Champa Meuanglao: November / December 2020

MEUANG FEUANG

Charming surreal landscapes

HMONG NEW YEAR

Travel off the beaten path

A colorful festival

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

5 - STAR LUXURY LIVING IN VIENTIANE AVAILABLE FOR RESERVATIONS FROM MID-NOVEMBER 2020

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Sabaidee Dear Passengers, Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Airlines.

In November-December, we reach the end of 2020 and prepare to enter 2021. This year we have faced many challenges in doing business due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In any case, we try to resolve and turn this crisis into an opportunity for success in many areas. In 2021, we will continue our duty to ensure that you receive the best service whenever you y on the national carrier.

On behalf of the board of directors and all of the staff of Lao Airlines, thank you for choosing us and our international standards, as we are committed to serving you.

Safe travels.

With highest respect, Khamla Phommavanh President & CEO of Lao Airlines

Hello readers, Welcome to the November-December issue of Champa Meuanglao. In this issue, we help to promote the country’s Lao Thiao Lao campaign and show new sides of Laos to people who are blessed to live here.

COVER IMAGE Panoramic views of Meuang Feuang Photo by Phoonsab Thevongsa

Go on an adventure to an up-and-coming destination, Meuang Feuang. Take the family on a holiday to Southern Laos.

Celebrate one of the most colorful festivals – Hmong New Year, held throughout the country. While enjoying colors, try on some fantastic sinhs and get the best selfies in Luang Prabang.

Also, check out Birds Follow Spring’s stylish renovation for their new shop and apartment.

See the wild side of Laos on a safari in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park. Also, check out some of the lesser-explored unseen areas of the country.

PUBLISHING Editor In Chief Editors

In light of the current Covid-19 situation throughout the world, please be aware that certain activities, festivals, sites, businesses, and events mentioned in this magazine may not be open and operating as planned. Do exercise good judgment, maintain safety precautions, and follow the directions of Lao authorities at all times.

Cameron Darke Aditta Kittikhoun

Managing Editor

Duangtavanh Oudomchith

Contributing Editors

Angkhana Vongphukdy Kataithong Nengnakhone

Happy Reading!

The Champa Meuanglao Publishing Team

Jason Rolan

Creative Director Assistant Designer Contributing Writers

Head Photographer

Jochen Moravek Thanouphet Maniseng Benny Omar Francis Savankham Janina Bikova Tara Gujadhur Phoonsab Thevongsa

ADVISORY BOARD Khamla Phommavanh President Somsamay Visounnarath Vice President �– Technical, Operation & Training Rada Sunthorn Vice President – Passenger Service, Cargo & Catering Saleum Tayarath Vice President – Commercial, Tourism

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Manager

Prae Phongpipatkul prae.phongpipatkul@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 95646578

Sales & Marketing Executive

Souphaphone Insixiengmay souphaphone.insixiengmay@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 55471337

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 our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laoairlines to get the latest news and updates from the national carrier of Laos

RDK GROUP 134 Samsenthai Road, Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos (856-20) 55731717 info@rdkgroup.la

DISCLAIMER

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 © 2020 by Lao Airlines State Enterprise and RDK Group. www.champameuanglao.com

CONTENTS

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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50 26 14

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10

12

14

WHAT'S ON

FOOD CAPITAL

CULTURE

Our guide to events

The foodie's guide

Hmong New Year –

in Laos

to Vientiane

A colorful festival

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26

32

42

EXPLORE

STYLE

SOUTHERN LAOS

SNAPSHOT

Unseen Laos – Travel off

Stylish renovation

Family adventures in

Meuang Feuang –

southern Laos

Charming landscapes

the beaten path in Laos

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ADVENTURE

INSIGHTS

FASHION

ON THE AIR

Nam Et-Phou Louey

Through giving,

Sinh City – Dress the part

Lao Airlines information

National Park

we receive

in Luang Prabang

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane surestay.vientiane

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WHAT'S ON

WHAT'S ON?

Laos is full of colorful festivals and celebrations happening all the time.

Stay up to date on events going on around the country and join in the fun!

Dates and activities may be subject to change during the Covid-19 pandemic situation

28–30

NOV.

SAVANNAKHET

THAT ING HANG FESTIVAL

18–19

DEC.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER LUANG PRABANG

KHMU NEW YEAR

The Khmu ethnic group celebrates with days of sporting events and feats of strength, as well as music and merriment all over Laos. In Luang Prabang, you can visit the event at KM 8 village on the way to Kouang Si Falls.

VANG VIENG

VANG VIENG MUSIC FEST

This festival draws large crowds who pay their respects to Buddhism and the holy relics inside this stupa, one of the most sacred in Southern Laos.

XIENG KHOUANG

HMONG NEW YEAR A great lineup of reggae, hip hop, and rock bands will perform on several stages. This is one of Laos’ largest music festivals!

Traditional festivities include ball tossing, singing contests, and sporting events, and visitors can view Hmong people in their traditional colorful outfits.

To read more about the Hmong New Year go to page 14

ATTAPEU

THAT CHAO XAYSETTHA FESTIVAL

Attapeu’s largest festival is celebrated around the stupa holding the relics of Laos’ great King Xaysettha, who died in the area. A market fair and religious ceremonies will take place for pilgrims.

4–6

DECEMBER

VIENTIANE

BANLAO.LA HOMES, LOANS & LIFESTYLE EXPO

The biggest property show and real estate expo in Laos will be held at the Lao National Convention Center, with properties on show and attendance by property developers, real estate agencies, financial institutions, insurance agencies, and more.

1 1. Young Hmong people play a traditional ball-throwing courtship game during Hmong New Year 2. In some parts of the country, traditional non-lethal bullfights are also held, as spectators cheer and place bets

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To list your event here, contact: advertising@champameuanglao.com

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FOOD CAPITAL

food CAPITAL

Benny Omar navigates the movable feast of Vientiane Capital, a town of exciting cuisines and dining experiences, with everything from sizzling street fare, cafe cool, or fine dining gourmandise.

