LIGHT MY FIRE THE WILD WONDERS OF CENTRAL
LAOS
President & CEO's Message
Khamla Phommavanh President & CEO of Lao Airlines
Dear Passengers,
Sabaidee
Welcome aboard Lao Airlines, where the journey of exploration and connection begins.
It is my privilege to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you through these pages of our inflight magazine and encourage you to explore Laos during Visit Laos Year 2024.
At Lao Airlines, we believe that every flight is more than just a transportation experience; it's a bridge that connects people, cultures, and dreams. As you embark on your journey with us, whether it's for business, leisure, or a bit of both, rest assured that we are dedicated to making your travel experience comfortable, safe, and memorable.
Lao Airlines is more than an airline; we are a family. We thank you for choosing us as your travel partner and entrusting us with your journey. Together, let's explore the skies and create memories that will last a lifetime.
On behalf of the entire Lao Airlines team, I wish you a pleasant flight and a wonderful experience on board.
Safe travels.
With highest respects,
Hello Readers,
Welcome to the September-October issue of Champa Meuanglao. The green monsoon season will draw to a close in a vast procession of candles. In this issue:
Savor a few new entrants into Luang Prabang’s culinary scene that combine both old and new flavors in surprising ways.
EuroCham Laos has been instrumental in bringing together the public and private sectors, as well as championing a probusiness environment.
Central Laos is teeming with natural wonders. On a visit, you can see Laos’ only population of Eld’s Deer and paddle through one of Laos’ most mysterious caves.
Happy Reading!
The Champa Meuanglao team
Editor In Chief
Editors
Contributing
Editors
Creative Director
Contributing Writers
Head Photographer
Contributing Photographer
PUBLISHING
Jason Rolan
Aditta Kittikhoun
Vilavanh Chanthavong
Ly Ngoc Thanh Truong
Evan Dixon
Anita Preston
Mick Shippen
Phoonsab Thevongsa
Anita Preston / Evensong Film
Mick Shippen
ADVISORY BOARD
Khamla Phommavanh
Managing Director
Saleum Tayarath
Deputy Managing Director of Commercial and Marketing, ICT
Sitthideth Douangsiththy
Deputy Managing Director of Ground Handling and Cargo
Phaythoun Kounsouvanh
Deputy Managing Director of Finance
LAO AIRLINES STATE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
Headquarters Wattay International Airport Vientiane Capital, Laos Tel: (856-21) 513243-46, Fax: (856-21) 513247 www.laoairlines.com
Follow the official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/laoairlines to get the latest news and updates from the national carrier of Laos.
DISCLAIMER
ADVERTISING
sales@rdkgroup.la mark.gandeza@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 56581416
RDK GROUP
134 Samsenthai Road, Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos (856-20) 55731717 info@rdkgroup.la
Champa Meuanglao is published bi-monthly for Lao Airlines State Enterprise by RDK Group. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Champa Meuanglao do not necessarily reflect those of Lao Airlines State Enterprise or its publishing agents. All information in Champa Meuanglao is correct at time of printing. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2022 by Lao Airlines State Enterprise and RDK Group. www.champameuanglao.com
COVER IMAGE
Wat Xieng Thong decorated with lanterns
Photo: Anita Preston / Evensong Film
At DoubleTree by Hilton, we pride ourselves in cari ng about the little things that make a big difference — from our warm cookie welcome to serving the commun ities around us.
Centrally located in the heart of Vientiane, DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane offers 188 comfortable guest rooms and suites, all with views of the cityscape or the Mekong River. Just a 15-minute drive away from Wattay International Airport and the highspeed Vientiane Railway a 30-minute drive from the hotel, getting to and around central Laos is a breeze. Experience the city's pulse, unwind at the rooftop pool, savor diverse dining options, and host seamless events for up to 600 guests.
ROOFTOP POOL Manthatourath Road, Ban Xieng Ngeun, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane 01000
Eat & Drink
Indulge in an extensive array of delightful food options, from a
Catch your favorite televised games in our spacious sports bar over authentic pub grub and great company. NICO’S
Exclusively
OSAICS AND ONSOON MENUS M
Luang Prabang restaurants look to the past to inspire the future
Shippen
Text and Photos by Mick
On any other day, Luang Prabang would be a delight to explore on foot. The historic town, which occupies a slender finger of land at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is home to some of Laos' most exquisite temples, charming cafes, and stylish boutiques. But shortly after my wife and I arrived in town, the heavens opened. We were, for the day at least, going nowhere. And we couldn’t be happier because our hotel of choice for our two-night getaway was the luxurious Avani+ Luang Prabang.
