Documentary "Nourished by the Same River"

Nourished by the Same River is a major documentary series produced by China Central Television in cooperation with the national television stations of the countries in the Lancang-Mekong River Region, namely; Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. This 20-part series took three years to complete.-----Read in Lao-----
The underlying theme of Nourished by the Same River is “peace, friendship, cooperation and development”. In pursuit of this, it investigates the lives of the people of the six countries, exploring their living environment, natural surroundings, economy, culture, religion and society. The documentary focuses on the lives of some 40 diverse people, ranging from a 78-year-old elephant trainer in Thailand, to a female mine clearance expert in Vietnam; from villagers living in the primitive rainforests of Laos, fishermen on Lake Tonle Sap in Cambodia and in China’s Guangxi Province, and a child who miraculously survived the tsunami in Thailand, to the workers of the famous ruby mines of Myanmar and a traditional artisan in China’s Yunnan province. The series also features the spectacular ancient civilizations, rich natural resources and unique cultures of the Lancang-Mekong River Region, as well as the achievements in economic and cultural cooperation made by the countries there.

Nourished by the Same River comprises 20 parts, each focusing on a unique topic. The series was shot in over 200 locations, from the ruby mines, Shwedagon Pagoda, Mandalay and Bagan in Myanmar, to the renowned Angkor Wat and Lake Tonle Sap in Cambodia; from the tropical rainforests and the Khon Phapheng Falls in Laos, to Kao Yai National Park and Elephant Village in Thailand; from Cuu Long River Plain and the ancient city of Hue in Vietnam, to great sites of cultural and aesthetic interest in Yunnan and Guangxi in China’s southwest.

This major documentary series is a vehicle for promoting the Lancang-Mekong River Region to the rest of the world. It serves to enhance mutual understanding among people living in the region, and demonstrates the friendship among the six countries. It also stands as a symbol of the success of their exchange in the fields of television and the arts.

text from: http://www.cctv.com/english/special/sameriver/20080326/104019.shtml
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Luang Prabang won a World No Tobacco Day Award from WHO

Laos' old capital of Luang Prabang won a World No Tobacco Day Award from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its efforts to make the city smoking-free, the The Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance said Friday.

"The Laos People's Democratic Republic, has once again proven their commitment to this global health treaty", alliance director Bungon Ritthiphkdee said, referring to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

"Without the close cooperation between government and civil society, the implementation of Smoke-free Luang Prabang would not succeed," she added. Luang Prabang was the royal capital, and seat of the Lao monarchy until 1975, when Laos went communist. City officials initiated the smoke-free program in March 2007, after the former capital was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The smoking ban applies to all tourist attractions, government workplaces, private areas such as restaurants, guest houses, hotels, internet shops, handicraft and souvenir shops, and public places such as the night market.

From www.tourlaos.blogspot.com/
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Top ten places to see in your lifetime, Tham Ting cave in Lunag prabang on the list !

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

Souce : www.tourlaos.blogspot.com/
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22,000 to celebrate Lao New Year in Luang Prabang !

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:From kpl
Via www.tourlaos.blogspot.com
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