This is a view from a hill in Xay District, provincial capital of Oudomxay, Northern part of Laos.
Oudomsay province is truly a crossroad province, located right in the heart of Northern Laos. Oudomsay shares border with Luang Prabang province to the east, Phongsali province to the northeast, Luang Namtha province to the northwest and Saiyabury province to the south, and even shares a border with China’s Yunnan province. The diverse population is made up of more than 20 ethnic groups such as the H’mong, Akha, Khamu, ThaiDam and Yao.
Photo: The local Provincial Tourist Office (in Oudomxay City)
Muang Xai is the provincial capital, and one of the busiest commercial centers in Northern Laos. High on a hill overlooking Muang Xai, or the city of Victory, stands the majestic that Phuxay monument. If you are interested in Lao Buddhism, visit the peaceful Ban Cheng temple downtown. At the local market you will find all sorts of people, including hill tribes villagers dressed in their traditional costumes. Goods include exotic spices, coffee, pastries, and products from China, Thailand and Vietnam.
Not far from Muang Xai, there are a number of attractions to keep you busy. A beautiful Waterfall cascading over a limestone cliff lies just 11 km east of the city on route 1. This is a perfect place for a picnic. Just a short walk from the waterfall takes you through the forest to a Khamu village, where you can view a way of life that has remained almost unchanged for centuries.
While in Oudomsay, you might also explore one of the province’s more remote districts. To the north is Muang La, featuring natural hot springs along the Phak River, from which you can view the district’s beautiful primary forest.
West of Muang Xai, Pakbeng district lies at the convergence of the Bang and Mekong rivers. A popular stopover for travelers making their way by boat between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai, this small district boasts two temples, a market, and many beautiful caves and waterfalls.
Meuang Namo lies 52km north of Meuang Xai and offers much for the adventurous traveler. The district is known for its limestone formations and mysterious underground caves. You can also visit a deserted camp used by the French during the Indochina War.
Getting there and Away
By air:
Lao Aviation provides regular flight between Vientiane and Muang Xai, a trip of about an hour and twenty minutes.
By road:
There is regular bus and pick up service between Muang Xai and Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Boten and Phonsali.
By river:
Regular ferryboats run between Luang Prabang and Oudomxay’s Pakbeng district.
For more information about this province, visit: http://www.oudomxay.info/
Oudomesay province, Laos
A World Ecotourism and Adventure Conference will be held in Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR from 15 - 16 July, 2009.
Lao National Tourism Administration is collaborating with Malaysia's DISCOVERYMICE Sdn Bhd to organise the conference. DiSCOVERYMICE chief executive officer Lee Choon Loong said the conference was aimed at creating greater awareness among the public and private sectors on the current ecotourism developments.
Speaking to reporters after the signing ceremony, Lee said about 800 delegates were expected to discuss and formulate solutions and applications related with ecotourism at the conference. "People can exchange lessons learnt regarding global best practices in the ecotourism and community-based tourism sectors, and seek solutions to mitigate and reverse negative impacts of tourism such as climate change and environmental degradation," said Laos National Tourism Adminstration (LTNA) chairman Somphong Mongkhonvilay, who is also Minister to the Prime Minister's Office.
Said H.E. Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister, Chairman Lao National Tourism Administration: “This innovative conference aims to present modern approaches to sustainable tourism development and management at World Heritage Sites, exchange lessons-learned regarding global best-practice in the ecotourism and community-based tourism sectors.
Lao PDR, Asia's newest and fastest growing tourist destination is well suited to host this event based on its reputation for warm hospitality and wealth of cultural, natural and historic tourism assets including two UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites and a network of 20 National Protected Areas that cover more than 13% of the country.
Valere Tjolle
A World Ecotourism and Adventure Conference to be held in Laos 2009
... tips on using your credit card overseas and a few things you need to be aware of ...
One obvious way to avoid carrying wads of cash around when travelling, is to use your credit card. Whether you use VISA, MasterCard or American Express you will be able to make purchases and benefit from the policies, such as reward points, guarantees, insurance etc that your card may offer.
On your travels you will however find that some cards are a lot more welcome than others. The main reason for this, is the amount the credit card companies charge merchants, which puts them off accepting the card or offer to pass those charges on to you by increasing the price!
