New Sabaidee Issue 5

Page 1

CENTRE

SUPREME

TREATMENTS

PREMIER

GLORY

BOOK NOW

“NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS PACKAGE” Staying in 21 December 2012 6 January 2013 (inclusive) From US$ 330 net for 3 Days / 2 Nights Package for 2 persons “Book before 15 November, get FREE one time Dinner for Two” Booking Code: SBD3D2PKG

KM 3, Thadeua Road, Ban Beungkhayong, Sisattanak District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR | Tel: (856) 21-315088 | Fax: (856) 21-315089 Email: pagm@rashmishotel.com | www.rashmishotel.com | www.facebook.com/rashmisplazahotel

Director's Note

T

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Phanhlakhone Syboonheung The Director

4

ijơĮĸĿĥļĮ ĺńįŇĮŌǁņļĦ ıňŻļłĮĹĩģŁĮ

5th

THIS ISSUE

September -足 October 2012

36

38

24 Regulars

14 Lao Event Calendar 16 Hot Deals 18 PR Bulletins Board 47 Sabaidee Club

6

Travel

24 Sabaidee Cover | Exploring the Authentic Wild Frontier of Phongsali 36 Culture | The 11th Lao Handicraft Festival 38 Lao Rooms | Vang Vieng Retreat 52 Trip Diary | Vang Vieng is More than Just Tubing

52

5th

THIS ISSUE

September -­ October 2012

40

50

44 Lifestyle

48

20 Travel Gadgets 40 Lao Cuisine | The Real Taste of Laos - Kaipen with Jaew Bong 42 Dine Out | The First Dessert Cafe in Vientiane 44 Sabaidee Guest | Aluna Thavonsouk 48 BTW | Understanding the Benz M-Class BlueEfficient 50 Sabaidee Shopping | Lao Derm 56 Sabaidee Relax | Relieved and Relax at Dalah Spa

8

Directory & Map

58 Map of Lao 59 Lao’s General Information 60 Vientiane Directory 64 Pakse & Champasak Directory 66 Luang Prabang Directory 69 Savannakhet Directory 70 Pakse & Champasak Directory

S A BA I D EE

CON TRI BU TORS

WHO'S Â‹ÂžÂ”ÂžÂźĂƒĂ‰Â–Ă„Â‰ÂŽÂ&#x;  |  Consultants

Â˜Ă Â‘ÂźÂžžÂžÂ˜Ă†ÂŒ Â‹Ă†ÂŒĂ’Ă‚Â?‘ Z .?RR?P?NMLE )MLETGHGR ÒŽ‘ ÂĄÂ?ÆÂ&#x;ҞžĂ‚‘’Â&#x;”Æ” Z 5GQGRF !F?U?JGR?LML šÂ&#x;”ž¼Â? Â?”¢Â‰ĂŠĂ’ Z +?L?AF?G 'LI?CU ŽÆš¤Â? Â˜Ă‚ÂšÂ—Â&#x;ŽÇ‰ Z 1MKH?G .GKN?QMSI

Â—ĂˆĂŠÂ? Â”Ă’Â?‰Â&#x;” |  "GPCARMP

Â˜Ă Â”žÂžÂ‹Â?” ÂŽĂƒÂ•Ă‡Â”ÂĄĂ“Ă…Â?ÂŒ Z .F?LFJ?IFMLC 1W@MMLFCSLE

•à ””Â&#x;ŸÂ‰Â&#x;”Â? Â”Ă’Â?‰Â&#x;” |  #BGRMPG?J "GPCARMP

Gaid Kornsilpa

Gaid has been in the media industry since he graduated from Faculty of Arts at Silpakorn University in Bangkok. He ^HZ H WHY[ VM [OL Ă„ST THRPUN JYL^ PU ZL]LYHS OV\ZLOVSK name movies, and a screen writer for several documentary programs. He is now a travel writer/photographer, the editorial director for our magazine and Tropical Magazine which is distributed in Thailand and Singapore.

Alan Wass

Alan Wass is a native English speaking writer who has worked for publications across Thailand that include the Phuket Gazette, Phuket Post, Day& Night Magazine, The Phuketian and Top 10 Phuket, alongside some of the biggest property websites in Thailand such as Siam Real Estate and Thailand Holiday Homes. Passionate about his job and with a quirky sense of humor, Alan is the stereotypical disillusioned writer/ editor putting words together in a certain way that resembles sentences and paragraphs.

¥‰‘ Â˜Ă‚Â‘ÂźÂžÂ›Â&#x;‰Â?”ŽÂ” Z %?GB )MPLQGJ?N?

•à ””Â&#x;ŸÂ‰Â&#x;”•ÀžĂ‚ÂœÂ&#x;” |  #BGRMP GL !FGCD

‹ ÂŽĂ’” Â?à ”ŸžžÂ&#x;‘ Z )F?KQMS?L !F?LRF?J?R

ÂœĂ†Ă’ÂŹĂŠÂ&#x;‰Ç՚ Â—ĂˆĂŠÂ? Â”Ă’Â?‰Â&#x;”ÑÉÂ&#x;Â?ŠÂ&#x;Â? ¢žÂž ‰Â&#x;Â”Â’ÂžÂœĂ™Â&#x;‘ |  %PMSN "GPCARMP MD 1?JCQ +?PICRGLE ½Ă„Â?ǑÂ&#x; ÂŁÂ˜Â‹ÂžÂ•Â&#x;” Z 0SAFSB? .MI?@?J

•à ””Â&#x;ŸÂ‰Â&#x;” ˜Â&#x;ÂŽÂ&#x;Â?Ă ÂŒÂ‰Ă‚Â‘ |  #LEJGQF #BGRMP Â?žžà ” Ă’Â&#x;‘ Z J?L 5?QQ

•à ””Â&#x;ŸÂ‰Â&#x;”Â?Â?”žÂ&#x;Â?  |  -LJGLC #BGRMP Šž”‘“Â&#x; Â?à ‘’ž¥š‘ Z )?LGRRF? RR?K?RC

Â—ĂˆĂŠÂ? Â”Ă’Â?‰Â&#x;”ÑÉÂ&#x;Â?ŠÂ&#x;Â? |  1?JCQ +?PICRGLE "GPCARMP Â?Â&#x;›Â&#x;‘Â&#x; Â?žžĂ‚Â?ÂžÂ˜Ă†Â”Â?ž¥žĂƒÂ” Z !F?W?B? PGW?NFMLAF?PMCL

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ÂźĂƒÂšÂŒÂ&#x;”ŠÉÂ&#x;Ă’ |  0CNMPRCP

ÂĄÂźÂ•Â˜ÂžĂ’Ă†ÂŒÂŽÂ?” Â•Ă†Ă’Â˜Â&#x; Z 2FCNNF?TMLEQMLC MS?NF?

Â?à ‘ÊÂ&#x; ¢žÂž Â?Â?‰¢Â•Â• |  *?WMSR "CQGEL

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ÂĽÂ?ÂźĂƒ |  5C@K?QRCP

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ÂŽ Â”Ă Â‰ÂŒÂ&#x;”ŠÂ&#x;Â?Ă’Â&#x;žÂžÂŽÂ&#x;” Žž•Â&#x;Â?Â‘Ăƒ

Â“ÂžÂŹĂ†Â”ÂŽĂ‡Â˜Â&#x;Â”Ă‡Ă’Ă†ÂŒ •¨Â&#x;”Â?ĂˆÂ•ÂšĂ‡ÂŒ ¥šÅÂ?ÂŒÂŽĂ‚ÂŁÂ‹Â‘Â’ÂžÂ•Ă’ÂŒ ”ž ‹Â?” ÂœžĂ’ÂŒĂ’Ă”ÂŒÂ?à ” ÂŽ – – žÂ&#x;Ă’ ÂŁÂź ¢Â™Ă ‰

1?@?GBCC +?E?XGLC 1?JCQ -DDGAC

Joe Williams

Joseph is determined to have tried out every profession \UKLY [OL Z\U I` [OL HNL VM ( X\HSPĂ„LK HJJV\U[HU[ and part-time English tutor, travel writing seemed the next logical step. Joseph lives in Bangkok but has spent time enjoying the sights and sounds of Laos as well as other South East Asian countries.

Also available at:

1MSNF?LMSTMLE 0M?B ??L -SNKMLE 1GIMRR?@MLE "GQRPGAR 4GCLRG?LC *?M ."0 2CJ $?V

Â?ĂƒÂĄÂšž  |  Email

•à ””Â&#x;ŸÂ‰Â&#x;” Z #BGRMP CBGRMP Q?@?GBCC^K?E?XGLC AMK ÑÉÂ&#x;Â?ŠÂ&#x;Â? Z 1?JCQ AF?W?B? Q?@?GBCC^K?E?XGLC AMK UUU Q?@?GBCC^K?E?XGLC AMK

For more information visit www.sabaidee-magazine.com or simply scan the QR code

All material appearing in Sabaidee Lifestyle & Travel Magazine is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the prior written permission to the copyright holder. All articles and photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher of the magazine. Sabaidee Lifestyle & Travel Magazine holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the publication of such articles and photographs. 10

HM

LAO

www.thethm.com

ÂĄÂ?ÆÊÂ&#x;ŠÂ?ÂŒ ¢žÂž Â—ĂˆĂŠÂ?Ă Â‘Â˜Ă‚Âš  |  -ULCP .S@JGQFCP ÂźĂƒ ÂĄÂ?Ă ÂŽ ÂĄÂ?à š žÂ&#x;Ă’ Z 2&+ *?M

A sleepy l i t t l e p i e c e o f p a r a d i s e o n t h e b a n k s o f t h e N a m K h a n R i v e r. Stay for a few days. Remember them forever.

/T/ 856 71 252677 /E/ infovbl@laotel.com /W/ villabanlakkham.com

WHERE TO FIND Vientiane Hotel:

Ansara Hotel Aroon Residence Asian Pavilion Hotel AV Hotel Avalon Hotel Avilla Phasouk Hotel Be Na Cam Guesthouse Best Western Vientiane Hotel D Rose Hotel Don Chan Palace Hotel Green Park Boutique hotel iHouse-New Hotel Inter City Boutique Hotel Lao Plaza Hotel Le Leela Hotel Mercure Vientiane Hotel New Lao Paris Hotel 7HYR]PL^ ,_LJ\[P]L :\P[LZ Rashmi’s Plaza Hotel Sabaidee@Lao Hotel Salana Boutique Hotel Settha Palace Vientiane Plaza Hotel

Restaurants & Cafe:

Amphone Aria Italian Blue Bananas Boutique Restaurant Chokdee cafe Common Grounds Cafe and Bakery Croissant d’Or ,\YVWL :[LHR /V\ZL -YLUJO Joma Bakery Cafe Full Moon Cafe Khop Chai Deu Kongkhao Restaurant Kong View Kualao Restaurant L’Adresse de Tinay La Bodega La Gondola Lao Garden Pub & Restaurant La Scala Fine Italian La Terrasse Le Banneton Le Cote D’Azur Restaurant 3»,Z[HTPUL[ L’Opera Italian Restaurant Makphet Restaurant Nam Phu Restaurant and Bar Nazim Restaurant Indian NOS Sushi Bar Restaurant Osaka Hac Chao Restaurant Le Provencal Scandinavian Bakery Swensen’s Ice Cream Swedish Pizza & Baking House Shabu Shabu Tamnak Lao Restaurant Ty-Na Restaurant Xang Khoo The Spirit House Tex Mex Alexia Vista WiFi Cafe Via Via Restaurant and Bar Xayoh restaurant

Massage & Spa:

