BOUN BANG FAI – ROCKET FESTIVAL

The Boun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival, which is celebrated throughout May, marks the sixth month of the lunar calendar. During the festival, Rockets are fired to tempt the gods to produce rain needed for rice cultivation and also to send the Naga from the banks of rivers into the rice fields to help attract rain.

Traditionally, rockets are made by stuffing gunpowder into elaborately decorated bamboo. The rockets are carried to a communal launch-pad. The rocket designed to carry prayers to the rain god during Boun Bang Fai, is known as a Hang or Meun-Saen.
On this occasion, there are special celebrations and dances all throughout Laos. To come and join this amazing celebration is truly a memorable experience for tourists during Green season.

NEW ZIP-LINE COURSE IN LUANG PRABANG

New Zip-line & Rope course has been settled at Hoi Khua Waterfall, Luang Prabang, provides multi-options for adventure activities around the World Heritage Town.

The place, located at Ban Pak Lueang Village, Chomphet District, takes 40-45 mins transfer by minivan, is considered as the 3th natural beautiful waterfalls in Luang Prabang, beside Khoang Si and Tad Sae. However, this waterfall is more rural and less touristic.
The project is lead by Lao Green Group.
The Zip-line course provide a soft hiking to the top of waterfall then climb up to the higher trees then enjoy the fresh air with 12 stations and 900 meters of Zip Line down to the Valley between the trees across the Green Jungle Canopy to the Green Garden Flower before abseil down of the tree and then back to the coffee shop by the Green Organic Trail. Services ends and clients come back Luang Prabang town by minivan.
Beside Zip-line, Rope course, combines with trekking and other adventure activities, are good choices for clients, such as:
1. Trekking Adventure
2. Rope Course Adventure
3. Zip Line Adventure
4. Trekking & Rope Course Adventure
5. Trekking & Zip Line Adventure
6. Zip Line & Rope Course Adventure
7. Full Day Trekking, Rope Course and Zip Line Adventure

SILKAIR LAUNCHES NEW DIRECT FLIGHT SINGAPORE-VIENTIANE

SILKAIR will launch flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Laos on Oct 31, 2016. Subject to applicable approvals, SilkAir will offer thrice weekly flights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Flights will operate in a circular routing and will depart from Singapore for Vientiane, followed by Luang Prabang, before heading back to Singapore.

HIGHTLIGHT: KHAIPHAEN RESTAURANT LUANG PRABANG

Khaiphaen Restaurant offers creative Laos cuisine in the heart of Luang Prabang with indoor and outdoor seating, open – to – the – air decorations.
Khaiphaen is run by Peuan Mit, an organization founded by Friends-International in Vientiane in 2004, in partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare to address the needs of street children and young people in Laos. All profits of the restaurant go to support other Friends International Peuan Projects.
The restaurant opens from Monday to Saturday, from 11:00am to 10:30pm. Along with food, the restaurants sell products made by families which will help keep their children in education.

Lao ministry lays out tourism goals

Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism estimates 4.3 million international tourists visited the country in 2015, representing an increase of 4%.

The government expects revenue from tourism in 2015 will reach USD670 million from 4.3 million estimated travellers.
Lao News Agency quoted the most recent official results saying international visits increased from 2.7 million in 2011 to 4.1 million in 2014 with revenue from the tourism sector jumped from USD400 million in 2011 to USD560 million in 2014.
Unlike its ASEAN neighbours, Laos does not release monthly tourism performance figures to the public.
The annual estimate for 2015, indicated that around 70% of tourists came from within the region, especially Thailand, while the other 30% come from Europe, America, Japan and Australia.
Meanwhile, there are now more tour companies than ever with an increase from 236 companies in 2011 to 342 companies in 2014. The number of hotels, guesthouses and resorts also jumped from 1,926 five years ago to 2,426 last year, the media report said.
Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism attributed the growth in tourism to improvements and developments of the sector following the improvement in organisational structure, which has resulted in a more systematic workflow.
However, the travel trade in Laos says the lack of current statistics and performance data makes it difficult to adapt in a timely fashion to marketing changes. They have repeatedly asked the ministry to improve its data collection and provide timely reports on where the market was heading, rather than offering a historical views that was dated more than one year.
The ministry talks about the country being named to the World’s Best Tourist Destination list in 2013 in its latest review and says ecotourism has improved constantly over recent years, without backing up its claims with data.
It hopes to stimulate tourism by improving ecotourism in rural areas, promoting sustainability, and supporting cooperation between state and private business in ecotourism development.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport suggested the country needs to build new gateway airports or expand current airports substantially to stay competitive.
It has identified four airports; Wattay, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet and Pakse airports.
A new international airport must be built on the outskirts of Vientiane. Construction should begin in 2025 and be completed before 2030. It will be built to accommodate the world’s largest commercial aircraft including the A380.
The transport ministry has also recommended that new international airports be built in Champasak, Savannakhet and Luang Prabang.
The six domestic airports to be renovated are in the provinces of Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Huaphan, Phongsaly, Xayaboury and Bolikhamsai.
Four regional airports are to be upgraded as international airports; Xieng Khuang, Bokeo, Seno of Savannakhet and Attapeu.