Benny Omar is a food & travel blogger based in Vientiane.

Visit his page online: facebook.com/vientianelifestyle

CAFE

ARTÉ This café is a well-kept secret in the neighborhood it's nestled in. Walk inside the lane of Sihom Road and keep a lookout for a three-story shophouse. Inside, its spacious interior and high ceilings give way to all-around pleasing aesthetics resembling what could be mistaken for a modern design studio rather than a café.

Homemade pastries and breakfast and lunch are served here.

Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy some time alone or a cozy spot to have catch up with friends, head to this modern-style café in Vientiane.

ASIAN FAVORITES

KONGTALANG CAFÉ

Sihom Road open daily 7 am – 6 pm @artevientiane

don't miss

Kaogee Sinn Mai

VEGETARIAN

VEGGIE LOVER CAFÉ

don't miss

Gyoza (Cabbage, Shitake mushroom & carrot) Phonexay Road Mon–Sat 8 am – 8 pm @VeggieLoverCafeOnline

Whether you’re a committed vegan or someone who just needs a break from the meat, Veggie Lover Cafe is the place where you can find the crème de la crème of vegetarian food in Vientiane.

Tucked away in a quiet street off of Phonsinuan, Veggie Lover Cafe serves up homey vegetarian fare – like stir-fried sukiyaki, stir-fried mushrooms, gyoza, and fresh spring rolls.

This small but well-loved hidden café allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and simply unwind.

Living in a rapidly developing city like Vientiane, it can be easy to overlook the past. Perhaps that's why it is important to preserve things like vintage furniture, historical buildings, and traditional crafts. If you prefer old-school objects rather than the hottest new trends, then you'll love this retro-themed cafe in Vientiane.

Hidden away off of Sokpaluang Road, Kongtalang Café serves up delicious Asian fare. The decor screams vintage and is suitable for a backdrop to photoshoots with its retro vibe and lovely outdoor space.

Sokpaluang Road Tues-Sat 8 am– 7 pm Sunday 8 am– 6 pm @Kongtalangcafe

don't miss

Massaman Curry

HMONG NEW YEAR – NOJ PEB CAUG

This colorful festival is a time to reconnect with family and friends.

TEXT BY TARA GUJADHUR PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

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Young Hmong people play a traditional ball-throwing courtship game

he Hmong are one of the more famous ethnic groups in Laos – proud of their identity and protective of their culture, they have their own spoken and written language, and are the third-largest ethnic group in Laos, with about 9% of the population. The Hmong began migrating from southern China into Laos in the 19th century. They inhabit the northern and central parts of the country including Xieng Khouang, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Xayaboury, Xaysomboun, Vientiane, and Bolikhamxay provinces. Today, they have a large overseas diaspora in the US, Australia, and even French Guiana, in South America.

In the past, the Hmong were called Miao or Lao Soung. Lao Soung means “Lao of the mountaintops” and was used by the government to refer to where the Hmong traditionally settled. However, this name is no longer official, and generally, the Hmong prefer to be called by their ethnic group name.

In December or January, the Hmong celebrate their new year, called Noj Peb Caug (pronounced Nor Pe Chao). At home, families will make rice cakes, present offerings to the ancestor spirits, and share meals with relatives and friends.

In towns like Luang Prabang, Phonsavan, and the outskirts of Vientiane, with large Hmong populations, a larger public celebration takes place at an outdoor venue, often lasting a full week. There are many activities during this event, such as top-spinning games, arrow shooting contests, singing and dancing, bullfighting, and courtship games. The distinctive and long Hmong qeej (a mouth organ, called a khaen in the Lao language), is a popular instrument performance, with skilled players able to dance and do acrobatics while maintaining their melody.

Young men and women wear colorful interpretations of traditional clothing, in the hopes of attracting a life partner. Visitors are welcome to attend and can partake in photo booths with traditional clothes, play games, and watch local performances.

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CULTURE

1 1. Hmong women are well known for their deft embroidery and batik textiles. For Hmong batik, hemp cloth is etched with beeswax, then dyed with indigo.

The beeswax is then boiled o revealing a pattern in white. This cloth would be used to make skirts of the Mong Njua sub-group. Each group has its own traditional costume. Nowadays, traditional clothing is worn only on special occasions like wedding ceremonies and the New Year.

2. The ball-throwing game is played between boys and girls. When one person drops the ball, then he or she must give a gift or trinket to the other player.

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3 4 MORE INFO To learn more about the Hmong new year and the ethnic groups of Laos, visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Luang Prabang or visit taeclaos.org

3. In some parts of the country, traditional non-lethal bullďŹ ghts are also held, as spectators cheer and place bets.

4. The bullďŹ ghting ring is attended by large crowds who partake in this and other events during the entire Hmong New Year celebration.

5. More modern amusements are also available, like Ferris wheels and bumper cars.

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CULTURE

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EXPLORE

Travel off the beaten path in Laos

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PHOU KHOUN LUANG PRABANG PROVINCE An important junction between Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Xieng Khouang, Phou Khoun is becoming a tourist destination on its own. In the winter months, local strawberry fields provide perfect opportunities for camping and the cooler temperatures are perfect for campfires.

Don’t forget to wake up in time to see a sea of clouds in the valleys below you!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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EXPLORE

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NAM NGUM RESERVOIR VIENTIANE PROVINCE This area was once a valley but was flooded by a nearby dam, and what were originally mountain peaks are now small islands. Comfortable resorts offer kayaks and boats for excursions to these islands where locals like to fish and forage. This is an excellent getaway for families or groups of friends.

THALANG KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE Thalang is a fantastic starting point to explore the natural wonders of the Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area. Camping, kayaking, and guesthouses are available to help you discover this hidden area of Laos.