Adina Spa Champa Spa Dalah Spa Dragon Massage Happy Garden Kim Traditional Massage LV City Mandarina Body And Soul Spa Manee Spa Niyom Massage & Spa Oasis Spa Massage & Beauty Papaya Spa Shop Sabaidee Massage Shop The Spa Vientiane Thongchan Sauna and Tou White Lotus Massage & Beauty Vongdala Lao Traditional Massage

Vang Vieng Hotel:

Ban Sabai Bungalow Bee Bee Guest House Champa Lao Bungalow

12

Champa Lao The Villa Chanthapanya Guest House Domon Guesthouse Grandview Guesthouse Hotel Vilayvong Inthira Vang Vieng Khampaseuth Hotel Khamphone Guesthouse Khamthavee Guesthouse Laos Haven Hotel Le Jardin Organique Malany Villa 1 Malany Villa 2 Moradok 2 Resort (Heritage) Mountain Riverview Nana Pany Hotel Phou Ang Kham 1 Hotel Phou Ang Kham 2 Hotel Popular View Guesthouse River View Bungalows Riverside Boutique Resort Santi Villa Savanh Vangvieng Hotel Silver Naga Hotel Spicylaos Backpackers Thavexok Hotel Thavikhoun Guest House Thavisouk Hotel and Resort Thavonsouk Resort ;OL ,SLWOHU[ *YVZZPUN /V[LS =HUN =PLUN ,JV 3VKNL Vangvieng Resort Vansana Hotel Vang Vieng Villa Nam Song Villa Vang Vieng Riverside

Restaurants & Cafe: Arena Restaurant and Bar ,YH^HU 9LZ[H\YHU[ Jungle Restaurant Khan Kham Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery Organic Mulberry Farm Cafe Sabaidee Garden Sala Pha Deng Steak House The Terrace Vanpersay Restaurant Via Via Pizza Xayoh Restaurant

Massage & Spa: Linna Phar Massage Mandarina Spa

Luang Prabang Hotel:

3 Nagas Alounsavath Guesthouse Ancient Luang Prabang Arissara House ,SLWOHU[ 3VKNL Hotel Amantaka Hotel de la Paix Hotel de Lyon Hotel Villa Deux Rivieres Kamu Lodge Kiridara La Residence Phou Vao Lao Spirit Resort Le Bel Air Boutique Resort Le Palais Juliana Le Parasol Blanc Luang Prabang L’hotel Souvannaphoum Lotus Villa Laos Luang Prabang Oasis Luang Prabang Paradise Resort Luang Prabang Residence Luang Prabang River Lodge Luang Prabang River Lodge 2 Luang Prabang View Resort Maison Dalabua Hotel Maison Souvannaphoum Manoluck Hotel Mekong Riverview Hotel Mekong River Villa Muong Lao Riverside My Dream Boutique Resort Nam Khan Villas Resort Nam Ou Riverside Hotel & Resort Ock Pop Tok Villa Pack Luck Villa Guesthouse Phousi Hotel Philaylack Villa Rama Hotel

Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa Sabaidee Guesthouse Sala Prabang Sanakeo Hotel Santi Resort & Spa Satri House Saynamkhan Hotel SAYO NAGA Guesthouse Sayo River Guest House Sokdee Residence Sunway Thatsaphone Villa The Apsara The Apsara Rive Droite The Chang Heritage Hotel The Chang Inn The Grand Luang Prabang The Luang Say Residence The View Pavilion Hotel The Xieng Mouark Bellevue Resort Villa Baan Lakkham Villa Ban Lao Hotel Villa Chitdara Villa Laodeum Villa Lao Wooden House Villa Le Tam Tam Villa Luang Sokxay Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel Villa Maly Villa Nagara Villa Santi Hotel Villa Thepsanasinh Hotel Villa Treasure Hotel Luang Prabang Xangkham Resort Xiengthong Palace Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort

Restaurant & Cafe:

Ancient Kili Cafe Ancient Luang Prabang Cafe Arthouse Cafe Aussie Sports Bar and Barbeque Mekong BBQ by the Bridge Big Tree Cafe Blue Lagoon Restaurant Boungnasouk Restaurant Cafe Ban Vat Sen Cafe Mekong Fish Coconut Garden Couleur Cafe and Restaurant Dara Restaurant Delilah’s Place Dyen Sabai Galanga German Restaurant Hive Bar & Restaurant Huean Luang Prabang Icon Klub IndoChina Spirit Joma Bakery Cafe Kitchen by the Mekong 3H )LSSL ,WVX\L Lao Lao Garden! La Residence Phou Vao, Phou Le Banneton Cafe le cafe ban vat sene 3»,SLWOHU[ 9LZ[H\YHU[ Le Tam Tam Garden Martin’s Pub Morning Glory Cafe Namkhong Cafe Nava Mekong Park Houay Mixay Pizza Sasa Tamarind Restaurant Roots & Leaves :HɈYVU *HɈL Sala cafe Savanh Restaurant S Bar & Restaurant Sonphao Tamnak Lao Restaurant Tat Mor The Apsara The Belle Rive Terrace The House Restaurant & Bar The Old Town Restaurant The Silk Road Cafe The View Pavilion Tropical Garden Authentic Thai Cuisine Tum Tum Cheng Utopia Restaurant and Bar Un Petit Nid

Massage & Spa:

Angsana Spa Dhammada Massage Oasis Khmu Restaurant Spa & Massage Lao Red Cross Sauna and Massage Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage Lotus Spa The Mekong Spa The Spa Garden

Pakse Hotel:

Arawan Riverside Hotel Athena Hotel Champassak Grand Hotel Champasak Guesthouse Champasak Palace Hotel Champa Residence Hotel Daovieng Hotel Dokkhoun Hotel Done Khong Guest House Houaygnangkham Hotel Imhoun Homestay & Restaurant Inthira Hotel Khone Pha Pheng Resort And Golf Club 2PUNÄZOLY ,JVSVKNL Kongmany Hotel La Folie Lodge Lankham Hotel Mely 2 Hotel Mekong Paradise Resort Pakse Hotel Phaythavone Hotel Phonsavan Hotel Pon Arena Hotel Residence Sisouk

Restaurant & Cafe:

Bolaven Cafe Daolin Restaurant Cafe Jaidee Bar and Restaurant Jasmine Restaurant Lankham Pho Pakse Le Panorama Nadao Rattana’s Restaurant The Kitchen Champasak Xuanmai

Massage & Spa: Champasak Spa

Savannakhet Hotel:

Daosavanh Resort & Spa Hoong Thip Hotel Leena Guesthouse Mekong Hotel Phonepaseuth Hotel Rattanasavanh Saisouk Guesthouse Sala Savanh Savanbanhao Hotel Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino

Restaurant & Cafe: Cafe Anakot Lao Lao restaurant Lin’s Cafe Savan Lao Deam Savannakhet iLounge Cafe

1

BOAT RACING FESTIVAL IN VIENTIANE

LAOS CALENDAR

OCT

Venue: Vientiane Capital 6U [OL ÄYZ[ KH` H[ KH^U VM )V\U (^R 7OHUZH KVUH[PVUZ HUK VɈLYPUNZ HYL THKL H[ [LTWSLZ HYV\UK [OL JP[` 0U [OL L]LUPUN JHUKSLSPNO[ WYVJLZZPVUZ HYL OLSK HYV\UK [OL [LTWSLZ HUK O\UKYLKZ VM JVSVYM\S ÅVH[Z KLJVYH[LK ^P[O ÅV^LYZ PUJLUZL HUK JHUKSLZ HYL ZL[ HKYPM[ KV^U [OL 4LRVUN 9P]LY PU [OHURZNP]PUN [V [OL YP]LY ZWPYP[ ;OL UL_[ KH` H WVW\SHY HUK L_JP[PUN IVH[ YHJPUN JVTWL[P[PVU PZ OLSK VU [OL 4LRVUN 9P]LY

27-31 OCT

SAVANNAKHET VISIT LAOS YEAR 2012 CELEBRATION Venue: Savan-ITECC in the Kaysone Phomvihane :H]HUUHROL[ WYV]PUJL PZ PU]P[PUN [V\YPZ[Z MYVT HYV\UK [OL ^VYSK [V LUQV` H [V\YPZT HUK [YHKL MHYL ^P[O L_OPIP[PVUZ MYVT 3HVZ =PL[UHT ;OHPSHUK HUK 4`HUTHY MYVT 6J[VILY [V JLSLIYH[L =PZP[ 3HVZ @LHY ;OL L_OPIP[PVU PZ [V [HRL WSHJL H[ :H]HU 0;,** PU [OL 2H`ZVUL 7OVT]POHUL KPZ[YPJ[ VM :H]HUUHROL[

1-7

NOV

11TH LAO HANDICRAFT FESTIVAL Lao ITECC, Vientiane ;OPZ PZ H 5H[PVUHS J\S[\YL MLZ[P]HS [V PTWYV]L [OL SP]LZ VM 3HV JYHM[ZWLVWSL HYV\UK [OL JV\U[Y` ;OPZ `LHY»Z MLZ[P]HS PZ ]LY` ZWLJPHS HZ [OL -LZ[P]HS 6YNHUPaPUN *VTTP[[LL OH]L LUZ\YLK [OH[ [OL JYHM[ZWLVWSL ^PSS ^LSJVTL HSS KLSLNH[LZ MVY [OL (ZPH ,\YVWL 4LL[PUN :\TTP[ ^OPJO PZ H NVSKLU VWWVY[\UP[` [V PU[YVK\JL 3HV»Z \UPX\L J\S[\YHS PKLU[P[` HUK SPMLZ[`SL [V H ^VYSK ^PKL H\KPLUJL

27-31 OCT

THAT LUANG FESTIVAL Venue: That Luang, Vientiane Capital ;OPZ YLSPNPV\Z MLZ[P]HS PZ OLSK PU HUK HYV\UK ;OH[ 3\HUN Z[\WH [OL UH[PVUHS Z`TIVS VM 3HVZ ;OPZ [OYLL KH` YLSPNPV\Z MLZ[P]HS PZ JLSLIYH[LK VU [OL M\SS TVVU PU 5V]LTILY 0[ ILNPUZ ^P[O H WYL KH^U NH[OLYPUN VM [LU [OV\ZHUKZ WPSNYPTZ MYVT 3HVZ HUK ;OHPSHUK H[ ;OH[ 3\HUN ^OV SPZ[LU [V WYH`LYZ HUK ZLYTVUZ JOHU[LK I` O\UKYLKZ VM TVURZ YLWYLZLU[PUN HSS 3HV [LTWSLZ ;OL MLZ[P]HS LUKZ ^P[O H O\NL ÄYL^VYRZ KPZWSH` 14

Fly Boutique. Feel Unique.

Bangkok Airways Flies Non-Stop Daily

Vientiane – Bangkok Starting November 30, 2012

ROUTE FLIGHT DEPARTURE ARRIVAL AIRCRAFT Vientiane - Bangkok PG 944 10:10 11:25 AIRBUS 319 Bangkok - Vientiane PG 943 08:15 09:30 AIRBUS 319 Vientiane

Experience pleasant amenities that go above and beyond, including the private departure lounges* and gourmet in-flight meals that Bangkok Airways has long been famous for, whenever you fly with us to Bangkok or our other destinations. Bangkok Airways, Asia’s Boutique Airline.

