Phim Hay 360s

Laos is aiming to develop roads linking neighbouring countries to boost trade, investment and tourism, Prime Minister Bouasone Pouphavanh said at the Nationwide Meeting of Public Works and Transport in Vientiane on Wednesday.

“The roads can bring benefits to our country in trade, investment, and tourism, especially in attracting more investors to Laos,” he said.

It will also help support the government's strategic plan for poverty reduction, aimed at raising Laos from the UN's least-developed country list by 2020.

Land, water and air transport have to improve to facilitate access to services for domestic and foreign traders in the region, Mr Bouasone said.

A road in Saravan province is one of many being constructed to link Laos with Vietnam.

The government will also spend more than 900 billion kip upgrading and paving the 147km Road No. 15 that runs from Saravan province to the Vietnamese border.

About 50 percent of the work has now been done and 30km of the road has been asphalted, project head Mr Bouachanh Ouansavanh said.

It is due for completion in 2012.

Last year, Laos saw the opening of its first train station in Vientiane, with the railway linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province in Thailand across the Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge.

Road R3 in Luang Namtha province in the north of Laos, which was completed in 2008, also links the province to Yunnan province in China.

According to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, it provides a valuable communication and service route passing through northern Laos, and enables the easy transport of goods between Laos, China, and Thailand.

In addition, Savannakhet province in the south of Laos and Mukdahan in neighbouring Thailand are linked by a bridge across the Mekong.

Savannakhet is located along the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam on Road No 9. It also lies along the north-south Road No 13, which runs through Laos leading north to China and south into Cambodia.

The third Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge, linking Khammuan province in central Laos to Nakhon Phanom province in Thailand, will be completed by November 2011.


By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
Vientianetimes

If you’ve got never traveled to a developing country, Laos would certainly provide you a unique expertise and most likely additional than simply one. With its previous colonial charm and vast rural areas, if you like the outside or just need to relax Laos has masses to offer. When visiting Laos you’ll have to purchase Laos currency that is known as Kip and here are some benefits and disadvantages of using Kip.

Volume: Laos Tour widely accepts US bucks but on arrival in the country you may probably exchange your Greenbacks to the native currency called Kip, attempt not to change all your money to Kip as you may be in for a surprise and in all probability additional cash than you’ll carry. A definite annoyance is that the sheer volume of money; you’ll notice this as a tourist changing $100 US at a time however when buying a bike or different large items, locals typically would like a carrier bag or even a suitcase filled with it. This brings in another drawback counting your money takes a while.

Millionaires: I assume this might be seen as a bonus as when you change your money in Laos you have got become a rapid millionaire. You’ve got reached celebrity standing in some countries but not in Laos as most people are millionaires here. When exchanging money the most effective approach to try to to this can be amendment a little at a time, this will give you sufficient native currency to acquire little items like food, drinks, entrance fees and tipping at hotels. It’s not advisable to vary massive sums as you may have to hold it around with you all day and it will probably not all work in your wallet.

Paper Currency: This is a fairly cool advantage they are no coins, which is nice, no coins to lose or hear jingling in your pocket as you run for the bus. On the opposite hand there’s plenty of paper with the most important note being equivalent to merely 5 US Bucks

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

For those who plan to visit Laos via boat, or want to explore the beauty of Laos along the main rivers, you can check out this video clip. Laos is very laid-back and green country. No matter where you go, you will never disappointed.

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

Planeta.com announces the winner of the 2008 Ecotourism Spotlight Award. For the second year in a row, Ecotourism Laos received the greatest number of votes.

"Thanks to all for supporting the Ecotourism Laos website and other great sites listed this year," said Steven Schipani, Senior Advisor of the Lao National Tourism Administration. "I would also like to thank Planeta for providing a platform to recognize the Lao Government's support for ecotourism and its efforts to conserve the country's rich cultural and natural heritage"

BACKGROUND
Government websites that educate visitors about ecotourism and responsible travel options are eligible to win Planeta.com's annual Ecotourism Spotlight Award. 2008 nominees included Laos, Quito and Bali and Utila.