HAYSTACK FESTIVAL (BOUN KONG KHAO) SAYABOURY PROVINCE After the harvest ends, Lao people traditionally made merit to the rice spirits, so that they could have a plentiful harvest the next year. This is still famously celebrated with large ceremonial haystacks in Phieng District, Sayaboury Province.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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EXPLORE

WAT BAN LAM CHAN SAVANNAKHET PROVINCE Wat Ban Lam Chan is one of the most interesting temples in the area due to its beautifully preserved Hor Traipidok, or library for Buddhist scriptures.

This is a large wooden structure on stilts built in a pond. This is to protect the delicate palm leaf documents from insects. These kinds of libraries were once common, but due to war and neglect, many of them were lost.

BIG HOT SPRINGS XIENG KHOUANG PROVINCE The Big Hot Springs are a naturally occurring source of hot water.

The springs themselves are too hot to bathe in, but the water is piped into nearby baths for you to soak in.

This is especially nice on a cool day in the winter!

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PHOU HOUA XANG XAYSOMBOUN PROVINCE This grassy expanse of green rolling hills and blue skies has become a recent favorite for Instagrammers. The higher altitude and cooler air is also a draw for city dwellers who want to relax among such unusual beauty.

MORE INFO Follow the official Lao Thiao Lao Facebook page to see special offers, learn about interesting places to visit, and compete to win prizes!

TAYICSEUA WATERFALL CHAMPASAK PROVINCE

facebook.com/ laothiaolao

These falls are gathering more and more notice online due to their incredible beauty. Tayicseua is located about 44km from Paksong and actually comprises an area of 7 waterfalls accessible by jungle hikes through pristine flora. There is also a guesthouse and restaurant for the convenience of travelers.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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STYLE

STYLISH RENOVATION Birds Follow Spring injects new life into an old space.

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA / JEAN-BAPTISTE AUDENIS

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hophouses are a ubiquitous sight in any Southeast Asian city. Combining both a business downstairs and residential space upstairs, they are often connected to neighboring shophouses, offering a unified building style down an entire block. This traditional style builds a sense of community where neighbors inhabit and run businesses side-by-side for generations. These symbols of local heritage have begun disappearing to make way for other, more modern, developments.

Birds Follow Spring excels at breathing new life and design into everyday objects, so it is a perfect fit that they moved their boutique into one of these decades-old shophouses behind Wat Ong Teu. In keeping with the customary purpose of the structure, the upstairs has been converted into a beautiful loft apartment, available for rent.

The simple style exudes a sense of modern comfort and an escape from the hectic world outside.

Residents may also enter the apartment through a private entrance, separate from the shop, to ensure a maximum of privacy. Its location just behind the temple also allows for a meditative space to the beat of temple drums and Buddhist chants.

It goes without saying that the apartment is decorated in Birds Follow Spring signature furniture made from reclaimed wood, which adds a feeling of warmth and earthiness to the clean white walls. Handmade cushions and textiles add pops of color to customize the space even more.

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1. Birds Follow Spring still blends into the neighborhood 2. The building before renovation

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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STYLE

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Downstairs, the shop is also a haven of creativity and a masterclass in the purposeful use of space. Nothing is wasted. Beautiful wooden pieces of custom-built furniture, which could be art pieces on their own, also display detailed gold-brocaded silk heirlooms and delicate yellow gold and white gold jewelry. This jewelry has become popular among locals-in-the-know who appreciate that such graceful elegant lightweight finery goes best in the tropical heat.

A visit to Birds Follow Spring does not feel like a normal shop. With its charm and ambiance, and filling a heritage shophouse flanked by a grand temple, it feels more like a dreamy salon you could stay in for a while, surrounded by beautiful treasures. And with the new apartment upstairs, you definitely can!

2 1. The beautiful boutique at present 2. The ground floor before renovation 3. Custom-built furnishings could be art pieces on their own

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STYLE

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1. The oďŹƒce and workshop in the rear of the boutique 2. Living space above the shop is transformed into an apartment.

3. The cozy bedroom and bathroom of the apartment 4. Stairs lead up to the living quarters.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

FAMILY ADVENTURES IN SOUTHERN LAOS

HOTELS WHICH ARE FUN FOR ALL AGES TEXT BY SOUTHERN LAOS MARKETING TASKFORCE PHOTOGRAPHS BY SWISSCONTACT

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raveling with young children can be a wonderful experience as they are exposed to new cultures, environments, and activities.

These family trips can create impressions and memories that stay with them for the rest of their lives. With the holidays around the corner, many of you will be considering where to go with the family when school is out. Where many destinations cater only to one travel style, but you’ll find activities for the whole family in Southern Laos. Here’s a list of the best holiday accommodation for families with schoolaged kids that we’ve rounded up for you. Have fun!

Champasak Grand Great for family staycations but still accessible enough if you want to do some sightseeing on your own. The hotel is situated close to the famous Dao Heuang Market where they sell pretty much everything from meat to jewelry. Also, around this area is where you can find (and ride) a three-wheeled bicycle called a “Samlor”. The Lao-Nippon bridge is just beside the hotel where you can get a stunning view of the Mekong and the golden Buddha of Phou Salao.

This hotel has a large children’s pool connected to their equally amazing adult pool – a very popular weekend spot for local expat families. Depending on what you’re hungry for, you can choose between a Chinese restaurant, Zhong Hua Lou, for their delicious roasted duck or Sa La Gang Kong, a riverside restaurant serving a wide range of local and international dishes. This accommodation also has the best breakfast buffet in town!

Phubachiang Golf and Resort Another popular option in Pakse is Phubachiang Golf and Resort. The bungalows here are spacious enough to accommodate the whole family. The restaurant provides panoramic views of the magnificent mountain ranges and the sprawling gardens of this 400-acre property with an 18-hole golf course. Best of all, the pool area has a tall water slide perfect for kids and kids-at-heart. Maybe you can get a round in too!