Boutique Service

Boutique Lounge

*Boutique Lounge: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)

Please contact your travel agent

Boutique Menu

HOT DEALS & PROMOTION

6-NIGHT LAOS EXPLORE TOUR WITH LAOS TRAVEL Discover the hidden beauty in the capital of stupas, pagodas and temples on a 7 day tour in Laos. Moreover, you will see the Plain of Jars, tribal villages in Xieng Khouang, and the traditions and customs of the locals in Luang Prabang. Starting VɈ PU =PLU[PHUL HUK TV]PUN VU [V 3\HUN 7YHIHUN you will get to experience all the major attractions such as Pak Ou Caves, Ban Xang Hai, Ban 7OHUVT =H[ =PZV\UL =H[ (OHT =H[ ?PLUN ;OVUN HUK T\JO TVYL ;OL WYPJLZ Z[HY[ MYVT <:+ for two persons. For more info, please visit www. laostravel.com

KHOUANG SI WATERFALL BIKING TOUR FOR $60 Situated 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, Khouang Si Waterfall is a popular destination for UH[\YL SV]LYZ ;OL [V\Y Z[HY[Z ^P[O HU LUQV`HISL boat ride along the scenic Mekong River, and H ]PZP[ [V H SVJHS ULHYI` ]PSSHNL ;OLU OVW VU H bicycle and cycle along a beautiful paved road to the waterfall, where lunch will be provided. On the way back to Luang Prabang, we will make a stop at Hmong hill-tribe village to experience their lifestyle. For more information, please see www.laostourpackages.com

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PR BULLETINS

Lao Airlines is One of Asia’s Fast Growing There has been some great news this month regarding Lao Airlines, which is maybe unexpectedly become one of Asia’s fastest growing airlines with a seating capacity that has grown by 50% over the past 12 months. As we documented in previous issues, the purchase of two A320 aircrafts has boosted capacity to much higher levels. The capacity has almost doubled this year on several of their biggest routes, which is obviously great news for the company and Lao in general, but also great news for travelers who now have more options when traveling to and from the country. Two new routes were also launched over the past year between Vientiane and Singapore, and the domestic route between Vientiane and Savannakhet. In Laos’ capital Vientiane, Lao Airlines has a 50% share of total seat capacity, competing with Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, the private local airline Lao Central Airlines, AirAsia, Jin Air and China Eastern, while the state carrier has a larger 65% share at Luang Prabang, where the only competitors are Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Lao Central Airlines.

Wuttisuk Beauty Clinic Opening 4th Branch in Luang Prabang heritage city in Lao PDR

Siam International Co., Ltd has opened Wuttisuk Beauty Clinic, the 4th Branch in Luang Prabang. The branch is situated at Houaxieng Village, Luangprabang District, Luangprabang Province, close to the provincial post office. The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency, Dr. Khampheng XAYSOMPHENG, Governor of Luangprabang Province; Mr. Sagham LAMSOUTH, CEO of Cambodia, and Mr. Supittsa LAMSOUTH, CEO of Laos. The new branch in Luangprabang heritage city is open to serve and take care of customers within Luangprabang for Lao and foreign tourists who need to find or choose services and merchandise in order to help with their beauty care. During this opening ceremony, there are enjoyable activities and promotions such as price discount from stars, singers and models. L Zone is also appearing with a full set of dancers, alongside Miss. Thailand World 2010 & 2011, Trak Tharanyu, DJ JJ, LeO, Nawat, Mik Thongraya, Fai and Jom, alongside many more.

Preparation For the Asia-Europe People Forum Nearly Complete

Bangkok Airways introduces new route to Bangkok Bangkok Airways will operate a new daily flight service from Vientiane to Bangkok starting from 30 November 2012 onwards. Make a comfortable journey from Lao’s capital city of Vientiane to Bangkok’s Suvarnnabhumi Airport with flight PG944 which will depart from Vientiane at 10.10am and arrive at Bangkok at 11.25am. PG943 departs from Bangkok at 08.10 am and arrives at Vientiane at 09.30am. For more information and reservations, please contact your travel agent or call 856 71 253 334.

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The preparations for the 9th AsiaEurope People Forum, to be held on October 16-19 in Vientiane, are 90% complete, said senior official. Mrs. Khamphao Ernthavanh, Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs cum Head of National Organising Committee for the 9th AEPF. Over 300 organizations and representatives from 15 countries are expected to participate in the meeting. The forum is an event where peoplecan exchange their views on the socio-economic development issues, according to member of International Organising Committee Maris Dela Cruz. “For the Lao PDR, people across the country have been asked whether they have issues or problems for their representatives to discuss or resolve at the meeting and they have been told their voices will be heard at the event,” said Mrs. Khamphao.

A Place Of Memorable Experiences In Luang Prabang

Tropical Garden Restaurant The Authentic Thai Cuisine in Town

The Chill Out Escape

A Stylish Budget Accommodation Option in Luang Prabang

The Ultimate Relaxation Hideaway

-69 9,:,9=(;065: 73,(:, *65;(*;! <UP[ )HUL =P_V\U 3\HUN 7YHIHUN 3HV 7+9 ;LS! www.tropicaloasispark.com

TRAVEL COMPANION

BLOOMBOX

NATURAL Â ACOUSTIC Â AMPLIFYING Â IPHONE Â DOCK The Bloombox is an iPhone/iPod docking station with space for a planter designed to amplify acoustics. With its simplistic hollow square frame the Bloombox is the perfect combination of function and design. The Bloombox is constructed using a hollow square MYHTL KLZPNU [OH[ HSSV^Z H\KPV MYVT [OL P7OVUL [V IL HTWSPĂ„LK UH[\YHSS` ^P[OV\[ [OL ULLK for additional electronics or power.

For more info : www.kickstarter.com

ŚÂ?Â? ‰Â?ĂŠÂ Â™ÂƒÂ ÂšĂ…ĂˆÂ‰Â&#x;•Â?Ž”

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BAD BOY SOLO

;OL )HK )V` PZ TVYL [OHU Q\Z[ H IPRL <[PSPaPUN 670 [LJOUVSVN` [V LUNPULLY H gorgeous, one-piece forged, integrated bar and stem for Bad Boy’s cockpit, you know this is something special and unique. ;V M\Y[OLY WLYZVUHSPaL `V\Y V^U )HK )V` JOVVZL MYVT TVKLSZ ^P[O the radical single-legged HeadShok Solo DL50 with 50mm of travel, hydraulic damping and lockout, the Solo Rigid or the Fatty Rigid.

For more info: www.cannondale.com

Bad Boy Solo

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TREK

ALLANT Â 7

Allant’s savvy blend of style and function make it the perfect way to commute, dash to the farmers’ market, or cruise the boulevard. The bike is an essential for those seeking V\[ [OL ILZ[ WLYMVYTHUJL HUK [V[HS JVTMVY[ ;V ÄUK `V\Y WLYMLJ[ Ä[ ]PZP[ HU H\[OVYPaLK ;YLR YL[HPSLY ^OLYL HU L_WLY[ ZRPSSLK H[ ZPaPUN ^PSS OLSW `V\ ÄUK [OL HWWYVWYPH[L IPRL HUK ZPaL MVY `V\Y PUKP]PK\HS ULLKZ Frame: Alpha Silver Aluminum Wheels: Formula alloy hubs w/36-hole double wall alloy rims

For more info: www.trekbikes.com

Allant 7

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NOVA BACKPACK GO  PRO!  (AB308P) Go Pro for more energy on the go! With the A-solar Nova Backpack you can now charge your mobile gadgets everywhere! The A-solar Nova Backpack is equipped with a 2.7 W solar panel and a portable (AL-350) �Power Bank with 7000mAh. The Power Bank can be recharged in about 10 hours of sunlight. The Power bank can also recharged by USB or AC power, and can instantly recharge most mobile devices such as mobile phones, GPS / navigation systems, MP3 players and mobile game consoles. For more info : www.kickstarter.com

1RYD %DFNSDFN

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FINEPIX-X100

For those who’ve got a retro taste residing in their nerves, this new FujiFilm FinePix X100 digital camera is a must-have type of gadget for them. The reason is that FujiFilm released their latest digital camera in a full retro-matter. FujiFilm FinePix X100 digital JHTLYH OHZ ILLU LX\PWWLK ^P[O 47 (7: * *46: ZLUZVY EXR Processor, 23mm F2 Fujinon Aspherical Lens, an unequaled /`IYPK =PL^ÄUKLY 0:6 ZLUZP[P]P[` :+ :+/* HUK :+?* memory card reader, as well as a 2.8-inch bright LCD display.

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SABAIDEE COVER

PHONGSALI IN THIS DAY AND AGE, TRAVELERS ARE SEEKING OUT MORE AUTHENTIC AND REAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES. LAOS IS A FANTASTIC LOCATION FOR THOSE KIND OF TRAVELERS, WITH PHONGSALI ONE OF THE MOST UNTAPPED AND UNVISITED PARTS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA. Story & Photos : Joe Williams

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uilt on the steep slopes of Phu Fa (1625m), Phongsali possesses a year-round cool climate that comes as a welcome relief during the hotter (March to May) season. In fact [OL JSPTH[L PZ JSVZLY [V ^OH[ `V\ ^V\SK Ă„UK PU UVY[OLYU Vietnam than much of Laos. It can be quite cold during the cool season, with temperatures as low as 5°C at night, 10°C during the day. Fog and low clouds are common in the morning at any time of year. Rainfall can be intense and cold. Be sure to bring a pullover, jacket and waterproofs, even in March, April and May, just in case. The capital district is surrounded by rolling, deforested hills. If you've come expecting to see lots of colorfully garbed minorities in the market or around town, you'll be disappointed unless you arrive during a major holiday like Lao New Year in April, when residents from all around the province visit the capital. The best areas for hill-tribe village exploration are found in the extreme northwest corner of the province, where there are no roads. Reaching this area involves walking two or more days. Phongsali does boast some colonial architecture, and wandering about the town's back Z[YLL[Z HUK HSSL`Z JHU IL PU[LYLZ[PUN ;OL Z[HɈ H[ [OL 7OV\MH /V[LS can help arrange village trekking outside of town.

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hou Fa mountain stands 1626 meters above sea level, (the highest mountain in Phongsali is Phou Doi Chi mountain with the height of 1842m). From far away it takes on the shape of a lion having a delicious feast happily in Phongsali. There is an old local story which says about 6-7 generations ago, a man named Sansi Onsa led over a thousand families of immigrants from Tibet, Myanmar, Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle to settle in Vieng Phou Kha (Luang Namtha Province) and later upward to Nham Ou river reaching Bhak Long on the IHURZ VM )OHR 3VUN YP]LY /LYL [OL` MV\UK H KLUZLS` TV\U[HPUV\Z forest in the regions of Phongsali, a place where they would settle and establish a new home. Forest greenery encapsulates Phou Fa Mountain providing many [`WLZ VM Ă…V^LYZ [V ISVZZVT H[ ^PSS PU [OL JVVS [LTWLYH[\YLZ Z\JO HZ Dok Thong, Dok Gnui, Dok Khai, Dok Bhik, Dok Ban and so on. Wild HUPTHSZ Z\JO HZ YHYL KLLY [PNLYZ ILHYZ HUK KPɈLYLU[ [`WLZ VM IPYKZ also depend on the forest. The peak of Phou Fa Mountain has an area of about 300 square meters, which during the war soldiers used as a place of importance in warfare. In 1999 local villagers constructed a path with 431 stairs leading the way to the peak of the mountain making it a symbolic peak and an interesting tourist attraction. Treks can be taken up the mountain, which you can organize when you reach Phongsali.

