Luang Prabang Today

The song for 5th Luang Prabang Game 1997

2011-12-12T01:55:00.001+07:00

The 9th Lao National Games rehearsal

2011-12-12T01:53:00.000+07:00

Luang Prabang Film Festival 2011

2011-12-12T01:52:00.001+07:00

The Luang Prabang Film Festival will present over 50 films from across Southeast Asia from 3-7 December 2011.

www.lpfilmfest.org

New runway at Luang Prabang airport opens

2011-12-12T01:21:00.009+07:00

A320 landing at the new runway of Luang Prabang Airport

(KPL) A new runway at Luang Prabang International Airport has opened.
The opening ceremony of Luang Prabang Airport’s new runway was held on 20 October.
At the event were Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Vanpheng Chanthaphone, Director of Lao Airline Enterprise, Mr. Somphone Douangdala, Luang Prabang Deputy Governor, Mr. Saisamone Khomthavong and other companies involved in the project.

The rest of Luang Prabang International Airport has now reached a second stage, with a new passenger terminal and an aeroplane parking area under construction, on what was the old runway.
The head of the project, Mr. Sackda Soulisack said the new runway has been completed behind schedule, due to difficult weather conditions.

He also added that the improved infrastructure was now almost 65 per cent complete and would consists of a 2,500m-runway and new public facilities.

Photos by Luang Prabang Today

Source by KPL Lao News Agency
By Vinnaly
October 21, 2011

Luang Prabang retains top ranking in tourism awards 2011

2011-02-09T10:15:00.007+07:00

The World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang has retained its position atop Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s annual list of best tourist destinations.

The announcement was made as part of the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2011 earlier this month.
Luang Prabang claimed first place with a score of 96.89 percent, followed by Hoi An in Vietnam with 96 percent and Kyoto in Japan with 95.63 percent.

Deputy Head of the Luang Prabang provincial Tourism Department Mr Khamtan Somphanvilay said the department was informed quite late about the award and had to send an official from the Lao embassy in France to receive it in the UK.

“We have already discussed with the provincial authority about holding a ceremony in March to recognise the hard work of everyone in achieving this great honour,” he said.

The British magazine is a widely recognised authority on travel and news of the award has already been reported by media outlets throughout the world.

In most categories of the awards, readers of the magazine were asked to list up to four entries and score each one on its merits. The final positions were based on an average score for the entry converted to a percentage, meaning results were based on merit rather than the number of votes received.

Mr Khamtan said Luang Prabang came out on top mainly thanks to its combination of nature, architecture, culture, lifestyle and the friendliness of local people.

“There are many special destinations in the world, but Luang Prabang’s charming array of services and accommodation attracts all kinds of visitors in both the low and high income brackets.”

Luang Prabang won the title from 2006 to 2008 before falling to seventh place in 2009. After reclaiming top spot last year, Mr Khamtan said locals were motivated to work hard to retain it.

“The award makes people more aware and motivated to join in the protection of the town’s world heritage status well into the future. This means being more active in maintaining Luang Prabang’s beauty and cleanliness.”

Luang Prabang was granted world heritage status by UNESCO in 1995. The town is the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Lane Xang, or the Land of a Million Elephants.

The town is a cultural centre in the region, with its numerous temples paying testimony to a wealth of culture and civilisation.

The province celebrated the 15th anniversary of the town’s world heritage listing last year.

Source: Vientiane Times
By Phonesavanh Sangsomboun
Febuary 08, 2011

The Festival of light 2010

2010-10-26T18:01:00.008+07:00

Boun Hua Fai (lit. festival float boat fire/light) is celebrated during Ok Phansa at the end of the three-month rains retreat (Buddhist Lent), which usually falls on a full moon day in October. In Luang Prabang, people make lanterns & parade floats which are carried through town in a procession before being launched onto the Mekong & floated downriver towards Ban Wat That.

This is probably the most beautiful festival in Luang Prabang, with the Lao New Year Festival.

All the families use to build a boat to bless the house. And each inhabitant will have to build his own boat to make wishes when it will be launch on the Mekong River.

Each village of Luang Prabang will also build a big boat. At 6:00 pm, a parade starts at the fountain of Ban Vat That, gathering all the ethnic groups. Few hours and almost 2km after, the parade will arrive in the Vat Xieng Thong where the boats will be launch in the Mekong River.

It is believed these small boats will take away any bad luck and bring good luck.

More photos

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The text from: http://www.luangprabangcity.com/spip.php?page=evenement&id_article=136

Luang Prabang's annual pirogue fest held to mark traditional Buddhist rite

2010-09-11T21:37:00.005+07:00

(KPL) UNESCO's heritage town Luang Prabang held a trade fair and boat racing festival in coincidence with the celebration of the traditional festival"Boun Horkhao Padabdin".

The organising committee for the Boun Horkhao Padabdin festival and boat racing festival held a trade fair before the boat racing festival, as previous years.

The opening ceremony of the trade fair was held on Tuesday, September7.

On sale at the trade fair were clothes, textiles and handicrafts made by local people, non-timber forest products, food and finished products.

Attending the opening ceremony were Deputy Party Secretary of Luang Prabang province Khamkhanh Chanthavisouk, Luang Prabang s Vice-Governor Saysamone Khomthavong, Chief of Luang Prabang district Singkham Phommalath, and relevant officials.

Falling on the 14th waning day of the eighth lunar month,"Boun Horkhao Padabdin" - literally the festival to put food offerings on the ground, Lao people put their food offerings on the gate or wall of their houses for their dead ancestors and spirits whose relatives did not make any merits or give no offerings for them. Placing of the offerings thus must be done very early of the day before the first light of the day arrives. According to traditional beliefs, spirits would be released to take the generous offerings dedicated not only to the ancestors of the merit makers but also relativeless spirits.
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Source: KPL Lao News Agency

Expansion of Luang Prabang International Airport for big kites

2010-07-15T01:15:00.003+07:00

(KPL) Upgrading work is being carried out on the Luang Prabang International Airport so that it could get the huge Airbus 320 to taxi on its runway.
China CAMC Engineering Company has won the tender for this project and commenced work on October 22 2007.
The work is scheduled for completion 45 months later, in late 2011.A stone laying ceremony for the expansion project was held on 29 May. Governor of Luang Prabang, Mr. Bounheuang Duangphachanh, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport, Mr Sithong Thongkeo, China’s ambassador to Laos, Ms. Bu Jiangua, and relevant officials from the two sides attended this ceremony, held at the airport of this northern province.
The government of China funds this upgrading work with a loan of US$ 86.42 million.
On completion, the runway will be extended to 2,900 metres in length and widened to 45 metres and with an enlarged parking area for aircraft.

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Source: KPL Lao News Agency

Luang Prabang Film Festival is set for December 4 to 11

2010-07-15T00:50:00.002+07:00

The Luang Prabang Film Festival is set for December 4 to 11 with plans to present more than 30 films from Southeast Asia.

Marking the 35th anniversary of the Lao PDR and Luang Prabang's 15th year on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, the free screenings will take place in two outdoor venues in the old royal capital of Laos.

After the festival, four films will tour other provinces in Laos, with screenings held over two-night stops in each city.

Project goals include encouraging and celebrating filmmaking in Southeast Asia, stimulating a film industry in Laos, educating Laotians about the art of film and also media literacy, inspire young Laotians to enter the film industry and support the local economy through tourism.

Check the website LPFilmFest.org over the coming months for more about the films.
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The text from: http://thaifilmjournal.blogspot.com/2010/07/luang-prabang-film-festival-set-for.html

Photos of Lao New Year 2010

2010-04-21T22:42:00.008+07:00

Lao New Year Festival 2553 or 2010 in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Luang Prabang is rich in cultural traditions, and is a very popular destination for both international and domestic tourists for this time of year.

Click the photo to...

Phoyphailine Sombathchalern crowned Nang Sangkane 2553

2010-04-14T17:26:00.005+07:00

Nang Sangkane 2553, the Luang Prabang traditional beauty pageant came to the conclusion last night, and this year a student at Santiphap High School was crowned the title holder.

Puy, Phoyphailine Sombathchalearn, she's 16 year old, representing Khoy village become the new Nang Sangkane LuangPrabang.

Click the photo to...

Good bye Nang Sangkane 2552

2010-04-12T19:08:00.004+07:00

Click the photo to

Lao New Year Activities in Luang Prabang 2010.

2010-04-10T10:36:00.002+07:00

Click the photo to..

Belmont Hotel Investments develops hotel in Luang Prabang

2010-03-22T11:33:00.002+07:00

Settha Palace hotel in Vientiane is also developed by Belmont Hotel Investments (Laos) Ltd

(KPL) Luang Prabang province and the Belmont Hotel Investments (Laos) Ltd signed last Friday in the province an agreement on a 50-year land concession for the company to develop a hotel on Mount Makba at Phanom village, Luang Prabang district.

The signatories to the document were Mr. Bounkhong Phothitay, Deputy Head of Luang Prabang Provincial Land Management Authority, and Mr. Billy Theodas, President of the Belmont Hotel Investments ( Laos). Relevant officials of both sides witnessed the signing.
The construction is expected to be over within three years on Mount Makba on over seven hectares of land to accommodate the expected flow of tourists into the province.

According to the agreement, the investor will develop and operate its hotel for 50 years as of 2010 and could extend the agreement for another 25-year term with the payment of an annual rent of US$17,655 to the province.

News text from KP, Thanks...

Lao Traditional Calendar 2553 (2010)

2010-03-20T16:51:00.005+07:00

Lao New Year 2553 or 2010 will fall on Wednesday 14th to Friday 16th of April, next month.

This year, the first day of Lao New Year is Wednesday so Miss Sangkane will be the fourth princess of Kabinlaphome, according to the history she will ride on the donkey.

Click here to

The story of Lao New Year

2010-03-10T00:05:00.005+07:00

Bpee Mai is the most widely celebrated festival in Laos. The festival is also celebrated by Laotians in the United States of America, Canada, France, and Australia. When the Lao people first emigrated from southern China, New Year was celebrated on the first day of January. Since settling in mainland Southeast Asia the Lao have adopted the new year's traditions of the Khmer and Mon-Burmese people, based on the Indian calendar and traditions. New Year takes place in April, the hottest time of the year in Laos, which is also the start of the monsoon season in Laos when their crops grow. Lao New Year takes place at roughly the same time as Songkran in Thailand and Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia which are like the same thing.
English text from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lao_New_Year

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The best city in the world 2010 goes to Luang Prabang in Laos

2010-03-10T00:01:00.003+07:00

Wanderlust Travel Awards 2010 Top City
By Wanderlust team
Discover which city scooped top prize in this year's awards

Top city: Luang Prabang, Laos

Ranking %

1 Luang Prabang, Laos 94.74

2 Siena, Italy 94.67

3 Berlin, Germany 94.15

4 Seville, Spain 94.00

5 Kyoto, Japan 93.33

6 Melbourne, Australia 92.22

7 Boston, USA 91.85

8 Krakow, Poland 90.91

9 San Francisco, USA 90.53

10 Tallinn, Estonia 90.40

Right at home:

“Luang Prabang is one of those rare traveller towns where as soon as you arrive you feel right at home,” wrote reader Lucy Palmer of your perennial favourite city.

“Maybe it’s the languid pace of life instilled by the monks, maybe it’s just being in the shadow of those majestic temples; maybe it’s the presence of the mighty Mekong – but the whole place makes you slow down, forget any stress and just appreciate the environment around you. Yes, there are things to see and do, but that’s not the point. Luang Prabang is simply a great place to be.”

Despite its growing popularity, you told us the town retains those things that make it special: its colourful markets, French cuisine, outbreaks of drumming by the resident monks. And you recalled great local excursions – learning to be a mahout at an elephant centre (www.laos-adventures.com), gold-panning at a jungle ecolodge (www.kamulodge.com) and taking a boat trip to the Kuang Si waterfalls.

Even the frequent power cuts and lack of ATMs, concluded reader Charlotte West, “just seem to add to the charm of this one-of-a-kind place.”

Get there fast – then slow right down.

>>See the rest of Wanderlust Travel Awards 2010 winners here

9th National Games to be held in Luang Prabang 2011

2010-03-09T23:57:00.001+07:00

(KPL) Luang Prabang is preparing ahead for the 9th National Games in December 2011. The main stadium of the province has been renovated completely and the construction of other facilities is underway.

The province is allocating venues to be used for the competition. Twenty three roads are also under improvement as well as other basic facilities such as water supply systems and electricity.

Last year, the Lao National Sports Committee undertook major renovations to the main stadium which now has 80,000 seats. This year they want to build seven more competition venues.

Head of the Provincial Sports Service, Mr Chandy Bounnhong, said that they were asking the government to provide more than 138 billion kip for constructing new facilities and improving the existing ones.

Construction of the additional sport fields has already started and in general around 30 per cent of the work is carried out. Mr Chandy said companies will use their own resources to build the venues and the government will repay them later.

The new competition venues to be built and is being built include the stadiums of basketball, petanque, tennis, volleyball and beach volleyball, swimming pool and shooting range.

There are twenty-one sports to be competed at the 9th National Games namely petanque, basketball, football, sepak takraw, volleyball and beach volleyball, muay lao, boxing, badminton, cycling, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, golf, shooting, bowling, judo, karatedo, top spinning, crossbow, pencak silat, and track and field.

The Luang Prabang provincial Sports Department is asking six districts to host selection competitions for the games in football, petanque, taekwondo, badminton, top spinning and crossbow.

Mr Chandy said they needed funding for athlete preparation and training as well as administration of the games.

