Champa Holidays Magazine Issue11

V O L 0 2 I S S U E 1 1 C H A M PA H O L I D AY S T O U R S A N D G U I D E I N L A O S

I S S U E 1 1 J U N E - J U LY 2 0 1 2

ທອງທຽວເ�າະເ�ິກ ສພ�ນດອນ

W W W. C H A M PA M A G . C O M

ພຣະລ�ກ ພຣະລາມ ທວງພຣະບາງ ບອນທທານຄວນໄ�ໄ� ແ�ວງຊຽງຂວາງ ທຽວຊ�ມຜາຫີນຍ�ກ “ມາຮອດລາວ ຮູອາຫານລາວ” ອ�ງກໍ ມໍລະດ�ກອ�ນຍາມະນີຂອງກ�ປູເ�ັຍ

Scouring 4000 Islands

Phralak Phralam in Luang Prabang Highlights in Xieng Khouang Meet the Stone Giants “A Taste of Laos” Angkor: Cambodia’s Heritage Treasure

www.LaoAirLines.com | www.ChampaHolidays.com | www.ChampaMag.com Champa Holiday Issue 11 Cover.indd 1

5/18/12 11:28:53 AM

ສານຂອງທ່ານ ດຣ. ສົມພອນ ດວງດາຣາ ຜູ້ອຳນວຍການໃຫ່ຍລັດວິສາຫະກິດການບິນລາວ Message from Dr. Somphone DOUANGDARA President of Lao Airlines

ປີໃໝ່ລາວໄດ້ຜາ່ ນພົ້ນໄປ ຫວັງວ່າປະຊາຊົນລາວບັນດາເຜົ່າຂອງ ລາວເຮົາໄດ້ສະຫລອງກັນດ້ວຍຄວາມມ່ວນຊື່ນເພື່ອຮັກສາໄວ້ຊງຶ່ ຮີດຄອງປະ ເພນີອນ ັ ດີງາມຂອງເຮົາໄວ້. ປີນນ ີ້ ອກຈາກເປັນປີທອ ່ ງທ່ຽວລາວ ແລ້ວຍັງເປັນ ປີໜງຶ່ ທີ່ ສປປ ລາວ ເຮົາຕ້ອງໄດ້ອອກແຮງແຂ່ງຂັນກັບເຮັດໜ້າທີ່ຂອງແຕ່ລະ ແຂວງການສະເຫຼີມສະຫຼອງມີແຫ່ງຄວາມສາ ມັກຄີມດ ິ ຕະພາບກັບ ສສ ຫວຽດ ນາມ ຄືສະຫຼອງຄົບຮອບ 55 ປີ ແຫ່ງ ການສ້າງສາຍພົວພັນທາງການທູດລະ ຫວ່າງ ສປປລາວ ແລະ ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ, ສະເຫຼີມສະຫຼອງສົນທິສນ ັ ຍາມິດ ຕະພາບ ຄົບຮອບ 35 ປີ ຂອງທັງສອງປະເທດອີກດ້ວຍ. ນອກນັ້ນໃນທ້າຍປີ 2012 ນີ້ ສປປລາວ ເຮົາຍັງ ໄດ້ຮບ ັ ກຽດເປັນເຈົ້າພາບຈັດກອງປະຊຸມອາເຊັມ (ASEM) ຊຶ່ງລ້ວນແລ້ວແຕ່ເປັນເຫດການທີ່ມຄ ີ ວາມສຳ ຄັນຂອງ ສປປລາວ ຊຶ່ງຈະນຳມາຊຶ່ງຊື່ສຽງ ແລະ ຜົນປະໂຫຍດຕ່າງໆ ທີ່ຈະໄດ້ຕາມມາຕາມພາຍ ຫລັງເຊັ່ນ: ສາກົນຈະເຫັນ ແລະ ເຂົ້າໃຈ ສປປລາວ ຕື່ມຂຶ້ນ. ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ, ການລົງທຶນ ແລະ ອື່ນໆ ກໍຈະເປັນຕ່ອງໂສ້ຕາມມາຢ່າງ ແນ່ນອນ. ລັດວິສາຫະກິດການບິນລາວເຮົາເອງກໍໄດ້ວາງແຜນ ແລະ ຕຽມຕົວ ເພື່ອຮັບເຫດການຕ່າງໆໄວ້ໃນອານາຄົດ. ພວກເຮົາໄດ້ຈດ ັ ຊື້ເຮືອບິນ ATR 72 – 600 ຈຳນວນ 2 ລຳຊຶ່ງເປັນລຸນ ້ ຫລ້າສຸດຂອງບໍລສ ິ ດ ັ ອາເອໂຣສະຊິອານ (Aerospacial) ຊຶ່ງລຳທຳອິດຈະສົ່ງມອບໃນເດືອນພະຈິກ (11) 2012 ແລະ ລຳທີ 2 ສົ່ງມອບໃນເດືອນ ມິຖນ ຸ າ (6) 2013. ນອກຈາກນີ້ໃນແຜນບິນລະດູໜາວ (Winter Schedule)ຈະເພີ່ມ ຖ້ຽວບິນໄປກວາງໂຈ (CAN) ສປ ຈີນ ແລະ ຖ້ຽວບິນເຊົ່າເໝົາ (Charter flight) ໄປຍັງໂຕກຽວ (TYO) ປະເທດຍີ່ປນ ຸ່ ອາທິດໜຶ່ງ 4 ຖ້ຽວ ຊຶ່ງໄດ້ເລີ່ມ ປະຕິບດ ັ ແຕ່ ວັນທີ 25/04/2012 ເປັນຕົ້ນມາ. ພ້ອມດຽວກັນນີ້ທາງລັດວິສາ ຫະກິດ ການບິນລາວພວກເຮົາຍັງໄດ້ດດ ັ ແປງ (modify) ເຮືອບິນ MA 60 ໃຫ້ ເປັນ ເຮືອບິນລຳລຽງ (Freighter) ຖືວາ່ ການວາງແຜນກຽມພ້ອມກໍກາຍເປັນ ຮູບປະທັມແລ້ວເພາະວ່າພວກເຮົາໄດ້ກຽມພ້ອມ - ສຳລັບສາຍບິນໄກດ້ວຍ A320 - ສຳລັບສາຍບິນໄກ້ດວ ້ ຍ ATR72 – 600 - ສຳລັບການລຳລຽງດ້ວຍ AM60

Dear readers, As well as the “Visit Laos” year, Laos PDR is also celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Lao-Vietnamese diplomatic relations and 35 years since a friendship treaty was signed between the two countries.

Laos will also be the host of the 2012 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). This will be a significant event for Laos, enhancing our reputation overseas and allow our country to play a central role on the international stage. It will also boost tourism, trade and much more.

In response to such historical events, Lao Airlines is preparing to expand its services by purchasing two brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft. The first will be delivered in November 2012 and the second in June 2013. This will replace our MA 60 series aircraft, which will be adapted as part of an expansion of our air freight services.

In addition, we will add a new flight to Kwangchow (China), as part of our new winter schedule. Four weekly charter flights to Tokyo have also been operational since 25 April 2012.

Best wishes, Dr. Somphone Douangdara President of Lao Airlines

3I’cI,fvo9aorkg]f

VIENTIANE

Don Chan Palace Hotel & Convention

Located strategically on the New Promenade of the Mekong River adjacent to the King Anouvong’s park, Don Chan Palace, Hotel & Convention is the official 5-star hotel in Laos. Enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong River and Vientiane city from the tallest building in Laos while staying with us. All rooms are inclusive of complimentary unlimited high speed internet access with plush necessities and our new au-natural amenities for the discerning guests.

Our Lao Traditional Hospitality Makes us Different…

Room and Accommodation - 237 rooms - Cable television - Indvidually air conditioning controlled room - Safe deposit box - Complimentary Coffee/ tea facility - In room fax machine ( on request ) - Mini bar - Hair dryer - High speed internet access in room ( Free access) Nearby attractions - King Anouvong Recreational Park - Mekong River Promenade - Presidential Palace - King Sisavangvong Statue - Wat Si Muang Temple

Facilities and Services - 24 Hrs room service - Airline booking and informaiton - Concierge service - Foreign exchange - Doctor on call 24 Hrs - Laundry service - Airport transfer - Tour and travel agency - Free car parking - Business center - Car rental service - 24 Hrs security -13 private massage rooms with professional masseurs

- Swimming Pool on 3rd floor - Jacuzzi - Steam room - Airline booking and information - Foreign currency exchange - 2000 pax capacity ballroom (1792sqm) - Dimsum Buffet - Monthly F&B Promotion - Free wifi on lobby and executive floors

Food and Beverage and entertainment - 24 Hrs Coffee House - Lobby Lounge with Cake Counter and Pastry counter - Outside Catering Service - Chinese Restaurant - 14 Floors Sky Lounge - Lunar 36-Outdoor Bar, Discotheque, and Private Karaoke Rooms Meeting and Convention - 2000 Fax capacity Ballroom - 20 Modern Function rooms - Free Wifi at meeting rooms Wellness and Relaxation - Swimming Pool - Private Massage Rooms - Outdoor Gym - Sauna

Three years consecutive winner of Best business hotel year 2009,2010, 2011 by the tourism alliance awards.

Don Chan Palace Hotel & Convention, Unit 6 Piawat Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: (856-21) 244 288 Fax: (856-21) 244 111-2 Email: info@donchanpalacelaopdr.com www.donchanpalacelaopdr.com

Greetings from the Editor Lao AIrlines In-Flight Magazine EXECUTIVE ADVISERS: MR. SOMPHONG MONGKHONVILAY MR. SOUKASEUM PHOTHISANE DR. SOMPHONE DOUANGDARA MR. SOMSANOUK MIXAY MR. CHANTHY DEUANSAVANH Editor-in-Chief: Mr. Soukhee Norasilp Proof editor: Mr. somsouk souksavath Executive Editor: Ms. Phitsamai chanthaboury English Editor: Mr. Benjamin Blech Graphic Design: insmai Creative Communications transalation: Mr. Anousa KOUNNAVONG

ບົດ ບກ ປີໃໝ່ລາວປີນີ້ຕ້ອນຮັບປີມັງກອນເປັນປີທີ່ມີຄວາມຮ້ອນ ແຮງອີງຕາມມາດຕະເກນຂອງໂຫລາສາດກ່າວໄວ້. ຖ້າ ຝົນຕົກກໍຕົກແຮງ-ຖ້າແລ້ງກໍແລ້ງສຸດຂີດຈົນດິນແຫ້ງໄງ່ ຜົງ. ຈະເປັນຈິງຄືຄຳທຳນາຍຫລືບໍນັ້ນຂໍໃຫ້ຈັບຕາສິ້ງຊອມ ເບິ່ງວ່າຈະມີເຫດການ ດັ່ງກ່າວນີ້ຈະເກີດຂຶ້ນແທ້ບໍ? ພວກເຮົາມີຄວາມຍິນດີທີ່ຈະຂໍນຳສະເໜີສະບັບທີ່ 11, ບໍ່ວ່າ ທ່ານຈະອ່ານວາລະສານຈາກບ່ອນໃດ ຫຼື ຈາກປາຍ ທາງໃດຂອງສາຍການບີນລາວ. ພວກເຮົາຫວັງຢ່າງຍິ່ງ ວ່າມັນຈະສາມາດເປັນແນວທາງ ແລະ ເປັນແຮງບັນດານ ໃຈໃຫ້ທ່ານເພີ່ມເຕີມຈາກປະເທດຂອງພວກເຮົາທີ່ມີ ຄວາມມະຫັດຈັນທາງທຳມະຊາດ ແລະ ວັດທະນາທຳ ແລະ ຈາກປະເທດເພື່ອນບ້ານ. ໃນສະບັບນີ້ພວກເຮົາແນະນຳໃຫ້ທ່ານຮູ້ ສອງພູມີພາກ ທີ່ມີຊື່ສຽງ ແລະ ເປັນທີ່ດຶງດູດ. ເບີນີ ໂລຊັນໂບມ ໄດ້ ເຜີຍຄວາມລັບ ທີ່ເກັບໄວ້ທີ່ດີທີ່ສຸດຂອງ ປະເທດລາວ ໃນບົດຄວາມກຽ່ວກັບ ສິີພັນດອນ ທີ່ຫຼາຍຄົນບໍເຄີຍເດີນ ທາງໄປທີ່ນັ້ນ ແລະ ຍັງມີຫຼາຍກິດຈະກຳທີ່ໜ້າສົນໃຈ ຈາກການທ່ອງທຽ່ວແບບອະນຸລັກ. ແລະ ບົດຄວາມຂອງ ປະເທດ ກຳປູເຈ້ຍ ທີ່ເປັນຕຳນານຂອງຄວາມສະຫຼາດ ຂອງມະນຸດ, ຈາກຊາກປະລັກຫັກພັງຂອງອັງກໍວັດ ເຊີງ ພວກເຮົາໄດ້ຊອກຫາຂໍ້ມູນມາຕ້ອນມາຝາກ.

Finance: Ms. Khounkham Chanthaboury

ນອກຈາກນີ້ຍັງໄດ້ແນະນຳແບບສັ້ນໆ ໄປຍັງເມືອງແຄມ ແມ່ນຳ້ອູທີ່ງົດງາມຂອງໜອງຂຽວ ຮູ້ເບື້ອງຕົ້ນຂອງ ການສະແດງເລື່ອງພະລັກພະລາມຈາກບົດກະວີຂອງອິນ ເດຍລາມມະກຽນ ຊື່ງໄດ້ມີການສະແດງໃນແຂວງຫຼວງພະ ບາງ. ແລະ ສີ່ງທີ່ຂາດບໍໄດ້ແມ່ນເຄັດລັບທີ່ຮ້ອນແຮງບ່ອນ ນອນ, ກິນ, ດື່ມ ແລະ ຜ່ອນຄາຍ.

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Photography: Fab world

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Lao Airlines Head Office: 02 Pangkham Rd, Xieng Gnune Village, Chanthaboury District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel : (856-21) 212051-54, 212016 Fax: (856-21) 212056, 212058 info@laoairlines.com www.laoairlines.com

www.ChampaMag.com we can guide you more

Dear readers, A very Happy Lao New Yea r from me, Soukee Norasilp, and everyone at Champa Holiday Magazine!

Welcome to this 11th issu e of Champa Holiday. Whether you are readin g this on route to one of Lao Airline’s excitin g international and domestic destinations, or courtesy of one of our partners, we hope it will gui de and inspire you to discover more of the wo nders of Laos and its neighbors.

In this issue, we guide you around two of the region’s most renowned attr actions. Bernie Rosenbloom reveals the bes t kept secrets of Laos’ idilic and infamously laid back Siphandon (Four Thousand Islands), wh ich despite becoming something of a mecca for travelers; still offer many exciting eco-tourism projects. And south to Cambodia, where one of the world’s most legendary feats of human ingenuity; the ancient ruins of Angkor, offer visitor s a unique insight into life in the region severa l century ago.

Also in this issue, a short gui de to the spectacular riverside town of Nong Khiaw. An introduction to Phralak Phraram, a Lao take on the Indian epic poem Ramaya na, now an acclaimed ballet performed in Luang Prabang. And of course, all our hottest tips on where to sleep, eat, drink and relax.

Until next time, Happy Tra vel

s!

Soukee Norasilp Editor To discover more of the hid den highlights of the Lao Airlines network, as we ll as the best places to eat, sleep and relax, visi t our website at: www.cham pamag.com

16

ສາລະບານ

Contents 8

Phralak Phralam in Luang Prabang

10

Five Highlights of Xieng Khouang Province ບ້ານນາ, ແຂວງ ບໍລິຄຳໄຊ

13

Ban Na, Bolikhamsay Province

16

Meet the Stone Giants

21 30 34

ທຽ່ວຊົມຜາຫີນຍັກ

ທ່ອງທຽ່ວເຈາະເລິກ ສີ່ພັນດອນ

Scouring Siphandon

ເມືອງຊຽງຄານ, ຈັງຫວັດເລີຍ

Destination Chiang Khan

ອັງກໍ ມໍລະດົກອັນຍາມະນີຂອງກຳປູເຈັຍ

Angkor: Cambodia’s Heritage Treasure

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“A Taste of Laos”

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Wine Houses in Vientiane

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Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino

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ມາຮອດລາວ, ຊິມອາຫານລາວ

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ຊອກຫາທີ່ພັກຜ່ອນໃນແຂວງສະຫວັນນະເຂດ

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EVENT & FESTIVAL

Phralak Phralam in Luang Prabang Somsanouk Mixay

No visitor to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage City in Northern Laos should miss the performance of Phralak Phralam, the Lao equivalent of Ramayana.

Ramayana (or Rama’s Path), one of the two major epics of ancient Indian literature, is a poem believed to have been written by bandit-turned-poet Valmiki in around 200 BC. It’s legacy has remained over the centuries, with numerous anonymous artists adding to it right up to the present day.

The epic poem describes the adventures of Rama, Prince of Ayodhya. Victim of a plot inside the royal court, Rama, together with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, are living under a fourteen year exile. In a world full of gods, demons, ferocious ogres and monkeys, the heroes have to undergo multiple ordeals in which they show off their supernatural powers and strong moral qualities.

The main event within the poem is Rama’s struggle to rescue his wife, who has been abducted by an evil ogre.

The Ramayana has since spread to many countries in Southeast Asia, who have incorporated the epic tale into their own cultural heritage.

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From Ramayana to Phralak Phralam The Ramayana was introduced to Laos in the 15th century under King Phothisarath and adapted under the title of Phralak Phralam. The characters were given Lao names. Sita became Sida, Ravana, the ogre King of Lanka, became Thotsakan, Jatayu, King of birds, became Sadayu while Hanuman, the King of the Monkeys, retained his original name. And all the action takes place in the Mekong Valley.

Under many different monarchs, the story later became a ballet performed at the royal court in Luang Prabang.

Today’s Phralak Phralam The revival of Phralak Phralam, the performance of which was halted by political changes in the region after 1975, was a long and difficult process. Grand masters of dance, music and chanting all disappeared. So many new dancers and musicians had to be trained. The Governor of Luang Prabang, Chansy Phosikham, set up a Committee for the Revival of Phralak Phralam and Nang Kaeo Dance.

The Phralak Phralam Royal Ballet of Luang Prabang was set up in the compound of the former Royal Palace, which is now a museum. Gradually it gathered a handful of grand masters who could train young artists from various schools in the city.

Rich costumes were re-created according to ancient designs.

And dozens of masks kept in the palace cellar were restored by great artists like Manivong Khattignarath and Singkham.

Finally, the first two episodes of Phralak Phralam took to the stage. The success was a resounding one. The artists were soon invited to perform at the Ramayana Festival at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Thanks to the support of numerous domestic and international organizations, including the Department of Culture, the International Francophone Organization, the Institute of Ethnology at Munster University, the Lee Foundation and theatrical support from Singapore and the French Special Social Fund, Phralak Phralam is once again alive and well in Laos.

Every evening, two episodes of Phralak Phralam are performed at the palace theatre in Luang Prabang. During festival periods like Pimai Lao (the Lao New Year), performances are held on the magnificent esplanade of the Phrabang Sanctuary.

Towards a Phralak Phralam Festival Many Phralak Phralam enthusiasts would like there to be a Phralak Phralam festival, in which productions from all over South and Southeast Asia are invited to perform in Luang Prabang . The present Governor of Luang Prabang, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng is very supportive of the project.