The credit card companies say that asking the consumer to pay a surcharge is against their policies and if reported that merchant will be removed from the network. We have seen this first hand, where a travel agent in Thailand was reported to American Express by an unhappy customer who was asked to pay a 5% surcharge because he wanted to use his credit card.
The result - the agent was asked to stop this practice or be removed from the network, the agent chose to leave the network only to rejoin a year or so later without changing its policy in any way.
The main problem with this practice seems to be with American Express, which, while it does offer travellers some excellent bonuses and benefits, is not, or at least does not seem to be from our own travels, the most popular credit card among merchants in Asia.
For example in Hong Kong it is quite difficult to find restaurants outside of the major hotels that accept the card, many only accept VISA or MasterCard. In Thailand it is very common for the establishment to try and surcharge you, and this applies to all credit cards not just Amex.
So, while carrying your credit card on your travels will help, it is not all smooth sailing, and cash is still very much in demand. Also read: Tips on using ATM and Credit Cards safely.
Tips for using ATM Machines and Credit Cards
We recommend travellers to use their ATM cards to get cash when in a foreign country, because more often than not it is the most efficient, fastest and least costly way of obtaining the foreign currency you need.
Using your ATM card and credit cards does have risks, not just in Asia but the world over, and travellers should always be very wary when using them to avoid unwanted problems.
There are things to look out for when using your cards to ensure you do not become a victim:
- Never ever give out your security number on the phone, unless you are 100% certain who you are talking to. If someone calls you and claims to be from your bank or credit card company, ring them back on their general number (not the number the caller gives you) to make sure they really are who they say they are before you give out any details.
- Make sure your bank, or the bank you are using, is not the one ripping you off. In Thailand for example, the bank you are using charges THB 150 per withdrawal. You can get around this only by using AEON bank ATM machines that do not charge.
- When using an ATM machine, always make sure there is nobody loitering around suspiciously, if there is, use another ATM machine. If you feel someone is standing too close to you while you type in your PIN number - even a friend, ask them to step back, and always make sure you try and hide as best you can the number you are entering. We heard of one story where a gang had actually set up a telescope from an elevated position across the street so they could read the ATM number as it was being typed in.
- Always check the ATM machine carefully before you use it. If there is anything about the ATM machine which seems a little strange don't use it, use another. This includes carefully checking the slot where you insert the card, and making sure there are no hidden cameras anywhere.
One ATM scam going around the world at the moment is where people add what is known as a skimmer to the front of the ATM machine where you insert the card, they then stay near by and the details you enter into the machine are electronically transmitted to them, at the same time, a wireless camera is disguised to look like a leaflet holder and is mounted in a position to view your ATM PIN number. Once the process is complete they simply need to make a card with the information they gained and they can then use it at any ATM machine just as you would.
Another is where people put a clear plastic sleeve into the card slot. Unsuspecting users then insert their card but the machine is unable to read the strip (because of the sleeve) and so the machine keeps asking the user to renter the password, after a while the user gives up thinking the machine has swalllowed the card. What has actually happened is the ATM card is inside the sleeve and someone has managed to see the number you entered, from there they simply remove the card from the sleeve and use your account! The way to avoid this happening to you is to run your finger along the slot, if you feel any prongs or bumps don't use that machine.
Credit Cards - Tips for Travel, any places when you visit country
(KPL) According to the planners who wrote the Vientiane socio-economic plan, 900,000 visitors would be visiting Vientiane capital in the next fiscal year, 2009-2010.
To cater to their basic needs, there are 169 guesthouses, 69 restaurants and 37 tourism sites in Vientiane capital.
It is said that these might not be enough to cater to such a big number of domestic and foreign tourists next year and Vientiane capital is planning to expand its accommodation and tourism facilities.
Its expansion plan is to have 100 hotels, 175 guesthouses, 76 restaurants, 39 tourism sites, four cruise sites and 80 tourism companies.
According to the figures on arrivals at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and other local checkpoints, Vientiane capital welcomed more than 400,000 visitors during the first six months of 2008-2009 fiscal year and their total expenditure was US$40 million.