Luang Prabang province last hosted the National Games twice so far 1996 and 2007

Luang Prabang among Top-Ten of the World’s Best Cities

2009-09-02T21:46:00.003+07:00

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed world heritage town in northern Laos, has been ranked as a top-ten of the world's best cities, according to the latest survey of Travel + Leisure magazine. Completing the top 10 list of best cities behind Udaipur this year were Cape Town, South Africa; Bangkok, Thailand; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Chiang Mai, Thailand; Luang Prabang, Laos; New York, the US; Rome, Italy and San Francisco, the US. Based on the 14th annual World's Best Awards given by the magazine www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest/2009/, Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos and the jewel of tourism of Laos and the region, is ranked the seventh.
More detail

New national highway will make Vientiane to Luang Prabang be shorter

2009-09-02T21:01:00.003+07:00

Transportation and travel from the central to northern parts of Laos will be shorter once a new bypass road linking Vientiane province to Luang Prabang is completed.

The 68km-long Kasy-Nan Road , seven metres in width, will link Kasy district in Vientiane province to Nan district in Luang Prabang province.

The proposed route is about 79 km shorter than the existing 13 North Road .

“In addition, the new road will have fewer curves and drop-offs than the existing one, which means travelling on the Kasy-Nan Road will be safer and less time-consuming,” project director Mr Inpong Soukkhavong said.

Surveying work began in 2006.

The state-funded road is valued at more than US$60 million (more than 509 billion kip). It is approximately 26 percent complete and expected to be finished by 2013.

Once the new road is complete, it is expected that it will boost economic growth through transport service.

While the new road is expected to be more popular among road users, Mr Inpong said the existing 13 North Road would still play an important role for travellers, especially for tourism purposes.

“Once the road is complete and opened for use, it will be the main transport and travel channel, as it is safer, saves time and cuts transport costs,” Mr Inpong told Vientiane Times.

However, major work on the new road construction has been temporarily stopped during rainy season.

According to Office Head of the road construction company, Mr Phouvanh Kongkeo, the road does not cut through Phoukhoun ( Khoun Mountain ) like the 13 North Road , avoiding the resulting dangerous curves and high cliffs.

He said the route of the new road was flatter, including through Thongphachia, rather than the more mountainous areas of the present road.

“Due to its shorter distance with fewer curves, traveling along the new road will be faster,” Mr Phouvanh said

It is and it'sexpected to take only about two hours from Kasy to Luang Prabang instead of about four hours as on the existing 13 North Road,” he said.

Mr Phouvanh believes that the new road will reduce the number of accidents among travelers to the north.

Construction of the new road is also seen as a means of improving transport links to an important tourist attraction, the historical Khounlang cave in Kasy district.

Major work on the new road construction has been temporarily stopped for the rainy season.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
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from Vientianetimes
via samakomlao's Web Board

Meeting to mark 100th birth anniversary of late President Souphanouvong

2009-07-09T16:18:00.005+07:00

(KPL) A meeting was held on 7 July in the northern province of Luang Prabang to mark the 100th birth anniversary of beloved late President Souphanouvong ( 13 July 1909 – 13 July, 2009 ).
Attending at the meeting was Vice President Bounnhang Vorachit, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad, ministers, deputy ministers, provincial governors from northern provinces, military officers , students and local people, totaling 2,000.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Bounheaung Douangprachanh, Governor of Luan Prabang g expressed the Lao people’s and armed forces’ gratitude and respect for late President Souphanounvong who was a model leader of the Lao People ‘s Revolutionary Party and the Lao nation. He also said that President Souphanouvong was a senior leader who always paid attention to increasing the strength and influence of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party.More Photos
Through his life, he was committed to solidarity and unity under the guidelines and policies of the party.In the morning session, the ceremonies to open the President Souphanouvong Monument, park and photo exhibition was also held with the participation of party and government leaders from central and local level.
Speaking at the ceremonies, Mr. Bounheuang Doungprachanh said that these would become a symbol of solidarity and unity amongst the Lao people of all ethnicities and will become a significant place for Lao people and a historical place foe new generations to study the revolutionary principles of President Souphanouvong.

100 buddha statues steal away in Luang Prabang

2009-05-11T09:23:00.002+07:00

Some 100 statutes of Buddha have been stolen or lost in Luang Prabang province over the past five years, according to a 2009 investigation report by the province's Heritage Department.

That Luang temple and Vat Si Phouttabath have suffered the largest losses.

The report stated about 16 statues had also gone missing from Vat Xiengthong, one of the oldest temples in the province.

Luang Prabang Provincial Heritage Department Deputy Director, Mr Bounkhoung Khouthao, said most of the statues were stolen in 2006, with most thought to have been crafted in the 14th century...

The stolen pieces were made of wood or bronze and were taken from 42 temples in the town of Luang Prabang .

“Unfortunately the thefts are continuing,” Mr Bounkhoung said.

The most recently reported theft took place last month at Vat Phousi in the heart of Luang Prabang.

Most people agree the scale of the thefts is reason for officials from the relevant sectors to cooperate more closely and take more steps to tackle the problem.

Some officials fear the mounting thefts could affect the overall image of the World Heritage Site and even the tourism industry.

High market demand for valuable artefacts is increasing the likelihood Buddha images will be stolen. Mr Bounkhoung said an old statue could fetch 200,000 to 300,000 baht (48 million to 72 million kip).

He said novices living in Luang Prabang temples had been assigned to sleep close to the rooms in which Buddha statues were housed, but this would only solve the problem in the short term.

What was needed, he said, was for village authorities and temple guards to take more responsibility in preventing the theft of the statues.

Mr Bounkhoung said very few stolen Buddha images had been recovered even though most of them were registered in the province.

He congratulated one British man who brought four Buddha images back to Luang Prabang in 2007 after buying them from traders.

Two of the four images were found in Chiang Mai , Thailand , one in France and another in the UK .

There are known to be at least 20,000 Buddha images in Luang Prabang province, most of them in the main town.

Officials say there are ongoing thefts of Buddha images from Ting Cave , none of which have been registered by authorities.

Officials have met on several occasions to discuss the problem but the thefts continue.

From January to March this year, more than 200 Buddha images were stolen from four temples in Savannakhet province.

Most of them were less than 100 years old, were made of bronze and weighed 100 to 300 grammes.

By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientianetimes

A economics student crown Nang Sangkane 2552

2009-04-14T13:27:00.004+07:00

Nang Sangkane 2552, the Luang Prabang traditional beauty pageant came to the conclusion last night, and this year a student at Soupanouvong University, faculty of economics, majoring in economics of information technology was crowned the title holder.

Noy, Alouny Manyvong, she's 19 year old, representing Naluang village become the new Nang Sangkane LuangPrabang. More photos

Good bye Miss Sangkane 2008

2009-04-11T12:45:00.005+07:00

Pavenaphone Boupha was crowned Miss Sangkane on April 12, 2008. A student at Lao-American college came back from Vientiane in early April to participate in the events.

At the conclusion of the competition, She was crowned Miss Sangkane 2008, becoming the third person in her family to crowned the title of Miss Sangkane.
At Miss Sangkane in the past 34 and 29 years, in 1975 and 1980, her mother and mother's sister was crowed the title.

Click here to

Are you ready for Lao New Year 2009

2009-04-11T12:13:00.001+07:00

When the weather gets hot, the cicadas chirp, shrubs come into bloom and the air is filled with the scent of frangipani, it is a sure sign that Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) is just around the corner.

The New Year water festival is a special festival for the people of Laos and neighbouring countries, where it is celebrated nationwide. This year the festival in Laos takes place from April 14-16.

Champassak Tourism De partment Deputy Director, Sivon Vangkonvilay, said they would hold similar activities to the ones they had last year and that are organised by other provinces - a Nang Sangkhan (Miss Lao New Year 2009) beauty contest and other activities that visitors will enjoy.

This year, however, we are designating a special area for the celebrations by closing the road along the Mekong riverbank. People will be able to have fun down by the river and on the sandbanks, and it will also be easier for the police to manage the crowd and reduce road accidents, Sivon said.

Other plans in Champassak include a larger Miss Lao New Year parade, with decorated floats and more performers and people to be involved. The parade starts in the city centre and will follow a 1km route to Luang temple.

Food and drink stalls will also be set up for visitors in popular tourist destinations such as Khone Phapheng, Vat Phou, Tad Fan, and Pha Suam.

Savannakhet province is preparing for the festival by decorating the city with flowering shrubs and clearing a road to a new tourist site, Nong Lom, which is just outside the city centre. There will be food, local produce and water stalls available. Last year the province attracted 120,000 visitors and this year is hoping to attract as many tourists as possible.

An added attraction in Savannakhet province over the New Year is Tanghang Stupa, where visitors and devotees will gather to pour water on each other and trickle scented water over the ancient Buddha image. The highlight of Lao New Year celebrations in Khammuan province will take on a different face this year as authorities have allocated a specific area for activities in a bid to reduce road accidents. The 1km square area in central Thakhek district is close to the riverside and the provincial stadium.

For those who don't want to travel out of Vientiane , there is plenty to do here. This year's celebrations will be similar to those in Luang Prabang, with a Nang Sangkhan (Miss Lao New Year) parade. The organisers are currently in the process of selecting the most beautiful young women to sit atop the floats.

Another option for those wanting to celebrate Lao New Year is to take a trip to Viengvieng, where you can be sure of a good time. The limestone mountains, river kayaking, mountain climbing and trekking will get you out of the city. Vangvieng district, in Vientiane province, is a 3-4 hour drive north of the capital.

But if you want a taste of the original spirit of Lao New Year, you should go to Luang Prabang province where you can see the traditional customs on display, as they have been practised for many years.

Director of the Luang Prabang Tourism Department, Mr Khamphuay Phommavong, said this year's activities would be the same as usual, except for a trade fair organised by the Department of Export Promotion of Thailand's Ministry of Commerce.

The trade fair will take place at the That Luang Stupa (the old stadium) on April 10, and will be followed by performances such as magic tricks and songs and dances performed by artists from the Information and Culture Department.

There will also be acts from local recording companies, including The Cells, Overdance, A'pact, Touly, Hip Hop Banna, Black 5, Big T and some Thai artists.

The Nang Sangkhan beauty contest will take place over two days, April 12-13, on the same stage as the concert.

"The Hotel and Guesthouse Association is expecting a large increase in visitors to the province and 90 percent of hotels and guesthouses have already been booked. To accommodate everyone we are working with local residents to provide home-stays ranging in price from 100,000 -150,000 kip. Anyone who's interested can contact us directly," Mr Khamphuay said.

"This year we are working with traffic police and residents in the area of Phousy Stupa to ease traffic congestion and facilitate transportation to and from events by providing car parks. Last year we had a problem with traffic jams due to the large number of visitors all wanting to be in the same place at the same time."

On April 14 everyone can gather to make sand stupas on the riverbank in Chomphet district.

On April 15 there will be a textile exhibition in Phanom village along with traditional dancing by local ethnic groups. There'll also be a baci ceremony followed by the Nang Sangkhan parade in the afternoon, which goes from Thatnoi temple to Xiengthong temple.

On April 16 there will be an almsgiving ceremony at Phousy, followed by a spirit worship ceremony in the evening.

Vientianetimes

11,000-year-old human fossils found in Luang Prabang

2009-03-31T10:35:00.001+07:00

(KPL) Ancient human fossils aged around 11,000 years old have been found in Luang Prabang province, said an archaeologist.

Dr. Joyce C White, who is also Senior Research Scientist at University of Pennsylvania, the United States, held a press conference here last week saying the Middle Mekong Archaeological Project (MMAP) with co-operation with the Heritage Department, the Ministry of Culture and Information and the University of Pennsylvania, had found five ancient human fossils in Vangtaleo Cave, Ban Phadeng Neung, Luang Prabang district in the same name province.

The discovery was the oldest human fossils ever found on the earth, said Dr. White.
In 2007, MMAP discovered a grave with ancient human fossils identified to have at least 1,800 years old in Phouphakhao Cave in Phonesavad village, Luang Prabang district, Luang Prabang province.

The Middle Mekong Archaeological Project in Laos was approved by the government in 2005. It is a survey conducted along three rivers such as Nam Khane, Nam Seuang and Nam Ou in Luang Prabang. A few months after its approval the project discovered 58 ancient caves in the province.

Lao traditional calendar 2552

2009-03-15T10:35:00.003+07:00

Clcik here to...

The new domain name "www.luangprabangtoday.com" !

2009-02-25T08:34:00.005+07:00

Dear visitors !

From now on, you can visit this site at www.luangprabangtoday.com

Thanks for visiting.

Luang Prabang girls join Miss Aponelao 2008

2008-12-03T11:03:00.006+07:00

The 3rd Miss Aponelao or Miss Aponelao 2008 will take place at the National Culture Hall in Vientiane on Saturday 20th of Decamber 2008.

Miss Aponelao 2008 will air live form Vientiane on LNTV1 and Laostar Channel.
This year there are three Luang Prabang girls pass to 18 finalist, two of them girls was crowned the second runner up Nang Sangkane 2007 and five runner up Nang Sangkane 2008.

Please you vote for them to win Miss Aponelao Popular vote 2008 via Tigo mobile network, Click at here for how to vote !

More photos...

Investors propose US$2 billion project in Luang Prabang

2008-10-23T08:00:00.004+07:00

Lao and Korean investors are considering spending US$2 billion to develop a 3000 hectare site near the World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang .

If it proceeds the project, known as Diamond City , will be located in Chomphet district of Luang Prabang province and will include tourism, financial and recreational services.

The prospective investors are four Lao companies, represented by Nakornluang New Century Company, and 10 Korean companies, represented by KPL Development Company.

They signed a memorandum of understanding in Luang Prabang this week to outline their own cooperation, and will now prepare documents seeking government approval to be presented to the Planning and Investment Ministry next week.

