff admitted that about 90 percent of those buying the book were foreigners, with the remaining 10 percent Lao customers whose children were studying in international schools in Vientiane .

The author of Harry Potter, JK Rowling, published the first Harry Potter book 10 years ago, when the core audience was about eight or nine years old.

Today, the series is being sold in 93 countries; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows has had a print run of 12 million in the US alone, and more than 2.2 million ordered in advance from Internet retailer Amazon, according to the BBC website.

By Viengsavanh Phengphachan
vientianetimes

Lao rock band The Cells left Vientiane on Saturday to attend a press conference on June 5 in Bangkok , Thailand , to promote the band's second album.

The Cells are in Bangkok from June 2-12. They will play at several concerts and will be interviewed on Thai TV and radio programmes. On TV they will appear on the TITV channel, Channel V, and MTV, and will feature on radio programmes Fat, True, EFM, Hotwave, SOS and Next FM...more

“Many of these programmes will be recorded, as well as the press conference to promote our second album,” The Cells' vocalist Athisack Ratanavong explained before leaving Vientiane on Saturday at Wattay International Airport.

Thai radio DJs have been playing songs from the band's latest album after picking up CDs in Vientiane .

The well-known Thai recording company, GMM Grammy, became interested in the band's songs and contacted them about a promotion visit to Thailand .

“Since then we've recorded a music video and done many radio and TV spots, plus some concerts there. Our latest album appeared in stores last month, so we've been invited to attend a press conference,” said Athisack.

He said that during interviews the band would urge Thai fans to visit Laos , and enjoy its natural beauty, culture and traditions.

However, The Cells' bass guitar player Anolod Phiasahuar, aka Tom, was unable to go with the band for the press conference, after experiencing heart problems.

“I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the press conference in Bangkok . Right now I have some health problems, so I'd like to relax for a while, and hope to play with the band again soon,” Anolod said.

He was taken ill earlier last week while rehearsing with the band ahead of their departure for Bangkok . Doctors advised him to rest.

“I've had some stomach problems which I was just getting over and now it seems I've developed a heart problem, so I must take things easy,” he explained in a telephone interview on Saturday.

Anolod has been the band's bass player since The Cells started work on their second album in 2005. The album, Xeo (Noisy), was released in January this year, and Anolod has played with the band in various local and overseas concerts.

Manosay Keonakhone will replace Anolod for the band's 10 days in Thailand .

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

NVCSports Ltd was appointed by the Government of Lao People's Democratic Republic to organise the country’s first ever international cycle race in Laos this November 2007.

The Tour of Laos has the full support of the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, the Civic Authorities along the route and the Lao Cycling Federation. The race will comply with the rules and regulations of Union Cycliste Internationale and will be included on the Asian Calendar of UCI...more info

The race dates are planned so that the race ends just before the start of the South East Asia Games allowing teams from countries that are eligible for the Games, a last minute opportunity to improve their skills before the start of the Games. The competing teams are being invited from many countries in Asia, who will face tough competition from top teams from Europe, America, Africa, Oceania and Australasia.

The race route has yet to be finalised but it will embrace parts of the scenic Laos, as well as focusing on the ancient Royal City of Luang Prabang and the present capital city - Vientiane.

It is anticipated that this race will generate much media interest worldwide as it will be the largest sporting event in Laos’ recent history and it will help prepare the Nation of Laos, in hosting the South East Asian Games in 2009. NVCSports is working closely with Pulse8 Media to give the race maximum media coverage regionally and internationally.

Pulse8 Media aims to provide live event coverage of the Tour of Laos cycle race via ESPN Start Sports, distributed via thirteen regions in Asia and reaching 164 million households. In addition, Pulse8 Media plans to produce two documentaries which will focus around recent history and developments in Laos that will be distributed via two global channels, National Geographic and Discovery Networks International, televised up to 170 countries and produced 35 languages worldwide.