Based on the estimated figures, Vientiane capital is expected to generate US$88 million in income by the end of this year. For the next fiscal year, Vientiane capital is planning to increase investments in tourism infrastructure and to make them more attractive to foreigners.
Vientiane capital to host 900,000 tourists next year
Tasek Merimbun
Tasek Merimbun
Those who enjoy nature will delight in a day trip to Tasek Merimbun, Brunei's largest lake. The lake naturally forms an unusual S-shape. There is a small island in the centre, which is accessible by way of a timber walkway. the island has pavillion facilities made from tree trunks for picnicking, and is a restful and quiet spot. There are chalet facilities available for researchers only. For those interested in botany or birdwatching, there is also a trail through the jungle. Tasek Merimbun is about 1 hr 15 min drive from the city.
Seri Kenangan Beach
Pantai Seri Kenangan - literally the unforgettable beach (also known as Tutong Beach), is a popular recreation area at Kuala Tutong. The beauty of the beach is enhanced by a narrow spit of land that has the South China Sea on one side and the Tutong River on the other.Further along the road passes through Kampong Kuala Tutong, amidst a forest of coconut palms, to reach the old jetty. This was the site of ferry crossings over the Tutong River before the present bridge was built in 1959. The beach is a 5 minute drive from town of Tutong, and a lovely spot for picnics, fishing and swimming.
Sungai Basong Recreational Park
This park lies just short of Tutong on the Muara - Tutong Highway. It is one of the most popular spots in the district for picnicking. the park includes a mini-lake, platforms, shelter huts and open activity areas.From the town centre, Sungai Basong Recreational Park is just a 5 minute drive.
Tamu Tutong Kampung Serambagun
This big Tamu, or open market, offers a great variety of produce, especially local foods, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. Most of the vendors of these items are from the inland forest areas, who come here to sell their produce and also to buy for their own needs.The Tamu is open every day, and is located about 1 km from the centre of town.
BRUNEI PLACES OF INTEREST TUTONG DISTRICT
Tokyo Travel guide - Tokyo in 3 days trip
Where to go in Tokyo?
Japan’s most famous district is not famous for nothing! Tokyo is an exhilarating experience! With 33.5 million people just in Tokyo alone, the area is bustling with life and practically pulsating in energy! In Tokyo you can find both energy and solace. Shinto shrines adorn towering skyscrapers and give a sense of zen in the middle of all the noise. The traditional and modern coexist in perfect harmony.
So you have 3 days in Tokyo. How are you going to fit everything you want to do in the land of samurai punk rockers?
Day 1: Tokyo at First Glance
If you take the Tokyo Morning Tour, you will find yourself in the tallest self-supporting tower in the world, The Tokyo Tower. It stands 1092.52 feet tipping the Eiffel Tower by 43 feet. Up in Tokyo Tower, you can see everything Tokyo has to offer at first glance. You can do your photo ops at the Imperial Palace Plaza through Ueno and Akihabara to Asakusa Kannon Temple. You can do more shopping at Nakamise and Ginza and find an impressive pearl cultivation showroom at Tasaki Pearl Gallery.
You can do all that in the morning because after lunch, you could check out the famous Kabuki at Tokyo Kabuki-za. Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese Theater that showcases an amazing array of costumes, makeup, song and dance. An Engligh language closed-circuit audio service is available for your convenience.
Sumo, Japan’s oldest sport dates back 1500 years. If you’re one who prefers something a little more hands-on and primeval you might want to check this out. These heavy weight guys eat around 20,000 calories every day, that’s about 10 times the adult daily requirement!
When the sun sets, you can go on the Tokyo Night Tour and Japanese Dinner. Sanju Sangendo is the right place to be to get the real deal on Japanese food. The night tour goes across Rainbow Bridge to Aqua City and then through Akasaka and Ginza. To cap the night with a breathtaking view and experience, the night tour ends in Roppongi Hills giving you a view of Tokyo at night.
Day 2: Bullet Train and Mt. Fuji
When one thinks of Japan, Mt. Fuji is one of the most frequent things that come to mind. The Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour takes you from Tokyo via countryside and then up to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Mt. Fuji stands 12,388 feet and when you reach there, you’d soon find out why it is one of the most iconic images that Japan has of its country. After lunch you can take a cruise on Lake Ashi, and then take a cable car ride in Mt. Komagatake, then to Odawara and then finally board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for your trip back to Tokyo.