Nakornluang New Century Company Managing Director, Mr Thongphanh Rattanasamay, said pending government approval, the site would be developed to include a five-star hotel, apartments, resorts, banking services, a trade centre, agricultural facilities and other businesses.

To complete the project the investors will establish utilities such as electricity, water and telecommunications, in addition to building a public park and a road from Chomphet district to Hongsa district in Xayabouly province.

They will also build a bridge across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang town to Xiengman village in Chompet district.

Mr Thongphanh said the proposed site was state-owned land which was outside the World Heritage listed area and was not occupied by many houses.

The investors will seek a land concession period of 50 years with the option of extending this period by an additional 20 years before ownership is transferred to the Lao government.

Mr Thongphanh said if the project went ahead it would create a new city in Luang Prabang.

“The Lao companies will be responsible for coordinating activities and documents in Laos , while the Korean companies will provide funding to the project,” he said.

“It is very big project and a huge investment, which the investors hope to recoup through income generated by the facilities to be built, such as hotels, bridge fees and other services.”

Luang Prabang Planning and Investment Department Director, Mr Bounnhang Phongphichit, said the project was still in the very early stages.

“We will have more discussions with those companies before any progress can be made,” he said.

The Korean companies expressed an interest in investing in Laos after reading a Lao government website which listed Chomphet district as a district the government wanted to develop.

By Panyasith Thammavongsa
--------------------------
From Samakomlao, Thanks...

The street along Mekong and Khan river under water !

2008-08-15T00:17:00.006+07:00

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Govt acts to safeguard Luang Prabang's world heritage status

2008-07-21T11:46:00.003+07:00

The government will crackdown on violations of UNESCO rules to ensure Luang Prabang does not lose its status as a world heritage listed city.

Past violations related to construction of new buildings had put the city's status at risk, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad told the National Assembly on Friday.

The only solution was to strictly enforce UNESCO rules from now on, he said.

“If we don't solve the problem, Luang Prabang will be out of the list of world heritage sites,” Mr Somsavat said.

Last year UNESCO requested the government report on how Luang Prabang has changed since being listed as a world heritage site in 1995. UNESCO officials also inspected the city and asked the government to respond on 15 points.

One of these relates to road construction approved by the Department of Public Works and Transport without agreement from UNESCO, when UNESCO should have made the final decision, he said.

Mr Somsavat said some people knowingly constructed new buildings which breached UNESCO rules, while others sold their houses to entrepreneurs and moved away.

One troubling sign of this development was a reducing number people giving alms to monks in the morning, he said. Not only does this indicate a move away from tradition, the decline could also negatively impact tourism, because this tradition is one of Luang Prabang's major drawcards.

“World heritage is still new for us and our biggest challenge is making local people understand the need to preserve cultural heritage and how this impacts on development,” Mr Somsavat said.

“Some people ask why we should preserve heritage if it means we cannot develop. But I don't think heritage preservation delays our development. On the contrary it encourages development.”

UNESCO officials have asked the government to make an updated map of the city and encourage cooperation between UNESCO and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.

The Standing Deputy PM said coordination must be improved between relevant sectors, and local people needed to be educated about the importance of Luang Prabang's world heritage status.

Luang Prabang's popularity as a tourist destination has increased since the city was listed as a world heritage site in 1995.

Mr Somsavat said the influx of visitors helped local people generate more income and improve their living standards.

“Now we have two world heritage listed sites: Luang Prabang and Vat Phou Champassak in Champassak province. But we won't propose any more sites to UNESCO until we improve the existing ones,” he said.

“We will assess what we have done and try to address challenges. We have many sites to be proposed to UNESCO, but we want to study them carefully first.”

By Somsack Pongkhao
Vientianetimes
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Documentary "Nourished by the Same River"

2008-06-26T09:33:00.003+07:00

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

Luang Prabang won a World No Tobacco Day Award from WHO

2008-06-12T09:16:00.004+07:00

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 !

2008-05-30T10:44:00.005+07:00

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 !

2008-05-30T10:28:00.009+07:00

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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The Procession of Phabang 2551 (Photos)

2008-04-23T14:53:00.003+07:00

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Naga procession 2551 (photos) !

2008-04-17T23:43:00.001+07:00

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Hae Vor Parade 2551 (Photos) !

2008-04-15T07:54:00.005+07:00

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Pavenaphone BOUPHA crowned Nang Sangkane 2551

2008-04-13T07:15:00.007+07:00

Nang Sankane 2551, The Luang Prabang traditional beauty pageant finally came to an end last night and the most beautiful girl who crowned Miss Sangkhane this year went to Miss Pavenaphone BOUPHA, representing VISOUN village. Back to more ten year ago, her mother and mother's sister was also crowned the title of Miss Sangkane.

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Live from Luang Prabang on LNTV1, Lao New Year 2551

2008-04-11T11:00:00.006+07:00

Lao New Year Festival 2551 will live from The World Heritage town of Luang Prabang on LNTV1 on this Saturday night and Monday afternoon.

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The Story of Nang Sangkhan

2008-03-30T10:16:00.003+07:00

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Luang Prabang to development New zone to speed up development

2008-03-25T10:20:00.001+07:00

The government plans to set up a municipality as the main urban centre in Luang Prabang province to replace Luang Prabang district, in a bid to stimulate the development process, a senior official said yesterday.

According to the Deputy Head of the provincial administrative office, Mr Houmphanh Thammoungkhoun, preparations to establish the zone as a pilot project began in 2006. The new designation is expected to be officially announced next month, once the government has given its approval.

The provincial authority has allocated 68 villages in the town centre out of a total of 116 villages in the district for the new zone, while the rest will be incorporated into neighbouring districts.

Once the municipality comes into effect, Luang Prabang district will cease to exist, as will the position of district governor.

“The change is designed to facilitate fast development in all sectors in the municipality, including socio-economic and infrastructure development, and to foster a tourism hub,” said Mr Houmphanh.

Many organisations have been involved in the planning process to ensure it is in line with UNESCO's world heritage criteria. These bodies include the World Heritage Office, District Development and Administration Office, Public Works and Transport Department and the Governance Improvement Project, which have all collaborated in creating a development strategy.

“We must make sure that the development process is aligned to world heritage criteria,” Mr Houmphanh said. He explained that the new zone is divided into various sections, with specific areas dedicated to commerce and culture.

The administrative structure has also been improved, as several offices have been merged to streamline services and the provision of various permits. The Lao Women's Union , Lao Trade Union, Lao Youth Union and the Veterans' Office have been merged in one mass media organisation office.

This merger will not only streamline administrative services, but will help to reduce the administration budget, said Mr Houmphanh.

The pilot project is expected to be self-sufficient in terms of the budget needed for the development of the new zone. This means the authority should be able to use the money generated by various activities within the area for investment in development without requesting further budget allocation from the central and provincial levels.

“To begin with, it will be necessary to request funding from the provincial budget to develop the new zone, but once the economic situation is healthy we hope to be self-sufficient,” he said.

Mr Houmphanh said the establishment of the new zone would not affect any existing investments.

He explained that the authorities concerned have benefited from their experience in conducting such a project with Vietnam , where a similar venture was functioning well.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
Vientianetimes
Via Samakomlao, Thanks...

Lao New Year Celebration in Luang Prabang (Videos)!

2008-03-19T09:20:00.002+07:00

Lao New Year Celebration in Luang Prabang (Videos)

In Lao Click

In Englis Part 1 ...Part 2

Luang Prabang celebrates top travel award (Photos) !

2008-03-05T11:25:00.005+07:00

Click the photo to see more photos and to read in Lao

Luang Prabang celebrates top travel award 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008

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
Via tourlaos.blogspot.com/

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Nang Sangkhane 2005 and her new album with a famous music company, Valentine

2008-02-20T13:22:00.004+07:00

New Lao singer from the world heritage town of Luang Prabang, Touly, officially released her full album in Vientiane entitled "Just say hi" under the Valentine Music record last February 7th. Before this album, Touly used to have her first album in Luang Prabang at Santipab school, the place where she graduated from.

You may have heard about Touly before from her popular song "Jep bor Jum", which
has been broadcasted in many Lao radio and TV programs. At present, her song is in the top 5 chart at Music Boom, Lao star TV channel. This song is composed by herself and is inspired by her friends and all people around her. There are totally 10 songs in this album, in which, she composed all the songs and mixed the sound by herself...

It spends about a year and a half to complete this album and music videos. The location of her music videos are 50% spotted in Luang prabang and 50% in Vientiane. Before Touly entered the music industry, she met Mr. Kai, the partner of Valentine music company and later, become the singer of this company.

She revealed that there are some difficulties for her to be a singer. She is now working as a tourist guide in Luang prabang province and she has to travel to Vientiane and other provinces for her concert. Nevertheless, to become a singer is her utmost dream and she is now very proud to see this album gaining more and more popularity in Laos.

Last but not least, she wants to invite everyone to listen to her song and not to buy a pirate CD. She will try her best to improve herself and to produce more quality products to the society.

source: ecom
translated by volunteer.
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Luang Prabang receives gold award from travel magazine Of UK

2008-02-15T09:07:00.003+07:00

The World Heritage town of Luang Prabang has won a ‘Top City Gold Award' from England’s leading travel magazine, Wanderlust. The magazine placed Luang Prabang, an ancient city in the north of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the top spot on its list of travel destinations announced at the annual Wanderlust Travel Awards 2008, held at Earl's Court in London, UK, on January 31. “We didn't expect to win the award because the judges hadn't told us the good news beforehand,” said the Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang province, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng. He flew to London with his delegation to receive the award. Luang Prabang was voted into the magazine's top ten, out of 615 cities, before the decision was made to give it the gold award. More conventional holiday spots such as Venice, San Francisco and Sydney also featured in the top ten. A poll of the magazine's readers found a satisfaction rating of more than 97 percent among those who had visited Luang Prabang. This is the third time the town has received a gold award from the magazine, also winning the top spot in 2006 and 2007. Dr Khampheng, who returned home with the award, said on Tuesday it represented the pride of the Lao people, especially those who lived in Luang Prabang. He thanked the magazine's executive board and its readers who had voted Luang Prabang into top place. “This award will encourage us to work harder to preserve and develop the town in a sustainable way,” Dr Khampheng said. The 1,200-year-old historic town is considered to be among the most beautiful in South East Asia and is renowned as the cultural and religious capital of Laos . “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,” he said “But the most important aspect of the town is the charm of the Lao people,” Dr Khampheng said. In 1995 UNESCO inscribed the town onto its World Heritage List. It became the first world heritage site in Laos , ensuring the preservation of its mixture of traditional Lao and French architecture. Since then, its unique character and charm have helped make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, for both Lao and foreign visitors. Recently the world's most famous newspaper, the New York Times, named Laos as number one of the world's top 53 tourist destinations to visit in 200 8. By MK. Vongsam-ang www.vientianetimes.org.la

Luang Prabang is in the top Favourite Romantic Destinations by Travel+Leisure Magazine

2008-02-14T08:58:00.010+07:00

Valentine's Day comes once a year, but travel offers a year-round opportunity to show the special person in your life how much you love them. Here, Travel + Leisure Australia provides a list of 20 romantic, inspirational escapes.

Click here for more infor...

Travel+Leisure Magazine

Tourlaos

Luang Prabang voted World most popular town

2008-02-12T15:28:00.000+07:00

(KPL) The first world heritage town of the Lao PDR, Luang Prabang, has been voted the most popular town of the world.

The votes were released in England’s Wanderlust Magazine.

According to Luang Prabang Tourist Office, the world heritage town of Luang Prabang has been selected among 615 tourist towns world-wide. The town has won the honour for three consecutive years since 2006 followed by Spain and Italy.

Amid the rising number of tourist arrivals, Lao people are proud of the ranking for the country’s jewel - Luang Prabang.

Mr Khamtanh Somphanvilay, Deputy Head of Luang Prabang Tourism Office, said he believed that the selection would augment this year’s number of tourist arrivals at least to 300,000, which will bring about US$ 100 million.

He added that Laos could not vote for itself and won such an honour for Luang Prabang. But it was the result of a unanimous voting by a number of tourists and tourism companies around the world through England’s Wanderlust Magazine.

Last year, the ancient town in northern Laos was closely kept an eye on by the competent UN agency for local activities of urban development, which could cause damage to efforts of preservation of the value of the ancient culture and unique architecture of Luang Prabang. In this respect, we have cooperated with local authorities and central levels to monitor and inspect activities occurring in the town, but we believed that all things must proceed within the scope enforced regulations and laws, explained Mr Khamtanh.

Luang Prabang was proclaimed by UNESCO as the first world heritage town in Laos in 1995. Since then, this dormant ancient town has been waken up by an influx of tourists from all corners of the world.

In parallel with the invasion of tourists the town also sees floods of external investment. All these could put the heritage town at risk of damaging its ancestor’s traditional way of life and value, and ancient architectural heritage if no measure is taken to control development activities to a proper extent.
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Luang prabang in top 10 travel destinations for 2008

2008-01-22T11:30:00.000+07:00

Monday, January 21, 2008
As the world gets wise to warming and brave new travelers embrace low impact lifestyles, green travel has become one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry.

Despite its rap as a collection of chic spas for wealthy, guilt-addled liberals who shell out $4,000 to commune with gorillas, green travel isn’t about giving a tour operator a month’s salary for some Disney-like attraction or consumer experience.

Traveling green is about finding and supporting destinations that have seen the light, and are already working to green-up their tourist offerings.

Seeking out green places to travel isn’t all that hard. Even New York City offers the possibility of an ecologically responsible vacation. Many travelers can get to New York by train, removing the need for a high-impact airplane ride. A tiny hotel room in SoHo uses less electricity than a deluxe suite in Aspen.

