Phim Hay 360s

Photo: Nang Sangkan (Miss Lao New Year 2008 in Luang Prabang, Laos)

Luang Prabang has estimated the number of both domestic and foreign visitors entering the province during Lao New Year celebration at 22,000.

“Foreign tourists will share over 70 per cent of the total visitors of the province during the celebration of Lao New Year,” said this week the Head of Luang Prabang Tourism Office, Mr. Khamtanh Somphanvilay.

The province also estimates that around 4 billion kip will be in circulation during the celebration.

“This year the province cerebrates Lao New Year from 9 to 19 April, and there will be so many activities than ever,” added Mr. Khamtanh.
A trade fair of domestic and foreign products and services also coincides the celebration of Lao New Year.

Source:kpl
photo: lpb2d

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

The World Heritage town of Luang Prabang last Sunday celebrated its award by the UK 's leading travel magazine, Wanderlust, of the ‘Top City Gold Award', for the third successive year.

The celebrations began with food offerings to monks, followed by processions carrying national flags and banners, and an elephant parade.



The parade began at the provincial administration office and slowly travelled along Sisavangvong Road to Vat Xieng Thong, with local and foreign visitors joining in the celebrations.

Speaking before the parade, Governor of Luang Prabang province Bounheuang Douangphachan said the people of Luang Prabang were very proud to receive the international accolade.

“The award is not easy to win and we were competing with many well-known cities around the world,” he said.



Luang Prabang authorities have treated tourism as a priority in achieving socio-economic development and the industry has grown rapidly. The province has developed tourism services for cultural, natural and historical attractions to bring economic benefits to local people, he said.

The town was voted into the magazine's top 10 cities, from a list of 615, before the decision was made to give it the gold award. A poll of the magazine's readers who had visited the city found a satisfaction rating of more than 97 percent.

Luang Prabang won the award because it is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by Europeans in the 19th and 20th centuries. The 1,200-year-old historic town is considered to be the cultural and religious capital of Laos .

“The most important aspect of the town is the charm and hospitality of its people, a characteristic that has been handed down over the centuries. Now it has been revealed to the world,” Mr Bounheuang said.

He said people of all ethnicities should be proud of their artistic culture and architecture, and urged them to preserve and develop the town in a sustainable way.



In 1995 UNESCO added the town to its list of World Heritage Sites. It became the first such site in Laos , ensuring the preservation of its mixture of traditional Lao and French architecture. Since then its unique character has helped make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

Also attending the celebrations were Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and President of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Deputy Governor Dr Khampheng Saysompheng, and the Deputy Minister of Information and Culture Bouangeun Saphouvong.

By MK. Vongsam-ang
Vientianetimes

(KPL) As everybody know that the 2nd Elephant Festivals will take place in Paklay district, Sayaboury province between 15 and 17 February with more activities to impress visitors.
Paklay district is always famed for elephants. The skilled training and handling capabilities of local mahouts have made Paklay the focal point of Lao elephant lore. In Paklay, elephants are sacred. They have been man’s best friend since time immemorial.
Traditionally used for work in the forest, these magnificent animals are now looking forward to meeting visitors at this second elephant festival, giving them the chance to discover the riches and marvels of the cultural and natural world surrounding them. Who could pretend to have visited Laos, the “Land of a Million Elephants”, without meeting one of these superb animals? So, come and meet the elephants and their masters at the Elephant Festival.

Friday 15 February 2008
OPENING
Opening Ceremony. Elephant Procession. Elephant Bath. Mahoutship Demonstration. Lectures. Live Art performances. Tug-of-War Contest. Vientiane Circus show. Showing of "Caravan Xang" Film on giant screen. Traditional dances, concert, fun fair and Night market.

Saturday 16 February 2008
TRIBUTE TO THE ELEPHANT
Paklay Traditions Procession (Rockets, boats, traditional masks). "Female Elephant of the Year" procession. Elephant Bath. Mahoutship Demonstration. Boat race and rocket festival. Vientiane Circus show. Showing of "Chang" film on giant screen. Traditional dances, concert, fun Fair and Night market.

