Sabaidee - Lao lifestyle & travel magazine issue 24 by Sabaidee Magazine

NOTE

Director’s

ສະບາຍດີທ່ານຜູ້ອ່ານ!

Sabaidee readers!

ເດືອນກຸມພາ ເວົ້າໄດ້ວ່າເປັນເດືອນແຫ່ງຄວາມຮັກອັນແສນຫວານ. ດັ່ງນັ້ນ, ໃນສະບັບທີ 24

February is a time for celebrating romance. So for our 24th issue

ຂອງວາລະສານເຮົານີ້, ພວກ ເຮົາຈະນຳພາທ່ານໄປສູ່ 8 ຈຸດ ໝາຍປາຍທາງທີ່ຈະຊ່ວຍເສີມສ້າງ

we take you to eight destinations to help you start to create a long

ໃຫ້ຄວາມຮັກຂອງທ່ານມີຄວາມຫວານ

ແຫຼ່ງທ່ອງ

lasting romance. From the grand Kong Lor cave in Khammoune,

ທ່ຽວຕ່າງໆລວມມີ ສວນຫິນທຳມະຊາດຢູ່ຖ້ຳຊ້າງໃນຄຳມ່ວນ, ໄປຈົນຮອດຈອມພູເໜືອເມກ

to the cloud covered mountain peaks of Xaysomboun, and the

ຢູ່ໄຊສົມບູນ ຫຼື ຈະສູດອາກາດສົດຊື່ນບໍລິສຸດ ຢູ່ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດຟານກໍ່ໄດ້, ເຊິ່ງບໍ່ວ່າຈະເປັນບ່ອນ

invigorating air at the Tad Fane Waterfall there is a chance you

ໃດໆກໍ່ຈະສາມາດເຮັດໃຫ້ທ່ານຕົກຫຼຸມຮັກກັບແຫຼ່ງທ່ອງທ່ຽວຕ່າງໆນີ້ໄດ້ຢ່າງງ່າຍດາຍ.

could fall in love with these destinations and more.

ສ່ວນພາກເຊື່ອມຕໍ່ອາຊຽນໃນສະບັບນີ,້

ແລະ

ຮັກກັນຍາວນານໄປກວ່າເກົ່າ.

ພວກເຮົາພາທ່ານໄປພົບພໍປ ້ ະສົບການທ່ອງທ່ຽວໂດຍ

For this month’s ASEAN Connect, we experience Malaysian

ການພັກອາໄສຢູ່ນຳເຮືອນປະຊາຊົນ ທີ່ບ້ານ ຄຳປຸງບັງ ໃນ ມາເລເຊຍ, ເຊິ່ງບ້ານດັ່ງກ່າວ

homestay-style tourism in Kampung Beng Village. Located on the

ແມ່ນຕັ້ງຢູ່ແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳ

ແມ່ນ້ຳນີ້ປຽບສະເໝືອນຊາຍແດນແບບທຳມະຊາດ

Perak River, the river acts as a natural border between Malaysia

ຂັ້ນລະຫວ່າງມາເລເຊຍ ແລະ ໄທ ເຊິ່ງຍາວຢຽດກວ່າ 1000 ກມ. ນອກນັ້ນພວກເຮົາຍັງໄດ້

and Thailand and stretches over 1,000 kilometers. We also visit

ແວ່ຖ່າຍຮູບຢູ່ ມັດສະຢິດ ຄຣືເຊ ໃນປັດຕະນີນຳອີກ.

the elegant Krue Se Mosque in Pattani for a photo session.

ການເດີນທາງຜະຈົນໄພບໍ່ໄດ້ໝາຍຄວາມວ່າຈະຕ້ອງເດີນທາງໄປບ່ອນໃໝ່ໆ ສະເໝີໄປ ແລະ

Exploring is not always about going a new destination. We get

ສະບັບນີ້ ພວກເຮົາເອງ ກໍ່ໄດ້ມີໂອກາດ ເຂົ້າໄປສຳຜັດກັບວິຖີ ການດຳລົງຊີວິດປະຈຳວັນຂອງ

a chance to dive into the daily life of the fishermen of Mekong

ຊາວປະມົງຢູ່ແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ. ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງປຽບສະເໝືອນສາຍນະທີແຫ່ງຊີວິດທີ່ໄຫຼຜ່ານ 4

River. The Mekong is a lifeline that passes through four countries,

ປະເທດ ແລະ ເປັນບ່ອນລ້ຽງປາກລ້ຽງທ້ອງໃຫ້ແກ່ປະຊາຊົນຫຼາຍພັນຄົນທີ່ດຳລົງຊີວິດຢູ່ຕາມ

feeding thousands of people who live along its shores. These

ແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ. ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ບໍ່ພຽງແຕ່ເປັນບ່ອນຫາປາຂອງຊາວປະມົງເທົ່ານັ້ນ, ແຕ່ຍັງເປັນ

fishermen not only feed from it, they depend on the river for their

ທີ່ເພິ່ງພາອາໄສໃຫ້ແກ່ການດຳລົງຊີວິດໃນແຕ່ລະວັນ ຂອງພວກເຂົາ.

livelihood.