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Ecotourism Laos

Five Highlights in Xieng Khouang Province Bernie Rosenbloom takes you to five easy-to-access attractions in Xieng Khouang Province, all within two hours of Phonsavanh Town.

You’ll climb 1,000 stairs to a secret wartime hilltop tunnel, explore centuries-old religious sites around the ancient Phuan Kingdom capital of Muang Khoun, investigate the famous Plain of Jars, visit a village that makes spoons from scraps of crashed warplanes, and uncover the efforts of the Mines Action Group (MAG) in clearing the province’s live unexploded ordinances (UXOs), some more than 45 years old!

1. Sneak through a Secret Tunnel

2. Drive Back in Time

Scale more than 1,000 steps to reach a secret passageway slicing through the summit of the Phu Kheng Jar Quarry Site that played a strategic role for Pathet Lao forces during the Indochina War (1964-1973). The hardy climb passes an odd mix of bomb craters and unfinished or broken jars destined for Jar Site 1. The steps get steeper, but the reward is a magnificent view of the valley around Phonsavanh and the hidden entrance to a narrow 70-metre-long, 1.6-metre-high tunnel chiselled through rock that winds past reinforced concrete bunkers and sleeping quarters before exiting to a panorama of the Phoukoud Valley.

Explore ruins dating to the 14th century that crown the hills around the ancient Phuan Kingdom capital, Muang Khoun, which was levelled during the Indochina War. A 30-km drive southeast of Phonsavanh passes a stone wall with brick archways, leftovers of France’s colonial presence. The giant Buddha at Vat Piawat, first built in 1564, still sits erect overlooking Muang Khoun, though only the temple’s pillars and short wall sections remain. Once buried in the forest, the 450-year-old That Foun Stupa stands tall next to a road outside town, and though bombing raids mostly destroyed Vat Si Phom, enough remains to envision its glory when constructed in 1390.

Location: From Phonsavanh, follow Route 7 west past the Mulberry Farm and across a river. Turn left after 8 km at the “Phu Kheng Jar Quarry Site” sign and continue 7 km to the visitor centre.

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Location: From Phonsavanh, follow Route 10 southeast for about 30 km.

3. Jars, Jars, Jars No one goes to Xieng Khouang without inspecting the mysterious Plain of Jars. But, with thousands of massive ancient urns scattered over dozens of sites, and other attractions to see in the province, your most efficient bet is a short trip from Phonsavanh to Jar Site 1. A new visitor centre greets you with local handicrafts, refreshments, and information panels. A marked trail, well away from the UXOs still littering the 25-hectare grounds, leads to the 334 jars spread across a field. A 2.5m x 2.5m jar tops the others, most of which are half the size, with just one decorated in carved bas relief.

Location: From Phonsavanh, follow Route 10 south for about 6 km, and turn right at Ban Na-0.

4. Side Road to Spoons Setting your sights to see spoon production may sound eccentric, but Ban Napia, an ethnic Phuan village just south of Phonsavanh, moulds this tableware from war scrap. One day in the 1980s, eight families brainstormed over what to do with all the aluminium bits from downed aircraft. One person noted a lack spoons in the market and noodle shops, so they made wooden moulds, coated them in ash, and poured in the melted junk. And according to the ladle lady, they have an unending supply of debris. You can bookend your spoon tour with stops at nearby Lang Waterfall and Jar Site 3.

Location: Turn right at the sign on Route 10 past the market just south of Phonsavanh, and travel 30 km to Jar Site 3 and the path Ban Napia.

MAGnificent Mine Busters The UK-based Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has embarked on the almost impossible mission of clearing hundreds of thousands of unexploded ordinances (UXOs) from Xieng Khouang.

The MAG Visitor Information Centre in Phonsavanh provides in-depth history into the intense bombing campaign, the legacy it left behind as the most densely bombed area per capita on earth, facts on the injuries and deaths UXOs continue to cause, diagrams of how cluster bombs work, and even a few diffused shells. The highlight, a one-hour unbiased documentary detailing the bombing’s background, appeals to an audience ranging from people born before the war, those who grew up during the era, and veterans who fought.

Location: On the main street in east Phonsavanh near the tourist restaurants and guesthouses.

For more information and to book tours, visit the Xieng Khouang Tourist Information Centre near the Southern Bus Terminal in Phonsavanh.

Phone: (+856 061) 312 217.

Email: xkgtourism@yahoo.com.

Website: www.tourismlaos.org.

For a free downloadable Xieng Khouang Province guidebook and brochures, visit www.stdplaos.com (Web-based Knowledge Centre, Visitor Information).

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ientiane-based travel writer, Bernie Rosenbloom, has covered Southeast Asia for more than 15 years. He has authored several Lao provincial guidebooks, and along with Champa Holiday, has recently contributed stories about Laos to Thai Airway’s Sawasdee magazine, PATA Compass, and Travel Review. Bernie is currently a public relations consultant for the Laos Sustainable Tourism Development Project, Lanith (Lao National Institute for Tourism and Hospitality), NZAID, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office.

Email: bernie.rosenbloom@gmail.com.

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TOURISM

ບ້ານນາ, ແຂວງ ບໍລິຄຳໄຊ

BAN NA BOLIKHAMSAY PROVINCE

ບ້ານນາແມ່ນບ້ານໜຶ່ງທີ່ງຽບສະຫງົບໃນຊົນນະບົດ ຕັ້ງຢູ່ຕາມເສັ້ນ ທາງເລກ 13 ໃຕ້ ຫ່າງຈາກ ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ 80 ກິໂລແມັດ ໃກ້ ກັບເຂດປ່າສະຫງວນແຫ່ງຊາດພູເຂົາຄວາຍ. ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂ້ອນຂ້າງເປັນໃບໜ້າໃໝ່ຂອງບ້ານນາທີ່ມແ ີ ຕ່ຄວາມສະຫງົບສຸກ. ນັກທ່ອງ ທ່ ຽ ວສ່ ວ ນໃຫ່ ຍ ແມ່ ນ ເດີ ນ ທາງມາຊົ ມ ຊ້ າ ງປ່ າ ດຳລົ ງ ຊີ ວິ ດ ຕາມວິ ຖີ ທ າງທຳມະຊາດ ແລະ ບ້ານທີ່ມີເອກະລັກສະເພາະທາງພາກກາງຂອງລາວທີ່ຍັງຮັກສາວິຖີຊີວິດຊົນ ນະບົດດັ່ງເດີມໄວ້ຢູ່. ໃນເດືອນເມສາ ປີ 2005, ບ້ານດັ່ງກ່າວ ໄດ້ເປີດຫໍຊົມຊ້າງ ແຫ່ງທຳອິດໃນບໍລິເວນປ່າໃກ້ຄຽງ, ເພື່ອເປັນສະຖານທີ່ຊົມຊ້າງປ່າໃກ້ກັບບ່ອນ ກິນປົ່ງ ແລະ ຮ່ອງຫ້ວຍ.

80 km south of Vientiane along Route 13, on the edge of the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (NPA), is the quiet rural village of Ban Na. Tourism is a relatively new feature of peaceful Ban Na. Most visitors come to see elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a village that is classic of laid-back Central Laos. In April 2005, the village opened its first observation tower in the surrounding forest, where visitors can observe wild elephants at a nearby salt-lick and stream.

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TOURISM ຊ້ າ ງປ່ າ ຖື ກ ດຶ ງ ດູ ດ ໃຫ້ ອ ອກຈາກພູ ຜ າປ່ າ ດົ ງ ໃກ້ ຄ ຽງໂດຍຫວັ ງ ວ່ າ ຈະໄດ້ກິນອ້ອຍ, ໝາກນັດ ແລະ ໝາກກ້ວຍຕາມສວນທີ່ຢູ່ໃກ້ ແລະ ອ້ອມແອ້ມບ້ານນາ. ເພື່ອເປັນການປົກປ້ອງຝູງສັດປ່າ ແລະ ຊົດເຊີຍ ຜົນເສຍຫາຍທີ່ກໍ່ຂຶ້ນໂດຍຝູງຊ້າງປ່າ, ໂຄງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຊຸມຊົນ ໄດ້ຖືກສ້າງຕັ້ງຂຶ້ນ, ເປີດໂອກາດອັນພິເສດໃຫ້ ກັບນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວສາ ມາດເບິ່ງຊ້າງປ່າໃນໄລຍະໃກ້ໂດຍບໍ່ລົບກວນຝູງຊ້າງ. ຈາກບ້ າ ນດັ່ ງ ກ່ າ ວທ່ າ ນສາມາດນຳໃຊ້ ບໍ ລິ ກ ານຂອງພະນັ ກ ງານ ນຳທ່ຽວ ເພື່ອຍ່າງທ່ຽວຊົມເຂດປ່າສະຫງວນພູເຂົາຄວາຍ ແລະ ພັກຄ້າງຄືນທີ່ຫໍຊົມຊ້າງ. ຕາມທຳມະຊາດຂອງສັດປ່າທົ່ວໄປ, ການ ເບິ່ງຊ້າງບໍ່ສາມາດຮັບປະກັນໄດ້. ແຕ່ໂຊກດີທີ່ບ້ານນາມີບໍລິການ ອື່ນອີກຫຼາຍຢ່າງນອກເໜືອຈາກການຊົມຊ້າງປ່າ. ມີບໍລິການທ່ຽວ ຊົມປ່າທີ່ໜ້າປະທັບໃຈຫຼາຍຢ່າງໃນປ່າເລິກເຊັ່ນ: ການເດີນປ່າ ໄລຍະໄກໄປເຂດນ້ຳຮີ້ ແລະ ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດລຸງ ແລະ ນອກນີ້ຍັງມີ ການ ທ່ອງທ່ຽວແບບພະຈົນໄພທີ່ທ້າທາຍຢູ່ເທິງຍອດຕາດຟ້າ, ເຊິ່ງເປັນ ໜ້າຜາສູງ 40 ແມັດ ດິ່ງລົງໄປໃນປ່າເລິກ.

The elephants are drawn out of the surrounding mountains by the prospect of enjoying the sugar cane, pineapples and bananas produced in and around Ban Na. To protect the wild herds and compensate for the damage these magnificent animals inflict, a community-based tourism project has been introduced, offering visitors a great opportunity to observe elephants at close range without disturbing them.

From the village, you can hire a guide for the easy trek into the Phou Khao Khouay NPA and stay overnight at the observation tower. As with any wild animals, of course elephant sightings cannot be guaranteed. Fortunately, Ban Na has more to offer than the elephants alone. There are many rewarding treks further into the forest, such as the longer hike to the Nam Hi and Tad Lung Waterfalls, as well as a challenging assent of some 40-meters to the top of Tad Fa, a dramatic rock-face deep in the jungle.

ໄລຍະເວລາດີທີ່ສຸດໃນການທ່ອງທ່ຽວນ້ຳຕົກຕາດແມ່ນລະດູຝົນ (ພຶດສະພາ ຫາ ພະຈິກ), ເຊິ່ງເປັນໄລຍະ ທີ່ລະດັບນ້ຳສູງສຸດ ແລະ ປ່າໄ​ ມ້​ທີ່ພວມຂຽວອຸ່ມທຸ່ມໄດ້ເນລະມິດທິວທັດອັນໜ້າອັດສະຈັນ ໃຈທີ່ຫາບ່ອນ ປຽບໄດ້ຍາກ. ທີ່ບ້ານນາ ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວສາມາດພັກເຊົານຳຄອບຄົວຊາວບ້ານ ເຊິ່ງເປັນເຮືອນຕາມວິຖີຊາວບ້ານແບບ ດັ້ງເດີມ, ເປັນໂອກາດອັນດີທີ່ຈະພົບປະກັບຄົນທ້ອງຖິ່ນ ແລະ ເບິ່ງແມ່ຍິງຈັກສານກະຕ່າຕິບເຂົ້າ ແລະ ເຄື່ອງໃຊ້ຕ່າງໆ ຢ່າງຊຳນິຊຳນານ. ຫ່າງຈາກ ບ້ານນາ1.5 ກິໂລແມັດຕາມແຄມເສັ້ນທາງເລກ13ໃຕ້, ຍັງມີວັດພະບາດ ເຊິ່ງແມ່ນສະຖານທີ່ສຳ ຄັນທີ່ສຸດສຳລັບຊາວພຸດໃນລາວເນື່ອງຈາກວ່າມີຮອຍພະບາດທີ່ຖືກຮັບຮູ້ຢ່າງກ້ວາງຂວາງ.

The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the rainy season (May to November), when the water is at its highest and the lush green vegetation creates some spectacular contrasts.

In Ban Na, visitors can stay with a host family in a typical village house, a great opportunity to meet local people and watch women weaving intricate baskets.

1.5km from Ban Na along Route 13, Wat Phabath is one of the most important sites for Buddhist pilgrims in Laos because of its renowned Buddha footprint.

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TOURISM

mjP;-q,zksuopad ໜອງ​ຂຽວ, ບ້ານ​ຜາ​ຍັກນ ​ ອນ. ທຳ​ມະ​ຊາດ​ອັນໜ ​ ້າ​ອັດສະ​ຈັນ​ ໃຈ​ເຮັດ​ໃຫ້ໜ ​ ອງ​ຂຽວ​ເປັນອ ​ ັນຍາ​ມະນີທ ​ ີ່​ຖືກເ​ ຊື່ອງ​ຊ້ອນ​ໃນ​ ພາກ​ເໜືອຂອງ​ລາວ. ໃຊ້ເ​ ວລາ​ເດີນທາງ​ໆລ ​ ົດຈາກ​ຫຼວງ​ພະ​ບາງ​ພຽງ​ແຕ່ 3​ ຊົ່ວ​ໂມງ ຫຼື ຂີ່ເ​ ຮືອຂຶ້ນຕ ​ າມ​ ລຳ​ນ້ຳ​ອູ​ທີ່​ມີ​ທິວ​ທັດອ ​ ັນງ​ ົດງ​ າມປະມານ 6 ຫາ 7 ຊົ່ວໂ ​ ມງ, ຍາມ​ໃດ​ໜອງ​ຂຽວ​ ກໍ່ບ ​ ໍ່​ປາດ​ສະ​ຈາກພາບ​ແຫ່ງຄ ​ ວາມ​ປະ​ທັບໃ ​ ຈ, ​ໂດຍ​ມີພາບ​ເບື້ອງ​ຫຼັງເ​ ປັນພ ​ ູ​ ຜາ​ຫີນ, ວິວແມ່ນ ​ ້ຳ​ທີ່​ເຕັມໄ​ ປ​ດ້ວຍ​ສະ​ເໜ່ມົນຂ ​ ັງ ​ແລະ​ ກິດຈະກຳ​ນອກ​ ສະຖານ​ທີ່​ອັນນ ​ ັບບ ​ ໍ່​ຖ້ວນ. ການ​ເດີນທາງ​ລະຫວ່າງ​ຫຼວງ​ພະ​ບາງ​ຫາໜອງ​ຂຽວ​ບໍ່​ມສ ີ​ ິ່ງໃ ​ ດ​ໂດດ​ ເດັ່ນໄ​ ປ​ກ່ວາ​ການ​ຂີ່​ລົດຈ ​ ັກ. ​ໄລຍະ​ທາງ 25 ກິໂ ​ ລ​ແມັດສ ​ ຸດທ ​ ້າຍ​ ຫຼັງຈ ​ າກ​ປາກ​ມອງ ​​​​ແມ່ນໄ​ ລຍະເວລາ​ທີ່​ພິ​ເສດ​ສຸດ. ​ເສັ້ນທາງ​ ດັ່ງກ່າວ​ຕັດຜ່ານ​ພູ​ເຂົາ​ຂຽວສົດຊ ​ ື່ນ, ທົ່ງນ ​ າອັນສ ​ ວຍ​ສົດງ​ ົດງ​ າມ, ຄວາຍພວມ​ກິນຫຍ ​ ້າ ​ແລະ​ ຊຸມ​ຊົນຕ ​ ົວ​ເມືອງ​ນ້ອຍ​ຈຳນວນ​ໜຶ່ງ, ​ ເຊິ່ງ​ເປັນກ ​ ານ​ນຳ​ສະ​ເໜີ​ວິຖີ​ຊີວິດ​ຊົນນະບົດຂ ​ ອງ​ລາວ​ຢ່າງ​ ໜ້າ​ປະ​ທັບໃ ​ ຈ.

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Meet the Stone Giants Nong Khiaw, the village of sleeping stone giants. The dramatic wonders of nature make Nong Khiaw a hidden gem of Northern Laos.

Just a 3-hour drive north from Luang Prabang, or a six to seven hour cruise up the spectacular Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw never fails to impress, with its backdrop of imposing limestone mountains, picturesque river views and a variety of outdoor activities.