Plus, New York is a city built for walking, with solid public transport to boot. Time Out recently named New York the perfect place to “be green without doing crap.”

Here are 5 more eco-friendly destinations to put on your travel radar:

Luang Prabang, Laos

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has made it their mission to bring this Southeast Asian country (which is landlocked by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand) to the forefront of tourism. It’s working - Laos was #1 on the New York Times’ list of places to go in 2008.

However, the Lao government is aiming to increase tourism sustainably so as to protect their native wildlife, lush land and clean rivers, and preserve their two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Ancient City of Luang Prabang and pre-Angkorian Vat Phou Temple Complex. Another Heritage Site-to-be is the Plain of Jars in the highlands of north-central Laos.

The Lao National Tourism Administration has a dozen award-winning eco-tourism projects currently in development, spreading country wide to encourage smaller provinces to set up sustainable tourism, help protect over-exposed areas, and begin programs such as homestays, eco-treks, and local art exhibitions.

What’s Lao for “rocking it?”

Mjølfjell, Norway

Norway is so eco-conscious it balks when a marketer calls a Prius or Tesla green.

While other European countries have aimed to cut their carbon emissions by 20% by 2020, Norway has upped the ante to 30%. Norway is also helping China come up with ways to combat climate change.

Get out of Oslo and head into the mountains and you’ll see a lot of sustainable housing, including the Mjolfjell Inn and Youth Hostel .

A destination in and of itself, the inn offers the standard outdoor fare (skiing, horseback riding, even a wildlife survival course) and also produces its own electricity.

Not bad for the world’s #5 oil exporter.

Belize City, Belize

Home to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, Belize is deeply committed to eco-tourism. Offshore, Belize boasts a number of cayes, some of which have been turned into eco-resorts, but others that remain pristine homes for birds, lizards and marine life.

Whale watching is a popular attraction here, as is mountain biking, horseback riding, and cave tubing. Go outside of the sandy city into the Mountain Pine Ridge Area and Maya Mountains, which have amazingly-preserved Mayan ruins. You’ll also find plenty of local artists and artisans to support in town.

While the Caribbean and Latin America are full of eco-tours and spas, you can also appreciate their beauty and natural preservation by traveling independently. Be sure to check out the preservations in Tobago (Trinidad’s less commercialized sister), the diverse terrain of Guadeloupe, and the stunning rainforests of Costa Rica.

Zurich, Switzerland

Voted the city with the highest quality of life in the world, Zurich was also recently ranked by Forbes as number 8 on their list of Top 10 Cleanest Cities.

Voted the city with the highest quality of life in the world, Zurich was also recently ranked by Forbes as number 8 on their list of Top 10 Cleanest Cities.

The city’s public transportation works like clockwork (no pun intended) to the point where very few residents own cars. There is also a large local foods industry, including cheeses that will make your deli’s Swiss cheese taste like plastic.

The world’s first four chocolate makers were also all Swiss, so you can take comfort in knowing you’re supporting local growers with those truffles and hot chocolates.

I single out Zurich here, but the rest of Switzerland is great for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint while still traveling Europe. Not only do you get the Alps and clean living, you can explore areas heavily influenced by the Germans, French, and Italians.

Thenmala, India

Surprised?

Even though India has some of the most polluted cities in the world, there are some areas that are working to green their environment. While other regions try to slap an “eco-tourism” label on what is really just nature tourism (“Over there is a rare flower,” “Look up there at the tree,” “Check out the elephant,” and back on the bus), Thenmala is taking green travel to heart.

The local Thenmala government, tourism office, and irrigation department are teaming up with residents to to make green tourism a coordinated effort. The best part? You’ll not only get to visit the Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary (part rainforest, part deciduous forest), but the tour guides are local youths who are trained in sustainable tourism. Now that’s something to feel good about.

Of course, there’s more than just this Fab Five. In fact, you can find plenty of eco-friendly destinations (from the transportation to lodgings to the cocktail hour) on every continent.

Source: http://travelreviewonline.com/2008/01/21/5-green-travel-destinations-for-2008/

Vai www.tourlaos.blogspot.com/

Five runner-up Miss Sangkhane become a beer Lao calendar model 2008

2008-01-03T22:20:00.000+07:00

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Five star hotel will be built in Luangprabang

2008-01-03T19:22:00.000+07:00

HANOI, Jan. 3 (Xinhua) -- Yunnan Copper Mining, a Chinese state-owned company, is scheduled to start construction of a five-star hotel with investment of 5 million U.S. dollars in Laos' Luang Prabang province, one of the country's hottest destinations for foreign tourists, in August, according to Lao newspaper Vientiane Times on Thursday.

Covering an area of 40 hectares, the 200-room hotel will feature Lao traditional architecture to maintain the charm of the world heritage town of Luang Prabang in the northern province, and include a gym, entertainment venues, a healthcare center and sport clubs.

Deputy director of the Luang Prabang Tourism Administration, Khamtan Somphanvilay, said investment of Chinese companies in tourism facilities in the province was initiated in 2006 when Lao President Choummaly Sayasone visited the Chinese province of Yunnan.

The Luang Prabang province is now home to 178 guesthouses with 2,000 rooms and 30 hotels with 600 rooms. The maximum number of tourists it is able to host is around 3,000 people, said president of the Guesthouse and Hotel Association in Luang Prabang, Khoun Chanthaboupha.

Editor: Jiang Yuxia
Source:
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-01/03/content_7360351.htm
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Via Samakomlao

Laos ready to host next SEA Games in 2009

2007-12-17T09:18:00.000+07:00

The 2009 SEA Games in Vientiane was officially announced to thousands of athletes and officials from Asean nations on Saturday night during the closing ceremony of the 24th SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thailand .

The closing ceremony took place in front of 20,000 spectators in the main stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima.

All Lao athletes and officials who attended the closing ceremony of this year's SEA Games were delighted to be present, as the occasion marked not only the medals they had won but also the day when Laos took possession of the SEA Games flag ahead of the 25 th SEA Games in Vientiane in 2009...

The Lao delegation receiving the SEA Games flag was led by Standing Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Executive Board of the 2009 SEA Games, Mr Somsavat Lengsavad; the Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, President of the Lao National Sports Committee and Lao National Olympic Committee, Dr Phouthong Seng-akhom; the Vice President of the Lao National Sports Committee and National Olympic Committee, Mr Somphou Phongsa; and the Vice President and Secretary General of the Lao National Olympic Committee, Mr Souvannarath Sayavong.

After this year's SEA Games host Thailand presented the SEA Games flag to Laos , a performance by more than 400 Lao artists in five programmes followed.

The first item was a traditional dance and the song Sieng Khaen Lao , featuring the cultural traditions of Lao ethnic groups and the khaen – the country's traditional musical instrument.

The second item was the Sunrise Dance, a traditional dance modified from the Ramayana. This was first performed in Luang Prabang province and depicts the tradition of kindness, friendliness and hospitality of Lao women.

The third item portrayed the Hmong New Year, and by a dance to celebrate the harvest season.

The troupe then performed a song to welcome the 25 th SEA Games in 2009, which will take place in Vientiane .

The song told of the honour and pride the Lao people feel at hosting the SEA Games, and expressed a welcome to all Asean athletes, officials and distinguished guests.

The fifth item on the programme was a song expressing how the games will serve to strengthen relationships, friendship, solidarity and unity.

It is hoped the SEA Games will help to push Asean sports closer to world levels in the near future. In the meantime, Laos is delighted to be hosting the event and warmly welcomes all Asean members to the games in 2009.

Saturday night was an occasion not only for Lao athletes and people around the country to celebrate the passing of the SEA Games flag to Laos but also the fact that Laos had its first ever major victory at the SEA Games this year, winning 5 gold, 7 silver and 32 bronze medals.

By Sisay Vilaysack
Vientianetimes,
Via samakomlao, Thanks...

The Lao movie "Sabaidee Luang Prabang" start filming

2007-12-04T16:29:00.000+07:00

Click the photo to...

UNESCO urges Luang Prabang to enforce heritage commitments

2007-11-29T14:47:00.000+07:00

A team of UNESCO officials have expressed concerns over the rise of new buildings and unplanned developments in the town of Luang Prabang, and urged local authorities to address the issue immediately, according to a senior heritage official.

T he director of the Luang Prabang Heritage Office, Ms Manivone Thoummabouth, said yesterday that the three UNESCO officials had made these comments to provincial authorities this week after having spent six days in the town to examine whether it is living up to its World Heritage status in the 10 years since it was granted.

“They told us unofficially about their concerns, so there has been no actual impact yet. We will know whether Luang Prabang can maintain its World Heritage status once they send us their official assessment,” she told Vientiane Times in a telephone interview.

She said that the UNESCO officials had completed their inspection yesterday and were scheduled to leave the town today. They would then take about a month to send through the official results of their inspection to the UNSECO office and the Lao government.

During their visit, the inspectors took a tour around the town and visited a number of important historical sites. There, they found several changes had occurred, such as a rise in the number of new buildings and the disappearance of some of the older structures.

They saw that locals had been putting up new buildings without proper planning, and some water reservoirs had been taken over by private residences.

The inspectors also expressed concern over the increase in tourism investments, using the example of the five-star hotels being built in the area, which would only diminish the town's World Heritage charm, according to Ms Manivone.

She confirmed that the UNESCO officials had visited the Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang and raised their concerns for discussion. In response, the Deputy Governor made a commitment to the visiting guests that the provincial authorities would try harder to address these concerns.

Ms Manivone expressed confidence that from now on the protection of Luang Prabang's World Heritage status would be paramount, due to the establishment last week of a national Committee on World Heritage, with Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad as president.

She explained that one of the main problems had been the failure of local authorities to protect the town's World Heritage status, due to poor legal enforcement.

“We have laws and regulations governing this area, which actually forbid new Western-style buildings in heritage areas, but residents don't always abide by the law,” she said.

She explained that law enforcement required cooperation from all sectors concerned, which was why high-ranking government officials were stepping in to supervise.

Ms Manivone said the provincial authorities would allocate quotas for timber to provide residents with enough wood to renovate the old buildings, instead of cement, to ensure that the buildings' original character was retained.

She said residents needed to realise that losing the town's World Heritage status would hurt the tourism industry, which in turn would affect the local economy.

By vientiane times
www.vientianetimes.org.la
.........................
Thanks.

New Lao movie to promote tourism " Sabaidee Luang prabang "

2007-11-22T18:27:00.000+07:00

LAO Art Media will begin production of a movie called Sabaidee Luang Prabang next month for completion ahead of Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April, to promote tourism in Laos.

The movie is being written, produced and funded locally with the joint support of the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Lao National Tourism Administration.

The plot centres on a man of Lao and Australian parentage who visits his father’s former home town of Luang Prabang, where he is struck by the beautiful nature, culture and traditions.

During his travels, the young man meets and falls in love with a beautiful girl, who seems to him to embody the character and spirit representative of Lao women, which is different from those of the where country he grew up.

The lead actors in the movie will be Lao, while some members of the cast have been chosen from neighbouring countries. Most of the movie will be shot on location in Luang Prabang province.

“We want this movie to promote tourism and make foreigners aware of the culture and traditions of the world heritage city of Luang Prabang,” said the President of Lao Art Media, Mr Anonsone Sirisackda.
He said the film would first be released in Thai cinemas, before being promoted in other Asean countries if it proved successful.

Mr Anonsone added that the company also planned VCD and DVD releases of the movie for distribution in Laos and as a souvenir for visitors.

By OUNKHAM PIMMATA
Vientianetimes
..............
Thank you.

Lao Traditional Calenda 2551

2007-11-18T09:50:00.000+07:00

Click the photos to...

Laung Prabang raises cultural preservation

2007-11-12T14:49:00.000+07:00

(KPL) Luang Prabang last week held a meeting on the preservation of national cultural heritage.
The meeting was presided over by Head of Information and Culture Service of Luang Prabang, Mr. Onchanh Souvannalit, with the participation of Chief of Laung Prabang district, Mr. Xayasak Keopanya, and concerned officials.
At the event Deputy Head of Information and Culture of province, Mr. Bounkhong Khouthao, reported Luang Prabang’s efforts in preserving the culture of its ethnic people made in the past one year, including the inspection of signs of shops, newspapers, entertainment places, Games shops, and museums.
The meeting also highlighted both negative and positive impacts from tourism to the locals’ culture, and publicised laws and regulations on national heritage, managing heritages, and renovating national heritage of culture and historical sites.

The text from www.klp.net

Late President Souphanouvong monument built in Luang Prabang province

2007-11-07T12:22:00.001+07:00

(KPL) A breaking ground ceremony for building the monument of late President Souphanouvong was held on 4 November at Ban NaviengkhamF Luang Prabang district, Luang Prabang province.
This was a part of work to pay respect and gratitude to late President Souphanouvong who sacrifice all his lives for revolutionary cause of the party and for national development.
Among the guest at the ceremony were Mr. Bounnhang Vorachit, LPRP CC Politburo member and Vice President of the Lao PDR together with a number of high ranking officials, local people and member of President Souphanounvong ‘s family.
At the ceremony, Mr. Souvandy Sisavath, Deputy Director of Party Central Committee’s Office who is also head of Khayson Phomvihane monument briefed about background of this project by saying that 8,400 meter of land has been allocated for constructing 5.40 meter of President Souphanounvong statue.
The project is expected to be completed on 13 July, 2009.

