Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Skyway.
We would like to offer a warm welcome to our passengers during Visit Laos Year 2024. We are certain that you will enjoy traveling here and will want to return.
We are deeply committed to our high standard of service and we fly to more routes and frequencies in Laos. Lao Skyway works tirelessly to ensure that all of our flights are safe, comfortable, and hygienic for every passenger.
No matter how far or how close you are, Lao Skyway is always here to serve you. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you again aboard a flight with Lao Skyway soon. I hope that Lao Skyway will be your choice for a convenient means of transportation to your destination.
Welcome to Lao Sky, the inflight magazine of Lao Skyway as we continue Visit Laos Year 2024 and explore more of the richness Laos has to offer.
As Laos’ rivers swell higher during the rainy season, it is time for one of the country’s favorite pastimes - boat racing. Join this thrilling event all over Laos.
Phongsaly is one of Laos’ final frontiers for tourism, with its charming old city and incredible ethnic diversity. See it now before the crowds.
Visit Savannakhet in central Laos, home to dinosaurs, delicious food, and a charming old quarter. This stunning, yet overlooked, destination has something for everyone.
Stay at inthira Vang Vieng Hotel for a luxurious and sustainable experience with panoramic views over the Nam Song River.
Thanks for being onboard, The Lao Sky team
PUBLISHING
Group Editor-in-Chief
Contributing Editors
Creative Director
Contributing Writers
Contributing Photographers
Jason Rolan
Vilavanh Chanthavong
Dokfa Malaithong Philippe Bissig Mick Shippen
Phoonsab Thevongsa
ADVERTISING
Sales & Marketing Manager
Sales Executive
Latsamee Phaxay
Mark Gandeza sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 56581416 (856-20) 59596621
ew destinations in Laos remain as enigmatic as Phongsaly. Tell friends that you are planning a trip to the far-flung northern town and the typical response will be something along the lines of, “Oh, I’ve wanted to go there for ages but just haven’t got round to it. I really must go.” A travel cliché it may be, but Phongsaly lies at the end of a road that is truly less traveled. It’s no secret that getting there requires considerable effort, planning, patience, and flexibility but for those who are willing and able, the rewards are plentiful, so yes, “you really must go.”
Phongsaly is tied to a long mountain ridge that rises 1,400 m above sea level. The altitude means that even during the hottest months of April and May, morning and evening temperatures are pleasantly cool. Come the actual cool season, temperatures plummet to a crisp Celsius in single digits, so remember to pack your fleece. During this time travelers can also witness some fantastic misty mountain scenery from their view above the clouds.
1: An Akha woman walks past a faded facade
2: Fresh sausages drying in the sun
3: Bringing fresh tofu to the market
4: An Akha village and the beautiful mountains beyond
CAPTIONS
A taste of Yunnan
Wandering the steep cobbled streets of Phongsaly town’s old quarter, lined with single-storey wooden shophouses and red lanterns, you could be forgiven for thinking you are in southern China. In fact, many of the people in this part of town are Haw Chinese, descendants of traders from Yunnan, which borders Laos, a little further north. Evidence that the migrants have kept their distinctive culinary culture alive is everywhere. Chinese-style pork sausage, and a local speciality of pork, tofu, and Sichuan pepper, can be seen hanging out to dry, as can baskets of tofu (including the ominous looking and powerfully flavoured tohu yee, fermented tofu) and discs of fermented soybean cake, a key seasoning in many local dishes. Yunnan cuisine can be found at several open-fronted shophouse restaurants in town, but one of the best is Laoper. Typical of oldschool Chinese restaurants, there’s no
menu. Instead, the cook ushers you to a large fridge full of market-fresh ingredients. Once you have made a choice, she speedily stir-fries them in the huge wood-fired wok in the corner of the kitchen.
For those who delight in the discovery of local flavors, one of the most interesting places to eat is at Mae Saengon restaurant which is tucked away down a side street near Nong Wat Keo pond. Sadly, the restaurant closed a few years ago (the sign remains) when Saeng-on felt she was getting too old to continue, but throughout the day her daughter sells pho som Phongsali, a fabulously tasty and fascinating Haw Chinese noodle dish that you are unlikely to find elsewhere in Laos. Served at a red metal table or two outside the former restaurant, fresh noodle sheets are deftly cut and then topped with a fermented soybean paste, ground sesame seeds, a ladleful of a cool ginger and coriander broth, and another made with som phod or Chinese sumac, which gives the dish a refreshingly sour note.
