Sabaidee Lifestyle & Travel Magazine issue 3

MAY - JUNE 2012

LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE | 2012.1.3

S ABAIDEE

LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE | 2012.1.3

N R E D MO IANE VIENT

INKIN H T N R E IN MOD G N I R E USH

G

LAOS AT FIRST BITE

MEKONG TOURISM FORUM 2012

KIA’S ALL-NEW RIO

THE COFFEE HERO OF LAOS

free

Your complimentary copy available in Laos, Udonthani, Nong Khai and Bangkok

SHOP RELAX AND

DINING OUT GUIDE IN LAOS & ETC.

Editor’s Note Welcome to the third issue of Sabaidee Magazine, with a special warm welcome to the spectators, officials and players taking part in the inaugural Luang Prabang Lao Open 2012. The Lao Open 2012, set to take place at the Luang Prabang Golf Club is a prestigious honor for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, and for the Lao nation in general. This sort of event just shows how far the country has evolved over the past few years. I am sure a great time will be had by everyone in attendance, and let’s hope for a Lao victory in the Asian Tour Event of the season.

Speaking of evolution, everything changes eventually, adapting to its surroundings and morphing to its environment… and even Lao cannot resist the clutches of Charles Darwin’s historical theory! We have to keep moving forward, aiming towards the future, and that is exactly what Laos’ capital city, Vientiane, is currently experiencing. A new and exciting modern attitude is sweeping across Vientiane, and we at Sabaidee want you to be a part of the changes. Enjoy our Modern Vientiane cover story with all the new and interesting things that are going on at this moment in time within the city.

Alongside our features involving the Luang Prabang Lao Open and Modern Vientiane, we have our usual mix of reviews, real life travel experiences and lots of solid advice for you to get the most out of your visit to this eclectic and interesting country.

Over the years, the Laotian people have become serious coffee-lovers, and what better way to understand the Lao coffee marketplace than an interview with Lao Coffee-God, Sinouk Sisombat, the president of the Lao Coffee Association and owner of a vast coffee plantation on the Bolaven Plateau.

This issue of Sabaidee Magazine once again promises to be action-packed, so please enjoy Lao in all of its glory! Take care until next time!

The Editor

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3rd

THIS ISSUE May-June 2012

42 20

52 22 Regulars

12 Lao Calendar May - June 2012 16 PR Bulletin Board 18 Hot Travel Deals 69 Sabaidee Club

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Travel

20 Travel Report - MTF 2012 22 Feature - Modern Vientiane 42 Lao Rooms - Urban Retreat 48 Culture - Finer Things

3rd

THIS ISSUE May-June 2012

ຄະນະທີ່ປຶກສາ | Consultants

ພັນລະຄອນ ສີບຸນເຮືອງ | P h an h l ak h o n e S y bo o n h e ung ອະນຸວົງ ຈັນທະລານຸວົງ | An o u v o n g J an t al an u v o n g ພັດທະລະພົງ ຄົງວິຈິດ | P at t arapo n g K o n g v i j i t ວິສິດ ເຊົາວະລິດຕານົນ | Wi s i t h C h aw al i t an o n

ຜູ້ອຳນວຍການ | Director

ມານະໄຊ ອິນແກ້ວ | Man ac h ai I n k ae w ບັນນາທິການບໍລິຫານ | Edi t o r i n C h i e f ເກດ ພິດທະຢາກອນສິນ | G ai d K o rn s i l apa

ບັນນາທິການ | Editor

ສົມໃຈ ພີມຜາສຸກ | S o m j ai P i m pas o u k

ບັນນາທິການ ພາສາອັງກິດ | English Editor ອະລັນ ວາດ | Al an Was s

ບັນນາທິການອອນລາຍ | Online Editor

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ຄະນິດຖາ ອິດຕະເມດ | K an i t t h a At t am at e

ເວບມາດເຕອ | Webmasters ຈັ¡¡ò ºÝ©º²ò´ | J ac k k ri t U do rn pi m

ຈັດໜ້າ ແລະ ອອກແບບ | Layout Design ນັດນະລີ ມາທອງ | Nu t n are e Mat h o n g

Àº¡-¡½-¦ò© -Àê®-²òêñ¡ | Ek as i t h T h e ppi t ak

ທະນ½ວັດ ຄົງແສນຄຳ | T h an aw at t K h o n g s e an k h u m

ຜູ້ອຳນວຍການຝ່າຍຂາຍ | Sales & Marketing Director ຊາຢາດາ ອະລິຍະຜົນຈະເລີນ | C h ay ada Ari y aph o n c h a r oen

ຜູ້ຈັດການຝ່າຍການຕະລາດ | Marketing Manager ນັນທະນາ ອິນແກ້ວ | Nan t h an a I n k ae w ລັດຕະນາ ອູດົມລົດ | Lat t an a U do m l i t h

ຫົວໜ້າຝ່າຍການເງິນ | Financial Controller ຄະນິດຖາ ສຸ´າລານຸລັກ | K an i t t h a S u m al an u rak

ສຳນັກງານຂາຍ | Sales Office ວາລະສານສະບາຍດີ

208 �ະ��ນສຸພານຸວ��, ບານອູບ´ຸ�, À´õº¤¦ີ£©ª½®º¤, ນ½�����ຽ�ຈັ�, ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ Sa b a i d e e M a g a z i n e

2 0 8 S o u ph an o u v o n g R o ad, B aan Ou pm o n g , Sikotta b ong D istr ict,

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V i e n t i an e , Lao P. D. R . ໂທ / ແຟັກ: 0 2 1 2 5 4 2 8 1 | Te l / Fax : + 8 5 6 2 1 254 281 Em ai l : s al e s @ s abai de e - m ag az i n e . c o m w w w. s abai de e - m ag az i n e . c o m

www.thethm.com

ເຈົ້າຂອງ ແລະ ຜູ້ຈັດພິມ | Owner & Publisher ທີ ເອັສ ເອັມ | T HM

ບ້ານວິຊຸນ, ຖະໜົນ ໄຊເສດຖາທິລາດ, ຫລວງພະບາງ ສ.ປ.ປ. ລາວ B an V i s o u n , S ay s e t t h at h i rat h R o ad,

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Lu an g P raban g , Lao P. D. R .

Also available at:

Lifestyle

44 Lao Cuisine - Lao At First Bite!

46 Tropical Garden Restaurant 50 Luang Prabang Lao Open 52 Sabaidee Relax 54 Behind the Wheel - Kia Rio 58 Sabaidee Guest Sinouk Sisombat

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Directory & Map

61 Lao’s General Information 62 Vientiane Directory 64 Vang Vieng Directory 66 Pakse & Champasak Directory 68 Savannakhet Directory 70 Luang Prabang Directory www.sabaidee-magazine.com

ເ�ກທີ 56, ໜວຍ 03, ບານ ວຽງໄ�, ເ�ືອງ �ວງພະບາງ No. 56, Unit 03, Ban Viengxay, Luangprabang district, Luangprabang Province. Tel: 071-21 4444. Fax: 071-21 3456

John Yates

Sabaide e

John Yates has been a Southeast Asia enthusiast for as long as he can remember. An avid writer and foodie with an academic background that spans business, political science and linguistics, he has lived in China and Thailand and has traveled extensively throughout the Indochina region.

Con tri bu tors

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 Top10Phuket, 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.

Melissa Richter

Melissa has a real passion for living and believes that everything in life should be experienced at least once. She is an American who has lived in Bangkok since 2004 and as a travel and food writer she has traversed the globe in search of the perfect bite. Melissa is also a MSW social worker with a background in the travel industry as a flight attendant and travel consultant. Melissa currently works as a food and travel writer for leading international magazines including Sur La Terre Bangkok, Restaurants of Bangkok and Bangkok Best Restaurant &Entertainment aswell working as the Bangkok Travel Examiner for Examiner.com and as a i-reporter for CNN Go.

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Lao Calendar

1-31 May

Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)

Venue: Xieng Khouang Boun Bang Fai is a ceremony praying for rain performed at the temple in the morning. In the afternoon, people gather in fields on the outskirts of villages and towns to launch the rockets with much abandoned revelry. Villages and communities compete for the “best decorated” and the “highest traveling” rocket.

Beginning around the middle May, the festivals are staggered from place to place to enable more participation and attendance.This is the time when an offering to the spirits can be made in a comer of one’s garden, early each morning.

3-6 May

1-31 May

Luang Prabang Lao Golf Open

Venue: Luang Prabang Golf Club Luang Prabang Golf Club will host its first professional golf tournament this year when the Luang Prabang Lao Open tees-off on the ASEAN PGA Tour. Signifying the rapid expansion of golf in the region and in particular into new untapped nations, the Luang Prabang Lao Open will be played at Luang Prabang Golf Club from May 3-6, the third event of the season on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

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Boun Visakha Bousa Festival

Venue: Nationwide This festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Lord Buddha. It is held on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month. Candlelit processions take place in the evening. If you want to experience the Buddhist roots of Laos, this is a great time to get a meaningful understanding of its essence.

Bulletin Board

CPN

to hold the first Red Carpet to celebrate the Grand Opening of CentralPlaza Udonthani

C

entral Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN)’s Chief Executive Officer Kobchai Chirathivat plans to wow shoppers in Udonthani,nearby provinces and Vientiane with the first “Red Carpet” event in Udonthani to celebrate the grand opening of the new CentralPlaza Udonthani, CPN’s largest and most modern shopping complex in the Northeast of Thailand which has undergone an over-5.5-billion Baht renovation.

The new CentralPlaza Undonthani promises to create a phenomenon for the Northeastern and Indochiana region with its double space at 250,000 sq.m. and state-of –the-art design as the new destination for fashion, dinning and entertainment.

Customers will enjoy over 500 local and international shops and brands such as Mango, Accessorize, Dorothy Perkins, Jaspal, CC-OO, Lyn Around, Starbucks, Fuji, Sukishi, etc., which will bring the latest products lifestyle and experience to the shoppers here.

Don’t miss! The Grand Opening celebration of CentralPlaza Udonthani scheduled on 10 May 2012 will be more spectacular under memorable theme “The First Red Carpet” in Udonthani, meet & greet with leading Thai superstars: Nadej Kukimiya, Matt -Peeranee Kongthai, Yo-Yosawadee Hussadeewichit, Marisa Anita, Jeed -Sangthong Ket-Uthong and Kem-Rujira Chuaykuer in Flash IT UP fashion show, together wtih concert by Burin and The Old School Band.

®ðìò¦ñ©-´½¹¾§öນ-¥¿¡ñ©-. À§ñນ-êñນ-²ñ©ê½ນ¾ (CPN) À¯ó©-À°ó¨-¸È¾¦øນ-¡¾ນ-£É¾-À§ñນ-êñນ ²ì¾§¾ º÷©ºນ-ê¾ນó¦´-ùȴê†-®ðìò¦ñ©-ê÷È´-À´ñ©-À¤òນ-ìö¤êôນ-¡È¸¾ 5,500 ®¾©-²ò¡-¦´-Îɾ£˜¤-ùȨ -Áì½¢½¹¨¾¨-²ນ œ ê† 2-ÀꉾÀ²ˆº-ùÉ-À¯ñນ-¦øນ-¡¾ນ-£É¾-ê†-¨…-¤Ã¹È¨ê†-¦÷©-Ãນ-²¾¡º†-¦¾ນ-ÀÎõº»º¤-»ñ®-¦ñ¡¡½-¨¾-²¾®-¡¾ນ-Àªó®Âª-¢º¤-²ø´-´ó-²¾¡-ºນ ó -©-¥óນ 츴»É¾ນ-£É¾Á®ນ-©ñ¤-êñ¤-Äê-Áì½-ªÈ¾¤¯½-Àê©-¡È¸¾ 500 »É¾ນ À²ˆºນ - ¿-Äì-³-Īì-Áì½-¯½¦ö®-¡¾ນ--ÃÏÈÅ-´¾-´º®Ã¹É-¡ñ®-§¾¸-º÷©ºນ-Áì½-ນ½£ºນ͸¤-¸¼¤-¥ນ ñ -²Éº´Áìɸ-ê†-¥½-¦½Íº¤-À¯ó©-ª-µÈ¾¤-¨…¤-ùȨ-Ãນ-¸ñນ-ê† 10 ²ô©¦½²¾ 2012 ²¾¨-êÉ-Áນ¸-£ò© “ The First Red Carpet “ .-Ãນ-¤¾ນ-¥½-Ä©É-²ö®-¡ñ®-¦ນ ò ì½-¯ນ ó -©¾ì¾-©ñ¤Í¾¨-êȾນ À§„ນ: ນ½-À©--© £ø-¡ò´ò-µ½,-Á´ñ© êòì½ນó£ö¤Äê,-µ µö©-¦½¸½-©ó, ´¾-콦¾ -Áºນ-ນóªÉ¾ -Áì½-ºó¡-;¨-êȾນ 츴êñ¤-¡¾ນ¦½-Á©¤ -£ºນ-À¦ó©-¥¾¡-®øìນ ó- -Áì½-¸ö¤

For more information, please contact CPN Public Relations Department: Tel. 0-2667-5555 Preeti Prapandvidya ext 4306 and Patharawan Ratreesawad ext 4119 (086 789 7404) Fax. 02 264-5575 Email: pr.ho@cpn.co.th Website: www.cpn.co.th/presscenter

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Hospitality

CREATIVE

MARCOM & EVENTS

‘We Are in the Business of People’

iTHM

TRAVEL

Vientiane OFFICE

208 Unit 15, Bane Oupmung, Sikhottabong, Vienttiane, Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 254 281

PUBLICATIONS

BANGKOK OFFICE

80/23 Ladprao Soi 23, Chankasem, Jatujak, Bangkok 10900 Tel: +66 2513 4913, +66 2513 4996 | Fax: +66 2513 4674 Email: info@thethm.com | www.thethm.com

Bulletin Board

Fly from Da Nang with Lao Airways

Laos Airways is set to launch a new flight to Da Nang this week, which will establish better transportation options between Laos and Vietnam. The flights will move between Pakse in Champassak Province and Kaysone Phomvihane in Savannaket to Da Nang in Central Vietnam. Lao Airlines’ Planning and Cooperation Department Director, Mr Noudeng Chanthaphasouk said,” We expect 50 to 60 percent of seats to be booked on each flight to start with and that the number of passengers will increase in the future.” This is all great news for the central regions of Laos, who have been seeing a rise in tourism and visitors over the past couple of years. 113 projects worth 1.55 million USD have been undertaken in Central Laos, which shows the seriousness of the country to build solid infrastructure to run alongside the upsurge in tourism.

