Champa Meuanglao: March-April 2024

NATURES

SANCTUARY Habitat for Life

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Sabaidee

Dear Passengers,

Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Airlines and Happy Lao New Year.

As Visit Laos Year 2024 continues on, I would like to extend our best wishes for an inspiring and fulfilling journey. It is a beautiful country that we are proud to call home.

I would also like to especially welcome the delegates coming to Laos for ASEAN meetings, as well as other official delegations to Laos. I am confident that your experiences here will be cherished forever.

Lao Airlines is ready to serve you every time, whether near or far. I hope that Lao Airlines will be your choice as a convenient method of transport to your destination and we hope that we can welcome you aboard a flight with us again soon.

Safe travels.

With highest respects,

Khamla Phommavanh President & CEO of Lao Airlines

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the March-April issue of Champa Meuanglao as we celebrate Visit Laos Year 2024. The country is warming up and getting ready for an exciting Lao New Year in April.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang contains many echos from the past. Many are still easy to spot today.

Diversify your palate with A Taste of Ceylon. This Sri Lankan restaurant has tongues wagging and happy in Luang Prabang.

Mulberries creates some of the most beautiful woven textiles in Laos. Read about its founder, who is equally inspiring.

In Vientiane, the Lao Poet Hotel is a oasis of respite amid the bustle of the city. Check in for a relaxing experience.

Miss New Year is the daughter of an ancient god and honoring his severed head is an important part of the New Year tradition.

In Laos, the natural world is constantly under threat. Learn what Lanjan Holdings is doing to rejuvenate animal and plant life.

Happy Reading!

The Champa Meuanglao team

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 and Flight Training

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

Editor In Chief Editors

Contributing Editors

Creative Director

Contributing Writers

PUBLISHING

Jason Rolan

Aditta Kittikhoun

Vilavanh Chanthavong

Thanouphet Maniseng

Claire Boobbyer

Melody Kemp

Jeetendra Marcelline

Anita Preston

Mick Shippen

Phetlasy Souladeth

Santi Xayyasith

Head Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Phoonsab Thevongsa

Souksamlan Laladeth

Anita Preston / Evensong Film

Mick Shippen

Keooudone Souvannakhoummane Santi Xayyasith

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RDK GROUP

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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

44

天然⼿⼯皂

⽼挝万⾦油

⽪肤护理 天然⼿⼯皂

纯天然精油 ⾹薰蜡烛

⼿⼯艺术品

Vat Inpeng Street

Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel. 021-223178 info@artisanslao.com

天然精油⼤⾖⾹薰蜡烛

来⾃⽼挝纯⼿⼯制作的天然有机产品

天然驱蚊喷雾

枕边睡眠喷雾

蛋壳镶嵌椰⼦碗

保湿⾯部精油 ⽆⽕⾹薰

精油洗发皂

FROM

LOCAL TO GLOBAL:

KUALAO’S 30-YEAR CULINARY SAGA

Manola Daravong's vision transformed Lao cuisine, proving to the world that it deserved a seat at the world’s table.

TEXT BY FRANCIS SAVANHKHAM

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KUALAO RESTAURANT

Thirty years ago, Manola Daravong posed a question that would change the food culture in her country: Why wasn't Lao food considered worthy of hosting guests? This curiosity sparked a belief in the power of Lao cuisine to transcend its humble beginnings. Fast forward 30 years, and Kualao Restaurant brings this vision to life, earning the patronage of international celebrities and foreign dignitaries including four Japanese Prime Ministers, most notably of whom was Shinzo Abe.

At the heart of Kualao’s story was the desire to showcase Lao food not just as meals, but as dignified experiences worthy of any table, anywhere in the world. “I wanted to prove that our local dishes were fit to be served to presidents, ambassadors, and movie stars," Manola reflects. She imagined a place where the dishes she cherished growing up—whether it’s or-laam, a Luang Prabang stew once prepared only for the royal family because it took three days to prepare or joup phak, a simple yet pungent vegetable salad that reminded her of her modest roots in Xieng Khouang—could be presented with pride and shared with international guests.

left: Kualao's set menu has barely changed in over 30 years

1. Restaurant founder Manola gazes proudly her culinary works

2. The restaurant before its 1994 renovation

3. Kualao resides in a French colonial building, preserving its original architecture

Almost every morning for the past thirty years, Manola’s quest for the freshest ingredients leads her through the local wet markets of the capital city. It is the foraging of food through these small alleys that gives the Kualao menu its soul, sparking dishes that are the backbone of Laos’ culinary tradition. Manola firmly believes that Kualao is part and parcel of the food ecosystem in a broader sense, choosing to source directly from not just the fresh markets but also fishermen and gatherers from across the country’s many provinces. Ingredients like the famed Xieng Khouang mushrooms (matsutake), tapioca chips, and fish from Champasak not only bring authentic flavors to the table but also support the livelihoods of local foragers, fishermen, and the families that depend on them.

Kualao’s role in the industry extends beyond the table and the kitchen. The restaurant has also become known as a nurturing ground for local talent, providing job opportunities to women chefs and hostesses who are trained in-house, empowering them with not only hospitality-related skills but also a sense of community and more importantly, pride in their cultural heritage. It is then no surprise that almost half of the kitchen staff today have been with the restaurant since it first opened its doors to the public over a quarter of a century ago.

1. Manola’s daughter, Dalaphone, welcomes former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

2. Veteran musicians Bounchanh (right) and Saen play traditional Lao music

3. A traditional Lao dancer concludes her performance

4. Lead chef Pheng

But food isn’t the only thing that foreign guests look for when they visit a country. For three decades, Kualao has provided evening work to seasoned music professors and student dancers. By virtue of its footprint in the food industry, it was only natural for Kualao to welcome guests with traditional dance and music performances as they dined. Except for a brief pause during the Covid pandemic, this ensemble has delivered uninterrupted performances every night for the last thirty years.

