Check out photos from Miss Apone Lao beauty contest in Vientiane capital, Laos
at http://samakomlao.blogspot.com

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

The Sydney Morning Herald describes Laos as the cheapest travel destination in Asia. It’s described as “living-like-a-king-on-the-cost-of-a-packet-of-chips-a-day" !

If you've already been to South-East Asia, you won't need me to tell you how great it is (although bear with me, I have to bang on about it for a second to everyone else).

The place has got pretty much anything you could want in a travel destination, save for maybe some snow.

For starters, it's extremely affordable, particularly now with the number of budget carriers flying there. And when you're there, things range from the cheap (Malaysia, Singapore), to the really cheap (Thailand), to the extremely cheap (Vietnam), to the ridiculously cheap (Cambodia) to the I'm-living-like-a-king-on-the-cost-of-a-packet-of-chips-a-day cheap (Laos).

To read more click HERE >>

Khone Phapheng waterfall in Champassak province has earned more than 350 million kip for provincial tourism authorities over the first five months of 2008, according to a tourism official.

“Eighty percent of visitors to the waterfall are from Thailand and Europe and the rest are tourists from other provinces in Laos ,” Khone Phapheng waterfall tourism official Sisavath Bouapaseuth said yesterday.

He said the money received was from entry fees to the waterfall, which are 3,000 kip for Lao nationals and 10,000 kip foreigners.

Many tourists visit the cascade just before the rainy season because it is the best time of year to view the waterfall.

“Most tourists schedule a visit to Khone Phapheng before or after going to Vat Phou because these are the best natural and cultural tourist attractions in Champassak province,” Mr Sisavath said.

He said the numerous handicraft stalls and restaurants at the waterfall also benefited from the growing number of tourists.

A tourist from Thailand , Mr Bounta, who visited the waterfall last week, said the site was so beautiful he took almost 500 photos to show to friends and family in Bangkok .

Another visitor from Vientiane , Ms Nilanda, suggested authorities set up more handicraft stalls in the area to promote traditional Lao products.

Khone Phapheng waterfall is considered the largest by volume in the Southeast Asia region. Amongst the fall's many channels and rocky outcrops visitors can view local people going about their daily work, including setting fish traps.

“Due to the increasing number of tourists, we are doing what we can to protect the environment. We have installed rubbish bins and urge visitors to consider the impact they have on the site,” Mr Sisavath said.

He said almost 50,000 people had visited the falls so far this year and believed these figures would continue to increase in the future.

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
Vientianetimes

(KPL) The construction of Savanh Vegas Hotel and Casino Project in Savannakhet province is expected to be completed and operate in early September.

The statement was disclosed at a meeting between the Investment Promotion Department and the Chinese Sanum Investments Ltd, owner of the investment project, in Savannakhet province on 9 May. Savannakhet Governor Mr Vilayvanh Phomke was also on hand.

Commencing in late 2007, the construction made in the village of Nongdeun, Kaysone Phomvihane district, is now 70 per cent completed.

The developer of the project is also conducting a survey and preparation for a similar project in Paksong district, the southernmost province of Champassak.

The President of Sanum Investments Limited Benson Ko said early this month the investment projects in Savannakhet and Paksong, Champassak, were considered significant contribution to the national economic development. Both projects cost US$50 million with the government of Laos holding 20% of the shares.

Upon completion, Paksong-Vegas Project is expected to attract more foreign tourists, as it is considered the biggest five-star spa and resort in Asia.

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

Photo: Ou cave in Luang prabang, Laos.

Travellers have always made lists of the top destinations to be visited in the world and even armchair travellers dream of experiencing the most unique and exciting sites the planet has to offer.

Bruce Poon, the founder of adventure travel company GAP Adventures, shares his top ten tourist places to see in your lifetime.

Here is what he said about Laos.

The magnificent ancient caves of Pak Ou in Laos are set high above the Mekong River some 25km from Luang Prabang.

These caves have been a place of Buddhist worship and solitude for more than 600 years and more than 4,000 images of the Buddha have been placed inside them over that time.

A humbling place to ponder life's greater mysteries and Mr Poon said that experiencing the tranquillity of these caves is something he will always cherish.

More info about this article can be found at

http://www.travelbite.co.uk/feature/south-and-central-america/venezuela/top-ten-places-see-in-your-lifetime-$1217114.htm

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

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

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 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) Laos plans to promote its reputation as “Laos - Jewel of the Mekong,” in the future to attract more tourists around the world.

This was quoted from a statement of Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Mr Somphong Mongkhounvilay made at a seminar on Lao Mass Media with Tourism on 21 March at the National Culture Hall.

The seminar was organised by the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) in cooperation with mass media agencies to mark the 10th founding anniversary of the “Mouang Lao” (Laos) Magazine.