ຫວັງວ່າທ່ານຈະເພີດເພີນໄປກັບການອ່ານວາລະສານຂອງພວກເຮົາສະບັບນີ້. ສ່ວນໃນເດືອນ

Please sit back and enjoy this issue. Next month, we take you

ໜ້າ, ພວກເຮົາຈະພາທ່ານໄປທ່ອງທ່ຽວທາງພາກໃຕ້ທີ່ແຂວງ ຈຳປາສັກ ເຊິ່ງຍັງມີຫຼາຍໆ

to the south into Champasak. There are many unseen villages

ບ່ອນທີ່ຄົນຍັງບໍ່ທັນຄ່ອຍຮູ້ ບໍ່ວ່າຈະເປັນໝູ່ບ້ານຕ່າງໆ, ການຂີ່ຊ້າງ, ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດອັນສວຍງາມ,

elephant riding, majestic waterfalls and more.

ເປຣັກ

ແລະ

ແລະ ອື່ນໆ. ຂໍຂອບໃຈທີ່ທ່ານໄດ້ຮ່ວມຜະຈົນໄພໄປກັບເຮົາ!

Thank you for exploring with us!

ພັນລະຄອນ ສີບຸນເຮືອງ

Phanhlakhone Syboonheung

ຜູ້ອຳນວຍການ

The Director

THIS ISSUE 24th FEBRUARY 2015 ON THE COVER 8 Romantic Destinations in Laos

News & Events 10 14

What’s On What’s New

People 16

Sabaidee Guest - Dr. Khampheng SAYSOMPHENG

Travel 24 30

Asean Connect - Malaysia Homestay Cover Story - 8 Romantic Destinations in Laos

Lifestyle 20 41 48

Life of Mekong Fishermen Guide To – Sweet Accommodations EAT, DRINK, RELAX, SEE & DO, SLEEP listings

CONTRIBUTORS

Michelle Luehman

Nipon Riabriang

Michelle has spent the last 20 years living and working around the world. Most of that time has been spent around Asia. An avid observer of people and places, she has written extensively about life in Asia both as a visitor and a resident. She has worked for lifestyle and travel magazines around the globe capturing the essence and flavor of life in each different locality.

Freelance photographer, Nipon photographs screen shots for movies, contributes to several travel magazines and newspapers such as Nature Explorer, Holidays Magazine, Casaviva, The Art of Siam, and does advertising shots. He is also a photography lecturer and organizes his photo exhibitions such as, “Why Thai Society Needs a Revolution” and “Bee Here Now”.

Phonesavanh Sangsomboun

Anousone Vongphrachanh

Connecting and associating with new people from all walks of life has given a chance for Phonesavanh to broaden his experiences and knowledge. Phonesavanh is a visual reporter engaged in multimedia through photo and video journalism. He has travelled to many countries around the world, both in Asia and Europe, to report from these places. He strongly believes media plays a significant role in reflecting societal issues and gives a light to those who do not have it.

After spending most of his earlier years in the United States, Anousone Vongphrachanh decided to return to his native born country of Laos PDR. He is an outdoor person at heart. When he is not trekking or snowboarding, he is exploring for good food experiences whether it is fine dining or street side food carts.

WHERE WE ARE XAYABOURY

Home to the Land of Million Elephants’ highest pachyderm population. Each year in February creatures during the annual Elephant Festival.

LUANG PRABANG

Tranquil heritage-listed city boasting exquisite handicrafts, rich cultural sites steeped in history, a cosmopolitan bar scene and oodles of French colonial charm, all where the idyllic Nam Kahn and Mekong rivers meet. The perfect destination for the discerning traveller, the city is dotted with boutique hotels and spas.

SAVANNAKHET

Sitting on the banks of the Mekong, this growing city is the second-largest in Laos. The town centre houses ambient French Colonial architecture and small and friendly eateries are dotted along the riverfront. Just beyond the city

VANG VIENG

One-time party haven turned an outdoor enthusiasts dream, the small town is set to and lush forest. Nothing beats whiling a day away kayaking down the Nam Song river or taking a dip at the serene blue lagoon – utter relaxation in nature.

nearby Dong Natad Protected Area.

VIENTIANE

Increasingly modern bustling capital with a trailblazing dining scene that must be tasted to be believed. Here you’ll alongside Parisian-style boulangeries, glossy developments, a young emerging creative scene, and some of the country’s most lively marketplaces.

THAKHEK

A launching pad for the captivating Thakhek Loop. Throw your kit on a rented motorbike and set off on a 4-day journey to explore the hidden Buddha Cave, secluded water holes, tiny villages and, the main attraction, Kong Lor Cave which houses a snaking river system accessed only by motorboat.

PAKSE

The capital of the southern province of Champassak, Pakse is the gateway to the picturesque Bolaven Plateau which is home to an abundance of scenic waterfalls and motorcycle routes, and is widely regarded as producing some of the highest-quality coffee in the country.