The award was developed to create incentives for communication, opportunities for conversation and a reward for participation among government leaders working toward ecotourism and responsible travel.

"Many tourism officials are figuring out Web 1.0 principles as locals and visitors are seeking out the Web 2.0 experience," said Planeta.com founder Ron Mader. "The spotlight award helps nudge government leaders forward as we give credit to the websites that are leading the pack."

The winner is announced in celebration of World Tourism Day (September 27) as way of spotlighting best practice in responsible travel and ecotourism.

Voting took place from July 15-August 30. More than 100 people participated.

Source: http://www.planeta.com/planeta/08/0809spotlightaward.html

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

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

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

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

(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

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)

The renovation of the 36km-long road leading to Konglor Cave in Hinboun district, Khammuan province, will allow the passage of all vehicles to the cave from May, said a senior official yesterday.

At present the road is still under construction, and larger vehicles have been unable to navigate the detour road for the past two months.

Visitors to the cave are recommended to take a small vehicle if they want to experience this amazing cave.

The Director of the road-building project, Mr Somchay Khanthasane, told Vientiane Times yesterday that workers are asphalting the road so it is closed to traffic. Road users must temporarily use a detour road instead.

Mr Somchay said that although the road will open in May, it might be necessary to close it in the rainy season this year if the construction of two new bridges is not complete.



“We are now putting down the first layer of asphalt. We will continue the work after the rainy season and the road will be in perfect condition by the end of this year,” he said.

At the moment it takes three hours to get to the cave after leaving main road No A8, as the path passes through rice fields and is very bumpy. In the wet season it's almost impossible to get there.



Once the renovated road is finished, it should take just under one hour, said Mr Somchay.

The new road is costing about US$4.5 million to build. The Asian Development Bank has lent the Lao government more than 80 percent of the required funds, according to the Head of the Khammuan provincial Tourism Administration, Mr Thayaphone Singthong .

He said the road upgrade is part of tourism development in the province.

“Tourism development is very important for people living near the cave and will help to contribute to poverty reduction,” he said.

The 7.5km-long cavern that has been earmarked as a tourist attraction was discovered in the 16th century under the leadership of the governor of Nalae district, now Nakai district.

In 1997, the government invited French experts to survey the area before declaring it an official tourist site in 2002.



Mr Thayaphone recalled that in 2002 only eight foreign visitors came to the cave, but this number had increased rapidly since then.

The cave is 30 metres wide and between 20 and 100 metres high and is located in the National Protected Forest Area of Hinboun Mountain.

More than 100 foreign visitors make the journey to the cave each month on average, he said.

Mr Thayaphone said that in the past the cave was not seen as a source of income for local people, but had now become an important money-earner for many in the area.

“Unspoiled natural destinations have the potential to attract more tourists to the province,” he said.

Community-based ecotourism services, including village home-stays and boat trips through the cave, are provided by local people who proudly keep local customs alive.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
Vientianetimes

Japanese ambassador discusses assistance for Lao tourism



President of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay met the Ambassador of Japan to Laos , Mr Masaaki Miyashita, last week in Vientiane to discuss assistance for the Lao tourism sector, according to a press release from the administration.

Mr Miyashita told Mr Somphong that many Japanese businesspeople were interested in investment in Lao tourism, it stated.

He said he was encouraging them to invest in Laos to serve Japanese visitors to Laos in the future. He observed that cooperation between Laos and Japan had enhanced. Japanese investment in Laos has rapidly increased and the country is now is the fifth largest foreign investor in Laos , according to the press release.

Mr Somphong, who is also Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, informed Mr Miyashita about tourism development and the promotion of ecotourism and historical and cultural attractions. Community-based ecotourism was attracting considerable interest among tourists to Laos .

Japanese visitors to Laos increased by 30 percent last year due to the visa exemption for Japanese citizens that was introduced early last year, according to administration statistics.