Â?Ă?Ž£™ Â?Ă?›}Ă?Â™Â›ĂƒĂŠ ĂƒÂŁÂ• Ž£™ Â?Ă?Ž£™ ÂœÂ?¢ƲÂ…u Â?Ă?¢ Ă? |“¢Â™Ă…Â˜Â„ĂˆÂ‰¨£Â™Ʋ¯ĂƒÂ˜Â›Ă… ÂœÂ?ĂˆÂ„ Â?Ă?Ăƒh Ă? |“¢Â™ŠĂ?¢Ăƒh ĂŽÂ„ ĂƒƲÂœ}“ ‹Æ  Â™Ă…ĂŠ ÂœÂ?¢ƲÂ?Ă? Â„Â•ÂƒÂ‚ĂŠ ›‚g Â?ĂŠ~“™Â? Ă? ÂœÂ?ĂˆÂ„ €™||™Ʋ ›„ÊƲĂƒÂ™ ĂƒhÂžÂ‚ÂŁÂ›Â“Ă…Â™Â•ĂˆƲƒ™“Â&#x;|  ¢Â“Ʋž”ƒ¢|Â? ÂŹ ž¢Ă? Ʋ –Ă?‰ œ‰‰|™Ʋ|ÉƲ•™”™Ʋœ‚‰ Â?¢Â™ Â?ĂŠ~“™Â? ĂŽ|Â?Ă?¢ÂžƲÂœ}“ ‹Æ  Â™Ă…ĂŠ ›“Æ™Â?¢Â™  Â˜§ªÂ‰ÂœĂ…£““¢Â™ Š¢Â™Â&#x;Â?ÂŁĂƒh}—“ ™Â? …™Â? Â™ÂƒÂ?Ă?Ž™£ ÂœÂ?¢ƲÂ?ʄ•|Â&#x;Â?£§Â™Âƒ Â‚˜ƲĂ‰Â„Ăƒh••|„•| ›‚g Â?Ă?ž¢ ƲĪÂ?•ÎƲ”˜Â?Ă?Â? Ăƒh›Â?ĂˆƲ ›‚fƲ“¢Â™ „•|ĂƒÂ• „•| v“ „•|~™ƒ „•|–Ê| „•|Â‰ĂˆƲ ÂœĂ…Â˜Â•jƲ  ĂˆÂ„Š¢Â™Â&#x;Â„ÂŁÂœ|¢ |“™ ĂƒhӪĪ| › ĂŒÂ• ŠĂŠ ÂœĂ…Â˜Â‚Â˜ƲɄƲĂ?|•jƲ Ăƒhœ…|Â…¢Â™ |ĂˆƲ }yƲÂ?Ă?¢Â…™Â? Â˜Â?™‰}• Š¢Â™Â&#x;Â?ÂŁ 27

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he northern town of Muang Khua sits on the bank of the Nam Ou River, near the mouth of the Nam Phak. It is a beautiful, peaceful spot halfway up the river IL[^LLU 5VUN 2PHV^ HUK /H[ :H MVY Phongsali) in northern Laos. This half-way house status is the main reason foreigners visit: to experience the beauty and serenity of the spectacular journey MYVT 5VUN 2PHV^ HUK /H[ :H 4\HUN 2O\H P[ZLSM PZ YHYLS` H destination in its own right but nevertheless quite a few things can be seen and done locally. While few travelers linger longer than a night or two, the town is becoming a true travelers’ destination and over the years we have witnessed an ever growing number of tourists stopping in town. For those interested in trekking, the region is a great place to explore for a few days. Untouched and rarely visited mountains were heavily bombed during the US war as the US believed there to be ZPNUPĂ„JHU[ 7H[OL[ 3HV HJ[P]P[` PU [OL HYLH [VKH` HSS [OH[ YLTHPU HYL [OL ZJH[[LYLK ]PSSHNLZ ,_WLJ[ [LYYPĂ„J ZJLULY` JV\WSLK ^P[O H IP[ VM H "rough and ready" trekking experience. :VTL Ă„UK [OL [V^U [V IL H SP[[SL JVSK HUK \UMYPLUKS` WHY[PJ\SHYS` compared with the rest of Laos, and the mounds of rubbish that have ILLU K\TWLK I` [OL YP]LY Z LKNL HYL VɈ W\[[PUN That said, if you stick around and wander the small side alleys, or trek through the mountains, you may discover a side to Muang Khua not LHZPS` ]PZPISL H[ Ă„YZ[ NSHUJL ;OPZ PZ H NYLH[ WSHJL [V NV PM `V\ ^HU[ [V Z[LW VɈ [OL YVHK ^LSS [YH]LSSLK ^P[OV\[ NVPUN [VV MHY VɈ [OL [YHJR

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small market, but one of the friendliest `V\ ^PSS ÄUK PU 3HVZ ([ HYV\UK HT it's very busy around the meat stalls for about an hour. At this time, it's still dark, so many of the fruit, vegetables, and herbs stalls are lit by a single small candle. It's a good place for breakfast with sticky YPJL ]LUKVYZ ZLSSPUN ZH\ZHNLZ ÄZO HUK ]HYPV\Z IP[Z VM VɈHS ;OLYL HYL MYPLK snacks, too. Fruit seems to be limited to apples, mandarins, and pomelos. I tried to buy my lunch and breakfast MYVT HZ THU` KPɈLYLU[ SHKPLZ HZ 0 could and found everyone to be friendly and smiley even at 6 in the morning! After around 7:30, it gets very quiet and westerners are certainly noticed by everyone. I could hear comments followed by some laughing as I passed by. It was fun when I heard these comments, obviously about me, to turn to the ladies concerned as if I understood them and watch them blush! Next door is a consumer goods market where everything seems to come from China! It was in this part of the market that I found the only place 7OVUNZHSP [OH[ ZVSK ÄST

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LZ[SLK \UKLY H [OPJRS` MVYLZ[LK 7OV\MH /PSS 7OVUNZHSP PZ situated around an old market center with cobbled streets and picturesque wooden buildings, including a very old Chinese quarter. The town winds along the top of mountain ridges in the shadow of Phou Fa, otherwise known as Sky Mountain. The spectacular views are evident on either side with deep valleys and patchwork rolling mountains. At an altitude of 1,400 meters, Phongsali can get very cool in the winter months. After nightfall, its elevated location high above and quite a distance away from other towns ensures amazing views of the stars. The town of Phongsali, with its Z[YVUN *OPULZL PUÅ\LUJL HUK SHYNL number of ethnic groups makes it one of the most fascinating places in Laos. The Chinese Quarter features narrow, crowded cobblestone streets lined with small, low-roofed houses made of wood and stone. Simple decorative details are carved and painted in muted colors. The two main ethnic groups are Phou Noy, whose members wear traditional ^OP[L SLNNPUNZ HUK *OPULZL /V HUJLZ[VYZ VM [OL VSK @\UUHU traders, who wear baggy troudsers. Chinese is more widely spoken here than Laos in fact, if it wasn’t for the French, Phongsali would most likely now be part of China’s Yunnan Province. The predominant sounds are the birds and rushing water when you wander the streets during the day. As dusk falls, the sounds of children playing mix with farmyard noises, reinforcing the rural feel of the town. Trekking trips allow you to explore the countryside, seeing a special part of the country that is rarely visited. Not many international travelers come to Phongsali, and it’s a shame. This is mostly because the journey, either by road from Udomxai, or by river from Muang Khua is long and hard.

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he best areas for hill-tribe village exploration are found in the extreme north-west corner of the province, where there are no roads. Reaching this area involves walking two or more days. The highlight of Laos is a trek through the jungle to primitive hill tribe villages. The most popular treks originate in Luang Nam Tha and Muang Sing. These cities have trekking guide associations, brochures, and high prices. The northernmost province of Phongsali, on the other hand, has fewer tourists, less infrastructure, and maybe a more authentic experience. For these reasons, Phongsali is the perfect base for an authentic trekking experience.

|™Ʋ~ÆƲ”™ Â˜Â†Â™ƲĂƒh ĂƒhÂ„Ăƒ ĂŠ  h „ ĂŽ  ÂšĂ…ĂˆÂ‰ŠĂ?‰ ¢ ™£ Ʋ‚Ă?Ʋ›‹k™ Â?Ă?Ʋ£Â•Âƒ ÂœÂ?¢ƲÂ&#x;„£Â?Ă?Â‰Â›Â”ĂˆƲÂ?Ă?¢ÂžƲÂ?Ă?Â?ĂƒĂ‰Â„Â…Â™Â›Â“ĂˆƲÂ…Ă?| Â— ›¨ĂŒÂ• ĂŽÂ„}• Âœ}“ ›‚g ‰Â?† ĂŠ ˜¨Ă?Ʋ‹¢Â™Ʋ |™Ʋ›}ƙÂ&#x;Š ›†É  Â˜Â†Â™ƲĂƒhƲw ÂœÂ?¢Ʋ|¢Â—“}£• ›†É |™Ʋƒ¢Â™  Â• §ĂŒ  Â™Â?Â?y Â€ĂŽÂ„ĂƒhÂ?Ʋ Æ ›„fƲ}• ÂŠÂ˜Â›ĂƒÂ„~ĂŒ|™Ʋƒ¢Â™ Ăƒ¢Â• Ăƒ¢Â—“ ‹¢Â™ƲŠ¢Â™Â„Ă? ›†É ŠĂ?¢Â‰ÂŁÂ™Ʋ‚Ă?Ʋ›‹k™Â?Ă?Ʋ£Â•Âƒ Ăƒh›|k™œ|¢ Âœ}“ ĂƒhÂ?Ă?¢Â›¨ĂŒÂ• ĂŽÂ„}• ‹Æ  Â™Ă…ĂŠÂœÂ?¢Ʋ´óƲĂˆ|Ăƒ¢Â• Ăƒ¢Â—“ ¨£Â•Âƒ Â?ĂŠÂ?yƲ†™ƲÂ?~ –¢Â™ Ʋ£Â•Âƒ ÂœĂ…Â˜ Â•Â™Â„Â›ÂŠĂˆƲ Š˜ Ă?‰|™ƲÂœĂƒÂŁÂ€ É §Â™Âƒ}xƲ „“ ÂŁ ƒ›”„‹Ă?Ʋ›§k™Ʋw Âœ}“ ‹Æ  Â™Ă…ĂŠ ÂœÂ?¢ƲÂ›ÂŠĂˆƲÂ?yƲ†™ƲĂƒh Ă?Â?‰Ă?Ʋ ÂšĂ…ĂˆÂ‰|™Ʋƒ¢Â™ Ăƒ¢Â• Ăƒ¢Â—“Š˜ Ă?‰|™ƲÂœĂƒÂŁÂ€Ă‰

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hongsali can be reached by road and river. From Oudomxai it is possible to travel by road as far as Muang Khua in southern Phongsali then continue from Muangkhua by boat. From Luang Nam Tha it is possible to travel by road via Muangla (Yunnan province, China). From Luang Prabang it is possible through the Nam Ou River straight north into the heart of Phongsali. Another way, you can travel by Lao Air (www.lao-air. JVT ^OPJO WYV]PKLZ [^V Ă…PNO[Z WLY ^LLR

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C U LT U R E

GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR DLAO CRAFTSPEOPLE URING 2012 ASEM 9 SUMMIT THE TIME OF THE 9TH ASIA-­EUROPE MEETING SUMMIT (ASEM 9 SUMMIT) WILL SOON BE UPON US, CONSEQUENTLY;; ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS INVOLVED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ARE BEING PREPARED, ESPECIALLY THE LAO GOVERNMENT.

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ne of the participants are Lao craftspeople with their ancient techniques who are an intricate part of Lao’s colorful culture and will welcome the meeting’s delegates and their wives, alongside all the other participants of the summit.