WHO'S

[ ຄະນະທີປ ່ ກ ຶ ສາ / Consultants ] ພັດທະລະພົງ ຄົງວິຈດ ິ Pattarapong Kongvijit / ມານະໄຊ ອິນແກ້ວ Manachai Inkaew / [ ຜູອ  ຳນວຍການ / Director ] ພັນລະຄອນ ສີບນ ຸ ເຮືອງ Phanhlakhone Syboonheung / [ ບັນນາທິການອຳນວຍການ / Editorial Director ] ເກດ ພິດທະຢາກອນສິນ Gaid Phitthayakornsilapa / [ ບັນນາທິການບໍລິຫານ / Editor in Chief ] ຄຳສວນ ຈັນທະລາດ Khamsouan Chanthalat / [ ບັນນາທິການ ພາສາອັງກິດ / English Editor ] ອະນຸສອນ ວົງພະຈັນ Anousone Vongphrachanh / [ ຜູອຳນວຍການ ຝາຍຂາຍ / Sales & Marketing Director ] ຊະຍາດາ ອະລິຍະພົນຈະເລີນ Chayada Ariyaphoncharoen / [ ປະສານງານການຕະຫຼາດ / Marketing Co-ordinator ] ບຸນລອດ

ສິດທິພງົ Bounlod Sittiphong / [ ທີມງານຂ່າວ / Reporter ] ເທບພະວົງສອນ ບົວພາ Thepphavongsone Bouapha / [ ຈັດໜາ ແລະ ອອກແບບ/ Layout Design ] ເກດ ພິດທະ ຢາກອນສິນ Gaid Phitthayakornsilapa / [ ຫອງການວາລະສານສະບາຍດີ / Sabaidee Magazine Sales Office ] ທີ ເອັສ ເອັມ ລາວ 256 ບ້ານ ໜອງບອນ ເມືອງໄຊເສດຖາ ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ ສປປ ລາວ THM Lao Co., Ltd 265 Nongbone Village, Xaysettha, Vientiane Lao P.D.R [ ໂທ / Tel ] +856 21 454782, +856 20 5516 2440 [ ມືຖື / Mob ] +856 20 5884 8376, +66 83 018 4076(Thai) [ ອີເມລ ບັນນາທິການ / Editor Email ] editor@sabaidee-magazine.com [ ອີເມລ ຝາຍຂາຍ / Sales Email ] chayada@sabaidee-magazine.com [ ເຈົ້າຂອງ ແລະ ຜູ້ຈັດພິມ / Owner & Publisher ] ທີ ເອັສ ເອັມ ລາວ THM Lao Co., Ltd. [ ພິມທີ່ / Print by ] ໂຮງພິມ ລາວ ຍູນິພຮິນ ຈຳກັດ Lao Uniprint Press Co., Ltd ONLINE EDITION ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

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LAO

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

What’s On

Metal Destruction 2015 The metal bands of Laos and Thailand converged on stage at Mark2 Club for a night of thrashing on February 7th. The thrash metal music community in Laos may still be small, but they are a spirited bunch and plays it hard on stage. www.facebook.com/babiescorpse.thatdam

“Monsoon Country’’ An art exhibition “Monsoon Country’’ by Thep Thavonsouk at Mercure Vientiane Hotel, 5 - 8 February 2015. A collection of oil on canvas and water colour, pastel & ink on rice paper by Internationally Acclaimed Lao born Canadian Artist, Theìp Thavonsouk. He has participated in many regional & International exhibitions and nomination for sovereign Art Prize 2010. “My paintings are inspired by light and shadow. I am moved by striking moods in the clouds, rain and mist as well as a flow of monks’ saffron robes” www.junerain.com

ລາງວັນທີ 5 ສາຍຄໍຄຳ 1 ບາດ ຈຳນວນ 50 ລາງວັນ ລາງວັນທີ 6 ໂທລະສັບ ມືຖື Samsung S5 ຈຳນວນ 50 ລາງວັນ ນອກຈາກນີ້ຍັງມີການຈັບສະຫຼາກ ກິດຈະກຳ ‘’Toyota Welcome Home’’ ມອບ ໂຊກໃຫ້ລູກຄ້າທີ່ນຳລົດເຂົ້າມາໃຊ້ບໍລິການນຳໂຕໂຍຕ້າແລະຮ່ວມຕອບແບບສອບ ຖາມ ລະຫວ່າງເດືອນ ພະຈິກ - ທັນວາ ປີ 2014 ອີກ 10 ລາງວັນ ໄດ້ແກ່: 1. ໂທລະທັດ Smart TV 40 ນິ້ວ ຈຳນວນ 5 ລາງວັນ 2. ໂທລະສັບ ມືຖື Samsung Grand ອີກຈຳນວນ 5 ລາງວັນ

