Phim Hay 360s

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

Phongsali is located in the most northern tip of Laos, enclosed three sides by China and Vietnam and cut off to overland travel from Oudomxay to the South. It consists of six districts: Phongsali, Muangmai, Muangkhua, Samphan, Sombounxay and YotOu.

More than twenty ethnicities make up the province's population of approximately 153,400, among them Iko, Loma, Akha, Pusang, Tai Dam, Tai Deng, Yao, Tai Lu, Khamou, Phai, Solo; La Hoy etc. All retain distict cultures, languages and religious beliefs, though their most obvious difference is their dress of the women of each tribe. Handicraft skill-notably in weaving, embroidery and making silver jewelry are also well developed.


Phou Fa stupa in Phongsali


Temple in Phongsali

Phongsaly can be reached by road and river, from Oudomxay it is possible to travel by road as far as Muangkhua in Southern Phongsaly the continue from Muangkhua by road. From Luang Phrabang it is possible to through the Nam Ou river straight north into the hearth of Phongsaly. Another way, you can reach by Lao Aviation which provides two flights per week.


Chinese style house in Phongsali


Aka tribe in Phongsali


sea of cloud on the top of Phongsali province

Eco-tourism sustainable development in Laos

(KPL) Laos has become a world well-known destination for visitors who want to experience eco-tourism, which benefits natural and cultural heritage conservation, local socio-economic development.

Everyday, Laos and international stakeholders work towards realizing this vision. We therefore invite you to visit Laos and experience yourself the splendid bio-diversity and cultural heritage that makes Lao Eco-tourism so special and unique.The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has a low population density, unspoiled diverse ethnic lifestyles and traditions, and perhaps the richest, most extensive network of ecosystems on the Indochina Peninsula.

There are over 800 species of birds and more than 100 large mammals already identified in Laos with new species being discovered every year. Some of the more charismatic species include Tigers, Clouded Leopards, Douc Languar, Gibbons, the Irrawaddy Dolphin, Hornbills, Peafowls, Ibis, Crested Argus’ and Silver Pheasants. In place to protect and conserve these irreplaceable resources is a network of 20 Lao National Protected Areas, often cited as one of the best designed Protected Area Systems in the world. In addition to the country’s vast protected forests and aquatic resources, Laos has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.



The Ancient City of Luang Prabang and the pre-Angkorian Vat Phou Temple Complex. There is also the mysterious Plain of Jars, a forthcoming World Heritage Site that has significant archaeological, historical and natural values. The Lao system of 20 National Protected Areas covers nearly 14% of the country’s land and is recognized as one of the best designed protected areas systems in the world. With large tracts of tropical monsoon forest, diverse wildlife populations, bizarre karst limestone formations and many ethnic minority groups, Laos’ protected areas have an abundance of eco-tourism attractions.

Although most Lao protected areas are remote and difficult to reach, there are many existing opportunities for eco-tourism activities such as trekking, kayaking, bird watching and camping that allow you to experience first-hand the country’s magnificent natural and cultural diversity.

Eager to position Laos as a premier eco-tourism destination, the Lao National Tourism Administration, related government agencies and the private sector are working hard to realize the ambitious vision put forth in the country’s National Eco-tourism Strategy and Action Plan. Enshrined in this plan are the following principles:

• Decrease environmental and cultural impacts.
Increase awareness of the importance of the ethnic groups and biological diversity.
• Promote responsible business practices, which cooperate closely with local authorities and people to support poverty alleviation and deliver conservation benefits.
• Provide a source of income to conserve, sustain and manage the Lao protected area network and cultural heritage sites.
• Emphasize the need for tourism zoning and management plans for sites that will be developed as eco-tourism-destinations.
• Use environmental and social base-line data, as well as long term monitoring programs, to assess and minimize negative impacts.
• Maximize the benefits for the Lao national economy especially local businesses and people living in and around the protected areas.
• Ensure that tourism does not exceed the social and economic limits as determined by researchers working in conjunction with local residents.
• Promote local styles of architecture that are developed in harmony with Lao culture and environment, that use local materials, minimize energy consumption and conserve local plants and wildlife.

