Photo: Nang Sangkan (Miss Lao New Year 2008 in Luang Prabang, Laos)
Luang Prabang has estimated the number of both domestic and foreign visitors entering the province during Lao New Year celebration at 22,000.
“Foreign tourists will share over 70 per cent of the total visitors of the province during the celebration of Lao New Year,” said this week the Head of Luang Prabang Tourism Office, Mr. Khamtanh Somphanvilay.
The province also estimates that around 4 billion kip will be in circulation during the celebration.
“This year the province cerebrates Lao New Year from 9 to 19 April, and there will be so many activities than ever,” added Mr. Khamtanh.
A trade fair of domestic and foreign products and services also coincides the celebration of Lao New Year.
Source:kpl
photo: lpb2d
22,000 to celebrate Lao New Year in Luang Prabang !
Photo: Ou cave in Luang prabang, Laos.
Travellers have always made lists of the top destinations to be visited in the world and even armchair travellers dream of experiencing the most unique and exciting sites the planet has to offer.
Bruce Poon, the founder of adventure travel company GAP Adventures, shares his top ten tourist places to see in your lifetime.
Here is what he said about Laos.
The magnificent ancient caves of Pak Ou in Laos are set high above the Mekong River some 25km from Luang Prabang.
These caves have been a place of Buddhist worship and solitude for more than 600 years and more than 4,000 images of the Buddha have been placed inside them over that time.
A humbling place to ponder life's greater mysteries and Mr Poon said that experiencing the tranquillity of these caves is something he will always cherish.
More info about this article can be found at
http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/south-and-central-america/venezuela/top-ten-places-see-in-your-lifetime-$1217114.htm
Top ten places to see in your lifetime, Ou cave in Lunag prabang on the list !
Laos is unique in that for a socialist country it has opened its doors to tourists. Since the latter part of the 1990s, Laos has been happy to welcome visitors from all over the globe. The reason behind their campaign to attract tourists, “Visit Laos” was because the economy was in a downward spiral and it was thought that tourism dollars would help to boost the economy. Lucky travelers can now experience the wonder of the sights and sounds of Laos.
Khone Phapheng is the largest waterfall that can be found in Southeast Asia. Located at Si Phan Don at its southern end, it is also considered home to Irrawadaddy dolphins, a rare species. The waterfall is a stunning sight and the presence of the dolphins makes it even more so. Day trips for viewing the dolphins often include a visit to Khone Phapheng.
Another important sight in Laos is Pha That Luang. Not only is this monument important for its relation to the Buddhist religion, it is also a monumnet to the sovereignty of Laos. Looking upon it from a distance, it gives the impression of a cluster of gilded missiles. In the early part of November, the temple is the location of one of Laos’ major festivals.
Pak Ou Caves can only be reached by boat and one can be caught at Ban Pak Ou. It is a spectacular sight as the setting is carved into a cliff made of limestone that faces the river. Inside the cave there are a plethora of images of Buddha in every style and shape, but many of them represent the classic standing Buddha, Luang Prabang. Tours are easily arranged by tour operators as well as many of Laos’ guest houses.
Other popular places to visit in Laos are the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang was given the distinction of being honored as a Unesco World Heritage city for its stunning, tranquil natural surroundings as well as its unique and beautiful architecture. This city is one of the top tourist destinations in Laos.
Source: www.traveling-blog.com
The Sights and Sounds of Laos
Officials from Laos and Japan will conduct a feasibility study of direct flights between Nagoya Airport in Japan and Wattay International Airport in Vientiane.
The Director General of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr Yakua Lopangkao, told Vientiane Times yesterday that Lao officials will first collect basic information regarding potential passenger demand.
“We expect to collect the information within the next two months and then we will send it to Japan,” he said. “We will meet with Japanese officials a month later.”
Mr Yakua observed that more people are flying from America and Japan to Indochina, especially to Laos.
Mr Yakua said that last year Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh visited Japan and met with his Japanese counterpart to discuss various areas of cooperation. One of the issues discussed was the possibility of a direct flight from Nagoya to Vientiane.
Laos has direct flights to several countries, including Thailand, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Air Asia started direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia , late last year.
