That Luang Festival
Lanterns and Legends
Fostering Connections, Fueling Growth
HERITAGE
That Luang Festival 24
DESTINATION
Cinema Under the Stars
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Dear Passengers,
Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Skyway.
We would like to warmly welcome our passengers to the country during Visit Laos Year 2024. We are certain you will enjoy traveling here and hope to return.
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We are deeply committed to our high standard of service and take pride that we fly to more routes in Laos than any other airline. Lao Skyway works tirelessly to ensure that all of our flights are safe, comfortable, and hygienic for every passenger. Please download the Lao Skyway mobile app and try our customer service hotline at 1441 for all of your future reservations. We also have many sales offices throughout the country ready to make your journey a reality.
With our highest respect and warm regards,
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Panthavy Sisongkham Managing Director
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COVER IMAGE
That Luang Festival by Phoonsab Thevongsa
ADVISORY BOARD
Panthavy Sisongkham Chief Executive Officer
Sonetysack Mylakong Administration Director
Onta Phompanya Lao Skyway Industry Director
Khamla Phomsichanh Lao Skyway Director LAO SKYWAY
Head office: Asean Road, Ban Akard, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R, P.O Box 6618 (856)21 512 027 (856)21 513 022 info@laoskyway.com, service@laoskyway.com
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Dear Readers,
Welcome to Lao Sky, the inflight magazine of Lao Skyway as we conclude Visit Laos Year 2024 and enjoy the richness Laos has to offer.
The end of the year is a very festive time in Laos. October marks the end of the three-month Buddhist Lent and the occasion is a colorful candlelit festival in Luang Prabang.
November brings the largest festival in LaosBoun That Luang - in Vientiane with worshippers from all over the country.
The Blue Chair Film Festival is held in Luang Prabang in December. See the best films from Laos and around the region - for free!
Learn about EuroCham and its efforts to improve the Lao business environment.
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
Anita Preston
Anita Preston/Evensong Film
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Sales Executive
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Mark Gandeza sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 56581416 (856-20) 59596621
RDK GROUP
134 Samsenthai Road, Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos (856-20) 55731717 | info@rdkgroup.la
Lanterns and Legends
The Fireboat Festival in Luang Prabang
Words and images by Anita Preston / Evensong Film
The end of Buddhist Lent and Boun Lai Heua Fai (Fireboat Festival) are highlights in the Visit Laos Year 2024 calendar. The full moon marking the end of Buddhist Lent will fall on October 17th this year, with the Fireboat Festival held the following evening. This is the most charming festival by far in the Lao calendar. Festivities occur all over Laos, but the old northern capital offers the most atmospheric setting. Myriad twinkling lights set against a backdrop of gorgeous temples, quaint back streets, and historic architecture are hard to beat. Don’t forget your camera.
The previous three months of Buddhist Lent symbolize the time when Buddha ascended to heaven to visit his moth-
er and his return to Earth marks the end of this period which also coincides with the end of the rainy season. The Rains Retreat is a time of reflection and monks will concentrate on studying the dharma and teaching new disciples. The end of Buddhist Lent marks the end of an austere period and is joyous and happy. Normal life resumes and wedding season can begin. During Lent, it is seen as unlucky to host social events, move house, or get married. People also try to abstain from alcohol or meat in an attempt to emulate the ascetic life the monks lead during Lent.
A unique lantern shaped like a goldfish
It is very auspicious to give alms on the morning of the full moon, pay reverence to your ancestors, and make merit for future endeavors. The streets in town are lined with devotees waiting for endless processions of monks to place sticky rice in their baskets or traditional khao tom (sticky rice and banana treat steamed in banana leaves). It’s also common to give candles, an enduring symbol of light and positivity.
During the day, many locals also make and sell floating votives of brightly colored flowers, banana leaves, and candles. Buy one and join the locals as they float them in the river in the evening.
At dusk, the highlight of the festival is the candlelit boat procession, held from the post office down the main street to Wat Xieng Thong. The boats are filled with candles and at the end of the evening, the ritual culminates with boats being placed in the Mekong and sailed away with the current.
The stars of the parade are the boats that can be very elaborate from fire-breathing Naga serpents with real flames or creatures with articulated wings that flap up and down. Each temple will spend weeks making huge boats and custom lanterns from bamboo and colored tissue paper in the shape of a Naga serpent or other mythical beast. The
Wat Silimoungkhoun begins lighting lanterns before dusk
A novice helps keep the lanterns lit all evening
boats will be filled with candles and take part in the parade or simply put on display in the temple yard. Temples are creative with their choices, Wat Sibounheuang always makes a model of an airplane plane, and last year one temple went with the times and made a bright green coronavirus lantern.