Hemmed in by rain, we gravitated to the hotel’s Main Street Bar & Grill for lunch. Ordinarily, a hotel restaurant wouldn’t be our first choice if we wanted to experience local flavors, but we were soon glad the storm had blown us this way. The Avani had recently appointed Cherd Thamrongsuksir as its new Executive Chef. As he explained at our table, he had refreshed the entire menu and although it aimed to please an international clientele, Chef Cherd also included several notable Luang Prabang dishes. The most intriguing was lon som moo, an unusual pork soup featured in the bible of royal Lao cuisine, Traditional Recipes of Laos by Phia Sing, a former chef at the royal palace in Luang Prabang during the mid-1900s. The work was compiled by Alan Davidson (the British Ambassador to Laos from 1973-75, and later an accomplished food writer) after he was given Phia Sing’s original notebooks by the then-Crown Prince. Released in the early 80s by a small UK publisher, it has remained a niche book.
It was interesting to discover that Chef Cherd had chosen to draw inspiration from its pages and introduce diners to a little-known dish. Lon som moo is a fascinating choice as it includes coconut milk, an ingredient more associated with Thai food than Lao, and cured fish roe used as a seasoning, giving the dish its distinctive blush-pink color.
The new menu at Main Street Bar & Grill also includes two other well-known Luang Prabang dishes of interest; a green salad with an egg yolk dressing which is now a classic in the town but influenced by the French colonial era, and the local version of the famous spicy raw papaya salad, tammakhoung, which slices the papaya into broad ribbons and uses nam pou, or crab paste, to season the dish. Also noteworthy is the chef’s khao phat khem khong, a tasty egg-topped fried rice dish accompanied by Lao sausage and crispy pork skin, and his perfect ending, pandan pudding with mixed fruit in a luscious coconut milk sauce. Fortunately, Chef Cherd kindly invited my wife to join his one-on-one cookery class. And so later that day, she spent an engaging, insightful, and fun afternoon discovering the secrets and nuances of Luang Prabang cuisine including lon som moo. The best part, of course, is that following the class we could sit down to eat the dishes in the relaxed and elegant surroundings of Main Street Bar & Grill.
Main Street Bar & Grill at Avani+ Luang Prabang is open daily from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm. Chef Cherd’s cooking classes are available daily. Visit avanihotels. com for more information.
1. Lon som moo, a special dish Chef Cherd recreated from a Phia Sing recipe
2. Enjoy Chef Cherd’s new menu at Main Street Bar & Grill
3. Chef Cherd’s take on fried rice
4. Little Lao is a new restaurant with a focus on Luang Prabang’s culinary heritage
5. Sisavangvong Road - the bustling heart of Luang Prabang
The next day, blessed with sunshine, we walked the length of the Sisavangvong Road to Wat Xieng Thong. Here, the rougecolored walls are decorated with glistening glass mosaics that depict scenes of daily life in the rural north. Later, over lunch at Little Lao Culture Bar, we discovered that this rich cultural heritage, bound by Buddhist rituals and the seasonal rhythms of the rice fields—indeed the artistry of the mosaic itself—inspired this beautiful new restaurant.
Big Flavors at Little Lao
Little Lao is set in a lovingly restored French-era shophouse midway down Sisavangvong Road. Its menu offers an impressive 22 kinds of jeo, Lao dips and relishes ordered as small sides to enliven appetizers and main dishes. The chef’s repertoire includes classics such as jeo mak len, a spicy tomato and chili dip, as well as the Luang Prabang favorites, jeo bong, a sticky and robustly flavored chili jam served best enjoyed with grilled meats, and jeo khing, a ginger and peanut relish. The selection of mains also features local classics such as saiouakeuang, an herb-rich pork sausage, and aw lam, a hearty beef stew seasoned with pepperwood vine.
At Little Lao, the chef also gives a respectful nod to Phia Sing’s legacy with a dish featured in Traditional Recipes of Laos, khaikhouam, boiled eggs stuffed with ground pork and herbs, then dipped in beaten egg and fried. Little Lao has quickly gained a reputation for its creative cocktails which can be savored with your meal in the main restaurant, or upstairs in the chic bar, Sun Song Social. The cocktail menu includes Mak Houng Dong, a mix of tequila infused with chili, pickled papaya, cucumber, rice, and lime, and Sakhaan, a blend of gin, bael fruit, and pepperwood vine.
