Phim Hay 360s

A month before Lao New Year (Pi Mai) local authorities and residents of the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang are looking forward to celebrating a special year that saw their hometown reclaim a coveted travel award.

Locals are looking forward to bringing in the new year and welcoming the numerous tourists who will travel to the town from all corners of the globe to explore its ancient charms and find out for themselves why the town was voted as the world's top destination by readers of the UK's Wanderlust Travel Magazine last month.

Luang Prabang was granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1995. The town is the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Lane Xang, or the land of a million elephants.

Luang Prabang is a cultural centre in the region, with its numerous temples a testimony to a wealth of culture and civilisation.

Luang Prabang won the magazine's ‘top destination' title from 2006 to 2008 before falling to seventh in 2009 because the city could not maintain its beauty, attractiveness and cleanliness.

This year Luang Prabang received first place with a score of 94.74 percent, followed by Siena, Italy, with 94.67 percent and Berlin, Germany, with 94.15 percent.

“We were voted back as number one this year because everyone involved actively worked together to address the issues raised by UNESCO relating to the town's heritage areas and conservation,” said Head of the Luang Prabang provincial Tourism Department, Mr Khamphoui Phommavong.

Residents renovating or enlarging houses in the old part of the town without consulting authorities or gaining the appropriate approval is causing problems and endangering the town's world heritage status.

This, coupled with an increasing number of vehicles on the roads, are the main issues that local authorities must resolve to ensure the town retains both its unique charm and characteristics and its world heritage classification.

“We are proud of the award, which will encourage us to work harder towards unifying development and preservation efforts. But we will keep in mind that maintaining the title is very challenging,” said Mr Khamphoui.

The department will gather tourism operators, urban developers and the relevant sectors to explain future plans and what needs to be done to maintain the town's world heritage status.

The UNESCO listing is a significant factor in attracting visitors to the town and surrounding areas, where they can experience unique architectural styles, plentiful temples, and natural and historical sites and activities.

Although the town is renowned for its distinctive architecture, which blends French colonial styles with traditional Lao aspects, there are numerous other attractions for visitors to enjoy.

The Luang Prabang night market is one fascinating feature of the town, where visitors can enjoy shopping and browsing a wide variety of clothing, jewellery, fashion accessories and handicrafts produced by Laos' numerous different ethnic groups.

A trip to a market in many parts of Laos can be an unpleasant experience, with vendors hassling and pressuring you to make a purchase, but the Luang Prabang night market is a world far removed from this. The polite and pleasant vendors are more than happy for customers to browse through goods and are always pleased to try and answer any questions you may have.

Another interesting place to visit is the Luang Prabang Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, where visitors can get a fascinating insight into the cultures, lifestyles and traditions of the nation's multitude of ethnic groups. On display are the traditional clothing of each group, along with accessories, tools and equipment used in daily life and detailed explanations of traditions and customs.

The region's longstanding culture and religion is an important factor in bringing unity to the town, and working together to preserve customs and prevent inappropriate developments is considered to be the job of all residents. The older generation is particularly eager to preserve the town for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations.

Mr Ole, a photographer born in Luang Prabang province, said for him the charm of the town stems from the daily activities of the local people who rely on the Mekong and Khan rivers for so much of their livelihoods.

He has spent many mornings and evenings down by the riverbanks snapping photos of men fishing for their family's dinner, women washing clothes, and children playing joyfully in the river shallows.

Mr Ole is pleased that most local residents are aware of the importance of keeping the rivers clean and preserving the environment.

“To showcase the region's beautiful environmental and cultural aspects to visitors, local people are willing to be involved in keeping their community clean. Cleanliness not only benefits the tourism industry but also keeps local residents healthier,” he said.

The efforts of the local people, combined with the town's unique architecture, splendid temples, spectacular natural surrounds, and fascinating cultural heritage are sure to keep the visitors flowing into Luang Prabang for many years to come.

By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Vientianetimes

Photo: Lush vegetation and cascading waterfalls await visitors to Naxam village, Hinheup district, Vientiane province. -- Photo Sisouphan

An enterprising local resident has opened up a waterfall to the public in Vientiane province, hoping to provide city dwellers with a natural oasis as they travel north of the capital.

Mr Chanthavong Chanthala was granted a concession to open Vangsanon Waterfall as an official tourist attraction to bring more local and foreign visitors to the area.