Wherever you choose to eat in Phongsali you will be served a pot of local tea. As you explore the alleyways, you will also see trays of leaves drying in the sun or being sorted by hand. Phongsali tea is renowned for its high quality and almost everything grown on the mountain slopes surrounding the town is exported to China. Tea lovers can take a day trip to the ancient plantations where some tea trees are said to be 400 years old, to see the tender leaves being picked and processed. You’ll also find the tea for sale in the shops downtown and at the local market.
CAPTIONS
1: A Haw Chinese noodle dish at Mae Saeng-on Restaurant
2: A girl peers out of the window of a heritage building
3: Phongsaly beyond the roof of the Chinese Temple
4: Sorting tea leaves by hand
Right: Women from various Akha groups
Cultural melting pot
Besides premium quality tea, Phongsali’s second claim to fame is that it is the most culturally diverse province in Laos. It is home to dozens of ethnic minorities, the largest of which are the Phounoi, as well as Yao, Lolo, Tai Lue, and Khmu. There are many Akha in the area, who originally migrated from China years ago. They are one of the most colourful ethnic groups in northern Laos and each sub-group has its own distinctive headwear, jewelry, and clothing. Although you will often see the ethnic groups in Phongsali town, most still live in hard-to-reach (and hard-to-find) villages accessed by rough red dirt roads. They are best visited with the aid of a local guide on day trips or, for the physically fit, on multiday treks that include overnight homestay accommodation.
GETTING THERE
Lao Skyway flies from Vientiane to Boun Neua daily. From there you can get a bus to Phongsali (45km) or arrange for a private car through a travel agent.
Akha women pose for a photo
Dragon Cave, Bolikhamxay Province
ໂຮງແຮມ
ອິນທິຣາ ວັງວຽງ
Philippe Bissig
ໂຮງ
Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel
Words by Philippe Bissig
by Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel
mbraced by the dynamic beauty of Vang Vieng, Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel is your perfect gateway to an unforgettable Lao adventure. Whether you explore the blue lagoons, marvel at the stunning karst mountains, or kayak on the Nam Song River, this boutique hotel serves as the ideal base for all your escapades.
Prime Location and Stunning Views
Located right in the town center, Inthira Vang Vieng offers easy access to the vibrant night market, an array of restaurants and bars, and charming local shops. The breathtaking views of the Nam Song River and picturesque mountains make every moment of your stay picture-perfect.
Images
Luxurious Comfort and Culinary Delights
Experience unmatched comfort in one of the hotel’s 38 urban chic rooms, each offering a private balcony with mesmerizing views of the river and mountains. After a day of adventure, unwind in the infinity pool or savor culinary delights at Khop Chai Deu, the hotel’s renowned restaurant. Whether you crave Laotian delicacies, Western favorites, or fusion cuisine, the restaurant caters to every palate.
Adventure Meets Sustainability
At Inthira Vang Vieng, sustainability is more than a buzzword; it’s a way of life. Actively working to minimize its environmental footprint and contribute positively to the local community, the hotel’s dedication to the environment is evident through its Travelife certification and the ASEAN Green Hotel Award. With the esteemed support of the SUSTOUR Laos project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Plan International Laos, the hotel is on an inspiring journey to achieve Travelife certification, highlighting its unwavering dedication to sustainable tourism.
Embrace a Unique Stay
Inthira Vang Vieng Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience combining luxury, sustainability, and heartfelt hospitality. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both, this hotel offers everything you need for a memorable journey with unparalleled comfort and a commitment to making the world a better place.
For more information, visit inthirahotels.com.
GETTING THERE
Lao Skyway operates flights to Vientiane from all over Laos. From there, it is an easy one-hour drive to Vang Vieng.
Nam Ou Bridge, Nong Khiaw, Luang Prabang
Rowers paddle as hard as they can to the finish line
Races Begin! Let the
Words by Jason Rolan Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa
Monsoon rains have flooded the rivers during the three-month season of Buddhist Lent, causing mythical river serpents known as Nagas to swim up into the irrigated rice paddies. To entice the playful guardian Nagas back into the rivers before the waters recede, the Lao organize longboat races with nearby villages competing. Racers compete for bragging rights and prizes as large audiences gather on the shore to cheer them on.
The tournament is staged on the Khan River in Luang Prabang halfway through Buddhist Lent (this year it is on September 2nd) with onlookers crowding both banks. Miss New Year and Lao dignitaries watch the races from a magnificent pavilion at the finish line and award prizes to the winning teams.
Xieng Thong Village’s boat is lowered down the steps to the Mekong before moving to the Khan River.