L ittle Lao is open 11 am - 11:30 pm, and Sun Song Social from 5 pm – 11.30 pm, every day except Wednesday. Discover more on Facebook: Little Lao Culture Bar.
Right: Avani+ Luang Prabang, a luxurious and peaceful oasis in the historic town 1 & 2: Recently opened restaurants include Tum Wan and Lost in Baan
GETTING THERE
Lao Airlines has frequent flights from Vientiane, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Pakse to Luang Prabang.
MORE INFO visit these restaurants on Facebook
Tumwan
Maison Sam San Lost in Baan
More newcomers
Also on Sisavangvong Road, look out for the recently opened Tumwan, a pounded salad restaurant, though the array of dishes on the menu is more Thai-style than Lao. At Maison Sam San, you can browse locally made crafts on the ground floor, sip freshly brewed Lao teas on the second, or ascend to the rooftop bar on the third floor where you can see Luang Prabang’s main street from a new perspective, sundowner in hand. Tucked away down a leafy side alley is Lost in Baan. Think art on the walls, vinyl on the turntables, and Asian fusion food on the plates.
Rise early to see the daily almsgiving
(Avani+ Luang Prabang).
Main Street Bar & Grill
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, 15-minute drive from the International Airport, Villa Maly Boutique Hotel offers 32 tastefully designed rooms, featuring a French colonial décor, in refurbished structures originally built in 1938, surrounded by a lush tropical garden. Escape to a place where time slows, and home truly awaits.
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH EUROCHAM LAOS
Empowering Businesses for Success
Text and Photos by EuroCham Laos
left: Members of EuroCham Laos
1. EuroCham participates in an event at Vientiane High School
2. Students Learn about educational opportunities in Europe
3. The Executive Director explains the organization's strategy
Despite facing great challenges, the Lao economy offers numerous growth opportunities. The country is making significant strides in economic reforms and infrastructure development, essential for attracting foreign investment. Key sectors such as agriculture, hydropower, mining, and tourism hold substantial potential for businesses looking to invest in the region. It is crucial to highlight the importance of accelerating reforms to sustain economic growth. EuroCham Laos is critical in advocating for these reforms, ensuring that the business environment remains conducive to growth and development.
More than just a business association, the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a partner for sustainable development and plays a vital role in shaping the economic future of Laos.
The European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR
T he European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (EuroCham Laos) was created in 2011 with the mandate to promote and increase business between Lao PDR and Europe for their mutual benefit and to create a "single voice of European business" in Laos, representing the European business community vis a vis Lao authorities and decision-makers. EuroCham Laos, with over 120 members, is now the largest Western business Chamber and a pivotal institution for businesses looking to establish and expand their presence in Laos.
EuroCham Laos serves as a hub for business activities for European, Lao, and international companies in the Lao PDR, offering support, advocacy, and networking opportunities to its members. The Chamber works closely with local and international businesses, the Lao government, the Lao National Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, and other stakeholders to create a favorable business environment. It also facilitates connections between businesses and provides essential services to companies, such as market intelligence, policy advocacy, and professional development.
EuroCham Laos is part of a larger network of European Business Organizations (EBO), which strengthens its influence and resources. This network spans various countries, providing members with extensive international connections and opportunities for collaboration. The link with the European Union further enhances its ability to advocate for European businesses and influence economic policies that impact its members. EuroCham has worked hand in hand with the European Union in Lao PDR and with Team Europe for 12 years, to promote the Lao PDR as an investment destination for the European business
community, remaining steadfast in advocating for trade facilitation, market access, sustainable development, and addressing the most critical interests and concerns of European businesses operating in the Lao PDR. EuroCham Laos and the EU delegation also regularly collaborate on programs and joint events, such as the Laos–Europe Business Networking to emphasize friendship ties between the Lao and the European business community and foster opportunities for further collaboration.