Khounlang Cave opens to the public

The Khounland Cave in the Kasy District at Vientiane Province is set to open to the public on April 7, which is yet another string in the bow of the Visit Laos Year 2012. Mr Boualy Milattanapheng, Deputy Director of the Vientiane provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department said “We are ready to open the cave on April 7. We will select seven beautiful girls to be the NangSangkhan of Vientiane province. The winner of the contest will receive 2 million kip and the runner up will get 1.5 million kip.” The cave is situated approximately 200km north of Vientiane City, and will bring yet another natural beauty spot for visitors to Laos to enjoy.

Local people will be part of tourism activities. Mr. Boualy finished off by saying, “We have trained more than 30 guides who will take visitors to places of interest around the cave.”

Lao receives 4.3 million Euro from European Union Laos has received funding from the European Union to the tune of 4.3 million Euros for development initiatives that were proposed by local authorities and civil society organizations across the nation. The funds are designed to help poverty reduction and will be allocated to the most promising initiatives and projects. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the European Union Delegation to Laos, Mr Michel Goffin, outlined some of the goals of the funding by stating, “Under this call for proposals, projects can be in any sector that contributes to poverty alleviation, but the action should also prioritize areas where the most vulnerable households are located and preferably build on applicants’ previous successful experience.” If you want to learn more about the European Union’s guidelines regarding the proposals, please visit http:// eeas.europa.eu/delegations/laos/funding_ opportunities/grants/index_en.htm

AirAsia Increases Flights into Vientiane

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From 27 May 2012, AirAsia plan to provide additional flights from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane. At this moment in time, there are flights 3 times per week, but as of 27 May, this will increase to 7 times per week more than doubling the initial amount of flights.

AirAsia Regional Head of Commercial, Kathleen Tan, said, “With the launch of the additional flights, guests can enjoy further convenience and superior choice of flight times to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur. Together with this great promotion, we feel very optimistic that it will be well received by our guests and we expect to see good passenger loads soon.” It seems that at this moment in time, lots of concerted efforts are being made from every quarter of Laos to enhance your travel experience and convenience throughout this part of the world… and long may it continue!

TOURISTS 12.5%

VISITORS 50%

BUSINESS & OTHER 37.5%

Hot Travel Deals

Golf Breaks & Royal Stay at The Luang Say Residence Golf lovers need to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. Luang Say Residence is offering you a golf package that you cannot resist!

Enjoy this stunning 3 day-2 nights Golf Break & Royal Stay with The Luang Say Residence Golf Package. You and your friends can immerse yourselves while at the same time teeing off together at Luang Prabang Golf Club and its breathtaking scenery. Escape from the hectic nature of modern life and rejuvenate your senses with this perfect golf package.

The package offers 2 nights stay at Laung Say Residence and a round of 18-holes for two persons at Laung Prabang Golf Club.

The promotion runs until October 31, 2012.

For more information, please visit www.luangsayresidence.com and www.luangprabanggolfclub.com or for reservations online@mekong-cruises.com

Laos Through The Lens Tour Designed By Photographers For Photographers

This spectacular tour through Laos is something that every photography lover should experience. Whether you are new to photography or a qualified professional, Gunther Deichmann can pass on his expertise to help you get that extra special shot in the inspirational land of Laos. An expert at working with light and creating stunning photos, Gunther has travelled to numerous countries and built a comprehensive photo library of spellbinding work. This tour, designed by photographers for photographers takes in Pakou Cave, Luang Prabang and Vientiane over a 5 day / 6 night tour. For more details, you can visit http:// www.exotissimo.com/travel/laos/tours/laos-through-the-lens/.

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special report

Mekong Tourism Forum

2012

The Mekong Tourism Forum is the flagship annual gathering for the six-nation Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS). Since 1996 the MTF has provided a platform for stakeholders in the tourism industry to discuss the development and promotion of travel to, from and within the GMS. The MTF is inclusive, interactive and resultsoriented, encouraging all participants to work together to effectively market the GMS as a single destination.

The Mekong Tourism Forum 2012 will be held in the historic city of Chiang Rai, Thailand – the “Gateway to the Mekong” – under the theme “20/20 Vision: Building on Two Decades of GMS Cooperation”. The forum focus will be on the development of human resources, pro-poor sustainable tourism, sub-regional product development and marketing for the next 20 years, in the context of achievements from the past 20 years.

For more information on the MTF2012, pre and post event experiential tours, Art & Culture exhibition and more please visit: www.MekongTourismForum.org

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Interview With

Suphon Sriphan Mekong Tourism Forum 2012 Sabaidee Magazine was fortunate to catch up with and Interview Mr. Suphon Sriphan, Director General of Department of Tourism, Ministry of Tourism and Sport regarding the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2012.

SABAIDEE MAGAZINE: So, Thailand is the host of the Mekong Tourism Forum 2012?

SUPHON SRIPAHAN: Yes, the Mekong Tourism Forum rotates annually between the six member countries of the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS), and this year it is Thailand’s turn to host the event. Last year, the event was held successfully in Pakse, Champasak Province, Lao PDR, and the process began with the farewell “Thailand Night” dinner held at The Pakse Hotel; we had Thai dancers etc. Thailand is very pleased to be hosting the MTF this year to support the further strengthening of GMS tourism cooperation.

In fact, the theme of the MTF2012 is “20/20 Vision: Building on Two Decades of GMS Tourism Cooperation” - and the various tourism stakeholders will take stock of where we’ve come over the past 20 years, and discuss what directions we should be heading in for the coming 20 years SM: Can you tell us why Chiang Rai was selected as the venue for the MTF 2012?

SS: Well, being that Chiang Rai is known as the Gateway to the Mekong, and the MTF is the leading annual GMS tourism gathering, we could not imagine a more apt place in Thailand to hold the event. Moreover, this year marks the 750th Anniversary of Chiang Rai, so there will be other events and celebrations taking place as well. We feel it’s a great opportunity to promote Chiang Rai as one of Thailand’s great, and still emerging destinations in the world SM: Tell us about the improved overland linkages with Thailand’s neighboring countries?

SS: Indeed, Chiang Rai is very well positioned geographically and provides easy access to both Myanmar and Laos, where travelers can continue their journeys overland into China’s Yunnan Province, the northwest of Vietnam, or even move south and link to Cambodia. And this access continues to improve with a new Mekong River bridge now being built near the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border crossing on the Mekong, and the completion of this project will surely see an increase in travelers between Laos and Thailand.

Nowadays, travelers are more and more interested in multi-country travel when visiting the GMS, and many are focusing in on travel with a purpose, and honing in on particular special interests from art and culture to food, adventure travel to voluntourism.

One of the more interesting thematic routes in the Mekong region is the so-called “tea caravan trail” or “tea horse trail”, an ancient trade route connecting Pu-er in Yunnan Province right through the heart of Laos and south into Doi Mae Salong in Chiang Rai Province

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sabaidee cover

MODERN

VIENTIANE USHERING IN MODERN THINKING

By Alan Wass

Vientiane is easily Laos’ most famous city with lots of historical importance, especially during the times when the French were flexing their colonial muscles in this part of the world. The capital city of Vientiane is now making waves in a much different sense. As mass tourism is beginning to sweep across the nation, cities such as Vientiane are enjoying a more modern outlook to reality as we know it.

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aos is beginning to realign itself with the neighboring and more developed countries such as Thailand. This leap forward is very important for not just Vientiane, but also Laos as a whole.

With new shopping centers being constructed, trendy boutiques and classy dining options, in the very near future, the capital city will be a place where historical nuances meets modern pleasures to create a fascinating place to visit or reside.

The time is now for Vientiane, and with its prevailing new modern attitude, the city is set to become one of South East Asia’s hotspots, which will greatly benefit Laos and its inhabitants. Please enjoy our rundown of modern Vientiane to make your visit to the capital city the perfect mix of history and the future!

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THE FUTURE VIENTIANE’S NEW URBAN CENTERS

Vientiane’s new modern way of thinking is steeped in the vision for a brighter future for not only its local residents but also for visitors and holidaymakers to the city. Within the next five years, the Nongchan Marsh in the center of Vientiane is to be revamped and turned into an economic and trade center with a Lao-Chinese venture.

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his 90 million USD project will see the construction of a shopping center, office buildings, restaurants, conference facilities and a pedestrianized area, which will bring the region swiftly into the 21st century.

Other urban yet modern centerpieces in Vientiane include Nam Phu square, which is an attractive square with a nice circular fountain in the middle. This is one of several reminders in the city of French colonial influence—reinforced further by the presence on the square’s perimeter of some very Gallic restaurants. Nam Phu Square is a convenient meeting or starting point as it is easy to find and is situated in the center of Vientiane’s tourist area; restaurants, Internet cafés, travel agents, and massage parlors are all located in this area. Other areas that set the tone for modern Vientiane include the developed area next to the Mekong River with public parks and pedestrian walking zones. All of these features have breathed new life into the city.

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At one time, there were many rundown restaurants along the banks of the Mekong River, however, this area has been transformed and now you can take blissful strolls along the Walking Promenade, which is a very romantic place and epitomizes Twenty-First Century Vientiane.

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NEW URBAN CENTERS

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MODERN HOTELS MODERN ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN VIENTIANE VIENTIANE IS A CITY that in a mass tourism sense is virtually untouched. As the years fly by, Vientiane is seeing more and more visitors, which in some way has forced a mentality shift to accommodate a more modern outlook, which can only be beneficial for everyone involved with the country.

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HOTEL IN VIENTIANE

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lthough, the modern accommodation options in Vientiane have vastly improved over the years, one thing people fail to remember is that the level of services has also become very modern and forward-thinking. Although Laos is still a very laidback country in many ways, the need to align themselves with the services visitors to Thailand receive, Vientiane is now a place where great service is prevailing.

Rashmi’s Plaza Hotel in Vientiane embodies everything positive about the new and exciting Modern Vientiane. Famous for its top-notch service and its chic and trendy interior design values, if you are seeking out that modern masterpiece hotel to stay within during your visit, Rashmi’s is a futuristic choice. Sabaidee@Lao Hotel is another fantastic and modern hotel that just oozes style. This beautifully appointed hotel is extremely clean and tidy with a real modern feel and design. Those who seek out a contemporary and luxurious stay when in Vientiane; this is the hotel for you!

Boutique hotels in Vientiane don’t come much better than the Salana Boutique Hotel. The hotel is within walking distance to main attractions, with an easy access to the Mekong River. Its tasteful modern design and wonderful location make the hotel a charming choice. It’s close to everything - restaurants, bars, shops and the Mekong riverside nightlife scene.

The city is awash with modern accommodation options, which are now also offering modern services. New age Vientiane is taking off big style and with its modern amenities and attractions, the city is set to become one of the most desirable holiday destinations in South East Asia.

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MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE

SEE THE LIGHT IN VIENTIANE HAVE YOU SEEN THE LIGHT? Isaac Newton was the earliest scientific genius in modern times to experiment with light - where it comes from and how it affects human beings. For sure, casting new light on objects is a way to describe, in a metaphorical sense, a newer perception upon the said object. Wait one second, I am going somewhere with this, please bear with me!

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LIGHT IN VIENTIANE

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ientiane is about to undertake an urban renewal project where its street lighting will play a massive part. There was an implementation of street light renovation that started in the mid-2000s, where a company named Citelum was involved in supporting the project due to their expertise in effective engineering services, artistic lighting designs, and sustainable lighting systems.

The city’s cultural abundance is one of the key features of Vientiane, attracting large numbers of tourists. Renovating infrastructure and developing the city in positive way is how Vientiane is becoming a modern tourist destination.

The artistic lighting is a way to – excuse the pun – shed new light on its four main heritage sites and allows visitors to see the sites from another perspective. The four UNESCO World Heritage sites that have enjoyed new lighting systems are the city’s most famous religious monument, That Luang; another important religious building named Ho Phrakeo; the colonial architectural masterpiece at the Presidential Palace, and last but not least the Sisaket Museum, which is also a temple.

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LIGHT IN VIENTIANE

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Supported by the French Development Agency, the project strengthes Vientiane’s modern urban identity while also highlighting its history, which combined together helps attract more visitors to the city.

The new lighting plans for Vientiane are aimed to restructure the entire lighting systems for the city with a new city lighting master plan. The plan will implement recommended equipment upgrades, artistic lighting and Luxicom remote management software, which can help the system run more smoothly and energy-efficiently.

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MODERN DINING

MODERN EATERIES IN VIENTIANE Food and restaurants are an intricate part of South East Asian culture. This part of the world has always prided itself on its top-notch local cuisine, where zesty and exuberant tastes are the key to its success.

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V

ientiane is now also becoming a great venue for food connoisseurs with lots of modern eating options that really propel the city into a new and fascinating epoch. Modern dining options are not just reserved for western food styles, but also Asian, such as the Café Indochine Restaurant located on Setthathirath Road in the Chanthabouly District, specializing in modern Vietnamese cuisine, or Rashmi’s Indian Fusion also based opposite from the Lao Plaza Hotel on Samsenthai Road.

Benoni Cafe is centrally located a few blocks from the Mekong Riverfront. There’s a rush around lunchtime on most days at this busy cafe. Small portions of well prepared and tasty foods await you at this modern styled Italian/ Asian cafe. Xayoh Grill House is another modern dining choice, situated right in front of the National Cultural Hall, on Samsenthai Rd, right in the heart of Vientiane. If you are seeking out one of the best steaks in Vientiane, Xayoh Grill House is the place to visit.

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Vientiane has become a city of vast choice, which is in stark contrast to the limited dining options of just five years ago. The new and modern Vientiane is a different place than before, now providing cuisine styles from the four corners of the globe, which is excellent for those visiting the city from many countries across the world.