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TOURISM

There’s no better way to make the journey between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw than by motorbike. The last 25km after Pakmong are a fantastic ride. The route passes lush green mountains, beautiful rice fields, grazing buffalo and a handful of small towns, which offer a wonderful introduction to life in rural Laos. ພໍ​ມາ​ເຖິງໜ ​ ອງ​ຂຽວ​ກໍ່​​ເຕັມໄ​ ປ​ດ້ວຍ​ແຮງ​ບັນດານ​ໃຈ. ຖະໜົນສ ​ າຍ​ຫຼັກໃ ​ ນ​ ຕົວ​ເມືອງ​ຕັດຜ ​ ່ານ​ແມ່​ນ້ຳ​ ​ເຮັດ​ໃຫ້ແ ​ ນມ​ເຫັນພ ​ ູຜາ​ທີ່​ໂດດ​ເດັ່ນສ ​ ະຫງ່າຢູດ ່​ ້ານ ​ຂ້າງ​ແມ່ນ ​ ້ຳ​ອັນຄ ​ ົດລ ​ ້ຽວ ແລະ​ ປ່າທ ​ ຂ ີ່​ ຽວ​ອຸດົມສົມບ ​ ູນ. ​ມັນເ​ ປັນສະຖານ ​ທີ່ໆທ ​ ່ານ​ຮູ້ສຶກໂ ​ ດຍ​ທັນທີວ່ ​​ າ​ຢາກ​ຈະ​ພັກເ​ ຊົາເພື່ ​​ ອຜ ​ ່ອນຄາຍ ​ແລະ ດູດດ ​ ຶ່ມທ ​ ິວ​ທັດອ ​ ັນຈ ​ ັບ​ໃຈ. ກິດຈະກຳ​ອັນຫຼ ​ າກ​ຫຼາຍ​ເຊັ່ນ: ການ​ຍ່າງ​ປ່າ, ທ່ຽວ​ຊົມຖ ​ ້ຳ, ປິນຜາ, ຂີ່​ເຮືອກາ​ຢັກ​ ແລະ ຂີ່​ລົດຖ ​ ີບ ມີ​ບໍ​ລກ ິ​ ານ​ທັງພ ​ າຍ​ໃນ​​ ແລະ​ ເຂດ​ ໃກ້ຄ ​ ຽງ​ໜອງ​ຂຽວ. ທ່ານ​ສາມາດ​ສອບ​ຖາມ​ຂໍ້​ມູນນ ​ ຳຫ້ອງການ​ທ່ອງ​ ທ່ຽວ​ທີ່​ທ່າເ​ ຮືອຫຼ ​ ື​​ເຄົາ​ເຕີ​ສະໜອງ​ຂໍ້​ມູນຂ ​ ອງ ກຣິນດິສໂ ​ ຄ​ເວຣີ ​ໄດ້ທ ​ ີ່​ຣີ​ສອດ​ ແຄມ​ນ້ຳ​ໜອງ​ຂຽວ. ​ໃນ​ຕົວເ​ ມືອງ​ກໍ່​ມຮ ີ​ ້ານ​ອາຫານ, ນວດ​ແຜນ​ບູຮານ​ ແລະ ​ ບາ​ຈຳ​ນວນຫຼາຍ​​​ເພື່ອໃ ​ ຫ້ບ ​ ໍລິການ​ທ່ານ. ​ ຊ້ເວລາ​ ໃ ​​ ຂເີ່​ ຮືອ​ພຽງໜຶ່ງຊ ​ ົ່ວ​ໂມງ ກໍ່ຈ ​ ະ​ໄປ​ເຖິງບ ​ ້ານ​ເມືອງ​ງອຍທີ່ໂດດດ່ຽວ​ ແລະ​ ງຽບ​ສະຫງົບ ​ເຊິ່ງບໍ່ມ ​ ີ​ເສັ້ນທາງ​​​ເຖິງ ​ສະ​ນັ້ນຈ ​ ຶ່ງ​ບໍ່​ມລ ີ​ ົດ​ ບົດບ ​ ັງຄ ​ ວາມ​ ງຽບ​ສະຫງົບຂ ​ ອງ​ສະຖານ​ທີ່​ອັນສ ​ ວຍ​ສົດງ​ ົດງ​ າມ​ແຫ່ງນ ​ ີ້. ​ເວລາ​ຖືກກ ​ ຳນົດ​ ໂດຍ​ອິງໃ ​ ສ່ກ ​ ານ​ໝູນຂ ​ ອງ​ຕາ​ເວັນຂ ​ ຶ້ນຫຼ ​ ຕ ື​ ົກ. ​ແລະ​ ທຸ​ກສິ່ງຈ ​ ະ​ປິດໃ ​ ຫ້ບ ​ ໍລິການ​ ໃນ​​ເວລາ 9 ຫຼື 10​ໂມງ, ​ໃນ​ຂະນະ​ທສ ີ່​ ຽງ​ໄກ່ຜໂ ູ້​ ອກ​ຂັນເ​ ປັນສັ ​​ ນຍານ​ອາ​ລຸນ​ ວັນ​ໃໝ່. ສິ່ງໜຶ່ງ​ທີ່​ທ່ານ​ຄວນ​ລອງ​ໃນ​ໄລຍະ​ເວລາ​ພັກຜ່ອນ​ຢູ່​ໜອງ​ຂຽວ​ແມ່ນການ​​ ນັ່ງເ​ ທິງອ ​ ູ່​ຢູ່ລະບຽງ​ນອກບັງກ ​ າ​ໂລ​ແຄມ​ນ້ຳ​ອູ, ​ເພື່ອຊ ​ ົມທ ​ ິວທ ​ ັດອ ​ ັນສ ​ ວຍ​ສົດ​ ງົດງ​ າມ​ ແລະ​ ເຮືອທ ​ ີ່​ພວມ​ແລ່ນຢ ​ ່າງ​ຊ້າໆ. ຫຼັງຈ ​ າກ​ນັ້ນທ ​ ່ານ​ກໍ່​ສາມາດ​ຍ່າງ​ ເລາະ​ລຽບ​ຕາມ​ເສັ້ນທາງ​ນ້ອຍ​ ຜ່ານ​ຜ່າພ ​ າບ​ທຳ​ມະ​ຊາດ​ອັນໜ ​ ້າ​ປະ​ທັບໃ ​ ຈ.

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Arriving in Nong Khiaw is awe inspiring. The main road in the town crosses the river to reveal vertical limestone rock-faces beside the meandering river and lush forest. It’s the kind of place you instantly feel you could stay a while, just relaxing and enjoy the stunning scenery.

There are ample opportunities for trekking, caving, rock-climbing, kayaking and cycling in and around Nong Khiaw. Be sure to visit the tourism office on the pier or head to the Green Discovery counter at the Nong Khiaw Riverside Resort. The town also has a good selection of restaurants, massage and laid-back bars.

Only an hour away by boat is the isolated and sleepy village of Muang Ngoi. There are no roads, so there’s no cars to break the serenity of this beautiful place. Time is marked as it has always been; aligned with the rise and fall of the sun. And everything shuts down by nine or ten, until the noisy roosters mark the start of a new day.

If there’s anything you wouldn’t want to miss in Muang Ngoi, it’s sitting in a hammock outside one of the many riverside bungalows, watching the spectacular scenery and slowmoving boats. Then you can walk along one of the easy tracks that weave there way through the dramatic landscape.

​​ເມືອງ​ງອຍ​ກໍ່​ສະໜອງ​ກິດຈະກຳ​ອັນ​ຫຼາກ​ຫຼາຍ​ຄ້າຍຄື​ກັນ​ກັບ​ ໜອງ​ຂຽວ​​ເຊິ່ງປະກອບ​ມີ: ການ​ຍ່າງ​ປ່າ, ຂີ່​ເຮືອ​ຊົມທ ​ ິວ​ທັດ, ທ່ຽວຊົມຖ ​ ້ຳ, ຕັ້ງແ ​ ຄ່ມ​ ແລະ ​ຂີ່​ເຮືອກ ​ າ​ຢັກ, ທຸກສ ​ ິ່ງທ ​ ີ່​ກ່າວ​ມາ​ ນັ້ນ​ເປັນ​ວິທີ​ທີດີ​ທີ່​ສຸດ​ໃນ​ການ​ດູດ​ດື່ມ​ຄວາມ​ງາມ​ທາງ​ທຳ​ມະ​ ຊາດ​ຈາກ​ເຂດ​ດັ່ງກ່າວ. ທ່ານ​ສາມາດ​​ໃຊ້ບ ​ ໍລກ ິ​ ານ​ຂີ່​ເຮືອ​ຫາ​ ປາຕາມແບບ​ປ ະຖົ ມ ​ປ ະ​ຖ ານ​ຂ ອງຄົ ນ ຫາປາ​ໃ ນ​ທ້ ອ ງ​ຖິ່ ນ , ​ ແລະ​ ຫຼັງຈ ​ າກ​ນັ້ນທ ​ ່ານ​ກໍ່​ຈະ​ໄດ້​ລອງ​ຊີມລົດຊ ​ າດ​ປາ​ປິ້ງທ ​ ີ່​ ທ່ານ​ຫາ​ໄດ້​​ເທິງດ ​ ອນ​ໃດ​ໜຶ່ງ​ທໃກ້ ີ່​​ ຄ ​ ຽງ. ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ຍ່າງ​ໄປ​ບ້ານ​ໜຶ່ງ​ໃນ​ບັນດາ​ໝູ່​ບ້ານ​ທີ່ຢູ່​ຫ່າງ​ໄກສອກ​ ຫຼິກ​ ແລະ​ ກໍ່​ຄົ້ນພ ​ ົບຖ ​ ້ຳ​ຈຳນວນ​ໜຶ່ງ​ໃນ​ເຂດ​ນັ້ນ. ມັນເ​ ປັນວ ​ ັນ ພັກຜ ​ ່ອນທີ່ເ​ ຕັມໄ​ ປ​ດ້ວຍ​ຄວາມ​ງົດງ​ າມ. ເມືອງ​ງອຍ​ເປັນ​ສະຖານ​ທີ່ໆ​ທ່ານ​ຈະ​ຕ້ອງຮູ້ສຶກ​​ເສຍ​ໃຈ​ໃນ​ ຍາມ​ຈາກ ​ແລະ ​ກໍ່​ບໍ່ຮູ້​ວ່າ​ເມື່ອໃດທ່ານ​ຈະໄດ້ກ ​ ັບຄ ​ ືນໄ​ ປ​ຢ້ຽມ ຢາມອີກ.

Muang Ngoi offers a similar range of activities as Nong Khiaw, including trekking, boating, caving, camping and kayaking, all of which are a great way to get the most out of the area’s natural beauty. You can also go on a fishing trip to master the traditional methods used by local fishermen, then enjoy your catch with a BBQ on one of the nearby islands.

We walked to one of the remote villages and discovered a few of the many caves in the area. A lovely day out.

Muang Ngoi is the kind of place you are always sad to leave and know you have to come back.

Useful links: www.nongkiau.com www.saangtours.com www.greendiscoverylaos.com

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Scouring Siphandon

By Bernie Rosenbloom In 1866, French Commander Ernest Doudart de Lagree and his first officer, Francis Garnier, departed Saigon with a crew of 20, and set sail to explore the Mekong. Their mission: steam to the fabled riches of China and firm up France’s Southeast Asian colonial foothold.

The raging rapids flanking Champasak’s Don Khone Island ended their boat ride, but not France’s colonial aspirations. They realised the strategic value of Don Khone, as it sidestepped the impassable torrent. Control Don Khone and Siphandon (4,000 Islands), and the Mekong is yours.

I realised that without Siphandon’s back story, my visit would boil down to pondering a pair of 100-year-old rusty locomotives, spotting Irrawaddy river dolphins, and watching water race over rocks. Surely thousands of islands offer more than that.

Once again, Rik Ponne and Jim Johnston at the Asian Development Bank’s Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP-Laos) opened their library and presented the plan to brighten Siphandon’s flash on travellers’ radar screens.

TOURISM

ທ່ອງທຽ່ວເຈາະເລິກ ສີ່ພັນດອນ ໃນປີ 1866, ຜູ້ບັນຊາການທະຫານຝຣັ່ງ ທ່ານ ແອກເນັສ ດູດາກ ເດີລາກຣີ ແລະ ຜູ້ຮອງຂອງເພີ່ນ ທ່ານ ຟຣອງຊິດ ກາກນີເອ ໄດ້ອອກເດີນທາງຈາກເມືອງໄຊງ່ອນ ພ້ອມດ້ວຍລູກນ້ອງຈຳນວນ20ຄົນ ໂດຍໄດ້ອອກເດີນເຮືອສຳຫຼວດ ລຳແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ. ໜ້າທີ່ຂອງເຂົາເຈົ້າແມ່ນເດີນທາງຂຶ້ນຕາມແມ່ນ້ຳໄປຍັງປະເທດຈິນ ດິນແດນແຫ່ງຕຳນານອັນອຸ ດົມຮັ່ງມີ ແລະ ເພື່ອເປັນການຮັບປະກັນຮັດແໜ້ນທີ່ໝັ້ນຫົວເມືອງຂຶ້ນຂອງຝຣັ່ງໃນຂົງເຂດອາຊີອາຄະເນ. ກະແສນ້ຳທີ່ໄຫຼແຮງໃກ້ກັບເຂດດອນຄອນແຂວງຈຳປາສັກໄດ້ຢຸດການເດີນເຮືອຂອງເຂົາເຈົ້າ, ແຕ່ບໍ່ສາມາດຢຸດ ຄວາມຫວັງໃນການຂະຫຍາຍເມືອງຂຶ້ນຂອງຝຣັ່ງໄດ້. ເຂົາເຈົ້າຮັບຮູ້ເຖິງຄຸນຄ່າທາງຍຸດທະສາດຂອງດອນຄອນ ເນື່ອງຈາກວ່າເຂົາເຈົ້າຖີກທາງກະແສນ້ຳທີ່ບໍ່ສາມາດຜ່ານໄດ້. ຖ້າຄຸມດອນຄອນ ແລະ ສີ່ພັນດອນໄດ້ (4000 ດອນ) ແລະ ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງຈະເປັນຂອງທ່ານ. ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຮັບຮູ້ດີວ່າ ຖ້າບໍ່ມີປະຫັວດພູມຫຼັງຂອງສີ່ພັນດອນ, ການເດີນທາງຂອງຂ້າພະເຈົ້າກໍ່ຈະມີພຽງແຕ່ການ ຊົມຫົວລົດໄຟອາຍນ້ຳເກົ່າ ອາຍຸ 100 ປີ, ເບິ່ງປາຄ່ານ້ຳຈຶດ ແລະ ຊົມກະແສນ້ຳທີ່ໄຫຼແຂ່ງກັນຜ່ານໂງ່ນຫິນ. ແນ່ນອນ ສີ່ພັນດອນມີຫຼາຍກ່ວານັ້ນ. ອີກເທື່ອໜຶ່ງ ທີ່ ທ່ານ ລິກ ພອນ ແລະ ທ່ານ ຈີມ ຈອນສະຕັນ ຊ່ຽວຊານໂຄງການພັດທະນາການທ່ອງທ່ຽວແບບ ຍືນຍົງຂອງທະນາຄານພັດທະນາອາຊີ (STDP-Lao) ໄດ້ເປີດຫ້ອງສະໝຸດ ແລະ ນຳສະເໜີແຜນໃນການດຶງດູດ ຄວາມສົນໃຈຂອງນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃຫ້ກັບສີ່ພັນດອນ.

ທ່ອງທ່ຽວດອນໂຂງ ດອນໂຂງຄວາມເປັນສະຖານທີ່ໆຕ້ອງທ່ຽວຊົມຢ່າງຖາວອນໃນແຜນການເດີນທາງທ່ອງທ່ຽວສີ່ພັນດອນ ແທນທີ່ຈະມີ ສະຖານະທີ່ຖືກເບິ່ງຂ້າມ, ສະນັ້ນໂຄງການ STDP ຈຶ່ງນຳສະເໜີສິ່ງທີ່ໜ້າສົນໃຈໃນດອນໂຂງ ໃຫ້ຮັບຮູ້ກ່ອນ. ຫຼັງຈາກເດີນທາງດ້ວຍລົດຈັກໃນໄລຍະທາງ 130 ກິໂລແມັດເທິງເສັ້ນທາງເລກ13ໃຕ້ຈາກປາກເຊ, ປ້າຍ “ບ້ານຫາດຊາຍຄູນ” ບອກໃຫ້ລ້ຽວຂົວໄປຫາເຮືອນຳທ່ຽວແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ - ຂົວທີ່ພວມໄດ້ຮັບການກໍ່ສ້າງ - ຫາ ດອນໂຂງ ແລະ ເທດສະບານເມືອງໂຂງໃນປະຈຸບັນ ແລະ ເຄີຍເປັນຖານຂອງການບໍລິຫານພາກໃຕ້ຂອງ ລາວໃນສະໄໝເມືອງຂຶ້ນຝຣັ່ງ. ພວກເຮົາຍຸດທີ່ສູນຂໍ້ມູນຂ່າວສານການທ່ອງທ່ຽວທີ່ສະໜັບສະໜຸນໂດຍໂຄງການ STDP ແລະ ບ້ານຊົງ ຝຣັ່ງຂອງເຈົ້າເມືອງ ກຸອາໄພ, ເຊິ່ງຖືກສ້າງຂຶ້ນໃນປີ1935 ແລະ ໄດ້ຮັບບູລະນະຈາກ ການຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອຂອງໂຄງການ ໃຫ້ກາຍເປັນຫໍພິພິຕະພັນຂອງເມືອງໂຂງ. ສູນທ່ອງທ່ຽວແນະນຳໃຫ້ຍຸດຊົມ10 ຈຸດ, ລັດສະໝີ 30 ກິໂລແມັດ ເຂດພາກໃຕ້ ເຊິ່ງເລີ່ມຈາກການສະແດງລະຄອນສັດຢູ່ບ້ານ ຫິນສິ່ວ. ຊາວກະສິກອນຜູ້ສູງໄວອິ້ວອ້ອຍເພື່ອ ກັ່ນກອງເອົານ້ຳຫວານເພື່ອມາຂ້ຽວເປັນນ້ຳອ້ອຍແຜ່ນ. ຫິນແກະສະຫຼັກໃນສະໄໝຂະເໝນ, ເຊິ່ງຢັ່ງຢາຍຕາມຖານຂອງວັດພູພະພຸດທະຮູບເຂົາແກ້ວເຮັດໃຫ້ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຈຳ ຕ້ອງເລາະທ່ຽວຊົມ, ໃນຂະນະທີ່ບັນຍາກາດການຂັບເຂື່ອນແບບຊ້າໆຢູ້ອ້ອມຕາມຮ້ານອາຫານແຄມນ້ຳໃນເມືອງ ແສນເຮັດໃຫ້ພວກເຮົາທຸກຄົນຕ້ອງຢຸດຄຳເວົ້າທີ່ວ່າ “ໄປຕໍ່ໄດ້ແລ້ວ”

22

Lapping Don Khong

Don Khong deserves a permanent slot in Siphandon itineraries rather than “often overlooked” status, so the STDP brought its highlights to the fore.

Colonial Charm,Luxurious Elegance www.setthapalace.com

After a 130-km motorbike ride on Route 13 south from Pakse, a sign, “Ban Hat Xay Khoun”, signalled a right turn to the Mekong ferry – bridge under construction – to Don Khong Island and Khong Town, today’s district capital and colonial France’s southern Lao administrative base.

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We stopped at the STDP-supported Tourist Information Centre and Governor Kou Abhay’s French colonial house, built in 1935 and restored with STDP’s help into the Khong District Museum.

The visitor centre suggested a 10-stop, 30-km “Southern Loop”, which turned up a circus act in Ban Hinsiew. An older farmer scaled a limb-less sugar palm tree to extract fruit juice, which he steamed into sugar cakes called nam oy.

The Khmer-era rock carvings, scattered at the base of 14th-century Vat Phou Khao Keo’s stupa, caught me off guard, while the slowpace surrounding our riverside restaurant seats in Meuang Saen kept everyone from saying, “Let’s go.”

Stemp 5x5cm

Don’t missed to support Products of villager ໜື່ງຜະລິດຕະພັນທີ່ຕ້ອງຊິມ ຢ່າລືມແວະຊື້ຂອງຕ້ອນຈາກຊາວບ້ານ

Stemp 5x5cm

ດອນໂຂງ

ດອນໂຂງ

ສົດ ແລະ ທຳມະຊາດ

ສົດ ແລະ ທຳມະຊາດ

Khong Island

Khong Island

Palm Sugar

Palm Sugar

Pure & Natural

ບ້ານຫີນສິ່ວ, ເມືອງໂຂງ, ແຂວງຈຳປາສັກ

Ban Hinsiew, Khong District, Champasak Province Product of Laos

MFD.

ເກັບຮັກສາໄວ້ບ່ອນເຢັນແລະແຫ້ງ

NET WT.

g

Store in a cool, dry place

Pure & Natural

ບ້ານຫີນສິ່ວ, ເມືອງໂຂງ, ແຂວງຈຳປາສັກ

Ban Hinsiew, Khong District, Champasak Province Product of Laos

MFD.

ເກັບຮັກສາໄວ້ບ່ອນເຢັນແລະແຫ້ງ

NET WT.

g

Store in a cool, dry place

23

TOURISM

ທ່ຽວຊົມດອນຄອນ ປະມານ 14 ກິໂລແມັດ ລົງທາງໃຕ້ຕາມເສັ້ນທາງເລກ13, ສູນຂໍ້ມູນທ່ອງທ່ຽວນາກະສັງ ນຳສະເໜີດອນຄອນ ແລະ ດອນເດດເປັນພາສາອັງກິດ ແລະ ພາສາລາວ. ພວກເຮົາໃຊ້ບໍລິການເຮືອນຳທ່ຽວເພື່ອຂ້າມໄປຍັງດອນຄອນທີ່ຍັງຮັກສາວິຖີຊີວິດດັ່ງເດີມໄວ້ຢູ່, ເຖິງແມ່ນວ່າຜູ້ເດີນທາງໄປມາຈະຢຸດ ທີ່ບ້ານຫົວເດດທີ່ມີສີສັນ, ເຊິ່ງເປັນສະຖານທີ່ຝັ່ງແມ່ນ້ຳ ອວດອ້າງຮ່ອງຮອຍຂົວທຽບເຮືອອາຍຸ 100 ປີ,ເຊິ່ງເປັນການລະບຸສິ່ງທີ່ຕັ້ງຢູ່ທາງໜ້າ.