The River Resort This luxurious resort in Champasak town offers riverfront and pond/garden villas. As an eco-friendly resort, they cultivate their rice paddy and vegetable gardens with organic matter from their compost pit La Folie Lodge in Don Daeng

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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SOUTHERN LAOS

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and they even use solar-heated hot water in their kitchens! For nature lovers, there is the nearby “Parkland”, an expansive lush forest-garden full of native flora and fauna that the kids will enjoy, especially since some indigenous trees here are more than 25 meters tall. Guests can spend countless hours enjoying either one of their two infinity pools with Mekong views. The riverside restaurant serves scrumptious local and western cuisines, but we personally like their Thai dishes best. A true paradise for families, we could stay here for days on end.

La Folie Lodge A charming lodge located on Don Daeng island across from Champasak town offers a rare opportunity to retreat from the hectic rush of busy streets. Some of the wooden bungalows here have stunning Mekong views and they even have a large private villa for rent – great for families. The pool is just perfect for kids: under the shade of palm trees and overlooking buffaloes trudging the sandy beaches surrounding the island.

If you want to relax poolside with a good book and have drinks and snacks brought to

GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has regular flights to Pakse from Vientiane.

Visit southern-laos.com when planning your trip.

you while the kids enjoy the water, 2 then this is the place for you. The price of the accommodation includes boat transfers and breakfast plus extra small details like having a king-sized bed and eco-friendly toiletries.

Pon Arena Pon Arena is a lavish hotel and restaurant serenely located at Muang Khong in the 4000 Islands area.

This hotel features two outdoor pools and is conveniently placed on the main strip of the tourism area of Don Khong where guests can easily access restaurants either by foot or by bicycle. Another must-see is the former home of the governor which is now converted into the district’s museum.

Sengahloun Resort Located on Don Khone island in the 4000 Islands area, Sengahloune resort offers garden bungalows next to the Mekong River. Their bungalows are made with local materials and are air-conditioned and spacious. It is highly recommended to cycle

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around Don Det and Don Khone to see the sights; just take a picture of the Si Phan Don cycling maps in one the businesses here or go to southernlaos.com/southern-laos-materials/ to download a free version.

Sinouk Coffee Resort Sinouk Coffee Resort is a coffee lover’s paradise!

Located in Thateng District, this luxurious resort in the Bolaven Plateau has a natural pool with a cascading mini waterfall. They also have a quaint and beautifully maintained garden and their coffee plantation is literally right in front of the guest rooms. The restaurant on the premises serves a variety of dishes, as well as world-class coffee.

1. Ruins of Wat Tomo 2. Mekong view bungalow at La Folie Lodge 3. Don Daeng's "beach" 4. Aerial view of Pon Arena in Si Phan Don 5. Phubachiang Resort in Pakse 6. Cycling family in Don Daeng

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Photo: River Resort

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

ລາຄາ ເລີ່ມຕ ົ້ນທີ່ 45 ໂດລາສະຫະລ ັດ ຕໍ່ 1 ຄືນ ສຳລັບ ຫ ້ອງ ດີລັກ

ລາຄາ ດ ຸ ຼ ຫ ມຊັນ ໂປຣໂ ູ້ທີ່ ລັບ ຜ ຳ ສ ພິເສດ ລາວ ປ ປ ສ ຢູ່ ອາໄສ

ສ

ສຳຜັດ ຄວາມຫຼູຫຼາ ຂອງ ເມືອງ ວັງວຽງ

ຮ�ານອາຫານ ປູຄຳ

ສາລາ ສະປາ ແຄມນ້ຳ

Riversi de Sala Spa

Restaurant du Crabe d’Or

ໂຮງແຮມ ຣີເວີຊາຍ ບູຕິກ ຣີສອດ ແລະ ຮ້ານ ອາຫານ ປູຄໍາ, ສະຖານທີ່ຕັ້ງຢູ່ ບ້ານ ວຽງແກ້ວ, ເມືອງ ວັງວຽງ, ແຂວງວຽງຈັນ, ສປປ ລາວ www.riversidevangvieng.com

Facebook.com/Riversidevangvieng

info@riversidevangvieng.com

020 56 955 511

The perfect encounter between primitive and pure

SNAPSHOT

MEUANG FEUANG PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA TEXT BY JASON ROLAN

M

euang Feuang is a scenic district in Vientiane Province that is usually compared to Vang Vieng, but the  similarity ends there. As it’s not on the backpacker circuit, it has not been greatly developed as a tourist destination, but this gives it a more local charm. Located alongside the Nam Lik River and surrounded by unusual limestone mountains, the scenery is one of the more surreal in Laos.

The unusual panoramic views of Meuang Feuang

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SNAPSHOT

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1. Karst mountains that look like sharks’ teeth.

2. Storks and other wildlife enjoy the rich feeding grounds created by an abundance of rice paddies.

3. Wat Sinxayaram is one of the most unique temples in Laos with a wide variety of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures built into the natural surroundings.

4. The reservoir created by the Nam Lik 1 Hydropower Plant creates a nice area for ďŹ shermen and opportunities for scenic boat rides around the lake.

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SNAPSHOT

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An aerial view of the boat pier on the Nam Lik Reservoir

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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SNAPSHOT

above: Bats take ight from one of the caves in the limestone karst.

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GETTING THERE Meuang Feuang is located approximately 120 km northwest of Vientiane. Drive north on Rte. 13 and turn left at Hin Heup. Local guesthouses are available in town, as well as a nicer holiday home rental on the riverside: facebook/isleofwhitemeungfeuang

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1. Rainwater slowly creates caverns in the limestone mountains.