"It’s wonderful to play our age-old Lao songs with the guests," explains Bounchanh Bouphakham, the septuagenarian expert musician who has been playing music at the restaurant since 1994, “but every now and then we’ll use our traditional instruments—the khim, the khong, khene, kong, lanard—to play tunes from our guests’ countries. It’s priceless seeing the surprise in their faces, that’s pure joy.”

As the country gears up to welcome international guests during Visit Laos Year and Laos’ Chair of ASEAN, Kualao is keeping up with modern trends in the F&B industry. From the installation of a cloud-based POS system, high-speed Wi-Fi, and light building renovations, the restaurant is able to offer better service, while still staying true to its very authentic menu offerings.

Marking its 30th anniversary amidst these significant events, Kualao looks to the future where modernization can co-exist with its Lao character. As she looks back on thirty years of her business career, she has bright hopes for her daughter, Dalaphone, the next-generation caretaker of this iconic establishment, and says “As she steps into this role, just as I started with a question that sparked this journey, I trust that she will find her own questions to keep our story and legacy alive for years to come.”

LEGACIES OF LUANG PRABANG

A Journey of temples, baguettes, and history

TEXT BY ANITA PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANITA PRESTON / EVENSONG FILM

Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries - UNESCO, 1995

Luang Prabang, of course, has fantastic architecture that cannot be found in other parts of Asia. There is simply nothing like it. From the iconic sixteenth-century Wat Xiengthong with its mirrored mosaics and Wat Visoun with its amazing collection of Buddhist artifacts, the temples should not be missed. Heritage buildings with their signature shuttered windows, balconies, and pastel-colored facades can be found on every street. Walking around town one can see the old French School, the Sieng Savan Theater built in the 1950s, and many other unique structures. Some have been converted into hotels and cafes. Le Calao, Villa Santi Hotel, and The Blue House on the peninsula are particularly grand old dames. Walking down the main road past the sweeping roof of Haw Prabang and the beaux arts style Royal Palace gives us a glimpse of the former grandeur and lifestyle of the elite.`

In one part of town in a nondescript house, there is still an old wood-burning oven turning out trays of perfect golden baguettes and not a machine in sight. Men sweat and toil, laying fat floury fingers of dough onto wooden trays to prove. Later a peel will slide them through the gates of hell into a searing inferno fueled by bright orange embers of wood. When we asked the guardian of the money drawer, sitting beside the door how long this bakery has been operating, he never took his eyes off the TV hanging on the wall and said “thirty years” But Lao are famously loose with time so it could be more or it could be less. It certainly looks old.

Hor Prabang holds Laos' most revered Buddha image

There's nothing more quintessentially French than a baguette. Visitors are often surprised to see the abundance of crusty fresh loaves piled up on roadside carts. Bread and coffee are a tangible legacy of some of the first European visitors to Luang Prabang. At the end of the nineteenth century, the Kingdom of Luang Prabang fell under the protectorate of France. The civil servant and eventually First Vice Consul August Pavie was one of the most important and somewhat controversial figures in Lao history. Not only a plenipotentiary, he was an explorer and cartographer and often went on missions stick in hand, barefoot, in his wide-brimmed hat. He changed the way Laos was administered and governed, working in close collaboration with the king.

Another early European visitor was Henri Mouhot.

"We found everywhere the memory of our compatriot who, by the uprightness of his character and his natural benevolence, had acquired the regard and the affection of the natives." - Ernest Doudart de Lagrée, Leader of the French Mekong Expedition of 1866-1868.

Out in Keng Noun, Mouhot rests in a white tomb looking down on the gently ebbing Nam Khan, surrounded by lush foliage. It’s a grave with a view in a peaceful and bucolic resting place. A statue of August Pavie with a beaked nose, intense stare, wearing a hat, and barefoot, guards the spot; it is often mistaken for Mouhot himself by visitors. After discovering or rediscovering (take your pick) Angkor Wat, Henri spent some time in Luang Prabang before succumbing to malaria. Scholars say that Mouhot’s body was probably washed away during flooding but the grave marks the spot very close to where he died in 1850. If you choose to pay respects to this early pioneer, the drive out to Keng Noun passes by Wat Phon Pao with its golden spires housing a collection of vivid Buddhist frescoes and old tomes, worth a stop. Henri is laid to rest close to the new railway station and it is an interesting drive through villages and along the shores of the Nam Khan.

left: French colonial-era shophouses line Luang Prabang's main street

1. A colonial hangover: the baguette

2. The grave of French explorer Henri Mouhot

3. Chomsi Stupa sits on top of Phousi Hill

4. The confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers from above

Moving on a little later from the ancien régime, myths about the “Old French bridge” spanning the Nam Khan abound. “It’s a hundred years old.” “It was built by Eiffel”. A US marine walked into a bar in 2009 and told the story of how he came to Laos in the 1960s and said he built that very bridge. Sounds like the opening for a joke, but which is it? Old or not so old. Information is scarce but documents show the allotment of US funds for building a bridge across the Nam Khan in 1967. The photo collection of Joel Halpern, a USAID worker, housed at the University of Madison Wisconsin shows the bridge but that’s 10 years earlier. Perhaps we can figure it out one day. Online there are some fantastic catalogues and a plethora of old photos about Luang Prabang housed in academic libraries. Coolies, men in white hats, and dignitaries are frozen in time. It’s worth looking to see how much and how little Luang Prabang has changed in the last 150 years, compared to the rest of Southeast Asia.

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has daily flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Hanoi, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.