Monks and village elders bless the boat before the race
The boats are neck and neck
Novices watch the boat races at Wat Siphoutthabat
The boats reach the finish line
Lao Skyway flies frequently between Vientiane and Luang Prabang
A new match is about to begin
Suspension bridge at The Rock Viewpoint at Phou Pha Man, Khammouane Province
Spellbound in Savannakhet
Words by Jason Rolan
by Phoonsab Thevongsa and Jason Rolan
Once regarded merely as a transient pitstop along the Vientiane to Pakse route, Savannakhet has gradually emerged from obscurity, revealing its understated allure to discerning travelers. Despite efforts to entice longer stays, the town’s character remains refreshingly unassuming, its charm intact amidst the ebb and flow of passing visitors.
At the heart of Savannakhet lies its old quarter, a picturesque enclave reminiscent of a bygone era. Here, echoes of French colonial influence resonate through a tapestry of architectural
marvels, reminiscent of its heyday from 1893 to 1953. Unlike its meticulously restored counterpart, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet exudes an authentic patina of age, its terraced shophouses and St. Theresa’s Catholic Church standing as mementos to the passage of time.
Recent interest in preserving, instead of demolishing, historic buildings downtown has added to its authenticity. From the weathered facades of colonial relics to the inviting ambiance of Vietnamese cafes and hip Lao drinking spots, Savannakhet’s cultural mosaic invites exploration—a fusion of influences waiting to be uncovered.
Images
A mural on a traditional house of a boy firing a slingshot
A Phou Thai woman with a Pha Khouan
Le Corbeau Bar and Cafe
A mural of an ice cream vendor in the past
Women selling sticky rice baskets and rattan tables
The Plain of Jars, Xieng Khouang
VIENTIANE – XAYABOULY 01:05 h
VIENTIANE – XIENGKHUANG 01:10 h
VIENTIANE – XAISOMBOUN 00:40 h
VIENTIANE – HOUAPHAN 02:25 h
VIENTIANE – PHONGSALY 02:20 h
VIENTIANE – LUANGNAMTHA 02:05 h
VIENTIANE – OUDOMXAY 01:50 h
VIENTIANE – BORKEO 02:20 h
VIENTIANE – BORLIKHAMXAY 00:40 h
VIENTIANE – KHAMMUON 01:30 h
VIENTIANE – SAVANNAKETH 02:20 h
VIENTIANE – CHAMPASAK 03:20 h
VIENTIANE – SALAVANH 03:50 h
VIENTIANE – SEKONG 03:50 h
VIENTIANE – ATTAPEU 03:55 h
MI-17V1
ROUTES ONE WAY ROUND TRIP
VIENTIANE – VANGVIENG 00:40 h
VIENTIANE – LUANGPRABANG 01:20 h
VIENTIANE – XAYABOULY 01:05 h
VIENTIANE – XIENGKHUANG 01:10 h
VIENTIANE – XAISOMBOUN 00:40 h
VIENTIANE – HOUAPHAN 02:25 h
VIENTIANE – PHONGSALY 02:20 h
VIENTIANE – LUANGNAMTHA 02:05 h
VIENTIANE – OUDOMXAY 01:50 h
VIENTIANE – BORKEO 02:20 h
VIENTIANE – BORLIKHAMXAY 00:40 h
VIENTIANE – KHAMMUON 01:30 h
VIENTIANE – SAVANNAKETH 02:20 h
VIENTIANE – CHAMPASAK 03:20 h
VIENTIANE – SALAVANH 03:50 h
CESSANA 208 GRAND CARAVAN
VIENTIANE - OUDOMXAY 01:36 h
VIENTIANE - BORKEO 01:25 h
VIENTIANE - TONPHERNG 01:40 h
VIENTIANE - XIENGKHUANG 00:48 h
VIENTIANE - XAYABOULY 00:45 h
VIENTIANE - SAVANNAKETH 01:42 h
VIENTIANE - CHAMPASAK 02:20 h 01:30 h 01:36 h 03:12 h 02:50 h 03:20 h 03:24 h 04:40 h
VIENTIANE – SEKONG 03:50 h
VIENTIANE – ATTAPEU 03:55 h
h
h
h
h
h 07:50 h
MA-60
VIENTIANE – LUANGNAMTHA 00:55 h
VIENTIANE – OUDOMXAY 00:50 h
VIENTIANE – XIENGKHUANG 00:30 h
VIENTIANE – CHAMPASAK 01:35 h
VIENTIANE – BORKEO 01:05 h 01:00 h 01:50 h 03:10 h 01:40 h 02:10 h
VIENTIANE – ATTAPEU 02:00 h 04:00 h
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