2. Cave paintings show that humans have been living in this area for a very long time.

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ADVENTURE

NAM ET-PHOU LOUEY NATIONAL PARK

THE

HEART OF

NORTHEAST LAOS Immerge yourself in pristine nature!

TEXT BY JANINA BIKOVA PHOTOGRAPHS BY NEPL/WCS LAOS/NEPL FRIENDS & VISITORS 1. Stunning views of Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park 2. An owl spotted during the night safari 3. Rangers patrol the national park

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he Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park (NEPL) covers three provinces, Houaphan, Xieng Khouang, and Luang Prabang, and is the largest and one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Lao PDR. The National Park is situated between the UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang, Houaphan – the birthplace of the Lao PDR, and Xieng Khouang – famous for the UNESCO Plain of Jars sites near Phonsavanh.

The winding mountain roads of the Northeast Heritage Route showcase stunning views and link remarkable cultural, historical, and natural areas including mysterious ancient sites, diverse ethnic villages, hot springs, waterfalls, caves, and healthy forests.

The national park, as a green heart, preserves the natural life of northeastern Laos and offers critically important environmental services (oxygen, water, and forest products) to all people in Laos. NEPL NP is also the source of many rivers including the famous Nam Khan River that crosses Meuang Hiam town and shapes the UNESCO peninsula in Luang Prabang before entering the Mekong River.

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MORE INFO Learn more about Nam EtPhou Louey National Park on namet.org Book on the National Park website or with local travel agents such as: Discover Laos Today or EXO Travel!

GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has regular flights from Vientiane to Xieng Khouang and Luang Prabang. Nam-Et Phou Louey National Park headquarters is in Muang Hiam, a 200km drive north from Xieng Khouang.

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THE NATIONAL PARK’S WILDLIFE TOURS The Nam Nern Night Safari The Nam Nern Night Safari is a 24-hour boatbased wildlife-spotting tour. The trip highlight is nighttime wildlife spotlighting, looking for wild and endangered animals such as Sambar Deer, muntjacs, civets, otters, Asian Golden Cat, Leopard Cat, and pythons, while the long-tail boats drift down the Nam Nern River. A daytime boat trip upstream offers the opportunity for birdwatching, including Blyth’s Kingfishers, eared pitta, red-collared woodpecker, and many more.

Wildlife Conservation Trekking Tours Trekking tours range from two to five days and offer a unique opportunity to feel like a field biologist while tracking and identifying wildlife along trails. Together with the park guide and village wildlife spotter, analyze footprints, scratches, scat, and view camera trap images set along the trail.

You might find evidence of clouded leopard, the endangered wild dog Dhole, or bears!

Stay at the Nests and try your luck to spot wildlife from the observation tower. Wake up with the beautiful morning calls of the critically endangered Northern White-cheeked Gibbons.

Challenge yourself on the longer itineraries with a trek up to the summit of Phou Louey the “Forever” Mountain (Elev. 2257m) – the highest point of the National Park and the third highest summit in Laos!

1

In 2010, the National Park began operating several wildlife conservation tours to support conservation-linked livelihoods for the surrounding communities and to offer a unique opportunity for visitors to spot numerous wildlife species in their natural habitat.

Many of the National Park’s ecotourism service providers (guides, boatmen, and cooks) are from households that formerly relied on poaching and now work as wildlife spotters and protectors. To encourage conservation efforts, financial incentives are paid to the local people based on encounters with wildlife by visitors (including direct sightings and indirect observation such as animal calls and footprints).

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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ADVENTURE

1

WEEKEND ESCAPE ITINERARY IDEAS 4D/3N: VIENTIANE – PHONSAVANH – NEPL NP – VIENTIANE 2

D1: 10:00–10:30 AM. Fly Vientiane to Phonsavan.

Explore the Plain of Jars.

D2: Early morning transfer to Nam Nern River Safari village. 11:00 AM Start the River Safari.

D3: Finish the River Safari. Travel to Meuang Kham and relax at the hot springs. Overnight in Meuang Kham or in Phonsavanh.

D4: 11:00–11:30. Fly Phonsavanh to Vientiane.

5D/4N: VIENTIANE – PHONSAVANH – NEPL NP – LUANG PRABANG – VIENTIANE D1: 10:00–10:30 AM. Fly Vientiane to Phonsavan.

Explore the Plain of Jars.

D2: Morning travel to Nam Nern River Safari village.

11:00 AM Start the River Safari.

3

D3: Finish the River Safari. Start traveling towards Nong Khiew. Stop at Muang Hiam for lunch and visit the National Park visitor center and hot springs.

Overnight in Nong Khiew.

D4: Sunrise viewpoint hike. Breakfast and transfer to Luang Prabang. Relax and overnight in Luang Prabang.

D5: 14:05–4:45 Fly Luang Prabang to Vientiane

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TRAVEL TIMES Luang Prabang – Nong Khiew 3h Nong Khiew – Muang Hiam 4h Muang Hiam – Night Safari 1h Night Safari – Sam Neua 3h Night Safari – Muang Kham (hot springs) 2.30h Phonsavanh – Night Safari 4h

4

VIETNAM LAOS Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park Nong Khiaw

5

Sam Neua (ViengXai Caves)

MUANG HIAM (Headquarters) Road

TREKKING VILLAGES

1. Travel by boat inside the National Park 2. Visitors enjoy birdwatching 3. A muntjac comes to the river to drink 4. Beautiful views along the northeast heritage road 5. Sambar Deer spotted on Nam Nern River Safari 6. Old Buddhist stupa is located next to the River Safari camp

NIGHT SAFARI ly)

Dirt

Off Ro a

d (D

ry

Se

as

on

On

Luang Prabang

Phou Khoun

Muang Kham (hot springs)

Phonsavan (Plain of Jars)

STAY LONGER & EXPLORE THE NORTHEAST HERITAGE ROAD! - National Park Trekking Tours and the 3–5 day Phou Louey summit Challenge!