On the other side of town lies The Grand Luang Prabang Hotel in a gorgeous setting containing the villa of the former Viceroy and Prince of Laos, Phetsarath Rattanavongsa. His villa on the hotel grounds has a commanding view overlooking the Mekong. Many of the prince’s personal items are still there and fascinating black and white photographs line the walls, showing the prince at the Villa and performing his official duties, shaking hands with guests at the boat pier, group photos with his staff, taking a road trip in his fatigues to the surrounding villages. His clothes are laid out on the closet shelves, his jacket lies over the back of a chair, gilded teacups sit on a tray and flowers are arranged in vases. It’s almost as if the prince could walk through the door at any moment. This location is fascinating for anyone who wants to learn more and dig a little deeper into the history of Laos and the setting is lovely.

1. The palace of Prince Phetsarath

2. A photo of Prince Phetsarath hangs in the foyer

3. The old bridge that spans the Khan River

EXPERIE NATURE Paradise

Discover unparalleled luxury in the heart of Laos a jungle paradise for your tranquility, comfort & adventure!

GASPARD

Artisan Cuisine

MAISON DALABUA

A Charming Retreat

A TASTE OF CEYLON

Savor serendipity with this culinary journey

TEXT BY ANITA PRESTON

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANITA PRESTON / EVENSONG FILM

above: Be welcomed with gracious Sri Lankan hospitality

1. The restaurant is located in a restored heritage building

2. Traditional decor

3. Sri Lankan food uses a mixture of many delicious spices

4. Tasty curries are some of the house specialties

5. Enjoy a set with rice, dhal, and several side dishes

Taste of Ceylon is one of Luang Prabang’s latest additions to the culinary scene. Situated away from the hustle and bustle of the town in a traditional wooden house it has a lovely shady terrace overlooking the Mekong River which allows you to enjoy some peace and tranquility in a relaxed and casual setting. Following up on the success of the popular Vientiane location the owner’s goal is to bring the rich and exotic heritage of his homeland to Luang Prabang by creating authentic dishes using traditional family recipes. It also hopes to offer more exotic

options for travelers looking beyond noodle soup or sticky rice.

A tropical tear-drop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean renowned for its stunning palm beaches, Buddhist relics, and fi ne gems, Sri Lanka’s gastronomic legacy reflects its diverse history. In ancient times it was known as serendib the root of the word serendipity. Portuguese explorers, Dutch traders, Arab merchants, and seafarers crossing the Indian Ocean often stopped by or were marooned by storms onto the shores of the island on the way to the Far East, leaving the classic remnants of their

cuisine behind to blend in and amalgamate into a new gastronomic legacy.

It was the demand for spices caused that the early explorers to traveled. The finest cinnamon in the world, cloves, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, and fenugreek all flourish on the island and are highly prized. At Taste of Ceylon, they are combined to make unique complex pastes and dry spice mixes to flavor and marinate dishes. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, set dishes, and samplers. For their signature Chicken Tikka Masala, a boneless breast is marinated in their homemade thick yogurt curd with spices overnight then grilled and mixed into a creamy sauce. Lamprais (lump rice) a legacy of Dutch burghers was the working man’s lunch. Wrapped in a banana leaf its contents are transportable and good to eat for a whole day. Taste of Ceylon’s authentic version is a banana leaf package containing tasty aromatic yellow rice, sweet chutney, and flavorful roasted meats along with a crispy fried whole egg.

The Jaffna Prawn curry is another house specialty and the owner’s grandmother’s recipe. Plump juicy large prawns are bathed in a sumptuous gravy of coconut milk and

GETTING

THERE Lao Airlines has frequent flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Pakse, Hanoi, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai.

MORE INFO

For more information, visit fb.com/TOCLPB

spices, a fl aky soft warm paratha is a perfect accompaniment for mopping up the sauce.

Taste of Ceylon uses only the finest Basmati rice. Traditional breads, such as parathas, naans, and chapattis are made in-house to dip into fresh sambals and curries. Many meat-free options are also on the menu including a healthy beetroot salad, banana flower salad, eggplant curry, and Mysore Dhal made with protein-rich pulses.

The tropical garden provides fresh curry leaves and the vivid blue butterfly pea used for in-house drinks. The best tea in the world is grown in Sri Lanka and the menu serves a variety of drinks including a sweet, milk tea subtly infused with ginger, lassi, made with yogurt, and various exotic fruit juices and shakes. If you prefer something stronger, Taste of Ceylon offers draught beer, cocktails including the intriguing Rajapaksha’s Chili Gin, arrack made from the coconut palm, and, harking back to the old days, a selection of Gins are imported for your pleasure, providing a perfect finish to your meal.

锡兰风味

风味之缘 美食之旅 翻译及编辑 尹航

摄影 ANITA PRESTON / EVENSONG FILM

锡

兰风味餐厅是琅勃拉邦古城新晋美食餐 厅。餐厅位于一座传统木屋内，远离城镇的 喧嚣，一个可爱的露台可俯瞰湄公河，轻松 休闲的环境中，客人可享受片刻宁静。锡兰 风味的第一家餐厅位于老挝首都万象，很受欢迎。餐厅老 板随即决定将锡兰美食带到古城琅勃拉邦。异国美食也 给游客在老挝面粉或糯米外提供了更多的选择。

斯里兰卡是印度洋上的一个热带泪滴形岛屿，因 棕榈滩、佛教文物和精美的宝石而闻名，斯里兰卡的美 食遗产也诉说着其多元化的历史。古时，斯里兰卡被称 为“serendib”，是“serendipity”一词的词根。葡萄牙探 险家、荷兰商人、阿拉伯商人和穿越印度洋的海员在前往 远东的途中经常会在岛上停留，也有时被风暴困在岛上， 也是他们留下了各种经典美食的做法，融合碰撞成了如 今的锡兰美食。

早期探险家远道而来就是为了香料。世界上最好 的肉桂、丁香、小茴香、香菜、肉豆蔻和胡芦巴都在岛上 盛产，并且非常珍贵。锡兰风味餐厅将各种香料制成独 特的糊状物或者干香料混合物，用于调味和腌制菜肴。