A flight between Laos and Singapore is also under consideration, Mr Yakua said.
“Last month, we had meetings with representatives from airlines in Singapore who told us they needed a more detailed survey before any developments could take place,” he added.
A direct flight to Myanmar is also under discussion, as officials believe such a move could boost tourism in the region.
“Our government has an open policy concerning flight connections with any foreign country to encourage tourism in Laos ,” Mr Yakua said.
Earlier last year, the Lao government granted visa exemptions to Japanese tourists to strengthen relations between the two countries.
This has led to an increasing number of Japanese visitors to Laos.
According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, in 2005 around 23,000 Japanese visited Laos and in 2006 this figure increased by just two percent.
But in 2007 the figure jumped by 34 percent as a result of the visa exemption.
Tourism officials confirmed that the number of Japanese tourists was increasing, contributing to economic growth.
By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientiane Times
Laos plans to have direct flight to Japan, Singapore and Myanmar
Pi Mai rituals bring peace and fortune
The cool weather arriving after sunset in the World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang during Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) every year inspires people to put on their best clothes and visit local temples to sprinkle water on Buddha images.
Dressing in traditional clothes and washing Buddha images in the evening has long been a local custom. People believe visiting temples in wet clothes is inappropriate.
Celebrations not only take place in the city, but also in the surrounding suburbs, where traditional cultural activities occur.
Apart from numerous tourist attractions drawing visitors to the province, fascinating spectacles such as the Nangsangkhan (Miss Pi Mai) procession and the watering of Buddha images are a chance for visitors to observe local culture.
The watering of Buddha images during Pi Mai Lao is significant for Lao people, because this action is believed to wash away bad events from the past and bring luck and peace to families.
“In our province most people like to travel and enjoy time with families and friends during the day, while spending the cooler evenings at the temples taking part in rituals showing respect to Buddha images,” says Deputy Head of the Ministry of Information and Culture in Luang Prabang, Bounkhong Khutthoa.
Villagers here chose to visit temples in the evening because in the day they are busy, either travelling or working on their farms.
“Night-time activities are a delightful way for both locals and foreign visitors to celebrate the New Year. It is quite common to see people dressed up in their best attire to cleanse Buddha images in the traditional way. Now a lot of foreign visitors are joining in this longstanding practice,” Mr Bounkhong says.
When the sun goes down, young and old people alike begin heading to temples with the perfumed water they have prepared to sprinkle on the images in their local temples.
The highlight of this activity is the traditional style of clothing that everyone wears. The use of customary clothing, including a sash, adds to the devout atmosphere and demonstrates a respect for Lao culture.
This practice has been adhered to by people from generation to generation, as they believe that wearing wet clothes after a day of being soaked with water during other celebrations is inappropriate.
Although ceremonies differ slightly between provinces, the water used for temple rituals is similar across the country. It contains seasonal flowers and herbs such as dok champa (frangipani) and dokkhoun (a yellow tree blossom believed to be auspicious) . These trees are now in bloom all around the country. Sompoi , a fruit frequently used in cooking, khamin (turmeric) and perfumes are also added.
The water is stored in silver bowls. To show respect, shoes are not allowed nearby the altar where the images are placed for washing.
Small silver bowls are used to collect the water after it has being poured over the Buddha images. This is then trickled over the forehead of devotees, as the head is considered to be the holiest part of the body.
The remaining water is sprinkled around family homes to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck in the year to come.
Devotees perform this ritual in as many as nine to eleven temples, as it is believed to foster patience, perseverance, and success. It is recommended that people visit nine temples, as the number nine is considered to be lucky. Each temple devotee should visit a monk to be blessed and to have a white cotton string tied on their wrist.
Apart from this ritual, cultural and Buddhist ceremonies such as the building of sand stupas, singing traditional folk songs and candlelight processions are held in every temple.
Various traditional rituals are a drawcard for visitors from all over the world. Visitors will have a chance to experience the many traditional rites and customs that Luang Prabang has to offer over the New Year period.
Temples throughout Laos will perform Buddhist ceremonies, bringing out Buddha images to be washed by the faithful so they can purify themselves.