ພວກເຮົາເດີນທາງມາຮອດບ້ານຄອນ, ເຮືອນພັກ ແລະ ຮ້ານອາຫານຈຳນວນໜຶ່ງບໍລິການອາຫານປະເພດ ປາພອນ, ເຊິ່ງເປັນປາທີ່ມີຊື່ສຽງ ໃນທ້ອງຖິ່ນ. ຫຼັງຈາກອາຫານຄ່ຳ, ພວກເຮົາໄດ້ທ່ຽວຊົມວິຖີຊີວິດໃນດອນ ແລະ ທຳມະຊາດໃນສະໄໝອະດິດເມືອງຂຶ້ນຝຣັ່ງ. ເມື່ອຕາເວັນຂຶ້ນ ພວກເຮົາຂີ່ເຮືອໄປທາງຕາເວັນອອກ ຕາມທາງກັ້ນນ້ຳທີ່ມີຄວາມຍາວ 500 ແມັດ ສ້າງຂຶ້ນໃນປີ 1903 ເພື່ອລຳລຽງໄມ້ສັກລົງຕາມອຸມຸງຮູອີສົມ ເພື່ອໄປຍັງເຄື່ອນຄອນປາສ້ອຍ. ພວກເຮົາສາມາດຊົມວິວອັນສວຍງາມຈາກຂົວອູ່ຢູ່ເທິງດອນປາສ້ອຍ, ກ່ອນທີ່ຈະເດີນທາງໄປ ເບິ່ງຄົນຫາປາໄຕ່ໄມ້ໄຜ່ ກ່າຍຂ້າມແກ້ງນ້ຳເພື່ອຢາມຕ້ອນຂອງເຂົາເຈົ້າ. ປາເຕັມ ກະຕ່າກໍ່ໝາຍຄວາມວ່າຫາໄດ້ຫຼາຍ. ກັບຄືນມາຍັງເສັ້ນທາງຫຼັກ, ພວກເຮົາເດີນທາງໄລຍະ 2.5 ກິໂລແມັດ ໄປຍັງທ່າເຮືອຫາງຄອນຂອງດອນຄອນ ເພື່ອດີນທາງໄປທາງໃຕ້. ຂ້າພະເຈົ້າຄາດຫວັງວ່າຈະເຫັນຫົວລົດໄຟອາຍນ້ຳໃນສິ່ງປຸກສ້າງພ້ອມດ້ວຍສິລາຈາ ລຶກປະຫັວດຄວາມເປັນມາຂອງທາງລົດໄຟ, ແຕ່ຊ້ຳພັດໄດ້ຮຽນຮູ້ຫຼາຍກ່ວານັ້ນ. ເສົາຊິມັງຂອງຂົວສີ່ຊັ້ນທີ່ຖືກຖິ້ມໄວ້ໃນປະຈຸບັນ ເຄີຍເປັນຈຸດທີ່ລົດຍົກລຳລຽງເຄື່ອງຂອງເຂົ້າອອກຢ່າງສົນລະວົນ ເທິງແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງໃນອະດິດ. ແຕ່ໃນປະຈຸບັນ ລະບົບລົດຍົກທີ່ເຂົ້າໝ້ຽງໄດ້ຖືກເກັບໄວ້ໃນສາງເກັບເຄື່ອງ ທີ່ເຕັມໄປ ດ້ວຍຄວາມງຽບສະຫງົບ. ອ່າງເກັບນ້ຳຢູ່ ຮ່ອມພູທີ່ບໍ່ໄດ້ໃຊ້ວຽກຫຍັງກໍ່ມີແຕ່ຄວາມງຽບສະຫງົບເຂົ້າແທນທີ່ຄວາມ ອຸດົມສົມບູນໃນຊຸມປີ 1930. ວາດສະໜາໄດ້ຜັກດັນໃຫ້ຫາງຄອນເປັນຈຸດເດັ່ນ. ສະພາບການລະຫວ່າງຝຣັ່ງ ແລະ ສະຫຍາມກ່ຽວກັບ ແມ່ນ້ຳ ຂອງໄດ້ເພີ່ມຂຶ້ນກາຍເປັນການກີດກັນຂອງດ້ານເດີນເຮືອຂອງບາງກອກໃນປີ1893. ສົນທິສັນຍາຫຼັງຈາກນັ້ນກໍ່ ເອື້ອຜົນປະໂຫຍດແກ່ຝຣັ່ງທີ່ຕ້ອງການນຳເຮືອບັນທຸກປືນໃຫ່ຍຜ່ານດອນຄອນ. ນາວາໂທ ຈອດ ຊີມົງ, ເຊິ່ງເປັນ ຜູ້ບັນຊາການທັບເຮືອໃນເວລານັ້ນ ກໍ່ໄດ້ສ້າງທາງລົດໄຟໄລຍະ 3 ກິໂລແມັດ ເພື່ອຂ້າມຜ່ານຫລີ່ຜີ ແລະ ລຳລຽງ ເຮືອຈາກດອນຄອນໄປບ້ານຄອນໃຕ້.

Exploring Don Khone

About 14 km further down Route 13, the Nakasang Tourist Information Centre introduces Don Khone and Don Det in English and Lao. We booked ferry passage to laidback Ban Khone, though some commuters stopped at the livelier Ban Hua Det, where the river bank boasted the remains of a 100-year-old pier, a hint of what lay ahead.

We arrived at Ban Khone, a cluster of guesthouses and riverside restaurants serving “Pa Phone”, a local fish specialty.

Over dinner, we mapped out a tour weaving island life and nature into colonial France’s past.

At sunrise, we motored east to the 500-meter-long river barrier, built in 1903 to funnel teak down the Hou Ixom Channel to a diversion dam straddling Khone Pa Soy Rapids. We pondered the marvel from Pa Soy Island’s suspension bridge, before taking a path to fishermen crawling over the rapids on a bamboo matrix to check their traps. Fish-filled buckets revealed a good catch.

Back on the main trail, we ventured 2.5 km to Hang Khone Port on Don Khone’s southern tip. I expected the steam locomotive in a pavilion with panels presenting the railway’s tale, but got much more.

The concrete bones of an abandoned four-storey pier, from where gantry cranes once loaded freight, hung hauntingly over the Mekong. A rusted pulley system climbed up the bank to a now-silent motor room. A retired hillside reservoir quietly looked down on a ghost town that had thrived through the 1930s.

TOURISM

ແຕ່ວ່າ ລູກນ້ອງຂອງ ນາວາໂທ ຊີມົງ ບໍ່ສາມາດລຳລຽງເຮືອຂຶ້ນບົກໄດ້, ສະນັ້ນ ເພີ່ນຈຶ່ງປ່ຽນເສັ້ນທາງລົດໄຟ ໄປຫາງຄອນ ໃນປີ 1894 ແລະ ດຶງຫ້າມລວງນ້ຳໄປຍັ້ງສະຖານທີ່ລໍຖ້າຂົນສົ່ງ ແລະ ຫຼັງຈາກນັ້ນກໍ່ໃຊ້ເວ ລາຢູ່ ສາມຊົ່ວໂມງ ເພື່ອເຮັດໃຫ້ແຮງດັນນ້ຳມີກຳລັງອ່ອນລົງ. ຂ້ອຍຢືນເບິ່ງ ສິ່ງທີຍັງຄົງຫຼົງເຫຼືອຢູ່ໃນຂະນະທີ່ມີຄົນມາບອກວ່າ: ເຖິງ ເວລາຂຶ້ນເຮືອ ເພື່ອເດີນທາງໄປເບິ່ງປາຄ່ານ້ຳຈຶດທີ່ໃກ້ສູນພັນ. ເຖິງແມ່ນວ່າຈະເຕັມໄປດ້ວຍຄວາມງຽບສະຫງົບ, ແມ່ນ້ຳທີ່ແຄບ ແລະ ເຕັມໄປດ້ວຍຝູງປາຈາກຫາງຄອນ ໄດ້ຢຸດຕິການເດີນທາງຕໍ່ໄປທາງ ຕົ້ນນ້ຳ, ມັນໄດ້ສະໜອງພູມລຳເນົາອັນຫາຍາກເຊິ່ງເປັນບ່ອນອາໄສ ຂອງປາຄ່ານ້ຳຂອງຈຳນວນໜຶ່ງ. ພວກເຮົາເຂົ້າໃກ້ຊາຍແດນກຳປູເຈັຍ ເນື່ອງຈາກວ່ານ້ຳມາກໃນລະດູ ຝົນໄດ້ພັດພາເອົາປາຄ່າ ໄປຍັງຝັ່ງຕາເວັນຕົກຂອງແມ່ນ້ຳ. ກວດສາຍ ຕາແນມເບິ່ງໜ້ານ້ຳໃກ້ໆກັບດອນນ້ອຍ ແລະ ມັນກໍ່ປຽບເໝືອນສັນ ຍານປາຄ່າໄດ້ໂຜ່ຫົວອອກຈາກນ້ຳ ແລະ ລຳໂຕສີຟ້າເທົາກໍ່ພົ້ນເໜືອ ໜ້ານ້ຳ ເນື່ອງຈາກວ່າປ່າຄ່າອອກມາຫາຍໃຈຢ່າງເຊື່ອງຊ້າ.

26

Fate propelled Hang Khone into the spotlight. French and Siamese tensions over the Mekong escalated into an 1893 naval blockade of Bangkok. The resulting treaty favoured France, who needed to move gunboats above Don Khone.

Mission leader, Naval Lt Georges Simon, constructed a 3-km railway to bypass Somphamit Falls (Li Phi), and transport vessels from Don Khone’s Marguerite Bay to Ban Khone Tai. But, Lt Simon’s crew could not hoist the boats ashore, so he rerouted the rails to Hang Khone in 1894, and pulled the two-piece “Ham Luong” to an awaiting carriage and threehour push to calm upriver waters.

I stood gawking at the relics, when someone snapped me from my daze. It was time to board a boat to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Though the small stretch of quiet, shallow, fish-filled waters off Hang Khone terminated upriver steamboat trips, it offers a rare habitat harbouring a handful of the Mekong’s 80-some “snub-fin dolphins”

ພາບຂອງໂຄງທ່າທຽບເຮືອໄດ້ສອດແຊກຈາກທິວທັດອັນຂຽວສົດງົດ ງາມຂອງຫາງຄອນໃນວັນທີ່ພວກເຮົາ ເດີນທາງກັບເຊິ່ງເປັນການຈຳ ລອງມະໂນພາບນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃນສະໄໝໄທທານິກ ແລະ ສິນຄ້າຖືກ ສົ່ງໄປຍັງລົດໄຟຂົນສົ່ງ ແລະ ຂົນສົ່ງທາງນ້ຳໄປຍັງສະຫວັນນະເຂດ, ວຽງຈັນ ແລະ ຫຼວງພະບາງ.

We puttered to Cambodia, as the swelled rainy-season river sends dolphins to the western banks. Eyes scanned the surface near a shrubby island, and as if on cue, the dolphins’ bulging foreheads and blue-gray bodies broke the surface, as they lazily came up for air.

ເສັ້ນທາງຂອງພວກເຮົາສືບຕໍ່ໄປຍັງຫລີ່ຜີ, ໂງ່ນຫີນ ແລະ ສາຍນ້ຳສີ ຂາວພັດເຂົ້າສູ່ຝັ່ງເມືອງຂຶ້ນຝຣັ່ງ ແລະ ພວກເຮົາກໍ່ຢຸດພັກຊົມຮ່ອງ ຮອຍສິ່ງປຸກສ້າງຈາກສະໄໝຂະເໝັນທີ່ວັດຄອນໃຕ້.

The view of the enormous skeletal pier interrupting Hang Khone’s greenery on our return conjured images of Titanicera tourists and cargo transferring to the shuttle train and ships bound for Savannakhet, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang.

ACCOMMODATION ADVISOR

Vientiane Salana Boutique Hotel

Designed to impress even the most discerning guests, this charming boutique hotel is centrally located in Vientiane, placing you in the centre of all the hustle and bustle the city has to offer. www. salanaboutique.com

AV Hotel

Guestrooms at AV come with modern décor and dark wood furnishings. All rooms are well-equipped with a refrigerator and en suite bathroom with hot shower facilities. www.avhotel.info

Don Chan Palace hotel

Don Chan Palace is the first ever international five star hotel in the capital of Laos. It is strategically located along the infamous Mekong River and within easy reach to the major cultural sites and ancient temples. www.donchanpalacelaopdr.com

Le Leela Hotel

A newly opened hotel, this exclusive property is located in the heart of the city, right in Vientiane.

Just a couple minutes away from Wat Piawat, Wat Simuang, and the Melong River, it is a perfect place for a brilliant educational and cultural experience. www. leleela.com

Luang Prabang Le Bel Air Hotel

This boutique resort in Luang Prabang is perfect for a comfortable stay in tranquil rural Laos. A newly opened hotel, its ten guestrooms with beautiful river views are decorated with local products: precious woods, natural silk and traditional Laotian hangings. www.lebelairhotels.com

Kiridara Hotel

The 24 room boutique hotel scaled on a hillside and surrounded by native teak forests, offers panoramic views of Mount Phou Si, with easy access to central Luang Prabang. Designed to take full advantage of the magnificent Mount Phou Si views, Kiridara guest rooms offer spacious interiors that spill out into external terraces, balconies and courtyards. www. kiridara.com

Villa deux rivières

Located in the heart of Luang Prabang this unique boutique hotel is situated in the centre of the UNESCO World Heritage area, with the main historical places of interest and attractions within walking distance. The hotel offers you 17 comfortable rooms, spread out over 5, two storey, low rise buildings, set around a small garden. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Lao style, yet equipped with all modern facilities. www.villadeuxrivieres.com

Satri House Hotel

This beautiful, refurbished property is the most exquisite places in this ancient city. Located in the heart of the city, the whole interior is designed with a style inspired by Lao culture, set in a serene ambience. All the rooms of this hotel are fully equipped with modern amenities, providing utmost comfort to all guests. Relax at the balcony while watching the everyday’s life of local people or dip in the outdoor pool and spa or even sit back and do some work in the library, provided with internet connectivity. Guests should not miss to sample food at the onsite restaurant or chill at the garden bar for few drinks. www.satrihouse.com

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ບ້ານຄອນໃຕ້ກໍ່ມີບົດຮຽນທາງປະຫວັດສາດໄວ້ໃຫ້ຮຽນຮູ້ເຊັ່ນກັນ. ໃນປີ 1910, ໄດ້ສ້າງຂົວ 13 ເສົາຂ້າມຮູເບຫານຊິນ ໄປດອນເດດ ພ້ອມໆກັບການປັບປຸງຫາງຄອນ ແລະ ນອກນີ້ຍັງສ້າງທ່າທຽບເຮືອທີ່ພວກຂີ່ເຮືອຜ່ານເມື່ອກ່ອນນີ້. ສາລາບ້ານຄອນໃຕ້ເປັນບ່ອນເກັບມ້ຽນຫົວລົດໄຟປີ 1929 ແລະ ສິລາຈາລຶກປະຫວັດຂອງດອນຄອນເປັນ ພາສາອັງກິດ ແລະ ພາສາລາວ. ການເດີນທາງໄປສີ່ພັນດອນຂອງພວກເຮົາສິ້ນສຸດທີ່ຕາດຄອນພະເພງ. ມັນເປັນນ້ຳຕົກທີ່ມີແຮງອັນມະຫາສານແຕກພັດຜ່ານກະທົບໄປ ທຸກທາງຄ້າຍກັບຟອງຍັກຊຶນາມິທີ່ບໍ່ມີຈຸດຈົບພັດຜ່ານໂງ່ນຫິນຜາສູງຊັນຕົກລົງເປັນຟອງ, ກະທົບເປັນແຮງສັ່ນສະເທືອນພື້ນດິນ, ຄ້າຍຄືກັບສະໄໝຝຣັ່ງມາເຖິງແຜ່ນດິນລາວ.

Our route continued to Somphamit Waterfalls, the boulder-filled, white-water thorn in colonial France’s side, and stopped to see Khmer-era relics at Vat Khone Tai. Ban Khone Tai provided another history lesson. In 1910, along with Hang Khone upgrades, the French built the still-viable 13-arch bridge across Hou Béhanzin to Don Det, extended the rails to Ban Det, and constructed the pier we passed the day before. A Ban Khone Tai pavilion shelters a 1929 locomotive and panels revealing Don Khone’s past in English and Lao.

For more information, go to “Visitor Information” at www.stdplaos.com’s Web-based Knowledge Centre.

Our Siphandon excursion ended at the Khone Phapheng Waterfalls. This hydro-wonder explodes over a wide fault line like an unending tsunami, rumbling over massive boulder-filled drop-offs with a foaming, ground-shaking force, just like it did when the French arrived.

www.ChampaMag.com we can guide you more s based in Hang hed three boating tour STDP-Laos has establis hins and Rapids Tour” spots the “Darling of l, Khone. A one-day “Dolpls to Don Sadam Island, Hu Sahong Channe ve tra d an ”, ng ko the Me eng Canyon. rapids, and Tham Ee Da ng Island, treks Tour” sails to Don Saho Kassoum and ing pp Ho d lan “Is y da to oboats The tw Channel to waterfalls, along Hu Xang Pheuak ights at a Ban Hang Khone homestay. The ra Yuak Islands, and overn es a second homestay and trek to Khmer-e lud inc n tio op ay three-d temple ruins. center staff. t the Nakasang visitor To book a tour, contac

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ACCOMMODATION ADVISOR

Vang Vieng

North

South

Inthira Vang Vieng

Nong Khiaw Riverside

Khone Phapheng Resort - Champassak

Each of the boutique style guestrooms is designed with modern fittings and feature offers a roof top terrace with a view of the famous limestone mountains which line the Nam Song River. To top its list of facilities, access to the swimming pool of Ban Sabai Bungalow is only a 100 meters away. www.inthirahotels.com

The Elephant Crossing Hotel

Located in Vang Vieng this hotel is conveniently close to many of the city’s most historic and famous Buddhist temples. The hotel offers 40 comfortable guest rooms with modern amenities including TV with satellite channels, air conditioning and a mini bar. The The Elephant Crossing Hotel also organizes scenic boat trips up and down the river thanks to its attached jetty. The hotel also houses a delicious restaurant that serves delicious local delicacies and there are also a number of food stall dotted around d the area for guests to try. www.theelephantcrossinghotel.com

Nam Lik Eco-village

Lovers and specialists of Nature, travelers and sports or relaxation addicts will all find in Nam Lik a dream place to enjoy their leisure. The resort has been designed as a still and harmonious place to fit in the wild landscape as well as a human project linked to the village, Ban That Wang Monh. www.namlik.com

Large and comfortable wooden bungalows on stilts with breathtaking river view. Warm welcome by Eskil the Danish owner and his friendly team. Excellent home made food. The place to stay. www.nongkiau.com

Auberge Phouphadend - Phonsavan A delightful little resort on a hilltop in the countryside near Phonsavan, the base for exploring the famous ‘Plain of Jars’. Fifteen comfortable wooden bungalows are spread through the forest cover of pine and fern trees.