ງານຈັບສະຫຼາກ ມ່ວນຫຼາຍທ້າຍປີ

Toyota ແຈກຟຼີ Vigo & Vios ກັບມາອີກຄັ້ງກັບກິດຈພກຳດີໆຈາກ ບໍລິສັດ ໂຕໂຍຕ້າ ມໍເຕີ້ ປະເທດໄທ ຈຳກັດ ທີ່ ໄ ດ້ ສົ່ ງ ມອບຄວາມສຸ ກ ເປັ ນ ຂອງຂວັ ນ ຕ້ ອ ນຮັ ບ ປີ ໃ ຫມ່ ໃ ນງານຈັ ບ ສະຫຼ າ ກ ‘’ມ່ວນຫຼາຍທ້າຍປີ ໂຕໂຍຕ້າແຈກຟີ Vigo Vios’’ ເພື່ອເປັນການຂອບໃຈທາງ ລູ ກ ຄ້ າ ທີ່ ມ ອບຄວາມໄວ້ ວ າງໃຈແລະເລື ອ ກຊື້ ລົ ດ ເກັ໋ ງ ແລະລົ ດ ກະບະຈາກຕົ ວ ແທນ ຈຳໜ່າຍຢ່າງເປັນທາງການທັງ 6 ແຫ່ງ ລະຫວ່າງເດືອນ ຕຸລາ - ທັນວາ ປີ 2014 ທີ່ຜ່ານມາ ໂດຍມີລາງວັນຮວມມູນຄ່າຫຼາຍກວ່າ 1,400 ລ້ານກີບ ໂດຍມີລາຍລະອຽດດັ່ງຕໍ່ໄປນີ້: ລາງວັນທີ 1 ລົດກະບະ Hilux Vigo 4 ປະຕູ Pre Runner ຈຳນວນ 1 ລາງວັນ ລາງວັນທີ 2 ລົດເກັ໋ງ Vios ເກຍໂອໂຕ້ ຈຳນວນ 1 ລາງວັນ ລາງວັນທີ 3 ລົດຈັກ Fino ຈຳນວນ 15 ລາງວັນ ລາງວັນທີ 4 ໂທລະສັບ ມືຖື iPhone 6 ຈຳນວນ 15 ລາງວັນ

ທ່ານ ປະກອນ ວົງວິທະຍາພິລມ ົ Cheif Operating Officer, Mekhong Division ບໍລສ ິ ດ ັ ໂຕໂຍຕ້າ ມໍເຕີ້ ປະເທດໄທ ໄດ້ກາ່ ວວ່າ ກິດຈະກຳນີ້ ເປັນອີກກິດຈະກຳໜຶງ່ ທີ່ທາງໂຕໂຍຕ້າໄດ້ເຮັດມາຕະຫຼອດເພື່ອສະແດງຄວາມຂອບໃຈທີ່ໄດ້ມອບຄວາມ ໄວ້ວາງໃຈເລືອກຊືລ ້ ດ ົ ໂຕໂຍຕ້າ ແລະ ເຂົາ້ ໃຊ້ບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານທີສ ່ ນ ູ ບໍລກ ິ ານ ໂດຍທາງໂຕໂຍ ຕ້າມີຄວາມຕັງ້ ໃຈທີຈ ່ ະຜະລິດສິນຄ້າຄຸນນະພາບ ແລະ ໄດ້ບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານທີໄ ່ ດ້ມາດຕະ ຖານພ້ອມກັບການປັບປຸງພັດທະນາຢ່າງຕໍ່ເນື່ອງເພື່ອຄວາມພຶງພໍໃຈສູງສຸດຂອງລູກ ຄ້າທຸກທ່ານ. ສຳລັບໃນປີ 2015 ໂຕໂຍຕ້າຍັງໄດ້ຕຽມກິດຈະກຳດີອີກຫຼວງຫຼາຍ ເຊິ່ງລູກຄ້າສາ ມາດຕິດຕາມຂ່າວສານກິດຈະກຳຕ່າງໆໄດ້ທີ່ຕົວແທນຈຳໜ່າຍໂຕໂຍຕ້າຢ່າງເປັນ ທາງການທົ່ວປະເທດ. ສຳລັບການກວດສອບລາຍຊື່ຜູ້ໂຊກດີ ລູກຄ້າສາມາດກວດສອບລາຍຊື່ຂອງທ່ານ ໄດ້ທີ່ຕົວແທນຈຳໜ່າຍໃກ້ບ້ານທ່ານ ຫຼືໜັງສືພິມ ວັນທີ່ 26 ມັງກອນ 2015 ນອກ ຈາກນີ້ທ່ານຍັງສາມາດຮັບຊົມການຖ່າຍທອດສົດການຈັບສະຫຼາກໄດ້ໃນ ລາຍການ ສະບາຍດີເມືອງລາວ ທາງຊ່ອງລາວສະຕາ ວັນທີ 24 ມັງກອນ 2015.

Rashmi’s Hotel

Cool & kawaii 2015

ໂອກາດຂອງນັກເຕັ້ນໜ້າໃໝ່ມາຮອດແລ້ວ. ກັບບງານນີ້ Cool & Kawaii 2015 ຜູ້ຊະນະເລີດທີ່ເປັນນັກສືກສາ ຈະໃດ້ຮັບທຶນ ໄປທັດສະນະທີ່ປະເທດຍີ່ປຸ່ນ. Cool & kawaii 2015 now open resgister for everybody more info: Contact: + 86520 52295456 ( Cover Dance ) Contact : + 85620 77711476 ( Cosplay )

Vientianale Film Fest Hits Screens in March 2015 Athidxay (Ding) Bouandaoheaung is a Vientiane-based documentary filmmaker, director of the DokLao Learning Center and producer for Lao New Wave Cinema Productions. Ding has also been actively involved in the Vientianale Film Festival since its beginning in 2009, managing the logistics of the capital’s major film event and liaising with the Lao Cinema Department, the festival’s long-term partner, while team members Hélène Ouvrard, Margarete Magiera and Kate Antonas work on fundraising, programming and marketing. The 2015 Short Film Competition is themed ‘Back to the Roots’. Entries will be screened on the final day of the festival. “In a dramatically evolving region, we want filmmakers to reflect what it means for them to be Lao, 40 years after the founding of Lao PDR,” Ding explains. March 12-15, Vientianale will screen contemporary Lao and international short and feature films at its outdoor evening venue, outside the Cultural Hall. Daytime screenings will be held at the Cinema Department, off Khouvieng Road. The festival also features performances from Khao Niew Theatre, Fang Lao dance company, and Lao musicians. An art exhibition themed ‘Back to the Roots’ will be held at i:cat gallery. All Vientianale screenings and events are free of charge and open to the public. For the full programme visit www.vientianale.org or Facebook.com/vientianale.

