Phim Hay 360s

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?

By Terry Sweetman
THERE may be a more idyllic place in Asia than Luang Prabang, but I'm yet to find it.

It was described in 1861 by French explorer Henri Mouhot as "a delightful little town, set in its amphitheatre of mountains a paradise". The description still holds.
The now large town/little city on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and its tributaries in the central north of Laos is a routine stopover for kids in quest of the backpackers' far frontier, for unreconstructed hippies, for undemanding tourists, and for baby boomers in search of that elusive sea change as retirement looms.

It is home to a whole atlas of mostly interesting expats and to the most charming and gentle people you're likely to meet.

(Where else would immigration officials contain themselves to a quiet giggle when matrimonial passports and visas are mixed up?)

What locks Luang Prabang in a time warp of simple values is its UNESCO World Heritage listing since 1995 and, I guess, the conservatism that comes with a democratic people's republic.



Were it not for those factors, it would doubtlessly be under threat from the high-rise shysters who have destroyed the character of so many Asian cities.

And, for reasons I could never quite pin down, it seems to have largely escaped the American aerial assault of the 1960s-70s – when Laos is said to have become the most bombed country on the globe – although locals say the airport copped a regular beating.

What got UNESCO interested was the fact that the town "bears witness to major cultural exchanges between three communities – the Lao, the Vietnamese and French": "The rich architectural fabric of the city is expressed through its mixture of styles and materials, which must be preserved."

For the tourist, that major culture exchange has left a wealthy legacy of buildings ranging from solid French brick to the simple wood of Lao tradition.

And it has left a cuisine that ranges from the complex Laotian, based on gentle herbs and spices, to the fiery chilli-based dishes of Vietnamese persuasion and the solidly, sometimes nostalgic, French.

To me, markets are the waste spaces between bars and restaurants, but my wife could not believe the craftsmanship and value of the primitif embroidery and applique

With it comes wine of reasonable taste and value and the most excellent Beer Lao.

(Stay out of French restaurants and wine bars and you can eat and sup very well for no more than $5.)

Historically, the commercial heart of Luang Prabang lay in the substantial stores and warehouses strung along the Mekong, many of which have been transformed into guesthouses.



Across the street – Souvanbanlang – and high on the banks of the Mekong are myriad outdoor bars, restaurants, eateries and stalls.

Sit there at dusk, beer in hand, facing the Mekong, with dinner cooking across the road, and it still is M. Mouhot's little paradise.

This for me is the essence of Luang Prabang, although the younger set seems to like the parallel Sisavangvong with its similar collection of bars, eateries, souvenir joints and adventure travel agents.

In Luang Prabang terms, Souvanbanlang swings with the breeze; Sisavangvong rocks.

One of the practicalities of UNESCO's reign has been a frenzy of drainage and construction that makes Luang Prabang a pedestrian's delight (although beware of storm drains on dark nights).

That and an air of well-maintained cleanliness makes Luang Prabang a comfortable stay for even the most nervous traveller.

(And what's more comfortable in Asian terms than the need for a light pullover after dark over Christmas?)

Reinforcing the comfort is a laidback approach to affairs that can't quite muster the energy to join the shirt-tugging "you-buy" annoyance zone of most Asian tourist cities.

In fact, in the craft markets where hill people sell silks, silver and embroidery, they are sometimes so laidback it can be difficult to unload a dollar.

To me, markets are the waste spaces between bars and restaurants, but my wife could not believe the craftsmanship and value of the primitif embroidery and applique.

There is plenty of junk around, but smiths still beat out the rhythm of their craft in silver shops and exquisite silk can be found, although common sense tells you that village hand looms could not produce all the goods on offer.

The Luang Prabang riverfront is a hub for energetic young things organising elephant treks, Kuang Si waterfall daytrips or speedboat/slowboat excursions to Thailand or Vietnam. But an occasional foray to the villages on the other side and a boat trip upriver to a few craft (read tourist trap) villages and the remarkable Pak Ou cave temple were sufficient exertion for me.

If temples are your thing, Luang Prabang is your kind of town. Noblest of all is Wat Phousi in the centre of town, where a steep climb takes you nearer to heaven (and to the obligatory anti-aircraft gun site) and gives a marvellous view of the city and surrounds.

A less strenuous touch with the spiritual is to get up early and watch the monks collecting their daily rice from devout Buddhist citizens.

But for me, the abiding earthly memory was to be chased down the street by a waiter with the change I'd left as a tip. That's nice.



LUANG PRABANG

GO Bangkok and on with Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com).