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À§„�-©¼¸-¡ñ®-À´õº¤-ê†-ê� ñ -¦½-ÄÏ-º� ˆ Å °øÉ-£� ö -´ñ¡¥½-ºº¡-į-¡� ò -À¢í¾-�º¡-®É¾� ¸¼¤-¥� ñ -�ñ®-À¯ñ�À´õº¤-ê†-´ó-¢º¤-¡� ò -;¡-;¨ ´ó-»É¾�-ìö©-§¾©-©ó -ªö®-ÁªÈ¤-»É¾�-®ñ�¨¾¡¾©-©ó- -Áì½ -Á�È�º�-¸È¾-´óº¾¹¾�-�¾Å-§¾©-ùÉ-캤- §ò-´¡ñ�-µÈ¾¤-À²ó©-À²ó�꘤-Á�¸-ª¾-À¸ñ�-ºº¡-Áì½-ª¾-À¸ñ�-ªö¡ 캤-Á¸½Ä¯-§ò-´º¾¹¾�-¸¼©�¾´ê† Cafe Indochine Restaurant Íõ-º¾¹¾�-ºó�-À©¨ê† Rashmi’s Indian Fusion Íõ ¹¾¡-´º¤-¹¾-º¾¹¾�-Á®®-ª¾À¸ñ�-ªö¡ ¡Ò-ªÉº¤-Á¸½-į-Á«¸Å Joma Bakery & Cafe, Benoni Cafe, Scandinavian Bakery, -Áì½ Full Moon Cafe

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MODERN EATERIES IN VIENTIANE 38

When it comes to modern western food and bakeries, Joma Bakery is the first-choice lunch stop for many expatriate workers in Vientiane, partly because the large and stylish café is a good place for meetings but mainly because it does a brisk trade in delicious pastries, sandwiches, quiche, muesli, fruit, shakes and coffee.

The bakery is situated on Setthathirat Road and is highly recommended.

MODERN SHOPPING IN VIENTIANE Modern Boutiques for the shoppers of today Shopping, dining and nightlife are three main criteria that holidaymakers seek when deciding to visit a country. If you have many modern options for these three categories, then you are winning the battle to attract large tourist numbers. From elegant boutiques to new shopping malls, Vientiane is rapidly becoming the place to shop in Laos.

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he Talat Sao Mall, situated on Lane Xang Avenue has 3 floors and is the first public building in Vientiane with indoor parking.

At weekends, folks from the countryside come and marvel at the escalators (which, in one local magazine article, were referred to in English as “electricity ladders”), and at the bravery of those who venture onto them. The Mall boasts a few cafés and a Thai-style food court. The mall offers many kinds of international and local products such as silk handicrafts souvenirs traditional and modern clothes and shoes food jewelry silver gold books and more. It can become crowded as many people shop at the mall.

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MODERN SHOPPING IN VIENTIANE

Although all the shops in the mall are not completely taken, the shopping center was only opened recently, so this will no doubt become the premier shopping option within the city for many years to come.

If you are seeking out clothing items for women and men, I highly recommend “Elegant Boutique” or “Elegant Laos”. This beautiful little boutique sells mainly clothes for fashion and Lao crafts. It is run by a young Laotian stylist and designer, who blends silk with cotton fabrics from Laos and Western fashions to create modern masterpieces. The shop is located near the Namphou Fountain in the street Pangkham between the Lao Plaza Hotel and the Fountain.

The boutique offers all sizes (small to large), which is really handy for westerners.

The times have changed in Vientiane for shopping.

Back in the days, you could only purchase locally made goods, but now a more international flavor is sweeping the city, attracting scores of tourists.

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ª½Í¾©-À§í¾-´ð-À¯ñ�-ÁÍȤ§º®-¯š¤ê†-©©-À©„�¢º¤-¸¼¤-¥� ñ -©¨-¦½-À²¾½-¯½¥÷-®� ñ �š-Ä©É-¯ñ®¯÷¤ÃÏÈ-ùÉ-©ø-ê� ñ -¦½-ÄÏ-¢� › ´ó-ê†-¥º©-ìö©-Ã�-»‰´ ´ó-»É¾¨-£É¾-;¨-²Éº´-¦� ò £É¾-;¡Í¾¨-Áì½-¨ñ¤-´ó-»É¾�º¾¹¾�-Á®®-©¼¸-¡ñ®-¹É¾¤ ¦ñ®²½-¦� ó -£É¾-Ã�-À´õº¤Äê-ºó¡-©É¸¨ -ÁªÈ-«É¾-êȾ�-¡¿ìñ¤-À®…¤-¹¾-À¦œº°É¾-Á®®¦½-ÄÏ-ÃÏÈ-캤-Á¸½-į-ê† Elegant Boutique Íõ Elegant Laos À¥í¾-¢º¤-»É¾�-À¯ñ�-�ñ¡-ºº¡-Á®®§¾¸-쾸-ì� ÷É -ÃÎÈê� †- ¿-Àºö¾-°É¾-ÄÏ-Áì½-°É¾-±É¾¨-´¾ºº¡-Á®®-ùÉ-©ø-ê� ñ -¦½-ÄÏ »É¾�-Á¹È¤� - šª˜¤µøÈ-ì½-¹È¸¾¤¸ö¤¸¼�-�Õ²÷-¡ñ®-»¤-Á»´-쾸-²¾-§¾

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BOOGIE THE NIGHT AWAY IN VIENTIANE One of the best ways for any city or tourists destination to attract younger travelers is to have a vibrant and exciting nightlife scene.

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ientiane easily has the best nightlife in Laos.

There’s no shortage of places in Vientiane where stressed and thirsty travelers can enjoy a quiet local beer. Especially the Mekong shoreline is packed with bamboo-and-thatch “beer gardens” where you can enjoy the sunset over the river, have an ice-cold Beerlao and a snack.

A Western-US–style bar and restaurant named Wind West enjoys live Lao and Western rock music most nights – the music usually starts about 10pm. Depending on the night it can be heaving, or very quiet. Different cover bands play throughout the night. This is maybe the only Country & Western bar in Laos - a sit down and listen to live bands sort of establishment, not really a dance club/discotheque.

Everything is supposed to close down before midnight before the start of the unofficial curfew, although clubs generally stay open until 1-1.30AM. The most notable exception is the extremely popular Luna 36 @ Don Chan Palace which is a nightclub open until 4AM on the weekend. It’s an afterhour’s club popular with party boys and girls. This will give you the opportunity to boogie the night away and meet some very friendly and interesting people.

Modern Vientiane nightlife options are improving all the time, and whether young or old, there is something for everyone.

ÁÍȤêȺ¤-êȼ¸-¨¾´-ì¾ªó ¸¼¤-¥ñ�-¨¾´-£Ô-£� õ -�šÀªñ´-į-©É¸¨-Á¦¤-¦ó-ê� †- Ⱦªˆ�ª¾-ª� ˆ -Ã¥-©¨-¦½-À²¾½-»É¾�-º¾¹¾� ®¾-Áì½-£ñ®ê†ª˜¤µøÈ-Á£´-¢º¤-¥½-À¹ñ�-²¾®-�ñ¡-êȺ¤-êȼ¸Í¸¤Í¾¨ê†-´ó-£¸¾´-¦÷¡-ê†-Ä©É-©ˆ´-À®¨-쾸-Ã�-¨¾´-£Ô-£� õ ÁªÈ-«É¾-«¾´-£� ö -¸¼¤-¥ñ� Á�È�º�-²¸¡-À¢ö¾-¡Ò-´ó-ê†-êȼ¸Ã�-¨¾´-£Ô-£� õ -ê†-´ñ¡-į ®Ò-¸È¾-¥½-À¯ñ� »É¾�-¦½-Ī£ñ�-êó몾-À¸ñ�-ªö¡-µÈ¾¤-»É¾� Wind West Íõ Paris Cocktail Áì½ De Ja Vue

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Paris Cocktail is a modern establishment located on Thadeua Rd. just in front of Boun krayong and Lake View restaurant is Paris cocktail run by Lao French guy named Tony. Small and cozy place with great cocktails at decent prices and the favorite hang out for the young Lao French returnee crowd. Another notable nightlife spot in Vientiane is De Ja Vue, hidden in the shadows of Nam Phu area just opposite Khop Jai deu- inside the Nam Phu circle itself.

THE NIGHT AWAY IN VIENTIANE

MODERN NIGHTLIFE

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LAO ROOMs

Rashmi’s The Plaza Vientiane

Rashmi’s The Plaza Vientiane is the first modernist luxury hotel to open in Vientiane. Centrally-located in the heart of the capital with easy access to the city center and all the cultural and tourist sites, the Rashmi Plaza Hotel offers you a fresh perspective on how good a hotel can be. And after an exciting day exploring the city or making long-term business connections, sip a cocktail or dine al fresco in the rooftop bar, River Reflections while taking in the panoramic view of the mighty Mekong River. Convenient, stylish and modern, the Rashmi Plaza Hotel is the latest in contemporary elegance. When you visit Vientiane, it is important you are centrally situated within the heart of the action. This is why Rashmi’s Plaza Hotel is the perfect option – chic and cool rooms with a convenient location in the vibrant center of the Lao capital city

Best Western Vientiane Hotel The Best Western Vientiane Hotel, formerly Tai-Pan Hotel, is located in the heart of old Vientiane, just a one minute walk to the Mekong River. Shopping areas, restaurants and tourist attractions are all nearby. Designed for your comfort, the hotel offers well-appointed rooms for business and leisure travelers. This hotel has easy access to many of the local attractions of the city such as National stadium, Nam Phou City Centre, Culture Hall and National Library of Laos. The Best Western Vientiane Hotel offers several well-appointed rooms that are beautifully decorated and maintained. All these rooms feature satellite television, alarm clock, refrigerator, ironing board, telephone and high speed Internet access. The hotel is well connected to many local restaurants and a bar for wining and dining. Enjoy your stay in Vientiane with this modern urban retreat.

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Best Western Vientiane Hotel 2-12 Francois Nginn Street Mixai Village Chanthaboury District Vientiane Capital PO Box 4148 Phone: +856 21 216 906 09 Fax: +856 21 216 223

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

Salana Boutique Hotel

One of the most centrally located hotels in Vientiane, the Salana Boutique Hotel is a wonderful authentic hotel inspired by leading boutique hotels from around the world. The Hotel offers world class accommodation in the vicinity of the Mekong Rriver and temples, sure to impress even the most discerning travelers on Chao Anou Road. The hotel’s prime location will ensure that you have the perfect base to explore this city. The Salana Boutique Hotel has a Lao contemporary style which is furnished with the real timber wood promoting a real sense of comfort and class. Guests can take pleasure in experiencing the hotel’s perfect blend of outstanding levels of service and the immense attention to detail ensuring your stay is comfortable and carefree.

Green Park Boutique Hotel

Green Park Boutique Hotel and Resort in Vientiane combines Lao style orientation with the finest contemporary architecture of Laos. The elegance of the interiors, both historic and contemporary, and glorious settings blend to create the most distinguished collection of stylish, luxury and relaxing hotels in Vientiane. The Green Park Boutique Hotel and Resort offers a classic feel stepping back in time to an era of elegant traditions where luxury abounds in the form of original antique furniture, rich art collections and exclusive nationally renowned beauty. With a walking distance to major tourist sites and amenities, the hotel has an undeniably superb location in one of the most desirable areas in Vientiane. The hotel provides all the personal privacy you could ever dream of whilst having all the facilities of a fabulous luxury hotel within easy reach.

Salana Boutique Hotel Chao Anou Rd, 112 Wat Chan Village Chanthabouly District Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 254 254 Fax: +856 21 254 250

Green Park Boutique Hotel 12 Khouvieng Road P.O. Box 9698 Vientiane Laos PDR Tel: +856 21 264097 Fax: +856 21 263064 Email:info@ greenparkvientiane.com

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Lao Cuisine

DISCOVERF THE JOY O

“Laos at first bite”

Any trip to Laos is incomplete without a visit to the enigmatic capitol of Vientiane. It’s a city of contrasts, steeped in thousands of years of rich history. Picturesque and dreamy, it seamlessly combines its French colonial and Asian influences. Today it is a friendly; yet slow paced city, with a strong Buddhist culture and an easy going, laid back energy that is truly evocative and timeless. What you may not realize at first glance is that this sleepy city is home to some of the most unique food finds that Southeast Asia has to offer.

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aotian food has yet to garner the same attention on the world stage as some other Asian countries such as Thailand, Japan or China; but this oversight simply allows one to discover new food experiences that captivate the imagination and stimulate the palate. One of the first things you will notice about Laotian food is that Sticky Rice is the centerpiece that all meals revolve around. It is quintessentially Laotian and it is not uncommon to hear locals refer to themselves as “Luk Khao Niaow”, which means “children or descendants of sticky rice”. Laotian cuisine is food that is meant to be eaten communally and shared by a large group of family or friends. Most dishes are served “family style” and eating with your fingers is encouraged.

Most Laotian meals consist of a soup dish such as Keng No May, a clear soup made from bamboo shoots, or Keng Het Bot made with mushrooms.

This is traditionally served with a grilled dish, a sauce, fresh greens, and a mixed dish such as Laap. Fish, chicken, duck, pork, beef, buffalo or some other type of local game is used in making Laap. The meat and innards are finely chopped and spiced with onion, chilies, lime juice, fish sauce, mint, coriander, spring onion and crushed uncooked rice grains. There is another version called Laap Seua, or “Tiger Laap”, that is made from raw chopped meat or fish and is a “must try” for those who are a bit more adventurous. Both versions are usually served with fresh raw vegetables such as eggplants, chilies, mustard leaves and lettuce.

Another popular dish is a noodle soup called Feu. Similar to Vietnamese Pho, it is a hearty soup that is commonly sold on the streets and is usually eaten as a complete meal in its self. It is a combination of vermicelli noodles in a hot soup filled with meat or meatballs. It is served with vegetables leaves which you tear up and stir into your feu according to your personal taste; and it additionally comes with a choice of condiments such as fish sauce, chili sauce and sugar. It is not uncommon to see local people eat this for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as a late-night snack.