餐厅有各种开胃菜、套餐和小吃。招牌鸡肉咖喱玛莎拉

(Chicken Tikka Masala) 是用去骨鸡胸肉浸泡在自制的 厚酸奶凝乳中，加入香料腌制一夜，烤熟后混入奶油酱而 成。 Lamprais（块米）是荷兰工人常吃的午餐。用香蕉叶包 裹后，便于携带，可供一整天食用。锡兰正宗的香蕉叶里包 有美味的黄米、甜酸辣酱、烤肉和酥脆的煎蛋。

Jaffna咖喱虾是另一道招牌菜，也是店主祖母传下来 的食谱。肥美多汁的大虾放入椰奶和香料制成的汤汁，配上 热好的印度饼裹着吃，真是美味。

锡兰正宗美食只选用最优质的印度大米。传统面包，如 印度饼、多萨和印度麦饼都是店内自制的，可蘸上新鲜的参 巴和咖喱。菜单上还提供许多素食选择，有健康的甜菜根沙 拉、香蕉花沙拉、茄子咖喱和高蛋白豆制品迈索尔甜点（印 度甜点）。

餐厅花园内自种有新鲜的咖喱叶和蝶豆花可以用来 制作饮品。世界上最好的茶产自斯里兰卡，餐厅提供各种饮 料，有加入香料的甜奶油奶茶、酸奶制成的拉西以及各种异 国情调的果汁和奶昔。如果您喜欢更烈一点的饮品，锡兰风 味餐厅也供有生啤、鸡尾酒，也有Rajapaksh's 辣椒金酒、椰 子树制成的亚力酒，以及怀旧款进口精选杜松子酒，为客人 的用餐画上完美的句号。

上面: 套餐很受欢迎 1: 鸡尾酒非常美味

如何到达 更多信息，请访问fb.com/TOCLPB

更多信息 老挝航空有多趟航班从万象、巴色、 河内、曼谷和清迈抵达琅勃拉邦。

THE LAO POET HOTEL

Vientiane’s stylish retreat

TEXT BY CLAIRE BOOBBYER

PHOTOGRAPHS BY LAO POET HOTEL / PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

Acity retreat, wrapped in botanical prints and jewel tones with a glamorous rooftop pool, is shaking up the accommodation scene in downtown Vientiane. The Lao Poet Hotel rises tall on narrow Rue Hengboun Noy and was built on the site of a home belonging to 19th century-born Lao poet, Maha Keo. Maha Keo, who married Champasak royalty, and studied Lao culture and literature, is honored with a photographic portrait in the lobby where he is pictured wearing a distinguished uniform, breeches, and medals decorating his breast.

This inviting new urban bolt-hole is reached by climbing a broad staircase in shimmering gold hue leading to the spacious reception - all tropical prints, perky plants, leather chairs in 1930s style, Arco-style lamps, and books.

The 55 rooms over five floors are welcome, cool escapes from the heat of the city’s streets. Urban Classic and Urban Deluxe rooms of polished concrete are decorated in botanical print wallpaper swatches on walls. The effect is smart, seductive, and cooling. In my deluxe room, an expansive monochrome print of a tree’s leafy branches climbed up the wall and

1. Artistic elements are found throughout hotel

2. The Lao Poet Hotel

3. Enjoy a cozy chat in the lobby's oversized chairs

folded along the ceiling behind my bed. The bed, itself, was draped in a moss green velvet spread and featured plump white pillows and round pleated velvet cushions in rose pink, ivory, and deep purple. Two ivory silk Chinese pendant lanterns with long black tassels dangled deeply on either side of the bed. A green-shaded banker’s lamp illuminated the desk in the corner of the room. The effect, with the room’s subdued lighting, was of being cocooned in the jungle, the urban mess of streets, motorbikes, and electric wires invisible and inaudible below. Smart bathrooms of black flecked marble, and polished concrete feature a walk-in shower, amenities, dressing gowns, and a blind - if partitioning the glass-walled bathroom from the bedroom is needed.

Poet Suites with a floor-to-ceiling curtain in velvet mustard or midnight blue seals the bedroom from the rest of the suite, enveloping guests in the lush bedroom interiors. Additional features such as Turkish rugs, furniture, and Buddha statues are chosen

left: The vibrant colors, patterns, and textures of the Lao Poet Hotel

from the private collection of the Lao Poet owner, Lamphoune Voravongsa. Voravongsa also owns the heavenly hideaway Satri House in Luang Prabang.

Rooftop pools are rare in Vientiane and this one is a beauty - an infinity pool overlooking the vast Lao National Cultural Hall, a picture of sunset red, muted gold, and golf-course green, with distant views of the Mekong. It’s a strange view, one where you’re searching out odd conjunctions of the stupendously stacked rooves of ancient Buddhist temples alongside towering modern constructions as you swim back and forth. The pool deliciously changes its flood-lit neon colors at dusk.

1. Catch some rays on the rooftop

2. Scenic panorama from the hotel pool

3. The hotels restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the stomach

4. Cocktail hour is special at Lao Poet Hotel

The restaurant is also a focus within the hotel. Visually beautiful with velvet forest green and copper banquettes, gorgeous velvetwrapped contemporary dining chairs in claret and emerald green, glinting ceiling chandeliers, and leafy giant white bird of paradise plants shading the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, it offers breakfast choices of croissant, eggs, muesli and yogurt, rice porridge, noodle soup, and coffee. The bar, of a burnished golden hue, lined with velvet mustard-gold chairs, sits at the far end of the restaurant backdropped by beautiful wall prints of fancy birds perched in lush jungle tableaux.

The Lao Poet is a captivating addition to Vientiane's accommodation scene, blending history, luxury, and culture into a unique and unforgettable urban retreat. Whether you're here to relax by the rooftop pool or immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture, The Lao Poet promises an enchanting stay that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has daily flights to Vientiane from throughout the region.