The Fireboat Festival is full of sights and smells, the air is redolent with the sweet smell of melting beeswax and gentle wafts of smoke. As well as the magnificent illuminated floats, people dress in traditional clothes, dancers from the theater perform tales from the Ramayana in monkey costumes, and masses of schoolchildren in crisp white shirts join the parade each carrying a lantern.
It’s also very popular for locals to don traditional costumes and take selfies amongst a backdrop of twinkling lights, the abundance of warm candles makes for a flattering softly-lit portrait. Locals often visit a circuit of the most popular and best-decorated temples: Wat Xieng Mouan with its big courtyard
filled with geometric lines of colored paper lamps, Wat Choum Khong which probably has the thickest density of lanterns in town, and the huge white stupa at Wat Visoun is very evocative and atmospheric lit up warmly by lanterns placed on its many tiers.
At the old steps of Wat Xieng Thong, many people gather to watch the boats being placed in the Mekong and to launch their own floating votives, symbolically pushing away negative energy to the murky blackness of the river. Make a wish and hope to return to this beautiful festival again next year.
CAPTIONS
1: A naga-shaped boat is paraded down the street to Wat Xieng Thong
2: A dancer in the Ramayana ballet participates in the event
3: The procession is enjoyed by a multitude of onlookers
Tourism Luang Prabang typically launches a calendar of events in advance of the festival each year on its Facebook Page: fb.com/ tourismluangprabang
GETTING THERE
Lao Skyway has regular flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane.
A woman admires a colorful naga lantern
Fostering Connections, Fueling Growth
EuroCham Laos at the heart of Lao business
Words and images by EuroCham Laos
In a unique economic landscape, characterized by steady growth and a strategic position in Southeast Asia, the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Laos (EuroCham Laos) stands as a pivotal institution for fostering business connections, economic growth, and investment opportunities to thrive in a dynamic Lao market.
While the Lao government’s focus on sustainable development and regional integration further enhances its appeal as a business destination, EuroCham Laos, as a bridge between Europe and Laos, plays a crucial role in promoting bilateral trade, supporting local enterprises, and enhancing the economic landscape of the region.
With over 12 years of experience and over 120 members, EuroCham Laos is the largest and most influential Western business association in the Lao PDR. With a mission to support and promote European businesses in Laos, EuroCham Laos offers a comprehensive suite of services, fostering a conducive environment for business growth and development.
Advocacy and Representation
EuroCham Laos actively engages with the Lao government, European Union bodies, and international organizations to advocate for policies that foster economic growth and business development. Through regular dialogues and consultations, ECCIL ensures that the voice of the business community is heard and considered in policymaking processes. This advocacy work is instrumental in creating a more transparent, predictable, and business-friendly regulatory environment.
Supporting Sustainable Development
EuroCham Laos is committed to promoting sustainable development and responsible business practices among its members. The chamber encourages businesses to adopt sustainable practices that reduce their environmental footprint, enhance community welfare and inclusivity, and contribute to environmental protection, social equity, and economic development. By championing sustainability, ECCIL helps its members align their business strategies with global sustainability goals and contribute
to the long-term prosperity of Laos. EuroCham Laos positions itself as a cornerstone of the business community and promoter of European culture and values with several leading initiatives.
In 2022, EuroCham Laos established an annual charity fund-raising and gala dinner to encourage its members to understand the community’s needs and demonstrate the ability for compassion. “As it is ECCIL EuroCham’s mission to represent and further European core values in responsible trade, we are constantly encouraging responsible investment. We work daily with European and local businesses, civil society organizations, Lao authorities, and communities to promote responsible business practices and support sustainable economic growth and shared value” said Thiane Khamvongsa, Executive Director of EuroCham Laos. “For us, a company “doing good” is measured not only in terms of profits but also by how it contributes to the communities and ecosystems in which it operates. The health crisis has left people vulnerable, and the role of the private sector is crucial in this context.”
Other flagship events are the Responsible Business Awards organized with several other foreign business chambers, and the “Empower Women” program - supported by the European Union and Team Europe in Lao PDR - which aims to contribute to gender equality and women empowerment in the area of private sector development.