Bank refreshes Luang Prabang’s tourist sites

Asian Development Bank is funding a US$10 million project to improve Luang Prabang’s tourist sites, in districts close to the World Heritage town.

Twenty tourists have been identified many of them in Pak Ou and Chomphet districts.
Lao News Agency quoted Luang Prabang Information, Culture and Tourism Department deputy director, Soudaphone Khomthavong, saying that there are 228 tourist sites in Luang Prabang province, of which 108 are ecotourism sites, 86 are cultural and 34 historical.
The 20 tourist sites that will be improved include Kuang Si waterfall, Xiengthong temple, Chan village, Xanghai village, Chomphet temple, Tham Ting cave, the national museum, That Phousi and the Tad Sae waterfall.
The improvements are being entirely financed by the Asian Development Bank and work is expected to be complete by 2019.
The funds will be used to improve access roads, install electricity lines, construct a river port and renovate temples.
Last year, over 600,000 tourists visited Luang Prabang and authorities claim the province earned USD189 million.
Luang Prabang’s tourism officials believe the World Heritage town will receive 700,000 international visitors by 2018.
The town has 76 hotels and resorts, 327 guesthouses, 286 traditional and international restaurants and 75 tourism companies.
Luang Prabang was recognised as a World Heritage site in 1995.It has captured the imagination of travellers because of the fusion of traditional and French colonial architecture during the 19th and 20th centuries and its chill-out ambience that still survives despite a tourism boom. It is one of the few remaining towns in Asia that reflect a blending of two distinct cultural traditions.

Luang Prabang's balancing act

Luang Prabang Province has integrated sustainable tourism development of culture, history and nature as a key component to creating more income for local people in the province and reducing poverty, Lao News Agency reported.
Soutdaphone Khomthavong, deputy director of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department of Luang Prabang Province, reported to the 10th Party Congress on Jan 20 that Luang Prabang currently has 228 tourist sites that are open for public service, of which 86 are culture, 108 are nature and 34 are historical sites.

The province intends to improve and facilities including hotels, transportation services and promote the rich cultural and traditional heritage of the nation, she said.

Luang Prabang was awarded the Golden Award for Top Tourist Destination for seven consecutive years. It has also been named an outstanding world heritage town of Asia.

Over the past five years, Luang Prabang Province has welcomed over 1.8 million tourists that generated income of over US$650 million for the province.

Last year, over 600,000 tourists visited Luang Prabang Province including domestic and foreign tourists which contributed more than 1.6 trillion kip (US$200 million) to the provincial economy.

Champasak expands tourism

Champassak Information, Culture and Tourism Department expects the province will attract 500,000 international tourists this year.
Vientiane Times made the assessment based on the province’s tourism department that claims the province will attract 500,000 visitors, this year, compared to 400,000 last year.
Thailand will be the top market source followed by Cambodia, Vietnam, and Europe, the report added.
The province needs to attract investors to build hotels and guesthouses of an international standard if ambitious targets are to be reached.
Green Discovery Company has been given permission to set up ecotourism projects in the Boloven rainforest in Paksong district to promote adventure, nature conservation and view wildlife in its natural habitat.
Currently, there are 64 hotels, 250 guesthouses and 12 resorts in the province with 10 more hotels under construction, according to the province’s tourism department.
Late last year, the province joined a branding exercise tagged “Southern Laos, Charming by nature” with a website, officially launched to promote the four southern provinces of Saravan, Sekong, Attapeu and Champasak as a single tourism destination.
The project is ambitious and will need to gain the support of tour operators who are at present are not promoting tours of all the four provinces. Transport links are a major problem.
There are very few travel itineraries featuring the four provinces other than Champasak which should be linked to destinations in Thailand’s Northeast and Cambodia on an international travel trail.