Source: http://www.sportbusiness.com/

Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are worth a visit this summer.

Junk the usual summer international destinations like London and Paris and try a different kind of holiday. Check out parts of Asia so far inaccessible for many. Fly to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, also known together as Indo-China. There are still no direct flights to get to these countries from India but there are flights that take you there via either Malaysia, Singapore or Thailand . Once you reach, you are transported to a completely different world. Before this old world and natural beauty is lost, plan a trip fast...more

After decades of war, Vietnam is finally rebuilding itself and attracting tourists in a big way. The two major cities in the country ・capital Hanoi and modern Ho Chi Minh City are a major contrast and a must visit for any tourist.

Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples, which are quite a sight to behold. Hanoi also has 18 beautiful lakes such as Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and Truc Bach Lake, which are the lungs of the city.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon in the Mekong Delta, on the other hand, is one of the most important cities in Vietnam after Hanoi, being its commercial centre. Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, museums, theatres, cultural houses are some of the places to visit. And if you like architecture, don稚 miss the city痴 beautiful buildings.

The two main cities to visit in Cambodia are its capital Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Phnom Penh is located at the confluence of three rivers ・the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap. The most attractive part of Cambodia are undoubtedly its unending list of temples. The temples at Angkor Wat, about six kilometres from Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom, are the most famous.

The oldest and loveliest of Laos city痴, Luang Prabang, was founded between the sixth and the seventh centuries and is renowned for its serenity. Much of the town and its pagodas are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When in the city, don稚 miss Wat Xieng Thong, a temple built in 1560 and which was used for royal ceremonies.

The other city, Vientiane was partially rebuilt during the colonial period, with French-style buildings and is small, and picturesque. It contains some pagodas, museums, wide boulevards and attractions like Patuxai and Vientiane痴 Arc de Triumphed.

by Ravi Teja Sharma
www.business-standard.com

University of Health and Science to be set up

(KPL) The current Faculty of Medical Science will develop into the University of Health and Science.

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Public Health following the signing of an agreement on the transfer of the Medical Science Faculty, National University of Laos, to the Ministry of Public Health this week between Education Minister Prof. Dr Somkot Mangnormek and Public Health Minister Ponmek Dalaloy.

The emerging university will provide a broader curriculum in medicine, dentistry, nursing and laboratory practices, as well as other health and science majors.

Before the transfer, the Ministry of Public Health, the Faculty of Medical Science had been under the management of the National University of Laos for 11 years.

Deputy Prime Minister Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, and representatives of relevant authorities witnessed the transfer ceremony.

Source: kpl.net

Contest winners to promote mobile phone company

The Samart I-mobile Phone Company selected six teenagers to represent the company, during the final round of its I-mobile Star Challenge 2007 contest held in Vientiane on Sunday.

Twelve teenagers, from Luang Prabang province and Vientiane , took part in the contest.

The company launched the challenge in the last few months, calling for talented young people to participate in a contest to find dynamic young presenters. From the 12 finalists, six were selected to represent the company in commercial pitches on Thai television...more info and photos !!

Mr Vithaya Pholthisane came first, Ms Mayla-ong was the runner-up, Mr Inthanouxay Akhalath came third, and Ms Phetdavanh Duangvilay came fourth.







More photos >>

Two others, Ms Yadmany Sivixay and Mr Inthanongsak, also received congratulatory prizes.

Most of the contestants will visit the company's headquarters, I-mobile by Samart Company (Sayam), in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote Lao traditions, culture and tourist attractions.

“The first thing they will do is visit the headquarters of the I-mobile phone company in Thailand . They will talk to the media as well as join in concerts with popular Thai singers Thaithanium and Amita Marie Young (Tata Young) in Bangkok from May 25-26,” Sayam International company chairman, Mr Sayam Ramasoot, said yesterday.

“We will promote Lao culture, traditions and tourist sites by airing footage taped of the many activities the contestants took part in before they reached the final round,” Mr Sayam said.