The 11th Lao Handicraft festival, held on 1-7 November 2012 at the Lao ITECC, Vientiane, is a National culture festival to improve the lives of Lao craftspeople around the country. This year’s festival is very special as the Festival Organizing Committee have ensured that the craftspeople will welcome all delegates for the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit, which is a golden opportunity to introduce Lao’s unique cultural identity and lifestyle to a world-wide audience. The festival will showcase the potential and brilliance of Lao craftsmanship and the devotion, skill and heartfelt power that can be found in this ancient culture 36

that also has merged with the modern developments of the world today. There will be more than 200 exhibition booths of Lao craftspeople who reside in the city and remote rural areas. There will also be exhibition booths of all ASEAN countries’ craftspeople. During the evening of the festival opening there will be a LAO GRAND FASHION SHOW, exhibitions, performances and other demonstrations that aim to bring people together to exchange wisdom and develop trade relationship in the aim of expanding tourism for all parties involved. The 11th Lao Handicraft festival, which will be held between on 1-7 November 2012, and will give you the chance to join the hosts of the festival during this period, such as the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lao Handicraft Association and Sustainable Tourism Development Project, Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

ŎǀģŁĪ ĥƕ ĤļĦ ĨŁĹ ĨźŁĦ ĻơĪĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ģơį ĹŁĸĿ A S E M 9 S U M M I T 2 0 1 2 ŌƽĸŁ ĮŁĭń ĤļĦ ģļĦ İĿĨŇĵ ĺĪ Ň ĩļĪ ļŁĨń Ōǀńķį Ƣ ĥƥĦĭń $6(0 6800,7 ŐƮŻ ŏƧŻ ŌƨƌŁĵŁ ĭģ Ň ĤĿĮĿ ijŻļĵ ģį ơ ģŁĮĻŻŁĦ ĻŁ ģĿģŋĵ ĤļĦ ƟŁĩ IJŁź ĩ ŎƮĩ ĺĿ ŌƷŁĿ ģſ ĥņ ĸĪ ơ ĬĿįŁĮ ĸŁĹ ōƼĿ ıňģ Ż ŋź Ĺ Ĥļ Ż Ħ ħŁģ ĺŁģƢĮ ƜƃĦ ŏƲ ĮĮ ƥ ōƹźĮ ĨŁĹ ĨŁź Ħ ĻĪ ơ ĬĿ ģƕ ĸŁĹ ŌƬƁĦ ŌƴŀĮģ Ňźĵĥ ƢĮĭ Ƃ ĵĹ ń ŃĬń ĨńĹŃĪļ ơĮŌ ƴŀĮŌ ǀģĿĸơģĤ ļĦ ĨŁĪģſŐ ƮŻģ ŋĵ īƢĹ ŌƷƄļŌ ƨƌŁ ĵŁ 寣Ħ ĺńĺơĮ įơĮĩŁģŁĪ ŏƲ ĩŁĵ ijơģıźļĮ ĶźļĮ ŏƫ ŌƷƄļ īŻļĮĽơį ĥĿĮĿ ıŻ ňōƱĮ ģļĦ İĿĨŇĵ ōƼĿ įơĮĪŁijơĮ ĸĿ ĩŁ ĤļĦ ōƨģ ĭ ĵ Ƃ Ł ĽĹ ź ĵ İĿĨŇĵ ĭźŁĮ ĮŁĦ ħŃĮĪŁ ijƢĵĵĿ ĺĿĬŃĪ İĿĭŁĮ ĺĿĵŁĥƢĵ ĻĪ ơ ĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ģŁź Ĺ ĹŁź ĦŁĮ ĵĿĻĿģƕ ĺĵ ń Ļ ņ Ī ơ ĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ĥĦƥ ĭń ŌƬźĦŃ ħĿħơĪ ĤĮ Ɗ ŏƲ ĹĮ ơ ĭ ń ijĿħŃģ ĭƂ ĺĮ ň ģŁĮ ĥŁŻ ĸŁĹ Őǀ ŌƯŀģ ĮĿĥļĮƟĹĦ ĹŋĦ ħĮ ơ Ĭņ ĹźŁ ŌƴŀĮ ĦŁĮ įĮ Ň İĿ ŌƷĮń İĿħƕ ĨŁĪ ŌƷƄļ ĩģ Ƣ įĪ Ƣ įŁĪ ĨŁĹ ĨŁź Ħ ĻĪ ơ ĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ĭĹ Ƥ İĿ ŌƱĪ ōƯź ļĮ ơ ĭ ij Ƃ ŌŃ ƾĪ ĺĪ Ň ĺƕĸơį İ Į ń Ɖ ĭŁĦ ĥĿĮĿ ħĪ ơ ĦŁĮ ŐƮŻ ģŋĵ ŏƽŻ ŌƴŀĮ įļ ź Į īļ Ż ĮĽơį ĥĿĮĿ ı ō Żň ƱĮ ĭ ĵ Ƃ ŁĽźĹĵģļĦİĿĨŇĵ ĺŇĪ ĩļĪ ļŁĨń Ōǀńķį Ƣ ŌƬźĦŃ ĬņĹŁź ŌƴŀĮ ŎǀģŁĪ ĥƕĤļĦ ĨŁĹ ĨŁź Ħ ĻĪ ơ ĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ĭ ħ Ƃ Ŀ ŐƮŻ Įƕ ĺĿ ŌLJ ń ŌǀģĿĸơģ ĹơĪĭĿĮĿĭƕ ōƼĿ ģŁĮĭźļĦĭźŋĹ ŏƲ ĽňįōƳį ĹŃĬń ĨńĹŃĪ ĺňź ĺŁĩīŁ ĨŁĹ ŎƼģ ŏƲ ĦŁĮ ĭŁź Į ħĿ ŐƮŻ ijį Ƣ ŌƿŀĮ ĥĹŁ ĵļŁĪ ĺŁĵŁĪ ĭźŁ ōǁĦ įĵ Ƥ Ĩļ Ż Į ĭŁĦ ĺĿīŃ İĮ ơ ĩŁ ĤļĦ ĨŁĹ ĨźŁĦ ĻơĪĬĿģƕĸŁĹ ĭƂ ŌƨʼnŁ ŌƫƌŁ ŐƮŻ ĭŇźĵ ŌƱ ĭơĦ ģƕĸơĦ ģŁĩ ōƼĿ ŏƫ ŌƨƌŁ ŏƲ ģŁĮ ijơĪĭĿĮŁ ĺ Ő ń ƹŻ ĸŁĩ ĵ ņ ĭźŁĮ ħĿ ŐƮŻ ŌƿŀĮ ĭģ ơ ĺĿ ŏƲ ģŁĮİĿĺƢĵ İĿĺŁĮ ĹĪ ơ ĭĿĮĿ ĭƕ ĪƥĦ ŌƮńĵ ōƼĿ ĹơĪĭĿĮĿĭƕ ĺĿ ŐLj ŏLjź ŌƨƌŁ ŏƲ ĩģ Ň İĿħŇ įĮ ơ ĮļģħŁģ ĽŁ Ż Į ĹŁĦĺĿ ōƮĦ ĤļĦ ĨŁĹ ĨŁ ź Ħ ĻĪ ơ ĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ĭ ƂĸĹĵ ŌǀʼnŁ ĭĦơ ŏƲ īĹ Ƣ ŌƹņļĦ ōƼĿ ĭƂ ĵŁ ħŁģ ŌƨĪ ĨƢĮĮĿįƢĪ ĻŁź Ħ ŐƧ ĺļģƟńģ ƟŁĩ ģĹźŁ ĽŻŁĮ ōƼŻĹ ģſ ĩĦơ ĵń ĽŁŻ Į ĹŁĦĺĿ ōƮĦ ĤļĦ ĨŁĹ ĨŁź Ħ ĻĪ ơ ĬĿģƕ ŏƲ įĮ ơ ĪŁ İĿ ŌƱĪ ļŁ ĨŋĮ ōƼĿ ŏƲ ķŁīŊń ōƿźĦ ĹŁĸĿ ħĪ ơ ĦŁĮ ĥƖ ĥĮ ņ ĹĮ ơ ĭ ń ĥƖ ĥĮ ņ ĹĮ ơ ĭ ń ijĿħŃģ įơĮĪŁ ĭźŁĮ ģſ ħĿ ŐƮŻ ijį Ƣ ģį ơ ĦŁĮ ŌƮńĮ ōƳį /$2 *5$1' )$6+,21 6+2: ģŁĮĹŁĦĺĿ ōƮĦ ģŁĮĺĿ ōƮĦ ōƼĿ ģŁĮ ĺŁĭŃĪ īŁź Ħő ŏƲ ĦŁĮ Į Ɖ ŌƷƄļ ōƼģİźŋĮ įĪ Ƣ ĽŋĮ ĭŁĦ ijĵ ň İơĮĩŁ ŌƷƄļ ģŁŻ Ĺ Őƴĺň ĺ ź ŁĩĺƕijơĮ ĭŁĦ ģŁĮ ĥŁŻ ģŁĮ ĭźļĦ ĭŋź Ĺ ļơĮ ħĿ Įƕ ĵŁ ŌƬźĦŃ ıƢĮ İĿ Ŏdž Īģơį ĭģ Ň ő IJŁź ĩ ĦŁĮ ĵĿĻĿģƕ ĺĵ ń Ļ ņ Ī ơ ĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ĥĦƥ ĭń İń ŌƬźĦŃ ħĿ ħĪ ơ ĤĮ Ɗ ŏƲ ĸĿƠźŁĦ ĹĮ ơ ĭń ijĿħŃģ ĭ ħ Ƃ Ŀ ĵŁ Ō ưĦŃ ĮƉ ŎƮĩ ģŁĮ ŌƴŀĮ ŌƫƌŁijŁį ĽĹ ź ĵ ĸĿƠźŁĦ ĺĿijŁ ģŁĮ ĥŁŻ ōƼĿ ļŇĪĺŁĻĿģƕ ōƿźĦĨ ŁĪ ĸŁĹ ĺĿĵŁĥƢĵ ĻơĪĬĿģƕ ĸŁĹ ōƼĿ ŎƩĦģŁĮ ijơĪĭĿĮŁ ģŁĮĭźļĦĭźŋĹ ōƳį ĩĮ ņ ĩĦƢ ģƢĵ ijĪ ơ ĭĿĮŁ ģŁĮĭźļĦĭźŋĹ ģĿĨĹĦ ĬĿ ōNJ ĦĤźŁĹ ĹơĪĭĿĮĿĭƕ ōƼĿ ĭźļĦ ĭŋź Ĺ

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LAO ROOMS

THAVORN SOUK RESORT

Located right on the banks of the Nam Song River, with spectacular views of the river and beyond to the mountain ranges, Thavonsouk Resort is a great choice for guests wishing to stay in the heart of Vang Vieng. The resort was tastefully refurbished in 2008 using traditional Laos furnishings and dark woods, and the river front Z\P[LZ VɈLY \UKPZ[\YILK ]PL^Z MYVT [OLPY private balconies. Whilst facilities are minimal, the resort boasts a delightful sunset restaurant serving traditional Laotian, Asian and western cuisine.