Sikhottabong to become tourist site

Vientiane Planning and Investment Department signed an agreement, this January 2016, with two private companies to develop the Nong-Or zone in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, into a tourist site.
Vientiane Times reported that the Vientiane Planning and Investment Department concluded a Memorandum of Understanding for the project.
The MoU was inked between the department director, Phoukhong Bannavong, Leading Real Estate Development Company president, Qing Jikang and Automart Import-Export Sole Company president, Thongsavanh Onkorlabout.
Covering 24 hectares, Nong-Or zone will feature a nature-themed tourism park, a shopping mall, apartments, school and entertainment venues.
The projects will cost USD50 million in two phases with the first due to be completed in 2018. It will include the park, followed by the second phase focusing on a hotel and shopping mall.
Leading Real Estate Development Company owns 95% of the project with the remaining 5% held by Automart Import-Export Sole Company. The land concession is for 70 years.
Last year, 4.3 million international tourists visited Laos increasing 4.88% from 4.1 million in 2014. Visits generated USD670 million in revenue, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. The major source markets are Thailand Vietnam and China, On average, each visitor generates revenue of USD30 per day.
The most popular destinations are Luang Prabang, Champasak, and Vang Vieng, a district in Vientiane province.

Air Asia launched daily flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang from March 2016

Thai AirAsia will inaugurate a daily flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) to Luang Prabang in Lao PDR effective 24 March.
Speaking at a press conference, Tuesday, the airline’s CEO, Tassapon Bijleveld, said the upcoming service was the carrier first endeavour in Lao PDR.
In the past, authorities rejected applications by low-cost airlines to fly to Luang Prabang. The country also opted out of the ASEAN Open Skies agreement, apparently to protect its national airline, at the expense of its fledging tourism industry that has called for more flights.
The decision to allow Thai AirAsia to fly to Luang Prabang will give the airline cover in all neighbouring Mekong Region countries; Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
“The new service will help encourage tourism in the region …the Luang Prabang service will complete Thai AirAsia’s network in the (Mekong),” the airline’s CEO explained.
“We currently have services to two major destinations each in Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), Myanmar (Yangon and Mandalay) and Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City)… we hope Laos will follow this pattern…after Luang Prabang there is potential to open a route to Vientiane, the capital city.”
According to Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, there were 4.3 million international tourist arrivals to the country, last year, up 4.88% from 4.1 million in 2014. The trips generated USD670 million in revenue.
Thai nationals represented the biggest market followed by Vietnamese and Chinese.
In 2014, 2.04 million Thai tourists travelled to Laos, down marginally by 0.76% from 2.05 million visits in 2013.
AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service, opens travel to ASEAN destinations, connecting Thailand to seven countries in ASEAN with 15 routes and 12 destinations.

Flight schedule Bangkok (BKK) – Luang Prabang (LPQ)
FD1030 BKK LPQ 14:10 15:30
FD1031 LPQ BKK 16:45 18:05
*Starts 24 March 2016

The airlines sets a one-way promotional fare from Bangkok to Luang Prabang at THB990. The fare includes airport tax and surcharges. Booking must be made by 14 February for travelling period from 24 March 2016 to 5 February, 2017

Laos Hotel Promotions 2016

- Victoria Xieng Thong Palace has launched promotions for Summer and Winter 2016 with special rate from 90$.
- Maison Sounvannaphong releases promotions for Spa menu
- Satri House Green Promotions applied for all room type for the booking until June 2016.
- Luang Say Cruise & Vat Phu Cruise promotions up to 20% off.
- Le Palais Juliana offer Summer deal with amazing rate.
- High season flat rate from Kiridara Luang Prabang

Need room reservations? contact us:
**sales@asiarevealtour.com or info@asiarevealtour.com**

New Friendship bridge connects Bolikhamxai with Thailand

The construction of the 5th Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge, which will connect Bolikhamsai province in Lao PDR to Thailand’s Bung Kan province, should begin in 2019.
Lao News Agency quoted Department of Public Works and Transport’s Road Management Division head, Vixay Phoumy, saying the survey and design of the bridge is now 90% complete and the location for its construction has been finalised.
The final design of 5th Lao-Thai Mekong Friendship Bridge Construction Project has already been submitted to the governments of Laos and Thailand.