Charming Lao Hotel

The Charming Lao Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Oudomxai. All rooms and suites are fully equipped with modern facilities. Best choice in town. www.charminglaohotel.com

The Boat Landing

The premier ecotourism lodge in Luang Namtha with access to the Nam Ha Protected Area. The bungalows are constructed with local materials in a local Lao style adapted for your comfort and pleasure. www.theboatlanding.com

The Resort is secluded in 32 acres of lush green forestry and built alongside the Majestic Mekong River.

Khonephapheng Resort is situated approximately 148 kilometers south of Pakse and only 2 kilometers to the famous Khonephapheng Waterfall- otherwise known as the Pearl of the Mekong.

Each bungalow is built with a private terrace and offers a spectacular view of the Beautiful Mekong River. www.khonephaphengresort.com

The river Resort - Champassak

This newly opened riverside resort in Champasak offers 20 confortable guest rooms that have stunning panoramic views of the Mekong River from their large riverfront terraces.

Swimming pool overlooking the river, laotian massage pavilion, charming staff. A beautiful retreat. www.theriverresortlaos.com

La Folie Laos - Done Daeng

Located on Dong Daeng Island, on the banks of the Mekong River in southern Laos, where exceptional natural beauty and unspoilt charm combine with areas of significant cultural interest, La Folie Lodge sits on a secluded beach facing the ruined Khmer temples of Wat Phou. www.lafolie-laos.com

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by i n sm a i

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MAKING TRACK

ເມືອງຊຽງຄານ, ຈັງວັດເລີຍ

Destination Chiang Khan

T

ຕັ້ ງ ​ຢູ່ ​ດ້ າ ນ​ຫຼັ ງ ​ຂ ອງ​ແ ມ່ ​ນ້ ຳ ຂອງ​ທ າງ​ພ າກ​​ເ ໜື ອ​ ucked behind the Mekong River ຂອງ​​ຈັ ງ ​ຫ ວັ ດ ​ເ ລີ ຍ ​ແ ລະ​ທ າງ​ຕ າ​ເ ວັ ນ ​ຕົ ກ ​ຂ ອງ​ north of Loei and west of Nong ໜອງ​ຄາຍ, ​ເມືອງ​ຊຽງ​ຄານ​ເປັນ​ປາຍທາງ​​ທ​ຊ ີ່ ວນ​ Khai, Chiang Khan is the ideal ​ໃຫ້​ຫຼົງ​ໄຫຼ​ສຳລັບ​ການ​ພັກຜ່ອນ​ພ້ອມ​ດ້ວຍ​ຄູ່​ຮັກ, destination for a romantic getaway. ສະຫງົບ​ແລະ​ສວຍ​ສົດງ​ ົດງ​ າມ.

The day before we left, I called Europcar who immediately ມື້ກ່ອນ​ໜ້າ​ທີ່​ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ອອກ​ເດີນທາງ, ຂ້າພະ​ເຈົ້າ​ໄດ້ໂ ​ ທ​ຫາ​ບໍລິສັດລ ​ ົດເ​ ຊົ່າ ຢູໂ ​ ຣຄາ ​ເຊິ່ງ​ໄດ້ຕ ​ ົກລົງໃ ​ ຫ້ເ​ ຊົ່າ​ລົດພ ​ ້ອມ​ທັງພ ​ ະນັກງານ​ຂັບລ ​ ົດທ ​ ມ ີ່​ ີ​ທັກສ ​ ະ​ ແລະ ປ ​ ະສົບກ ​ ານ​ໂດຍ​ທັນທ ​ ີ. ຫຼັງຈ ​ າກ​ທຂ ີ່​ ້າມ​ໄປ​ຝັ່ງໄທ, ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ໄດ້ເ​ ດີນທາງ​ໄປ​ທາງ​ທິດຕາ​ເວັນ​ຕົກ​ ປະມານ 200 ກິໂ ​ ລ​ແມັດ ​ຕາມ​ເສັ້ນທາງ​ລຽບແຄມ​ຂອງ​ທມ ີ່​ ີ​ທິວ​ທັດສ ​ ວຍ​ ງາມ​ປະ​ທັບໃ ​ ຈ. ​ໂຊກ​ດີ, ທີ່ພະນັກງານ​ຂັບລົດເ​ ປັນຄ ​ ົນໃ ​ ຈ​ເຢັນຫ ​ ຼາຍ ​ແລະ​ ກໍອ ່​ ະນຸຍາດ​ໃຫ້ພ ​ ວກ​ເຮົາ​ຈອດ​ຫຼາຍໆ​ຄັ້ງຕ ​ າມ​ເສັ້ນທາງ. ຫຼັງຈ ​ າກ​ໄດ້ຊ ​ ົມທ ​ ິວ​ ທັດອ ​ ັນຊ ​ ວນ​ຫຼົງໄຫຼເ​ ປັນ​ເວລາ​ສາມ​ຊົ່ວ​ໂມງ, ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ກມ ໍ່​ າ​ເຖິງຊ ​ ຽງ​ຄານ,​ ເມືອງ​ເກົາ່ ​ທ​ເ່ີ ຕັມ​ໄປ​ດວ ້ ຍ​ຄວາມ​ງາມ​​ເຊິງ່ ຫາ​ກ​ເ່ໍ ປັນ​ທ​ຮ ່ີ ບ ັ ​ຮ​ຫ ູ້ ວ່າງ​ບ​ດ ່ໍ ນ ົ ​ມາ​ນ.້ີ ຊຽງ​ຄານ​ມີ​ທິວ​ທັດ​ທີ່​ສວຍ​ງາມ​ແລະ​ມີ​ຈັງຫວະ​ການ​ດຳລົງ​ຊີ​ວິດ​ທີ່​ເຊື່ອງ​ຊ້າ​ ແລະ​ລຽບ​ງ່າຍຄືກ ​ ັບຫ ​ ຼາຍ​ເມືອງ​ທີ່​ຕັ້ງຢ ​ລ ູ່​ ຽບ​ແຄມ​ແມ່ນ ​ ້ຳຂອງ. ມີ​ທາງ​ເລືອກ​ ທີ່​ຫຼາກ​ຫຼາຍ​ດ້ານ​ສະຖານ​ທພ ີ່​ ັກເ​ ຊົາ ​ແລະ ​ຍ້ອນ​ສະຖານ​ທີ່​ທ່ອງ​ທ່ຽວ​ທີ່​ໂດດ​

30

provided a car, as well as a skilled and professional driver.

After crossing into Thailand, we headed west for around 200km along a spectacular road beside the Mekong. Luckily, our driver was incredibly patient and allowed us to make numerous stops along the way. After three hours of beautiful scenery, we arrived in Chiang Khan, a beautiful old town that was considered off the beaten track until quite recently.

Chiang Khan offers the same beautiful scenery and slow pace of life as many other towns along the Mekong. It’s long list of secluded accommodation options and a few sights make it a great place to sit back and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Eastern Thailand.

OUR PICK ເຮືອນພັກ​ສຸ​ເນ​ຕາ

ເດັ່ນ ​ເຮັດ​ໃຫ້ເ​ ມືອງ​ນີ້​ເປັນຈ ​ ຸດທ ​ ີ່​ດເີ​ ລີດສ ​ ຳລັບກ ​ ານ​ຫວນ​ຄືນເ​ ວລາ​ແລະ ​ດູດ​ ດື່ມບ ​ ັນຍາກາດ​ຢ້ອນ​ຍຸກ​ໃນພາກ​ຕາ​ເວັນ​ອອກສ່ຽງເໜືອຂອງ​ປະ​ເທດ​ໄທ. ຜູ້​ຢ້ຽມຢາມ​ສາມາດ​ຍ່າງ​ອ້ອມ​ຕົວ​ເມືອງ​ຊຽງ​ຄານ​ໄດ້​ຢ່າງສະດວກ​ສະບາຍ. ການ​ຍ່າງ​ທີ່​ໜ້າ​ປະ​ທັບໃ ​ ຈ​ ແລະ​ ຜ່ອນຄາຍ​ທສ ີ່​ ຸດແ ​ ມ່ນ​ໄລຍະ​ແຕ່ບ ​ ້ານ​ ຜາ​ແບນ​ຫາ​ອຸມົງ, ​ເຊິ່ງ​ເປັນບ້ານ​ໜຶ່ງ​ທີ່ຍັງຮ ​ ັກສາ​ໄວ້​ເຊິ່ງທຳນຽມ​ປະ​ເພນີ​ ປະຕິບັດຕ ​ າມ​ວິຖີ​ດັ້ງເ​ ດີມ​ແລະ​ກໍເ່​ ປ​ັນສະຖານ​ທີ່ໆມ ​ ີ​ຮອຍ​ຕີນພະ​ບາດ, ຖ້ຳ​ ທີກ ່​ ້ວາງ​ໃຫ່ຍ, ທິວທ ​ ັດພ ​ ູ​ເຂົາ​ອັນສ ​ ວຍ​ງາມ ​ແລະ ຜ ​ຄ ູ້​ ົນທ ​ ເີ່​ ປັນມ ​ ິດ. ປ່າສະຫງວນ​ແຫ່ງ​ຊາດ​ສອງ​​ແຫ່ງ​ໃນ​ບັນດາ​ເຂດ​ອະນຸລັກ​ທີ່​ດີ​ສຸດ​ຂອງ​ໄທ​ກໍ່​ ຢູບ ່​ ໍ່​ໄກ​ຈາກ​ເມືອງ​ຊຽງ​ຄານ​ພໍ​ປານ​ໃດ​​ເຊັ່ນ: ພູ​ກະ​ດຶງ​ ແລະ​ ພູເ​ ຮືອ ນອກ​ນີ້​ ຍັງ​ມີ​ສະຖານ​ທີ່​ອື່ນ​ທີ່​ມີ​ຄວາມ​ງົດ​ງາມ​ບໍ່​ຕ່າງກັນ​ແຕ່​ອາດ​ມີ​ຊື່ສຽງ​ນ້ອຍ​ກ່ວາ​

ນີ​ແ ້ ມ່ນ​ເຮືອນພັກ​ທ​ສ ່ີ າ້ ງ​ໂດຍ​ໄມ້​ແລະ ​ມຄ ​ີ ວາມ​ ງົດ​ງາມ ມີ​ທງັ ​ໝດ ົ 10 ​ຫອ ້ ງ​ນອນ​ພອ ້ ມ​ດວ ້ ຍ​ອປ ຸ ະ​ ກອນ ​ແລະ​ການ​ຕບ ົ ແຕ່ງຢ່າງ​ມ​ລ ີ ດ ົ ​ນຍ ິ ມ ົ . ​ໂດຍ​ ຕັງ້ ​ຢ​ສ ູ່ ະຖານ​ທໆ ່ີ ​ສະດວກ​ສະບາຍ, ການ​ບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານ​ ແລະ ​ສງ່ິ ​ອຳນວຍ​ຄວາມ​ສະດວກ​ທ​ຫ ່ີ າຼ ກ​ຫາຼ ຍ​ກ​ມ ່ໍ ີ​ ໄວ້​ສະໜອງ. ຫ້ອງພັກ​ທ​ດ ່ີ ​ສ ີ ດ ຸ ​ກ​ມ ່ໍ ​ວ ີ ວ ິ ​ແມ່​ນຳ້ ຂອງ​ ອັນ​ເປັນ​ເລີດ.

Suneta Guesthouse

This lovely wooden guesthouse has 10 rooms fully equipped and tastefully decorated. Along with its convenient location, it offers a wide range of services and facilities. The best rooms have great river views.

There are plenty of walking opportunities around Chiang Khan. One of the most rewarding is a pleasant stroll between Ban Paben and Ban Umung, a village that seems lost in time and home to a Buddha foot print, a large cave, superb mountain scenery and friendly people.

Two of Thailand’s best National Parks are also only a short distance from Chiang Khan: Phu Kradung and Phu Reua, as well as the lesser known but equally beautiful Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo National Park). There are also many spectacular waterfalls, as well as the Phu Luang Wildlife Reserve along the Thai-Lao border.

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MAKING TRACK

ເຊັ່ນພ ​ ສ ູ​ ວນ​ໄຊ (ຫຼື​ຮູ້ຈັກກ ​ ັນໃ ​ ນ​ນາມ​ປ່າສ ​ ະຫງວນ​ແຫ່ງຊ ​ າດ​ ນາ​ແຫ້ວ). ນອກ​ນຍ ີ້​ ັງມ ​ ີ​ນ້ຳຕົກທ ​ ສ ີ່​ ະຫງ່າ​ງາມ ພ້ອມ​ທັງເ​ ຂດ​ ສະຫງວນ​ສັດປ່າພ ​ ູ​ຫຼວງ​ທຕ ີ່​ ັ້ງຢ ​ ູ່​ຕາມ​ຊາຍ​ແດນ​​ໄທ-​ລາວ. ​ ນ​ຕົວ​ເມືອງ​ຊຽງ​ຄານ, ນັກທ ໃ ​ ່ອງ​ທ່ຽວ​ວາດ​ມະ​ໂນ​ພາບ​ຄືນ​ ໄດ້ເ​ ຖິງສ ​ າຍ​ພົວພັນດ ​ ້ານ​ປະຫວັດສາດ​ແລະ ວ ​ ັດທະນະທຳ​ ລະຫວ່າງ​ພາກ​ຕາ​ເວັນ​ອອກ​ສ່ຽງເໜືອຂອງ​ໄທ​ແລະ ລ ​ າວ, ​ ໂດຍ​ສະ​ເພາະ​ແມ່ນວ ​ ັດວາ​ອາ​ຮາມ​ທມ ີ່​ ີ​ຊົງລ ​ າວຈຳນວນ​ ຫຼາຍ, ເ​ ຊິ່ງ​ເບິ່ງໂ ​ ດຍ​ລວ​ມ​ແລ້ວ​ກຄ ໍ່​ ້າຍຄືກ ​ ັບບ ​ ັນດາ​ວັດ​ທີ່​ສາ ມາດ​ພົບເ​ ຫັນໄ ​ ດ້ທ ​ າງ​ພາກ​ເໜືອ​ຂອງ​ລາວ. ໃ ​ ນ​ບັນດາ​ວັດ​ ທີ່​ໜ້າ​ສົນໃ ​ ຈ​ທີ່​ສຸດແ ​ ມ່ນວ ​ ັດ​ປ່າກ ​ າງ ແ ​ ລະ ວ ​ ັດ​ມະຫາ​ທາດ. ນອກຈາກ​ນັ້ນທ ​ ່ານ​ສາມາດ​​ຊົມ ແມ່ນ ​ ້ຳຂອງ​ໄຫຼຢ ​ ່າງ​ ມິດງຽບ ຈາກ​ເທິງລ ​ ະບຽງ​ຂອງ​ເຮືອນພັກທ ​ ີ່​ເຮັດ​ ດ້ວຍ​ໄມ້​ເຕັມໄ ​ ປ​ດ້ວຍ​ມົນສະ​ເໜ່ ​ເຊິ່ງ​ເປັນສ ​ ິ່ງທ ​ ີ່​ ຈະ​ລື​ມ​ໄດ້ຍາກ.

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In Chiang Khan, visitors are reminded of the strong historical and cultural ties between Eastern Thailand and Laos, particularly the characteristically Lao style of many of the temples, which closely resemble those found in Northern Laos. Among the most interesting are Wat Pa Klang and Wat Mahathat . Otherwise just watching the tranquil flow of the Mekong from the balcony of one of Chiang Khan’s charming wooden guesthouses is hard to beat.

ພິເສດສຸດໆ….

‘’ຂໍຂອບໃຈຜູ້ສະໜັບສະໜູນໃຈດີ ຂອງພວກເຮົາ ຢູໂຣບຄາ ທີ່ຄຽງຄູ່ໄປກັບ ພວກເຮົາທຸກບ່ອນ”

Special thanks to Europecar for getting us there safely

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OUTSIDE DISTINATION

ອັງກໍ

ມໍລະດົກອັນຍາມະນີຂອງກຳປູເຈັຍ

ເມືອງເກົ່າຂອງກຳປູເຈັຍເປັນສະຖານທີ່ປະດິດສະຖານມໍລະ​ ດົກທາງປະຫວັດສາດທີ່ຍິ່ງໃຫ່ຍຂອງກຳປູເຈັຍ. ແລະ ຍ້ອນມົນ​ ສະເໜ່ທີ່ຖືກເຊື່ອງຊ້ອນໄວ້ຫຼາຍຢ່າງນັ້ນ, ມັນໄດ້ກາຍເປັນສະ​ ຖານທີ່ດູດດື່ມມໍລະດົກທາງວັດທະນະທຳອັນລໍ້າຄ່າຂອງປະເທດ.

Angkor: Cambodia’s Heritage Treasure The ancient Khmer city of Angkor is home to many of Cambodia’s greatest historical treasures. And with it’s many hidden charms, it’s a great place to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage.

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ເມືອງທີ່ຖືກເຊື່ອງຊ້ອນແລະໂອບອ້ອມດ້ວຍປ່າໄມ້ອັນຕືບໜາ ແລະ ສະຖານທີ່ມໍລະດົກໂລກທີ່ມີຊື່ສຽງນັ້ນ: ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວສ່ວນຫຼາຍ​ ທີ່ເດີນທາງມາຢ້ຽມຢາມອາຊີອາຄະເນລ້ວນແລ້ວແຕ່ຝັນທີ່ຈະໄດ້​ ປະຈັກຕາກັບຮູບຊົງອັນໂດດເດັ່ນຂອງ ວັດອັງກໍ ເຊິ່ງເປັ່ງປະກາຍ​ ໂດຍແສງພະອາທິດຂຶ້ນອັນແຮງກ້າ.

A lost city surrounded by jungle and a renowned world heritage site; most visitors to Southeast Asia have envisaged the dream of witnessing that iconic silhouette of Angkor Wat, illuminated by a fiery sunrise.

ອັງກໍເປັນເມືອງຫຼວງຂອງອານາຈັກຂະເໝນແຕ່ສັດຕະວັດທີ 9 ຫາ 14. ສຳລັບຫຼາຍໆທ່ານແລ້ວ, ມົນສະເໜ່ຂອງຕົວເມືອງແມ່ນມາ ຈາກປິດສະໜາຫຼາຍຢ່າງທີ່ຫາຄຳຕອບບໍ່ໄດ້ຂອງຄວາມສີວິໄລ ທີ່ ໄດ້ສ້າງມັນຂຶ້ນມາ ແລະ ການມີທີ່ຕັ້ງຢູ່ໃກ້ປ່າໃຫ່ຍທີ່ຢູ່ອ້ອມນັ້ນ. ນອກນັ້ນ, ມັນເປັນໄປບໍ່ໄດ້ທີ່ຈະບໍ່ຕະລຶງໄປກັບຮາກຕົ້ນໂພທີ່ປົ່ງ​ ຂຶ້ນຕາມບ່ອນທີ່ແຕກຫັກຂອງສິ່ງກໍ່ສ້າງ.

Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire from 9th to 14th century. For many, the city’s charm comes from the many unsolved mysteries of the civilization who built it, as well as its proximity to the surrounding jungle.

It is also impossible not to be struck by the gigantic banyan roots which are growing in and amongst the ruins.