老挝诗人酒店

万象时尚度假胜地

翻译及编辑 尹航

摄影 老挝诗人酒店 / PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

老

挝诗人酒店位于老挝首都万象市中心， 万象是一座别致的集历史、文化和奢华 为一体的旅游城市。Hengboun Noy 街上，老挝十九世纪诗人Maha Keo的 故居就是现在酒店的所在处，酒店大堂Keo先生的肖 像照是对其对老挝文化贡献的致敬。

走过入口处金色楼梯，就进入酒店大堂了，酒店 共有五层，55 间客房。酒店的城市经典房和城市豪华 房以植物图案为装饰，给客人提供了远离城市炎热的 清凉场所。 酒店整体装饰非常精致，单色印花、天鹅绒 家具和微妙的灯光营造了丛林般的氛围。

上面: 酒店房间不错 诗人套房配有芥末黄或午夜蓝的落地窗帘，以确 保客人僻静的休憩环境。 酒店所有者的私藏，如土耳 其地毯、家具和佛像让每个房间都是独一无二的。

酒店的屋顶泳池仿佛镶嵌在万象夜晚的一块宝 石，从这座无边泳池可以俯瞰老挝国家文化厅和湄公 河。餐厅主色调为森林绿和铜色，视觉效果非常棒，金 色吧台也为餐厅增添了一些优雅的气质。客人可以在 这里享用丰富多样的早餐。

老挝诗人酒店会竭力为您带来迷人的住宿体验。 我们诚邀客人入住，体验屋顶泳池带来的身心放松，或 是沉浸感受这座文化城市的活力。

如何到达 如需预定及了解更多信息， 请访问 laopoethotel.com

更多信息 老挝航空每天有该区域众 多城市飞往万象的航班。

NATURES SANCTUARY

Habitat for Life

TEXT BY JEETENDRA MARCELLINE AND SOUKSAMLAN LALADETH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY SOUKSAMLAN LALADETH / PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

Less than 10 kilometers from Vientiane’s center, in Hadxayfong, nestled in a grove of coconut trees, lies Natures Sanctuary. Creating a sustainable urban habitat to achieve food security and conserve natural resources are the underlying principles of the organic farm and botanical garden in the making.

Nature’s spontaneity is unfathomable and inexplicable. Visitors to the site include over 120 species of birds, a multitude of butterflies, and a host of amphibians. “It is magical to walk barefoot on grass and moss, whisper to horses, and occasionally stare at the moon and the stars,” says Sri Lankan-born Lao resident Jeetendra Marcelline who, in 2017, established Natures Sanctuary as his home.

In 2013, he visited Laos, having previously traveled to over 50 nations across five continents. In the early years, in the wilds of Laos, he saw biodiversity as if for the first time. Later, during the pandemic, he journeyed extensively in “closed” Laos. The wondrous journeys included treks and mountain bicycling along verdant foothills, old steel bridges, past gurgling streams, and narrow hermit footpaths on the lea, via fallow paddy fields and abutting woods, amidst birdsong and whispers and beneath mist and cloud.

Initially, Jeetendra possessed Heun Lanna, a traditional Lanna stilt house at the site. Subsequently, surrounding paddy farmlands became part of Natures Sanctuary, along with in situ traditional houses, namely Toupna and Sala Khaemnong. Under the Natures Sanctuary banner, Lanjan Holdings carries out its organic farming, Natures Sanctuary Organics, and conservation activities, Natures Sanctuary Botanics.

Conservation of tangible and intangible natural heritage is a key tenet of Lanjan’s activities. Nature is home to a wealth of biodiversity and absorbs carbon dioxide, helping purify the air we breathe. “Instinctively, we believe that human survival demands coexistence with our natural habitat as we are an integral part of nature. Finding a balance between meeting the demands of modern life, including food security, and protecting the environment is critical” says Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth, Project & Media Executive.

Uncommon roses

The main objectives in the first phase were to design and rehabilitate the neglected land, shift to organic farming, and construct all required infrastructure. The land was distressed due to factors such as the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, noticeable changes in climate, such as less rainfall and an increase in temperature, and inadequate care of soil during the period between harvesting and planting.

Designs included zoning according to land use, drafting detailed contour surveys, water table studies, and water management and irrigation infrastructure. Jeetendra draws inspiration from his visits to many beautiful private gardens in Sri Lanka, such as Lunuganga and Brief. “I also learn from Pritzker awardee Glenn Murcutt and leading Sri Lankan environmental architect Sunela Jayewardene, all of whom framed nature with tradition and local techniques.”

Reducing reliance on public utilities and preparing for renewables was a key goal in

phase one. Construction included the installation of groundwater pumps and tanks, enhancing natural slopes identified to reduce flooding, building rubble masonry parapets where soil erosion left roots exposed, and connecting the gutters to an underground drainage system, thereby transforming the roofs into basins collecting rainwater for the fish ponds and fields.

The conversion of the store room to Hom Samsa, a tiny house for staff use, was inspired by Ulrik Plesner and Geoffrey Bawa. Vanpheng Phetsalath, designer, emphasizes, “All buildings are designed to optimize space and natural cooling by the seamlessness of form and function with the environs.”

Maintenance is continuous. Scheduled pest audits are carried out to nurture foliage and create natural canopies. Organic waste, carbon residue from burning leaf litter and deadwood, and cattle manure are the only fertilizers applied on-site.

The social contract with the community includes Lanjan buying manure collected by the villagers, caring for Lanjan’s horses at stables

above: Equus

1. Oudom Yamuny, Horse Whisperer

2. Vanpheng Phetsalath

3. Aurora

4. Natures canvas, Hom Samsa

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has flights to Vientiane from throughout Laos and the region.