ພິທີມອບ-ຮັບ ໂຮງຮຽນ ບ້ານ ອອມ ເມືອງ ອານຸວົງ ແຂວງ ໄຊສົມບູນ ໃນວັນທີ 28/01/2015 ທີ່ ບ້ານອອມ ເມືອງອານຸວົງ ແຂວງໄຊສົມບູນ ໄດ້ມີ ພິທີ ມອບ-ຮັບ ໂຮງຮຽນ ບ້ານອອມ ເມືອງອານຸວົງ ແຂວງໄຊສົມບູນ ພາຍ ໃຕ້ການເປັນປະທານຂອງ ທ່ານ ດຣ.ສົມບັດ ເຢຍລີເຮີ ເລຂາຄະນະບໍລິຫານ ງານພັກແຂວງ ເຈົ້າແຂວງ ແຂວງ ໄຊສົມບູນ ແລະ ເປັນກຽດເຂົ້າ ຮ່ວມມີ ທ່ານ ສີທົງ ທອງແກ້ວ ຮອງເລຂາຄະນະພັກກະຊວງ ລັດຖະມົນຕີ ຊ່ວຍວ່າການກະຊວງ ໄປສະນີ ໂທລະຄົມມະນາຄົມ ແລະ ການສື່ສານ, ທ່ານ ພົນຕີ ສຸບັນ ຫຸນນະຈຳປາ ຮອງຫົວ ຫນ້າກົມໃຫຍ່ການເມືອງກະຊວງປ້ອງກັນປະເທດ, ທ່ານ ຄ່ືນ ໄຊສະນະວົງໄຊ ຮອງຫົວຫນ້າກົມອານຸບານ ແລະ ປະຖົມ ກະຊວງສືກສາທິການ ແລະ ກິລາ, ທ່ານ ທອງໃສ ຊານໄຊຍະ ຜູ້ອຳນວຍການໃຫຍ່ລາວໂທລະຄົມ ພ້ອມດ້ວຍແຂກຜູ້ມີກຽດ ສື່ມວນຊົນ ແລະ ພໍ່ ແມ່ ປະຊາຊົນ ບ້ານ ອອມ ເຂົ້າຮ່ວມຢ່າງພ້ອມພຽງ. ຈຸດປະສົງໃນການສ້າງໂຮງຮຽນແຫ່ງນີ້ແມ່ນເພື່ອປະກອບສ່ວນເຂົ້າໃນການສ້າງສາ ແລະ ພັດທະນາປະເທດຊາດ ຕາມທິດທາງທີ່ ພັກ-ລັດ ວາງອອກ ແລະ ເພືອ ່ ເປັນການ ສ້າງຄວາມສະດວກສະບາຍໃຫ້ກບ ັ ພໍແ ່ ມ່ປະຊາຊົນ, ຊາວຄ້າຂາຍ ແລະ ນັກທຸລະກິດ ທັງໃນພືນ ້ ທີນ ່ ້ີ ແລະ ພືນ ້ ທີໃ່ ກ້ຄຽງ ໄດ້ນຳເອົາລູກຫລານຂອງຕົນ ໄດ້ເຂົາ້ ມາຮ່ຳຮຽນ ໃນໂຮງຮຽນທີໄ ່ ດ້ມາດຕະຖານແຫ່ງນີ້ ແລະ ມີຄອ ູ າຈານຄອຍ ເບິງ່ ແຍງສິດສອນ ເພືອ ່ ໃຫ້ນອ ້ ງໆໄດ້ເຕີບໃຫຍ່ ແລະ ມີຄວາມຮູກ ້ າ້ ວຂືນ ້ ໄປຮຽນ ໃນລະດັບຕໍໆ ່ ໄປ ເປັນລູກທີດ ່ ຂ ີ ອງພໍແ ່ ມ່ ເປັນສິດທີດ ່ ຂ ີ ອງຄູອາຈານ ແລະ ເປັນພົນລະເມືອງ ດີຂອງຊາດ ນຳເອົາຄວາມຮູຄ ້ ວາມສາມາດ ດັງ່ ກ່າວມາສ້າງສາ ພັດທະນາປະເທດຊາດຕໍໄ ່ ປ..