ໃນສະໄໝຂະເໝນຮຸ່ງເຮືອງອຳນາດ, ອັງກໍກໍ່ເປັນເມືອງເອກໃນສະ ໄໝນັ້ນ, ພະເຈົ້າຊີວິດເຊິ່ງຄວາມຍິ່ງໃຫ່ຍຂອງພະອົງນັ້ນກໍ່ຖືກຈາລຶກ​ ໄວ້ໃນທຸກໆມຸມຂອງອານາຈັກ. ໂດຍມີການຄວັດຢ່າງໜ້າອັດສະຈັນໃຈ ແລະ ສີໜ້າອັນກ້ວາງໃຫ່ຍ,​ ອະທິບາຍທຸກສິ່ງຕັ້ງແຕ່ສິ່ງທີ່ເກີດຂຶ້ນ ໃນວິຖີຊີວິດປະຈຳວັນຈົນເຖິງ​ ການຫວນຄືນປະຫວັດສາດການຕໍ່ສູ້ທີ່ຍິ່ງໃຫ່ຍໃນສະໄໝນັ້ນ, ວັດອັງກໍ ກໍ່ປຽບເໝືອນປຶ້ມທີ່ເປີດປະໄວ້ເບື້ອງຫຼັງໂດຍນາຍຊ່າງ​ ແກສະຫຼັກເປັນເວລາຫຼາຍພັນປີມາແລ້ວ. ຝາຂອງສິ່ງກໍ່ສ້າງ ຫຼາຍ​ ຫຼັງ ກໍ່ປຽບເໝືອນວັດຈະນານຸກົມທີ່ສາມາດມອງເຫັນໄດ້ເຖິງວິຖີຊີວິດ ຂອງອານາຈັກຂະເໝນ ແລະ ມັນກໍ່ມີຫຼາຍໆເຫຼັ້ມ. ໃນດິນແດນຂອງພະພຸດທະເຈົ້າຫຼາຍອົງທີ່ແຂ່ງຂັນກັນ, ງູໃຫ່ຍ ທະເລ, ສັນຍາລັກທີ່ສະແດງເຖິງຄວາມແຂງແຮງ ທີ່ໜ້າປະຫຼາດ ແລະ ແປວໄຟອັນແຜດເຜົາ, ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຜູ້ຊອກຮູ້ຊອກເຫັນໄດ້ ເດີນທາງເຂົ້າ ໄປຄົ້ນຫາຄວາມສຸກ ໃນສະຖານທີ່ໆເປັນອັນຍາມະນີ​ ແຫ່ງປະຫວັດສາດເຊິ່ງຫາບ່ອນປຽບໄດ້ຍາກທີ່ສຸດ. ບໍ່ມີສະຖານທີ່ ໃດ ໃນກໍາປູເຈັຍຈະມີສີສັນເໜືອກ່ວາອັງກໍວັດ. ຍ້ອນສາເຫດ ດັ່ງກ່າວ, ​ ເປົ້າໝາຍໃນການກໍ່ສ້າງສະຖານທີ່ນີ້ກໍ່ຍັງຫຼົງເຫຼືອໄວ້ເຖິງປະຈຸບັນ.

At the hight of Khmer power, Angkor was the star of its time, a God-King whose splendor was famed in every corner of the empire.

With so many incredible carvings and enormous facades, depicting everything from the mundane happenings of daily life, to some of the most epic battles of the time, Angkor is like an open book left behind by master-craftsman thousands of years ago. The walls of many of the buildings are like a visual encyclopedia into life in the Khmer Empire. And it comes in several hundred volumes.

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OUTSIDE DISTINATION

In a land of jostling deities, giant sea snakes, strange phallic symbols and fiery flames, the curious visitor is in for a treat, in what is a historical treasure rivaled by few. Nowhere is the magic of Cambodia more alive than at Angkor. And so the purpose for which it was built lives on.

ໂຮງແຮມບ້ານອັງກໍ ສຽມລຽບ ຍ້ອນໄດ້ແຮງບັນດານໃຈຈາກບ້ານບູຮານຂອງກຳປູເຈັຍ, ໂຮງແຮມບ້ານອັງກໍໄດ້ຖືກສ້າງຂຶ້ນດ້ວຍຈິດສຳນຶກເຖິງຮີດຄອງປະເພນີຂອງຂະເໝນ, ໂດຍນຳໃຊ້ແບບເຮືອນໄມ້ບູຮານຕັ້ງຢູບໍລິເວນໜອງນໍ້າເຂດຮ້ອນ ແລະ ສວນທີ່ຂຽວສົດຊື່ນ, ຫ່າງໄກຈາກຕົວເມືອງທີ່ວຸ້ນວາຍ. ຫ້ອງນອນແມ່ນປະສົມປະສານກັນລະຫວ່າງຄວາມມີລົດນິຍົມ ແລະ ຄວາມສະດວກສະບາຍໂດຍມີລະບຽງທີ່ສາມາດເບິ່ງເຫັນ​ ສະລອຍນໍ້າອັນສວຍງາມຄົດລ້ຽວໄປຕາມສວນອັນຂຽວສົດຊື່ນ. ພາຍຫຼັງທີ່ໄດ້ທ່ຽວຊົມວັດໜຶ່ງວັນ, ກໍ່ສາມາດຜ່ອນຄາຍກັບບໍລິການສະປາ. ຄົນນວດກໍ່ມີຄວາມອ່ອນຊ້ອຍ ແລະ ຊ່ຽວຊານທີ່ຈະຮູ້ສຶກຜ່ອນຄາຍ. ສັ່ງເຄື່ອງດຶ່ມທີ່ເຮັດໃຫ້ສົດຊື່ນຈາກບາທີ່ຕັ້ງຢູ້ດ້ານຂ້າງ, ໃນຂະນະທີ່ເບີກບານໄປກັບລົມອ່ອນໆອັນບໍລິສຸດ ແລະ ກິ່ນຫອມຈາກສວນທີ່ຫຼາກຫຼາຍ. ນອກນີ້ຍັງມີຮ້ານອາຫານສອງຮ້ານທີ່ບໍລິການອາຫານ ທ້ອງຖິ່ນທີ່ມີຊື່ສຽງ. ທ່ານສາມາດຊືມຊັບວັດທະນະທຳ, ການເຕັ້ນ ແລະ ອາຫານກຳປູເຈັຍ ດ້ວຍການຊົມການສະແດງບົດຟ້ອນອັບສະລາ.

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Inspired by a traditional Cambodian village, the Angkor Village Hotel is built with Khmer tradition in mind, with its quaint wooden houses nestled among tropical ponds and gardens, secluded from the bustle of the town.

Rooms combine style with comfort and come with balconies overlooking a great swimming pool, which meanders through a lush green garden.

After a day visiting the temples, a relaxing spa is more than welcome. Staff are highly professional and expertly trained in the art of making you look and feel wonderful.

Angkor Village Hotel www.angkorvillage.com

Grab a glass of something refreshing at the open sided bar, while enjoying the fresh breeze and many scents of the garden. There are also two restaurants, which offer great local cuisine. You can also immerse yourself in Khmer culture, dance and food with an evening at the “Apsara Theatre”.

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',47# - %5;-3.),!-# /47 /$7 /(8:+ 1*;2#;/&" 9%%,(-& 4,#6&04

Hot Dishes

ມາຮອດລາວ, ຊິມອາຫານລາວ

A Taste of Laos

ຫຼວງພະບາງ ​ເປັນເ​ ມືອງໜຶ່ງຕັ້ງຢູ່ທາງຕອນເໜືອຂອງ ລາວ​ ​ເຊິ່ງນອກ​ຈາກ​ຈະ​ມີຊື່ສຽງສຳລັບມໍລະດົກ ດ້ານວັດ ທະນະທຳທີ່ຮັ່ງມີ, ກໍ່ຍັງມີຊື່ສຽງ ສຳລັບຄວາມນິຍົມຊົມ ຊອບດ້ານອາຫານການກິນທີ່ຫຼາກຫຼາຍເນື່ອງຈາກວ່າ ມີຮ້ານອາຫານທີ່ດີເລີດຈຳນວນຫຼວງຫຼາຍ. ໜຶ່ງໃນບັນ ດາຮ້ານເລົ່ານັ້ນແມ່ນຮ້ານອາຫານ ແລະໂຮງຮຽນປຸງ ແຕ່ງທໍາມາລີນ. ຮ້ານອາຫານນີ້ ໃຫ້ບໍລິການໃນເຮືອນໄມ້ທີ່ມີຄວາມງາມສະເພາະໃນ ໂຕ ແລະ ກໍ່ຕັ້ງຢູ່ໃຈກາງເມືອງແຄມນໍ້າຄານ. ເປັນສະຖານທີ່ໆມີບັນຍາ ກາດທີ່ເປັນມິດ, ພ້ອມກັນນັ້ນກໍ່ບໍລິການອາຫານທີ່ມີລັກສະນະງ່າຍໆ ທີ່ມີເອກະລັກຄວາມເປັນອາຫານລາວຢ່າງ​ເດັ່ນຊັດ ໂດຍມີພໍ່ຄົວຈ່ອຍ ຜູ້ທີ່ມີພອນສະຫວັນເ​ ປັນຜ ​ ູ້​ປຸງແ ​ ຕ່ງ ເຊິ່ງເຮັດໃຫ້ຮ້ານນີ້ກາຍເປັນທາງ ເລືອກອັນໂດດເດັ່ນ ສຳລັບບັນດາທ່ານທີ່ຕອ ້ ງການທົດລອງຊີມລົດຊາດ ແບບລາວໆ.

K

nown for its rich cultural heritage, Luang Prabang in Northern Laos has also become renowned for its many gastronomic delights, thanks to a wide selection of excellent restaurants. Among them is the authentic Lao food experience offered by the Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School.

The restaurant is housed in a lovely wooden house in a prime location on the banks of the Nam Khan River. It’s friendly atmosphere, as well as a simple menu of distinctly Lao food created by talented Lao chef Joy, make it a great choice for those looking for a “Taste of Laos”.

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Hot Dishes

Tamarind introduces a delicate balance of Lao flavors, a subtle combination of traditional spices and herbs, as well as high quality local produce including fresh fish, meat and vegetables. ຮ້ າ ນອາຫານທຳມາລິ ນ ນຳສະເໜີ ລົດ ຊາດອາຫານລາວໃນລະດັ ບ ທີ່ ພໍດີ, ດ້ວຍການປະສົມປະສານທີ່ພໍເໝາະລະຫວ່າງລົດຊາດເຜັດຕາມ ສູດບູຮານ ແລະ ພືດຜັກທີ່ເປັນສະໝູນໄພຄຽງຄູ່ກັບຜະລິດຕະພັນທ້ອງ ຖິ່ນທີ່ມີຄຸນນະພາບສູງເຊັ່ນ: ປາສົດ, ຊິ້ນ ແລະ ຜັກປອດສານພິດ. ພວກເຮົາເລີ່ມຕົ້ນດ້ວຍການຊີມອາຫານຫຼາຍຢ່າງ, ເຊິ່ງເປັນວິທີດີເລີດ ໃນການຊີມລົດຊາດອາຫານລາວ, ຕິດຕາມດ້ວຍຈານເສີບຊິ້ນຄວາຍ ແຫ້ງທຸບ. ອາຫານທຸກປະເພດໄດ້ຮັບການອະທິບາຍດ້ວຍຄວາມເອົາ ໃຈໃສ່ຈາກພະນັກງານທີ່ເຕັມໄປດ້ວຍໄມຕິຈິດມິດຕະພາບ. ເຄື່ອງດຶ່ມ ທີ່ມີລັກສະນະສ້າງສັນຂອງເຂົາເຈົ້າ ບາງປະເພດກໍ່ເຂົ້າກັນດີກັບອາ ຫານທີ່ ບໍ ລິ ກ ານໃນໄລຍະທີ່ ພ ວກເຮົ າ ພວມມ່ ວ ນຊື່ ນ ກັ ບ ການຊີ ມ ອາ ຫານປະເພດຕ່າງໆ ເຊິ່ງສິ້ນສຸດດ້ວຍການຮຽນປຸງແຕ່ງ. ການຮຽນປຸງແຕ່ງອາຫານເລີ່ມຕົ້ນທີ່ຕະຫຼາດທ້ອງຖິ່ນເຊິ່ງພວກເຮົາໄດ້ ຟັງຄຳອະທິບາຍກ່ຽວກັບ ຜະລິດຕະພັນສົດຈາກທ້ອງຖິ່ນ ໃນນັ້ນມີຜັກ ສົດ ແລະ ຜັກທີ່ເປັນສະໝຸນໄພຫຼາຍປະເພດ ຮວມທັງຊິ້ນ ແລະ ປາທີ່ມີ ຄວາມຫຼາກຫຼາຍຢ່າງໜ້າອັດສະຈັນ. ໂຮງຮຽນປຸງແຕ່ງຕັ້ງຢູ່ບໍ່ໄກຈາກໃຈກາງເມືອງພໍປ ​ ານ​ໃດ, ​ເປັນສ ​ ະຖານ​ ທີ່​ໂລ່ງ​ກາງ​​ແຈ້ງແ ​ ຄມ​ໜອງ​ ມີ​ບັນຍາກາດ​ທີ່​ອົບອຸ່ນ ແລະ​ ສວນ​ອັນ​ ຂຽວ​ອຸດົມຊ ​ ຸ່ມຊ ​ ື່ນ. ການ​ຮຽນ​ການ​ສອນ​​​ແມ່ນໄດ້ຖ່າຍ ​ ທອດ​ຄວາມ​ຮູ້​​ໃນ​ ລະດັບສູງ ​ສູດ ​ໂ ດຍ​ອາຈານ​ຜູ້ ​ທີ່​ມີ​ພອນ​ສະຫວັນ ​ອັນ ​ເປັນ ​ເ​ລີດ​ແ ລະ​ກໍ່ ​ ເນັ້ນໃ ​ ສ່ພ ​ າກປະຕິບັດຕ ​ ົວ​ຈິງ.

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ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ໄດ້​ຮັບ​ການ​ສິດສອນ​ວິທີ​ປຸງແ ​ ຕ່ງອາຫານ 5​ ຢ່າງ​ ​ໂດຍ​ບໍ່​ ຫຍຸ້ງຍາກແຕ່ກໍ່ຖຶກຕາມວິທີ ນີ້​ແມ່ນກ ​ ານ​ສິດສອນ​ອັນປ ​ ະ​ເສີດ ​ເພາະ​ ມັນ​ຈະ​ຊ່ວຍ​​ເຮັດ​ໃຫ້​ນັກຮຽນ​ທີ່​ຮຽນຈົບ​​ແລ້ວ​ສາມາດ​ປຸງ​ແຕ່ງອາຫານ​ ດ້ວຍ​ຄວາມ​ໝັ້ນໃ ​ ຈ ເມື່ອເ​ ວລາ​ກັບບ ​ ້ານ.

We started with a sampling platter, a great way to try a range of Lao tastes, followed by a plate of dried buffalo meat. Every dish was explained to us by the attentive and friendly staff. Some of their innovative drinks also proved to be the perfect accompaniment to out culinary adventure, which ended with a cooking lesson.

The cooking class began in the local market, where a variety of fresh local products were explained, including many fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as a selection of wonderful meat and fish.

The cooking school is located a short distance from the town centre, a lovely open-air pavilion nestled in a stunning lakeside location with beautiful lush gardens. The class is highly informative and hands-on, led by excellent instructors.

This was ideal as it really helps Tamarind’s students go away and cook with confidence after returning home

ລາຍການ​ອາຫານ​ທີ່​ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ຮຽນ​ປຸງແ ​ ຕ່ງແ ​ ມ່ນ:

​ ຈ່ວ​ໝາກ​ເຂືອ, ​ໝົກປ ແ ​ າ, ອົ່ວສ ​ ີ​ໄຄ, ​ເອາະຫຼາມ, ສັງຂະຫຍາ​ເຂົ້າກ່ຳ. ​ບໍ່​ພໍທໃ ໍ່​ ດ​ຊົ່ວ​ໂມງ​ຕໍ່​ມາ, ກໍ່ເ​ ຖິງເ​ ວລາ​ນັ່ງຊ ​ ີມສ ​ ິ່ງທ ​ ີ່​ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ໄດ້​ປຸງແ ​ ຕ່ງ. ສຳລັບລາຍການ​ອາຫານ 5 ​ຢ່າງ​ທີ່​ພວກ​ເຮົາ​ໄດ້​ປຸງແ ​ ຕ່ງນ ​ ັ້ນທ ​ ່ານ​ ສາມາດ​ເຂົ້າ​ເບິ່ງໄ​ ດ້​ທີ່​ເວັບ​ໄຊ​ຂອງ​ພວກ​ເຮົາ www.chamnpamag.com

Our menu was:

Jeow Mak Keua (Aubergine Dip), Mok Pa (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves), Ua Si Khai (Chicken or Tofu Stuffed Lemongrass), Orlarm (Luang Prabang Stew), Sticky Rice & Khao Gam (Purple Sticky Rice with Coconut Sauce).

A few hours later it was the time to sit down and sample what we had cooked.

For the five recipes we cooked, see our website www.chamnpamag.com

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Full Moon Restaurant: Dongnasok Village (near Donpasak traffic light) Tel: 021-520828, Mobile: 02055554341, 020 22225732

Restaurant

Wine Houses in Vientiane Vientiane has a small number of great wine houses offering an ideal combination of atmosphere and wine expertise. Here are some of our favourites.

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Restaurant

WINE 95 Wine 95 is a newly opened, upmarket and contemporary wine bar where great wines and a social atmosphere merge effortlessly together. In addition to their selection of fifty internationally renowned favourites, every 2 weeks there’s a new selection set to a unique theme. And there’s a Jazz piano concert every Thursday evening.

Setthathirath road

GECKO WINE BAR This rustic, warm cellar wine bar is modelled on boutique wineries from around the world. Whether you have discerning wine tastes or feel lost choosing the right bottle, the expertise of the staff is the main attraction. Everyone’s welcome, from wine-novices to educated connoisseurs. Gourmet plates are coming soon. Happy hour is from 6pm to 8pm.

Setthathirath road

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I-BEAM This convivial and relaxing tapas bar has an informal atmosphere ideal for enjoying some great wine with friends. There’s also a selection of gourmet tapas to enhance your palate, most notably of all the incredible cheese selection. Wine tastings are held every first Friday of the month. And for ladies on a Wednesday evening, all glasses of sparkling wine are half price.

Setthathirath road

THAT DAM WINE HOUSE This renowned wine house and restaurant is ideally located opposite That Dam. It has a large and very international selection of wine, perfectly matched with local and international cuisine.

Exceptional in value and quality, meat lovers will enjoy the serious steak menu. The candle lit terrace is wonderfully relaxed in the evening. And the personalised and attentive service mean That Dam Wine House is sure to exceed your expectations.

That Dam Place

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ACCOMMODATION

ຊອກຫາທີ່ພັກຜ່ອນ

ໃນແຂວງສະຫວັນນະເຂດ ເຊີນຊວນແຂກໃຫ້ກາຍເປັນສະຫວັນສ່ວນຕົວ, ໂດຍມີບໍລິການທີ່ປະສົມປະສານການຜ່ອນຄາຍ, ຄວາມຕື່ນເຕັ້ນຕະຫຼອດ 24 ຊົ່ວໂມງ ແລະ ຄວາມອະລັງການທີ່ຫາບ່ອນປຽບໄດ້ຍາກ.

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Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino Savannakhet

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he Savan Vegas Hotel invites guests to become absorbed in a world of its own, offering a blend of relaxation, twenty-four hour excitement and unparalleled luxury.

