Phim Hay 360s

VIENTIANE, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Low-cost carrier AirAsia Bhd will introduce daily direct flight for its newly-launched Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane route by May this year from three flights per week currently, group chief executive officer Datuk Tony Fernandes said today.

He said response to the route has been "very good" since its soft launch on Dec 1 last year.

"December was a fantastic month, we had almost 90 percent of load factor and in January it was about 65 percent.

We are very confident of this route," he told reporters after the official launch of its latest route in the Asean region here.

The ceremony was officiated by Laos' Public Works and Transport Minister Sommat Pholsena and the Asssociation of South East Asian Nations (Asean) secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan.

Fernandes said most of the passengers for the Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane were tourists while some were business travellers. According to him, Laos has a lot of attractive places, providing opportunities for growth.

He also hoped that the Laos government will extend the runway of Luang Prabang airport to enable the airline to offer the Kuala Lumpur-Luang Prabang route going forward.

He said the Luang Prabang runway was currently not long enough for bigger aircraft to land.

Vientiane, Laos' cultural and economic centre, is situated on the country's border with Thailand and is quickly establishing itself as a thriving tourist destination, receiving more than 700,000 visitors last year.



Meanwhile, Surin said AirAsia's Kuala Lumpur-Vientiane further connected Asean countries and enabled people to travel and explore the region with ease. He said the launch of AirAsia's new route was testament to the airline's goal of making travel accessible and a reality for all.

Earlier, Fernandes and AirAsia's chairman Datuk Pahamin Rajab personally greeted passengers of Flight AK 812 from Kuala Lumpur at the Wattay International Airport upon arrival at 10.40am (Vientiane time).

To date, AirAsia has carried over 46 million passengers under the most extensive low-cost network in the region with over 90 routes.

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

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

Laos Entry Visa-on-Arrival now valid for 30 days at all border crossing points and ports of entry.

Visas are needed for all except Japanese, Russian, Mongolian or ASEAN visitors to Laos. If you want to save time and convenience when arriving in countries which require visas, then it's better to get them before you leave home. You can apply to each country's Embassy (allow plenty of time)

Lao Visa Prices

The 30 day visa on arrival in the Lao PDR is available at all ports of entry in Laos including the three international airports of Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. You should try to have one photo.

Visa cost ranges from $20 (China) to $42 (Canada). Sweden is $31, $35 for the USA, UK and most of Europe, $40 for India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and $30 for Australia and other countries. The full list is on display at the Visa Application window or click here to view. Japanese, Russian and Mongolian visitors to Laos no longer need a visa and ASEAN country passport holders should not have to pay for a 15 day entry stamp.

US dollars in smaller denominations can be used freely in much of Laos, so try to arrive with enough US$ notes for your visa. Thai currency (baht) can also be used in Lao, but paying for a visa with baht is expensive, due to the bad exchange rate at Lao Immigration.

If you apply before the expiry date, visas can be extended for about $1 per day in Vientiane. The Immigration office is opposite Bangkok Bank in a road off Lane Xang Avenue, on the other side to the Morning Market. On the corner is the Joint Development Bank (JDB) head office which has an ATM booth, currently for VISA cards only. Most other ATMs around the city accept MasterCard too. See Lao Banking for more.


24 hours ATM in Vientiane

You can also obtain your Lao Visa in the USA in advance from Passport Visa Express, or from a Lao Embassy in your country. If you prefer to have all your visas in your passport before you arrive in the countries that require them, then visit the PassportVisasExpress.com website where you can also apply for a US Passport if you don't have one yet.

Note that many travellers entering Thailand from the Lao PDR or other country will not need a Thai visa.

Visa procedure at the Thai Lao Friendship Bridge, Nongkhai
Opening times are from 6 am to 10 pm. Unless you are unlucky and arrive just after a large tour group, the wait for your visa is usually 10 to 15 minutes.