The text from www.kpl.net

Luang Prabang promotes participatory trekking

2007-11-02T12:10:00.000+07:00

(KPL) Luang Prabang, Laos; jewel in tourism, is now focussing on tourism development to support the quick increase in the number of tourist arrivals including both domestic visitors and foreign tourists.
Luang Prabang Tourism Service thus signed agreements on two cooperation projects with the Mekong Tourism Development Project and the Asian Development Bank on 29 October. The move is aimed at improving target village group, company’s group and districts in trekking development.
The two projects will support funds for tourism development through the local people participatory trekking programme on the popular Kwuangsy-Houai Khot route.
This project also focuses on strengthening cooperation among tourism business with the participation of local people. It also focuses on improving the living conditions of people in Longlao 1 village, Longlao 2, Houaipheng, Phounongkuai and Houai Khot villages.
In addition, the project is to mobilise villagers in this area to determine tourism sites, culture, and natural conservation of Kouangsy-Huaykhot areas in order to provide good experiences to visitors.
The project will create benefit to five target villages of two districts Luang Prabang and Xieng Ngeun.

Form: www.kpl.net, Thanks KPL

Lai Heau Fai Festival in Luang Prabang 2007

2007-10-28T19:28:00.000+07:00

Lai Heau Fai Festival in Luang Prabang 2007 More Photos

At the temple when Lai Heau Fai Festival

2007-10-25T15:26:00.000+07:00

At the temple when Lai Heau Fai Festival in Luang Prabang More photos

World Heritage town of Luang Prabang prepares to welcome tourists

2007-10-24T12:58:00.000+07:00

(KPL) The World Heritage town of Luang-Prabang is now preparing to welcome the domestic and foreign tourists who like coming to see the beautiful city of Luang Prabang during the high season of tourism which normally starts from November to April. According to the statistics from the Planning and Investment Service of Luang Prabang province, the tourists has come to visit Luang Prabang province last year were 332,226 people.
Mr. Bounlouan Singnakhone, Deputy Director of Planning and Investment Service disclosed recently that Luang Prabang province has now 26 small and big tour companies.
Last year, these companies has provided the service for 332,226 tourists, in which 197,699 were foreign tourists and 134,527 local tourists, growing 57,072 people or 20.7% compared to the previous year and generated US$ 82.73 million of income.
According to Mr. Bounlouan, today, the province has built 111 tourist sites, 20 hotels, two resorts, 222 guesthouses, and 104 restaurants to serve the tourists. The hotels and resorts are able to accommodate 3,000 tourists a day.
Currently, the hotels, guesthouse and restaurants are under improvement. In addition, the provincial authorities has allowed the foreign investors to improve and develop the infrastructure for attracting the foreign tourists, especially 7 construction projects for the hotel and resort cost US$ 20 million.

From : www.kpl.net, Thank you.

The New Souphanouvong Univer Sity building

2007-10-22T22:17:00.001+07:00

Let us go to sign seeing at The New Souphanouvong Univer Sity that is opened the first year.More photos

Let us know about a reason for Lai Heau Fai Celebration

2007-10-15T21:21:00.000+07:00

Let us know about a reason for Lai Heau Fai Celebration, Click here

China to help Laos upgrade Luang Prabang Airport

2007-10-15T12:00:00.000+07:00

(KPL) A project on restoration and expansion of Luang Prabang airport in northern Laos is expected to be carried out next month with low-rate credit loans from the Chinese government.
In the first phase, slated to last for 14 months, the project will cover restoration of the airport’s main facilities, and in the second phase following 30 months, the airport will be expanded, including construction of runway and other auxiliary facilities.
The project is estimated to cost around at 57 million USD. Once completed, the airport will be capable of accommodating large passenger carriers like Airbus and Boeing.
An agreement on the plan is expected to be signed on October 12 between representatives from a Chinese company and the Lao Ministry of Transport, Post and Construction.

The text from: www.kpl.net, Thanks you.

Let us know about Luang Prabang lamps

2007-10-12T13:07:00.000+07:00

Lat us know about Luang Prabang lamps for Lai Heau Fai Festival

Late President Souphanouvong’s Statue to be installed...

2007-10-12T11:41:00.001+07:00

Late President Souphanouvong’s Statue to be installed in Luang Prabang

KPL) The Lao government has agreed to build a new memorial for late President Souphanouvong at the centre of Souphanouvong University campus, Luang Prabang province.
A contract was signed here on 11 October between representatives of the Ministry of Education and Vietnamese Patthana Vichitsilp Construction Company, in the presence of Education Minister Somkot Mangnomek, Vietnamese contractor, Nguyen Nam Moc and officials concerned.
Funded by the Lao government, the construction project of the statue of late PresidentSouphanouvong costs 1.9 billion kip (US$ 200,000), and is expected to start the work on 15 October.
The project will continue until early 2008, according to the contract.
The statue, 3.6 metres in the sitting position with a book in his left hand while the right hand points to the book to explain the Party’s guideline in front of people.

The text from: www.kpl.net

Lai Heau Fai, Ok Phansa Festival 26-27, Octorber 2007

2007-10-05T12:54:00.001+07:00

Lai Heau Fai(Drifting Boats of Fire) Festival, it will take during full moon day of Octorber, In Luang Prabang is a big colorful festival, The Lai Heau Fai parade will take after full moon day every year,you just may know New Year parade before,the atmosphere look like that but, this parade take at the night and it's a very interesting festival in Luang Prabang.

The Luang Prabang smart guy win Mr Clear 2007

2007-10-02T18:10:00.000+07:00

180 cm, 22 years old, Mr Sith, Virasith Savath won Mr Clear 2007 contest, this contest was took by Thai Uniliver Company in Vientiane for find the presenter to promost a popular samphoo "Clinic Clear", now he is studying at SUSAKA College, 4th year. the 2nd runner-up is a guy from vientiane, The 3rd runner-up he is also a guy from Luang Prabang.
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Text from Vientianetimes

Luang prabang guy crowned the title of Mr. Clean in Laos 2007

Mr Vilasith Savath or Sith, 22, was announced as the first winner of the Mr Clear 2007 contest at Romeo nightclub in Vientiane on Sunday.

The event was held by the Unilever Thai Trading Ltd, a distributor of Clinic Clear Shampoo which held this event to select presenters and advertising models.

“I did not think I would win as there were so many smart-looking guys on the stage with me, but I just did my best,” Mr Sith said....more info >>

Vilasith, originally from Luang Prabang province, received a prize of 2.5 million kip, the Clinic Clear trophy 2007, a Clinic Clear gift set, and will become a promoter for the company for one year.

The runner up, Mr Santi Luangkhot or Dono, 17, was voted the Sexiest Man and received prizes worth 1.5million kip plus a Clinic Clear gift set.

The third place prize for the Most Active Man went to Mr Inthanousin Sivilaisak or Ai, 18, who received 1 million kip and a Clinic Clear gift set.

The Most Charming Guy was Mr Phongsathon Vongthavon or Billy, 20, while the Healthiest Man was Mr Vixayaphone Phoneseua or Gig, 22, and the Best Sportsman was Mr Phouttakon Bouttaveht or Ae, 25, each of whom received 600,000 kip and a Clinic Clear gift set.

The Manager of Clinic Clear Thailand, Ms Alounny Atsavalerthsak said, “The contest, entitled Mr Clear 2007 , represents the first time that we have held such a competition in Laos . The idea was to choose well-presented young men to appear in newspapers, magazines and on billboards advertising our products here.”

The organiser opened applications last month, over 50 people participated and six contestants were chosen to compete on Sunday.

The event opened with a showcase of breakdancing skills by dancers from the Lao Bangfai Breakdancing Club and was followed by a fashion show where six young men modeled sportswear and casual clothes.

During the evening there were many games, with the winners receiving company products as prizes.

The event also featured a mini-concert by artists from Indee Records including Modern Dance, Princess and LOG, who entertained the audience before the announcement of the winner.

The votes that decided the winner were 50 percent from the judging panel and 50 percent from the audience.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
September 04, 2007
Vientianetimes

Via Samakomlao, Thanks...

UNESCO to review Luang Prabang's World Heritage...

2007-10-02T10:22:00.000+07:00

UNESCO to review Luang Prabang's World Heritage status

UNESCO will send officials to Luang Prabang next month to see whether the town still warrants its World Heritage status, according to a senior official.
The head of the Luang Prabang Heritage Office, Ms Manivone Thoummabouth, said last week that the team of inspectors would arrive in Luang Prabang early next month, and will work there for two weeks to review all heritage sites in a routine inspection.
“They will come with a checklist to ensure all listed building and artefacts have remained intact in the 10 years since the town was listed as a World Heritage Site,” she said in a telephone interview with Vientiane Times.
She said the inspection was not unexpected, because UNESCO inspects all sites 10 years after they have been granted World Heritage status.
She added that UNESCO had proposed an inspection of the town last year. “Lao government and UNESCO officials reached an agreement on a deadline for the Luang Prabang inspection in August during a meeting in Switzerland ,” she said.
Ms Manivone said the team of inspectors had extensive knowledge of World Heritage Sites and remained independent from all state organisations.
UNESCO has removed certain sites from the World Heritage list in the past, including the city of Chiang Mai in Thailand , which was unable to maintain its sites due to rapid development.
Ms Manivone said she had a strong belief that the results of this year's inspection would be positive, because over the past 10 years local authorities have “done an excellent job in maintaining the area”.
She explained that many of the town's temples and houses were in the same condition as they were 10 years ago, and all renovations had been carried out carefully, in accordance with heritage guidelines.
She also said that while local architecture had been preserved, Luang Prabang residents had continued to maintain their traditional lifestyles; women still wear the traditional Lao skirt when offering alms to monks in the early mornings, an example of the many traditions that have largely disappeared in Asia .
Ms Manivone said the Lao government has always been intent on protecting its places of cultural heritage as they reflect the unique Lao culture, and help to boost the tourism industry.
“Many tourists come to Luang Prabang because of its World Heritage status,” she said, adding that this has led to more jobs and better incomes for local people.

From VIENTIANE TIMES

Vientiane discusses to mark 450th anniversary......

2007-10-01T12:17:00.000+07:00

Vientiane discusses to mark 450th anniversary founding of Vientiane

(KPL) The Executive Board of Vientiane organised the first meeting last week on preparing the celebration of 450th anniversary founding of Vientiane in the year of 2010 to promote tourism.
The meeting was chaired by Mr Somsavat Lengsavad, Standing Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the President of Vientiane Preparation Committee where was attended by Mr Sombath Yailiher, Vientiane Party Secretary, Dr. Sinlavong Koudphaithoun, Vientiane Mayor and high-ranking officials.
The meeting passed a number of legislature documents on the celebration of the 450th anniversary founding of Vientiane Capital so as to inform the celebration to the Party Central Committee’s Office and Government.
The meeting has also informed the agreements of Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on the appointment of Sub-Preparing Committee for Marking 450th anniversary founding of Vientiane and Organising Committee.
“The celebration of Vientiane is the first historical event of the nation and a significant history,” Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong said. “This is also a study of Vientiane’s background on development of society, economy and politic that dated back to 230 BC.”
The celebration is to generate from domestic and foreign countries and also a great contribution to agriculture production, businesses, services and tourism.
Mr. Somsavat urged the Vientiane Party members pay attention to poverty reduction to complete 100 percent, to strive reduce number of poor people and eradication of slash and burn cultivation practice.
Also try to create jobs in Sangthong and Pakngum districts as well as to solve the social negative impact.

From www.kpl.net

Luang Prabang vows to become trade hub for.....

2007-09-29T23:27:00.000+07:00

Luang Prabang vows to become trade hub for northern region

(KPL) Luang Prabang has vowed to develop itself into a trade hub of the eight northern provinces in the next two years.
However, the Director of the provincial Commerce Service, Mr Houmpheng Phakhounsay, said yesterday that by 2010 only the basic work of the strategy will have been fulfilled.
Mr Houmpheng Phakhounsay pointed out that the implementation of the province’s strategy, partly aiming to enhance the poverty reduction of local ethnic people, will not affect the conservation of heritage sites as the activities will be conducted outside the perimeter of the world heritage town of Luang Prabang.
Based on the strategy initiated in 2002, the province plans to promote the export of various kinds of goods by improving working condition of customs offers and ensuring the adequate domestic consumption.
To fulfill the strategy, the province will strive to protect domestic production and actively participate in both regional and international trade exhibitions.
According to the strategy, the province aims to have value of its annual goods circulation increased by 12 % and have its 80% of villages have markets constructed by 2010.
Luang Prabang has gross domestic product grown around 7 % annually over recent years, partly contributed by the investment of China, Vietnam and Thailand, mostly in agriculture sphere.

From www.kpl.net

Luang Prabang to search for rumoured treasure

2007-09-26T12:09:00.001+07:00

Luang Prabang authorities have set up a special taskforce to explore a cave said to be a place where French colonial army troops hid valuable items several decades ago.

The Phadao cave is located in Chom village, Chomphet district, some 30 km from the capital city of Luang Prabang province.

“We have heard locals talking about the treasure in this cave for more than 10 years, so we've decided to officially explore it,” a member of the taskforce, Mr Bounkhong Khoutthao, said in a telephone interview with Vientiane Times.

Mr Bounkhong, who is also deputy director of the Luang Prabang Information and Culture Department, said the taskforce officials had visited the cave several times but the official exploration had not begun because the taskforce did not have archaeological experts.

“We have invited archaeologists from the Ministry of Information and Culture to join the taskforce and they have agreed with the proposal. We expect to begin the explorations this month,” he said.

Mr Bounkhong said the provincial authorities had not allowed any individuals or companies to explore the cave, and was confident no one had gone against these orders. He added that local people also believed the caves were guarded by ghosts, and did not dare get closer to the cave.

The cave is located inside a forest surrounded by mountains, and is difficult to access, he said. Survey team officials must walk for at least two hours before they arrive at the cave, where there is only a small entrance to the cave.

In a report on Lao National Radio on Monday, the reporter quoted a member of the survey team as saying that the team had found evidence of soil used by the French troupes to fill the small hole, and archaeologists would need to negotiate this soil before entering the cave.