- Mysterious cultural sites at UNESCO Plain of Jars and the Hintang Standing Stones - Sam Neua town & Viengxay Caves - Phou Pathi Mountain with amazing views over Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park - Hot springs at Muang Hiam and Muang Kham 6 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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ADVENTURE

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1

2

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

56

INSIGHTS

THROUGH

GIVING,

WE

RECEIVE Giving back is the key to success.

BY FRANCIS SAVANKHAM

A

good company is measured by the well-being of those who rely on it for their livelihoods. If people are well cared for, the enterprise will thrive. Lao Tobacco Limited has established a synergetic relationship with its network of contracted farmers. This relationship offers a gateway for tobacco farmers to get their crops to the market. But it is not just a simple transaction at harvest time. Lao Tobacco invests throughout the year in multiple programs to benefit the lives of the farmers.

Reliance on monocropping can bring risks to farmers. Other crops can help sustain farming families throughout the year. Since 2018, Lao Tobacco has also supplied 100% of the contracted farmer base with fruit trees such as mango, lime, and co-

conut trees as a potential complement to sources of revenue and nutrition. Lao Tobacco Limited is also conducting small vegetable trials such as beans, sweetcorn, cucumber, chilies, and cassava with farmers to gather information about how vegetables can be used to help support farms.

Lao Tobacco will also support the contracted farmer with personal protective equipment for crop production to ensure that safety standards are upheld on the farm. There is also a robust reporting system in place to ensure health and safety matters on farms related to growing are relayed to the leaf production management team.

This strong commitment to strengthening and improving farmers’ lives is a paramount core value of Lao Tobacco’s core values.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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FASHION

Sinh

CITY

Dress the part in Luang Prabang.

TEXT BY TARA GUJADHUR PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAO SINH

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S

ao Sinh is the newest addition to Luang Prabang’s vibrant cultural tourism scene. Billing itself as the first “Rent and Roam” traditional clothing rental service in town, the shop stocks dozens of traditional skirts, blouses, trousers, sashes, jewelry, and accessories in all sizes for visitors to rent for half and full-day wear.

“Luang Prabang is Laos’ cultural heart, and that includes clothing. We wanted tourists to be able to experience this historical city wearing traditional Lao outfits.

Also, with the temples, old buildings, and river, there are lots of great photo opportunities,” says Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, who co-founded the business in August, after being inspired by similar activities in Kyoto and Seoul.

The sinh is the traditional tubular skirt worn by Laotian women and originated from the Tai ethnic groups (Tai Lao, Tai Dam, Tai Lue, for example). Sinhs come in countless colors, styles, and patterns, usually representing the region or community where the skirt was woven. Simple cotton or synthetic cloth sinh are worn every day, inside the home and out. Silk sinhs are reserved more for parties, weddings, and official functions. Sinhs are worn as part of a girl’s

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1

MORE INFO Ban Vat Sene, Luang Prabang (Across from Villa Santi Hotel) saosinh.com hello@saosinh.com 030 56 61 854 opne Fri–Sun 9 am –7 pm

left: Luang Prabang ladies show off their stylish fashions 1. A girl in a striking rainbow sinh 2. It's fun to model and take photos around town

school uniform, and by grandmothers, who cradle their grandchildren in the skirts while perched on a stool. Skilled weavers may spend weeks on a special silk tapestry technique sinh, which will be gifted to a new daughter-in-law, or just a few days, on a simple skirt that will be used day-today. Sinhs, like people, have “heads,” “bodies,” and “feet” – and could never be worn upside-down.

Sao Sinh aims to provide a fun experience, but also help tourists understand the significance and work behind traditional clothing. Their walls feature colorful panels about appropriate clothing for visiting temples, explanations of textile motifs, how a sinh is put on, and archival images of Lao clothing. The charming shop staff, who speak English, Mandarin, and Thai, help visitors choose from one of their many packages and styles for women, men, and children, and add-on accessories like hairpins and parasols. They are enthusiastic and accommodating, making guests feel comfortable and confident while helping them into the vibrant silk and cotton garments.

Soutthivilay says, “we hope visitors will enjoy how elegant they feel wearing Lao traditional clothing, and that this will bring a bit of heritage back to Luang Prabang.”

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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FASHION

61

1 2

3

Artisan

Designer

FINE Gold Jewelry Vientiane, Lao PDR

Lao Airlines Updates

LAO AIRLINES NEWS | AIRLINE PARTNERS FLIGHT ROUTES | OFFICES

64

LAO AIRLINES NEWS

LAO THIAO LAO CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM

The Lao Thiao Lao marketing campaign kicked off on 11 September at a launch event in Vientiane, showing how the public and private sector are coming together to boost domestic tourism against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

This public-private partnership brings together the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and leading tourism and hospitality businesses to support the promotion of domestic tourism, with the LNCCI taking the lead with its implementation.

“This is a unique way in which the public and private sectors have joined together to co-finance a tourism marketing campaign” said LNCCI board member Inthy Deuansavanh, who is spearheading the Lao Thiao Lao campaign for the LNCCI. Mr Deuansavanh, who is the founder of Green Discovery Laos and the Inthira Hospitality Group, explained, “The campaign will be a largely online, aiming to promote some of the great special offers that are currently available and inspire young Lao people’s sense of adventure to visit some of the amazing destinations around the country”.

Working with key influencers and

utilising online advertising and destination promotion videos, the campaign will also feature online competitions to engage and inspire with prizes including free holidays to some of the featured destinations The Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), a project implemented by the MoES and LuxDev (the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency), is providing the initial financial support for the Lao Thiao Lao campaign. The LNCCI aims to raise additional funds from the private sector through a range of sponsorship and partnership packages to encourage businesses to contribute financial and in-kind donations towards the campaign.