What’s New

ຮັກນີ້ ທີ່ວຽງຈັນ

ViENTiANE iN LOVE ຮູບເງົາ ຮັກນີທ ້ ວ ່ີ ຽງຈັນ ສາຍຮອບສືມ ່ ວນ ຊົນມືແ ້ ລງນີ.້ ເລີມ ່ ສາຍທີໂ ່ ຮງຮູບເງົາ ໄອເຕັກ, ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ ໃນວັນທີ 13-22 ກຸມພານີ້

Le Sommelier Visit the new wine bar and modern European restaurant near Nam Phou central area in Vientiane. Relax on their side walk patio area and enjoy the street view. Open 10:00am - 11:00pm phone: +856 30 51 66 333 www.facebook.com/ lesommeliervtelaos

“Vientiane in Love” Press screening at Lao ITECC cinema tonight. Coming to ITECC Cinema in Vientiane, 13th - 22nd February, 2015. We have English subtitles too for our International audience friends!

Vientiane’s Trial 2015 Historic Town Pilot Project – Historic Town Renovation To create attractive cityscape and comfortable street spaces for tourists and locals. January 31st - February 1st, 7th, 8th Location: between Chao Anou Street & Francois Ngin Street Car free streets Guided historical walking tours Street performances Art exhibitions www.facebook.com/pudmlaos

ເປີດສະຖານີບໍລິການນ້ຳມັນ ວີແອວວີ ຫລັກ 9 ຢ່າງເປັນທາງການ ໃນລະຫວ່າງວັນທີ 24/1/2015 ສະຖານີບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານນ້ຳມັນ ວີແອວວີ ຫລັກ 9 ຕັງ້ ຢູ່ ເມືອງ ໄກສອນພົມວິຫານ ແຂວງສະຫວັນະເຂດ ໄດ້ມກ ີ ານຈັດພິທເີ ປີດຂືນ ້ ຢ່າງເປັນທາງການ ໂດຍໃຫ້ກຽດເປັນປະທານເປີດງານ ທ່ານຍາປ້າ ແກ້ວສາຍໃຈ ໄຊຍະສອນ ພັນລະຍາຂອງທ່ານຈູມມະລີ ໄຊຍະສອນ ເລຂາທິການໃຫຍ່ພກ ັ ປະ ຊາຊົນປະຕິວດ ັ ລາວ ປະທານປະເທດ ສປປ ລາວ ແລະ ຮ່ວມຕັດລິບບີນ ້ ເປີດງານ ໂດຍທ່ານ ດຣ. ສຸພນ ັ ແກ້ວມີໄຊ ເລຂາພັກແຂວງ ເຈົາ້ ແຂວງສະຫວັນະເຂດ ທ່ານ ດຣ. ໂພໄຊ ໄຊຍະສອນ ເລຂາພັກເມືອງ ເຈົາ້ ເມືອງໄກສອນພົມວິຫານ, ທ່ານ ສົມຍົດ ຄົງປຣະເວດ ຜູຊ ້ ວ ່ ຍກຳມະການຜູຈ ້ ດ ັ ການໃຫຍ່ການຕະຫລາດພານິດ ແລະ ຕ່າງປະເທດໜ່ວຍທຸລະກິດນ້ຳມັນ ບໍລສ ິ ດ ັ ປຕທ ຈຳກັດ (ມະຫາຊົນ) ແລະ ທ່ານວິໄລວອນ ຊຸມພົນພັກດີ ເຈົາ້ ຂອງສະຖານີບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານນ້ຳມັນ ວີແອວວີ ຫລັກ 9.

ສະຖານີບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານນ້ຳມັນດັງ່ ກລ່າວ ເປັນຮູບແບບຄົບວົງຈອນແຫ່ງຫລ້າສຸດຂອງ ພີທທ ີ ີ (ລາວ) ທີໄ ່ ດ້ເປີດດຳເນີນການ ໂດຍນັກທຸລະກິດຄົນລາວ ເພືອ ່ ຮອງຮັບ ກັບການຂະຫຍາຍຕົວຂອງຕົວເມືອງ ເສດຖະກິດທີຂ ່ ະຫຍາຍຕົວໂດຍສະເພາະ ໃນເຂດເສດຖະກິດພິເສດ ໃນແຂວງສະຫວັນະເຂດ ເຊິງ່ ໄດ້ທດ ົ ລອງເປີດບໍລິ ການມາແລ້ວເປັນເວລາສອງເດືອນ ພາຍໃນສະຖານີບລ ໍ ກ ິ ານນ້ຳມັນ ມີສງ່ິ ອຳ ນວຍຄວາມສະດວກ ແລະ ກິດຈະການຕ່າງໆເຊັນ ່ ຫ້ອງນ້ຳທີສ ່ ະອາດ ຮ້ານສະ ດວກຊື້ ຮ້ານຄາເຟ່ອາເມຊອນ ສູນປ່ຽນຖ່າຍນ້ຳມັນເຄືອ ່ ງ ທະນາຄານ ຮ້ານ ລ້າງລົດທີທ ່ ນ ັ ສະໄໝ ຮ້ານອາຫານ ຮ້ານເສີມສວຍ ແລະ ຮ້ານຂາຍເຄືອ ່ ງກິລາ ພ້ອມດຽວກັນນັນ ້ ຕ່າງຫນ້າພີທທ ີ ີ (ລາວ) ທ່ານ ສົມຍົດ ຄົງປຣະເວດ ຍັງໄດ້ມອບ ຖັງຂີ້ ເຫຍືອ ້ ໃຫ້ແກ່ ທ່ານ ດຣ. ສຸພນ ັ ແກ້ວ ມີໄຊ ເພືອ ່ ໃຊ້ໃນກິດຈະກຳຮັກສາ ຄວາມສະອາດ ພາຍໃນແຂວງສະຫວັນະ ເຂດອີກດ້ວຍ.