The company will encourage the winners to be good role models for Lao teenagers during their year long tenure.

“We will help them to reach their goals during the year. If any of them wants to become a singer or an actor, we will support them and promote them in Laos and Thailand ,” he explained.

The contest started at 7pm on May 20 at the International Trade and Exhibition and Convention Centre with a video of the activities the 12 contestants had attended in the run-up to the contest.

During the final round, the 12 finalists sang in musical dramas, performed song and dance routines and answered questions from the Master of Ceremonies.

“We spent a lot of money on the stage setting for each contestant. Various techniques for lighting and sound were brought in from Thailand so that the atmosphere suited the character of each performer,” Samart I-mobile Managing Director, Ms Suphitcha Ramasoot, said.

After the performance, local rock band The Cells were invited on stage to play their hit numbers, also popular in Thailand, such as Wan (Sweet), Khon Mue Song (Second Hand), Dee Kua Bor Mee Phai (Better than Nothing) and Leuk Leuk (Deep into My Heart).

The company also invited Thai singer Dom Pakonrum to perform, and he was warmly welcomed by local fans.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Booyoung Co Ltd donates US$2.5 million for the construction of 100 primary schools.

A South Korean company presented more than US$2.5 million to the Foundation for Promoting Education on Monday for the construction of 100 primary schools nationwide.

The Booyoung Co Ltd wants to help raise the standard of education in Laos as well as encourage the development of Lao children...more

The donation was handed over by the company's adviser, Mr Chang Myung-Kwan, and received by Standing Deputy Prime Minister Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, witnessed by officials, the Minister of Education Dr Somkot Mangnomek, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos , Mr Park Jae-hyun.

It is anticipated that the first 50 schools will be completed by the start of the next academic year in September, and the remainder should be constructed by March 2008.

The first primary school will be built in Thami village, Hinboun district, Khammuan province, by the DM Construction Company.

In addition, a number of other construction companies are also preparing the groundwork for school buildings in other provinces. Each school will have five classrooms, a teachers' room, and a toilet.

During the presentation ceremony, Mr Chang Myung-Kwan took the opportunity to read out a greeting from the Chairman of Booyoung Co Ltd, Mr Lee Joong-keun, who unfortunately was unable to be in Laos on this occasion.

The message said: “The company's present donation is a follow-up to the past donation of 28,000 blackboards aimed at promoting Lao children's education across the country.”

The Booyoung Co Ltd reaffirmed the provision of future assistance for education related activities in Laos . The company has also expressed its willingness to explore investment opportunities in various economic sectors of the country.

Mr Chang Myung-Kwan said this kind of effort would help to strengthen relations between Laos and the Republic of Korea .

Mr Somsavat expressed his profound appreciation for the generous donation and hoped that the company would continue assisting Laos , not only in the field of education, but also in rural development and poverty reduction.

He said Mr Lee was a generous man who wanted to help poor children get access to education. The government would create favourable conditions for the company to invest in Laos in various sectors.

The company pledged its assistance in building 100 primary schools during a visit by Mr Somsavat to the Republic of Korea in March.

So far, the company has donated more than US$20 million to buy blackboards for primary schools in Laos , Vietnam and Cambodia , and an additional US$2 million to develop various public facilities.

During the ceremony, Mr Somsavat, who is also the Honorary Chairman of the Foundation for Promoting Education, handed over a cheque worth US$7,500, the equivalent of 30 percent of the total construction cost of US$25,000 to the General Manager of the DM Construction Company, Mrs Douangta Matmanisone, who was awarded the contract to build the first primary school in Khammuan province.

