For those who plan to visit Laos via boat, or want to explore the beauty of Laos along the main rivers, you can check out this video clip. Laos is very laid-back and green country. No matter where you go, you will never disappointed.

(KPL) Laos expects to welcome 1.8 million international arrivals by the end of 2008, earning about 250 million USD, said the national tourism body’s report.

According to the Laos National Tourism Administration, nearly 1.4 million travellers have visited Laos in the first 10 months of 2008, a 3 percent rise over the corresponding period last year.

Over the recent past, Laos has scaled up investments in infrastructure to make it more attractive in the eyes of foreigners, such as in upgrade of Louang Namtha airport, national road No. 3, construction of the second bridge over Mekong River linking Laos and Thailand, improvement of the nation’s telecommunications and tourism services as well as building new spots of tourist attrations.

The Lao government has decided to give nationals from all ASEAN nations, except Myanmar, the visa waiver and directly provide one-month visa application procedure for foreigners at 16 border gates.

In 2007, Laos welcomed over 1.62 million visitors, up 34 percent compared with 2006, fetching 233 million USD to the national budget.

When Laos began to truly open to tourism in the early 1990’s, visitors focused on the cultural riches of Luang Prabang in the north, and the southern regions remained for a long time a destination for the more adventurous travelers. But this is changing fast. With the remarkable improvement of road networks around the whole of Indochina, Champasak has become the center of a new buoyant backpacking scene commuting overland in luxurious sleeper buses between Vientiane and Phnom Penh. And with a bridge crossing over the Mekong that links Thailand and Vietnam along the east-west axis, getting across borders is now much easier.


Sand Bar Islands


Mention visiting an island in Laos and one will most likely meet with a perplexed gaze. The very idea of islands in Southeast Asia is so indubitably linked to visions of white sandy beaches, that it simply cannot fit Laos, a largely mountainous country with no direct access to the sea. But rivers too can harbour islands, and in the case of Laos, one has to take into account that the Mekong isn’t just any ordinary river. It is one of the longest rivers in the world, and the possibility of it giving rise to islands shouldn’t be regarded as impossible. However, the Lao name Si Phan Don, or Four Thousand Islands, that was bestowed on the lush and scenic Champasak province in Southernmost Laos is a little superlative, if not far-fetched. To meet with such an incredible number of islands, one has to take into account every single sand bar that emerges out at the peak of the dry season. That said, there are indeed a good number of islands inhabited all year round, the largest of which, Don Khone, measures no less than four-by-eight kilometers. At the height of the rainy season, some parts of the Mekong in Si Phan Don can span over 12 kilometers. This is also where the river suddenly drops in altitude, resulting in the formation of a few majestic waterfalls that have prevented thorough commercial use of the Mekong. One of these waterfalls, Khon Pha Pheng, is purpotedly the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia and, indeed, the impressive tumultuous flow of water stands as a stark reminder that the Mekong is also the 12th largest river of the world by volume.


The Two Dons

The islands of Si Phan Don are best explored by bicycle, cycling on sandy shaded paths across the forests or along the luxuriant river banks. Most activity takes place on the twin islands of Don Det and Don Khone, which are linked by a concrete bridge. This bridge was part of a train track built by the French to link Don Khone’s southernmost point and Don Det’s northern bank in an attempt to bypass the waterfalls and allow the transportation of goods on the Mekong. A short distance away from the bridge lies a rusting tiny locomotive that for many years commuted along the only railway track ever built in Laos. Don Det has attracted the younger segment of the backpacking scene, bringing a distinct hippy flavor to the place. Typical accommodations here take the form of hammocks hanging in the bungalows veranda, with a view over the river of course. The more comfortable accommodations are found in Don Khone. An interesting option is Sala Phae (Ban Khone Tai, Khong District, Champassak Province, +856-30-525 6390, +856-21-217 526, www. salaphae.salalao.com), which has floating raft rooms, where you can sleep in a large breezy room directly over the flow of the mighty river, watch the sunset from the veranda, and dip your feet in the cool water of the Mekong.