This year Sang khan luang (the first day of the Pi Mai Lao festival) falls on April 13. Homes, temples and public places are cleaned on this day. People also clean their bodies and think positively about the upcoming year.
Meu nau (the second day of the festival), sees the preparation of food and sweets to be offered to deceased relatives. It is thought that happiness and celebrations on this day will bring contentment throughout the year to come. It is believed that people should not sleep during this day.
The last day of the festival, Sa ng khan kheun , is the first day of the New Year when offerings are made to monks. Buddha images are washed and elders are sprinkled with water. On this day, visitors to Luang Prabang should take note to observe the columns and entrance ways to houses that people decorate with seasonal flowers, especially dokkhoun, as they believe it will bring good luck, prosperity and happiness.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
The cool weather arriving after sunset in the World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang during Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) every year inspires people to put on their best clothes and visit local temples to sprinkle water on Buddha images.
Dressing in traditional clothes and washing Buddha images in the evening has long been a local custom. People believe visiting temples in wet clothes is inappropriate.
Celebrations not only take place in the city, but also in the surrounding suburbs, where traditional cultural activities occur.
Apart from numerous tourist attractions drawing visitors to the province, fascinating spectacles such as the Nangsangkhan (Miss Pi Mai) procession and the watering of Buddha images are a chance for visitors to observe local culture.
The watering of Buddha images during Pi Mai Lao is significant for Lao people, because this action is believed to wash away bad events from the past and bring luck and peace to families.
“In our province most people like to travel and enjoy time with families and friends during the day, while spending the cooler evenings at the temples taking part in rituals showing respect to Buddha images,” says Deputy Head of the Ministry of Information and Culture in Luang Prabang, Bounkhong Khutthoa.
Villagers here chose to visit temples in the evening because in the day they are busy, either travelling or working on their farms.
“Night-time activities are a delightful way for both locals and foreign visitors to celebrate the New Year. It is quite common to see people dressed up in their best attire to cleanse Buddha images in the traditional way. Now a lot of foreign visitors are joining in this longstanding practice,” Mr Bounkhong says.
When the sun goes down, young and old people alike begin heading to temples with the perfumed water they have prepared to sprinkle on the images in their local temples.
The highlight of this activity is the traditional style of clothing that everyone wears. The use of customary clothing, including a sash, adds to the devout atmosphere and demonstrates a respect for Lao culture.
This practice has been adhered to by people from generation to generation, as they believe that wearing wet clothes after a day of being soaked with water during other celebrations is inappropriate.
Although ceremonies differ slightly between provinces, the water used for temple rituals is similar across the country. It contains seasonal flowers and herbs such as dok champa (frangipani) and dokkhoun (a yellow tree blossom believed to be auspicious) . These trees are now in bloom all around the country. Sompoi , a fruit frequently used in cooking, khamin (turmeric) and perfumes are also added.
The water is stored in silver bowls. To show respect, shoes are not allowed nearby the altar where the images are placed for washing.
Small silver bowls are used to collect the water after it has being poured over the Buddha images. This is then trickled over the forehead of devotees, as the head is considered to be the holiest part of the body.
The remaining water is sprinkled around family homes to protect against evil spirits and bring good luck in the year to come.
Devotees perform this ritual in as many as nine to eleven temples, as it is believed to foster patience, perseverance, and success. It is recommended that people visit nine temples, as the number nine is considered to be lucky. Each temple devotee should visit a monk to be blessed and to have a white cotton string tied on their wrist.
Apart from this ritual, cultural and Buddhist ceremonies such as the building of sand stupas, singing traditional folk songs and candlelight processions are held in every temple.
Various traditional rituals are a drawcard for visitors from all over the world. Visitors will have a chance to experience the many traditional rites and customs that Luang Prabang has to offer over the New Year period.
Temples throughout Laos will perform Buddhist ceremonies, bringing out Buddha images to be washed by the faithful so they can purify themselves.
This year Sang khan luang (the first day of the Pi Mai Lao festival) falls on April 13. Homes, temples and public places are cleaned on this day. People also clean their bodies and think positively about the upcoming year.