TMB now has permanent 24 hour Thai baht ATMs just before Thai Immigration, for VISA, MasterCard etc. The next are on the Lao side several Km from the Bridge, outside three factories; these also accept VISA and Cirrus cards, but dispense kip, usable only within the Lao PDR.

* Visa on arrival facilities now exist at 14 land border crossings and river ports of entry to the Lao PDR from Thailand, China and Vietnam including Mittaphap (Friendship) Bridge & Nongkhai, Houayxay & Xiengkhong, Thakhek & Nakhonphanom, Savannakhet & Mukdahan, Vangtao & Xongmek, Namphao & Cautreo, Densavanh & Laobao, Naphao & Chalo, Boten & Bohane, Namkane & Namekane, Namsoue & Nameo and Paksane & Beungkane. We cannot confirm the Cambodia/Lao crossing points issue visas.

If you already have a visa for the Lao PDR in your passport, you only need to fill in an Arrival/Departure form (similar to the Thailand one) available in the arrivals area or from the Visa on Arrival window. Just ask for the form. Fill in both sections, using any guesthouse or hotel name (Lao Plaza, Novotel, Mekong) as your address – no one cares. Present the completed form with your passport at a Foreign Passports booth and you will be 'stamped in'. Make sure you get 30 days entry and not just 15 as previously.

If you don't yet have your Lao visa, DO NOT proceed to the Foreign Passports Arrivals Booth until you have applied for and received your visa. Ask for the two forms you need at the left hand Visa-on-arrival window. First, fill in the simple Visa Application form and hand it back together with your passport, one photo and the fee (there is a list of countries and fees ranging from $30 to $42 – see above) in US dollars cash. On weekends and holidays there is a $1 surcharge. Second, take a seat and complete and sign both halves of the Arrivals/Departure form. Wait 10 minutes or so until your name (or something resembling it!) is called from the right hand window, collect your passport with its (previously 15 but now) 30 day visa, and proceed to one of the Foreign Passports arrivals booths, where you will be processed. Check to make sure you are stamped in for thirty days and not fifteen as previously. Walk past Customs; they rarely stop foreign tourists unless they are carrying a lot of extra bags. At the Entry Fee booth pay 10 or 20 baht. The final stop is a uniformed official who briefly checks your passport and the entry receipts. Welcome to Laos!

If you want to stock up on imported liquor and cigarettes, you can buy freely at the Duty Free shops on the Lao side. However, liquor prices are much the same in town: very cheap compared to Thailand. Most people take a bottle of something when they go back to Nongkhai.

Source: www.asiakingtravel.com

Photo: Calao hotel in Luang prabang

LUANG Prabang authorities have allowed Yunnan Copper Mining, a Chinese state-owned company to construct a major luxury hotel in Nadeua village, some 5 km from the centre of the world heritage town.

Director of Luang Prabang Tourism Administration, Mr Khamphouy Phommavong, said last month that the provincial planning and investment department had signed a MoU with the company, which green lights the US$5million investment to construct the hotel complex along the road to the Kuangxi waterfall, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province.

Mr Khamphouy, who is also a member of the temporary committee which gave the approval, said that the committee had provided 35 to 40 hectares of land, and construction would commence at the end of the year.

Deputy Director of Luang Prabang Tourism Administration, Mr Khamtan Somphanvilay, confirmed yesterday that the construction of the hotel would begin in August, and the company is preparing materials and resources.

The development would feature Lao traditional architecture to maintain the charm of the world heritage town. Inside there will be a gym, entertainment venues, health centre and sport clubs, he added.

Mr Khamtan said that the hotel would have over 200 rooms, which would welcome more visitors, in particular from neighbouring China. He said that the Chinese people now have more money and the chance to travel than ever before.

He said that the investment of Chinese companies in tourist accommodations in Luang Prabang was initiated in 2006 when Lao President, Choummaly Sayasone, visited neighbouring Yunnan province to encourage Chinese investment in Laos.

“The Yunnan authorities sent representatives to visit Luang Prabang last year and expressed interest in the area,” he said.

He said that Chinese investment in the province reflects the growing relationship between two nations.