The government of Japan has assisted Laos in tourism promotion projects in the area of Road No 9 in Savannakhet province through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This was the first grant aid project from Japan to Laos , according to the press release.

SOurce: vientianetimes

Closer links urged to foster tourism


Photo: Temple in Savannakhet province, Laos

The Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) has urged tourist offices around the country to work together to promote popular tourist attractions.

“If all offices cooperate we hope to persuade tourists to stay longer in Laos ,” LNTA President Somphong Mongkhonvilay said on Tuesday in Vientiane province.

He said the administration planned to set up regions, each consisting of four or five provinces, and tourist operators in those regions would be asked to cooperate in promoting the various attractions in the area.



Recently, tourism offices from the five central provinces held a festival in Savannakhet province to promote tourist sites, local culture and handmade products, attracting thousands of visitors.

“This was a great event and served to showcase tourist attractions in the area. Another successful event was the Elephant Festival held in Xayaboury province earlier this month, which drew interest from the local and foreign media and advertised our tourism potential to the world,” said Mr Somphong.

He added that tourism in Laos has been developing in the last few years because the government has made it easier for visitors to get visas, as well as increasing access to neighbouring countries.



The LNTA will organis e a festival in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, at the end of this year to promote tourism links between five southern and four northern provinces , as well as parts of Vietnam and Thailand .

“The festival will be held in Vangvieng district because it is well known among tourists worldwide,” Mr Somphong said.

He advised that provincial tourism offices should select their best tourist attractions to promote at the festival.


By Souknilundon Southivongnorath

Visitors to Attapeu province are expressing an increasing interest in places of cultural and archaeological interest, the Head of the Provincial Tourism Office, Mr Vixian Viengkeo, said recently.

It seems overseas tourists prefer this aspect of the province to visits to ethnic groups and ecotourism. The number of foreign visitors to Attapeu province is growing, up from around 3000 in 2000 to 16,000 in 2007, said Mr Vixian.

“People coming here have heard that some of the temples have an ancient and interesting history, such as Vat That in Xaysettha district and Vat Ongsensoukhalam in Sakhae village,” he said. “Visitors have a strong interest in visiting these historical temples.”


Photo: Temple in Attapeu

The bones of King Setthathirath are said to be buried at Vat That, which was built around 1579.

A local resident, Mr Bounthone Sythanonxay, 65, is trying to locate anyone in the area who might know anything about the era of King Setthathirath, who was born in 1534 and died at the age of 38.

Ancient Buddha images believed to have been buried for more than 400 years were unearthed last year at the temple, when 139 images were discovered near an old building where many others are stored. The find consisted of 56 gold statues, 54 made of silver and 29 made of copper, of different shapes and sizes.

Mr Vixian said both local and foreign visitors were also keen to see Vat Ongsensoukhalam, which houses a large Buddha image in the sim (temple hall).

This particular image is called Phachao-ongsen , a reference to its size. Locals believe the image is sacred and has special powers, and that they will be successful in their endeavours if they call on the image for help.

The sim is small and old. In the 1970s, American missiles bombed the village and villagers hid in the sim for safety.

“Today, the sim is the only original part of the temple still standing,” Mr Vixian said.

This year the provincial tourism office will develop archaeological sites, particularly building access roads.

Mr Vixian said the office would encourage local people to make handicrafts for sale and to preserve cultural activities for the benefit of tourists.

By phon thikeo
Vientianetimes

The Science, Technology and Environment Office in Kaysone Phomvihane district, Savannakhet province, is planning to refurbish the Dinosaur Museum as a major tourist attraction next year and is seeking funding.

The Head of the office, Mr Sinouan Sihalath, told Vientiane Times yesterday that the major goal is to attract local and foreign visitors to view the area’s unique fossil history and the items that have been unearthed over the previous 70 years.