EuroCham Laos provides an array of services designed to benefit its members significantly. These include advocacy and representation as EuroCham Laos acts as the collective voice of European businesses, engaging with the Lao government to advocate for favorable business conditions and policy reforms. EuroCham also offers networking opportunities in the form of regular events, such as business luncheons, seminars, and informal networking gatherings, offering members the chance to connect with key stakeholders, potential partners, and industry experts. The Chamber also produces market intelligence, sharing with its members valuable insights and analyses on the Lao market including economic trends, regulatory updates, and sector-specific reports, coming from 12 years of experience. EuroCham offers business support services ranging from advice on market entry strategies to facilitating business matching to ensuring its members have the support needed to navigate the Lao business landscape effectively. And last but not least, EuroCham offers tailored training programs and workshops to help businesses enhance their capabilities and stay competitive.
Services and Benefits Offered by
EuroCham Laos
Promoting Sustainable Development
Moreover, EuroCham Laos focuses on promoting responsible European investment in the Lao PDR with several leading initiatives. EuroCham throws a yearly charity fundraising and gala, and has organized the Responsible Business Awards for 3 consecutive years.
In 2023, the Chamber also created the Empower Women program to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in business, aiming to create more opportunities for women in the business sector. Thiane Khamvongsa, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR explained that “the objective of this type of program is to allow woman
executives and entrepreneurs to fellowship with their peers in diverse fields, to promote the image of the working woman as leaders, as well as the general welfare of their business and professional community.” She further added “We want to create an environment for free and open discussion on various issues and foster dialogue for women in the community. We aim to create a new way to support women entrepreneurs in the Lao PDR to grow and strengthen their businesses, skills, and confidence. Like-minded professional women work together to overcome challenges.”
Above: EuroCham Members
1. A lively panel discussion held by EuroCham
2. The election of the Executive Committee
Embracing the Future
MORE INFO about ECCIL and how to become a member, visit eccil.org.
EUROCHAM LAOS
Proudly Serving Guests
Since 2017
19 Hotel Brands, 6,000+ desinations in more than 100 countries
A global leader in hospitality since 1777, IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its footprint to over 100 countries with a diverse portfolio of 19 brands and 6,000+ destinations. In 2007, IHG Hotels & Resorts set its first footfall in Laos with the opening of Crowne Plaza Vientiane, marking the company’s first step in offering exceptional hospitality experiences to guests visiting this beautiful country, Laos.
Crowne Plaza Vientiane, a premium hotel brand from IHG Hotels & Resorts, offers luxurious products and services. Consistently providing high-quality service to accommodate guests and visitors from around the world, Crowne Plaza Vientiane has earned high trust and is among the top choices for event organizers of all scales, including national-level events. Alongside the hotel's convenient and comprehensive facilities, its two outlets are ranked number one and two on TripAdvisor, reinforcing the hotel's unparalleled quality in the city.
This year, Vientiane is abuzz with excitement as we welcome visitors and delegates for the ASEAN Summit. IHG Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the anticipated arrival of Holiday Inn & Suites, a contemporary lifestyle hotel, in Vientiane in the fourth quarter of 2024. This marks the brand’s debut in the city, positioning it adjacent to its sister property, Crowne Plaza Vientiane. Together, they form the only dual of internationally recognized branded hotels in Laos, marking another significant expansion of IHG’s footprint in the country and the region. This expansion offers guests a variety of choices and allows the brand to comprehensively fulfill their needs.
Offering unparalleled comfort for every guest, alongside Crowne Plaza Vientiane, Holiday Inn & Suites boasts 273 rooms, including 64 spacious suites. Each room features a flat-screen TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, and for extended-stay guests, some rooms offer convenient kitchenettes and residential-style amenities. Guests can unwind at the hotel's premium recreational facilities at the lifestyle center, featuring a state-of-the-art gym – Rise, an outdoor garden space for relaxation, and an expansive infinity pool with refreshing light bites and cocktails.
Opening Soon In 2024
1. The Dining Space In The Presidental suites
Additionally, Rosella, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, promises a delightful culinary experience with a variety of local and international dishes. The spacious and cozy lobby lounge, known as The Hub, offers a tempting selection of sweet and savory treats, accommodating both small and large groups of travelers.
Holiday Inn & Suites reinforces its warm and welcoming spirit with its globally recognized "Kids Stay and Eat Free" program, making it the perfect choice for families. A double delight for IHG guests who are members of the loyalty program – IHG One Rewards, to enjoy exclusive benefits, applicable in all over 6,000 IHG hotels around the world.
Nestled in the heart of the city, 15 minutes from the airport, and a few minutes from downtown, it is the perfect location for meetings and events. With well-equipped meeting spaces to accommodate up to 1,800 guests, it will be one of the city's largest convention venues with the latest technology and the highest standard of service available in town.