Although people have been saying for ten years that French colonial army troops hid their valuables inside the cave before escaping from Japanese soldiers during the 1940s, Mr Bounkhong said that he could not confirm what would actually be inside the cave, as all the evidence was based on local rumours.

However, he said the project would be good experiences for the survey team, and that perhaps the cave could eventually be developed as another tourist site for the province.

He said the scenery surrounding the Phadao cave was lush and forested with clean air, and would be a good place for tourists to set up camps and organise trekking activities. He added that he had plans to discuss the possibilities of the area with tourism officials at a later date.

By Ekaphone Phouthonesy
vientianetimes
photo: flickr
Via Samakomlao Webboard, Thank you Samakomlao.

The vientiane beauty girl crowned Miss Apone Lao 2007

2007-09-22T23:08:00.000+07:00

Miss Apone Lao 2007, the 2nd Miss Apone Lao pageant, was won by Touny Ladsasombatd, A14 from Vientiane. It took place on 22 september 2007 at the Donchane palace in Vientiane Capital City.

The 1st runner-up is A6, Miss Koudthavone Arkhalath from Vientiane province.

And four girl who is the 3rd runner-up:

Miss Manivone phomsavath from Luang Prabang, A5
Miss Suphawadee Phongsavanh from Savannakhet, A10
Miss Miss Anoulack Vongsouly from Vientiane, A11
Miss Sithamina Bouapha from Savannakhet, A17

Miss Photogenic is A17, Miss Sithamina Bouapha from Savannakhet.

Miss Congeniality is Miss Sangvanh Tandara, A3 from Luang Prabang.

Miss Popular vote(vote via Tigo mobile network) is A10, Miss Suphawadee Phongsavanh from Savannakhet.

The new Miss Apone Lao and five runner-up will be the beer Lao calendar model in 2008.

By Luang Prabang 2 Day

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Text News from Vientianetimes.org.la

Ms Tunee Lasasombath from Vientiane was crowned the winner of this year's Miss Apone Lao pageant on Saturday night, delighting her local fans.

The 18-year-old finalist received a crown worth 14 million kip, cash worth 30 million kip and other gifts after being named the winner.

In choosing the winner, the judging panel considered the attitude of the contestants, looking to see if they were true Lao women, how well they answered the questions put to them and how they had behaved in the run-up to the contest.

The 169-cm-tall Ms Tunee gave what the judges considered to be the best answers to the final question of what the ideal Miss Apone Lao winner should be - that real Lao women should be polite, well-behaved, but by no means weak.

“When they called my name, I kept asking myself whether this was really happening,” she told Vientiane Times yesterday.

“I was so happy just to be one of the 18 finalists, and this is just so much more than I had expected!”

“I plan to keep my crown, so that I can wear it on special occasions, and the money I've won will go towards my education,” she said.

The runner-up was Khoutthavon Akkhalath, 19, from Vientiane province, who received 15 million kip in cash, as well as a cash and other gifts.

Four finalists shared second place as runners-up - Manivan Phomsavath, 19, from Luang Prabang province, Souphavadee Phongsavanh, 18, from Savannakhet province, Anoulack Vongsoulee, 20, from Vientiane , and Sithameena Bouapha, 18, from Savannakhet province.

Ms Sithameena was also voted the most beautiful contestant by the local media, and received a separate prize worth 5 million kip.

Miss Souphavadee was voted by the public as the most beautiful contestant, with the highest number of votes received via SMS on a system set up by mobile phone company tigo.

Originally, 18 finalists were chosen to take part in Saturday's contest, but one of them, Ms Phoulatsamee Lattanavong, withdrew from the event.

Ms Tunee, as the 2007 Miss Apone Lao, will be considered a representative of Laos, and will act as an ambassador for Lao culture and traditions, both locally and internationally.

This is the largest beauty contest in the country, and the first that the government has been involved in.

The hosts, the Lao Women's Union and K&C Company Ltd, selected nine out of 350 Vientiane applicants for the final round. In Savannakhet and Champassak provinces, about 140 women applied and three from each province were selected to compete in the final. In Luang Prabang province, 55 women applied, and three were chosen.

The Lao Women's Union and K&C Company Ltd plan to hold this contest each year until 2010.

From Vientianetimes.org.la via www.laosmile.com, Thanks...Laosmile !

Tourism law disseminated for eight northern provinces

2007-09-21T13:18:00.000+07:00

(KPL) A meeting to dissemin ate the law on tourism and to talk about the draft law related to tourism was held in Luang Prabang province on 13 September for eight northern provinces.
The meeting, chaired by Mr. Somphong Mongkhonvilay, Minister and President of the
National Tourism Authority (NTA), has touched on Prime Minister’s decree on the implementation of the tourism law, aiming to work out rules and regulations and measures for the control and management of tourism affairs.
It also aimed to implement the tourism law effectively and unanimously under the same principle and ways for advertising and promoting the tourism.
The meeting was part of the NTA’s activities to promote and develop the cultural, historical and natural tourism in order to develop it into a modern tourism industry and as a main contribution to the national defence and construction.

From : www.kpl.net

Live form Vientiane on LNTV1, Miss Apone Lao 2007

2007-09-19T09:04:00.000+07:00

This year's the 2nd Miss Apone Lao or Miss Apone Lao 2007 will live from Donchane Palace, Vientiane on LNTV1 and Lao star channel in this Saturday evening, LNTV1 will beginning air live about 20:00 after finished news program.

The 18 contestants from around the country will be judged in these categories: Lao traditional costume, evening Lao gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Apone Lao 2007.

The Miss Apone Lao Organization, producers of the Lao women union center, some business company...,including Laos National Television 1 and Lao star channel. Which the main sponsor of this year is Lao Brewery Co., Ltd

Miss Apone Lao is searching for the representative of lao girls to promote Lao culture and Lao costumes to both local and international level. The winner of this year will be awarded crown, 30 million kips in cash and the six finalist will be the beer Lao calendar model in 2008.

The last year Miss Apone Lao titel was crowned by Miss. Keochinda KEOSOULINHA from Champasack Province, she is studying at Champasack University faculty of Tourism.

BY Luang Prabang 2 Day

Luang Prabang’s world heritage status at risk

2007-09-16T17:41:00.000+07:00

(KPL) The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has much worried about Luang Prabang’s world heritage town because local authorities have permitted foreign businessmen to occupy and do business out of ancient sites.
Some claim that authorities allow business people to run their business at the conserved tourist sites although they can’t justify allowing.
“I would like to inform the Lao government that Luang Prabang world heritage town should not be occupied by
foreign investors to run their business because this act will be a high risk of destroying the ancient places especially houses, temples and the Palace as well,” said this week Mr Francis Engelmann, UNESCO’s Representative in Luang Prabang.
Mr Francis continued “Many ancient sites in town are undergoing slight transformation from old style to modern trend and they will certainly become unattractive to visitors soon if the government has no strict rule and measure to deal with the permission of business people to run their business. out of ancient heritage.”
At present the business booming in this world heritage town has squeezed out local residents. Many locals sell their own land and houses and make way to foreign business operations of restaurants, guesthouses, hotels and entertainment places.. After the sale, they move out to the suburb.
Another major concern is the jeopadisation of business operations to the traditonal Buddhist way of life of the locals..When landlords in ancient downtown are squeezed out, new people come in, the traditonal morning procession of Buddhist monks to collect alms from local residents, which has been a symbol of traditional way of life and ardent faith of Buddhism and also another attraction of Luang Prabang, is graduallly changed little by little. A handful people with a high determination to stay on in their houses are left behind are still be seen to give alms to monks. and to succeed the way of life and their ancestors.
It is believed that running business without reasonable permission might easily lead to the destruction of the old preserved sites of the city.
Officials from international organisations urge that all people in the World Heritage town should have to preserve their heritage as soon as possible rather than thinking only of money.

From: http://www.kpl.net.la

The boat from Noonsavhat village is the winner this year

2007-09-13T20:21:00.000+07:00

The boat from Noonsavhat village is the winner at Boat Racing Festival in Luang Prabang this year More infor

Let watch the nice music from Luang Prabang "Khu Huk"

2007-09-10T22:18:00.000+07:00

The singer from C star music.
Do you like this music ?

10-11 September is Boat Racing and Khao Padap Din Festival in Luang Prabang, Laos

2007-09-01T11:15:00.000+07:00

10-11 September is Boat Racing and Khao Padap Din (The land is decorated by alms) Festival in Luang Prabang, Laos.
More information
By Luang Prabang 2 Day

Miss Luang Prabang New Year 2007

2007-08-30T14:03:00.001+07:00

Let have a look nice photos clip of Miss Lao New Year in Luang Prabang 2007 (Nang Sangkane 2007).

By Luang Prabang 2 Day

Luang Prabang Food and Drink

2007-08-28T19:31:00.000+07:00

Luang Prabang has its own 'royal' version of Lao cuisine. Unfortunately, few of the many restaurants catering to tourists offer much of it. Which is not to say you can't get good eats around town. The city is quite full of places to eat, with everything on offer from European to Thai to Lao cuisines, and we can honestly say that we didn't have a bad, or even mediocre, meal there.
The small cafes along Sisavang Vong Road are good places to catch a snack and a cup of coffee at any time of day. The French roasted Lao coffee is always good. Several bakeries offer delicious sweet or savory rolls and pastries.
Aside from the restaurants along the main road, there are several waterfront restaurants along the Mekong river. These are mostly only open at night. Their operations have been disrupted somewhat by the paving of the road and esplanade, but should be back to normal by the end of 2003.
Restaurants and cafes seem to come and go. At least a third of the places listed in the current big name guides are gone, or changed hands, so we won't bother trying to list them here. Just wander around and see what looks good.

From: www.asiaforvisitors.com/laos/prabang/lp-food.html

The return of my art, Puang Champa House (A Lao Heritage Foundation project) in Luang Prabang

2007-08-27T11:15:00.000+07:00

The principal objective of The House of Puang Champa is to preserve, to promote, and to transmit the cultural and artistic heritage of Luang Prabang through gold thread embroidery. The House of Puang Champa will give rise to the economic and tourism development of Laos while remaining fully immersed in artistry and creativity. The future of Luang Prabang is intricately linked to the proper management of this opportunity and it is therefore imperative that it leads to lasting development.

For more informationClick here
For more photosClick here

For video here

Puang Champa (A Lao Heritage Foundation project) - Part 1

Puang Champa (A Lao Heritage Foundation project) - Part1

Puang Champa - (A Lao Heritage Foundation project) - Part 2

Puang Champa - (A Lao Heritage Foundation project) - Part 2

Luang Prabang 2 Day will be a month on this Tuesday.

2007-08-25T17:57:00.000+07:00

It will be a month which Luang Prabang 2 Day has created for test, nowadays it make me know that the most of visitors are interesting at this blog, so I have to continue improve it, the concept of the blog is promotion travelling, culture, festival, life stye from Luang Prabang to Lao and people around the world.
If you have any idea for improve the blog, I'm looking to hear from you.

Thanks you to webmaster of SAMAKOMLAO and AU8UST for your help and your support to create this blog.

I hope all of visitors will continue support us that is just often visit this blog.

Thank you.

Luang Prabang 2 Day webmaster

On the catwalk in Luang Prabang

2007-08-21T11:10:00.000+07:00

The models with Lao silk and Lao cotton in modern design

It's not too big catwalk which for promote Lao traditional dress, Lao silk and Lao cotton, at the moment there are many business silk in Luang Prabang, and they often take the fashion show to present Lao silk to tourist.
Luang Prabang is a good place to find unique, hand-woven textiles. You can buy it at the silk shop around the city, especially at the Night Market. It opens at dusk each evening near Wat Mai along Phothisarat Road at the town center. Anything from good silk, jewelry...
Lao silk is not too expensive but it's good quality More Photos

Beautiful of Lao silk in the traditional design

The dress for Lao culture

In the Lao traditional dress

The model in Lao ethnic dress

By Laungprabang2day

From traditional dancer become a singer in Luang Prabang

2007-08-17T11:32:00.000+07:00

If you have visited Luang Prabang and have been to the traditional theater, maybe you have seen her before, that time she is a traditional dancer but now she become a famouse singer in Luang Prabang. Hathailat or Lee lee a girl from traditonal theater Phalak Phalam(Lao Ramayana), who is the new singer from C star Music did the first song in the beginning of this year, Nowadays her song is not only a hit song in Luang Prabang but in Vientiane as well, because the song can be in the top chart music program in Vientiane.

Let join the song with Fan Kao Hao Mug and Kid pai eng click link below.
Fan Kao Hao Mug
Kid pai eng

By Luang Prabang 2 Day

The Khao Pradap Din Festival in Luang Prabang

2007-08-13T21:07:00.000+07:00

The morning almsgiving is conducted rather quickly, so as to leave ample time for the monks to return to the temples to prepare their first meal of the day - those who, for whatever reason, did not give alms in the early morning will take this opportunity to bring food to offer at their local temples. This is followed by merit making ceremonies for those who have successfully passed from this worldly existence. Even for souls unable to receive merit from these traditional ceremonies, the locals have left out rice specialties covered in banana leaves since the early morning hours.
At the same time, the group of competing rowers have gathered at the temple, waiting for the Brahman priest to bless the boating event. After having their breakfast together, the rowers and all others involved in the races will receive their own holy water blessing from the senior monk at the temple, at which time they will begin a procession around the temple and continue to the river's port. In the first ceremonial boat race, a black boat duels a white boat. The preordained winner of that race is always the white boat, which is meant to signify the undisputed victory of good over evil. Afterwards, the boat races begin in earnest, as the entire community comes together to join in the festive occasion...
Certainly, the Luang Prabang merit making "Khao Pradap Din" festival in commemoration of the dead is filled with ceremony and purpose. Second in importance only to the Laotian New Year's Day celebrations, this festival, however, additionally impresses upon outsiders not only the sense of community the locals of Luang Prabang engender, but leaves them tickled with an infectious tradition of merriment and celebration.