While boosting domestic tourism will be crucial in supporting tourism and hospitality businesses, Mr Nouphanh Outsa, the Director General of the Technical and Vocational Education Department at the MoES, also emphasised, “a strong tourism sector is imperative to provide employment opportunities for students undertaking tourism and hospitality studies across the country.”

Mr Bounlap Duangphoumy, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department at MICT added that “the Lao Thiao Lao marketing campaign is a key component of the support being provided to tourism and hospitality

businesses to help them survive until international tourism rebounds again”.

Print and broadcast media, such as prominent newspapers and magazines as well as radio will provide feature stories, cover shots, photo essays related to the Lao Thiao Lao campaign, and/ or advertising space. The LNCCI has already enlisted The Laotian Times, Una Studio, Tholakhong, Muan.la, Lao Youth Radio and Mahason Magazine, with more expected to sign on.

LNCCI has partnered with RDK Group to bring the technical expertise to implement the Lao Thiao Lao campaign with dedicated Facebook (@laothiaolao) and Instagram pages launched last week. The campaign will run from September 2020 to January 2021 with the possibility of extending further into 2021.

Businesses and organisations interested in sponsorship or partnership packages should contact Ms. Khambang Inkham at the LNCCI on 021 453312 directly for all enquiries.

With the Covid-19 situation bringing difficult times to tourism and hospitality businesses in Lao PDR, the Lao Thiao Lao campaign is supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), which is financed by the Governments of Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020

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TIMETABLE

HOT LINE

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FLIGHT ROUTES

WIN INTERNATIONAL ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງລະຫວ�າງປະເທດ DAY

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ

LUANGPRABANG > JINGHONG Th Su

10:30

-

12:30

QV811

07:40

-

Transit (VTE) Arr. 08:25

PAKSE

13:25

QV535

09:25

09:45

1

-

10:55

QV223

AT7

0

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AT7

DOMESTIC ROUTES

0

ສຽມຣຽບ

> SIEMREAP

SAVANNAKHET

A320

DAY

14

Transit (VTE) Arr

> HO CHI MINH T Th S

0

Dep. 09:30

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

AT7

ສິງກະໂປ

> SINGAPORE W F Su

S.

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

11

ໂຮຈີມິນ T Th S

12

ສຽມຣຽບ

Daily

13:00

-

14:00

QV513

AT7

0

Daily

14

T Th

08:55

-

09:55

QV511

AT7

0

T Th

10

ບາງກອກ

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

08:25

-

Transit (PKZ) Arr. 08:55

10:55

QV223

AT7

1

Dep. 09:25

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

1

Transit (PKZ) Arr

DOMESTIC ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງພາຍໃນປະເທດ DAY

VIENTIANE

Charter flights

DEP.

ARR.

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ຫຼວງພະບາງ

> LUANGPRABANG

DAY

D

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

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09:10

-

10:00

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AT7

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M T Th S

07

Daily

11:30

-

12:15

QV101

A320

0

W F Su

07

T W Th S Su 13:00

-

13:45

QV105

A320

0

Daily

13

T W Th S Su

14

M T Th S

17:00

-

17:45

QV103

A320

0

M W F Su

18

W F Su

17:00

-

17:45

QV536

A320

0

T Th S

18

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

> LUANGNAMTHA Daily

11:50

-

13:05

QV601

AT7

0

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ Daily

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LAO AIRLINES OFFICES

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES

DOMESTIC OFFICES

Bangkok

Vientiane (VTE)

Town Office 491/17 ground Fl, Silom Plaza, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Tel: (66-2) 236 9822 / (66-2) 236 9823 / (66-2) 237 8044 Fax: (66-2) 236 9821 Email: bkkrrqv@ksc.th.com Suvarnabhumi Airport 2nd Floor of AOB building, Room No. Z010 Tel: (66-2) 134 2006 to 2008 Fax: (66-2) 134 2009

Chiangmai

2/107 Ratchaphruek, Huaykaew Road, Amphoe Muang, Chiangmai 50300, Thailand Tel: (66-53) 223 401, Fax: (66-53) 223 400 Email: qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th

Hanoi

03 Lieu Giai Str, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (84-4) 394 25362, Fax: (84-4) 394 25363 Email: laoairlines.han@fpt.vn / qvhan@laoairlines.com

Hochiminh

11A Song Da, Dist Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: (84) 912 070 045 Email: qvsgn@laoairlines.com

Ticketing and Reservation Office Tel: (856-21) 212051-54 or 1626 Email: vtersqv@laoairlines.com / vtessqv@laoairlines.com onlinebooking@laoairlines.com Airport Offices Tel: (856-21) 513032

Luang Prabang (LPQ)

Town Office Tel: (856-71) 212172, Fax: (856-71) 212406 Email: lpqssqv@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-71) 212173, Fax: (856-71) 252264 Email: lpa@laoairlines.com

Xiengkhouang (XKH)

Town Office Tel: (856-61) 312027, Fax: (856-61) 312487 Email: xkh@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-61) 312177

Luang Namtha (LXG)

Phnompenh

58 B Sihanouk Avenue, Phnompenh, Cambodia Tel: (855-23) 222956 / (855-23) 216 563, Fax: (855-23) 216 563 Email: laoairlines.qvpnh@online.com.kh

Town Office Luangnamtha rd., Nongbouavieng Village, Luangnamtha Province Tel: (856-86) 212072 / 212186, Fax: (856-86) 212073 Email: lxg@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-86) 312180, 312053

Siem Reap

Oudomsay (ODY)

N.C10,C12, Angkor Shopping Acade National Road 6, Kruos Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia Tel: (855-63) 963169, Fax: (855-63) 963 283 | Skype ID: helpdesk_qvrep Email: qvreptkt@laoairlines.com

Kunming

No52 East Dong Feng Road, Kunming Yunnan, China Tel: (86-871) 63125748 / (86)-13987182913 Email: Kunming@laoairlines.com