MORE INFO

Natures Sanctuary is not open to the public as yet. Nature lovers, cyclists, and birders interested in visiting by appointment or booking accommodation, see www.lanjanholdings.com for more information and contact details.

located on a neighboring farm, grazing at both premises, and village children riding the horses to school. In addition, Natures Sanctuary serves as a “lung”.

Preparatory steps for botanical garden status are completed. Toun’s photographs and field notes of flora and fauna are systematically recorded. Thereafter, scientifi cally classifi ed with support from leading Lao and foreign academics. The library boasts a large collection of reference materials on flora and fauna in the Mekong region.

Rapid urbanization is accelerating the conversion of agricultural lands and encroachments in catchments. Swidden agriculture is destroying vast areas of forests. Soil degradation, flooding, decreasing air quality, and loss of biodiversity are evident.

“Our experience teaches us that, with knowledge and technology at hand, placing nature at the core of all activities is doable in resource-rich Laos. While the links between weather, climate, crops, and a rising population are complex,” says Toun, “we feel that forging a strong environmental contract from the outset is vital for self-sufficiency in food production and conservation.”

The Lanjan team advocates implementing a comprehensive public and private partnership at every level, with interventions for better waste management, and regulation of harmful agricultural and hunting practices, alongside conservation programs that focus on livelihoods. Resulting in exponential benefits to locals, including improved hygiene, pure water tables, and income opportunities through responsible tourism.

The Buddhist teaching on universality is not confined to man alone but extends to all living creatures. The Lanjan team strives to lead by example and argues that if correct lifestyle choices are adopted up front, followed by prudent implementation, urban areas may grow in tandem with food supply and forests in a sustainable manner. And all of Laos is protected as Buddha’s garden.

ENDEMIC FLORA OF LAOS AND THE BOLAVEN PLATEAU

TEXT BY: PHETLASY SOULADETH, PH.D.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY:

KEOOUDONE SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE

Laos, located in the center of an Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, has an estimated 25,000 species of vascular plants, half of which are endemic. Lao flora comprises a unique mix of Himalayan, Chinese, Indochinese, and Malaysian elements in varying proportions. Laos is critical for biodiversity and ecosystem protection in ASEAN.

The Bolaven Plateau, 4,800 sq km in area and 900-1400 m high, is located in southern Laos, primarily in Champasak Province, it spreads across Salavan, Sekong, and Attapeu provinces. It is cool and moist year-round, with an average annual temperature of 20°C and rainfall of 3,800 mm.

The plateau is surrounded by lowlands, rising 100 to 200m, cliffs, and steep escarpments. Diverse forest types are found along the slopes, from lower evergreen

forests to higher montane forests, with open grassland and sparse pine woodlands.

The Dong Houa Sao National Protected Area, on the edges of the plateau, is designated for biodiversity conservation. In recent years, Lao botanists and researchers have discovered 20 new endemic species of flora from 15 families, including the beautiful Didymocarpus bolavenensis (Gesneriaceae).

For the first time, they also reported 70 species of vascular plants belonging to 29 families. A recently released checklist of vascular plants in Laos now lists more than 5,000 species.

Phetlasy Souladeth is an Assistant Professor and Herbarium Curator at the Faculty of Forest Science, National University of Laos, and a consultant to Natures Sanctuary.

1. Delicate flowers of D. bolavensis

2. Leaves of the newly discovered D. bolavensis

ENDEMIC BIRD OF LAOS: BARE-FACED BULBUL

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY: SANTI XAYYASITH, PH.D.

Laos, a biodiversity hotspot, has designated 25 National Protected Areas, of which 6 are categorized as National Parks for stricter protection, and 27 important bird and biodiversity areas (IBAs). In addition, 53 key biodiversity areas (KBAs) overlap and abut the protected areas. Moreover, there are 2 Ramsar wetland protection sites, Beung Kiat Ngong in Champasak Province and Xe Champhone in Savannakhet Province.

In Laos, there are 697 recorded species of birds, including land birds (596), migratory (263), waterbirds (103), seabirds (5), and endemic breeds (1). Of the recorded species, 28 are deemed

threatened as vulnerable (15), endangered (4), and critically endangered (9).

The bare-faced bulbul or nok houalon, genus Pycnonotus, is the only endemic bird in Laos. Its habitats include the limestone karsts of Pha Lom and those along the Bolikhamxay-Khammouan border, Hin Nam No National Park, and Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area. This species may also be seen at Phou Pha Marn in Khammoune Province.

Santi Xayyasith is the Head of the Environmental Biology Unit, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, National University of Laos, and a consultant to Natures Sanctuary.

above: Bare-faced bulbul

The third level of Angkor Wat is crowned by five towers, one of which houses a revered Buddha image

ENCHANTING ANGKOR

A glimpse into Cambodia’s past

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY

MICK SHIPPEN

In the 20s and 30s, the ancient ruins of Angkor attracted cultured travelers from Europe. The likes of W. Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, and even stars of Hollywood’s silver screen including Charlie Chaplin and his entourage all discovered that there are few sights more inspiring than Angkor. The centerpiece is the stunning Angkor Wat, yet it is just one of dozens of temples in the immediate area, each built by a civilization that held sway over much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 15th centuries.

ANGKOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

In 1296, Zhou Daguan, a Chinese emissary who spent a year in Cambodia documenting the life and customs of the Khmer, gazed upon Angkor Thom and described it thus:

“At the center of the Kingdom rises a Golden Tower (Bayon) flanked by more than twenty lesser towers and several hundred stone chambers. On the eastern side is a golden bridge guarded by two lions of gold, one on each side, with eight golden Buddhas spaced along the stone chambers. North of the Golden Tower rises the Tower of Bronze (Baphuon), higher even than the Golden Tower: a truly astonishing spectacle with more than ten chambers at its base. A quarter of a mile further north is the residence of the king. Rising above his private apartments is another tower of gold. These are the monuments which have caused merchants from overseas to speak so often of ‘Cambodia the rich and noble.’ “

Today, seven centuries later, the splendors of Angkor Thom and another 90 temple sites within the Angkor Archaeological Park are still looked upon with astonishment. Covering an area of 401 km², it requires several days to explore. Angkor Wat itself encompasses one square kilometer and comprises three levels, a central tower, and a stunning bas-relief of the ancient Hindu myth of creation, the Churning of the Sea of Milk. The intricate 70-meter panel runs the entire length of the temple’s east gallery and is regarded as one of the world’s most exquisite stone carvings.

left: Looking out from the third level of Angkor Wat with the galleries of the second level visible below

1. Visitors to Angkor Wat will see troupes of long-tailed macaques that live in nearby trees

2. At Bayon, reincarnations of Apsaras have the less than celestial aim of relieving tourists of their dollars in exchange for a photograph

APSARAS & DEVATAS – CAMBODIA’S CELESTIAL NYMPHS

Visitors to Cambodia soon add a new word to their vocabulary – Apsara. Often appropriated as a name for resorts, travel companies, and restaurants, Apsaras are mythical female celestial dancers that graced the walls of Angkor-era temples as early as the 8th century AD. Scholars of Khmer art and archaeology often differentiate between the sensual fl ying nymphs or Apsaras and enigmatic standing figures known as Devatas which are thought to be guardians of the temple. The highly stylised figures can be seen in abundance at Angkor Wat where more than 1,700 have been recorded.

ANGKOR THOM

Angkor Thom, or the Great City, was the last capital of Angkor. At its height, it is thought to have a population of up to one million citizens, the majority of which would have resided outside the city walls. Angkor Thom’s treasures include the Royal Palace, of which little remains, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King, and Bayon, one of Angkor’s most visually impressive temples. Each of Bayon’s 54 towers features carved four faces, believed to be a likeness of Jayarvarman VII.

TA PHROM – THE TOMB RAIDER TEMPLE

Ta Phrom has become one of Angkor’s most visited temples because it was used as a set in the Hollywood movie, Tomb Raider, starring Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft. When it was rediscovered by explorers in the 19th century Ta Phrom had long since been enveloped by the forest. In the 1950s, the British travel writer Norman Lewis said in his book A Dragon Apparent: Travels in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, “Ta Prohm is an arrested cataclysm. In its invasion, the forest has not broken through it, but poured over the top, and the many courtyards have become cavities and holes in the forest's false bottom.” And little has changed, save for a little structural re-enforcement and restoration. The temple remains the domain of the forest and is one of Angkor’s most extraordinary sights.

PREAH KHAN – THE CITY OF THE SACRED SWORD

1. A sandstone carving at Preah Khan

2. At Ta Phrom, Kapok and Banyan trees straddle the ruins

3. Ta Phrom is one of the most atmospheric temples

Preah Khan or The City of the Sacred Sword is a reference to Jayavarman VII’s victory over Cham invaders in 1191 and the huge Buddhist complex was built on the battlefield. Like Ta Phrom, the 56-acre site has been taken over by the forest. With its massive trees rooted in stone, dimly lit corridors, and small courtyards to explore, it is one of the most atmospheric of Angkor’s temples, particularly when bathed in the warm glow of late afternoon light. It is at this time of day that the images come to life and the true beauty of time-weathered stone is revealed.

left: Angkor Thom has five arched entranceways, or gopuras, each 23 meters high and topped with four stone faces

BANTEAY SREI

One of the finest temples beyond Angkor, and an essential feature of any itinerary is Banteay Srei. Often referred to as the Citadel of Women or the Citadel of Beauty, it is located 38 kilometers from Siem Reap, a journey that passes through some beautiful countryside. Constructed using sandstone of an orange and pinkish hue, Banteay Srei’s intricately carved reliefs are renowned as some of the finest in Cambodia. Due to looting, the larger sculptures at the site are replicas but originals can be seen at the National Museum in Phnom Penh. The temple dates from 967 AD and was dedicated to the Hindu deity, Shiva.

below: The incredible Bantaey Srei is referred to as the pink temple

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has frequent flights to Siem Reap from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Pakse.

Airport, Parasol Blanc is an eco-friendly hotel, and offers 30 comfortable rooms, all with private balcony, surrounded by a lush abundant tropical garden, a swimming-pool and a beautiful Lotus pond.

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.

CONTACT

CONTACT

Mr Bee, Reservation Manager reservation@parasol-blanc.com

www.parasol-blanc.com

Mr Bee, Reservation Manager reservation@villa-maly.com

Tel: +856 71 252 124

www.villa-maly.com

Tel: +856 71 253 903 / 904

Pi Mai

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA AND ANITA PRESTON / EVENSONG FILM

Ademi-god with four faces. Seven maidens. And a riddle. This is the surprising core of the Lao New Year celebration.

Phanya Kabilaphom, an enigmatic four-faced demi-god, delighted in challenging mortals with intricate riddles. The price of an incorrect response was beheading. In a pivotal moment, he presented a complex riddle to a young scholar, Thammaban Kouman, who had acquired universal knowledge and even knew the language of birds. The god came to earth and dared the young man to solve a riddle within seven days. Confident in the challenge, Kabilaphom pledged to sacrifice his own head if the young man succeeded.

Thammaban struggled to find the solution until he overheard vultures discussing the answer. Defeated, Kabilaphom had to honor his vow and sacrifice his head. However, the power contained in a god’s head would cause the earth to burn and the oceans to boil. Kabilaphom offered his head to his daughters to keep deep inside the earth. In a demonstration of respect, however, Kabilaphom’s head would be paraded in an annual procession to prevent natural disasters. Therefore, during the annual New Year Festival, the seven daughters, each recognizable by her own characteristic animal and color, parade Kabilaphom’s four-faced head for all to see.