“Currently, we are only waiting for the construction budget to be approved and the construction companies to make their final bids. Construction could begin in 2019 at an estimated cost of USD85 million,” the director said.
The two governments will share the cost of the bridge 50%-50%, he added.
The bridge will span the Mekong River approximately 1,350 metres long and 17 metres wide.
Once completed, the bridge will improve transport between two countries and should help to improve the local economies on both sides of the river. This bridge will link highway 13 in central Laos to northeast Thailand.
Currently, there are four Thai-Lao Friendship Bridges: Vientiane-Nong Khai; Savannakhet-Mukdahan; Khammouan-Nakhon Phanom; and Chaing Rai’s Chiang Khong-Bokeo’s Huay Xai.

Ho Prakeo in Vientiane is completed renovation

First phase renovations at Laos’ national museum, known as Ho Phra Keo, have been completed.
Lao News Agency quoted Vientiane Information, Culture and Tourism director, Khampadith Khemmanith, saying the renovation that included repairs to the upper structure of the museum and parts of its floor cost USD740,00 mainly raised from the public and private firms.
The museum is located in the capital Vientiane.
The second phase of the renovation project will commence next month, the report said.
Vientiane Capital administration will host a public briefing, 21 February, to explain details of the various phases.
A traditional alms giving ceremony will also be held 22 February.
Ho Phra Keo was built in 1565 by King Sayasetthathirath to house the Emerald Buddha 1565 to 1779. It was the King’s personal place of worship.

During the 1970s, it was converted from a place of worship into a museum. It now houses a national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artefacts.
The renovation is the third of its kind since the museum was built with the first renovation taking place during King Anouvong’s reign in 1816, and the second one during King Souvana Phoumma’s time in power between 1936 and 1942.
Since 1942 Ho Phra Keo has been the home of the National Museum.
The jade Emerald Buddha image was seized by an invading Siamese army in 1778 and now resides in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. The temple in Vientiane was transformed into a museum.
The revered image was first discovered in a chedi in Chiang Rai in far north Thailand when it was part of the Lanna kingdom that covered North Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.

Laos best seller tour: Excited Laos 5 Days 4 Nights

Laos, is definitely one of the most impressive countries in the world. Quiet, peaceful, holiness, smiling, preserved and reserved, are really spellbinding for the travelers.
We propose this 5 days tour, with an English guide, visiting the city and discovering the way of Buddhism.

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CONTACT US FOR AN INQUIRY

Head Office

88/07 Ban Phonpheng, Phouvao Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

+856 (0) 71 25 24 00

+856 (0) 71 25 27 25

info@asiarevealtour.com

Day 1:Hanoi – Vientiane (QV921 @ 0940 – 1050) (D)
Welcome to Vientiane!
Visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxay Monument, That Luang and Buddha Park
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnigh tin Vientiane

Day 2: Vientiane – Vang Vieng (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit Nam Ngum Lake then transfer to Vang Vieng. Lunch at local restaurant. The rest of afternoon, we will visit the surroundings and the Tham Jang Caves, a cave temple with a huge stalagmite resembling an elephant’s head.
Overnight in Vang Vieng

Day 3: Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang (B, D)
Breakfast at hotel.
Heading out to Luang Prabang. Climb up to the top of mount Phousi. Then visit Night Market. Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang – City & Pak Ou (B, L)
Take part in Alms Giving.
After breakfast at hotel,  visit Wat Mai; the National Museum at the former Royal Palace, the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, boat trip to Pak Ou Caves. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We visit Ban Xang Khong. Lunch at local restaurant.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 5: Luang Prabang – Khouangsi waterfall & Departure (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel. We then visit the Phousi Market, then drive our way to Khoang Si Waterfall. Visit Ban Ouay,  Ban Ou, Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. Later, free yourself in the cool ponds of Kuang Si Waterfall. Splashing, swimming, or simply walking the lush trails, Kuang Si Waterfall perfectly illustrates an ideal cooling-off for your Laos tours! Lunch at local restaurant.
We will be back to Luang Prabang and free at leisure until the time transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services./.

Best seller Laos Tour: Vang Vieng - Luang Prabang - Vientiane 4 Days 3 Nights

Vang Vieng – Heaven on the land, the ideal place for adventure & retreat activities in the North of Laos. Our overland tour Vientiane – Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang will take an opportunity for you to try Kayaking/trekking/hiking/tubing/biking throughout the land of Million Elephant.

Book Laos Tour Now!