The waterfall is located in Naxam village, Hinheup district, and can be reached from Phonhong district in the north after passing through the villages of Phonkeo, Phonkham, Phonthong, Phonngam, and Khonkaen along a 25km dirt road.

The road may be long and winding but the intrepid explorer will be rewarded with a virtual Garden of Eden upon arrival.

Along the way you will catch glimpses of the local lifestyle, crops, and animals as well as jungle views on both sides of the road.

The people who live in this area are mostly Khmu. One of their traditions is to make rice wine in pottery jars, which they drink on special occasions, festivals, and just to be sociable with their friends and relatives.

The waterfall is surrounded by dense bamboo. Mr Chanthavong has added to the natural attractions by planting flowering shrubs, building huts and arranging boulders for visitors to picnic on. This pleasant scene makes for some great photo opportunities.

Mr Chanthavong encou-rages visitors to bring along a picnic and relax in one of the rustic huts.

On each of the monthly Buddhist days, local people stop work for the day and like to spend their time here. The period of Buddhist Lent in particular is a time that brings visitors to the area.

Managing Director of the local Saoban Handicraft Group, Mr Tarliboun Rattanavong, sees the increasing number of visitors as an opportunity for his group of producers to boost their sales.

They have developed new ideas to promote the group's products, such as making rice wine in portable jars that people can take home with them.

This year, he chose a house in Khonkeo village to display and sell the rice wine, along with buffalo skin snacks. He also plans to set up a strawberry farm and grow organic vegetables.

Mr Tarliboun said it would be a good opportunity for people to see the artisans at work as they made various bamboo handicrafts, and suggested it might even encourage others to join the group. Visitors could also sample fresh strawberries.

The Deputy Heads of Khonkeo and Naway villages, Mr Phonxay Panmavong and Mr Bounkong Manokoun respectively, said they appreciated the efforts of the Saoban group in encouraging people to adopt new livelihoods.

The two villages have a total of 394 households of 2,518 people, who are mostly subsistence farmers, with some raising livestock on a temporary basis.


By Sisouphan Amphonephong

What used to be just a few streets and a bus stop has morphed into one crazy party town complete with late island booze and dancing, whacked out natural drugs and enormous rope swings into a raging river.

Oh . . .do I have your attention?

A huge attractionin this town is grabbing your mates and big plastic tubes and go floating down the river with amazing scenery and, perhaps more importantly, six bars chock full of hotties lining the river banks. Bar staff literally pull you in as you hold on to a stick of bamboo. I borrowed the impromptu “Pump Stick” and fished out a few females for my friends . . .and two for myself! “Ladies, grab the stick and pull . . . NO LADIES! THE STICK THE STICK!”

There is no shortage of free Laos whiskey floating around that river – Sheesh! Beerlao, the only beer available in the country, is a decent drop and a couple of huge bottles are essential when you get back in the tube for another float to the next drinking station – You heard of “Road Beers” -now we have RIVER BEERS!.

Rope swings and beach volleyball ensure all the kiddies are having half-naked fun, in the sun and when the sun goes down so do the girls . ..er I mean – the party just gets even heavier (like my dates when I drink).



An island of bars with lights, DJ’s and bonfires start up every night and draw the young crowd out from every hotel. If you want to sit back and chill try asking for the ‘happy menu’ at any of the local restaurants. Suffice to stay there is something very funny about the happy menu cocktails and snacks, and I assure you that you won’t find a better price for a “Mushroom Shake” or “Opium Tea” on the planet (well maybe Afghanistan but those burkas as so itchy during making out.

Be warned, with the fun you get at these prices, a lot of people fall in love with the party town and never want to leave.


Source: http://coedmagazine.com/2010/02/25/worlds-best-party-spots-vang-vieng-laos/

Let’s speak Lao

Greeting
Hello! Hi!- Chang dai (sa bai dee)
Good morning -Sa bai dee
Good afternoon -Sa bai dee
Good evening -Sa bai dee
Good night - La Tee Sa Wat
How are you? -Chao sa bai dee baw?
How do you do? -Chao sa bai dee baw?
I’m fine, thanks -Khoy sa bai dee, Khob chai
And you -Lae chao de:I’m fine, too -Khoy sa bai dee, keu kan
I’m pleased to meet you -Khoy dee chai lai thee dai phob chao
Good by-La kon
See you -Laew phob kan mai
Thank you - Khop Chai
Excuse me - Khor Thod
No problem - Bor Pen Yang