“We also hope to raise awareness among locals and visitors of the benefits and importance of museums,” he said



“By 2010, the number of tourists visiting the museum is expected to rise to 10,000 per year, up from 6,000 last year. The reason for this increase is the opening of the second Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge at the end of 2006, linking Savannakhet with Mukdahan province, Thailand,” he added.

Mr Sinouan said the museum had generated around 20 million kip in tourist revenue in the past year.

Fossilised bones have been discovered in many parts of the province and are on show at the museum, but there is much more waiting to be discovered, he said.

Dinosaurs vanished from the Earth more than 60 million years ago. In Laos, the first remains were discovered in Tangvay and Nasay villages of Xonbouly district in 1936 by French geologist Josue Heilmann Hoffet.

At that time, Mr Hoffet discovered many fossils in the area, including the remains of four-legged sauropods, two-legged theropods such as the iguanodon, and prehistoric crocodiles and tortoises.

Mr Sinouan explained that a Lao technical team from the Social Science Centre and the Natural Resource and Environment Institute had cooperated with a team of palaeontologists from the French National Museum of Natural History since 1990.

Work has continued at 16 sites in the province, with Lao and French specialists discovering fossils not only in Xonbouly, but also in Phalanxay, Atsaphone, Xayphouthong and Songkhone districts.

By PHAISYTHONG CHANDARA
Vientiantimes

The construction project of Champasak Oriental Hotel in Phonthong district, Champasak province, kicked of in the end of 2006 and now 30% of the construction has been completed. According to the schedule, this hotel set to
be finished 75% by the end of 2007. However, the construction faced a lot of difficulties due to the place for the construction located on the rocky platueu, causing a lot of design to be changed, and added up more the cost of the construction to 12.500.000 $. The rainy season also delayed the construction of this hotel for many months.

Mr. Somsak Keosouriya, representative of Lao Jakao resor, hotel and tourism reported that the budject for the construction came from foreign investment (Thailand) and this hotel will be opened to the public by the middle of 2008.

This hotel comprises of 4 main buildings. Each building is a 3-stored building consists of 112 rooms. Each building has a conventional hall which can accommodate more than 2,000 people.

Savannakhet businesses have invested about US$25 million, to build the hotel five-star ‘Savan Vegas Entertainment Hotel’ on 50 hectares of land in Nongdeun village nearby the second Lao-Thai friendship bridge, the first international high quality hotel in the region.

The five-star hotel to meet international standards of luxury in Savannakhet will be to have over 100 rooms, a casino, karaoke, restaurants, a nightclub, a swimming pool, a golf course and a football pitch to serve the increasing number of visitors, as well as to host entertainment and sporting events to this part of the country. The construction of the luxury hotel will serve to boost the local tourism industry.



The project has been invested by a joint venture with Xaya Construction Company and Laody Company. Work on the hotel is scheduled for completion in 2008.

More and more tourists are expected to visit Savannakhet after the opening of the second Lao-Thai friendship bridge last December, the new route number 9 links Savannakhet to Vietnam, and some sport events for 25th SEA GAMES that will be played in Savannakhet.

BDV-565735-BDV

Photo: The World Peace Committee of Indonesia presented the World Peace Gong to India 2006.

VIENTIANE, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The World Peace Committee of Indonesia has agreed to present the World Peace Gong to Laos as a country of peace, security and political stability for a long period of time.

The intention was made during the President of the World Peace Committee of Indonesia, Juyoto Santany, visited in Laos and called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongloun Sisoulith recently.

The world peace gong was found and originated in Moria mountain in Central Java (locally called as "peace"), the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao news agency (KPL) reported Friday.

It is assumed to date back to 450 years.

The world peace gong was first struck on 31 December, 2002, by an Indonesian president in Bali.

The second ring was made in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 5, 2003, by the United Nations Secretary General to mark the opening of the Second Global Summit on Peace.

The gong has also been used at the opening of important international events around the world.

Laos is the third country to receive the replica of the world peace gong from the World Peace Committee of Indonesia after China in 2004 and India in 2006.