Sabaidee Guest

ດຣ. ກຳແພງ ໄຊສົມແພງ ເຈົ້າແຂວງຫຼວງພະບາງ DR. KHAMPHENG SAYSOMPHENG LUANG PRABANG GOVERNOR

ເມືອງຫລວງພະບາງໄດ້ຖືກຄັດເລືອກເປັນເມືອງຍອດນິຍົມແຫ່ງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງໂລກ “Best City” in the Wanderlust Travel Award for 2015 ວາລະສານສະບາຍດີ ມີໂອກາດສຳພາດ ດຣ ກຳແພງ ໄຊສົມແພງ ທ່ານເຈ້າແຂວງຫຼວງພະບາງ ເຖີງການພັດ ທະນາການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງແຂວງຫຼວງພະບາງ ດັ່ງນີ້ ຕອນນີ້ ເມືອງຫລວງພະບາງມີແນວໂນ້ມພັດທະນາ ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວແນວໃດ ? ປັດຈຸບັນ ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງເມືອງຫລວງພະບາງມີ ແນວໂນ້ມຂະຫຍາຍຕົວຂຶ້ນເປັນກ້າວໆ, ພວກເຮົາໄດ້ ເອົາໃຈໃສ່ພັດທະນາການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ເຊິ່ງເປັນທ່າແຮງ ສຳຄັນໃນການຫັນປ່ຽນໂຄງປະກອບເສດຖະກິດຂອງ ແຂວງ ເປັນໃຈກາງທາງດ້ານການບໍລກ ິ ານການ ທ່ອງທ່ຽວຂອງບັນດາແຂວງພາກເໜືອ ແລະ ອານຸ ພາກພື້ນ. ພວກເຮົາໄດ້ເອົາໃຈໃສ່ເຂົ້າໃນການພັດທະ ນາພື້ນຖານໂຄງລ່າງ ເພື່ອຮອງຮັບເຂົ້າວຽກງານທ່ອງ ທ່ຽວເປັນຕົ້ນແມ່ນພັດທະນາໂຮງແຮມ, ບ້ານພັກ, ຮ້ານອາຫານ, ແຫຼ່ງທ່ອງທ່ຽວໃຫ້ໄດ້ມາດຕະຖານສາ ກົນໄດ້ເອົາໃຈໃສ່ສຶກສາອົບຮົມ ໃຫ້ປະຊາຊົນບັນດາ ເຜົ່າ ແລະ ຊັນ ້ ຄົນຕ່າງໆ ເປັນເຈົາ້ ການໃນການປົກປັກຮັກ ສາຄຸ ນ ຄ່ າ ເມື ອ ງມໍ ລ ະດົ ກ ຫລວງພະບາງໃຫ້ ຍື ນ ຍົ ງ , ຕິດພັນກັບວັດທະນະທໍາ ແລະ ທໍາມະຊາດ,ສ້າງພະ ນັກງານວິຊາຊີບການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ, ການບໍລິການໃຫ້ຊໍາ ນານງານ,ສົ່ ງ ເສີ ມ ໃຫ້ ທຸ ກ ພາກສ່ ວ ນເສດຖະກິ ດ ເຂົ້ າ ໃນການພັດທະນາພື້ນຖານໂຄງລ່າງເພື່ອຮອງຮັບການ ທ່ອງທ່ຽວ; ສ້າງແຫຼ່ງໂຄສະນາການທ່ອງທ່ຽວລະດັບ ສາກົນໃຫ້ດີ ສ້າງໃຫ້ມກ ີ ານເຊືອ ່ ມໂຍງການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ພາຍໃນຂົງເຂດ, ພາກພື້ນ ແລະ ສາກົນໃຫ້ ກ້ວາງ ຂວາງ, ເຊິ່ງໃນແຕ່ລະປີ ຫລວງພະບາງມີນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຕ່າງປະເທດເຂົ້າທ່ຽວຊົມຫລວງພະບາງ 400,000 ກວ່າຄົນ. ຫລວງພະບາງທີ່ສົມບູນແບບຕາມທີ່ທ່ານຄິດຝັນເປັນ ແນວໃດ ? ເມື ອ ງຫລວງພະບາງໄດ້ ຮັ ບ ການສ້ າ ງຕັ້ ງ ຂຶ້ ນ ເປັ ນ ເວ ລາພັນກວ່າປີແລ້ວ, ເປັນເມືອງທີມ ່ ທ ີ ວ ີ ທັດທຳມະຊາດ ສວຍສົດງົດງາມ ມີພນ ້ ື ຖານວັດຖຸບຮ ູ ານປູສະນິຍະສະ ຖານອັນລືຊຫ ່ື ລາຍແຫ່ງ, ໃນປັດຈຸບນ ັ ນີແ ້ ມ່ນມີຄວາມ ພົນ ້ ເດັນ ່ ໃນເວທີສາກົນ ກໍຄ ່ ໃື ນໂລກ, ພາຍຫລັງເມືອງ ຫລວງພະບາງ ໄດ້ຖກ ື ຮັບຮອງຈາກອົງການອຸຍແນັດສະ ໂກຮັບຮອງເປັນເມືອງ ມໍລະດົກໂລກໃນປີ 1995; ທາງລັດຖະບານ ກໍຄ ່ ອ ື ຳນາດການປົກຄອງແຂວງຫລວງ ພະບາງໄດ້ເອົາໃຈໃສ່ ໃນການປົກປັກຮັກສາ ແລະ ສົງ່ ເສີມວຽກງານການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ແລະ ເຮັດໃຫ້ບນ ັ ດາ ແຂກທັງພາຍໃນ ແລະ ຕ່າງປະເທດເຂົາ້ ມາທ່ຽວຊົມ ຫລວງພະບາງນັບມືນ ້ ບ ັ ຫລາຍຂຶນ ້ . ເມືອງຫລວງພະບາງ ໄດ້ຖກ ື ຄັດເລືອກເປັນເມືອງຍອດນິຍມ ົ ແຫ່ງການທ່ອງ ທ່ຽວຂອງໂລກຫລາຍປີຊອ ້ ນຄື: ປີ 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 ແລະ