Networking and Community Building
Networking is a cornerstone of ECCIL’s offerings. The Chamber organizes numerous events throughout the year, including seminars, workshops, and social gatherings. These events provide members with the opportunity to connect with key stakeholders, industry leaders, and potential business partners. By facilitating these connections, ECCIL helps members expand their professional networks, share knowledge, and explore collaborative opportunities.
A Positive Outlook
Joining EuroCham Laos offers businesses an unparalleled platform to thrive in the Lao market. With its comprehensive services, successful advocacy efforts, and vibrant network of professionals, EuroCham Laos is the ideal partner for any business aiming to establish or expand its presence in Laos.
The economic outlook for Laos is promising, with ongoing reforms and development initiatives paving the way for sustained growth. By being a part of EuroCham Laos, businesses can capitalize on these opportunities and contribute to the prosperity of the Lao economy. Embrace the future with EuroCham Laos and unlock the potential of this burgeoning market.
That Luang Festival
Words by Jason Rolan
Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa
aos’ largest religious festival, held in honor of the That Luang Stupa, is an annual extravaganza, held in the heart of Vientiane. It is a testament to the nation's deep-rooted spirituality, enduring traditions, and unshakeable sense of community.
Join us on a journey to uncover the essence of the That Luang Festival, where centuries-old customs come alive in a riot of colors, music, and spirituality. Against the backdrop of the awe-inspiring That Luang Stupa, the festival showcas-
es the profound spiritual connection that unites Lao people while welcoming visitors from around the world.
Wander through the mesmerizing sights and sounds of the festival, see the rituals that have stood the test of time, and immerse yourself in the warm embrace of Lao culture. That Luang Festival is more than an event; it's a window into the soul of Laos, where history and spirituality intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
An aerial photo of That Luang Festival
Almsgiving during That Luang Festival is very lively
Devotees in the worship procession at That Luang Stupa
At night, Lao people circumambulate with candles and flowers around That Luang
ເພີີດເພີີນ
Blue Chair
2022, Martina Escobar,
Monster Jiminez,
1: A film director explains her process to the audience
2: The venue for outdoor film screenings
3: Audiences love the experience of watching films in Luang Prabang
GETTING THERE
Lao Skyway has regular flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane.
CiNEMA Under the Stars
Blue Chair Film Festival returns in December
Words and
images
by Blue Chair Film Festival
What may be Asia’s most unlikely international film festival returns this December to Luang Prabang, as Blue Chair and its partners bring the best of contemporary Southeast Asian cinema to the idyllic UNESCO World Heritage town, where the last movie theater closed in 1985.
Entirely free of charge, this year’s event, from 5 to 9 December, will showcase a range of feature and short films, both fiction and documentary — everything from Thai blockbusters to Singaporean experimental shorts to award-winning arthouse offerings from Vietnam. Additional activities include live performances, public discussions, and filmmaker Q&As.
Founded fifteen years ago as the Luang Prabang Film Festival, with a mission to support the nascent Lao film industry by providing Lao filmmakers the opportunity to connect with and experience
work by their regional peers, the Blue Chair’s focus on films from the ten-country region has made it a favorite among filmmakers as well, many of whom are eager to attend for networking, meeting with audiences, and brainstorming their next projects over a cold Beerlao on the banks of the Mekong.
In 2022, Director Martina Escobar and Producer Monster Jiminez, both from the Philippines, shared their film Leonor Will Never Die at the festival; afterward, they explained to the audience that they had in fact met in Luang Prabang at the 2016 festival — that Leonor wouldn’t exist without the event.
“People sometimes ask if we do awards,” says Sean Chadwell, Executive Director at Blue Chair. “We don’t. Luang Prabang is the perfect atmosphere for connecting with fellow filmmakers, planning the next project, and appreciating what’s in front of you. Why get in the way of all that?”
The festival’s main night venue routinely hosts more than 1,200 guests, who show up for the town’s biggest screen, while it lasts. “As a free festival,” Chadwell explains, “this is part of the point: doing what we can to build an audience for domestic cinema.”
“Presenting the festival for free is a challenge, though,” says Vone Liosakoun, Blue Chair Programs Manager. “But a big reason we can is the support of the Luang Prabang hospitality community.” Indeed, this year, more than 20 local hotels are partnering with Blue Chair to host filmmakers and VIP guests for the festival.
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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
VIENTIANE – SEKONG 03:50 h
VIENTIANE – ATTAPEU 03:55 h
CESSANA 208 GRAND CARAVAN MA-60
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
h
h
h
h 07:40 h 07:50 h
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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