Guangzhou

Room 1208,12 floor, Main tower, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Road, Guangzhou, China P.C: 510098 Tel: (8620) 838 840 85, Fax: (8620) 838 840 95 Email: canqv@laoairlines.com

Jing Hong

Ground Floor King Land Hotel, 6 Jing De Road, Jing Hong Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Tel: (86-692) 12199515 / (0086) 13988136962 Fax: (86-692) 12199515 Email: qvjhg@laoairlines.com

Seoul

Gwang Hwa Mun Centre Point Building 5F31SaeMunAn-Ro 5-gil (Doryum-dong 65) Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel: (82-2) 6262-0808,0809,0810 / (82-2) 6262-0800,0811,0822 / (82-2) 6262-0819 Fax: (82-2) 6262-0844 Email: ticketing.sel@laoairlines.com

Tel: (856-81) 312047, 312146, Fax: (856-81) 212229 Email: ody@laoairlines.com

Savannakhet (ZVK)

Dongdamdouan Village, Khaysonephomvihane District, Savannakhet Province Tel: (856-41) 212140, 252198, Fax: (856-41) 251060 Email: zvk@laoairlines.com

Pakse (PKZ)

11 Road, Phatthana Lakmueng Village, Pakse District, Champasak Province Tel: (856-31) 212252, Fax: (856-31) 212751 Email: pkz@laoairlines.com

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LAO AIRLINES PARTNERS

WIN INTERNATIONAL ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງລະຫວ�າງປະເທດ DAY

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ

LUANGPRABANG > JINGHONG Th Su

10:30

-

12:30

QV811

07:40

-

Transit (VTE) Arr. 08:25

PAKSE

13:25

QV535

09:25

09:45

1

ບາງກອກ -

10:55

QV223

AT7

0

ໂຮຈີມິນ -

11:20

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0

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DAY

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ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ Th Su

1

ສິງກະໂປ W F Su

14

Transit (VTE) Arr

> HO CHI MINH T Th S

0

Dep. 09:30

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

AT7

ສິງກະໂປ

> SINGAPORE W F Su

S.

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

11

ໂຮຈີມິນ T Th S

12

ສຽມຣຽບ

Daily

13:00

-

14:00

QV513

AT7

0

Daily

14

T Th

08:55

-

09:55

QV511

AT7

0

T Th

10

ບາງກອກ

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

08:25

-

Transit (PKZ) Arr. 08:55

10:55

QV223

AT7

1

Dep. 09:25

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

1

Transit (PKZ) Arr

DOMESTIC ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງພາຍໃນປະເທດ DAY

VIENTIANE

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

S.

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

> LUANGPRABANG

DAY

D

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

Daily

09:10

-

10:00

QV111

AT7

0

M T Th S

07

Daily

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-

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A320

0

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07

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-

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A320

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17:00

-

17:45

QV103

A320

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M W F Su

18

W F Su

17:00

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17:45

QV536

A320

0

T Th S

18

> LUANGNAMTHA

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

ຍງ່ິບນ ິ ຫາຼຍ, ຍງ່ິມສ ີ ດ ິ ທພ ິ ເິສດຫາຼຍ

*:

*

6

071 254158 031 251460 041 212140 086 312053 081 212739 061 312177

Plastic-Free Travel in Vientiane and Vang Vieng

the Lao SME Service Centre. It offers guidelines and incentives to assist accommodation providers, restaurants and coffee shops to reduce their use of single-use plastics to protect the environment and save money.

Meet our new members and make sure to visit them when you are around Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel "In our pursuit of eliminating single use plastic, Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel has made its mission to join Plastic Free Laos as a leader in EcoTourism Adventures.

One by one, we are replacing plastic articles with long term solutions such as glass bottles and natural materials."

Address: Ban Viengkeo, Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos.

Tel: 020 28 787 779 Email: reservation@inthira.com

Green Homestay Vang Vieng at Ban Naduang

Vientiane Saphir Apartment and Hotel "Vientiane Saphir has been designed to offer comfort and modernity in the heart of Vientiane. Designed with the philosphy of green building, we would like to offer services in harmony with the environment. Working towards plastic free businessis one of our goals."

Address: House 258, Unit 16, Hatsady village, Chanthaboury District, Vientiane Capital, Laos; Tel: 020 55 705 795 Email: vientiane.saphir@gmail.com

Le Padaek

“Come have a touch of nature and a beautiful waterfall. Green Homestay Vang Vieng at Ban Naduang will give you Lao local lifestyle and the plastic-free travel experience”

“At Le Padaek, we are making a conscious effort to reduce single-use plastic for our consumers and in our daily lives. We have replaced these environmental hazards with more eco-friendly options, such as bamboo straws and paper packaging.”

Address: Ban Naduang, Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos.

Tel: 020 5851 2569

Tel: 030 5557766 Location: Ban Naxay Hom4, Vientiane, Laos

The Greenhouse Vientiane

Slurp Café Vientiane

“The Greenhouse serves food that is designed with your health in mind. We strive to reduce waste and environmental footprint by reducing single-use plastics and hope to be an example for other cafes and restaurants to adopt greener practices.”

“Slurp café serving less plastic, more coffee” Address: at Stella, Khuvieng Rd Near rashmi hotel, Vientiane, Laos Tel:020 58955557 Email: Slurp.vte@gmail.com

Address: 17, unit 02, Francois Ngin Rd 01000 Vientiane, Laos Tel: 020 55 863 686 Email: thegreenhousevte@gmail.com

We make plastic reduction in hospitality businesses easier!

Get in touch with us at plasticfreelaos@smelaos.com how.

For more information about the Plastic Free Laos Label, visit www.smelaos.com

Sili Café "A cozy and simple cafe where local and eco-friendly coffee is served" Address: Watchan Village, Box5, Chanthabouly District, 01000 Vientiane, Laos Tel: 020 77900822

SCAN ME!