Meu nau (the second day of the festival), sees the preparation of food and sweets to be offered to deceased relatives. It is thought that happiness and celebrations on this day will bring contentment throughout the year to come. It is believed that people should not sleep during this day.
The last day of the festival, Sa ng khan kheun , is the first day of the New Year when offerings are made to monks. Buddha images are washed and elders are sprinkled with water. On this day, visitors to Luang Prabang should take note to observe the columns and entrance ways to houses that people decorate with seasonal flowers, especially dokkhoun, as they believe it will bring good luck, prosperity and happiness.
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes
Highlight of Lao New Year Festival
Vientiane residents to enjoy Lao New Year on islands
Photo: Sunset at Don Chan
Don Chan and Nongda islands will be two main areas of Vientiane where residents can enjoy Lao New Year celebrations, according to Vientiane Police Headquarters Chief Colonel Sihoun Sithiluexay.
Colonel Sihoun said sport, water games and entertainment would be provided at the two sites during the traditional water festival.
“Today, Don Chan island is opening for sporting activities,” he said.
“We hope all Vientiane residents and foreign visitors will enjoy our traditional festival from April 13 to 15. Meanwhile, we also hope they will play safely and in a socially acceptable way by following our regulations and suggestions.”
He said his police would work with soldiers and local authorities in the three districts of Chanthabouly, Sikhottabong and Sisattanak in order to follow the regulations.
“Officials and local authorities are not the only ones who need to work during Pi Mai Lao, local people also have to be alert to security by keeping their eyes open for theft, fire or accidents,” he stressed.
Colonel Sihoun said the other districts in Vientiane would have their own taskforces to address security and to allow local people to enjoy the traditional customs of Laos at their local places of ce lebration.
Colonel Sihoun said his taskforce would encourage all staff to work hard to educate the public about following the Pi Mai Lao regulations issued by the Vientiane Administration Office.
The regulations ban carrying tanks of water on vehicles, throwing coloured or dirty water and plastic bags filled with water, and pouring water over motorbike riders, he added
“We mostly worry about road accidents because they increase considerably during the three days of celebration, compared to a normal week,” he said.
“There are usually about 50 accidents reported each week, but this same number usually occurs during the three days of the festival.”
Because accidents are a major problem every Pi Mai Lao, traffic police will be extra vigilant about stopping drunk drivers and preventing motorbike racing.
Last year the Vientiane traffic police reported 45 road accidents during the festival, including two fatalities.
From January to March this year there have already been almost 600 road accidents in Vientiane , claiming the lives of 20 people, Vientiane Traffic Police and Fire Fighting Division Chief Lieutenant Colonel Khamphew Vatthanaphone said earlier this month.
By Panyasith Thammavongsa
Source: vientianetimes
Photo: Sunset at Don Chan
Don Chan and Nongda islands will be two main areas of Vientiane where residents can enjoy Lao New Year celebrations, according to Vientiane Police Headquarters Chief Colonel Sihoun Sithiluexay.
Colonel Sihoun said sport, water games and entertainment would be provided at the two sites during the traditional water festival.
“Today, Don Chan island is opening for sporting activities,” he said.
“We hope all Vientiane residents and foreign visitors will enjoy our traditional festival from April 13 to 15. Meanwhile, we also hope they will play safely and in a socially acceptable way by following our regulations and suggestions.”
He said his police would work with soldiers and local authorities in the three districts of Chanthabouly, Sikhottabong and Sisattanak in order to follow the regulations.
“Officials and local authorities are not the only ones who need to work during Pi Mai Lao, local people also have to be alert to security by keeping their eyes open for theft, fire or accidents,” he stressed.
Colonel Sihoun said the other districts in Vientiane would have their own taskforces to address security and to allow local people to enjoy the traditional customs of Laos at their local places of ce lebration.
Colonel Sihoun said his taskforce would encourage all staff to work hard to educate the public about following the Pi Mai Lao regulations issued by the Vientiane Administration Office.
The regulations ban carrying tanks of water on vehicles, throwing coloured or dirty water and plastic bags filled with water, and pouring water over motorbike riders, he added
“We mostly worry about road accidents because they increase considerably during the three days of celebration, compared to a normal week,” he said.