Mr Somphong who is also the LNTA President, highlighted over the past 15 years the active and constant Lao tourism development. Since 1999, the Lao tourism has seen a fast and constant growth, the number of foreign tourist arrivals has also on the rise, at least 20% a year on average. It has made a large income for the nation and ranks top of national income spinners.



In particular 2007, more than 1.6 million tourists visited Laos, up by 33%, the highest rate among ASEAN member countries. Tourism also generated US$235 million for the country.

The reputation of Lao tourism was emerging in the region and the world. In particular the Nam Ha ecotourism in northern Luang Namtha province, has won three international awards. 10 hotels have also received “green hotel awards” from the Association of ASEAN Tourism.

The curriculum of guide training of the world heritage town of Luang Prabang has won a gold award from the Association of Asia-Pacific Tourism. So has the website “ecotourismlao.com”.

The Luang Prabang World Heritage Town has also been voted by tourists through the Wanderlust, a leading travel magazine of the United Kingdom as the first rank of popular tourism town for three consecutive years (2005-07). The world leading newspaper “New York Times” in the United States selected Laos as the first rank of tourism destination by 2008, out of the 53 well-known tourism sites around the world.

Mr. Somphong also viewed that Laos’ achievement and prestige in international tourism was attributed to a great contribution of local mass media.

The successful lessons from among ASEAN member countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and others countries worldwide have invested in multi-advertisements with a huge amount each year.

According to the LNTA statistics for the 2003-07 period, tourists received information on Laos mainly from magazines and newspapers, accounting for 51 % per year, 4 % through TV, about 28-30 % through radio, 12 % through friends and 41 % through tour companies. The mass media is considered very significant for the renovation movement and tourism promotion and marketing. So the role of the media has been identified in the Lao Tourism Development Strategy for the 2006-20 period as well as tourism law, aiming at providing understanding to Lao people on contribution of tourism preservation and promotion and making foreign tourists knowing about Laos.

The awareness campaign is to concentrate on publishing the beauty of nation, outstanding natural resources, national identity of tourism products in culture, history, nature and other hospitality services. These works have so far been paid attention by the LNTA in cooperation with other private tourism companies.



The LNTA President added that Laos was a small country which was integrating its economy to the regional and international economies, which there will be cooperation and high competitive in tourism area following the opening of ASEAN Free Trade Area.
Laos will host the 2009 SEA Games in 2009 and Vientiane will celebrate its 450th anniversary of the proclamation as the country’s capital. The Party and Government consider the tourism as a priority out of other priorities involved to national economic development.

“By this, we need to cooperate with the mass media to fulfil the goal set by the Government,” said the LNTA President.

The LNTA expects that income from tourism would increase to 13% by the 2008-09 period.

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

Luangnamtha is a northern province bordering on China and Myanmar and its selection is based upon a series of environment, social, cultural, historical and development factors which make the site an excellent location to evaluate the potential for sustainable cultural and ecotourism in an around a protected area. With a population of about 115,000, Luang Namtha is a home to at least forty different ethnic minority groups, including Hmong, Akha, Mien, Shan and Yunnanese. The forests are dense, and cover near 99% of the protected area. Wild cattle (gauar and banteng), Asian wild dogs, tigers, clouded leopard, bears and gibbons also having in the forests and there is still a large bird population. The province also consists of the lowland Lao, Tai Lue, Thai Neua and Thai Dam who live in village just outside the protected area and the historic town of Muang Sing.



Muang Sing originally formed part of group of principalities loosely linked under the leadership of political entity called the Sipsongpanna whose political seat centered in southern Yunnan province, China. Now, it’s become a most interested destination of tourists from around the world. Its full of guesthouses, resorts, restaurants served a standard service in low prices. Take pick up from Luang Nam Tha at 6:00 am to Meuang Sing at 8.30 am.


Photo: New stupa in Luang Namtha

This province has a picturesque beauty with mountains, and many old temples. Although they have been destroyed during the war, there still remains one major attraction and old temple noticeably different from other classical temples. Usually tour itinerary includes an outing to Boten, the Lao-Chinese border checkpoint. South West of Luang Namtha, the still pristine forests of Nam Ha protected area with varieties of wildlife and vegetation can be found.


Photo: Casino in Boten, Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha is also a gateway to neighboring China, and the city of Boten is now a legal border crossing for international tourists. Located near the Nam Tha River, the provincial capital city of Luang Namtha is a commercial center for trade between China, Thailand. Buy a locally produced textile or basket. Visit the town’s historical museum. Get up before sunrise to experience Muang Sing’s bustling morning market, where you will meet all sorts of people, including Thai Dam, Thai Neua, Hmong, Akha, and Yunnanese, buying and selling their produces.