Vang V ieng R etreat” VILLA NAM SONG

Villa Nam Song is nestled on the banks of the 5HT :VUN 9P]LY VɈLYPUN PUJYLKPISL ]PL^Z VM the Limestone Mountains and surrounding area. With riverside sunbeds, everyone can enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the river. All rooms are clean and comfortable with airconditioning and ensuite. The rooms are set amongst lush tropical surroundings and will be a perfect place to stay and absorb some real nature and Laos’ culture. Within walking distance to all of the town’s highlights, you are right in the center of the action. The Villa is a 10-minute walk to the main cluster of bars, restaurants and shops in the area, so you can enjoy the convenient location. VILLA NAM SONG Viengkeo Village, Vang Vieng, Laos PDR. (+856 23) 511 637 www.villanamsong.com 38

THAVONSOUK RESORT Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province Lao P.D.R (+856-23) 511096, 511215 www.thavonsouk.com

VILLA VANG VIENG RIVERSIDE

Villa Vang Vieng Riverside Hotel is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Laos, located directly on the banks of the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng. From your room or from the pool you can enjoy spectacular views of the breathtaking mountains which make the region so popular. All the rooms are equipped with the highest standard of amenities that ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Have a spot of lunch in the onsite restaurant - a perfect place to relax and to enjoy the view, with traditional Lao dishes and selected Western food. If you are looking for somewhere that merges luxury, location, quality and convenience, this is the resort for you

RIVERSIDE BOUTIQUE RESORT

Vang Vieng Retreat” VILLA VANG VIENG RIVERSIDE Ban Viengkeo Vang Vieng Vientiane Provence Lao PDR (+856 23) 511 460 www.villavangvieng.com

Located on the banks of the Nam Song River, next to a small wooden bridge, the Riverside Boutique Resort is a luxury hotel set in a tropical garden and organized around a central swimming pool. Its thirty-four rooms and suites, as well as the YLZ[H\YHU[ HUK [OL IHY VɈLY Z[\UUPUN ]PL^Z V]LY the limestone mountains of Vang Vieng. With a beautiful design by award-winning architect Sakpaseuth Phanrajsavong, the Riverside Boutique 9LZVY[ PZ [OL ÄYZ[ OPNO LUK OV[LS PU [OL JV\U[Y` that systematically celebrates the exceptional cultural and natural diversity of Laos. Although [OL 9P]LYZPKL )V\[PX\L 9LZVY[ YLÅLJ[Z [OL ^LHS[O and elegance of its Lao heritage, it also strives to provide international-level services. RIVERSIDE BOUTIQUE RESORT Ban Viengkeo, PO Box 360, Vang Vieng, Vientiane Province, Lao PDR. (+856 23) 511 726-8 www.riversidevangvieng.com

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DINE OUT

KE, AND A C R U O Y E V A H H TH E EAT IT TOO WIT SSERTS DELICIOUS DÉEE COFFEE AT THE ENTR RASHMI’S & BAKERY ATIENTIANE. THE PLAZA V THESE TASTY EXPERIENCE E BEAUTIFUL SWEETS IN THY. VIENTIANE CIT 42

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he trend of desserts is on the rise and it stands to reason that whoever is at the helm of a popular eatery would be opening a dessert cafĂŠ such as After You Dessert CafĂŠ in Bangkok. Obviously responding to the trend, Lao PDR’s Vientiane is a place where many people generally LUQV` ZPWWPUN JVɈLL ^OPSL [OL` HYL eating some desserts. There’s no branch of After You Dessert CafĂŠ open in Vientiane yet, but a dessert cafĂŠ inside Rashmi’s The Plaza Vientiane, is the closest thing we have in the city.

up as the crème de la crème of all. 0U [OL TLHU[PTL ,U[YtL *VɈLL )HRLY` VɈLYZ YLHZVUHIS` WYPJLZ MVY good desserts. For instance, king-size Shibuya Honey Toast served with big scoops of ice cream comes at a reasonable cost at only LAK30,000++. The Warm Chocolate Cake impressively costs LAK25, 000++, and the set of acidic `L[ Z^LL[ 7HZZPVU -Y\P[ :V\ÉŠt JVZ[Z only LAK15,000++. The man behind these succulent creations is a wellexperienced pastry chef of the hotel.

From now through to September 30, 2012, there is a 50 percent discount Sunshine Jeams, who is the Hotel for ordering a second set of desserts. General Manager, said that he wanted people to consider EntrĂŠe Customers of the hotel can enjoy eating *VɈLL )HRLY` HZ H Z[HUKHSVUL [OLPY KLZZLY[Z VYKLYLK MYVT ,U[YtL *VɈLL dessert cafĂŠ which is similar to Au )HRLY` PU HU` JVYULY PUZPKL [OL OV[LS Bon Pain or Starbucks in terms such as at the lobby, Gourmet Bistro of featuring an extensive range of )HSJVU` +,97,9(+6 7PHUV )HY VY desserts. Shadie Bar Alfresco Poolside, for the ultimate convenience. The enthusiastic general manager revealed that another way to attract his clients was to come up with extensive promotions, for instance, Honey Toast was raised

Dessert Cafe

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RASHMI’S THE PLAZA VIENTIANE Thadeua Road Ban Beungkhayong-Tai Sisattanak DistrictVientiane, Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 315088, Fax: +856 21 315089 Email: info@rashmishotel.com www.rashmishotel.com

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SABAIDEE GUEST

THE

DOUBLE CAREER of

Aluna

Thavonsouk Story & Photos: Gaid P.Kornsilapa Location: DESPERADO Piano Bar @ Rashmi's The Plaza Vientiane

SOME PEOPLE ARE JUST SPECIAL, AND NO-­ONE CAN QUESTION THAT WHERE ALUNA THAVONSOUK IS CONCERNED. AMAZINGLY JUGGLING HER TWO CAREERS, BEING A FAMOUS LAOS’ POP SINGER AND THE MANAGER OF THAVONSOUK RESORT, THIS IS A VERY UNIQUE LADY.

T

he long road in the career of the alluring R&B singer (S\UH ;OH]VUZV\R JVTWSL[LS` KPɈLYZ MYVT [OL V[OLYZ since she divides her time between her career as a popular singer and her work as general manager for Thavonsouk Resort - her family-run business located in the picturesque tourism-oriented town of Vang Vieng in Laos. It took her a great number of years before she discovered herself and decided what she really wanted to do in life. The success of her career is obviously proving that she made the right decision to follow her dreams with enthusiasm and guile. After graduating in Australia, she ended up working as a new graduate before she realized that it wasn’t what she dreamed of. Instead of taking a break from work to further her study like her other friends, she KLJPKLK [V [HRL H [YPW HSVUL [V ºÄUK» OLYZLSM It happened one day in Paris when she took a bus to town. She noticed that everyone she saw was humming, making rhythms with simple music instruments before she came to realize that the city was celebrating Fete de la Musique. During the festival, she enjoyed watching a number of her favorite artists playing live on stage. That moment was so inspiring that it ignited her dreams to become a musician. Brought up in a family where every member had a strong musical passion, Aluna was certain that she could make a KPɈLYLUJL PU [OL T\ZPJ PUK\Z[Y` PU OLY OVTLSHUK /LY ÄYZ[ HSI\T was released in 2005, beautifully showcasing her unique voice, which made her a rising star. Following her immediate success, she performed several tour concerts in Laos and neighboring countries. This gave her the opportunity to see her motherland in a wider perspective.

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Singing gives me a chance to see the beauty of Laos with my own eyes

she said. “Singing gives me a chance to see the beauty of Laos with my own eyes, to meet up with other Laotians. At some point, I traveled to Attapeu, which is the southernmost part of the country and Phongsali in the northernmost district of Laos, which both were such memorable trips for me.â€? Some of her trips were so inspiring that she launched The Journey to Part II - a pocket book telling of her story during H KH` [V\Y JVUJLY[ HM[LY OLY Ă„YZ[ album. “It was such an awesome trip, meeting new people who were so generous in many ways,â€? Aluna told with her eyes brightly sparkling with pure happiness. She had nothing to give those people back, so she wrote a song for them, Kwam Rusuk Bok (Feeling can tell), which was featured in the original soundtrack for ‘Sabaidee Luang Prabang Part II’ – which is a Thai movie. 0[ÂťZ KPɉJ\S[ [V Ă„UK HU`VUL ^OV JHU ILJVTL HU HɈHISL TLNH Z[HY PU 3HVZ awarded a ‘Lao Music Award’ and also becoming a young executive of a resort in the same time. Aluna can leave her limelight image behind whenever she wants to help serve food at her resort. Nothing can stop her putting her enthusiasm and hospitality to work at the resort.

“Becoming a manager changed my life,â€? she said. “I don’t have to wear those high heels or apply heavy make-up when I work H[ [OL YLZVY[ :VTL[PTLZ 0 Ă„UK [OH[ UV VUL can recognize me as a singer when I'm working as a waitress at my resort, since I am not so concerned with how I look. For me, I divide my careers completely so that I can do both with perfection.â€? When she was asked about her thoughts towards her 32-room resort, she says, “Instead of adding more rooms, I’d rather maximize our service and remain the same or even decrease the number of guest rooms so that our guests can enjoy untold pampering during their stay at our hotel,â€? she said. “We tend not to focus on expecting those high-end customers at our resort. However, when there’s better infrastructure, such as the railway, modern amenities nearby such as a golf course, or convenient transportation such as [OL KPYLJ[ Ă…PNO[ [V =HUN =PLUN ^OPJO HYL all expected to be completed within the next 7-10 years, Thavonsouk Resort will KLĂ„UP[LS` IL YLHK` [V ^LSJVTL OPNO WYVĂ„SL customers,â€? -PUPZOLK VɈ (S\UH In the next ten years, Thavonsouk Resort will be seeing itself as a world-class resort that features luxurious pool villas overlooking the picturesque Song River and the mountainous terrain of Vang Vieng, according to this talented singercum-rising-executive.

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BEHIND THE WHEEL

UNDERSTANDING THE BENZ M-CLASS

)S\L,MÄJPLU[

By Joe Williams

FROM ITS TRUCK-LIKE BEGINNINGS TO ITS SLEEK NEW SHAPE, THE MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS IS SLOWLY ADVANCING IN TERMS OF DESIGN AND QUALITY TO BECOME SLIGHTLY LESS SUV AND A BIT MORE CROSSOVER.

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he third-generation M-Class gets restrained but handsome looks with its sculpted body HUK ZOHYWLY TVYL ^LSS KLĂ„ULK SPULZ 3PRL its predecessor, this American-made Merc has a TVUVJVX\L JVUZ[Y\J[PVU [OL Ă„YZ[ 4 *SHZZ OHK H IVK` VU MYHTL JOHZZPZ SPRL H WPJR \W ;OL TL[YL SVUN 4 *SHZZ YLTHPUZ YV\NOS` the same size despite increased overall KPTLUZPVUZ ;OL UL^ WSH[MVYT ZPTPSHY [V [OL Jeep Grand Cherokee’s - has a marginally longer ^OLLSIHZL VM TT 7SHJL VUL MVV[ VU [OL curved rubber-studded running board, step into the cabin and the M-Class immediately seems KPɈLYLU[ [OL ZLKHU SPRL S\_\Y` HUK JVTMVY[ from the S-Class and E-Class have made their ^H` PU[V [OL 4 There is Keyless-Go entry and ignition, while the door sill panels are illuminated with Mercedes)LUa SL[[LYPUN (SZV Z[HUKHYK HYL (J[P]L 7HYRPUN Assist, Attention Assist drowsiness detection and ambient lighting in the door panels, with the SH[[LY H]HPSHISL PU [OYLL JVSVYZ

)\[ [OL TVZ[ WLYJLW[PISL KPɈLYLUJL PU [OL roomy cabin with improved rear legroom is the SL]LS VM X\HSP[` HUK YLĂ„ULTLU[ ;OL TH[LYPHSZ \ZLK HYL HSZV T\JO IL[[LY HUK ZV HYL [OL Ă„[ HUK Ă„UPZO With a ground clearance of 210mm and fording KLW[O VM TT NVPUN VɈ [OL ILH[LU [YHJR PU [OL 43 *+0 PZ [OL TVZ[ YLĂ„ULK L_WLYPLUJL 0[Z 4(;0* HSS ^OLLS KYP]L [HRLZ `V\ JVUĂ„KLU[S` up and down slippery slopes and over bumps and potholes-thanks to the Electronic Traction System (4ETS) and its robust 6-cylinder diesel LUNPUL [OH[ NLULYH[LZ OW -VY L_[YLTL HWWSPJH[PVUZ [OL 6Ɉ 9VHK 7YV ,UNPULLYPUN 7HJRHNL ^PSS LUOHUJL 4 *SHZZ VɈ YVHK HIPSP[PLZ >OPSL [OL VW[PVUHS (094(;0* WHJRHNL ^P[O (KHW[P]L +HTWPUN :`Z[LT YHPZLZ and lowers the rides height to create optimum JVTMVY[ SL]LSZ VU HU` Z\YMHJL >P[O [OL HKKLK ZTVV[OULZZ VM [OL Z[HUKHYK . ;9650* 7-speed automatic transmission, all you need [V KV PZ [V ZP[ IHJR LUQV` [OL YPKL HUK [OL ZPNO[Z