Source: kpl

Laos, the jewel of Indochina, is a popular tourist destination because of its tropical climate, its spectacular beauty, and its friendly people. When you plan your next vacation, you should definitely place Laos on your short list of places to visit.

Laos - Land of Vibrant Vegetation

Laos shares its borders with China, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand. Mountains and plateaus cover three-quarters of the land, and its scenic beauty makes tourism in Laos an important industry. Laos boasts vast areas of untouched tropical rain forest, making it an ideal destination for travelers who love wildlife and the outdoors. Many Laos tourism attractions give tourists a chance to interact with the unique Lao landscape and its inhabitants.

Although Laos is completely landlocked, the region offers plenty of recreational water attractions, thanks to the many streams and rivers that form a network of waterways across the land. It is estimated that Lao bodies of water provide 60% of all the water that enters the Mekong River system.

Wildlife In Laos

If you visit Laos, be sure to take a Mekong River tour, where you can see all three layers of the rainforest up close and observe the diverse plants and animals that call this country home. During the dry season in April and May, water levels are low and some river excursions are impossible to operate, so tourism in Laos is most popular between November and March.

The rainforests of Laos are home to an amazing variety of animals, and one reason tourism in Laos is so popular is because Laos is one of the last places left on earth to photograph wildlife in its natural habitat. Indigenous animals like leopards, mongoose, goats, monkeys and bears may be too shy to show themselves to visitors on a river excursion, the colorful birds of Laos will happily pose for some of the best wildlife pictures you’ll ever take. If you’re using a digital camera, be sure to bring plenty of backup batteries and memory cards on your trip, and never leave your hotel room without your camera.

The Lao People

Laos has a population of about 6 million people, and the friendly people are one reason that tourism in Laos is so popular. You will find the Lao people to be very open and amiable. They place a high value on respect and courtesy for others. As long as you are respectful and courteous in return, you will find the people very pleasant indeed.

The official language of the country is Lao, although in Laos, where tourism is prevalent, many natives also speak Vietnamese, French, and English.

Source:www.tourismondemand.com

Oudomxay province has announced the opening of Chom-aung cave as its newest tourist attraction.

The cave is part of the province's new long-term strategy to integrate its tourism industry with that of Luang Prabang province, to encourage visitors to the world heritage site to continue on to Oudomxay.

Officials said Chom-aung is one of the longest caves in northern Laos , and is located 40km from Xay, the largest town in the province, and is accessed by a gravel road.

The Head of the Oudomxay tourism office, Mr Sivan Bounsavath, said yesterday that only some parts of the cave were open to tourists. “The cave is very long, spread along a mountain range, and we are yet to find its limits,” he said.

He added that the cave, which officials had begun surveying in 2003-2004, is between 30 to 40 metres wide and has a permanent flow of water through it. Fish swim in the underground river.

Home stays are now available at Chom-aung Tai and Chom-aung Neua villages where tourists can take a two or three day trek.

A trip to the cave is part of the trekking programme to explore natural forests, waterfalls and farmlands and to see how local people make a living.

Officials said several caves are waiting to be developed for visitors, but the province has limited funding.

Xay, the provincial town of Oudomxay , is being developed with new buildings and roads and is rapidly becoming a gateway to the northern provinces .

Last year, tourist arrivals reached almost 70,000 people, an eight percent increase over the year before. Tourists enter the province from Bokeo or Luang Prabang province.

Mr Sivan said more than 100 tourists visit Pakbeng district on the Mekong River every day and some of them continue onto Xay.

O ne third of the tourists come from Western countries and the rest are from China and Thailand , he said.

Programme tours mostly feature trekking to observe the lifestyles of the 14 local ethnic groups and experience the natural environment.

According to the tourism office, Oudomxay province has eight hotels, 50 guesthouses, four resorts and 92 restaurants.

The main challenge is the undeveloped roads leading to the best tourism sites. In the rainy season, some sites are completely inaccessible, but the provincial authorities will be tackling this issue soon.

“We have seen the potential for growth in our tourism industry, but we also face a challenge to develop enough facilities and maintain the roads,” Mr Sivan said.

“Our strategy stipulates tourism development to generate income for local villagers as part of our poverty reduction plan,” he added.

By Somsack Pongkhao
Content: Vientianetimes
Photo: Ecotourismlao