Pakse Crossroads


Si Phan Don, however, is only one of the many attractions that Champasak has to offer. The once sleepy little town of Pakse is right in the middle of the Indochina backpacker trail, and seems bent on becoming an important crossroad. In fact, judging by the number of luxury hotels under construction around town, Pakse has already become an attractive destination for a number of investors. Pakse too has its fair share of quaint colonial buildings from the turn of the 20th century which are an interesting combination of Art Deco and 1950’s architecture. Particularly arresting is a block of shophouses where one can see a clear chronological evolution of urban Southeast Asian architecture over the entire 20th century, from French colonial to 1990’s Post-Modern and Neo-Classical styles. And, with a scenic location at the confluence of the Mekong and the Se Don River, Pakse is actually quite a pleasant place to visit.


The Bolaven Plateau


Just one hour north of Pakse, with an altitude of around 1,000 meters, the Bolaven plateau was put to good use by French planters to cultivate coffee and tea. Today, a large quantity of the production is exported, and is one of Laos’s most important sources of foreign trade. This is the place to find cool air and nature at its best. Ecotourism has become a catch word in Laos, heavily encouraged by local authorities, and the Bolaven plateau has a lot to offer. You can enjoy scenic rides across forests, coffee and tea plantations; hop from one pretty waterfall to the next, stop in hill tribe villages to buy intricate hand-woven textiles or take the obligatory elephant ride. More adventurous travelers can rent motorbikes to explore the plateau on their own. The Bolaven plateau also has a few atmospheric accommodation options to offer in the form of bungalows overlooking cool waterfalls.


The Ruins of Wat Phu


Champasak is home to one of the oldest Khmer sites in existence—the ruins of Wat Phu. The origin of this temple is found in the shape of the mountain at the foot of which the temple started taking shape in the fifth century CE. The summit, the Phu Kao, immediately commands ones attention because of its resemblance to a linga, Shiva’s phallic symbol. Phu Kao was believed to be a natural linga, a spontaneous manifestation of the Hindu god. At the foot of the mountain, fl owed a spring, around which the temple was built. Later in history, that spring was used to keep the linga of the sanctuary perpetually wet, a set-up apparently unique to the Khmer world. Wat Phu presents fine examples of Khmer sculpture and is best visited in the early morning when the frangipanis lining the staircase leading to the sanctuary pervade the air with their heavenly smell. In order to be there in time for sunrise, it is best to stay in the nearby little town of Champasak that gives its name to the province, which was previously the capital of a short-lived, 18th century kingdom that has lost most of its former glory. There are a few guesthouses of fairly good standard. The best and most romantic option is La Folie Lodge (Don Daeng, District Pathoumphone, BP 668, Champassak, Lao PDR., 856-534-7603, reservations@folie-laos.com), a resort complete with swimming pool overlooking the Mekong and finely decorated teak bungalows set in the lush greenery of the island of Don Daeng. As the whole of Indochine opens up ever more to tourism, there will be fewer and fewer places like Champasak left to explore. Go now.

Source: AziaCity.com

(KPL) A tourism information center was built recently in Parkbeng district with 287 million kip of government fund.

The center was considered as the main potential for attracting the tourist and helping them to save the time to looking for the tourist sites in the province.

In the first six months of 2007-2008 period, the Parkbang district has received 24,548 tourists, 1,140 of which was local tourists and 23,307 foreign tourists with able to create income about 6.137 billion kip.

To day, the Parkbeng district has one hotel, 2 resorts and 13 guesthouses with 216 rooms and 20 restaurants.

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

Japanese ambassador discusses assistance for Lao tourism



President of the Lao National Tourism Administration Somphong Mongkhonvilay met the Ambassador of Japan to Laos , Mr Masaaki Miyashita, last week in Vientiane to discuss assistance for the Lao tourism sector, according to a press release from the administration.

Mr Miyashita told Mr Somphong that many Japanese businesspeople were interested in investment in Lao tourism, it stated.

He said he was encouraging them to invest in Laos to serve Japanese visitors to Laos in the future. He observed that cooperation between Laos and Japan had enhanced. Japanese investment in Laos has rapidly increased and the country is now is the fifth largest foreign investor in Laos , according to the press release.

Mr Somphong, who is also Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, informed Mr Miyashita about tourism development and the promotion of ecotourism and historical and cultural attractions. Community-based ecotourism was attracting considerable interest among tourists to Laos .

Japanese visitors to Laos increased by 30 percent last year due to the visa exemption for Japanese citizens that was introduced early last year, according to administration statistics.

The government of Japan has assisted Laos in tourism promotion projects in the area of Road No 9 in Savannakhet province through the Japan International Cooperation Agency. This was the first grant aid project from Japan to Laos , according to the press release.

SOurce: vientianetimes

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

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

(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.