Day 3: On to Nikko and Kamakura’s Buddha
The Toshogu Shrine and Mausoleum can be found at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. Japanese religious beliefs can be rooted here as both Shinto and Buddhist worship was practiced in the vast mountains and lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The tour takes you to Irohazaka mountain road. Located at the foot of Mt. Nantai is Lake Chuzenji.
You can also spend the day doing the Kamakura Walking Tour. The Kotokuin Temple houses the Great Buddha towering at 37.4 feet high. The walking tour shows you the Hase Kannon Temple, a great view of the town and the Pacific Ocean. Feeling a little rustic? You can take a rickshaw ride to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine where you can likewise head on over to Komachi shopping street and choose from the arsenal of arts and crafts.
Where to go in Tokyo?
Japan’s most famous district is not famous for nothing! Tokyo is an exhilarating experience! With 33.5 million people just in Tokyo alone, the area is bustling with life and practically pulsating in energy! In Tokyo you can find both energy and solace. Shinto shrines adorn towering skyscrapers and give a sense of zen in the middle of all the noise. The traditional and modern coexist in perfect harmony.
So you have 3 days in Tokyo. How are you going to fit everything you want to do in the land of samurai punk rockers?
Day 1: Tokyo at First Glance
If you take the Tokyo Morning Tour, you will find yourself in the tallest self-supporting tower in the world, The Tokyo Tower. It stands 1092.52 feet tipping the Eiffel Tower by 43 feet. Up in Tokyo Tower, you can see everything Tokyo has to offer at first glance. You can do your photo ops at the Imperial Palace Plaza through Ueno and Akihabara to Asakusa Kannon Temple. You can do more shopping at Nakamise and Ginza and find an impressive pearl cultivation showroom at Tasaki Pearl Gallery.
You can do all that in the morning because after lunch, you could check out the famous Kabuki at Tokyo Kabuki-za. Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese Theater that showcases an amazing array of costumes, makeup, song and dance. An Engligh language closed-circuit audio service is available for your convenience.
Sumo, Japan’s oldest sport dates back 1500 years. If you’re one who prefers something a little more hands-on and primeval you might want to check this out. These heavy weight guys eat around 20,000 calories every day, that’s about 10 times the adult daily requirement!
When the sun sets, you can go on the Tokyo Night Tour and Japanese Dinner. Sanju Sangendo is the right place to be to get the real deal on Japanese food. The night tour goes across Rainbow Bridge to Aqua City and then through Akasaka and Ginza. To cap the night with a breathtaking view and experience, the night tour ends in Roppongi Hills giving you a view of Tokyo at night.
Day 2: Bullet Train and Mt. Fuji
When one thinks of Japan, Mt. Fuji is one of the most frequent things that come to mind. The Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour takes you from Tokyo via countryside and then up to Mt. Fuji 5th Station. Mt. Fuji stands 12,388 feet and when you reach there, you’d soon find out why it is one of the most iconic images that Japan has of its country. After lunch you can take a cruise on Lake Ashi, and then take a cable car ride in Mt. Komagatake, then to Odawara and then finally board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for your trip back to Tokyo.
Day 3: On to Nikko and Kamakura’s Buddha
The Toshogu Shrine and Mausoleum can be found at the entrance of the Nikko National Park. Japanese religious beliefs can be rooted here as both Shinto and Buddhist worship was practiced in the vast mountains and lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. The tour takes you to Irohazaka mountain road. Located at the foot of Mt. Nantai is Lake Chuzenji.
You can also spend the day doing the Kamakura Walking Tour. The Kotokuin Temple houses the Great Buddha towering at 37.4 feet high. The walking tour shows you the Hase Kannon Temple, a great view of the town and the Pacific Ocean. Feeling a little rustic? You can take a rickshaw ride to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine where you can likewise head on over to Komachi shopping street and choose from the arsenal of arts and crafts.
Tokyo Travel guide - Tokyo in 3 days trip
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