In modern times, a beauty pageant is held with the winner becoming Kabilaphom’s chosen daughter for the festivities.

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF A MAN’S BODY IN THE MORNING, AT NOON, AND IN THE EVENING?

In the morning, it is his face, as he washes it when he gets up. At noon, it is his chest as he sprinkles water on it to fight the heat. In the evening, man washes his feet before going to bed.

WEAVING

A LEGACY

The unforgettable story behind Laos’ silk renaissance

TEXT BY MELODY KEMP PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

above: Beautiful hand-dyed silks in a rainbow of hues

1. Madame Khommaly Chanthavong

2. Mulberries offers modern uses for traditional weaving practices

New visitors to Laos may be confused to see women traders riding dusty motorbikes, wearing equally dusty t-shirts above ever-present shimmering and intricately woven silk skirts known as sinhs, striking a stylistic contrast.

In the West, silk is a signal of wealth. In Laos, it’s a sign of culture and ethnicity, the codes written into the traditional motifs used. But even that is changing. A woman in the south had what looked like giraffes on her skirt, laughing that she saw them on Thai TV. So, giraffes came to Laos on the hem of a villager’s hand-woven skirt.

Despite attempts, egalitarian silk has never gone away as an everyday fiber, as a cultural identifier, or expression of feminine grace and skill. Misinterpreted as a symbol of bourgeois living during the nation’s post-revolutionary emergence, the fiber that, for many hundreds of years, had been grown, colored, and fashioned on looms in thousands of villages, was to be replaced by proletarian cotton.

The courage and determination of one woman, to prove the cultural lineage of silk, brought it back from potential elimination. And now you can visit her newly opened Mulberries Gallery, which also contains and exhibition on her life and the silk process.

Kommaly Chanthavong’s family lived in a village close to the border with Vietnam. The battles between French and Vietnamese forces during the First Indochina War blazed dangerously close.

She had absorbed the skill of women close to her, their designs, abilities, and history; all portrayed on their basic looms. Kommaly was intrigued by the colors they pulled from nature; their exquisite works were a repudiation of stereotypes of village life where women were exploited victims. From their calloused, work-stained hands came wondrous textiles of exquisite beauty and delicacy.

As the war drew closer, Kommaly Chanthavong, began an epic 600 km walk to Vientiane from her home - Ban Peun - in Lao’s northern province of Houaphan to escape. She was only 13, barefoot and scared.

As the fighting drew closer, she hugged to her chest her only possessions, woven silk made by her immediate relatives and villagers. Had she hesitated, she may not have survived, nor would have the heirloom pieces of woven silk on display in the gallery. These priceless items represent the work of four generations of women; more precious than gold, they represent the creativity of a community that barely survived the war and the hunger that came after.

From this journey and the events that followed, Kommaly not only resurrected silk as a national emblem, but eventually built a commitment to organic production.

Nominated for a Nobel Prize in 2005, Kommaly went on to win other awards such as the US State Department’s International Woman of Courage in 2011. Her biggest joy was to win the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2015, the equivalent of the Asian Nobel Prize. A triumph for one woman, and signaling the tumbling of the unwritten barriers that have confined women’s arts.

Bringing her humble message of hope, implicitly encouraging creativity and environmental care, the accolades of recognition have done little to change this committed woman.

Mulberries Gallery, a tribute from her family, opened in January and is a must-see. Take the time to travel to Phontong village in Vientiane, where the earth holds memories of her history and presence. The center even offers short natural dyeing and soap making classes. The proudly designed gallery, built with timber grown on her farm in Xieng Khouang, is a masterpiece of design and joinery enclosing both a showcase of regional work and the life of this great woman.

MORE INFO

For more information on Mulberries, visit mulberries.org

below: The Mulberries Gallery explains different natural dye colors and their sources

1. Ladies extract silk threads from cocoons by hand

2. A variety of fashions are available for purchase

3. The newly-opened Mulberries Gallery is a new destination in Vientiane to visit, learn, shop, and have a coffee

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines flies to Vientiane from many domestic and regional destinations

THE NATIONAL CARRIER OF LAOS

Welcome Chainman of Vietnam's National Assembly and Sign a Comprehensive Partnership Agreement with Vietjet Air

At headquarters of Lao Airlines at the Wattay International Airport, there was a welcoming ceremony of the Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly along with the delegation visited the aircraft maintenance hangar of the Lao Airlines. The purpose of visiting Lao Airlines was to participate in the signing ceremony of cooperation between Lao Airlines and Vietjet Air, which is a significant event between two airlines, especially in the field of technical and aircraft maintenance as well as cooperation in sales and code-share (Interline and Code-share), including the upgrading of training staff, which is considered an important step in cooperation in the air transport sector.

Lao Airlines and Vietjet Air, had the meeting to exchange and explore the feasibility of cooperation in various fields and signed a memorandum of understanding on technical cooperation on May 31, 2023, then signed a cooperation agreement for aircraft repair and maintenance on July 8, 2023. Since the signing date, Vietjet Air. has brought aircraft to the airport for maintenance 17 times, including 10 A320/321 aircraft, 0 A330 aircraft. 7 ships and in December there are plans for 04 ships.

LAO AIRLINES SUCCESSFULLY RENEWED THE 3RD DECLARATION

Lao Airlines state enterprise has been successfully registered as an IOSA Operator

Under the IATA Operational Safety Audit program (IOSA), In accordance with the provisions of the IOSA Program Manual.

Date of Issue Certificate

25 July, 2023

07 June, 2021

04 February, 2016

www. laoairlines.com

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09:45 11:20 QV515

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TUE, THU & SAT

12:00 15:35 QV516 ອ�ງຄານ, ພະຫ�ດ & ເ�ົາ

TUE, THU & SAT

12:00 13:35 QV516 ອ�ງຄານ, ພະຫ�ດ & ເ�ົາ

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