From www.sarakadee.com

Lao New Year Festival

2007-08-13T20:52:00.000+07:00

Although times and customes are changing very quickly and tradition are dying, many people still keep up the LAO NEW YEAR tradition, especially if there are children in the family. Several weeks before New Year, private and official organizations and families get ready celebrate the New Year all province in Laos. The children go singing and dancing. This is also the season of children’s plays at the theatre. A lot of Laos send some New Year cards every year to friends. Pimai is celebrated in the middle of April of every year, a time which is far more auspicious than January, since it harmonizes with the natural seasons of the year. The weeks before the holiday houses and rooms are repainted and decorated. Boys and girls buy some plastic water pistol because it is very hot in Lao New Year the temperature is about 40 celcius in Shade. In the principle province such Vientiane capital, Luangprabang or Champasack … will organize beauty contest or we call Nang Sang khan (Miss New Year) is selected among the most beautiful girls of different hight schools. Pimay ( Lao New Year) is celebrated in the middle of April, generally over the three days: 1. The first day : Mu Nang Sang khan Luong former ( Nang Sang khan’s departure day). In the afternoon a large crowd of people gather in the temple. Each of them brings candles, flowers, perfume and some water. After making prayer, the monk get down small statues of Buddhas, lay them down on a large tray and wash them before watering the statues the people wish they could get good merit not only in the actual generation but in the next too. And they wish for wonderful days filled with happiness and wealth throughout the New Year. They also wter each other to wash away all the bad things along with the on going year and are preapare for the better days. At night they are organized in the main street of the town Mohlam (Lao folksingers) Lamlueng (Legend song) Lamvong (Lao revolving circle dancing). 2. Seconday : Mu Nao ( Rest day) during which all work is forbidden. The show programme is the same. 3. The third day: Mu Nang Sang khan Khun ( Nang Sang khan ‘s arrival day ). This day corresponds the firstday of the New Year It should be happy and lucky for everyboday fro that, mothers are supposed to get up earlier in the morning and cook a gastronomic meal for example the Lap ( Popular Laodish of meat ; Lap means luck in Lao) and offer it to the monks. The great part of young people prepares banana made cornets decorated with flowers, put them into bowls. With these cornets of flowers they go to their grand parents, parents, and elderly people for blessing and forgiveness for their wrong-doings in the past one year. The first day of New Year is also a popular day for happiness, for children and grow-ups parties and visiting friends.

From www.inlao.net

Buddhis Lent

2007-08-13T20:47:00.000+07:00

Marking the beginning of the three-month Buddhist Lent, which commences at the full moon in July and continues until the full moon in October, this is considered a particularly auspicious time for Lao men to enter the monkhood and is marked by numerous ordination ceremonies. Boun Asalahaboucha and Boon Khao Pansa (Buddhis Lent) It is the beginning of Buddhist Lent. During the next three month period, monks spend most of their times in prayer and meditation and are restricted from spending nights in other "Wats". This festival is held during the eighth full ! moon of the lunar calendar.

By Laos Tourism Guide 2004, From www.inlao.net

Holding Back the Years: New Year in Luang Prabang

2007-08-12T20:34:00.000+07:00

Situated on a hill rising dramatically at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang has for centuries enchanted those who arrive by boat - and this is still probably one of the best ways to first see the former capital of Laos. The somnolence of this peaceful and languid town masks a fascinating history of conquest and recapture, and only hints at the intricate culture and complex traditions of its people.
And at designated times of year, the town springs to a life that is unique. Pii Mai, or New Year, is celebrated for three days in mid-April and is the most elaborate and vibrant of the festivals dotting the calendar year. It marks the beginning of the new agricultural year, with rain expected any day, and as if throwing back a blanket, the town wakes up and a time-honoured drama unfolds to seduce all who are lucky enough to be there.

On the first day of rituals, we awake with the sun. Already the street below is milling with people. There's an expectant feel in the air, and we follow the crowds to what's known as talaat nat, where all the necessary festival items ranging from candles to live animals are for sale. Pairs of birds in tiny pink straw cages chirp incessantly alongside tiny fish in buckets being sloshed into small plastic bags and restless turtles and frogs stretching against protective nets: the liberators of these animals will gain merit.

Traditional Lao musical instruments are also for sale, along with basketware, obscure noise-making implements, helium balloons, sweets, soups and coconut ice cream. Streams of coloured paper hand-painted with the signs of the Lao zodiac and mounted onto slim sticks are carried along by the crowd. Gambling is popular: throwing a tennis ball, aiming a dart, flicking a slingshot or spinning a fish can variously win you cigarettes, fish sauce, washing detergent, or, if you're unlucky, a lolly for trying.

We stop at one of the wats along the road, and watch an older man show novices how to asperse, or wash, the temple's Buddhas. This is one of the most serious rites of the new year, representing the purity and life that the rains will bring.

By midday boats are streaming across to the other side of the Mekong. We are drenched by the time we reach our boat: people line up with buckets of water or hoses outside their houses, dousing any passers-by with a good-humoured litre or two. Traditionally, this was also a symbolic rite of purification, which developed into something more fun where women would chase men to soak them. According to an 1887 description of the rite, women also pursued men with mud, oil and soot. Even monks, nobles and princes were not spared; today everyone still joins in the fun.

On the other bank we watch stupas made of sand being constructed. It's an art: mounds of sand covered with water are built higher and higher, dotted with small balls of mud, sprinkled with flour, and finally decorated with incense and candles. Each grain of sand is said to wash away a single sin of the builder. A prayer and family snaps follow upon completion, and a plunge into the Mekong to cool off may as well take place: if you don't wet yourself, someone else is bound to.

The following morning at Wat Ahaan, the ritual masks of Pu No and Na No are brought out from storage and preened for the day's procession later on. A dozen or so children finger-comb the straw hair of the two red-faced masks representing the town's royal gods. According to one legend, the Lao kings who ruled until the mid-twentieth century were descended from the king of the heavenly gods, King Borom. The King descended from the sky on his royal elephant and landed at today's Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam. He travelled through thick forests accompanied by Pu No and Na No, who demolished vegetation and hostile parties along the way. When the party reached the site of the present Luang Prabang, Pu No and Na No became the future town's protectors, wielding more power than the fifteen nagas that had previously protected the area.

By early afternoon, people are jostling to see the parade through town. At the head of the procession are the city officials, carrying pyramids of carefully arranged banana leaves and flowers, followed by saffron streams of monks and novices who are splashed with perfumed water containing rose petals. Pu No and Na No come next, accompanied by the little lion known as Singkeo Singkham. Two pick up trucks carrying abbots in litters come next, followed by women dressed in intricately woven traditional dress.

We follow the parade which concludes with groups of men dancing the fon dab, a traditional Lao dance, to sprawling Wat Sieng Thong. Here there are more dancers and musicians setting a mood for the crowd mingling at the stalls selling young coconuts, Pepsi and noodles. More importantly, Pu No and Na No accept offerings from the people, before officially ending the day by performing a dance. In the meantime, monks are themselves being washed behind curtains and are peeped at by children brave enough to draw them back for a moment.

The following day is the day the spirit of the new year arrives, and at sunrise monks are given fruits, sweets, cakes flowers and money - rather than just the usual sticky rice. At Phu Si, the hill dominating the town, women kneeling on mats with silver bowls catching the crawling sun wait patiently for the monks to arrive. Like rays of the arriving sunlight itself, the single file monks emerge eventually and take their alms.

An hour later the attention focuses on Phu Si itself. Under the heady scent of frangipani, families arrive to walk up the hill to Wat Thaat Chom Si with rice, lollies and biscuits to propitiate the spirits. The offerings are left along the 328 steps leading all the way to the summit. A group of mischievous kids pick up the sweets as soon as possible after they've been laid out: the more efficient ones bring plastic bags.

In the afternoon, yesterday's parade goes in the reverse direction. We arrive at Wat Sieng Thong well before the parade begins to observe the preparations. The masks of Pu No and Na No are brought out for display. Children in red and blue outfits sit around them, patiently waiting. Monks with black umbrellas begin to congregate. A recalcitrant monk asks one of the children to go buy him a packet of cigarettes. The men who will wear the masks tighten their pull-tie pants with a grimace and allow the masks to be placed on their heads. Lipsticked girls shade themselves under dainty umbrellas as they wait, fanned by nearby friends to stay cool.

Led by the Lao flag, the parade begins again and heads back to Wat Thaat Luang with similar crowd participation. Once there, it's time to move on to the next part f the celebration: a trip by boat to the Pak Ou caves twenty-five kilometres upstream to pay homage to the multitudes of Buddha statues.

We hire a boat in the morning to take us there, through the mist and the ubiquitous frangipani scent. At the caves, children sell flowers, incense, orange candles and water perfumed with yellow, pink and white flower petals. People inside are quietly sprinkling water over the statues, the occasional boat engine the only sound intruding. In the darker cave, the atmosphere is intimate as curlicues of smoke are caught in the flickering candlelight. Footsteps are muted in the dust, people speak in hushed tones and get their photograph taken praying at the shrines - the flash a sudden reminder of what century we're in.

The following day, the rituals continue, with the procession of the Pha Bang taking place. The highly revered golden image of Buddha is no more than 50cm tall and originally came from Sri Lanka, via a king of Cambodia. Moved throughout history variously between Luang Prabang, Vientiane and the then capital of Siam, Thonburi, it is now stored at the National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace. Led again by Pu No and Na No, the Pha Bang is carried from the Museum in a prasat, a small carved wooden palace-like structure, to the courtyard of Wat Mai, where a marquee has been specially erected. It's a short but colourful and joyous procession

Here the Pha Bang will stay, illuminated by fluorescent lights, for three days and nights. Flowers, incense and candles are offered at such a rate that people are specially employed to remove them as they pile to unmanageable heights. People bless the Pha Bang with holy water through a hanglin, a hollow wooden implement carved into the shape of a naga. The water is poured through the tail of the naga, flowing through to the serpent's mouth and then onto the Pha Bang placed below it. Until a few decades ago, the King would carry this out, along with nobles, Pu No, Na No and monks. Today only Pu No and Na No and the monks fulfill the tradition.

Some things may have changed in Laos, but the beauty of a resilient culture lives on.

From www.thingsasian.com/stories-photos/1500

Luang Prabang Night Market

2007-08-12T20:30:00.001+07:00

The Luang Prabang Night Market has perhaps the most extensive collection of handicrafts for sale in the country, with a wide variety of textiles, clothing, carvings, basketry, quilts, and much more. The market is open daily from dusk until about 10pm. Taking a stroll through the night market is an enjoyable experience in itself and is something that should not be missed for those visiting Luang Prabang.

From www.ecotourismlaos.com/activities/handicrafts/night_market.htm

Luang Prabang - Out and About

2007-08-12T19:58:00.000+07:00

Pak Ou Caves

Situated 25km upriver from Luang Prabang at the confluence of the Ou and Mekong rivers are two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun, that house countless numbers of Buddah images that have been left over hundreds of years by devotees. The caves are best accessed by boat from LuangPrabang, either a slow boat, that takes about two hours to reach or by speedboat.

Perhaps the most enjoyable way to visit the caves is to take your time and enjoy a quiet lunch at the caves - there is a covered rest area there where you can relax, enkoy lunch and take your time overlooking the Mekong river.

Ban Xang Hai

Near Pak Ou caves, downriver towards Luang Prabang is the village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its manufacture of rice whiskey. The villagers carry water from the Mekong and use it to soak rice in large jars which sit for several days. The fermented rice yields alcohol which can be drunk as a cloudy liquid, or distilled to make a fire water.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

About 30km south of Luang Prabang, passing through many ethnic minority villages are the magnificent Kuang Sii Waterfalls. There are trails all around the falls and visitors can swim in the lower pools. The falls has a covered area for eating and there are several stalls serving simple Lao food and drink. A full day should be allowed for a trip to the falls.

Ban Phanom Village

Situated four km from LuangPrabang is a small village famous for its weavings. There is a small market set up here, and you can wander in the village and see village women weaving underneath their homes

From www.visit-laos.com/where/luangprabang/outandabout.htm

Luang Prabang - City Sites

2007-08-12T19:36:00.000+07:00

Luang Prabang has dozens of temples and religious sites, both large and small. The best way to see these sites is by foot or by bicycle. The biggest concentration of temples is in the old quarter, much of which forms a peninsula between the Mekong and the Khan rivers. In between temple visits, there are many small restaurants perched high on the banks of the Mekong where you can watch life go by at a very slow pace

Wat Xieng Thong - is situated 300m south of the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers and was built in 1560. The temple is the most stunning in Luang Prabang, richly decorated with coloured glass and gold.

Mount Phousi and Wat That Chom Sii - situated 150m and 300 steps up above the peninsula with spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside. The climb is tiring, but the views from the top are certainly worth it. From the top, you can see the old Royal Palace, now the Palace Museum, the rivers and surrounding villages. The temple has a gold spired stupa that can be seen from most parts of the city.

The Royal Palace, now a museum houses a collection of artefacts belonging to former rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang. Photography is not allowed in the museum.