Be on the lookout for the intoxicating smell of Laotian BBQ dishes. Look for Ping Gai (grilled marinated chicken), Ping Moo (grilled marinated pork) or Ping Pa (grilled fish). Grilled meat and fish are integral parts of Laotian cuisine, as are steamed versions of fish or chicken cooked in banana leaves. There are countless vendors and makeshift restaurants that appear along the Mekong River each evening where you can explore countless varieties of these delectable delights.

Few things are as satisfying as a spicy bowl of Tam Make Hoong, also known a green papaya salad. Popularized by Thailand, this dish originally hails from Laos and it is all about finding the perfect balance between sour, spicy, salty, and sweet elements. It’s a heady mix of raw green papaya, chilies, lime, tomatoes, fish sauce, peanut, shrimp paste, palm sugar, garlic, yard green beans and often times crushed and brined raw field crabs. This can be eaten as a snack but is more commonly served as an accompaniment to a larger meal. It’s heavenly when enjoyed with fatty grilled Ping Moo or Ping Gai and washed down with an icy cold Beer Laos.

Everywhere you look; anytime of the day, there are people eating something wonderful in Vientiane. While this city allows you to enjoy diversity of international cuisine; at its heart, Laotian food is the lifeblood in which all great meals in Vientiane are built upon. Fresh, bold, and harmoniously balanced, it’s a fantasy of chili, lime and exotic herbs. Laotian cuisine is fundamentally simple food that surprises and delights you at every turn.

There is no need to think about it… “it’s love at first bite” and it’s hard to deny how instinctually satisfying it is.

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§ó´-ìö©-§¾©-º¾¹¾�-쾸-¡Ò-£õ-¡ñ®-´¾ -®Ò-»º©-À´õº¤-쾸 �½£º�͸¤-¸¼¤-¥� ñ -�˜�¡Ò-À¯ñ�-¦� ø -츴¢º¤º¾¹¾�-쾸-;¡-;¨-¦½-�ò© -ùÉ-Àìõº¡-§ò-´¡ñ�-;¨-µÈ¾¤-©¨-º¾¹¾�-Íñ¡-¢º¤-쾸ê†-¢¾©-®Ò-Ä©É-¡Ò-£õ “À¢í¾Î¼¸” �˜�-Àº¤ ¥¾¡-�˜�º¾¹¾�¥¾�-À©ñ©-¨º©-�ò¨ö´-º� ˆ Å-ê†-ª¾´-´¾-Ä©É-Á¡È Á¡¤-ÎÒ-Ä´É, -Á¡¤-À¹ñ© -Áì½-º¾¹¾�-ª½¡ø�-ì¾® -ê†-´ó-¦È¸�-¯½¡º® -À¯ñ�-¯¾,-À¯ñ©,-Ä¡È,Ïø- Íõ §š�¤ö¸,§š�£¸¾¨-¹¾¡-ð-ªÉº¤ ¡¾�-êó-ú¦÷©-¢º¤-ì¾® ªÉº¤-캤 “ì¾®-À¦õº” -À²¾½À¯ñ�-ì¾®-ê†-çÉ-§� š ©ò®-À¯ñ�-¦È¸�-¯½¡º®¦ö©Å º¾¹¾�-ê†-Á§®-ºó¡-µÈ¾¤-ê†-®Ò-£¸�-²¾©-¡Ò-£õ- “À³ó” ´ó-ìñ¡¦½�½-£É¾¨£õ-¡ñ®-À³ó-¢º¤-¸¼©�¾´ ´ó� - Õ-À³ó-ê†-´ó-ìö© -§¾©-¹º´-¹¸¾� ¯½¡º®-©É¸¨-À¦˜�-ùȨ-Áì½-À¦˜��ɺ¨, ¥½-¦„¤-À¯ñ�-¯½-À²©-§� š ¤ö¸,§š�Ïø,§š�-Ä¡È-¡Ò-Ä©É-ª¾´-Ã¥-´ñ¡ �º¡¥¾¡-�˜�ª¾´-«½Îö�-Ã�-¸¼¤-¥� ñ -¨ñ¤-´ó-º-¾¹¾�-¯½-À²© ¯š¤µÉ¾¤-;¨-µÈ¾¤-ùÉ-캤-§ó´ -ÁªÈ-µÈ¾-ìõ´-¦„¤ “ª¿-Ͼ¡-»÷Ȥ” ´¾-캤-¥ñ¡-¥¾� Áì½-Á¡É´-©É¸¨-À®¨-쾸 -Àµñ�Å-¥ñ¡-Á¡É¸ º¾¹¾�-쾸-´� œ š¡Ò-Á§®--À¢í¾¡ñ�-Á®®-¡� ò -À¢í¾-į-ÁªÈ-£¿ê¿-ºò©-À«ò¤-£¿-¦÷©-êɾ-¨-Àìó-¨.

45

To Dine For

Tropical Garden Restaurant Experience Thai cuisine in a Laos setting

If you are seeking out sumptuous Thai cuisine in Luang Prabang, Tropical Garden Restaurant at the Luang Prabang Oasis Hotel is one of the only establishments in the region that serves up the tastiest Thai cuisine imaginable.

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s neighboring countries, Thailand and Laos now have close relations in terms of trade and cultural nuances. They share many similar ideals and tastes, although Thai cuisine is a popular and famous food style across the first corners of the globe. In the western world, Indian and Chinese cuisine have been popular for decades, however, Thai cuisine has really taken off across the world over the past five years.

If you want to sample the finest Thai cuisine when visiting the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, Laos, Tropical Garden Restaurant situated within the grounds of the Luang Prabang Oasis Hotel, is the only place in the entire country of Laos where you can find the real taste and essence of Thai cuisine.

There is something earthy, authentic and spiritual about Thai food – the mix of spices and the way the combinations are blended are almost magical. Tropical Garden Restaurant showcases its original Thai dishes for foreign travelers and local people. The major ingredients are imported from their original places in Thailand and creatively made and well blended with rich local products. Classic Thai dishes that shouldn’t be missed are namely, Pad Thai (Thai Style Fried Noodle), fried shrimp with shrimp paste, green curry, sour and spicy shrimp soup, pan-fried spicy seafood and many more, which are all on offer at Tropical Garden Restaurant.

Another great feature of the establishment is that during the nighttime, the restaurant is converted into a night venue named Tropical iDol Bar. If you want to chill-out and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Tropical IDol Bar is an ideal place hidden in a lush tropical garden where you can hang out with your friends and loved ones. There is a vast selection of drinks and snacks are available to choose from.

If you are looking for something a little different in Luang Prabang, Tropical Garden Restaurant and Tropical iDol Bar, situated at the Luang Prabang Oasis Hotel should always be your first choice!

Tropical Garden Restaurant Luang Prabang Oasis Bane Vixoun Setthatirath Road Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Tel: +856 71 212 642 info@luangprabangoasis.com www.luangprabangoasis.com

47

L a o c u lt u r e

YOU CAN’T DO WITHOUT THE…

Finer Things!

The tradition of silk in Laos is slowly reviving from the shadows of being just a tradition. Silk weaving in Laos is still produced by hand and with the ‘know how’ passed down from mother to daughter. The process is still very rustic: the silk worms are nurtured, fed mulberry leafs, and then silk is collected and spun, dyed, and woven by hand. These age-old techniques have been passed down from generation to generation.

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fter World War II, the art of weaving and silk production drastically fell into decline. In fact, in some areas of Laos, the techniques are lost altogether.

It would be difficult and almost impossible to find a loom in some districts and even provinces. Slowly, this is changing. With the influence of tourism and the demand for local and ethnic goods, Lao silk is coming back into production.

Before the year 2000, it was difficult to find any store that sold traditional silk weaving or ethnic items. Locals did not realize or see any value of these commonly used, everyday items to tourists or foreigners. Gradually, the world is coming to know Laos and the cultural wares from this small country.

At Finer Things, customers and on-lookers are treated with an upright wooden working loom. It is amazing to see the girls at work, meticulously inserting thread by thread to create unique designs and patterns. The most recognizable of all styles is the sinh or Lao skirt. There are sixty-eight ethnic groups in Laos and many groups are identifiable by the color patterns of their traditional clothes.

What is more amazing is that most all of the silk products sold at Finer Things are woven on site, at the shop. Customers are encouraged to take pictures and even try their hand at weaving. After having experienced five minutes of weaving, anyone will appreciate the arduous task and gladly pay for a finished product. Depending on the details of each pattern, it could easily take a week to complete a wall tapestry or sinh.

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Finer Things is a labor of love by Ms. Kham and her husband TJ Slayman. Ms. Kham is from Vang Vieng and saw that real and traditional silk weaving and patterns were difficult to find. With the help (or distraction) of her husband and four children, who added a bit of western flare, arose Finer Things. There are dashes of western influence in the scarves as some are just solid colors. But all techniques of production are still very traditional.

Several years ago, when Ms. Kham was looking for quality, authentic silk products to give as gifts to her foreign relatives, she could not find any.

Most of the silk goods in the major markets were mass-produced and some silks were not of Lao origin. The girls at Finer Things are all relatives of Ms. Kham and were taught how to weave from their mothers and grandmothers. They were taught the traditional techniques and also learned the patterns of other provinces so there is a wide range of patterns to select from in the shop.

The shop boasts novelty items, pillow covers, tapestries, dresses, shirts, handbags, etc., from a number of ethnic groups such as Hmong, Khamu, Thai Dam and others.

°É¾-ÄÏ-ê†-ªÔ -©É¸¨-´õê† Finer Things �ñ¡-êȺ¤-êȼ¸-êȾ�-é-ê†-¦� ö -Ã¥-¡ñ®-¡¾�-ªÔ-°É¾-ÄÏ-Á®®-©„¤À©ó´-ê†-¦õ®-꺩-¥¾¡-Í� ÐÉ ¦øÈ-Í� ÐÉ ª˜¤-ÁªÈ-¡¾�-¯ø¡-´º�-ìɼ¤-´Éº� ¥ö�-À«ò¤-À¡ñ®-À¦˜�-ÄÏ-´¾-¯� „ -À¯ñ�-À¦˜�-Áìɸ-ªÔºº¡-´¾-À¯ñ�-°õ�-°É¾ºñ�-¦¸¨-¤¾´-캤-Á¸½-¸¼�-į-À®…¤-ê†-»É¾� Finer Things À§…¤´ó¡¾�-¦¾êò©-ùÉ-§ö´-Ã�-ê÷¡¢˜�ªº�-Àìõº¡-§ö´-Àìõº¡-§œ°É¾-ÄÏ-쾸ê†-¦¸¨-¤¾´-¯½�ó©-Ä©É, -»É¾�-�š¡Òª˜¤¢›�-©¨ -Àºœº¨£¿ -Áì½-¦¾´ó TJ Slayman Ä©É-ìö¤� - Õ-²ñ¡ �Õ-Á»¤ ¦É¾¤-¢� œ ©É¸¨-£¸¾´-»ñ¡-ꆥ½-º¾�÷ìñ¡-ê¿�¼´-¡¾�-ªÔ-°É¾-ÄÏ-Á®®-©„¤-À©ó´-¢º¤-쾸-ê†-¦õ®êº©-´¾-ÁªÈ-¨÷¡-®� ñ ²½-®øì÷© »É¾�-�š¥‡¤-Àªñ´-į-©É¸¨-À윺¤ì¾¸ -Áì½ ¤¾�-°É¾-ÄÏ -ê†-¦¸¨-¤¾´-À¯ñ�-Àº¡½ìñ¡-¦½-À²¾½-ªö¸-;¨-µÈ¾¤

Unfortunately, due to the explosion of tourism within the last year, the rent prices have nearly tripled since Finer Things first opened. This will be Finer Things’ last year at its current location, in the heart of the tourist section near the Mekong River. But not to fret, Finer Things will reopen in a new location and all products are available for shipment anywhere in the world. As a handicraft business, all goods are free from export duties, which encourage the sharing of Lao culture and artistry. At Finer Things, all items are unique and more of art pieces than regular novelty items you would find at a tourist gift shop. It is truly a unique experience walking into Finer Things.

Finer Things 34 03 FrancoisNgin St Mixay Vientiane Cap., Vientiane Cap. Phone: (856) 20 5534 2734 Email: finerthingslao@hotmail.com

49

Tournament Preview

GOLF’S NEWEST NATIONAL OPEN SET

TO MAKE BIG IMPACT The game of golf, like many sports, breaks down barriers and this is literally the case this week as Laos stages its very first professional golf tournament.

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50

F

ew would know that golf is even played in Laos but with a handful of golf courses and a government keen to support its growth the game is set to take off. Indeed, the launch of the Luang Prabang Lao Open is a far reaching development for golf in the region and signifies the rapid expansion of the game. Adding special significance to the occasion is the fact that the tournament is the season-opening event on the ASEAN PGA Tour.

The US$80,000 event is one of eight tournaments on this year’s schedule which will offer overall prize money of US$565,500. Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant, one of Asia’s most successful golfers, leads a stellar line up of players who are all bidding to make history by becoming the first winner of Asia’s newest national Open.

“The Luang Prabang Lao Open is the first championship golf tournament in Laos, which reflects the great cooperation between the government and the private sector,” said Dr Khampheng Saysompheng, Governor, Luang Prabang. “We have joined together to promote Luang Prabang City and also to help develop the golf industry in Laos to a world class level.”

This year the country is making a big push to promote the country to tourists and has called 2012 ‘Visit Laos Year’. Laos had a taste of tournament golf in 2009 when it hosted the 25th South East Asian Games. The Thailand men’s amateur team beat Singapore in a play-off to win the gold medal.

Thanyakon Khrongpha, now one of the rising stars of professional golf in Asia, was part of the Thai team which competed at the SEA Games Golf Club in the capital Vientiane. Luang Prabang Golf Club will be a fitting venue for the country’s first professional tournament as it is a world class facility which features a golf course created by Jack Nicklaus’ design team.

It is a scenically beautiful golf course that sits perfecting alongside the city of Luang Prabang, which is notable as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“On behalf of Luang Prabang Golf Club, it is a true delight and honor to host an ASEAN PGA Tour event at Luang Prabang. I am certain that the exposure will be phenomenal. I would like to thank the Laos Government, the event organisers, sponsors and the Laos National Golf Federation. The Luang Prabang Lao Open will provide an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the beautiful and peaceful city of Luang Prabang, which is a wonderful tourist destination and also a great place to do business,” Mr. Gang Pil Lee, CEO, Luang Prabang Golf Club.