By vientiane times

Will Hide finds peace and quiet – and his dancing feet – in Luang Prabang, the Asia travellers’ new darling

The children at Viengxay primary school in northeast Laos, not far from the border with Vietnam, seemed rather calm considering a sweaty Englishman carrying a backpack had just tripped over the wall into their playground. The group of 30 or so cast a glance in my direction as I dusted myself down, then quickly went back to the more important matter at hand, their game of boules...more

A flick of the wrist, a ball flying through the air, a collective holding of breath, a thud followed by a clack and a muted cheer. A tall boy, the victor, beamed and patted his opponent on the back and was just about to suggest another game when the bell – actually the empty shell of an American bomb – was thwacked by a teacher and in moments the playground was empty. I excused myself and started back on my trail, looking hopefully for a path to the river and a boat that would take me back towards Luang Prabang.

Aside from boules and baguettes and a few whitewashed villas you wouldn’t guess the French had ruled Laos half a century ago. And apart from the odd shell casing made into a school bell or plant pot, a tourist wouldn’t guess that, between 1964 and 1973, the US dropped almost two million tonnes of explosives on Laos, making it, per inhabitant, the most bombed nation on earth. That the people of this small, landlocked country seem more wary of outsiders and more hesitant with a smile than their Thai neighbours is, perhaps, understandable.

Like Kathmandu and Koh Samui before it, Luang Prabang is the Asia travellers’ new darling. The ancient town – you’d be pushing your luck to call it a city – lies at a confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995. Those pressed for time can fly in from Bangkok, although a more leisurely way is the two-day boat trip down the Mekong from the Thai border at Huay Xai, or by bus from the capital, Vientiane, breaking the journey at Vang Vieng to float lazily downriver on inner tubes.

Alongside Luang Prabang’s shuttered old French colonial buildings are almost 70 Buddhist wats (temples), half of which are still occupied by saffron-robed monks. There are also dozens of small cafés serving everything from traditional laap (a salad of minced meat, lime juice, garlic, mint and chillies) with a bottle of cool Beerlao, to cappuccinos, chocolate brownies and, the backpackers’ favourite, banana pancakes.

Italian tour groups and Israeli backpackers potter around on bicycles hired for a couple of dollars a day, take longboats up the river to visit the Pak Ou caves crammed with hundreds of statues of Buddha, walk up Mount Phu Si, join the monks in the internet cafés on Sisavangvong Street (a rather surreal sight at first), take a £3-an-hour massage and browse for T-shirts and lanterns at the night market. Accommodation ranges from dollar-a-night crashpads to restored mansions such as the Apsara, a dream of a place with an open front facing the river, creaking wooden floorboards, whirling fans, black and white photos on the wall, glass Buddhas in alcoves and the best bar and restaurant in town.

I wondered aloud, though, to the hotel’s English owner, Ivan Scholte, what Luang Prabang might be like in ten years’ time, a victim perhaps of its own success? Already the ancient daily early morning ritual of tak bat – giving alms to the town’s monks – has become something of a bun flight in places, with tourists jostling for the best photo spots.

“Some feel Luang Prabang should attract a much larger number of tourists and incorporate the infrastructure to accommodate them, including golf courses and bigger hotels,” he says. “This will probably bring in more money initially but the essence of the town will change dramatically as it becomes a theme park. Others feel the authorities should try to bring in a more discerning type of visitor who in the long term will have less of an influence on the local way of life.

“On a more optimistic note, it’s largely due to the Unesco World Heritage status that Luang Prabang has remained as lovely as it is. I think the town looks better today than when I arrived five years ago.”

Certainly sitting in the peaceful Tamarind Café, slurping a strong Lao coffee topped up with condensed milk, and scooping up spicy dips with crisps made from river weed and sesame seeds while listening to the monks chanting in Wat Nong across the road, I couldn’t help but hope that any future growth is managed well.