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CONTACT US FOR AN INQUIRY

Head Office

88/07 Ban Phonpheng, Phouvao Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

+856 (0) 71 25 24 00

+856 (0) 71 25 27 25

info@asiarevealtour.com

Day 1: Bangkok – Vientiane (QV442 @ 0935 – 1035)  – Vang Vieng (L, D)
Welcome to Vientiane!
Visit Wat Sisaket, Wat Prakeo, Patuxay Monument, That Luang and Buddha Park. In the afternoon, we leave Vientiane to Vang Vieng.Lunch and Dinner at local restaurants.  
Overnight in Vang Vieng

Day 2: Vang Vieng & Tham Jang Cave – Overland to Luang Prabang (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.We will visit the most famous Tham Jang Caves. Afterthat, we then heading out of Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang.
In the evening, we will explore the Night Market. Lunch and Dinner at local restaurants.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou Cave & Khouangsi Waterfall (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel.Then we visit Wat Sene; the magnificent Wat Xiengthong.  Boat trip to Pak Ou Caves, visit Ban Xanghai.
In the afternoon, we will drive our way to Khoang Si Waterfall. Enroute visit Ban Ouay, Ban Ou, Ban Thaphene. Return to Luang Prabang, climb up 328 steps of Mount Phousi. Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Luang Prabang – Alm giving – Museum – Departure (B, L)
Take part in Morning Alm Giving, then visit National Museum. Free at leisure until the time transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services./.

Laos Tour 3 Days - Ancient Capital

Luang Prabang, Laos is a beautiful and tranquil dream-like setting with a fusion of foreign influences and splendid landscape scenery, making this an idyllic, unspoiled and charming destination for visitors. It is no wonder this amazing city was recently declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO.
Book Laos Tour now!

http://asiarevealtour.com/ourproducts/ancient-city-3-days-2-nights

CONTACT US FOR AN INQUIRY:

Head Office

88/07 Ban Phonpheng, Phouvao Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

+856 (0) 71 25 24 00

+856 (0) 71 25 27 25

info@asiarevealtour.com

Day 1: Luang Prabang – Arrival  
Welcome to Luang Prabang!
Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Check-in and the rest of day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Luang Prabang – Pak Ou & Khoangsi (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, we will visit National Museum at the former Royal Palace displays a lovely collection of the artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign; the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represents classical Laotian architecture. We then board a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious of Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the small village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is distilled. We return to Luang Prabang for lunch at local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will drive our way to Khoang Si Waterfall. On the way, we will stop by some local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups including Ban Ouay, a Hemong village, Ban Ou, a Laoloum village and Ban Thapene, a Khmu village. Later, free yourself in the cool ponds of Kuang Si Waterfall. Splashing, swimming, or simply walking the lush trails, Kuang Si Waterfall perfectly illustrates an ideal cooling-off for your Laos tours! We will be back to Luang Prabang.
Free evening at your leisure or explore the Night Market by your own.
Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Luang Prabang – Departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Free to explore the ancient town, until the time transfer to the airport for departure flight.
End of services./.

New flight Vientiane - Attapeu

Laos Airlines has announced to launch new flight routine Vientiane - Attapeu from 09 Feb 2016. There will be 02 flights per week on Tuesday and Saturday. For more infomation, please contact us

AIR ASIA WILL OPEN NEW FLIGHT TO LUANG PRABANG IN MARCH 2016

Thai AirAsia will inaugurate a daily flight from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport) to Luang Prabang in Lao PDR effective 24 March.

Speaking at a press conference, Tuesday, the airline’s CEO, Tassapon Bijleveld, said the upcoming service was the carrier first endeavour in Lao PDR.
In the past, authorities rejected applications by low-cost airlines to fly to Luang Prabang. The country also opted out of the ASEAN Open Skies agreement, apparently to protect its national airline, at the expense of its fledging tourism industry that has called for more flights.
The decision to allow Thai AirAsia to fly to Luang Prabang will give the airline cover in all neighbouring Mekong Region countries; Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
“The new service will help encourage tourism in the region …the Luang Prabang service will complete Thai AirAsia’s network in the (Mekong),” the airline’s CEO explained.
“We currently have services to two major destinations each in Cambodia (Phnom Penh and Siem Reap), Myanmar (Yangon and Mandalay) and Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City)… we hope Laos will follow this pattern…after Luang Prabang there is potential to open a route to Vientiane, the capital city.”
According to Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, there were 4.3 million international tourist arrivals to the country, last year, up 4.88% from 4.1 million in 2014. The trips generated USD670 million in revenue.
Thai nationals represented the biggest market followed by Vietnamese and Chinese.
In 2014, 2.04 million Thai tourists travelled to Laos, down marginally by 0.76% from 2.05 million visits in 2013.
AirAsia’s Fly-Thru service, opens travel to ASEAN destinations, connecting Thailand to seven countries in ASEAN with 15 routes and 12 destinations.