“There are usually about 50 accidents reported each week, but this same number usually occurs during the three days of the festival.”
Because accidents are a major problem every Pi Mai Lao, traffic police will be extra vigilant about stopping drunk drivers and preventing motorbike racing.
Last year the Vientiane traffic police reported 45 road accidents during the festival, including two fatalities.
From January to March this year there have already been almost 600 road accidents in Vientiane , claiming the lives of 20 people, Vientiane Traffic Police and Fire Fighting Division Chief Lieutenant Colonel Khamphew Vatthanaphone said earlier this month.
By Panyasith Thammavongsa
Source: vientianetimes
Where to enjoy Lao New Year in Vientiane ? Find out here
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed to a grant of around 100 billion kip (US$10 million) to the Lao for developing sustainable tourism in eight provinces of Laos between 2009 and 2013.
The assistance will go to Siphandone tourism development project in Champassak province, wastewater treatment system construction and improvement project in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, and the tourism development activities along the north-south economic corridor project (Luang Namtha and Bokeo, northern Laos)
The grant will also help develop community–based ecotourism in Bokeo, Sayaboury, Oudomsay, Houaphanh, Saravane and Vientiane provinces. In addition, the funds will be used to develop human resources in the tourism sector.
The Vice Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration, Mr Vang Rattanavong, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Feb 15, in Vientiane with the bank’s Mission Leader, Mr Alfredo Perdiguero.
In the past, ADB has provided loans for Laos in the Mekong Tourism Development Project worth US$10.5 million. The Bank off ered the grant to Laos after successfully completing the fi rst phase of Mekong Tourism Development Project, according to an LNTA press release.
Source: Mlao
ADB Grant US$ 10 Million for sustainable to tourism in Laos
The Ten hotels from Laos are among 81 hotels from Asean countries honoured with the Asean Green Hotel Award. There are
1. Donchan Palace Hotel
2. Lao Plaza Hotel
3. Novotel Hotel
4. Settha Palace Hotel
5. Taipan Hotel
6. Green Park Boutique Hotel
7. Phouvao Hotel
8. Souvannaphoum Hotel
9. The Grand Hotel
10.Champasak Palace Hotel.
Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam have 10 hotels each in the category, the Philippines and Malaysia each in five and Brunei one.
The Asean Green Hotel Award to the 81 selected hotels were presented at the Asean Tourism Ministers’ meeting on January 22 in Bangkok by Asean secretary-general Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, which was also attended by Laos's Tourism Minister Somphong Mongkhonvilay.
The ward for hotels is only fi rst step, Asean look now to award restaurants and souvenir shops, Green Award Recognition is also of great virtue for travelers.
Source: Mlao
Ten hotels from Laos won ASEAN Green Hotel Award
(KPL) The authority of Champassak province is now working hard to construct, improve and extend the Pakse airport as the International airport. The 233,333,000 Thai bath renovation project is expected to be completed by October, 2009.
According to the source from the Public Work and Transport Department, Champassak province, the renovation project has started to survey for renovation since 2005 but the survey has temporary stopped due to the financial problem. The renovation activities for the airport has been started again from March 2008 by Thai Italian construction company.
The project worth 233,333,000 bath is 70% of loan from Thai government, and 30% of grant aid from Thai government too. The renovation works includes 2,400 m runway, which able to receive aircraft of Boing 737-400, forker 70, and airbus A 320 flying from Pakse to Hanoi, BangKok, Phnom Penh, Kunming and Hongkong.
In addition, the construction work will cover the construction of air control station, parking areas for aircraft and other facilities.
After completion, the airport will accommodate 95,400 passergers a year.
Source: kpl
Pakse airport to be upgraded to international standard
Laos’ aviation authorities have announced they plan to open direct flights from Savanakhet airport to Vietnam and Thailand in 2010 or 2011.
Savanakhet airport Director Phonthong Nonsy says once completed, the new routes to Vietnam and Thailand will make important contributions to attracting tourists and investment.
The airport in the province of Savanakhet is among the biggest ones in Laos. It was repaired and upgraded from 1999-2001 but recently closed for another overhaul. (VNA)
Laos to have direct flight from Savannakhet to Vietnam and Thailand !
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