This year marks the sixth season of the ASEAN PGA Tour, which was inaugurated in 2007 to provide more playing opportunities for ASEAN golfers. Last year Thailand’s Wisut Artjanawat, also competing this week, took the lion’s share of the trophies on the ASEAN PGA Tour. The talented golfer won the Order of Merit title winnings of US$24,001 and was voted the Player of the Year by his peers.

“One of the objectives of the ASEAN PGA is to journey to untapped parts of our region and stage new events and so we are thrilled to be making our first trip to Laos. It is inspiring and rewarding to see new tournaments join our schedule,” said AC Wong, Executive Chairman, ASEAN PGA. An extra buzz of excitement will be added this week as Dariya Saidara, the country’s only touring professional, will be bidding for honors.

Saidara plays mainly on Thailand’s domestic tour where he hit the headlines recently for winning a long drive competition. He hit his drive a massive 323-yards and is expected to thrill the galleries as the local fans cheers him on.

êȾ� ©ë £¿-Á²¤-ħ-¦ö´-Á²¤ -À¥í¾-Á¢¸¤-͸¤-²½-®¾¤ ¡È¾¸-¸È¾: ¡Êº³ì¾¨¡¾�-͸¤-²½-®¾¤ 쾸-º-À²ñ� À¯ñ�-¡¾�-¥ñ©¡¾�Á¢È¤¢ñ�-콩ñ®-Á§´-¯È¼�-§ò-®£˜¤ê¿-ºò© ê† ¦¯¯ 쾸. À§…¤¦½êɺ�-ùÉ-À¹ñ�-À«ò¤-£¸¾´-»È¸´-´õ-ì½-¹È¸¾¤-²¾¡-ìñ©-Áì½Àº¡½-§� ö -ªÈ¾¤Å ê†-ªÉº¤¡¾�-À¦ó´-¦É¾¤-§ˆ-¦¼¤-¢º¤-À´õº¤-͸¤-²½-®¾¤ -Áì½ ²ñ©ê½�¾-¸ö¤-¡¾�-¡Êº³¢º¤-쾸-ùÉ-¯½¡ö©-Ã�-¦ñ¤£ö´-Âì¡ ºó¡-꘤¨ñ¤-À¯ñ�-¡¾�-¯½§¾¦¿²ñ� ¦¯¯ 쾸 -À§…¤¦º©-£Éº¤-¡ñ®� - ½Â¨®¾¨-¦‰¤-À¦ó´-¡¾�êȺ¤êȼ¸-쾸 ²¾¨-êÉ� - ½-¨®¾¨ “¯ó-Á¹È¤-¡¾�êȺ¤êȼ¸-쾸” ¯½¥¿-¯� ó š êȾ� ¡ñ¤-²ò¸ìó ¯½ê¾�-¦½Î¾´-͸¤-²½-®¾¤-¡Êº³£ñë® ¡È¾¸-¸È¾: -Ã�-�¾´-¢º¤-¦½Î¾´-͸¤-²½-®¾¤-¡Êº³£ñë® »øɦô¡-À¯ñ�-¡¼©-À¯ñ�µÈ¾¤-¨…¤-ê†-Ä©É-´ó-¦È¸�-»È¸´-Ã�-¡¾�-À¯ñ�-¦½Î¾´-¡Êº³ê†-çÉ-¥ñ©¡¾�Á¢È¤¢ñ� º¾-§È¼� ²ó ¥ó Àºêö¸ 쾨¡¾�-͸¤-²½-®¾¤-쾸-º-À²ñ� À§…¤£¾©-¸È¾-¥½-¦É¾¤-¯½¡ö©-¡¾�-Á¡È-¸ö¤-¡¾�-¡Êº³-Ã�-쾸-Ä©-ÉÀ¯ñ�-µÈ¾¤-©ó-¨…¤ ¢É¾²½-À¥í¾-£º®-Ã¥-´¾-¨ñ¤-ìñ©-«½-®¾� ¦¯¯ 쾸 -Áì½-°øɡȼ¸-¢Éº¤-¡ñ®-¡¾�-¥ñ©¡¾�-Á¢È¤¢ñ� ,°øÉ-¦½Îñ®¦½Îø� Áì½ ¦½¹½²ñ�-¡òì¾-¡Êº³-Á¹È¤-§¾©-쾸 -À§…¤-À¯ñ�-º¡¾©-º� ñ -©óê†-§È¸¨-�¿¦½-ÀÎó²¾®-ìñ¡-º� ñ -¦¸¨-¤¾´-Áì½-£¸¾´-¦½-¹ö¤-®¢º¤À´õº¤-͸¤-²½-®¾¤-ùÉ-À¯ñ�-ê†-»øÉ¥ñ¡-Á¡È-°øÉ-£� ö -ꉸ-į -À²¾½-À´õº¤-͸¤²½-®¾¤-À¯ñ�-¥÷©-ξ¨-¨º©-�ò¨ö´-¢º¤-�ñ¡-êȺ¤-êȼ¸-¥¾¡-ꉸ-Âì¡ ºó¡-꘤¨ñ¤-À¯ñ�¡¾�-À¯ó©-º¡¾©-꾤-ê÷ì½-¡ò©-ªÈ¾¤Å ¡¾�-Á¢È¤¢ñ�-¡Êº³ º¾-§È¼�-²ó-¥ó Àº êö¸ -Àì†-´¢œ�-Ã�-¯ó 2007 콩ø¡¾�-�š�ñ®-À¯ñ�-¯ó-ê† 6 Áì½ -À¯ó©-º¡¾©-ùÉ� - ñ¡-¡Êº³º¾§ó®-Ã�-²ø´´ó-²¾¡-º¾-§È¼�-Ä©É-ìö¤-Á¢È¤¢ñ�-À²ˆº-À¡ñ®-¡È¼¸-¯½¦ö®-¡¾�-¡Èº�-À¢í¾-¦øÈ쾨¡¾�-Á¢È¤¢ñ�-¡Êº³ì½©ñ®ê†-¦ø¤-¢� œ -į 51

Sabaidee Relax

The spa in the Lao Green Park Boutique Hotel and Spa Vientiane was designed in harmony with the hotel’s luscious gardens.

EXPERIENCE HEAVEN

@CHAMPA LAO SPA

E

xperience luxurious facial and body treatments or traditional and relaxing massages in a soothing environment.

Relax and rejuvenate yourself with aromatic herbal health services at Champa Lao Spa. Refresh your exhausted body and your fatigued mind, and enjoy yourself with a spa that provides you with traditional Lao message and aroma therapy treatments. The spa is situated in the Lao Green Park Boutique Hotel, incorporating a complete range of treatments and saunas.

The Champa Lao Spa offers a variety of treatments including Lao traditional massage, facial treatment, body exfoliation, and finer touches. Many of the things which make the Green Park Boutique Hotel special are what attracts people to Laos in the first place - the promise of peace and quiet, friendly people, and a gentle and generous attitude to ho pitality. This boutique hotel reflects Laos’ atmosphere of serenity and a leisurely pace of life.

Massages on offer range from the Lao Traditional (using a deep tissue, pressure points and stretching technique), Aromatherapy (applying pure essential oils to balance the mind and relax the body) and anti-stress back, neck and shoulders massage.

The Indian Head Massage uses a 2000 year-old technique that combines a head massage with drops of warm oil that drain from the head.

For something more unusual, choose the Ear Candling, also known as ear coning: a treatment where a hollow candle is placed inside the ear canal. When lit it creates a soothing warmth within the head, ear and sinuses. Champa spa also offers Belly Button Candling, which improves digestive and colon health, skin quality as well as reducing water tension. The 30-minute treatment includes a deep abdominal massage.

When deciding which spa to visit when in the city of Vientiane, Champa Lao Spa at the Green Park Boutique Hotel is the natural choice!

Open all day during 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Champa Lao Spa @ Green Park Boutique Hotel 12 Khouvieng Road P.O. BOX 9698 Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: +856 21 264097 Fax: +856 21 263064 www.greenparkvientiane.com

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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

For Reservations, please contact:

125 Unit 7, Bane Vixoun, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Tel: +856 (0) 71 212 642, +856 (0) 71 252 933 www.tropicaloasispark.com

BehInd the Wheel

ALL-NEW RIO

THE CAR OF THE YEAR 2012 IN LAOS When the All-new Kia Rio 5-door launched in the Lao marketplace at the end of 2011, its unique and eye-catching design attracted so many people that the growing popularity even broke the subtle assumption that Lao people prefer notchback to hatchback. In-coming calls to ask about a purchase of the car flooded as more of them were sold and were seen on the road. It now has a complete line-up with the very recent addition of 4-door model last month.

In comparison to 5-door, the 4-door Rio has larger space inside and it is drawing a big attention of practical users who have bigger families.

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W

ith its excellent design and upscale features that will accordingly follow in this article, the all-new Kia Rio is receiving good feedback and sales records worldwide. The Kia Rio recently topped the Consumer Reports (a representative automobile magazine in America) subcompact sedan ratings in quality evaluation, outpointing its competitors; Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa and Chevrolet’s Sonic. The magazine said the Kia Rio “is a solid and well-equipped car” that “benefits from nimble handling and very simple controls, providing plenty of features for the price.” This car also won the compact class of Golden Klaxon, which is one of the top three automobile magazines in Russia. The car not only received good results in Russia, but on the whole European continent. The Rio’s sales record in March reached the highest ever in the European market and it is very meaningful as other brands’ models are experiencing a sales decrease in the region.

All these results were possible because of Kia’s deep concern about their customers in every step of the development. The reinforced high tensile steel sub-frame applied on all-new Kia Rio offers strength where it’s needed most and this car can compete with any middle-class sedan with the 5-star ratings from EURO NCAP (New Car Assessment Program). Customers can apply airbags according to their preference on up to 6 units.

The All-new Kia Rio has upscale features. The engine offers 107 horsepower at 6,300rpm. Also, it is a very economic car with fuel efficiency of about 16 kilometers per liter on the combined driving condition of highway and urban area. In addition, Rio provides a top range of convenience features including an engine start button, full automatic light controls, auto air-conditioning systems, back warning systems, auto rain sensosr and auto cruise control, which are usually applied only on medium class sedans.

Kolao expects to sell over 1,000 units of the internationally well-recognized Kia subcompact sedan in 2012 in the Lao marketplace and are very confident that the target sales quantity can be easily over-reached considering the growing popularity of the car. The car is now for sale in all Kolao new car showrooms and Kolao’s dealer showrooms. Customers can get more information by contacting Kolao at 020 5552 6954.

ìö©-ÃÏ ëó-º ¢º¤

-®ðìò¦ñ©-À¡-¨¯½¡ö© -ªö¸-£˜¤ê¿-ºò©-ê† ¦ ¯¯ 쾸 êúó-ª½Í¾©-¡¾¤£õ�-¢º¤-Á£´-¢º¤-À¯ñ�-Á¹È¤-·¤-Ã�-ê†-£ô¡£ñ¡-ê†-¦÷©-Àꉾê†-À£ó¨-´ó-´¾ £õ�-¢º¤-¸� ñ -ê† 9 ´ò� - ¾ê†-°È¾�-´¾,-À¯ñ�-£� õ -ê†-Áº-ºñ©-©É¸¨°øÉ£� ö ꆵ÷©-®¾©¡É¾¸-¢º¤À¢ö¾-À¥í¾ -À²ˆº-§ö´-ìö©-ì� ÷É -ÃÏÈ ¨†-¹Ó- -À¡-¨ ëó-º4¯½ªø 3 £ñ�-ê†-¥º©-µøÈÃ¥¡¾¤¢º¤ª½Í¾© -À§…¤-À¯ñ�-¥÷©-ê†-©ô¤-©ø©-£¸¾´-¦� ö -Ã¥-¢º¤-°øÉ-£� ö ê†-¨È¾¤-°È¾�-Ä©É-©ó.ìö©-À¡-¨ ëó-º 4¯½ªø 3£ñ�-À¯ñ�-¯½¡¾¨êȾ´¡¾¤-Á¦¤-ij LED ;¨-©º¡ ¯½¦¾�-À¢í¾¡ñ®-Á¦¤-¥� ñ . ¡¾�¦½-Á©¤-ìö©-£˜¤�š-Ä©É-¥ñ©-¢� œ -À¯ñ�-À¸ì¾ 3 ¸ñ� ª˜¤-ÁªÈ-¸� ñ -ê† 9 -Œ11 À©õº�´ò-�¾ ¡¾�¦½-Á©¤-Ä©É-¦¿-Àìñ©-»¼®»Éº¨-Ã�-¸ñ�-º¾êò©-À§…¤²¾-ùÉ-´ó-¨º©-¢¾¨Í¸¤Í¾¨-ê†-¤¾�-. »ø®-¦´-ÃÏÈ-¢º¤ ëó-º -Á´È�-ÀÎõº-¡Èº�-ìö©-¢º¤-£øÈ-Á¢È¤-º� ˆ -Ã�-¦ñ©¦È¸�-©¼¸¡ñ�,¡Èº�-º� ˆ -Á´È�-�¿-¦½-ÀÎó-£¸¾´-¦¾´¾©-¢º¤-À£ˆº¤¥ñ¡-ê†-©ó-ê†-¦÷©, 107-Á»¤´É¾,ºó¡-꘤¨ñ¤-À¯ñ�- ºó-££¾-¦½´ñ©«½²¾®-¯½µñ©� - Õ´ñ�-©É¸¨-ºñ©ª¾ 16 ¡´ /ìò© ²¾¨ÃªÉ¦½²¾®¡¾�¢ñ®¢†¯½¦¾�¡ñ�콹ȸ¾¤ê¾¤©È¸�Áì½Ã�À´õº¤,²Éº´¡ñ® £¸¾´¯º©Ä²¦ø¤¦÷© ¡ñ®«ö¤ìö´�òì½Ä² 6 ºñ�,Á»¤©ô¤ÀÍñ¡¦ø¤ ¦½Îº¤£¸¾´Á¢¤Á¡È�ª¾´£¸¾´ ¥¿À¯ñ�¢º¤ìö©. �º¡�˜�,¥÷©À©„�À°š´Àªó´ ¢º¤ìö©À¡¨ ëóº¨ñ¤¦½Îº¤¦÷©¨º© £÷�¦ö´®ñ© ¢º¤£¸¾´¦½©¸¡¦½®¾¨ ©É¸¨¯÷È´ªò©Áì½´º©¥ñ¡ìö© ¡¾�£¸®£÷´Á¦¤ºñ©ª¾Â�´ñ© Àªñ´»ø®Á®® ºñ©ª¾Â�´ñ©,À§ñ�À§š«º¨Íñ¤, À§ñ�À§š�Õ±ö�Áì½£¸¾´Ä¸£ö¤Á®®ºñ©ª¾Â�´ñ©,©¨¯ö¡¡½ªòÁìɸ £¸¾´Ä¸£ö¤ê†Á®®ºñ©ª¾Â�´ñ©¦È¸�;¨´óìö©À¡¤¢½Î¾©¡¾¤¢›�į.