STAY Accommodation varies from four-star (for example Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel) to backpacker digs. Guesthouses range from budget to moderately expensive. Visit www.luang-prabang-hotels.com, www.laopdr.com or www.asiahotels.com.

COSTS Expect to pay no more than $A1 a dish at restaurants.

VISA Required.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23257718-17102,00.html

(KPL) Laos and UNESCO survey team has continued their efforts to seek new jars in Xiengkhouang province, because of they believed that some of jars are buried under earth.

According to a news source from local authority of Xiengkhouang province disclosed that officials concerned were ready to discover in five districts, at the moment there is only one district (Nonghaed district) that team was exploring more jars. Due to this area was suspected that there are still many jars in Nonghaed district along common border of Laos and Vietnam.

Local authority explained that almost all districts had been already explored the jars for years it is possible that Laos and UNESCO team will re-conduct new discovery of the jars because they thought that it has not enough cleared as some of jars might be still buried deeply and scattered through out the province.


Photo: The largest jar

Now the total number of enigmatic jars has been discovered about 1,900 jars in seven villages across the province, but it was expected that there might have more than 2,000 jars.

The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos, is one of the most enigmatic sights in the world that many tourists want to visit this ancient jar site; meanwhile local authority has made hopefulness how to earn money from tourism business as much as possible.

The Lao government was working to clear the UXO off the plains, to make it possible for visitors to explore and appreciate the jars without fear on landmines. This is in cooperation with UNESCO, the National Tourist Administration of Lao PDR and the Ministry of Information and Culture.

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

Photo: View of Vientiane city from Donchan Palace Hotel

Chairman of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay urged the government, the private sector and others working in the tourist industry to work more closely to improve tourism services nationwide, at a meeting on Fri day in Vientiane.

Speaking at a meeting held to discuss proposals for the development of the tourism industry in 2008, and the Elephant Festival to be held from February 15 to 17 in Paklai district, Xayaboury province, Mr Somphong praised the outstanding efforts by members of the tourism sector that led to Laos being awarded a number of prizes by international organisations in the past year.

Luang Prabang province was one of the most popular destinations amongst foreign visitors to Laos in 2007, with the majority interested in ecotourism, he noted.

In preparation for the increased number of tourists expected this year, the meeting selected representatives from the government and private tourist sectors to help identify and resolve issues and weaker areas, and to mobilise plans for improvements to the country's tourism industry.

“To impress foreign visitors with our service, we have to expand and strengthen our working relationships and coordination,” said Mr Somphong.

“We must build more facilities for travellers entering and leaving the country, and improve the overall quality of our services in order to attract more tourists and increase revenue for the country.”

He emphasised that the service sectors should work to create a better customer-orientated environment at tourist venues, and preserve tourist attractions by reducing the impacts on the natural, cultural and social environment.

The tourism industry plays a very important role in the country's economy. It generates sustainable incomes for Lao people and helps to remove people from the despair of poverty, said the Vice Chairman of the administration, Mr Soukaseum Bodhisane.

Mr Soukaseum also announced to the assembled media representatives and tourism operators that the world's most famous newspaper, the New York Times, recently named Laos as the top tourist destination for 2008.

The Travel Section of the newspaper collated information on the most attractive destinations in the world, and had placed Laos at number one of the 53 best places to visit this year, he said.

Since the country first began a tourism campaign in 1990-2000, the number of visitors to Laos has continued to increase rapidly. Annual foreign visitors to Laos topped 737,208 in 2002, and tourism has now become one of the nation's leading income earners.

The Lao National Tourism Administration is expecting more than one million visitors to Laos this year, generating around US$195 million.

By MK. Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes

This article may help you spend your US dollar wisely for your travel in 2008.
There are 10 countries in different part of the world that were awarded the cheapest destination 2007 by famous MSN travel magazine and here what they said about Laos:



Laos: Tranquility off the beaten track

Laos is one of the best bargains in Southeast Asia—and that's saying something, since most countries there are relatively cheap for travelers. Because tourism is only beginning to make inroads in Laos, visitors are not seen as mere revenue streams; locals extend a warm and genuine welcome.

Life moves at a languid pace in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, French colonial architecture coexists with dozens of graceful Buddhist temples, and monks in brilliant orange robes stroll the streets. You can find an inexpensive guesthouse for less than $20 a night; open-air cafes along the Mekong River offer absurdly cheap French and Lao specialties.

If you're backpacking, set off into the rugged countryside for caving, jungle trekking and a taste of traditional village life. In Xieng Khouang province, don't miss the "Plain of Jars," a mysterious field lined with hundreds of ancient stone urns.

For the full lists, check out the following link

Source: http://travel.msn.com/Guides/article.aspx?cp-documentid=414811

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