The next morning I was driven three hours north to the village of Ban LaKhon, by fields of buffalo and rice, overtaking families on mopeds, then alongside mountains hugged by mist, thick with teak and bamboo, past villages where satellite dishes cast shadows on baskets of bright red chillies. There I met my guides, Muen and Champoo, and we walked all afternoon through paddy fields and woods to the dirt-poor village of Phayong, miles from the nearest road, where a very basic B&B has been set up to give tourists an insight into the lives of the Hmong and Kamu people who live there. In the evening I sat down with the head of the village, Mr Vang, and dined on rice, fried greens, salty soup and scrawny chicken, illuminated by a candle balanced on an empty tin of rat poison, before turning in for an early night. Lao cockerels are no respecters of dawn, however, deciding to announce the new day at 3.30am. By the time I slothfully dragged myself out of bed at first light just after six, I seemed to be the last person in the village up and about.

Returning by riverboat to Luang Prabang I spent my last night in Laos at another, more upmarket eco-resort, Kamu Lodge, a great example of putting money directly into locals’ pockets without resorting to scratchy loo paper, nettle soup or hair shirts. The semi-permanent tents, well disguised by thick foliage, were more like something from an African safari. The interaction with the village next door seemed not too intrusive, the food delicious and even the evening entertainment of bamboo-pole dancing – skipping between them as they are banged together at ankle level, participation mandatory – managed, just about, not to be too cringe-making. Maybe it was the free-flowing Beerlao, maybe I was too chilled to care that I looked like a berk. Laos, Luang Prabang in particular, certainly does seem to have a rather calming effect.

Need to know Will Hide travelled with Selective Asia (0845 3703344, www.selectiveasia.com), which offers ten-day trips, including accommodation, guiding and some meals, but not flights, from £395pp. He booked flights through Travelmood (0871 2266111, www.travelmood.com), which has return flights to Luang Prabang, via Bangkok, from Heathrow from £789.

Reading: Laos (Lonely Planet, £12.99), Ancient Luang Prabang by Denise Heywood (River Books, £16.95), Ant Egg Soup – The Adventures of a Food Tourist in Laos by Natacha du Pont de Bie Sceptre, £7.99)

Red tape: A 15-day visa costs $35 cash on arrival with one passport photo. Air departure tax is $10 cash.

Source: travel.timesonline.co.uk

THE final round of the I-mobile Star Challenge 2007 has many surprises in store with performances from the 12 contestants on May 20 at the Lao International Trade and Exhibition Convention Centre (Lao-ITECC).

The Samart I-mobile phone company in Vientiane launched the challenge in the last few months, calling for talented young people to participate in a contest to find dynamic young presenters. From the 12 finalists, two will be selected to represent the company in commercial pitches on Thai television...more

“The final will showcase all of the props, skills and experience brought by the Thai artists involved in organising the event, so I can say with certainty that it will be a great event,” the Managing Director of the company, Ms Suphitcha Ramasoot, said.

The company selected 12 finalists at the semi-final, held at the National Culture Hall last month, to promote Lao culture, traditions and tourism in Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces.

“The finalists participated in many activities with the Thai artists. Recently we recorded a video of the 12 contestants in various important places in Vientiane. We’ll also screen many of the activities at the final,” Ms Suphicha said.

Tickets are for sale at the event and also at I-mobile outlets for 20,000 kip. This is a change from the semi-final where tickets were not on sale to the general public.

“Our staff agreed to sell tickets because a lot of people called wanting to buy tickets to the semi-final. Because this Sunday is the last chance for the public to see the contest we decided to sell tickets,” the director said.

The contest will feature local hard rock band The Cells, who are also booming in popularity in Thailand. They will share the stage with Thai singer Dom Pakonrum.
The contest starts at 7pm on May 20, at Lao-ITECC.

By SOUKNILUNDON SOUTHIVONGNORATH
vientianetimes

Foreign investment on the rise in Laos
(KPL) 440 million USD of foreign investment was pumped into Laos over the first six months of the 2006-2007 fiscal year which began from October 2006. The Lao government granted licences to 122 foreign investment projects over the period, accounting for 70 percent of the government’s target of 171 for the whole year. The majority of investments were made in the areas of agriculture, garment and textiles, industry, handicraft, mining, energy, trade, hotels, restaurants and services.