Following the exceptional standards set by its sister property, Crowne Plaza Vientiane, the dedicated hotel management team at Holiday Inn & Suites is committed to delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable guest experiences. The extensive experience of the IHG family ensures a seamless stay that upholds the brand's renowned reputation. This dedication will be on full display when the hotel opens its doors in 2024, a remarkable year for Laos. As the nation takes center stage, hosting the prestigious ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings and welcoming international guests for Visit Laos Year 2024, it promises to be a time of cultural exchange and unforgettable experiences.
1. The presidential suite room of Crowne Plaza Vientiane 2 Rosella - All day dining restaurant 3. Kids eat free 4. The Vientiane grand ballroom 5. Rise gym
GETTING THERE
Lao Airlines has flights to Vientiane from many airports in Laos and throughout the region
MORE INFO visit: crowneplaza.com/vientiane holidayinn.com/vientiane
(Holiday Inn & Suites)
19 个酒店品牌，覆盖 100 多个国家/地区 的 6,000 多个目的地
老挝唯一的双品牌酒店综合体
年以来，洲际酒店及度假村集团一直是全球酒店业的领导者，集团足迹覆盖 100 多个国家和地区，共拥有 19 个品牌和 6,000多个目的地的多元化投资组合。2007年，洲际酒店及度假村集团旗下的皇冠假日酒店（Crowne Plaza Vientiane）落地老挝万象，迈出了集团公司入驻老挝的第一步，也开启了服务到访美丽老挝客人的新篇章。
今年，万象热闹非凡，我们迎来了参加东盟会议的 来访者和代表们。借此时机，洲际酒店及度假村很高兴 地宣布，现代生活方式酒店—假日酒店，将于 2024 年 第四季度在万象开业。这标志着该品牌在这座城市的 首次亮相，毗邻其姊妹酒店万象皇冠假日酒店。两座酒 店将共同构成老挝唯一的国际知名品牌酒店组合，标志 着洲际酒店集团在老挝和该地区的再次扩展。此次扩建 不仅为客人提供了多种选择，也能更全面的满足日益增 长的国内外需求。
假日酒店与万象皇冠假日酒店共273 间客房，其中包 括 64 间宽敞的套房。每间客房均配有各种枕头、平板电 视和高速网络，部分客房为长住客人提供便利的小厨房 和住宅式配套设施，确保每位客人的舒适入住体验。酒店 生活方式中心的娱乐设施包括最先进的健身房 Rise、户 外花园空间以及提供清爽小吃和鸡尾酒的宽敞无边泳 池，确保客人身心在此得到放松。
此外，酒店Rosella餐厅24小时不间断供应各种当地 和国际美食，为您提供愉悦的美食体验。酒店大堂—The Hub, 宽敞舒适，提供各种诱人的甜食和小吃，可承载小 型和大型团体客户。
假日酒店坚持履行全球公认的“儿童免费住宿和用 餐”计划，是家庭出行的不二之选。同时，酒店的会员计 划—IHG 优悦会洲际酒店集团VIP，可以享受适用于全 球集团旗下 6,000 多家酒店的独家优惠。
酒店坐落于市中心，距机场 15 分钟车程，距市中心 仅几分钟车程，是举办会议和活动的理想场所。酒店会
议空间设置最新的配套服务技术和全市最高的服务标准， 会议空间最多可容纳 1800 人，将成为万象最大的会议举 办场所之一。
遵循其姊妹酒店万象皇冠假日酒店设定的卓越标准，假 日酒店的专业酒店管理团队将致力于提供卓越的服务并创 造难忘的宾客体验。洲际酒店集团大家庭的丰富经验及品牌 声誉可以确保客户全方位的住宿体验。2024年对于老挝来说 是不平凡的一年，也是集团旗下酒店开门迎客、充分展现酒 店服务精神的契机。随着老挝举办东盟峰会及2024老挝旅游 年的成功举办，老挝也自然成为了世界关注的焦点。让给我 们一起拥抱文化交流、创造共同的难忘经历。
1. 3 Merchants 餐厅美丽的 内部装饰
2. 在 Mosaic 餐厅享用美味 佳肴
3. 假日套房酒店提供现代 体验
4. 假日套房酒店注重每一 个细节
5. 在 Holiday Inn & Suites 享 受优质睡眠和美好生活
到达方式：老挝航空有从老 挝境内和周边地区多个机场 飞往万象的航班
如需了解更多信息，请访问： crowneplaza.com/vientiane holidayinn.com/vientiane
THE WILD WONDERS OF CENTRAL LAOS
Text by Jason Rolan
Photos by Phoonsab Thevongsa
Sunrise over the forest where Eld's deer live
In Central Laos, two natural marvels stand out: the last remaining colony of Eld's deer in Savannakhet and the enigmatic Xe Bang Fai Cave in Khammouane’s Hin Nam No National Park.