President of Guesthouse and Hotel Association in Luang Prabang, Mr Khoun Chanthaboupha, said that it was good news for Luang Prabang and its people as there is a shortage of high-class accommodation available.

He said that guesthouses and hotels were often fully booked during the high season, at the moment Luang Prabang is overcrowded with tourists.

He said that many tourists are forced into sharing rooms if they want somewhere to sleep.

There are 178 guesthouses with 2000 rooms and 30 hotels with 600 rooms. The maximum number of tourists Luang Prabang is able to deal with is around 3000 people, according to Mr Khoun.


By EKAPHONE PHOUTHONESY

(KPL) This year, the number of tourist arrivals in the country has soared to 1.4 million, up over the previous year’s. The majority of tourists are from neighbouring countries, especially Thailand.

According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, the number of tourist arrivals in 2007 stood at 1.4 million, up from 1.2 million in 2006.
Mr Soukkaseum Phothilad, Deputy-President of the Lao National Tourism Administration (NTA) last week disclosed that this year the Lao PDR was able to earn at least US$ 200 million from the tourism sector.

He said that the major destinations were Vientiane Capital with 800,000 arrivals, followed by central Savannakhet province with 192,000 arrivals and Luang Prabang province with 151,700.
An NTA official said that the rise was attributed to the abundance in ethnic minorities, natural beauty, the world heritage status of tourist sites, archaeologies and the hospitality of Lao people.

photo: Hotel "La Résidence Phou Vao", Luang Prabang, Laos

Hotel and guesthouse proprietors in Luang Prabang province have more than doubled the prices charged for accommodation on their premises, due to increasing tourist numbers over the high season.

Provincial tourism officials confirm that prices are, however, still below the ceiling rate placed on prices by the provincial authorities, and that the increases in room rates have had no visible negative impact on the visiting tourists.

The president of the Luang Prabang Hotel and Guesthouse Association, Mr Khoun Chanthaboupha, said last week that accommodation providers in the world heritage town began to increase their service charges early this month. As tourist numbers dramatically increased, the number of available guesthouse and hotel rooms became insufficient to meet customer demands.

According to Mr Khoun, prices for a guesthouse room are currently ranging from 140,475 kip (US$15) to 936,500 kip (US$100) per night; a hotel room can fetch anywhere from 936,500 kip (US$100) to 4.6 million kip (US$500) per night.

The normal price for a guesthouse room ranges from 46,780 kip (US $5) to 467,800 kip (US $50), and a hotel room will not cost above 2.8 million kip (US $300).

Mr Khoun noted that the present prices found in the province are still under the ceiling rates established by the Provincial Tourism Administration. He said that the administration considered the increases in price reasonable, and as they were only seasonal, authorities did not wish to meddle with the business affairs of the sector.

He confirmed that the accommodation increases were not due to increases in the price of fuel and other goods on the market, but were rather a seasonal event, seen every year at this time as both domestic and foreign traveller numbers increase. He added that business people only have the chance to readily earn money du ring this time of the year.

“From early December to late January is the country's peak tourist season, and all accommodation providers seize the opportunity to increase the charges for their rooms,” he told Vientiane Times during a visit to Vientiane last week.

“During this time, guesthouse and hotels owners do not have to compete with each other to please customers and offer special prices to attract them to their establishments.”

Mr Khoun said that the only way to reduce the costs of accommodation at the more popular holiday destinations, and to make domestic travel to places like Luang Prabang during the season possible for all Lao nationals, was to encourage the private sector to build more guesthouses and hotels.

Luang Prabang currently has about 16,000 rooms available in guesthouses and hotels.

He said that Luang Prabang was experiencing difficulty in increasing the availability of room numbers, due to the enforcement of strict world heritage preservation rules, which limit the construction of high-rise buildings, and subsequently fuels the increases in land prices on which to build further guesthouses and hotels.

He said that many of the residents in the town have turned their houses into modest guesthouses. The rooms do not, however, always meet the demands of customers.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy

Vientianetimes