For the period, the biggest investors into the country are as follow:
1. China
2. France
3. Japan
4. The Republic of Korea
5. Myanmar
6. Poland
7. Sweden
8. Thailand
9. The US
10.Viet Nam

Source: kpl.net.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

Lao coffee is well known: for its superb taste and excellent quality. But still: the number of connoisseurs seems to be very limited. What is for Laos a big business is for the big coffee markets not more than a mere drop in the cup.

Mr. Viengkham Sinsangouane smiles. He just moved into the brand new office of the Lao Coffee Association (LCA), overlooking the riverbank of the Sedon in Pakse. Also the business outlook provokes the smile of LCA’s office director. “The harvest this season was good, we estimate about 25,000 tons.” This is good news for the Lao coffee sector after two years of very small production. The smile becomes even wider when he speaks about prices. Coffee prices are high; in February 2007 the composite price was around 104 US-Cents per pound. Compared to just 60 cents in 2004 a sweet improvement.

The Lao Coffee Association improves also in other matters. Traditionally an organization of coffee exporters LCA has now besides the 20 trading companies also 6 members in the field of coffee processing. So also the composition of export changes. 2006 saw for the first time exports of 3-in-1 instant coffee worth nearly 30,000 US-Dollars. Not very much compared to the 8.4 million dollars generated from green coffee beans... read more

The main customer of Lao coffee remains Poland accounting for roughly one third of all Lao exports. The second largest buyer is Vietnam, itself one of the worlds leading coffee exporters.

The two top positions among the buyers of Lao coffee are undisputed for the last three years, but the rakings behind changed dramatically. Switzerland, in 2004 and 2005 third largest customer, dropped from the 2006 list as did France and Spain.

Internationally coffee is traded in 60 kilogram bags. World production in 2006/2007 reached about 224 million bags; the estimated 25,000 tons of Lao coffee are equivalent to 470,000 bags or 0.19 percent of the world’s coffee. This amount is comparable that of Burundi or Madagascar. The biggest difference is that Laos is not yet member of the International Coffee Organization, a specialized UN agency overlooking the production, trading and promotion of coffee worldwide, including prices. ICO, which encourages a sustainable coffee economy, has currently 77 members, 45 of them coffee exporting and 32 importing countries. Only six coffee exporting countries, Guyana, Liberia, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Yemen and Lao PDR, are not party to the Coffee Agreement 2001 and the ICO. The London based organization was founded in 1963 and brings producers and customers together with the target to stabilize the coffee market. Coffee farming is the basis of livelihood for about 25 million families worldwide. Retail sales of coffee add up to about 70 billion USD yearly. ICO exporting members account for more than 97% of the world coffee production; its importing members represent 80% of the final market.

The prominent appearance of two coffee exporting members of ICO among the biggest buyers of Lao coffee leads to the conclusion that both Vietnam and Thailand are re-exporting the Lao coffee to other markets. Thailand’s production in the 2006/2007 crop is estimated at 1 million bags, its export of 376.000 bags (Feb. 06 to Jan. 07) was slightly lower than the total actual Lao crop. The efforts of leading Lao coffee companies to brand Lao coffee is the only way to make the quality of this Lao product internationally known and to give coffee lovers the opportunity to get a pure Lao brew in their cups.

Source: Targetlao magazine

Samart I-mobile Ltd. Thailand organized "i-mobile star challenge 2007" in order to search for new generation of young Lao stars at i-mobile shop, Vientiane last April 28th, 2007.

This is a second round where 12 participants were selected to join the final round. These 12 participants will also have a chance to join special program organize by I-mobile team.






The final round will be held on 20th May at Lao cultural hall, Vientiane. The winers from this contest will get 50 million kips, plus i-mobile phone and will be a model, singer and presenter for i-mobile campaign in Laos. More :.




















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