Flight schedule Bangkok (BKK) – Luang Prabang (LPQ)
FD1030 BKK LPQ 14:10 15:30
FD1031 LPQ BKK 16:45 18:05
*Starts 24 March 2016

The airlines sets a one-way promotional fare from Bangkok to Luang Prabang at THB990. The fare includes airport tax and surcharges. Booking must be made by 14 February for travelling period from 24 March 2016 to 5 February, 2017

Luang Prabang Elephant Festival

“The Mark Community” led Luang Prabang’s public and private sector tourism stakeholders sponsored an Elephant Baci Ceremony during the city’s 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The event welcomed a 20-strong Elephant Caravan, which spent 53 days trekking the 630-km route from Sayabouly Province’s Elephant Conservation Centre to Luang Prabang.
Led by Luang Prabang’s revered white elephant, the caravan arrived at the Elephant Baci Ceremony at 11:00 Thursday, 10 December, where a crowd of thousands welcoming them to the outdoor arena.
‪Luang Prabang View‬ hotel owner, Bounthieng Deuangprasurth, donated the land for the event, which took place on the proposed site for the new Night Market.

The Luang Prabang View hotel recently received “The Mark” for clean and safe dining, and joins the city’s Mark Community, a growing group of local hotels and restaurants certified by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) for following global food production guidelines.
The Mark Community supported the ceremony, with nine hotels, along with LANITH (Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality), signing up to back the event.
The Mark Community members co-sponsoring the ceremony included ‪‎Kiridara‬, ‪Maison Dalabua‬, ‪Maison Souvannaphoum‬, ‪Satri House‬, ‪Victoria Xiengthong Palace‬, ‪Villa Maly‬, ‪Villa Santi‬, and ‪3 Nagas‬.
The sizeable venue for the Elephant Baci Ceremony featured a massive lotus-shaped flower centerpiece, made with more than 200 kg of marigolds pinned to a banana-skin frame.
Luang Prabang View contributed LAK15 million (USD1,850) for the floral statue as well as the ceremony’s stage, scaffolding, and lights, with The Mark Community and partnering tourism stakeholders adding a combined USD1,500.
Luang Prabang View also arranged the USD1,000 fruit feast for the elephants, which dined at individual tables.
During the ceremony, Minister of Labor and Social Welfare Khampheng Saysompheng presented Deuangprasurth and Sebastien Duffilot, co-founder of the Elephant Conservation Center, with awards recognising their contributions to Laos and the ‪#‎UNESCO‬ anniversary celebration.
After the event, The Mark Manager Manichan Chanpradid revealed LANITH – The Mark’s operating body – is set to continue the CIEH training program and restaurant audits in 2016.
The Mark certifies restaurants and hotels meet CIEH global standards for clean and safe food production.
“We aim to add 15 members to The Mark Community in 2016,” Ms Chanpradid said.
LANITH also announced a soon-to-open luxury hotel has booked The Balcony, the institute’s restaurant d’application in Luang Prabang, to train its staff to international standards.
Gary Tyson, general manager of the new five-star property located on the grounds of the old Phousy Hotel, said he wants the hotel to hit the ground running when it opens in 2016.
“It is imperative that our staff receive CIEH training and the hotel achieves The Mark to ensure we deliver quality service with safe and hygienic food production,” he said.
Tyson added: “We also want to become an active member of The Mark Community and contribute to establishing Luang Prabang as a competitive international destination.”

The Mark Community is the leading private-sector partner in the local government’s Luang Prabang Safe & Green Tourism Scheme. Among its objectives is solidifying public-private sector partnerships to promote tourism for the UNESCO World Heritage city.
LANITH receives support from UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) and funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to oversee The Mark.
Source: ‪‎TTRWeekly‬

KONG BOAT FESTIVAL – A BEAUTY OF LAOS THERAVADA BUDDHIST CULTURE

Respectful senior monks and newly ordained monks step over silk sashes placed by merit makers for the monks to step on after they walk from a Naga boat, which is where people pour water over them to wash away any bad spirits. This is the central feature of the Kongbouat festival.