Laos’ only population of Eld's deer, a rare and majestic animal, has piqued the interest of both wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists. Eld's deer, commonly known as the brow-antlered deer, are distinguished by their striking antlers that sweep backward in a dramatic arc. This rare species previously wandered freely throughout Southeast Asia, but habitat degradation and hunting have pushed it to the edge of extinction. Today, the protected refuge in Savannakhet provides a rare look into their life, allowing tourists to observe these exquisite creatures in their native environment.
To the north, in Khammouane’s Hin Nam No National Park, is the mysterious Xe Bang Fai Cave. Here, the Xe Bang Fai River has excavated an 11 km tunnel through the park's karst mountains over millions of years, creating huge caverns, some as large as 200 m wide and 120 m tall. It is recognized for its breathtaking cave structures and diverse ecosystem. Visitors can camp at the cave entrance and kayak through the cave to experience this unique environment.
Right: An unfinished bridge across the Xe Bang Fai River
1. The boatman starts the engine
2. The gentle land scape of Savannakhet
GETTING THERE
Lao Airlines has daily flights from Vientiane to Savannakhet
A family of Eld's deer
Above: This area is also home to a variety of other wildlife
1. Glimpsing and Eld's deer through the forest
2. A beautiful plant in the ginger family
Boats waiting to take visitors into the Xe Bang Fai Cave
The chambers here can be quite massive
Entering the mouth of the cave is like entering a different world
Above: Stalagmites hang overhead
1. There are many rock formations to see
LIGHT MY FIRE
Text by Anita Preston
Photos by Anita Preston / Evensong Film
The Stunning Fireboat Festival of Luang Prabang
One festival you should not miss in Laos is the Fireboat Festival (Boun Lai H eua Fai) celebrated at the end of Buddhist Lent (Awk Phansa). Less focused on fun, frivolity, and partying than New Year and much more picturesque and charming it’s one event you must mark on your calendar. In October the old city with its more than 35 UNESCO heritage temples will be set aglow and bathed in the soft warm candlelight of thousands of colored paper lanterns decorating the quaint streets. The festival culminates in a procession of ingeniously crafted paper mythical creatures lit by candles glimmering down the main street to be set adrift on the Mekong.
Awk Phansa marks the end of Buddhist lent, a threemonth period of study and contemplation for monks and novices, and a popular time for laymen to abstain from alcohol. Weddings and public celebrations are set aside during Lent. The end of Lent symbolizes the time Buddha returned to earth after spending three months in heaven. Monks are now free to leave the temples and come and go as normal and people can put an end to their time of austerity.
Left: Wat Xieng Thong brilliantly lit during the festival
1. Monks add lights to the floats
Every temple will spend weeks creating delicate colored paper lanterns to be hung on temple eaves and grace courtyards. The creation of the boats to be used in the parade is subtly competitive and each temple takes weeks to make the ingenious floats and lanterns, some in quirky shapes such as airplanes, fish, and even a coronavirus!
The most prevalent figure is the naga or water dragon, symbolizing Luang Prabang’s close relationship between the Mekong, local folklore, and superstition. Wat Xieng Thong is built on the spot where two rivers meet and is the home of two local nagas that require devotion and obeisance from the local populace, therefore this is the main hub of ceremonies.
Scheduled events take place over three days around the actual full moon day (falling
on October 17th this year) and are concentrated on the peninsula of Luang Prabang, though if you want a more personal experience, every temple will put up decorations and have ceremonies and rituals performed to mark the occasion.
On the day before the full moon, decorations will be placed around Mount Phousi and a ceremony with officials and religious elders will take place at the temple on top of the hill. Around town, people will begin placing lanterns above their doors in anticipation. On full moon day, it is especially auspicious to give alms at first light and the town will be busy with locals lining the pavements waiting to make merit by giving offerings of food to the monks. You can observe almsgiving at any temple and we highly recommend visiting temples away from the downtown core for a more intimate and spiritual experience. Please don’t forget to dress appropriately to give alms and don’t get too close to the monks.