Photo: Tribal museum in Luang namtha

One of the best times to visit Muang Sing is in late October or mid-November, when the local people celebrate the festival of That Muang Sing, a grand stupa located just south of the city. Devoted worshippers pay their respects to the stupa with magical offerings of candles, flowers and incense. However, I want to suggest you that during this month you must take jacket with you all the time.


Photo: Tree house and gibbon experience

Getting there and Away
By air
Lao Aviation provides regular service between Vientiane and city of Luangnamtha, a trip of about one hour and ten minutes.

By road
There is regular bus service between the city of Luang Nam Tha and the transportation hub of Oudomxay, a trip of about five hours. But there is not direct bus from Vientiane to Luang Namtha.

By river
There is regular boat service on the Mekong River between Xieng Kok in Luang Nam Tha province and Xuay Xai in Bokeo Province.

Source: kpl

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

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

Valentine's Day comes once a year, but travel offers a year-round opportunity to show that special person in your life how much you love them. Here, Travel + Leisure magazine provides a list of 10 of its favourite, and inspirational, romantic escapes.

1. TOKYO BY NIGHT

Book a table for two at the New York Grill at the Park Hyatt, Tokyo, in the heart of Shinjuku, where the movie, Lost in Translation was filmed. This is the restaurant - still with the best views of the Tokyo capital - where, 52 floors up, Tokyo lovebirds come to propose. http://www.hyatt.com



2. NEW YEAR'S EVE IN SYDNEY

Beat the crowds and book two seats at Opera Australia's New Year's Eve Gala Concert, which allows you the privilege of viewing the famed fireworks from inside the Sydney Opera House, as well as, of course, a night of sensational music and partying. (Tickets go on sale mid-year). http://www.opera-australia.org.au



3. LUANG PRABANG AT DAWN

Rise early in this spectacular World Heritage-listed town, on the banks of the Mekong in Laos, and witness alms-giving to the saffron-robe-clad monks on their serene ritual procession through the quiet streets. Then wander off for a leisurely breakfast at one of the many French-style cafes. http://www.travelindochina.com.au



4. PARIS AT DAWN

Anyone can swoon at the top of the Eiffel Tower. Go one better and wake up early and recreate the romantic, blue-tinged scenes from the hit French movie, Diva, as you wander around the captivating streets of the City of Light, just as the cafes are baking the first croissants of day. http://www.franceguide.com



5. WAKE UP TO THE TAJ MAHAL

Book a luxurious Taj Mahal view room at the exclusive Oberoi Amarvilas Hotel, with its Moorish and Mughal-inspired architecture. The hotel (the poshest place to stay in Agra) is a mere 600 metres from the world's ultimate monument to love. http://www.oberoihotels.com



6. CATCH SUNRISE AT MACHU PICCHU

Watch dawn break over Machu Picchu, the ancient citadel of the Incas in Peru by staying overnight in the elegant Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. By mid-morning the tour buses offload their hordes, and while the ruins and surrounding mountain peaks are no less magnificent, the spell is broken. http://www.orient-express.com



7. STROLL IN OLD HAVANA

The crumbling Spanish Colonial facades of Cuba's Old Havana provide the perfect backdrop for walking hand-in-hand. Be drawn to a local dark-wood bar by the sound of the Afro-Cuban rhythms that waft up and down the cobbled streets; and once inside there is an ice-cold mojito waiting for you, or perhaps a daquiri, Ernest Hemingway's drink of choice. And as the moon rises high in the sky, walk along the Malecon, the city's seaside promenade and let the sea breeze mingle with the music. http://www.havanatours.com.au



8. GET PASSIONATE IN ST PETERSBURG

Fuel your passion, culturally and otherwise, and secure tickets to a ballet or classical music concert during the St Petersburg "Stars of the White Nights" Festival (May 11 to July 20). Then cap off the evening with an unscripted wander along the city's canals, paying homage to its glorious baroque buildings and many bridges in the moody blue of a midnight twilight. http://www.mariinsky.ru/en



9. LIVE LIKE A PRINCE IN PHUKET

Roll out of your obscenely comfortable king-sized bed and plunge naked into your own private swimming pool in a private villa in Phuket, Thailand. A growing number of the Thai island's resorts now offer an additional level of privacy to the ultimate in luxury. All the resort facilities are at your disposal, and a personal chef is on hand to cater to your every culinary whim. http://www.trisara.com



10. REVEL IN RAVELLO

Immerse yourself in the exquisite vistas of the Amalfi Coast, arguably Europe's most beautiful and inspiring coastline, from a restaurant terrace in the Italian hilltop town of Ravello.

From July to October, catch a performance of classical or contemporary music, dance and cinema as part of the Ravello Festival. http://www.hotelcaruso.com



To read the complete list of Travel + Leisure's 20 most inspirational romantic escapes go to http://www.travelandleisure.com.au