51

TOYOTA MOTOR THAILAND CO., LTD. DONATES 60,000 SCHOOL NOTEBOOKS

WORTH OVER 200,000,000 KIP TO THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS TO DISTRIBUTE TO POOR STUDENTS

56

O

n 29 February 2012 at the conference room of the Ministry of Education & Sports, Associate Professor Dr. Kongsy Sengmany and the Deputy Minister of Education and Sports welcomed Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd and the authorized dealers in Laos, which included Toyota Laothani Co., Ltd and Lao Toyota Service Co., Ltd on the occasion of the school notebook donation.

Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd donated 30,000 school notebooks worth over 100,000,000 Kip to the Ministry of Education & Sports and the Department of Education & Sports of Vientiane Capital on 29 February 2012 to further distribute to underprivileged students. Mr. Pakorn Vongvitayapirom, Executive Advisor, Marketing Division, Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. presented 20,000 school notebooks worth over 65,000,000 Kip to Dr. Kongsy Sengmany, Vice Minister, Ministry of Education & Sports, Lao PRD and 10,000 school notebooks worth over 34,000,000 Kip to Mr. Somphou keophanya, Director, Department of Education & Sports of Vientiane Capital. The total is worth over 100,000,000 Kip. Following on 1--2 March 2012, Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. will also travel to donate 10,000 school notebooks to each Department of Education & Sports of Luangphabang, Savannakhet and Champasak Province worth 100,000,000 Kip. This school notebook donation is one of the social contributions that Toyota intends to be part of supporting education development for Lao students. Toyota hopes this contribution will help the education of Lao students and the further development of the country for the future.

ບໍລິສ ໂຕໂຍຕາ ມໍເຕ ປະເທດໄທ ຈຳກົດ

ໄດຈັດພິທີຈັບສະາກຊິງລາງ ວັນໃນໂຄງການ ຊລັດເກັງ 1 ຄັນ ລຸນອີກ 1 ຄັນ

Ãນ-¸ñນ-ê† 09/03/2012 ນš,®ðìò¦ñ©-ª-¨ªÉ¾ ´ð-Àªš ¯½-Àê©-Äê ¥¿¡ñ© Ä©É-¥ñ©-²òêó-¥ñ®-쾤¸ñນ-À²ˆº-¹¾-°øÉ-§¡-©ó-ê†-¥½-Ä©É-»ñ®-쾤¸ñນ-Ãນ-£¤¡¾ນ§œìö©-À¡¤1£ñນ-ìນ ÷É ºó¡ 1£ñນ. ©¨-¡¾ນ-ùÉ-¡¼©-¥ñ®-쾤¸ñນ-Ãນ-£˜¤ນš-Á´ÈນêȾນ »ò-»-º¾-¡ò º¾-¸½-´÷ë½, °øÉ-¯½¦¾ນ-¤¾ນ-¡¿´½¡¾ນ-°øÉ-¥ñ©¡¾ນ ®ðìò¦ñ©Âª-¨ªÉ¾ ´ð-Àªš ¯½-Àê©-Äê-¥¿¡ñ© (Mr.Hiroaki Awamura,Executive Managing CoordinatorF Toyota Motor Thailand C.,Ltd). ¡¾-ນ ¥ñ©-¡ò©¥½-¡¿-Ãນ-£˜¤ນš-À¯ñນ-·¤-Ãນ-£¸¾´-ª˜¤-Ã¥-¢º¤-®ðìò¦ñ© -ª-¨ªÉ¾ ´ð-Àªš ¯½-Àê©-Äê-¥¿¡ñ© -À²ˆº-¦‰¤-À¦ó´-¡ò©¥½¡¿-¡¾ນ-¢¾¨-Á¡È-ìø¡-£É¾-ê†-§œìö© Camry, Corolla-Áì½Yaris, -Ãນ-ì½-¹È¸¾¤-¸ນ ñ -ê† 15/09/2011Œ31/12/2011 ¥¾¡-ªö¸-Áêນ-¥¿-ξ¨-ìö©-ª-¨ªÉ¾-µÈ¾¤-À¯ñນ-꾤-¡¾ນ -Ãນ ¦ ¯¯ 쾸 -Áì½-¨ñ¤-À¯ñນ-¡¾ນ-ªº®-Áêນ-£¸¾´-ĸÉ-¸¾¤-Ã¥-¢º¤-ìø¡-£É¾ê†-´ó-ùÉ-¡ñ®-ìö©-ª-¨ªÉ¾-©É¸¨-©ó-ª½Íº©-´¾,£˜¤ນšìø¡-£É¾-¥½-Ä©É-»ñ®-¦ò©êò-²òÀ¦©-»ñ®-®ñ©-§ó¤-쾤¸ñນ-ì÷Éນìö© -ª-¨ªÉ¾ Camry Áì½ ì¾¤¸ñນ-ùȨºˆນÅ ºó¡-¡È¸¾ 72 쾤¸ñນ-츴´øນ-£È¾-¡È¸¾ 500,000,000 ®ðìò¦ñ©-ª-¨ªÉ¾ ´ð-Àªš ¯½-Àê©-Äê-¥¿¡ñ©¢ð-¦½-Á©¤-£¸¾´-¨ນ ò -©ó-ªÒ-ìø¡-£É¾-°øÉ-§¡-©ó-ê÷¡-êȾນ -Áì½-¢ð-¦½-Á©¤-£¸¾´-¢º®-Ã¥-´¾-¨ñ¤-ªö¸-Áêນ-¥¿ÎȾ¨-ìö©-ª-¨ªÉ¾ -µÈ¾¤-À¯ñນ-꾤-¡¾ນ-êñ¤-¦º¤-Á¹È¤-£õ ®ðìò¦ñ©-ª-¨ªÉ¾-쾸-ê¾ນó-Áì½-®ðìò¦ñ©ì¾¸Âª-¨ªÉ¾-®ðìò¡¾ນ-¥¿¡ñ© -ê†-Ä©É-ùɡ¾ນ-¦½Îñ®¦½Îøນ-ùÉ-£¤¡¾ນນš¦¿-Àìñ©-©É¸¨-©ó,-Áì½-ª-¨ªÉ¾-ùÉ-£¿-Îນ ˜ ¦ñນ¨¾-¸È¾-À»ö¾-¥½-¥ñ©-ùÉ-´ó¡ò©¥½¡¿-©óÅ-Á®ນšºó¡-À²ˆº-À¯ñນ-¡¾ນ-¦ö´-´½-ນ¾-®ນ ÷ £÷ນ-¡÷È´-ìø¡-£É¾-¢º¤ ໂຕໂຍຕາ ຕໄປໃນອານາຄົດ.

57

Sabaidee Guest

SINOUK SISOMBAT THE COFFEE HERO OF LAOS

When mentioning the name of Sinouk, it’s fair to point out that it is Laos’ leading marque de commerce of premium blend coffee from a vast plantation in an elevated region in southern Laos, and the Sinouk coffee shops that are located throughout the nation. Sinouk Sisombat, the president of the Lao Coffee Association and owner of a vast coffee plantation on the Bolaven Plateau, explains that life isn’t always a bed of roses, however, he has succeed in coffee business for over 18 years. These days, Sinouk Coffee is a household name in Laos, consequently, most people take for granted that “Coffee” is proverbially his last name.

S

abaidee Magazine had the opportunity to talk with Sinouk within the relaxing ambiance of his Sinouk Coffee Resort, which is the flagship establishment under the Sinouk Coffee Empire, situated on the road linking Paksong to Thateng. Inside the compound, it features a pleasant coffee plantation on the chalet resembling a typical Lao Style Lodge where visitors can also learn more about coffee among beautiful coffee trees and French-style gardens where you can enjoy a mild all-year round temperature.

During the political chaos and civil war in Laos, Sinouk, who left his home in Pakse to live in France, returned to his homeland to start his coffee business in 1994.

Sinouk says that it wasn’t a piece of cake when it came to establishing a new business.

“Two decades ago, there was terrible infrastructure such as the streets between the areas of Pakse, Bolaven Plateau and Paksong, where the coffee plantations are cultivated. Going from one to another wasn’t fun either since I had to walk on foot. In the meantime, I was looking for some agent for my coffee in France” he funnily adds.

He tells that in the past, Laos’ coffee wasn’t regarded as a market leader since the production tended to be used to barter for arms and ammunition with the former Soviet Union and East Germany. Moreover, there were occasionally extensive epidemics that damaged the coffee plantations in terms of poor production. Besides, there were bombs buried in the ground during the war.

Consequently, the clearance of unexploded bombs became a big issue.

58

ສີໜຸກ ສີສົມບັດ ¾À³

£¸¾´¦÷¡ê†À¡ó©¥¾¡¡

When the civil war was over in 1994, Sinouk had brought with him the Robusta coffee from Costa Rica to cultivate in Paksong, with the help from a French coffee expert. He began with researching for coffee beans before he even started to create a business.

“I wanted to be involved in the coffee business since it’s not like those boring nine-to-five jobs and I also have a chance to meet many people.

Likewise, my father, who was a two-term MP (Member of Parliament) during the period of both pre and post war. My father always told me that the country belongs to everyone. With my ability to speak many languages such as French, German and English, I wanted to promote Laotian coffee as one of the major national industries since I believed it would enhance the wellbeing of Laotian people,” said Sinouk.

He proudly proclaims that the Laos coffee industry is one of the most beneficial industries for Laos PDR, generating US$60 million worth of export each year which benefits not only the farmers but the Laos economy in general.

When it comes to the coffee business, he tells that he has been dealing with every issue relating to coffee ranging from coffee cultivation, coffee bean selection and purchasing, coffee bean roasting and particularly the number of coffee shops that are located throughout the country.

However, Sinouk took steps to revitalize his 200-rai (32 hectare) coffee plantation inside Sinouk Coffee Resort in Bolaven Plateau to become the landmark of the region while believing that it’ll reinforce the marketing of Sinouk Coffee at the end of the day.

Featuring typically beautiful Lao style lodges amongst lush green gardens within the Sinouk Coffee Resort breathing life into his dream, he will also be adding a spa, tennis courts and horse riding course and a coffee academy to the compound, which he believes will nail down his coffee brand to become more widely noted.

“Another key to success is you have to be happy when running a business. In my case, I never stopped developing my business by means of adding new things to it, such as coffee farm and shop, flowers and garden arrangements, because I grew very fond of gardening when I lived in France. When I do gardening, I breathe life into it so I believe my garden always looks picturesque,” notes Sinouk.

“For me, coffee makes income and flowers create pleasure. It’s win-win situation” happily says Sinouk. “These days, there are more numbers of coffee drinkers In Laos than ever before. Some call it the highest point of civilization while the value of the coffee exports have increased to US$60 million per year”