The gong is two metres in diameter, made of bronze, weighing 150 kilogrammes.

It is expected to be presented to Laos in a formal ceremony in March.

At the cordial talks, Santany said that the presentation of the World Peace Gong was to appreciate Laos' contribution to the safeguarding of political stability and security in the region by promoting and strengthening friendly ties with neighbouring countries.

At the same time, Laos has also accomplished the national defence and construction, which ensures peace, security, political socio-economic stability in the country, and also strengthens the unity among its ethnic people and ensures the national development in the future.

Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun expressed thanks to Santany and highly valued the delegation of the World Peace Committee of Indonesia that saw the Laos' advance and significant national development of the Lao Government over the past 30 years.

"Peace and stability may not be achieved if a country does not enjoy national unity and has no correct and fair foreign policy based on the five principles of peaceful co-existence," added the Lao Deputy Prime Minister.

Now Laos has maintained diplomatic relations with 126 countries worldwide, been members of various international organisations, and signed many international treaties considered as a great contribution to the maintenance of world peace.

-- BERNAMA

(KPL) AirAsia launched an inauguration of new direct flight from Vientiane-Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane last Thursday in Vientiane.

The new flight was announced at a concert took place in Vientiane, where was crowded by Vientiane residents saw a recent popular singers from Indee Record.

The multi-award winning AirAsia has carried over 40 million passengers to date, grown from a 2-aircraft fleet to 62 today and now. The final ASEAN country has given the airline the approval to enter the city as part of the airline’s extensive route network-all within the grasp of six years in operation.

The airline is set to commence its inaugural flight into the capital of Laos on 1 December 2007, which started with three direct flights per week to Vientiane from low cost carrier Terminal, Kuala Lumpur using its Airbus aircraft.

Situated on the Mekong River, Vientiane is an unassuming city reachable within two hours and 35 minutes flight from Kuala Lumpur. Laos has a tropical climate with temperatures from May to October, Laos records higher raindrops than the rest of the year while enjoy the cool season from November to February.

For travelers who has been there, one of the best things they say to do once they have made their rounds around the temples and shopping in the local markets for silk, and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong river.

One of the famous landmarks of Vientiane is Pha That Luang, a must-see all historical enthusiasts which was constructed in 1566. Aside from the trials of temples, Vientiane has much to offer for the adventurous travelers. Within one to two hours from the city, one can indulge in a range of thrill-seeking activities such as kayaking, wild-water rafting, trekking through nature parks and many others.
Other city to visit while in Vientiane is Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City situated in northern central of Laos. There are many notable sites to explore in this city including the Kuang Si waterfall, located south of Lung Prabang.

Setting aside a half-day or even one whole day for the waterfall is recommended to soak into this nature’s cascading wonder. One can also take a boat ride northwest of the city to visit the Buddha caves and whisky village, where one can see how a local Lao wine spirits are made.

AirAsia is the first low cost carrier established in Malaysia that has rapidly established itself as the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia. The airline offers a simple “no frills” service at fares that are on overage significantly lower than those offered by tradition full-service airlines. Modeled after the successful low fare airlines such as the US-based Southwest Airlines and Dublin-based Ryanair.

The Regional Head of Commercial, AirAsia Kathleen Tan said, “There is a talent demand for this route to be established from the first day we started the airline, and now to see us launching direct flights to Vientiane is like a missing jigsaw puzzle to be fitted into the AirAsia chapter. We are now a truly ASEAN airline, covering all the 10 countries serving over 80 routes within the region.”

“We strongly believe that our amazing low fares will help stimulate travel in Laos and its surrounding areas especially tapping the backpacking travelers looking for an adventurous trail through Indochina and Thailand. We are also very happy to be able to serve the Malaysians working in Laos who have been very excited with our announcement. We trust our entry into Laos will further strengthen our position as the preferred airline of the region in enabling more people to fly,” added Kathlen.