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€™| €„ ĂŽ › Ă…hÂ? ɮӁĂ?„‰ ” Ăˆ ĂƒĂŽ| Ăƒh› ‰g ~ĂŒ| ‰ Ăˆ – ‰ Ă? – ™¢ žŠ¢ ™Â? ĂƒÂ” Ăˆ  Â˜ Â&#x;Š Ă…Ă?„ 0HUFHGHV %HQ] 0s & ODVV ÂœÂ?¢Â”~¢Â•Âƒ |£™“}x”Â?¢Â™ ⪣  ÂžÂ”Âœ ¢} • |™” ••| œ‰‰ ÂœĂ…Â˜ ~ ” ĂŽ ” - ˜Â?™ Â‰Ăƒh€ ˜ |™ƒ Â›ÂŠĂˆÂ” 689 Â?¢Â™ ¨Â• ÂŁ ƒ ¨ i Âœ Ă…Â˜ }£™Â? ‹™¢ ” §Â™Âƒ }” x Â›Ă…Ăˆ|¨ • ÂŁ ƒ  Â™Â?™„ ‰| ĂŽ Â?yÂ”Â„Ă‰Â”Â„ÂŁÂ“Âƒ~“™Â? ›ÅÉ|Â&#x; „ ›Ò †É PP }ĂˆÂ‰Ă… ƒ ĂŽ } ™£ Â? ”¯›ÅÉ|Â&#x;„£› †É PP €•„ Â?„ ĂŽ Â? | Ăˆ Â… ™Â? ĂƒÂ™ Ăƒ~ h ” Ă? ž ‚£› Ă…y•ƒ ÂœÂ?¢Â” 0/ &',ÂœÂ?¢Â”Â›Â–ĂˆÂ„Âž ӣ „ Ă? ™Â? Ăƒ h „ ĂŽ Â? ™¢ Â?Š ĂŠ ˜ Ă?‰| ™” 0$7,& Ă…­Ă… „ Ă? Ăƒ Ăˆ Š „ Ă? Ăƒ | ĂŽ  |™” }‰ Ăˆ } › h Â–ĂˆÂ„Âž Â”ÂŁĂƒ ™¢ ”Šu”ž €}x”ž”-¥žÂ” Ă… Ă? ÂœĂ…Â˜ }x”›”Ê”Â? Ăƒ Ă? Â? h ” j ÂœĂ…Â˜ › Â…u”|Â˜ĂƒĂ?‰} Â? ĂŽ › ÅÉ|Âœ Â?¢Â”ž ӣÂ? ž Ç € Â…Ă… ÂŹ ˜‰Ă?‰œ – „ Ă‹ Ă… ™| ÂœÂ‰Â‰Â•ĂŠÂ› Ă…Ăˆ|Â? Ăƒ ”| É (76 ÂœĂ…Â˜ ›~j• €| Ăˆ Ăƒ Âœ h } œ– ”¯Â?ĂˆÂ”| ™ ‚“”  Ă?‰ Â‹Â˜Ă…Ă‰Â„Â– •‰ ~“™Â? Â&#x;“ › †É KS  ÂšĂ…ĂˆÂ‰| ™” ž‚£ ™” Â?™¢ ¨| Ăˆ }­ Â˜ ›¨ĂŠĂ… “Â?ĂƒÂ™ 㪣 ” “ Ă‰ ˜“˜|š Ă… „ Ă?  Â™Â?™„ ÂœĂ…¢Â”‹ ™¢ ” ĂƒÂ™ ĂƒĂ… ĂŽ ˜|ĂˆÂ”Â„Â™Â” Â&#x;„£ ÂœÂ?¢Â”€ ˜ Â›Â–ĂˆÂ„ Â™Â?™„ Â?ž Ç € ž”£› ÂŠĂˆÂ” 0 s&ODVV 2IIs 5RDG Â&#x;„£ ž” }˜”˜ Ăƒ} h  ­ ˜ ›¨ĂŠÂ… ™Â? ĂƒÂ™ Â›Ă…ĂŒÂ•| $,50$7,& Â„ÂŁÂ“Âƒ Ă…Â˜Â‰Ă?‰| ™” Š‰ Ăˆ | ™ ”–• –‰ Ăˆ | ™” }‰ Ăˆ } Ăƒ h Â… h ÂŽ ÂœĂ…Â˜  Ă? › Â?j• Â™ÂŁ Ă…Â˜Â„ĂˆÂ‰~ “™Â?  Â˜Â„“|  Â˜Â‰Â™Âƒ Â?™¢  Ă?  Â„ ĂŽ ž ” Ăƒ| ĂŽ   Â˜Â?™‰ Â?” y ‹É“ Â„ÂŁÂ“Âƒ |™” ›Â?hÂ?~“™Â? ŗ‰”—” }• Â?™„…˜†™” * s]7521,& ›| ÂƒÂ•ĂˆÂ„Â? Â… Â?” Â?„ Ăˆ Â„ÂŁÂ“Âƒ ~“™Â? Â&#x;“ |™” ÂœĂ…¢Â” ĂƒĂˆ ŠĂ?Â„Ăƒ Ăƒ h ™¢ ” €š …• ÂŁ ” f Â? | Ăˆ ‹¢Â•Â” Â?™¢  Â˜Â‰Â™Âƒ •™ÅĂ?Â? Â?¢Â“” ‚” j Â&#x; Š |‰ Ăˆ ¥žÂ” }‰ Ăˆ } h Âœ Ă…Â˜ › ‰g ĂƒĂ‰Â“Ăƒ „ Ăˆ Ăƒ š Â?˜ ‚™„ 49

SABAIDEE SHOPPING

Lao Derm In the harmony of tradition and modernity

LAO DERM HANDICRAFT IS OFFERING HANDICRAFTS PRODUCED BY LOCAL ARTISANS USING TRADITIONAL PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES. LOCATED ON SETHATHIRAT ROAD IN VIENTIANE IN LAO PDR, HERE’S WHERE YOU CAN FIND, FOR INSTANCE, BEAUTIFUL SILK WEAVING PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTS. FEATURING A STATE-­OF-­THE-­ART INTERIOR DESIGN, LAO DERM PORTRAYS THE BLEND OF ORIGINALITY AS ITS NAME MEANS ‘TRADITIONAL LAO’ AND MODERNITY IN ONE PLACE. IT’S TRULY ONE OF THE MOST EYE-­CATCHING SHOPS IN TOWN. Text & Photos : Gaid Kornsilapa ith its wide range of beautiful silk garments displayed, visitors will be amazed when they LU[LY [OL ZOVW 6U [OL UK ÅVVY P[ IVHZ[Z H Z[\UUPUN interior design resembling a chic showroom, thanks to its internal bare brick walls, vibrant red carpet and a gigantic mirror. Ms. Vanpheng ‘Noi’ Sisoulith, the owner of Lao Derm said that she adopted the skills of traditional weaving and embroidery from her mother-in-law who was ]LY` ZRPSSLK HUK WYVK\JLK ÄULS` JYHM[LK THKL [V order clothes before she quit. Noi has inherited her mother-in-law’s home business where she used to get most of her customers through word of mouth, before she decided to open a proper shop so that she can get more walk-in customers.

AFT DICR HAN 54769 M R E 2 LAOD (+856) 21 222 7577 TEL: 856) 20 2 .COM (+ TMAIL MOB: LD-­C@HO : H EMAIL

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Noi told us that she was happy to have a team of designers that help create extensive ranges of LSHIVYH[L WH[[LYUZ PU [OL TLHU[PTL" [OL X\HSP[` VM ÄUL silk is something that she paid a close attention to. One of her signature products is a traditional sarong that is popular among her middle-class clienteles, as each of these absolutely exquisite crafts cost from US$100 to over 1,000. She told us it was such an extreme honor when she had a rare chance to give a piece of exquisite silk sarong to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during the royal banquet at the Embassy of Laos in Thailand. Recently, she was graciously given the opportunity to make a national costume of Laos for those who attend the conference of ASEM 9 that will be held in Vientiane on November.

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TRIP DIARY

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g in b u T t s u J n a h is More t TUBING IN VANG VIENG HAS REALLY GIVEN THE REGION A LIFT IN THE TOURISM STAKES, BUT THERE IS MUCH MORE TO VANG VIENG THAN CRUISING DOWN THE RIVER ON A RUBBER TUBE GETTING DRUNK ALONG THE WAY!

50

T

ubing is a backpacking phenomenon and what’s made this sleepy little riverside town infamous all over South East Asia! Haven’t heard about it yet? Just where have you been! For those of you who KVU»[ RUV^ PU ZOVY[ P[»Z ÅVH[PUN KV^U H YP]LY PU H rubber tire getting slowly hammered out of your face as you stop at little bars along the way. But that’s only the half of it, there’s mud baths, volley ball, happy shakes, potent buckets, soaring zip wires and mental slides. Tipped as one of the best places to party on the backpacking circuit, Vang Vieng ‘Tubing‘ is a little Full Moon Party every day of the year!

And though many travelers don’t stick around long enough [V ÄUK V\[ ILSPL]L P[ VY UV[ [OLYL HYL V[OLY [OPUNZ [V KV PU Vang Vieng! The scenery around the town is nothing short VM ZWLJ[HJ\SHY HUK Q\Z[ H Ä]L TPU\[L IPRL YPKL V\[ZPKL VM [OL THPU Z[YPW `V\»SS ÄUK \U[V\JOLK JV\U[Y`ZPKL SVJHS ]PSSHNLZ HUK H ^H` VM SPML [OH[»Z ILLU \UJOHUNLK MVY `LHYZ (Z I\ɈHSV NYHaL PU [OL ÄLSKZ HYV\UK HUK SVJHS JOPSKYLU Y\U MYVT ULHYI` houses to say hello and practice their English with the strange foreigner, you’ll quickly realize there’s a lot more to this magical place than can be glimpsed from a rubber ring. Adventure awaits everywhere.

51

ing ////////////////// Mountain byikgreat routes around

an There are m ckled in a at can be ta th n w a local the to k Vieng. Pic up ng Va m fro y da t that hires y travel agen map from an u can plan town and yo bikes in the gorgeous t amidst the a great day ou from the ay aw e. Once karst landscap t into the e, you can ge tourist enclav you cycle ide of Laos, as real countrys spanning s ge id mboo br over rickety ba MHYTLYZ H[ ^H[JO SVJHS Ă…V^PUN YP]LYZ JVUZ[HU[S` Ă„LSKZ HUK IL ^VYR PU [OL untryside co ul the beautif by d se es pr im des. s you on all si that surround

52

Visiting caves and lagoons//////////

Getting there

Go deeper underground and visit the many wondrous caves in the area around Vang Vieng, where you can navigate secret corridors and gaze in wonder at the unusual rock formations of stalagmites and stalactites formed over thousands of years in the deep realms. From the main cycle trails, you’ll spot intriguing signs pointing down bumpy tracks, indicating caves in the area. If such a sign is followed, like magic, you will encounter a young guide who knows routes through the caves like the back of his hand and will guide you [OYV\NO [OL KHYRULZZ ^P[O H ÅHZO SPNO[ [V HWWLHY at the other side, occasionally pointing out huge spiders lurking in the darkness! A few of the caves have underground lakes and some open up into impressive lagoons where you can swim. Obtain a THW PU [V^U [V ÄUK V\[ [OL ZWV[Z

Vang Vieng is situated on the main road between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. From Luang Prabang it’s an 8 hour bus ride south, passing through windy roads of beautiful countryside. From Vientiane it’s a 5 hour bus trip north.