ສີໜຸກ ສີສົມບັດ ¯½ê¾ນ¦½´¾£ö´ ¡¾À³ 쾸 À¯ó©À°ó¨ À«ò¤À¦˜ນ꾤ºñນ¨¾¸Ä¡ê†À©óນ꾤´¾ Ä©É;¨¡¸È¾ 18 ¯ó ¡¸È¾¥½¯½¦ö®°öນ¦¿Àìñ©´¾À«ò¤¥÷©ນš ª˜¤ÁªÈ À´ˆºì¾¸ įÀªó®Ã¹¨Èê† ¯½Àê© ±ë„¤ ¡Èºນꆥ½¡ñ®´¾®É¾ນÀ¡ó©Ãນ¯ó 1994 Áì½À솴ªíນÀ»ñ©ê÷콡ò©¡¾À³ ªÉº¤»¼ນ »øɵȾ¤°ò©Å «õ¡Å ©É¸¨ªöນÀº¤. À´ˆº¦½ÄϡȺນ êȾນ ສີໜຸກ À쉾¸È¾ì¾¸Ä©É¨È¾¤À¢í¾Ä¯ÃນÀ¢© ²ø²¼¤®ðìòÀ¸ນ À²¾½¸È¾®Ò´ó«½Îöນ ¹öນ꾤, ´¾À«ó¤¯¾¡ §Èº¤Á´ÈນçÉÀ¸ì¾À£†¤´œÀ²ˆºÄ¯À®†¤Àນœºê†¯ø¡¡¾À³ì¾¸ ¥‡¤»øɦô¡¯½êñ®Ã¥ Áì½ À¡ó©£¸¾´´ñ¡¢œນ´¾¡ñ®Àນœºê†Á¹È¤ ນš. Ãນ¢½ນ½ê†ì¾¸ªÉº¤Ä¯¯½Àꩱ네À²ˆºÄ¯¹¾ª½ ;© Áì½ ì¾¸¡ÒÀ솴ªíນ¯ø¡¡¾À³Á콩¿Àນóນê÷콡ò©¡¾À³´¾ ¥öນ´ó§ˆ¦¼¤´¾¥öນÀ«ó¤ê÷¡´œນš. 쾸 ¡È¾¸¸È¾¯½¥÷®ນ ñ ນš ¡¾ນ¦‰¤ ºº¡¡¾À³¢º¤ì¾¸ ´ó´ນ ø £È¾¯ó콯½´¾ນ 60 ìɾນ© ìȾ¦½¹½ ìñ© À«ó¤Á´Èນ¸È¾¥½´ó´ນ ø £È¾ªÈ¾¤¥¾¡¡¾ນ¦‰¤ºº¡Ä³ ³É¾¢º¤¯½Àê©ì¾¸¡Òª¾´ ÁªÈ¸È¾ ¥¿ນ¸ນ À¤òນ ê†Ä©É¡ÒÁ´ÈນÀ¢í¾ ÁÍȤ쾨»ñ®¢º¤¡½À¦©ª½¡ºນ©¨¡ö¤. «É¾À¸í¾À«ó¤ ê÷콡¾À³ êȾນ¦óນ÷¡ ®º¡¸È¾ µøÈÃນ¢½®¸ນ¡¾ນ ´óêñ¤Ïö©Á´Èນ 4 ê÷콡ò©Íñ¡ Ãນນ˜ນ¡Ò£õ: ê÷콡ò©¡¾ນ¯ø¡, ê÷콡ò©¡¾ນ»ñ®§œÀ´ñ©¡¾À³, ê÷콡ò©¡¾ນ¢í¸ Áì½ê÷콡ò© »É¾ນ ¡¾À³ À§…¤êȾນ ¦óນ÷¡ Ä©ÉÀ»ñ©ê÷콡ò©ê÷¡µÈ¾¤´¾Áìɸນñ® ª˜¤ÁªÈ¡¾ນ¯ø¡ ¥öນ¡½ê˜¤´ó»É¾ນ ¡¾À³ນɺ¨Å “ສີໜຸກ ¡¾À³” ê†Á°È¡½¥¾¨µøȪ¾´ªö¸À´õº¤Ã¹¨ÈÃນ¯½Àê© ì¾¸. ÁªÈÀ¯í¾Ï¾¨Ãນº½ນ¾£ö©ºñນÄ¡Å ນº¡ÀÎõº¥¾¡ນ˜ນ£õ ¡¾ນ¯ñ®¯÷¤¦¸ນ¡¾À³¢º¤ì¾¸µøÈꆲø²¼¤ ®ðì½À¸ນùÉÀ¯ñນ ꆥö©¥¿Ãນ«¾ນ½«…ນ¡¿Àນó© ¨†¹Ó¡¾À³ ສີໜຸກ À²ˆºÀ¯ñນ¡¾ນ¦‰¤ À¦ó´¥÷©¢¾¨Ãນ ª½Í¾© ສີໜຸກ ¡¾À³ ëó¦º©ê ¥‡¤Ä©É«õ¡¦É¾¤ ¢›ນÃນ²œນê†ນšÍ¾¨¡¸È¾ 200 ÄìÈ, ´óÀ»õºນ²ñ¡ª¾¡º¾ ¡¾© ´ó¦…¤Á¸©ìɺ´ºÉº´»º´Ä¯©É¸¨¦¸ນ©º¡Ä´Éꆦ¸¨¤¾´ Áì½ êȾນ ສີໜຸກ ´ó£¸¾´±ñນê† ¥½À»ñ©ºÈ¾¤º¾®ນÕ´óÀ£ˆº¤ນ¸© (¦½¯¾), ¦½Î¾´Àêñນນò©, ¦½Î¾´¢†´É¾ Á콡¾ນ»¼ນ¡¾ນ ¦ºນ ©É¾ນ¡¾À³ ©¨´ó¡¾ນºö®»ö´£¸¾´»øɡȼ¸¡ñ®¡¾À³ Ãນ ê÷¡Å©É¾ນºó¡©É¸¨. ນšນñ®¸È¾À¯ñນ Áນ¸£¸¾´£ò©ê†©óÀìó©Ãນ¡¾ນ ¦‰¤À¦ó´¡¾ນª½Í¾©¢º¤¡¾À³ À²ˆºÀ²†´Àªó´À¢í¾Ã¦ÈÃນ¨†¹Ó ¡¾À³ ¦óນ÷¡ ùÉÀ¯ñນꆥö©¥¿Ãນª½Í¾©ê†¡¿ìñ¤Àªó®Ã¹¨ÈµÈ¾¤ ¸Èº¤Ä¸ ©¨êȾນ ¦óນ÷¡ ¡È¾¸À²†´ºó¡Ãນ £¸¾´£ò© Íñ¡ê†¸È¾ À»ö¾ªÉº¤À»ñ©ê÷콡ò©µÈ¾¤´ó£¸¾´¦÷¡.

59

Map Of Laos 60

Laos...

Laos is quickly becoming the newest place to visit in South-East-Asia. Although in the past when travelling across the sub-continent has been mentioned, tourists have been recommended to visit famous places such as Bangkok in Thailand or Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Laos has rarely been mentioned. People are now starting to realize Laos is a viable tourist destination, with the shroud of ignorance now being lifted. Part of the problem was that Laos was fairly isolated due to having a communist government, which became left out on its own in a tourism sense since the government took power in 1975.

Recently, the mentality towards Laos has been changing and the world is starting to recognize and rediscover its beauty, culture and colorful local people. Now being mentioned in the same breath as its neighbors, Laos is also making great strides to accommodate tourists from far and wide.

Visitor Information If you are looking for basic brochures on Lao tourism, you can contact the Lao Tourism Authority, which is more of an administration service than an information source.

National Tourism Authority of Lao P.D.R., 08/02 Lane Xang Ave., P.O. Box 2511, Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. (tel. 021/212-248 or 021/212-251; fax 021/212-769; www.tourismlaos.gov.la If you are seeking written English information about Laos, you can try the official Laos website, www.visit-laso.com, which is sponsored by the Lao government. The website is very informative and accurate, providing you with lots of details regarding the country. For international news, domestic current and government affairs, you can visit www.laoembassy.com, which is run by the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C. For details of the Lao embassy in Thailand, please see below: 520/502/1-3 Soi Sahakarnpramoon, Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310, Pracha Uthit Road (end of Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39) Tel: 539-6667-8 or 539-7341; Fax: 539-3827 or 539-6678; www.bkklaoembassy.com

Getting there Lao shares official land borders with Thailand, Vietnam and China, although you will find that some of the borders are not accessible to westerners, such as to China through a crossing point named Boten. The Laos-Vietnam borders of Dien Bien Phu and Sam Neua in the north are also closed.

By Plane Bangkok is the main link to Laos, and has flights to both Vientiane and Luang Prabang. However, you can also fly into Laos on regular flights from Cambodia and Vietnam, which means you can fly into the three neighboring countries from anywhere in South-East-Asia and make the quick hop over to Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport.

By Train One of the most popular ways to visit Laos is by train. This is a great option if travelling from Bangkok on Thailand’s northeastern line from Hua Lampong Railway Station in Bangkok (Tel: 02223-7010 or 1690). Travelling from Bangkok northwards, the train connects with all the major provincial capitals and finishes up in Nong Khai, which is in Thailand but right next to Vientiane. It is also possible to reach southern Laos at Pakse via Bangkok and the Thai terminal at Ubon Ratchathani.

From Ubon, you will have to take two bus rides to get to the border, and then a songthaew from there to Pakse.

By Bus You can travel on an overnight VIP air-conditioned bus from Bangkok to Vientiane for approximately 700 THB, via Friendship Bridge, which will leave you on the Thai side of the border. Buses from north-eastern Thai cities such as Nong Khai and Udonthani will also take you to the Thai border via Friendship Bridge for 55 THB and 80 THB respectively.

By Boat You can make the crossing on the Mekong River from Chiang Khong in Thailand and from the border to Luang Prabang it is a two-day boat ride, where a 15-day visa is available on arrival.

Entry Requirements You will need a valid visa and passport when entering Laos, although there are some sites where you can get a visa on arrival such as travelling by air to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, crossing Friendship Bridge to Vientiane from Nong Khai. Other places you can get a visa on arrival includes the crossing from Chiang Khong to Houayxai, Savannakhet and Vung Tao. If you are traveling from Vietnam, make sure you have prearranged your visa. For a 30-day visa, you will pay 30USD. However, if you organize a visa in an embassy outside of Laos, expect to pay approximately 35USD. For more details, please visit www. laoembassy.com 61

Vientiane...

A

s the capital of Laos, Vientiane is a must see city when traveling through Laos PDR. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 because of fears surrounding Burmese invasion. Under French rule, Vientiane became the administrative capital while in recent times has also become the economic hub of the country.

Sitting on the northern banks of the Mekong River, the city has a colorful culture, amazing hospitality and is the home to some of the tastiest Laos food imaginable. With its French colonial characteristics and leafy boulevards surrounded by rustic temples and coconut palms, this is a city that mixes colonial architecture within a tropical environment. The laidback atmosphere is ideal for visitors, and is rapidly becoming one of the most fascinating cities to see in Asia.

62

Visit

• Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) • Patuxai

• Laos National Museum • That Dam

• That Luang • Ho Phakeo

• Wat Sisaket

• Wat Si Muang

• Mekong promenade & night market

Dine Out

Shop

Amphone Cuisine: Lao (856) 21 212489

Bari Gems & Jewelry Style: Jewelry (856) 21 212680

Café des Arts Cuisine: French (856) 71 252162 www.cafedesartslaos.com

Carterie du Laos Style: Handmade cards and prints (856) 21 241401

Chill Out Café Cuisine: Lao/International (856) 71 261006 Chokdee Café Cuisine: Belgian (856) 21 263847 Douang Deune Restaurant Cuisine: Asian (856) 21 241154 Hare and Hound Cuisine: Western (856) 20 6302616

Couleur d’Asie Style: French-Vietnamese dress designs (856) 21 223008 Phaeng Mai Gallery Style: Traditional weaved silk items (856) 21 217341 www.silk-phaengmai.laopdr.com Satri Lao Silk Style: Antique silk, jewelry, furniture (856) 21 219295 www.satrilao.laopdr.com

Relax

Colonial Charm,Luxurious Elegance www.setthapalace.com

Khop Chai Deu Restaurant and Bar Cuisine: Western (856) 21 251564 www.khopchaideu.com

E-mail: reservations@setthapalace.com 6 Pang Kham Street, Vientiane, Lao PDR Champa Spa Signature: Traditional Lao Massage (856) 21 2640978 Dalah Spa Signature: Hot Herbal Massage (856) 21 285125 Dalavanh Traditional Massage Signature: Traditional Lao Massage (856) 21 213313

La Belle Epoque Cuisine: French (856) 21 217581 www.setthapalace.com Le Central Cuisine: French (856) 21 243703 La Signature Cuisine: French Contact:v (856) 21 213514 L’Opera Cuisine: Italian (856) 21 215099

Mandarina Body And Soul Spa Signature: Herbal Massage (856) 21 223857 Manee Spa Signature: Traditional Lao Massage (856) 21 353207

Oasis Spa Massage & Beauty Signature: Traditional Lao Massage (856) 21 243579

Beds Angkham Hotel (856) 21 900011 info@angkhamhotel.com www.angkhamhotel.com Ansara Hotel (856) 21 213514-8 info@ansarahotel.com www.ansarahotel.com

Sticky Fingers Cuisine: Western (856) 21 215972 Papaya Spa Lane Xang Signature: Exclusive body and facial treatments (856) 20 55610565 www.papayaspa.com

Rashmi’s Plaza Hotel, Vientiane (856) 21 315088 info@rashmishotel.com www.rashmishotel.com Salana Boutique Hotel (856) 21 254254 wecare@salanaboutique.com rsvn@salanaboutique.com www.salanaboutique.com

Don Chan Palace (856) 21 244288 donchanpalace@laopdr.com www.donchanpalacelaopdr.com Lao Plaza Hotel (856) 21 222741-42, 218800-1 Fax: (856) 21 222740, 218807-9 lph@laoplazahotel.com www.laoplazahotel.com

Mittaphap Restaurant Cuisine: Lao (856) 21 264444

The Full Moon Café Cuisine: Western (856) 21 243373

A Belmont International Hotel

Nirvana Spa Signature: Lao Traditional Massage (856) 21 222936 www.nirvana-spa-laos.com

Mex Alexia Cuisine: Tex-Mex (856) 21 241349

The Cote d’Azur Pizzeria Cuisine: French (856) 21 217252

Tel: (856) 21-217581/2 • Fax: (856) 21-217583

Mercure Vientiane (856) 21 213570-1 resvn@mercurevte.com www.mercure.com Parkview Executive Suites Vientiane (856) 21 250888 parkview@laotel.com www.parkviewexecutive.com

Settha Palace Hotel (856) 21 217581 reservations@setthapalace.com www.setthapalace.com The Ramayana Gallery Boutique Hotel (856) 21 214455-7 galleryhotel@ramayana-laos.com www.ramayana-laos.com Vientiane Plaza Hotel (856) 21 265365 reservation@vientianeplazalao.com www.vientianeplazalao.com

Vang Vieng

Dine Out Arena Restaurant and Bar Cuisines: Hamburgers (856) 20 78181171 Aysha Indian Cuisines: Indian (856) 23 511369 Erawan Restaurant (856) 23 511093 Kangaroo Sunset Bar Cuisines: Local (856) 20 7714291 Nisha Cuisines: Indian (856) 23 511579

Organic Mulberry Farm Cafe Cuisines: International (856) 23 511174 Sala Pha Deng Cuisines: Local & International (856) 23511232 Xayoh Restaurant Cuisines: Local (856) 23 511088

Beds

D’Rose Resort@Vang Vieng (856) 23 511035 droseresortatvangvieng@yahoo.com www.drosehotelvientiane.com Thavonsouk Resort (856) 23 511096, 414149 Mob: +(856) 20 7607111, 5703100 thavonsouk.resort@gmail.com www.thavonsouk.com The Elephant Crossing Hotel (856) 23 511232, Mob: (856) 20 5602830 or 2454730 info@theelephantcrossinghotel.com www.theelephantcrossinghotel.com

S

ituated between Vientiane and the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng was once nothing more than a bus stop for those visiting Vientiane from Luang Prabang. Now Vang Vieng is a destination in its own rights with a laidback and relaxed atmosphere nestled beside the Nam Song (Song River) surrounded by beautiful limestone Karst terrain. ºWith its stunning countryside and its old charm style, this is a colorful destination.