ແຂວງສະຫວັນນະເຂດ

ແມ່ນເມືອງໃຫ່ຍອັນດັບ

ສອງໃນລາວ, ເປັນເມືອງທີ່ມີສະຖາປັດຕະຍະກຳສະໄໝເມືອງ ຂຶ້ນຝຣັ່ງທີ່ດີສຸດໃນອາຊີອາຄະເນ ຫຼົງເຫຼືອຢູ່, ນອກນີ້ຍັງເປັນບ້ານເກີດຂອງວິລະບຸລຸດ ຜູ້ສຳຄັນທີ່ສຸດຂອງລາວ ອາດິດປະທານ ໄກສອນ ພົມວິຫານ. ແຕ່ວ່າຫຼາຍທ່ານ ມາແຂວງນີ້ກໍ່ເພາະມີບັນຍາກາດຂອງຄວາມເປັນຕົວ ເມືອງນ້ອຍທີ່ໜ້າ ພັກຜ່ອນ ແລະ ມີຮ້ານອາຫານອັນຫຼາກຫຼາຍຢັງຢາຍຕາມແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ອັນງຽບສະຫງົບ. ເຖິງແມ່ນວ່າຈະມີຄວາມຄ້າຍຄືກັບຫຼາຍໆເມືອງທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ແລະ ນອກນີ້ ຍັງມີຊາຍແດນຕິດກັບ ໄທ, ຫວຽດນາມ, ແຂວງສະຫວັນນະເຂດຖືວ່າເປັນສະຖານທີ່ເພື່ອ ຫຼຸດຜ່ອນຄວາມດັນເລືອດ ແທນທີ່ຈະເປັນບ່ອນສະໜອງຄວາມຕື່ນເຕັ້ນ ຈົນມາເຖິງຫວ່າງ ບໍ່ດົນມານີ້ ເມື່ອສະຫວັນເວກັດເກີດຂຶ້ນ.

Savannakhet

is the second largest city in Laos, home to some of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, as well as being the birthplace of one of Laos’ most celebrated heroes, Kaysone Phomvihane. But many come simply for its sleepy small-town atmosphere and tranquil riverside cafes. Despite its close proximity to numerous tourism hotspots, as well as borders with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Savannakhet was until recently, seen as a town guaranteed to lower your blood pressure, rather than provide much in the way of excitement. Until Savan Vegas was born.

The hotel is truly five star, affording guests every imaginable luxury, as well as quiet working areas and high-speed internet, making it an excellent choice for business travelers, as well as holiday makers looking for the very best. The Presidential Suite is particularly exquisite, featuring a spacious dining area, luxurious furniture, jacuzzi and even a fully stocked cocktail bar.

Yes. This is a hotel that takes pride in showcasing Luxury with a capital ‘L‘.

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ACCOMMODATION

For those looking to try their luck in the in-house casino, there are tables to keep even the most seasoned gamblers reeling with excitement into the small hours. Open twenty four hours, the casino offers the dazzling lights and relentless excitement of Las Vegas only a short bus ride from small town Laos, featuring more than 500 slot-machines, 100 table games and a sports book. There’s everything from Roulette and Blackjack to Caribbean Stud Poker and lots more.

Inside the casino, some of the best musical acts from Laos and Thailand play until late. And there’s a poker jackpot of more than 1.5 million baht.

Even if you are not coming to Savan Vegas to gamble the night away, the world-class gastronomy at the in-house restaurant is as good a reason as any. Guests can enjoy some of the finest dining in the region and there’s always something from everyone, with an eclectic menu of local and international favorites, as well as a buffet where choice, quality and world-class service run side by side.

Guests can also unwind at the the wonderful outdoor swimming pool & spa, which are sure to leave you feeling & looking your best.

At Savan Vegas, children are given the same VIP treatment, with a ‘Kids Club’ that is sure to offer a safe and fun-packed program that will keep them entertained for hours.

Lao Airlines fly to Savannakhet from Bangkok, Pakse and Vientiane. The hotel’s luxury stretch-limousine service can collect guests from the airport or central Savannakhet, just a short distance away. For fares and information on the latest Lao Airlines routes,

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ent. ur nearest Lao Airlines ag

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DOS & DON’TS

IN LAOS

WELCOME TO LAOS! WE HOPE YOUR VISIT IS ENJOYABLE AND REQUEST THAT YOU RESPECT THE LAO LAW, CULTURE AND CUSTOMS. PLEASE READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR CULTURALLY SENSITIVE TRAVEL IN THE LAO PDR.

created by insmai.com The Lao word for Hello is “Sabai dee”, usually said with a smile.

Touching or showing affectionn in public will embarrass your hosts.

Lao people traditionally greet each other by pressing their palms together to ‘NOP’, although it is acceptable for men to shake hands.

Kissing and hugging in public is impolite. Please be discrete.

In Laos your head is ‘High’, your feet ‘Low’. Using your feet for anything other than walking or playing sport is generally considered rude.

Remember, your head is ‘high’, your feet ’low’, it is polite to gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated. Never, ever step over someone in your path.

Lao people speak softly and avoid confrontation. Please do not shout or raise your voice. Before you take a photo of someone ask if it is ok.

More cartoon please visit: www.champamag.com

INTERNATIONAL ROUTE Please contact Lao Airlines office for confrimation FLT No

Day

Routing

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ບາງກອກ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV414 Daily VTE BKK QV415 247 VTE BKK QV415 1356 VTE BKK QV4571 Daily VTE BKK QV4575 Daily VTE BKK QV424 Daily BKK VTE QV425 247 BKK VTE QV425 1356 BKK VTE QV4570 Daily BKK VTE QV4574 Daily BKK VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ຮາ່ ໂນຍ ້ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV312 Daily VTE HAN QV920 Daily VTE HAN QV322 Daily HAN VTE QV921 Daily HAN VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ພະນ ົມເປັນ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV921 Daily VTE PNH QV920 Daily PNH VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV512 Daily VTE REP QV522 Daily REP VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ສິງກະໂປ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV535 247 VTE SIN QV545 247 SIN VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ໂຮຈ ິ ນ ິ - ວຽງຈ ັນ ່ ມ QV515 1356 VTE SGN QV525 1356 SGN VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ຄຸນມິງ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV817 Daily VTE KMG QV827 Daily KMG VTE ຫລວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງໃໝ່ - ຫລວງພະບາງ QV635 Daily LPQ CNX QV645 Daily CNX LPQ ຫລວງພະບາງ - ຈິ່ ງຫ ົງ - ຫລວງພະບາງ QV818 247 LPQ JHG QV828 247 JHG LPQ ຫລວງພະບາງ - ບາງກອກ - ຫລວງພະບາງ QV633 Daily LPQ BKK QV643 Daily BKK LPQ ຫລວງພະບາງ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ຫລວງພະບາງ QV513 1356 LPQ REP QV513 247 LPQ REP QV931 Daily LPQ REP QV523 1356 REP LPQ QV523 247 REP LPQ QV930 Daily REP LPQ ຫລວງພະບາງ - ຮາ່ ໂນຍ ້ - ຫລວງພະບາງ QV930 Daily LPQ HAN QV343 247 LPQ HAN QV313 Daily LPQ HAN QV931 Daily HAN LPQ QV353 247 HAN LPQ QV323 Daily HAN LPQ ປາກເຊ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ປາກເຊ QV512 Daily PKZ REP QV513 1356 PKZ REP QV513 247 PKZ REP QV522 DaIly REP PKZ QV523 1356 REP PKZ QV523 247 REP PKZ ສະຫວ ັນນະເຂດ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ສະຫວ ັນນະເຂດ QV213 Daily ZVK BKK QV223 Daily BKK ZVK ປາກເຊ - ໂຮຈ ິ ນ ິ - ປາກເຊ ່ ມ QV515 1356 PKZ SGN QV525 1356 SGN PKZ ປາກເຊ - ບາງກອກ - ປາກເຊ QV213 Daily PKZ BKK QV223 Daily BKK PKZ

56

Dep

Arr

AC

STP

VIENTIANE - BANGKOK - VIENTIANE 07:30 08:35 320 0 16:15 17:50 AT7 0 16:40 17:50 320 0 13:50 14:55 734 0 21:50 22:55 734 0 09:35 10:45 320 0 18:55 20:40 AT7 0 18:55 20:05 320 0 11:45 12:55 734 0 19:55 21:05 734 0 VIENTIANE - HANOI - VIENTIANE 15:15 16:25 320 0 19:35 20:35 320 0 17:25 18:35 320 0 09:40 10:45 320 0 VIENTIANE - PHNOMPENH - VIENTIANE 11:30 13:00 320 0 17:30 18:50 320 0 VIENTIANE - SIEMREAP - VIENTIANE 06:30 09:25 AT7 PKZ 10:05 13:00 AT7 PKZ VIENTIANE - SIEMREAP - VIENTIANE 15:40 19:40 320 0 20:40 22:40 320 0 VIENTIANE - HOCHIMINH - VIENTIANE 07:45 11:15 AT7 PKZ 12:15 15:50 AT7 PKZ VIENTIANE - KUNMING - VIENTIANE 07:20 09:50 320 0 10:50 11:20 320 0 LUANG PRABANG - CHIENG MAI - LUANG PRABANG 13:10 14:10 AT7 0 15:05 16:05 AT7 0 LUANG PRABANG - JINGHONG - LUANG PRABANG 11:20 12:20 AT7 0 13:00 14:00 AT7 0 LUANG PRABANG - BANGKOK - LUANG PRABANG 07:30 09:10 AT7 0 10:20 12:00 AT7 0 LUANG PRABANG - SIEMREAP - LUANG PRABANG 10:55 14:20 AT7 PKZ 10:55 14:20 MA6 PKZ 10:20 11:40 F70 0 15:00 18:10 AT7 PKZ 15:00 18:10 MA6 PKZ 12:20 13:40 F70 0 LUANG PRABANG - HANOI - LUANG PRABANG 14:25 15:15 F70 0 14:40 15:40 AT7 0 17:10 18:10 AT7 0 08:35 09:35 F70 0 16:20 17:20 AT7 0 18:50 19:50 AT7 0 PAKSE - SIEMREAP - PAKSE 08:25 09:25 AT7 0 13:20 14:20 AT7 0 13:20 14:20 MA6 0 10:05 11:05 AT7 0 15:00 16:00 AT7 0 15:00 16:00 MA6 0 SAVANNAKHET - BANGKOK - SAVANNAKHET 10:30 12:00 MA6 0 13:05 14:35 MA6 0 PAKSE - HOCHIMINH - PAKSE 09:40 11:15 AT7 0 12:15 13:50 AT7 0 PAKSE - BANGKOK - PAKSE 09:25 12:00 MA6 ZVK 13:05 15:35 MA6 ZVK

DOMESTIC ROUTE Please contact Lao Airlines office for confrimation FLT No

Days

Routing

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ຫລວງພະບາງ - ວຽງຈ ັນ

QV111 QV109 QV101 QV103 QV112 QV102 QV104 QV110

Daily 247 Daily Daily Daily Daily Daily 247

VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE

QV513 QV513 QV523 QV523

1356 247 1356 247

LPQ PKZ LPQ PKZ PKZ LPQ PKZ LPQ

QV501 QV502

246 246

ຫລວງພະບາງ - ປາກເຊ - ຫລວງພະບາງ

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ອຸດ ົມໄຊ - ວຽງຈ ັນ

VTE ODY ODY VTE ວຽງຈ ັນ - ຫວ ້ ຍຊາຍ - ວຽງຈ ັນ QV901 1356 VTE HOE QV902 1356 HOE VTE

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ຫລວງນຳ້ ທາ - ວຽງຈ ັນ

QV601 QV602

135 135

VTE LXG LXG VTE

QV401 QV401 QV402 QV402

247 1356 247 1356

VTE XKH VTE XKH XKH VTE XKH VTE

QV512 QV515 QV201 QV522 QV525 QV202

Daily 1356 Daily Daily 1356 Daily

VTE PKZ VTE PKZ VTE PKZ PKZ VTE PKZ VTE PKZ VTE

QV201 QV202

Daily Daily

VTE ZVK ZVK VTE

QV201 QV202

Daily Daily

PKZ ZVK ZVK PKZ

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ຊຽງຂວາງ - ວຽງຈ ັນ

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ປາກເຊ - ວຽງຈ ັນ

ວຽງຈ ັນ - ສະຫວ ັນນະເຂດ - ວຽງຈ ັນ

ປາກເຊ - ສະຫວ ັນນະເຂດ - ປາກເຊ

Remarks: All times are local times 1: Monday 2: Tuesday 3: Wednesday 4: Thursday 5: Friday 6: Saturday 7: Sunday

Dep

Arr

Ac

STP

VIENTIANE - LUANGPRABANG - VIENTIANE 09:15 10:10 AT7 0 09:30 10:25 MA6 0 11:45 12:30 320 0 16:30 17:25 AT7 0 07:50 08:45 AT7 0 13:30 14:15 320 0 17:55 18:50 AT7 0 18:40 19:35 MA6 0 LUANGPRABANG - PAKSE - LUANGPRABANG 10:55 12:35 AT7 0 10:55 12:35 MA6 0 16:30 18:10 AT7 0 16:30 18:10 MA6 0 VIENTIANE -OUDOMXAY - VIENTIANE 10:30 11:20 MA6 0 12:00 12:50 MA6 0 VIENTIANE- HOUEISAY - VIENTIANE 11:00 11:55 MA6 0 12:35 13:30 MA6 0 VIENTIANE - LUANGNAMTHA-VIENTIANE 14:00 15:00 MA6 0 15:30 16:30 MA6 0 VIENTIANE - XIENGKHUANG-VIENTIANE 13:40 14:10 AT7 0 13:40 14:10 MA6 0 14:40 15:10 AT7 0 14:40 15:10 MA6 0 VIENTIANE- PAKSE - VIENTIANE 06:30 07:45 AT7 0 07:45 09:00 AT7 0 07:40 08:55 MA6 0 11:45 13:00 AT7 0 14:30 15:45 AT7 0 16:05 17:20 MA6 0 VIENTIANE - SAVANNAKHET-VIENTIANE 07:40 09:55 MA6 PKZ 15:07 17:20 MA6 PKZ PAKSE - SAVANNAKHET - PAKSE 09:25 9:55 MA6 0 15:05 15:35 MA6 0

* QV4570/ QV4571/ QV4574/ QV4575 Operated by THAI AIRWAYS * QV920/ QV921/ QV930/ QV931 Operated by VIETNAM AIRLINES 02 Pangkham Rd, P.O. Box 6441 Vientiane , Lao P.D.R For more information please contact Lao Airlines Tel: +856 21 212016, 212051-54 Fax: +856 21 212056, 212058

www.laoairlines.com 57

LAO AIRLINES OFFICES

Vientiane (Head Office)

02 Pangkham Street, P.O. Box 6441 Tel: (856-21) 212057, Fax : ( 856-21) 212065 Ticket & Reservation

Tel: ( 856-21 ) 212051-54, Fax : (856-21) 212056 Email: reservation@laoairlines.com ticketing@laoairlines.com Tour Dept (Champa holidays)

Tel : (856-21) 219932, Fax : (856-21) 212058 Email : info@laoairlines.com, tour@laoairlines.com

Wattay Airport Office

Tel: (856-21) 512028 ( International Airport ) Tel: (856-21) 512 000, 512 004 ( Domestic Airport ) Branch offices (Domestic)

Branch offices (Abroad)

Luangprabang (Lpq) Town Office Tel: (856-71) 212172 Fax: (856-71) 212406 Email: lpq@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-71) 212173 Fax: (856-71) 252264 Email: lpqairport@laoairlines.com

THAILAND Bangkok - (Town office) 491/17 ground Fl, Silom plaza Silom road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: (66-2) 236 9822, 2369823, 237 8044 Fax: (66-2) 236 9821 Email: bkkrrqv@ksc.th.com SITA: BKKRRQV

Bangkok - (Airport office) Xiengkhuang (Xkh) 3RD Floor Room No. T3-072C, Tel: (856-61) 312027 Passenger building Suvarnabhumi Fax: (856-61) 312487 Email: xiengkhouang@laoairlines.com Airport Tel: (662) 134 2006 to 2008 Tel: (856-61) 312177 (Airport) Fax: (662) 134 2009 Booth (or Counter service) Luangnamtha (Lxg) No. 7/10 Tel: (856-86) 212072 (Opposite of Check-in row “R”) FaX: (856-86) 212073 Tel: (662) 134 2010 Email: lxg@laoairlines.com Fax: (662) 134 2011 Tel: (856-86) 312180, 312053 (Airport) Chiangmai 2/107 Rajchapuak, Huaykew Road Oudomxay (Ody) Amper muang Chaiangmai 50300 Tel: (856-81) 312047, 312146 Tel: (66-53) 223 401 Fax: (856-81) 212229 Fax: (66-53) 223 400 Email: ody@laoairlines.com Email: qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th SITA: CNXRRQ Houeisay (Hoe) Tel: (856-84) 211026 CARGO c/o P.T. Air Cargo Co.,Ltd. Fax: (856-84) 211471 Building 301, Room 427-428, Email: hoe@laoairlines.com Customs Free Zone Suvarnabhumi Tel: (856-84) 211494 (Airport) Airport, 999 Moo 7, Rachathewa, Bangphli, Samutprakan 10540 Savannakhet (Zvk) Tel: (66-02) 1346721 (Auto) Tel: (856-41) 212140, Fax: (66-02) 1346453-4 Fax: (856-41) 251060 Email: adulp@ptcargo.com Email : zvk@laoairlines.com Pakse (Pkz) Tel: (856-31) 212252 Fax (856-31) 212751 Email: pkz@laoairlines.com Airport Tel: (856-31) 251921, Fax: (856-31) 410130 E-mail: pkzspl@laoairlines.com pkzapqv@laoairlines.com

CAMBODIA Phnompenh 111 sihanouk st, no274, Phnompenh CAMBODIA Tel: (855-23) 222956, Tel/Fax: (855-23) 216 563 Email: pnhqv@laoairlines.com SITA: PNHRRQV Siem Reap 114 Sala Khanseng Village, road no 6 Svay Dongkhom Commune, Siem Reap District, Siem Reap Province Tel: (855-63) 963283 Fax: (855-63) 965160 Email: qvrep@laoairlines.com VIETNAM Hanoi 03 Lieu Giai Road, Badinh District, Hanoi Capital, Vietnam.