Sunday 17 February 2008
THE LAO ELEPHANT DAY
Male "Elephants of the Year" Procession. Monks blessing. Elephant Baci ceremony. Young elephant taming ceremony. Outdoors Elephant Museum . Elephant race. Contemporary Art exhibition. Drawing contest. Traditional fireworks. Show & Concert. Fun Fair.



How to get to Paklay?

FROM INSIDE LAOS
From Vientiane (about 6 hours)

By road : Take the Luang Prabang road (13N) up to Hin Heup (100km). Turn left in the direction of Muang Feuang and follow the road down to Sanakham. In Sanakham continue up to Paklay and cross the Mekong (ferry boat).

BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE IN VIENTIANE (9hrs).

By boat (recommended): Regulars line up to Paklay and down to Vientiane (departing in the morning).
FULL DAY cruise.
From Luang Prabang (about a day)

By road : Drive down to Xieng Ngeun and take the direction of Sayabouri. In Sayabouri drive down south to Paklay (152 km).
BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE IN LUANG PRABANG.

NO BOATS FROM LUANG PRABANG


FROM OUTSIDE LAOS

Thailand
Enter Laos through the international border check point of Tha-Li / Kenthao in Loei province. Drive to Paklay (57 km).

NOTE: You need a valid entry VISA to Laos if you plan to enter from this check point.
There is NO VISA ON ARRIVAL.

Access to the festival is free to the public.

Visitors to the Elephant Festival are welcome either on group tours or as individual travellers. You can book your stay through travel agent or come by your own means.

Accommodation is available in Paklay, though in limited numbers. A home stay programme has also been set up with villagers in Paklay. Rooms will be available for rent at a unique price throughout the festival. Rooms within the Home Stay program are equipped with a double bed, mosquito net and clean sheets.

For travellers who prefer camping, land will be available to install tents near the festival's site (tents and camping equipment are not provided).

The conditions can be somewhat rudimentary. Travellers are expected to be open-minded and looking for an authentic experience in the heart of Laotian culture. Participants must be aware that there are limited numbers of western-style toilets and washing facilities. Sleeping is on a bamboo floor or local wooden beds, dormitory style, in traditional houses.

In February, be aware that temperatures can drop at nights. A fleece and long pants are useful items. Food will be local and available at the numerous food stalls.

What to Bring Along?

Light clothing made from natural fibres is the best clothing for Laos.

Malaria and Dengue fever are a problem in Laos. However, with caution, they can easily be avoided.

Sleep with a mosquito net
Wear long sleeves and trousers around dusk
Use plenty of strong insect repellant - some brands can be applied directly on clothing
Money

The unit of currency in Laos is the Kip. Currency may not be changed during the festival.

We suggest you keep a ready supply of KIP notes or smaller US dollar bills. If you have arrived from Thailand , you may bring Thai Baht too. Credit cards cannot be used in Paklay.

(KPL) The Sayaboury province in collaboration with the National Tourism Authority with support from the Asian Elephant Protection Association will organize the second elephant festival from 15-17 February, 2008 in Paklai district.

The festival is aimed to use the elephants as the tool to promote relations between forest and home elephants and people who used the elephants for business. It is also to preserve the Lao elephants. During the festival, the treatment center will be established to care the hurtful elephants from working or accidents. The visitors will be able to enjoy an elephants parade, elephants beauty contest, a baci ceremony, circus performances, a drawing competition, local boat racing and rocket displays.

The event will also feature traditional dances, a trade fair with local elephant souvenirs and Mahout’s costumes, and a cultural booth. The festival will be attended by 70 elephants. Laos has now just over 2,000 elephants nationwide, including those in village and in the wild.
The Sayabury province has now 448 village elephants and about 1,000 wild elephants, covering 75 percent of total elephants in the country.