Name
What’s your name? -Chao seu gnang?
My name is…. -Khoy seu….
What’s his/her name? -Lao/nang seu gnang?
How old are you? -Chao a: gnu chak pee?
I’m twenty years old -Khoy a: gnu sao pee
Are you married? -Cha sang khob khua laew baw
Yes/no -Sang laew/ gnang baw sang

Taxi
Where is the taxi station -sathanee lod taxi yu sai
How far from here to…?-Kai pan dai chak nee pai ha…?
How much to…? -Thao dai/chak kip pai ha…?
Too expensive -Pheng lai/ pheng thae

Bus
Where is the bus station? -Sa tha nee lod me: yu sai?
What time will the bus leave?-Lod me: cha awk chak mong?
How much is the fare? -Pee lod thao dai?
Does this bus go to? -Lod nee cha pai thang dai?

Boat
Where can we get on the boat? -Phuak hao cha pai kheun heua yu sai?
What time does it leave? -Chak mong heua cha awk?

Air
Where can I buy a plane ticket? -khoy sa mad pai seu pee heua bin yu sai?

Hotels/guesthouse
Is there any hotels/guest house near by? -Yu nee mee hong haem/ban phak baw?
Can I/we stay here? -Khoy /phuak hao phak yu nee dai baw?
Do you have a room? -Chao mee hong phak baw?
How much per night? -Kheun neung thao dai?
Do you have any other room? -Chao mee hong eun eek baw?

Shopping
How much is it? - La Ka Thao Dai
Too expensive - Phaeng Tae
Any discount? - Lot La Ka Hai Dae Dai Bor?

Wanderlust Travel Awards 2010 Top City
By Wanderlust team
Discover which city scooped top prize in this year's awards

Top city: Luang Prabang, Laos

Ranking %

1 Luang Prabang, Laos 94.74

2 Siena, Italy 94.67

3 Berlin, Germany 94.15

4 Seville, Spain 94.00

5 Kyoto, Japan 93.33

6 Melbourne, Australia 92.22

7 Boston, USA 91.85

8 Krakow, Poland 90.91

9 San Francisco, USA 90.53

10 Tallinn, Estonia 90.40


Right at home:

“Luang Prabang is one of those rare traveller towns where as soon as you arrive you feel right at home,” wrote reader Lucy Palmer of your perennial favourite city.


“Maybe it’s the languid pace of life instilled by the monks, maybe it’s just being in the shadow of those majestic temples; maybe it’s the presence of the mighty Mekong – but the whole place makes you slow down, forget any stress and just appreciate the environment around you. Yes, there are things to see and do, but that’s not the point. Luang Prabang is simply a great place to be.”



Despite its growing popularity, you told us the town retains those things that make it special: its colourful markets, French cuisine, outbreaks of drumming by the resident monks. And you recalled great local excursions – learning to be a mahout at an elephant centre (www.laos-adventures.com), gold-panning at a jungle ecolodge (www.kamulodge.com) and taking a boat trip to the Kuang Si waterfalls.


Even the frequent power cuts and lack of ATMs, concluded reader Charlotte West, “just seem to add to the charm of this one-of-a-kind place.”


Get there fast – then slow right down.


>>See the rest of Wanderlust Travel Awards 2010 winners here

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Tiny amendment: Have you ever ever had the matter that you wish to buy something tiny however do not seem to have any change. This downside does not ever seem to happen in Tour of Laos with the most important note hardly price that a lot of, it’s made buying tiny things from markets extraordinarily easy.

Colors Co-Ordination: Individual notes are all totally different colours and straightforward to tell apart, which could be a definite advantage over the US currency and conjointly a lot of original with the US bills all being the identical color and size.

Closed Country: Laos Tours is officially a closed country which means any left over Kip you have got at the end of your trip ought to not very be taken out of the country all nobody will build a fuss, if you did take money out of Laos there would be no use for it as no one would accept a comprehensible difficulty. When changing cash in Laos; keep the exchange receipt that you just obtained from the bank, this makes it easy to change back your unused local currency to $US Bucks while not the receipt the bank will not comply with the exchange. If this fails attempt a native restaurant or search to see if they will exchange it for you, albeit at a reduced exchange rate.

The last option is to stay it for different uses like whereas camping you perhaps cold, it might come in handy when beginning a fire or if times are desperate it makes smart rest room paper.

Source: http://articlicious.com