Merit makers at this festival including young and old men and women who sit in a long line from a point close to the Naga boat until the grounds of the sanctuary. Some middle-aged men lay on the ground for the monks to step over their backs, believing the monks will cure their backache.
Merit makers take part in the ordination rituals at the temple and a large group of them invite respectful monks and newly ordained monks to step over their silk sashes, but it’s unlikely that most of them know the meaning of this custom.

Venerable Keo, a senior monk at Sisavangvong temple in Xayaboury district, Xayaboury province, said merit makers offer sashes to respectful monks and newly ordained monks to step over as a sign of respect and to offer their congratulation to monks who are promoted to a new position and have contributed to Buddhist organisations.
This ritual is in evidence as part of merit making during the Konghote and Kongbouat festivals. When these festivals are observed either in a temple or in someone’s home, the organisers and the monks will decorate a Naga boat while the pathway from the boat to the main worship hall will be adorned with leafy banana stems, sugar cane plants and flowers.
According to Venerable Keo, who is on the temple committee, the Konghote and Kongbouat festivals are held at an appropriate time of the year. This depends on the time that is convenient for those involved, as well as their financial circumstances. There is no limit to the number of festivals that may be held. A large number of people may hold nine Konghote festivals and one Kongbouat jointly. Some people will arrange two or one Konghote and Kongbouat festivals.
Venerable Keo said there are various reasons for holding the Kongbouat festival. Some people do it to ordain a son so that he can study Dharma in the temple and pay tribute to his parents, while others want to pay homage to their deceased parents and other relatives. Elderly people use the occasion as a merit-making ritual as they believe the offerings will support them in the next life. People who arrange a Kongbouat festival are aged over 40. It is considered unacceptable for people under 40 to host the festival because it means they will receive their offerings early and will therefore have a short life.
The festivals last for two days. On the first day the offerings are prepared and on the second day there is an almsgiving ceremony in the early morning and lay people take on the role of Nagas to protect the newly ordained monks. Merit makers and guests form a procession with the four Nagas and offerings and walk to the temple after the almsgiving ceremony.

On the first day, friends, relatives and other invited guests come to make merit with the festival organisers and give them money, flowers and milled sticky rice in a bowl. In return, the hosts invite the guests to have lunch and dinner and also give them a bag of snacks. Some guests place offerings in the monks’ bags and bowls. On the evening of the first day, a group of musicians plays traditional music and sings folksongs to entertain the guests.
The second day of merit-making sees the giving of alms, the conversion of people into four Naga and the procession carrying offerings to the temple. When the procession reaches the temple, respectful monks, elderly people, merit makers and the musicians walk three times around the shrine to pay their respects to Lord Buddha.
As the troupe of musicians plays their instruments and sings, participants cheer them to spur them on and create a joyful atmosphere. The merit-makers carry their offerings, comprising a bed, mattress, robes, household utensils and markbeng (a pyramid made of banana leaves, gold paper, flowers, and silver and golden trees hung with kip notes).
After the merit-makers have processed three times around the shrine, the monks begin the religious rituals in the main worship hall to ordain new monks and novices and present offerings.
After the ceremony, the monks who are to be newly ordained, ordained as senior monks or elevated to a higher rank will have water poured over them inside the Naga boat. The merit-makers do this in order to wash away any bad spirits.
The newly ordained monks carry bags and alms bowls from the Naga boat to the main worship hall. Some monks throw sacred water over the participants while some merit-makers throw money mixed with candy, milled sticky rice and flowers.
Merit-makers then invite monks from other temples and the organisers of the Kongbouat festival to take part in a Baci ceremony for the newly ordained monk. The hosts of the festival offer a bowl containing pieces of silver and golden swords to the monk.
Venerable Keo said these items are considered to be a show of support for the monk. The monk is not allowed to sell them, but may give them to someone he holds dear.
There is no limit to the weight of the silver and golden swords given to the monk. The amount given depends on the festival organiser.
The Konghote and Kongbouat festivals are similar, but the Konghote doesn’t involve the presentation of pieces of silver and golden swords.
Invited guests and all laypeople taking part in the merit-making, both at home and in the temple, will wear modest clothing. Women of course wear a sinh (long skirt) and blouse, while men wear trousers.

Source: By Phon Thikeo , Vientiane Times

XE BANG FAI RIVER CAVE – ONE OF THE GREATEST CAVES IN LAOS

Laos is rich in natural beauty that can be seen all around when one travels the country but some of the most amazing natural beauty can also be found below ground in the country’s many limestone caves.

Amongst the most spectacular caves that explorers cannot miss is the one carved out by the Xe Bang Fai river.