Visit • Tham Poukham - Blue Lagoon • Padeng cave and Ring cave • Jung Cave

Do • Tubing and Kayaking the river • Sunset cruise • Biking

64

Vansana Vang Vieng (856) 23 511598-9, 511600-1 info@vansanahotel-group.com www.vansanahotel-group.com

Villa Nam Song (856) 23 511637 reservation@villanamsong.com www.villanamsong.com Villa Vang Vieng Riverside (856) 23 511460 info@villavangvieng.com www.villavangvieng.com

Naga Clinic akWk Wtpa[d Your Naga Clinic

Heart We Care

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

Luang Prabang

L

uang Prabang is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site situated on the peninsula formed by the Mekong River. Although Luang Prabang is a small city, there are many things to see and do for travelers.

Benefitting from a stunning collection of French colonial buildings alongside some very old temples and Buddhist monuments, Luang Prabang is a great example of how traditional Lao architecture and 19th century colonial styles merge together to create a fascinating and colorful travel experience. Surrounded by mountains and set 700 meters above sea-level where the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River meets, the city is rapidly becoming the center of Laos’ new found tourist popularity.

The city boasts many old temples and Buddhist monuments with one of the most famous being Pha That Luang.

The original was constructed in 1566 and restored in 1953. The 45-meter high golden stupa is where a relic of Lord Buddha himself is believed to sit. With everything from royal palaces to 33 temples, the city is a perfect destination for travellers seeking out Buddhist teachings or a slice of authentic Asia.

Luang Prabang is home to both historical sites and natural beauty. If you want to see some breathtaking natural sites, you can visit Pak Ou Caves or Kuang Si Falls. Visitors also enjoy elephant rides along jungle treks. Well known historical sites include Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple. When you reach the end of the main street, you will find the night market with a colorful selection of bracelets, shirts, tea and standard tourist souvenirs.

With tourism to Lao now reaching new heights, Luang Prabang is the premier destination in the country because of its interesting mix of culture, history and laidback atmosphere.

70

Dine Out

Tamnaklao - the Three Elephants Restaurant Cuisine: Lao (856) 71 252525

Relax

Shops

Blue Lagoon Restaurant Cuisine: Western (856) 71 253698 www.blue-lagoon-cafe.com

The Apsara Bar & Restaurant Cuisine: Asian/International (856) 71 254670

Dhammada Massage Oasis Signature: Traditional Lao Massage (856) 71 212642

Couleur Café and Restaurant Cuisine: Lao/French (856) 71 254694

The Tamarind Café Cuisine: Lao (856) 20 7770484 www.tamarindlaos.com

Baan Khily Gallery Style: Handmade Lao handicrafts Location: 43/2 Baan Khily, Luang Prabang (856) 71 212261

L’Elephant Restaurant Cuisine: French (856) 71 252482 www.elephant-restau.com

Nazim Restaurant Cuisine: Indian (856) 71 252263 www.nazim.laopdr.com

TROPICAL GARDEN RESTAURANT Cuisine: Thai (856) 71 212642 www.luangprabangoasis.com

Park Houay Mixay Cuisine: Lao (856) 71 212260

Vieng Kheam Khong Cuisine: Lao (856) 71 212726

Beds

Le Palais Juliana (856) 71 260417 rsvn@lepalaisjuliana.com www.lepalaisjuliana.com

Ancient Luang prabang (856) 71 212264 info@ancientluangprabang.com www.ancientluangprabang.com

Kamu Lodge (856) 71 260319 info@kamulodge.com www.kamulodge.com

Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage Signature: Herbal Sauna (856) 20 5597370 Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa Signature: Traditional Lao Massage (856) 71 255055 The Mekong Spa Signature: Aromatherapy Massage (856) 71 212194 Muang Thong Hotel (856) 71 254976 reservation@muangthonglpb.com www.muangthonglpb.com My Dream Boutique Resort (856) 71 252853, 252198 info@mydreamresort.com www.mydreamresort.com

Hotel 3 Nagas (856) 71 253888 book@3-nagas.com www.3-nagas.com

Hotel Villa Deux Rivieres (856) 20 7737 8575 info@villadeuxrivieres.com www.villadeuxrivieres.com

Kiridara Spa Signature: Herbal Steam Bath (856) 71261888 www.kiridara.com Lao Red Cross Sauna and Massage Signature: Herbal Sauna (856) 71 252856

Luang Prabang Bakery Cuisine: Western (856) 71 252499 www.luangprabang-bakery -guesthouse.com

Hotel De La Paix Luang Prabang (856) 71 260777 book@hoteldelapaixlp.com www.hoteldelapaixlp.com

Khmu Restaurant Spa & Massage Signature: Lao and Khamu Massages (856) 71 212092

Kopnoi Style: Fashion, accessories, silk Location: Ban Aphay Luang Prabang (856) 71 260248 www.kopnoi.com Naga Creations Style: Jewelry, precious stones, silver Location: Th Sisavangvong, Old Town (856) 20 7775005 Ock Pop Tok Style: Home textiles, village weaving products, scarves Location: 73/5 Ban Vat Nong (856) 71 253219 Pathana Boupha Antique House Style: Antique statuary, jewelry, silverwork, Location: 26/2 Ban Visoun, Luang Prabang (856) 71 212262

The Grand Luang Prabang Hotel & Resort (856) 71 253851-7 info@grandluangprabang.com www.grandluangprabang.com

Rama Hotel (856) 71 212247 rama_hotel@yahoo.com www.ramahotellaos.com Luang Prabang Oasis Villa Namnuea (856) 71 212642, 252933 info@luangprabangoasis.com www.luangprabangoasis.com Luang Prabang Paradise Resort (856) 71 213103, 20 235 3337, 20 389 5885

contact@luangprabangparadiseresort.com www.luangprabangparadiseresort.com

Luang Prabang Residence (856) 71 260699, 260676 info@luangprabangresidence.com www.luangprabangresidence.com

Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery & Guest House (856) 71 252499, 71 254844 contact@luangprabang-bakery -guesthouse.com www.luangprabang-bakery -guesthouse.com Santi Resort & Spa (856) 71 252157, 212267 info@villasantihotel.com www.villasantihotel.com Satri House Relais & Chateaux Hotel (856) 71 253491-2 info@satrihouse.com www.satrihouse.com

The Luang Say Residence (856) 71 260891 E-mail: info@luangsayresidence.com www.luangsayresidence.com The View Pavilion (856) 71 253918 info@theviewpavilion.com www.theviewpavilion.com Villa Maly (856) 71 253902-04 info@villa-maly.com www.villa-maly.com

Shinta Mani Hotel (856) 71 260560 www.shintamani.com The Apsara Rive Droite Hotel (856) 71 254670 info@theapsara.com www.theapsara.com

Kiridara Hotel (856) 71 261888 www.kiridara.com Le Bel Air Boutique Resort (856) 71 254699, 213079 Mob: (856) 20 22350 050 info@lebelairhotels.com www.lebelairhotels.com La Résidence Phou Vao (856) 71 212194 or 212530 reservations@residencephouvao.com www.residencephouvao.com

Maison Dalabua (856) 71 255588 , 253923 info@maison-dalabua.com www.maison-dalabua.com Maison Souvannaphoum (856) 71 254609 maison@angsana.com www.angsana.com

The BelleRive Hotel (856) 71 260733, 252488 reservation@thebellerive.com www.thebellerive.com The Chang Heritage Hotel (856) 71 255031 info@the-chang.com www.the-chang.com

Villa Nagara (856) 71 252829 Mob: (856) 20 555 70499 support@villanagara.com www.villanagara.com Xiengthong Palace (856) 71 213200 reservation.xtp@jetwingindochina.com www.xiengthongpalace.com Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort (856) 20 555 71120 www.zennamkhanresort.com

71

Savannakhet S

ituated in western Laos, Savannakhet, officially known as Kaysone Phomvihane, is the capital of the Savannakhet province and the second-largest city in the country, after Vientiane. With a mixed population of Thai, Vietnamese and Lao people, the old French colonial quarter of the town sits on the banks of the Mekong River. Because of the city’s close proximity to Thailand and their booming economy, Savannakhet has benefitted from lots of commercial development in the northern part of town. The city is home to a 15th century Buddist temple, named Wat Sainyaphum.

Showing the city’s diversity, there is also a Catholic Church, a Chinese temple and a mosque.

Dine Out Beds Cafe Anakot Cuisine: Fusion (856) 20 77748154 afeanakot@gmail.com cafeanakot.blogspot.com Café Chez Boune Cuisine: European & Thai/Lao (856) 41 215190 cafechezboon@gmail.com Dao Savanh Restaurant Cuisine: French (856) 41 260888 Laos Paris Restaurant Cuisine: Lao, Vietnamese, French (856) 41 212792 Lao Derm Restaurant Cuisine: Lao, Thai (856) 41 252142 The Moonlight Café Cuisine: Western (856) 30 531 5718

Daosavanh Resort & Spa (856) 41 252188, 252199 Mob: (856) 20 58515555, 5888 5263, 2335 5363 info@daosavanhhtl.com www.daosavanhhtl.com Hoongthip Hotel (856) 41 251279, 213229, 212262 hoongthip@hotmail.com Leena’s Guesthouse (856) 41 212404 Nongsoda Guesthouse (856) 41 212522.

Phoulavane Guesthouse (856) 30 9671606 Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino (856) 41 252 200 savan.reservation@savanvegas.com sales.marketing@savanvegas.com www.savanvegas.com Xayamoungkhoun Guesthouse (856) 41 212426

68

IS AT H W YOUR FAVORITE LAO ?

FOOD

Sabaidee Club Welcome to Sabaidee Club!

In this issue, we would like to invite our readers to submit their photos of their favorite Lao food dishes along with a few words description. Selected winning photos will be awarded with free accommodations in Laos and some restaurant vouchers.

Submit your photos to:

club@sabaidee-magazine.com

Want to Subscribe to Sabaidee Magazine?

1

Winners from the previous issue: 1st Prize - Free 1-night accommodation at Luang Prabang Oasis Winner: Ms. Chutipen Suthiwareephong “Happily jumping into Tad Yueng Waterfall, Southern Laos”

2

3

2nd Prize - Free dinner for 2 at Tropical Garden Restaurant in Luang Prabang Winner: Mrs. Benjamas Keereedech “Get me out of here!”

3rd Prize - Free 1 hour traditional massage at Dhammada Massage Oasis in Luang Prabang Winner: Mr.Navy Bhawangkhanan “Landing on a plane at Luang Prabang”

Please call 071 252 933 or write to club@sabaidee-magazine.com to claim your prizes.

Stay connected and follow our most recent news activities and win some free vouchers at our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sabaideemagazine

Call us at

021 254 281 For Details of

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ຕິດ​ຕໍ່​ພົວພັນ ​ໂທ 021 254 281 ຫຼື​Email subscribe@sabaidee-magazine.com

Champasak & Pakse

70

A

s the capital city of Champasak, Pakse is an important city in southern Lao used as a hub by travellers to explore the south. Situated where the rivers of the Mekong and Se-Done meet, the city has stunning views and scenery regardless of your reasons for visiting the region, be it business or pleasure.

Flowing from the Thai city of Ubon Ratchathani, you now have the opportunity to explore the Bolaven Plateau, Xe Pian National Protected Area, Wat Phu and Si Phan Don. As the influx of visitors to Pakse increases, the city has become a place for a wide range of guesthouses and hotels, allowing you to stay in the city for a few days and absorb the unique atmosphere of the region.

Attractions

• World Heritage Site of Vat Phou • Si Pan Don (Four Thousand Islands) • Pha Pheng Waterfall • Pha Suam Waterfall • Tad Yueng Waterfall • Tad Fane Waterfall • Coffee & tea plantations

Dine Out Bolaven Cafe Cuisine: Coffee & bakery (856) 31 212380 www.bolavenfarms.com

BEDS PAKSE

Salachampa Hotel & Restaurant (856) 31 212 273 www.salachampahotel.com

Cafe Sinouk Cuisine: Coffee (856) 31 214716

Le Panorama Cuisine: French (856) 31 212131 www.paksehotel.com

Sinouk Coffee Resort sinouk@laopdr.com www.sinoukcoffeeresort.com Arawan Riverside Hotel (856) 31 2603 4550 info@arawanhotelpakse.com www.arawanhotelpakse.com

Ketmany Restaurant Cuisine: European (856) 31 212615 Khem Khong Restaurant Cuisine: Lao & seafood (856) 31 213240 Xuan Mai Restaurant Cuisine: Lao (856) 31 213245

Vat Phou Cruises (856) 31 251446 www.vatphou.com

CHAMPASAK

Champasak Guesthouse (856) 20 77131945

Inthira Hotel (856) 31 214059 info@inthirahotels.com www.inthirahotels.com

Champady Cuisine: Thai (856) 020 513 0513 Jasmine Restaurant Cuisine: Indian (856) 31 251002

Residence Sisouk (856) 31 214716 contact@residence-sisouk.com www.residence-sisouk.com

Champasak Grand Hotel (856) 31 255111-8, 260211 res@champasakgrand.com www.champasakgrand.com Champasak Palace Hotel (856) 31 212263, 212777-80, 252130 info@champasakpalacehotel.com www.champasakpalacehotel.com

Kingfisher Ecolodge (856) 20 557 26315, 20 996 71574 info@kingfisherecolodge.com www.kingfisherecolodge.com La Folie Lodge (856) 30 5347603 reservation@lafolie-laos.com www.lafolie-laos.com

Mekong Paradise Resort (856) 31 212120 mekongparadise@yahoo.com www.mekongparadise-resortgroup.com Paksé Hôtel (856) 31 212131, 31 252 993 info@hotelpakse.com www.hotelpakse.com

71

www.laoairlines.com

Seoul, Korea

Guangzhou, China Jinghong, China

Kunming, China

Hanoi, Vietnam

Luangnamtha Houeisay

Oudomxay Xiengkhouang

Chiangmai, Thailand

Luang Prabang

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 VTE VTE VTE VTE BKK BKK BKK BKK BKK

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

BKK BKK BKK BKK BKK VTE VTE VTE VTE 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 PKZ REP REP

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 LPQ REP REP

REP REP LPQ 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 REP REP PKZ PKZ

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

VIENTIANE - LUANGPRABANG - VIENTIANE 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

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 5 = Friday 2 = Tuesday 6 = Saturday 3 = Wednesday 7 = Sunday 4 = Thursday

* 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