In the early evening of the day before the parade many locals go from temple to temple to see a trial run of lantern lighting and to see how each temple will be decorated for the hugely popular informal photo sessions The busiest temples are usually Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Xieng Mouan where locals dress in traditional costume and take snaps lighting lanterns. It’s common for locals to walk a circuit around the temples, stopping to light candles for luck and enjoy the myriad of glowing lights
The third day (the day after the full moon) is parade day. Small votives made from candles, brightly colored flowers and banana palms will be available at many impromptu stalls which seem to pop up out of nowhere on the main street. Buy one and bid your bad luck farewell down the Mekong, making room for good luck to come your way. Parade floats gather outside the National Museum for their procession to Wat Xieng Thong at the end of the peninsula. Boats of different designs will appear to float down the street, lit by candles and sometimes even sporting special effects such as bellowing plumes of smoke and fire. Illuminated by the candlelight these creatures seem to come alive and breathe above the crowds. Various groups join the parade, schoolchildren in crisp white shirts walk with candles held in front, ladies don their best traditional sin, young girls with frangipani in their hair move their hands in graceful traditional dance moves and young boys dress as Hanuman from the Ramayana. Crowds tend to tag along behind the boats and join in with much jovial singing and clapping.
At Wat Xieng Thong, crowds gather on the banks of the Mekong and the river is teeming with votives placed by locals into the dark watery depths. It is especially popular with youngsters and courting couples to make an offering to the river. The parade floats are taken down the old steep temple steps to be floated down the Mekong. This represents a letting go of bad luck and sending it away while simultaneously appeasing the river gods. As the parade floats float slowly down the Mekong with the current, their candles burn out and they slowly self-destruct in a peaceful and somber end.
Tip: Charge your phone, make sure you have space for photos, and enjoy the prettiest festival in Laos.
1. This Naga-shaped float also carries a shrine for a Buddha image
2. In the evening, stupas, walls, and temples are all decorated with candles
GETTING THERE
Lao Airlines has frequent flights from Vientiane, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Pakse to Luang Prabang.
1. A novice poses with a lantern crafted from paper, wire, and a candle
2. Lanterns are lit, creating a magical ambience
3: Novices scurry to light all of the lanterns
MAISON DALABUA A
Charming Retreat
2.
GASPARD
Artisan Cuisine
CEVERY STEP COUNTS
10 Years of the Luang Prabang Half Marathon supporting Lao children’s health
Text and Photos by The Lao Friends Hospital for Children
elebrating its 10th anniversary, the Luang Prabang Half Marathon Run for Children remains an annual gathering that epitomizes community spirit and compassion. Offering three distances - 7km, 14km, and 21km - participants of all abilities come together to explore the scenic beauty of Luang Prabang while contributing to a noble cause. Against the backdrop of historic temples and picturesque landscapes, runners embark on a journey of physical endurance and cultural discovery.
For a decade, this marathon has served as a beacon of hope, with all funds raised being donated directly to Lao Friends Hospital for Children, the only free children's hospital in Northern Laos. The hospital provides crucial medical care to children and treated over 40,000 children in 2023.
To mark the 10th anniversary, this year's event promises to be the biggest race in the history of the marathon. Last year, 2300 people from 49 countries joined the RUN FOR CHILDREN. The aim for 2024 is to have over 2500 participants.
A s runners cross the finish line, they celebrate their personal achievements and the collective impact of a decade of dedication and kindness.
More than just a race, the Luang Prabang Half Marathon celebrates community, camaraderie, and the power of individuals coming together to effect positive change. Whether running alongside friends, family, or fellow enthusiasts, participants are united by a shared commitment to making a difference. As the event enters its tenth year, it continues to inspire hope and foster a sense of belonging among all who participate, leaving a lasting legacy of goodwill and generosity in its wake.
ທຸກກ້າວຍ່າງ
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Asean Delegates to Lao P.D.R
Muangthong Boutique Hotel
"Our hotel is your hotel"
Discover a destination that combines style and authenticity with the romantic charm of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Enjoy peace of mind when it comes to reserving tickets or flight check-ins.
Managed by Lao Airlines, we bring you right from your flight to our door.
Peacefully located on the quiet side of town, Muangthong is only a few blocks from Luang Prabang's main attractions, including Wat Phousi, the Royal Palace, the Prabang Museum and the famous Night Market.