Tel: (84-4)3942 5362 Fax: (84-4)3942 5363 Email: laoairlines.han@fpt.vn SITA: HANTOQV Hochiminh City 11A Songda Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh Dist, Hochiminh City, Vietnam tel: 84-8 3547 4033 fax: 84-8 3547 4032 email: qvsgn@laoairlines.com CHINA Kunming N.96 East Dong Feng Road Camellia Hotel , Kunming, Yunnan, China 650041 Tel: (86 871) 3163000 ext 5166 Tel/Fax: (86 871) 312 5748 Email: kunming@laoairlines.com Jinghong 1st floor Kingland Hotel, 6Jingde Rd, Jinghong, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Tel/Fax: (86) 691 2199 Email: qvjhg@laoairlines.com

SINGAPORE Airport office New House 60, Airport Boulevard Unit B16-011 Changi Airport Terminal2 Singapore 819643 Tel: (+65) 6214 8829, Fax: (+65) 6214 8816 Email: sitthideth@laoairlines.com Town office c/o GSA-Maple Aviation Pte Ltd 133 NewBridge Road #14-07 Chinatown Point Singapore 059413 Tel: (+65) 6538 2192 , Fax: (+65) 6535 9901

GSA/SALES AGENT UNITED KINGDOM (UK) Lao Airlines GSA Axis House, 242 Bath Road Heathrow Middlesex UB3 5AY United Kingdom Tel : +44(0)844 482 2318 Fax : +44(0)844 482 1668 E-mail: laoairlines@apg-ga.co.uk FRANCE Lao Airlines c/o APG 66 avenue des Champs Elysées-75008 Paris Tel: (33) 1 53 77 13 13 Fax: (33) 1 53 77 13 05 E-mail: laoairlines@apg.fr SPAIN Gran Via Corts Catalanes 617 08009 BARCELONA Tel: (34) 933188443 Fax: (34) 934813833 E-mail: laoairlines@bcnair.com SWEDEN Lao Airlines Europe Box 22308 Kungsholmsgatan 10 104 22 Stockholm, Sweden Tel: (46) 8 545 91 668 Fax: (46) 8 612 05 92 E-mail: sales.europe@lao-airlines.com GERMANY Lao Airlines Leonhardstraße 22, 61169 Friedberg Tel: (49) 6031 737630 Fax: (49) 6031 725081 E-mail: laoairlines@gpgermany.com ISRAEL Euromart 29 Ben Yehuda ST, Tel Aviv Israel P.O.Box - 3254 Tel Aviv Israel, Tel: (972)-3-7952127, 5279256 Fax: 972-3-6005919 E-mail: euromart@netvision.net.il SITA: TLVGANZ

JAPAN ATB., Ltd 6F Wanami Bldg, 1-4-5 Nihombashi Kayaba-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 105-0025 Tel: (81-3) 5623 3858 Fax: (81-3) 5623 3859 E-mail: qv@lao-airlines.jp res@laoairlines.jp KOREA C/O Global Air System Rm 902, Kwang Hwa Mun Bldg, 211, Sejongro, Chongro-Gu, seoul, Korea Tel: (822) 3708 8561 Fax: (822) 3708 8569 E-mail : kashar@globalair21.com MALAYSIA C/O Maple Aviation Pte, Ltd CP57 Suite 1705 17th floor Central Plaza Jalan Sultan Ismail 50250 Kuala Lumpur Tel: (60) 321443101 / 3077 Fax: (60) 321429392 E-mail: maple_kl@tm.net.my SITA: KULTOOA TAIWAN Taiwan Orchid Express Inc 11F, No25, Chang An E Rd, Sec 1, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (886)-2 25682121 Fax: (886)-2 2521-3991 E-mail: info@toe.com.tw HUNGARY AVIATION GSA Co. 1065 Budapest VI., Nagymezo utca 47.

Tel: (361) 302-2484, (361) 354-1849 Fax: (361) 354-1848 Mobil: (36) 30-397-7353 E-mail: aviationgsa@t-online.hu

USA (SALES AGENT) Good Luck Tour And Travel 2021 The Alanmeda Suit 199 San Jose CA 95126 Tel: 408-243 7628 Fax: 408-243 8168 Email: nancy@goodlucktour.com EXCEL TRAVEL 4885E, Kings canyon, Fresno CA 93727, USA Tel: (559) 455 19159 Fex: (559) 455 1965 Email: exceltravelus@yahoo.com UNIVERSAL TRAVEL 4400 47TH AVE SACRAMENTO CA 95824 Tel: 916-429-2711 Fax: 916-429-1910 Email: reservations@universaltravel.com USA GATEWAY TRAVEL 4100 Spring Valley Rd, Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75244 Tel: 972-503-7888 Fax: 972-934-4612 Email: gttdfw@gtttravel.com USA GATEWAY TRAVEL (GTT Internationa) 1300 Godward St, N.E.Suite 3120 Mineapolis, MN 55413 Tel: 612-872-4931 Fax: 612-872-4932 Email: hanna.msp@gtttravel.com

LA

Vientiane Capital of Lao PDR

OS

Vientiane

Vientiane is Southeast Asia’s most laid-back capital. This city boasts outstanding French colonial architecture and low level buildings spread throughout the city, exuding its rich cultural heritage and relaxed atmosphere. Life in this pleasant capital is slow-paced. We explore this small, peaceful capital at a leisurely pace, visiting some of the finest and most important historical sites in Laos.

How to get to Vientiane on Lao Airlines?

From Bangkok, there are two daily flights. There are daily flights from Hanoi / Kunming / Siem Reap. From Ho Chi Minh, three flights a week (Tue, Thu & Sat).

Vientiane Free & Easy Stay-3 days Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane (B) Code: CPH71 Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package to Vientiane Capital, which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation at a hotel of your choice with breakfast, round trip airport transfer and a half day tour.

Vientiane Stop-Over-3 days Code: CPH72 Vientiane Stop-Over tour includes a round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, transportation in private car, hotel accommodation in a twin shared room with breakfast, English speaking guide, admission fee to indicated sights, Government tax and service charge and tour program are below:

Opon arrival in Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to a centrally located hotel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we begin visiting the major sights of the capital, including Vat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Buddha statues, and the former royal temple of Vat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha.

Enroute to Lao’s national icon, the precious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

We’ll end the day by the Mekong riverside for a relaxing stroll and admire the sunset.

Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 2: Vientiane – Nam Ngum Lake

After breakfast, we head out of the city to make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by the damming of the Nam Ngum River. On the way to Nam Ngum Lake, we’ll stop at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village that distills the local Lao whiskey.

On arrival at Nam Ngum Lake, we embark on a long tail boat to visit fishing villages in the various islets. We take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of the local fishermen. After that we’ll have lunch. On the return drive to Vientiane, [if time permits], perhaps you might want to experience gambling at the Lao casino located in the valley where you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the lake. We return to Vientiane by late evening. Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 3: Vientiane-Departure After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market which has a range of Lao made products, from silk, handicrafts, silver jewelry, clothing, etc. (if time permits). The tour ends after you’re transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

For more information please contact Champa holidays tour or Lao Airlines offices Tel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884 Email: info@laoairlines.com, sales@champaholidays.com, www.champaholidays.com

Pakse City (Champasak) Pakse Stop-Over-3 Days Code: Champa 3.2

Day1: Arrival-Pakse to Don Khone On arrival at Pakse, drive out towards Khong Island. On the way we make a short detour to visit Pha Suam Vaterfall and to explore the Lao Teung ethnic minority villages. We continue our journey by motorboat to Don Khong, the largest island in the southern part of the Mekong river region known as the 4,000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Khong. (L/D)

Day 3: Pakse - Departure after breakfast, at your leisure or shopping, then transfer to airport. (B)

Package includes: - Roundtrip on Lao Airlines air ticket - Two nights accommodation in hotel in a twin sharing room; daily breakfast - Transportation in private car - English speaking guide - Admission fee to indicated sights

Day 2: Khong Island to Done Khone Pakse Free & Easy Stay-3 Days to Pakse Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a longtail boat tour of the Don Khone area, which takes you to visit the remains of the French colonial period and Liphi Vaterfall or “the Corridor of the Devil”. We return to the mainland at the fishing village of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest Vaterfall by volume in South east Asia; this is an impressive attraction near the Lao-Cambodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making it one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Afterwards we drive back to Pakse.

Overnight in Pakse. (B/L/D)

Code : Champa 3.1

Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in Pakse, the southern city of Laos. You can make a connection flight on Lao Airlines flight from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Day 1: Meet at Pakse airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Day 2: Enjoy breakfast at hotel and free time or you may contact hotel counter for city tour yourself.

Package includes: - Roundtrip Lao Airlines air ticket - Two nights accommodation at hotel Daily breakfast - Round trip airport transfer

Pakse Splendid We explore the beautiful region of Pakse, located in the southern part of Laos, also home to the famous Ancient Khmer ruins of Vat Phou from the 5th Century and the aweinspiring Khone Phapheng Vaterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia! The surrounding forests teem with flourishing vegetation and you will be greeted by the friendly locals as we visit a few villages. You will take a trip to the Bolaven Plateau, which will provide you with a refreshing break from the heat and allow you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea and other crops.

On Pakse on Lao Airlines flights from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh. Direct flights are available from Ho Chi Minh to Pakse as follows: Tue, Thu, Sat – Depart at 11:45 and arrive at 13:45. Pakse to Ho Chi Minh: Tue, Thu, Sat– Depart at 09:15 and arrive at 10:45.

Day 3: After breakfast, free time and transfer to airport for check in and fly back to your next destination.

For more information please contact Champa holidays tour or Lao Airlines offices Tel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884 Email: info@laoairlines.com, sales@champaholidays.com, www.champaholidays.com

Luang Prabang World Heritage City Luang Prabang has a beautiful and tranquil dream-like setting with a fusion of foreign influences and splendid landscape and scenery, making this an idyllic, unspoiled and charming destination for visitors. It is no wonder this amazing city has been declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. The ancient city was the former capital of Laos, with a reign of more than 63 kings over 600 years. Luang Prabang is known as the ‘Thousand Pagoda City’ and there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in this sleepy and once royal capital.

How to get to Luang Prabang?

Lao Airlines has direct flights from Bangkok, Chiangmai and Hanoi daily; three times a week from Siem Reap; three flights daily from Vientiane.

Day 1: Arrival-Luang Prabang Luang Prabang Free & Easy Stay-3 Days Code: CPH11 Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in the World Heritage City of Laos which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodations in a hotel room of your choice with daily breakfast, round trip airport transfer and half day city tour.

Luang Prabang Stop-Over-3 Days Code: CPH12 Luang Prabang Stop-Over tour includes a round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, transportation in private car, accommodation in a twin shared room with breakfast, English speaking guide, admission fee to indicated sights, and government taxes and service charges. The tour program is as follows:

Arrival at Luang Prabang airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After a short rest, we will visit the impressive stupa of Vat Visoun and the shrine of Vat Aham and Vat Mai. We then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by hilltribe groups and local people from the surrounding area of Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang-Pak Ou Cave On this day, we enjoy a short-guided tour to see the city’s oldest temples of Vat Sene and the magnificent Vat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture.

We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil coun-

tryside as well as time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we’ll take a short drive to another small village, Ban Phanom, which is famous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day3: Luang Prabang-Departure Visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last reign. There will also be time to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morning, there may be free time (depending on your flight) to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

For more information please contact Champa Holidays Tour or Lao Airlines offices Tel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884 Email: info@laoairlines.com, sales@champaholidays.com, www.champaholidays.com

Luang Prabang World Heritage City Luang Prabang Wonder-4 Days

Day 2: Luang Prabang-Pak Ou Cave

Code: CPH13 Enjoy Luang Prabang Wonder – 4 days and 3 nights which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, transportation in private car and accommodation in a twin shared room with daily breakfast, English speaking guide, admission fees to indicated sights, government taxes and service charges. The tour program is as follows:

Day 1: Arrival-Luang Prabang Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in Southeast Asia’. During your time here, we’ll visit the impressive stupa of Vat Visoun and the shrines of Vat Aham and Vat Mai. We then climb up to the top of mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people from the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Enjoy a short-guided tour to see the city’s oldest temple of Vat Sene and the magnificent Vat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, representing classical Laotian architecture. We then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 3: Luang Prabang-Khouangsi Vaterfall An optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (often in the form of sticky rice) from faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. From there, you will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hilltribe weavings.

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and this day you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou, Lao Oum Village and Ban Thapene, which are Khmu villages. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Vaterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.

On the return trip to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xangkhong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermaking. We return to the city by late evening to admire the sunset at Vat Siphouthabath. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 4: Luang Prabang-Departure Visit the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last reign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market.

After visiting these sights in the morning, there may be free time (depending on your flight) to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

For more information please contact Champa Holidays Tour or Lao Airlines offices Tel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884 Email: info@laoairlines.com, sales@champaholidays.com, www.champaholidays.com

Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Formerly known as Saigon How to get to Ho Chi Minh City?

You may take Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane or Pakse to Hochiminh on Tue, Thu & Sat. Ho Chi Minh Free & Easy Stay-3 days Code: CPH61 Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in the historical Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, two nights accommodation in a three star hotel with daily breakfast, round trip airport transfer and a half-day tour in Ho Chi Minh city.

Ho Chi Minh-Mekong Delta-3 Days Code: CPH62 The Ho Chi Minh Mekong Delta 3 days and 2 nights package includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation in a twin sharing room, daily breakfast and one lunch at the hotel, transportation in private car, entrance fees to tourist sites and a one-day tour of the Mekong Delta including tour guide as follows:

Day 1: Meet on arrival at Tan San Airport

and transfer to hotel for check-in and then free time or shopping.

sightseeing and observing the daily activities of local people, taking a paddle boat along the small canal, visiting a bee farm, orchards, enjoying tea, honey, seasonal fruits, sweets, amateur traditional music performances, touring a coconut candy mill and then lunch on the island. On the way back, stop for shopping.

Day 3: Depart Ho Chi Minh (B) After breakfast at hotel , free time or shopping and transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight.

Ho Chi Minh Vung Tau 3 Days Code: CPH63 Ho Chi Minh Vung Tau 3 days and 2 nights includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation in a twin sharing room, full meals, transportation in private car, entrance fees to tourist sites, tour guide and tour program as follows:

Day 1:

Arrive Ho Chi Minh – CITY TOUR (L,D)

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Arrive Ho Chi Minh by QV515 at 10:45.

Chi Minh (Meals: B/L)

After breakfast, depart at 8:00 am, driving to the Mekong Delta, nicknamed the large rice basket of Vietnam. This day includes visiting Vinh Trang pagoda, cruising on the Mekong river to an island for

Welcome by friendly guide then transfer to hotel. Buffet lunch provided by hotel.

PM: City tour – visit local neighborhoods and landmarks such as China Town, Thien Hau Pagoda, Remnant War Museum, Reunification Hall (Formerly Presidential Pal-

ace), Opera House, City Hall, stop at the Main Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral for pictures. On the way back to the hotel, stop at a lacquer ware factory for shopping. Back to hotel and enjoy a set dinner at Sapphire Hotel.

Day 2: HCMC – VUNG TAU – HCMC (L, D) Depart in the morning for Vung Tau, a famous tourist spot. Free for swimming and sea bathing at Mariana Club. Set lunch at the local seafood restaurant. Visit memorial statue of Saint George (30 m high) on Small Mountain - the highest Saint statue in VietNam; visit Niet Ban Tinh Xa, the most beautiful pagoda in Vung Tau on a hillside facing the sea. On the way back to HCMC, stop at Long Thanh to buy fruits of the season. Arrival HCMC, enjoy a set dinner on a Saigon floating restaurant. Transfer back to hotel for leisure time.

Day 3: HO CHI MINH – VIENTIANE Free time until transfer to airport for a flight at 11:45 am. End of service.

Amazing Angkor, Siem Reap - Cambodia How to get to Angkor Vat? You may take Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane or Pakse with daily service or depart from Luang Prabang on Mon, Thu & Sat.

Angkor Vat Free & Easy Stay3 Days, 2 Nights Code: CPH41 Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in Siem Reap city which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation in a three/four star hotel with daily breakfast and round trip airport transfer.

Amazing Angkor Vat Full Package - 3 Days, 2 Nights Code: CPH42 Visit the Amazing Angkor city on a 3 days and 2 nights package with Champa Holidays which includes roundtrip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation in a twin sharing hotel room, meals, transportation (car, van or bus), entrance fees to tourist sites, English/Thai speaking guide and tour program as follows:

Day 1: Arrive – Siem Reap (L/D) Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and visit the National Museum then have lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Vat Thmei Artisan Angkor, Old Market, then have dinner at Koulen II Restaurant with Apsara Dance show. After dinner, visit the Night Market, then back to hotel.

Day 2: Angkor Thom (B/L/D ) After breakfast at hotel, visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon temples, Bapuon, Phimenakas, Terrace of Elephant and Leper King. In the afternoon, visit Ta Prum temple, Takeo, Angkor Vat temple and Vatch the sunset over Bakheng Hill, dinner and back to hotel.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Pakse/Vientiane (B) Breakfast at hotel, visit old market and transfer to Siem Reap International Airport to fly back.

Angkor Vat - Phnom Penh Sihanoukville Full Package - 6 Days, 5 Nights Code: CPH42 Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap (L/D) Arrive at Siem Reap International airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Lunch at Sophea Angkor Pich Restaurant then visit South Gate of AngkorThom , Terrace of Elephant, Angkor Vat and Vatch the sunset over Bakheng Hill, dinner at Kolen II Restaurant.

Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake – Phnom Penh (B/L/D) At 7:30 am guide and van pick up to visit the Tonle Sap Lake, and have an early lunch at Kolen II restaurant. At 12:00 noon depart by van to Phnom Penh and checkin to a three star hotel and have dinner at the Tonle Basac restaurant.

Day 3: City tour Phnom Penh – Sihanoukville (B/L/D) At 8:00 am guide and van pick up to visit the Royal Palace, museum, the killing fields, and have lunch at Tonle Basac restaurant and at 1:00 pm depart by van to Sihanoukville and check-in to Hotel Golden Sand, then have dinner at the Beach Restaurant.

Day 4: Sihanoukville At 8:00 am guide and van will pick up to Ream Beach. Lunch at Beach Restaurant and in the afternoon visit the Ochheuteal beach, then have dinner at a beach restaurant.

Day 5: Sihanoukville – Siem Reap (B/L/D) At 8:00 am visit Sihanoukville Market and lunch at Tonle Basac Restaurant, and drive back to Siem Reap, check-in to hotel and have dinner at Sophea Angkor Pich Restaurant.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Pakse/ VTE (B) Breakfast at hotel, visit old market and transfer to Siem Reap International Airport to your next destination.

Jinghong-China Visit Jinghong , Xishuang Banna Located in the south of Yunnan Province, Jinghong is the political, economic and cultural center of Xishuang Banna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, which is a supernatural oasis in southwest China, while Jinghong is a bright pearl in the oasis.

Attractions in Xishuang Banna Known for its tropical flowers, plants, and garden, attractions in Xishuang Banna include the Meng Tropical Botanical Garden, tropical rain forest valley, Mengle great Buddhist monastery, Mengle cultural park, Manting park, Dai ethnic garden, wild elephant ravine, south medicinal plants garden, the virgin forest park and Mengjinglai village and more.

How to get to Jinghong?

Travel with Lao Airlines direct flight from Luang Prabang on Friday and Sunday or on a connecting flight from Vientiane.

Jinghong Free & Easy Stay3 Days, 2 Nights Code: CPH51 Enjoy and relax with the Free & Easy Stay package in Jinghong Xishuang Banna which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation in a four star hotel with daily breakfast and airport transfer.

Jinghong Stop-Over3 Days, 2 Nights Code: CPH52 Spend your holidays with the Jinghong Stop-Over – 3 days, 2 nights which includes roundtrip air ticket of Lao Airlines,

2 nights accommodation in a three star hotel with a twin sharing room, full meals (Chinese food), transportation (car, van or bus), entrance fees to tourist sites, Lao/ English speaking guide and tour program as follows:

Day 1: Take Lao Airlines flight QV818 to Jinghong , guide will meet you at the airport, go straight to visit Bage Temple (Head Temple in Xishuangbanna), then transfer to hotel check-in and dinner.

Overnight at Jinghong.

Day 2: After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Virgin Forest Park, lunch, then to Ganlanba and sightseeing in the local bazaar and the villages of Dai people and visit the Dai Garden, take part in the Vater splashing, and have dinner during a singing and dancing show. Overnight at Jinghong.

Day 3: Breakfast & check-out from hotel, tour the Flower Garden. After lunch, transfer to the airport to fly back to Luang Prabang or Vientiane.

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