Relax and pamper yourself with our luxurious spa treatments: Aromatherapy Four Hands Massage Hot Stone Massage & Other Massage Therapies Body, Facial & Waxing Treatments Many Other Spa Services

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53

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isitors to Dalah Spa in Vientiane, Laos, will be greeted by the LU[PJPUN PU[LYPVY KLZPNU [OH[ YLÅLJ[Z HU \UWYL[LU[PV\Z YLSH_PUN HTIPHUJL [OH[ KPɈLYZ MYVT V[OLY ZWH YL[YLH[Z PU [V^U ;OPZ PZ Z\JO HU PK`SSPJ WSHJL [V SLH]L `V\Y OLJ[PJ \YIHU SPML ILOPUK =PZP[VYZ HYL ZWVPS[ MVY JOVPJL ^P[O [OL ]HZ[ HTV\U[ VM ZWH WHJRHNLZ VU VɈLY ;OL HɈHISL V^ULY +HYHWOVUL 2PH[ZYP[OHUHRVYU ^OVZL UPJRUHTL PZ 2VI ZH`Z [OH[ ZOL WH`Z THZZP]L H[[LU[PVU [V KL[HPS [V UV[ VUS` [Y` [V JYLH[L H ILH\[PM\S PU[LYPVY ZL[[PUN I\[ HSZV MVJ\ZLZ VU VɈLYPUN ÅH^SLZZ ZLY]PJLZ MVY OLY JSPLU[LSLZ ^OV V]LY WLYJLU[ VM [OLT HYL MYVT ,\YVWL ;OHPSHUK 1HWHU *OPUH HUK 2VYLH -VY [OVZL ^OV ^HU[ [V ZWLUK [OL TH_PT\T HTV\U[ VM [PTL H[ [OL ZWH +HSHO :WH VɈLYZ H WLYMLJ[ MV\Y OV\Y HUK H OHSM ZWH WHJRHNL 0U [OL TLHU[PTL [OLYL»Z H ]HYPL[` VM ZWH WHJRHNLZ Z\JO HZ (YVTH[PJ 4HZZHNL [OH[ ZOL Z[YVUNS` YLJVTTLUKZ ;OL -V\Y /HUK

THZZHNL OV[ Z[VUL 4HZZHNL /V[ OLYIHS *VTWYLZZ 4HZZHNL HU[P Z[YLZZ IHJR ULJR HUK ZOV\SKLY THZZHNL 7HJRHNLZ HYL IV[O ]LY` ZVV[OPUN HUK OLHSPUN HZ P[ ^PSS OLSW `V\ H NYLH[ KLHS [V OHUKSL OL O\TPKP[` K\YPUN [OL YHPU` ZLHZVU (WHY[ MYVT [OVZL NLULYPJ ZWH [YLH[TLU[Z +HSHO :WH ZWLJPHSS` MLH[\YLZ \UOLHYK VM ZWH ZLZZPVUZ Z\JO HZ ,HY :WH HUK )LSS` )\[[VU :WH ^OPJO ZOL \YNLZ L]LY`VUL [V [Y` HZ ZOL ZH`Z [OH[ `V\ JHU»[ ÄUK P[ PU V[OLY WSHJLZ )V[O ZWLJPHS ZWH [YLH[TLU[Z HYL ZPNUPÄJHU[ PU YLSLHZPUN ZVTL PSSULZZ HZ [OL ,HY :WH ^PSS LɈLJ[P]LS` LHZL [OL JVSK HUK [OL ZPU\ZP[PZ ^OPSL [OL )LSS` )\[[VU :WH ^PSS OLSW LUOHUJL [OL JVSVU HUK KPNLZ[P]L Z`Z[LTZ PU H OLHS[O` ^H` =PZP[ +HSHO :WH HUK `V\Y ÄYZ[ ]PZP[ JLY[HPUS` ^VU»[ IL `V\Y SHZ[ DALAH SPA

56

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offers a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis, management and treatment of cardiovascular disease by a team of cardiac specialists from Bangkok Heart Hospital led by Dr. Ratanapunt Incharoensakdi who has been in the field for 30 years.

www.nagaclinic-udon.com 215/15 Udon Dusadee Road, Mak Khaeng, Muang, Udon Thani 41000 Thailand Tel : +66 (0) 42 205033, +66 (0) 42 205088

Map Of Laos 58

www.laoairlines.com

Seoul, Korea

Guangzhou, China Kunming, China Jinghong, China

Hanoi, Vietnam

Luangnamtha Oudomxay Houeisay Xiengkhouang Luang Prabang Chiangmai, Thailand

VIENETIANE

Udonthani Danang, Vietnam Savannakhet

Pakse

Bangkok, Thailand

Siemreap, Cambodia

Phnompenh, Cambodia Internation Route Future Route Domestic Route Code Sharc Route Airport

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Singapore

INTERNATIONAL ROUTES TIMETABLE Valid from 25 Mar 2012 to 27 Oct 2012 FLT No

Days

Routing

Dep

Arr

AC

STP

VIENTIANE - BANGKOK - VIENTIANE QV414 QV415 QV415 QV4571* QV4575* QV424 QV425 QV425 QV4570* QV4574*

Daily 247 1356 Daily Daily Daily 247 1356 Daily Daily

VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE

QV312 QV920* QV322 QV921*

Daily Daily Daily Daily

VTE HAN VTE HAN HAN VTE HAN VTE

QV921 QV920

Daily Daily

VTE PNH PNH VTE

QV512 QV522

2457 2457

VTE REP REP VTE

QV535 QV545

247 247

VTE SIN SIN VTE

QV515 QV525

136 136

VTE SGN SGN VTE

QV817 QV827

Daily Daily

VTE KMG KMG VTE

07:30 16:15 16:40 13:50 21:50 09:35 18:55 18:55 11:45 19:55

08:35 17:50 17:50 14:55 22:55 10:45 20:40 20:05 12:55 21:05

320 AT7 320 734 734 320 AT7 320 734 734

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

320 320 320 320

0 0 0 0

320 320

0 0

AT7 AT7

PKZ PKZ

320 320

0 0

AT7 AT7

PKZ PKZ

320 320

0 0

AT7 AT7

0 0

AT7 AT7

0 0

AT7 AT7

0 0

AT7 F70 AT7 F70

PKZ 0 PKZ 0

15:15 18:10 09:35 19:50

F70 AT7 F70 AT7

0 0 0 0

09:25 14:20 11:05 16:00

AT7 AT7 AT7 AT7

0 0 0 0

MA6 MA6

0 0

12:30 15:05

AT7 AT7

0 0

12:00 15:35

MA6 MA6

ZVK ZVK

VIENTIANE - HANOI - VIENTIANE 15:15 19:35 17:25 09:40

16:25 20:35 18:35 10:45

VIENTIANE - PHNOMPENH - VIENTIANE 11:30 17:30

13:00 18:50

VIENTIANE - SIEMREAP - VIENTIANE 06:30 10:05

09:25 13:00

VIENTIANE - SINGAPORE - VIENTIANE 15:40 20:40

19:40 22:40

VIENTIANE - HOCHIMINH - VIENTIANE 08:30 13:30

12:30 17:30

VIENTIANE - KUNMING - VIENTIANE 07:20 10:50

09:50 11:20

LUANGPRABANG- CHIANGMAI - LUANGPRABANG QV635 QV645

23567 23567

QV818 QV828

247 247

QV633 QV643

Daily Daily

LPQ CNX CNX LPQ

13:10 15:05

14:10 16:05

LUANGPRABANG - JINGHONG - LUANGPRABANG LPQ JHG JHG LPQ

11:20 13:00

12:20 14:00

LUANGPRABANG - BANGKOK - LUANGPRABANG LPQ BKK BKK LPQ

07:30 10:20

09:10 12:00

LUANGPRABANG- SIEMREAP - LUANGPRABANG QV513 QV931 QV523 QV930

1356 Daily 1356 Daily

QV930* QV313 QV931* QV323

Daily Daily Daily Daily

LPQ HAN LPQ HAN HAN LPQ HAN LPQ

QV512 QV513 QV522 QV523

2457 1356 2457 1356

PKZ REP PKZ REP REP PKZ REP PKZ

QV213 QV223

1357 1357

ZVK BKK BKK ZVK

QV515 QV525

136 136

PKZ SGN SGN PKZ

QV213 QV223

1357 1357

PKZ BKK BKK PKZ

LPQ REP LPQ REP REP LPQ REP LPQ

10:55 10:20 15:00 12:20

14:20 11:40 18:10 13:40

LUANGPRABANG - HANOI - LUANGPRABANG 14:25 17:10 08:35 18:50

PAKSE - SIEM REAP - PAKSE 08:25 13:20 10:05 15:00

SAVANNAKHET - BANGKOK - SAVANNAKHET 10:30 13:05

12:00 14:35

PAKSE - HOCHIMINH - PAKSE 10:55 13:30

PAKSE - BANGKOK - PAKSE 09:25 13:05

DOMESTIC ROUTES TIMETABLE Valid from 25 Mar 2012 to 27 Oct 2012 FLT No

Days

Routing

Dep

Arr

AC

STP

QV111

Daily

VTE LPQ

09:15

10:10

AT7

0

QV101

Daily

VTE LPQ

11:45

12:30

320

0

QV103

Daily

VTE LPQ

16:30

17:25

AT7

0

QV112

Daily

LPQ VTE

07:50

08:45

AT7

0

QV102

Daily

LPQ VTE

13:30

14:15

320

0

QV104

Daily

LPQ VTE

17:55

18:50

AT7

0

VIENTIANE - LUANGPRABANG - VIENTIANE

LUANGPRABANG - PAKSE - LUANGPRABANG QV513

1356

LPQ PKZ

10:55

12:35

AT7

0

QV523

1356

PKZ LPQ

16:30

18:10

AT7

0

VIENTIANE -OUDOMXAY - VIENTIANE QV501

246

VTE ODY

10:30

11:20

MA6

0

QV502

246

ODY VTE

11:50

12:40

MA6

0

VIENTIANE- HOUEISAY - VIENTIANE QV901

1357

VTE HOE

11:00

11:55

MA6

0

QV902

1357

HOE VTE

12:35

13:30

MA6

0

VIENTIANE - LUANGNAMTHA-VIENTIANE QV601

1357

VTE LXG

12:00

13:00

MA6

0

QV602

1357

LXG VTE

13:30

14:30

MA6

0

VIENTIANE - XIENGKHUANG-VIENTIANE QV401

13457

VTE XKH

10:00

10:30

MA6

0

QV402

13457

XKH VTE

11:00

11:30

MA6

0

VIENTIANE- PAKSE - VIENTIANE QV512

2457

VTE PKZ

06:30

07:45

AT7

0

QV515

136

VTE PKZ

08:30

09:45

AT7

0

QV201

1357

VTE PKZ

07:40

08:55

MA6

0

QV522

2457

PKZ VTE

11:45

13:00

AT7

0

QV525

136

PKZ VTE

16:05

17:30

AT7

0

QV202

1357

PKZ VTE

16:05

17:20

MA6

0

VIENTIANE - SAVANNAKHET-VIENTIANE QV201

1357

VTE ZVK

07:40

09:55

MA6

PKZ

QV202

1357

ZVK VTE

15:07

17:20

MA6

PKZ

PAKSE - SAVANNAKHET - PAKSE QV201

1357

PKZ ZVK

09:25

9:55

MA6

0

QV202

1357

ZVK PKZ

15:05

15:35

MA6

0

Remarks : All times are local times 1 = Monday 2 = Tuesday 3 = Wednesday 4 = Thursday

5 = Friday 6 = Saturday 7 = Sunday

* 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

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