From www.visit-laos.com/where/luangprabang/citysights.htm

Jewel of the Mekong - Exploring Luang Prabang the splendid former Royal capital of Laos

2007-08-12T19:14:00.001+07:00

If you’re up at the crack of dawn, you can catch the town’s most extraordinary sight. Scores of saffron-robed monks file out of the monasteries and make their way barefoot through the streets, bearing gold-topped wooden alms bowls. Along the route, locals wait to present sticky rice and other food to the monks--thereby earning merit by performing this good deed. Theravadan Buddhism dictates that women cannot stand higher than monks, so women kneel on bamboo mats to present food, while local men stand; as a mark of respect, women wear a traditional shawl, while men drape one shoulder with a white scarf. A long line of monks creates a swirl of orange, accentuated by the soft morning light; the scene is framed by russet monastery roofs, tall palm trees, and whitewashed colonial housing. Within an hour, the monks complete their rounds, and melt back into the monasteries-and the streets become quite ordinary again.

Although this ritual can be seen in numerous parts of Southeast Asia, it’s particularly striking in Luang Prabang because of the density of temples and the concentration of monks. Out of a population of 15,000 residents, there are over 500 monks in this former royal capital of Laos. The oldest part of the city is where royalty and nobility once resided--patrons of temple building in centuries past.

In December 1995, the entire town of Luang Prabang was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranking it alongside architectural treasures like Angkor Wat or the Taj Mahal. The UNESCO report identified 33 temples and 111 historic Lao-French buildings for specific restoration, citing Luang Prabang as the best-preserved traditional town in Southeast Asia--a kind of outdoor museum. Luang Prabang’s natural and cultural beauty are well-preserved because of the town’s isolation--although it flourished as a trading outpost among the peoples of upper Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, southern China and Burma, there was little contact with non-Asian countries until the French arrived in the mid-19th century.

Luang Prabang is jewel-like: tiny and compact. The "setting" is what gives it a jewel-like aura: the town is encircled by peaks and rivers, and camouflaged by palm trees and dense tropical foliage. From a distance, only golden-spired stupas can be seen--flashes of gold among the greenery. The town is sited on a peninsula at the strategic junction of the Mekong and Khan rivers--originally, ramparts to the south and west sealed off the land approaches. At the heart of Luang Prabang is Mount Phousi, a 150-meter-high rocky outcrop with forested slopes, dotted with sacred shrines and stupas.

Because of its diminutive size, Luang Prabang is easily explored on foot, by bicycle, or by boat. "You don’t need a key," says the hotel receptionist, dismissing my inquiry about a bicycle lock. "There are no thieves here." And so I ride off- lockless- through the streets, being greeted with a chorus of "sabaidee" (hello) from other cyclists. Life moves at bicycle pace here: there’s no particular rush--even the motorcyclists putter along at a gentle speed. A woman cycles past me with her baby in the front basket; another cycles along holding a parasol to ward off the mid-day sun. Traffic is light--the only time the roads get busy is when schools let out for lunch, and students on bicycles throng the streets. Otherwise, the area around markets is brisk, with motorcycle hybrid vehicles delivering or loading goods. And it is true that few locals bother to lock their bicycles--even at the markets.

Down by the Mekong, I stop at a wooden structure perched over a hillside--a restaurant where you can take in Mekong waterlife. The waiter serves some som tam (spicy papaya salad), and then sits down to practice his English. And so the town works its charm: for reasons of war, politics and physical isolation, Luang Prabang has preserved an older, slower, more traditional way of life--old Asia, Asia without the crowds, Asia without the traffic.

The final destination of the day’s cycling is the monastery of Wat Xieng Thong, a temple I have visited before--but one that merits many visits. Right now the sky is clear and the sun is close to setting--and that’s when the temple is bathed in a gorgeous light. Wat Xieng Thong is a feast for the eyes and the soul: the stuff of Oriental fairytales. The grounds provide a tranquil harmony of elements--gardens of bougainvillea, frangipani and hibiscus, shaded by banyan and palm trees. The main temple is pure Luang Prabang style, with graceful low-sweeping roofs of glazed tiles. The rear of the temple is encrusted with colored glass pieces in a red background, depicting a bodhi tree; inside, gold-stenciled wooden pillars support a ceiling decorated with dharma wheels. In the Wat Xieng Thong compound are several striking chapels--one housing a rare bronze reclining Buddha; another sheltering a 12-meter-high gilded wooden funeral chariot. The exterior of this building features wooden panels of Ramayana figures, sculpted by master artisan Thit Tanh. The setting sun brings the dazzling gold-leaf-overlaid figures to life--they practically glow.

Temples date back to the 16th century in Luang Prabang--there are more than 30 wats scattered around the town (there used to be double that number). Temples were the center of the Lao universe, and until the French arrived, were the only structures allowed to be constructed of brick. The wats are treasure-troves of mural-painting and sculpture: the best-preserved and most lavish are the temples lying on the peninsula between Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace. These wats were formerly associated with royalty; the villas and residences of the royal Lao family were also located along this strip. Next to the palace is Wat Mai, inaugurated in the 18th century: the exterior walls of the main temple bear magnificent gold stucco bas-reliefs recounting the legend of Pavet, the last incarnation of the historic Buddha, amid a profusion of village scenes. Wat Pak Khan, known as the Dutch pagoda, features carved doors showing Dutch traders who visited in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Luang Prabang’s temples are being painstakingly restored under World Heritage Site plans--with particular attention to artwork damaged by monsoon rains and tropical humidity. A new traditional-style pavilion has been constructed on the Palace grounds to house Pra Bang, the standing Buddha image that gives Luang Prabang its name. The 83-cm-high statue, reckoned to be 90 percent gold, was reputedly made in the first century AD, and is a source of spiritual protection for Laos.

By the early 19th century, Laos was effectively under the control of the Siamese, who later ceded the territory to the French, with the most significant treaties negotiated between 1893 and 1907. The Lao king was reduced to a figurehead: real power was held by the French. The French built little infrastructure in Laos--the place was regarded as the land of the lotus-eaters, where an indolent lifestyle prevailed. It was too mountainous for plantations, there was little in the way of mining, and the Mekong was not suitable for commercial navigation. Some half-hearted attempts were made to cultivate rubber and coffee, but the main export under the French was opium. Only a few hundred French resided in Laos: they mostly left the running of the place to Vietnamese civil servants. The king was allowed to remain in Luang Prabang, and the Lao carried on farming as they had for hundreds of years.

The French finally got into gear--from 1907 to 1925 there was a spate of colonial building in Luang Prabang. The French administration used styles developed in Vietnam, but instead of simply transplanting European architecture, adapted designs better suited to the climate--wooden houses with internal corridors to provide cool air circulation. There are temple-inspired styles, such as a headmaster’s house--a remarkable blend of Lao-French architecture. Not so inspiring are the French public buildings--the former customs building, post and telegraph office, school, hospital, and gendarmerie. To build these, the French imported Vietnamese laborers who established their own quarter at the south side of the peninsula, constructing two-storey Chinese shophouses to live in.

The most peculiar hybrid structure in Luang Prabang is the former Royal Palace, now a museum. The palace was constructed from 1904 to 1909, and although intended for occupation by Lao King Sisavang Vong, the building was commissioned by the French colonial administration, which explains the mix of French and Lao architecture. The effect was intentional--to cement the relationship. At the front entrance, high up on the front of the building is a crest of Erawan, the three-headed elephant, symbolizing the three kingdoms of Laos. The pillars below bear French fleur-de-lys emblems; you sweep up stairs made of Italian marble; inside are French mirrors and Czech chandeliers alongside traditional Lao lacquered and gilded furniture.

The last room on the Royal Palace tour features oil portraits of the last king, Sisavang Vatthana, and the queen and crown prince, who gaze down from the walls, looking somber and dignified. The monarchy endured until 1975, when it was banished under the incoming Pathet Lao government. The 1970s and 1980s were a period of austerity in Laos; in the 1990s, however, royal style has been revived in Luang Prabang in the interests of tourism, Buddhism has been re-adopted as the national religion, and traditional festivals have been revived. The biggest and most important festival is Pimai (Lao New Year) which used to feature parading royal elephants, draped in ceremonial blankets: an ear of each elephant was lifted up and a sermon was whispered into it before the elephants took part in the procession. Today there are no longer any royal elephants: Pimai kicks off with the crowning of Miss New Year, who is paraded through the town on a float; the following days see the ceremonial washing of Buddha statues, construction of small sand stupas in wats (as symbolic requests for prosperity in the coming year), processions of monks, folksinging, fairgrounds--four days of fun and festivities.

In terms of preserving tradition, the inscription of Luang Prabang on the World Heritage List in 1995 could not have been more timely. With new roads snaking in from Vientiane and from the Chinese border, and a new airport, tiny Luang Prabang was about to experience rapid expansion and transformation--not entirely positive. Now the town’s character has been preserved--and its future assured--with new zoning laws restricting advertising billboards and decreeing that no out-of-character buildings or concrete eyesores can be constructed. That means no plague of photo-finishing shops or fast-food outlets. Power and telephone lines have to be buried. Under the UNESCO plan, there are three zones for preservation: the old quarter, a peripheral building zone, and natural zones along the Mekong River banks. A real conundrum is how to maintain Luang Prabang as a World Heritage Site and yet accommodate the greater number of tourists that designation will attract. So far, Luang Prabang authorities are handling increased tourism well: the plan is not to build new hotels--rather to modify existing mansions for use as hotels.

The innovator here is the Santi family. In 1992, Lao princess Kampha and her husband Santi Inthavong renovated an old French colonial mansion, turning it into a stylish 11-room hotel called Villa Santi. Lao antiques provide interior decor; on the upper floor is a restaurant serving tasty Lao dishes; at the back is a garden where performances of classical dance are sometimes staged. This style of hotel proved so popular that the Santis built a larger wing in classic Lao style. Down by the Mekong is another renovated French mansion: on the wall is a picture of the original owner, Monsieur Doree, taken in 1904--Doree was a French trader who married a Lao woman and stayed on in Luang Prabang. In 1996, the mansion was openedafter beautiful restoration in a Canadian-Lao joint-venture, which explains why it is called the Auberge Calao. The Auberge Calao has only five guest rooms, which is very much part of the plan in Luang Prabang’s old quarter: in this zone, the only new hotels that can operate must have fewer than 15 rooms. This has lead to the opening family-run guesthouses such as Vanvisa, a French-style dwelling, and Paphay, a Lao timber house.

Outside the fully-protected zone, larger hotels can be constructed, subject to design approval. An eye-catching design has been utilized at Mouang Luang Hotel, completed in 1996. The hotel draws its inspiration from Luang Prabang temples, with layered sweeping roofs on the outside, and on the inside, royal-style teak furniture with handwoven silk upholstery, and traditional woodcarved panels on the walls--all made by local artisans. Staff dress in traditional Lao costumes, and the restaurant serves Luang Prabang specialties on its varied menu. Director Amphone Nolintha says she wants guests in this 35-room hotel to experience the richness of the town’s art and traditions. Luang Prabang’s World Heritage status is doing a lot more than preserving the town: it is helping preserve a way of life by boosting pride in traditional ways and culture.

EXPLORING BY BOAT

Luang Prabang is a riverine town: the first French explorers arrived here by boat. You can still experience that intimate feeling of discovery by taking day or overnight trips from Luang Prabang. A popular day trip is an excursion by covered wooden longboat along the Mekong River to Pak Ou Grottoes. The river runs wide here, cutting a swath through jungle-clad banks and limestone gorges. En route you can stop at small villages--Ban Sang Hae is engaged in the production of moonshine whiskey, made from glutinous rice. Pak Ou Grottoes are about 25 kilometers upstream from Luang Prabang: the grottoes are sacred caves tucked into limestone cliffs, filled with hundreds of gilded and wooden Buddha statues. The caves were once occupied, creating a unique place for monks and hermits to dwell and worship. The king of Laos used to visit once a year; today, at Lao New Year, hundreds of pilgrims wend their way out from Luang Prabang in a candlelit procession.

Pak Ou means "mouth of the Ou River". After a picnic at the grottoes, you can detour up the Nam Ou tributary--a great ride, as the banks here are much closer than on the Mekong, and the limestone cliffs are more dramatic. Depending on the season and water levels, a wooden craft can venture right up the Nam Ou to Phong Saly Province. Because of poor road infrastructure, a lot of trade proceeds by boat in this direction, so you see cargo boats negotiating sandbars and minor rapids, and many villages en route. An excellent destination or stopping point up the Nam Ou is the village of Muang Ngoy, with an entrancing setting enclosed by lofty karst peaks.

by Michael Buckley

From www.visit-laos.com/news/buckley.htm

Welcome to Luang Prabang

2007-08-12T18:58:00.000+07:00

Luang Prabang is a town that wakes early each day when, beginning ever so faintly, the bells, gongs, and drums of local temples crescendo around 5am to send Luang Prabang's estimated 1,000 resident monks and novices on their morning alms rounds. Making a circuit around the small peninsula formed by the Nam Khan and Mekong, the crisp column of barefoot, orange-robed figures collect rice for their one daily meal. Visitors can even take part and do their good karmic deed for the day by giving rice or treats to the monks as they pass -- a unique way to connect in a city that is alive with Buddhist culture and history. The colonial legacy and torch of French culture and custom is borne by Luang Prabang's colonial architecture and rich cuisine. Even the briefest visit to this magically tranquil town is memorable.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is named after the golden statue that's kept here, the Prabang, or the "great holy image." Luang Prabang was the first capital of Laos and has mercifully remained relatively untouched by war, which means that many of the 33 temples are original, and the town's charm is ancient and authentic.

And there is certainly something magical about Luang Prabang. It's a place to wander, to watch street-side craftsmen, get lost in lazy back alleys amid stately colonials, and stop for a chat down by the river or in one of the many cozy street-side cafes. Allow yourself at least 3 days to sink into the city's languid rhythms, but beware: You might end up staying longer than you planned. Day trips by boat to Pak Ou Caves, outlying weaving villages, and waterfalls round out the experience.

From http://www.frommers.com/destinations/luangprabang