The great cave of Tham Khoun Xe, otherwise known as the Xe Bang Fai river cave, is an underground segment of Xe Bang Fai River situated in a remote corner of Khammuan province.

It was explored by a French team in 1905 and then again in 1995. The cave was relatively unknown except to local people until its re-exploration in 2008 by a national geographic team which has since seen it become widely known internationally.

Picture source: Internet

Based on the expedition report Tham Khoun Xe Cave is considered to be one of the largest sustained river passages in the world with enormous caverns decorated with highly impressive structures.
It originates from the edge of the large mountain chains between Laos and Vietnam. In imagination, following the river, it is seemed that the river disappears into a large channel into the karst mountains. The river flows out again in the large crystal clear water pond near Ban Nong Ping.
The Xe Bang Fai River Cave is almost 11 kilometres in length, some 76 metres high and 56 metres wide.
From the entrance of the cave, we take a boat for 2km and encounter some large rapids.
The massive expanse of the cave is decorated with sprout stone and swag stone which is spectacular when illuminated.

The villagers keep this as a prohibited area for fish breeding.
Villagers believe that this area is the source of the Xe Bang Fai river and it is known as “KhounXe Cave” which means the origins of Xe Bang Fai river. Based on the local beliefs, the cave is the living place of the ghost protector to protect the villagers.

Picture source: Internet

It is said that, once upon the time, a villa ger left his broken music instrument at the cave entrance, and the next morning, the instrument was well fixed and usable.
It is also believed that the soul protectors help the villagers if they fall from the cliff while trying to catch swallows and bats near the cave entrance because no one has ever died during a fall. Also, the cave never sustained any bomb damage during the war.
However, the villagers are still not safety aware and do not warn visitors to wear helmets in the cave.
Every year, the villagers hold a ceremony to worship the cave’s soul protectors at the cave entrance, to ensure safety.
However, please do not challenge the traditional beliefs. It is advised to always have a local tour guide from the village to guide you into the cave.

Picture source: Internet

Besides the stunning beauty of the cave itself, the surrounding area is also home to the Hin Nam Nor National Protected Area which is some 82,000 hectares in size. It is a refuge for many species of rare wildlife. Tigers reportedly still roam inside while four species of hornbill have been recorded within the park.
The Hin Nam Nor National Protected Area is now proposed to become a World Heritage site. The Xe Bang Fai River Cave is a part of the protected area. The villagers manage this area for community adventure tours and promote sustainable development in the community.
Besides enjoying the amazing cave, visitors can also enjoying kayaking or rowing on request, instead of using motorised boats, thereby preserving the environment and not disturbing the thousands of bats that live in the cave.
The village boat group provides various tours for visitors including:
The short tour: Visitors can ride a boat inside the cave for 300 metres and climb up to see the cave called the ‘Balcony cave,’ which is similar to the dragon cave. This tour is for visitors who are willing to walk through the mud and climb quite high in to the cave. It takes around an hour.
The long tour: Visitors enjoy a boat ride inside the cave for 2km to where the rapids are and return and stop at the balcony area to see the view and then get back in the boat to ride out into the daylight again.
This tour is for visitors who want to touch the adventure inside the cave and listen to the sounds of the rapids in the dark and then climb up to explore the cave before exiting. It is of medium difficulty and takes around two hours to complete.
Besides the Xe Bang Fai tour, there are other tours that caan be done by bicycle, such as the Bing and Long caves tour. Bing cave is a segment of Xe Bang Fai cave; the entrance is on the mountain on the north side of the of the Xe Bang Fai cave entrance.
The Bing cave entrance is smaller than Xe Bang Fai cave. Inside, we can be amazed by the stalagmites and stalagtites. In the segment area, it is about 700 meters long before opening to the large hall of the cave through which the river flows. Exploring Bing Cave takes about an hour.
Long Cave is located about 300 metres from Nong Ping village. This cave used to contain ancient coffins made of hardwood.
During the war, the cave protected villagers from the bombs, and the northern Vietnamese army who travelled on the Ho Chi Minh trail also sheltered in the cave, which can accommodate thousands of people.
Trekking from Nong Ping village to Long cave takes about 30 minutes.
Visitors are not advised to visit the Xe Bang Fai cave from June to October as it has a strong water flow and can be dangerous. However, the villagers provide other services such as home-stays and village accommodation. Access to tourist sites is more difficult in the rainy season, but they can be accessed all year round by boat from Pak Pha Nang village.

Source: Vientiane Times