ປີ 2015 ຫລວງພະບາງ ຂອງພວກຂ້າພະເຈົາ້ ກໍໄ ່ ດ້ ຮັບລາງວັນລາງວັນດັງ່ ກ່າວນີອ ້ ກ ີ ຄັງ້ , ນອກຈາກນັນ ້ , ເມືອງຫຼວງພະບາງຍັງໄດ້ຮບ ັ ນາມມະຍົດ ເປັນເມືອງ ປອດຄວັນຢາສູບ,ເປັນເມືອງທີມ ່ ສ ີ ຂ ີ ຽວຂອງກຸມ ່ ອາຊຽນ ແລະ ເປັນເມືອງນາມະຍົດອືນ ່ ໆ, ນີມ ້ ນ ັ ໄດ້ສະແດງໃຫ້ ເຫັນວ່າເມືອງຫລວງພະບາງເປັນເມືອງໜຶ່ງທີ່ມີຄວາມ ໜ້າສົນໃຈ ແລະ ມີສມ ົ ບູນແບບທາງດ້ານການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ. ຕໍໄ ່ ປ ພວກຂ້າພະເຈົາ້ ຈະເພີມ ່ ທະວີສກ ຶ ສາອົບຮົມຊັນ ້ ຄົນຕ່າງໆຊາວຫຼວງພະບາງມີນາ້ໍ ໃຈປົກປັກຮັກສາ ແລະ ພັດທະນາສິງ່ ຕ່າງໆໃຫ້ດຂ ີ ນ ້ຶ ຢ່າງບໍຢ ່ ດ ຸ ຢັງ້ ແລະ ໃຫ້ຫວ ຼ ງ ພະບາງຊົງຄຸນຄ່າຕະຫຼອດກາລະນານ. ການເດີນທາງຄົມມະນາຄົມຂົນສົ່ງໃນຫລວງພະບາງ ຕອນນີ້ເປັນແນວໃດ ? ຈາກການຂະຫຍາຍຕົວທາງດ້ານເສດຖະກິດ - ສັງຄົມ ແລະ ການພັດທະນາການທ່ອງທ່ຽວຢ່າງແຂງແຮງນັນ ້ ລັດຖະບານກໍ່ຄື ການນຳຂອງແຂວງຫຼວງພະບາງໄດ້ ເອົ າ ໃຈໃສ່ ໃ ນການປັ ບ ປຸ ງ ພື້ນ ຖານໂຄງລ່ າ ງຢ່ າ ງແຂງ ແຮງ ໂດຍສະເພາະແມ່ນການຄົມມະນາຄົມນັບ ທັງທາງນ້ຳ, ທາງອາກາດ ແລະ ທາງບົກ; ປັດຈຸບັນທົ່ວ ແຂວງຫຼວງພະບາງ ມີບ້ານທີ່ມີເສັ້ນທາງລົດໄປເຖິງ ແລະ ທຽວໄດ້ຕະຫຼອດປີມີ 595 ບ້ານ, ກວມເອົາ 78,18% ຂອງບ້ານທັງໝົດໃນທົ່ວແຂວງ, ພ້ອມນັ້ນ ໄດ້ມີການເປີດເສັ້ນທາງລົດໂດຍສານ ເຊື່ອມຕໍ່ປະເທດ ໃກ້ຄຽງ, ເຊັ່ນ: ຫຼວງພະບາງ-ດຽນຟູ, ຫຼວງພະບາງເຫງອານ (ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ). ຫຼວງພະບາງ - ສິບ ສອງພັນນາ (ສປ ຈີນ). ຫຼວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງໃໝ່, ຈັງຫວັດເລີຍ (ຣາຊະອານາຈັກໄທ). ໄດ້ ປັ ບ ປຸ ງ -ຍົ ກ ລະດັ ບ ສະໜາມບິ ນ ໃຫ້ ເ ປັ ນ ສະໜາມ ບິນສາກົນ, ເປີດສາຍການບິນຫຼວງພະບາງ - ຮ່າໂນ້ຍ (ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ). ຫຼວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງຮຸ່ງ (ສປ ຈີນ). ຫຼວງພະບາງ-ບາງກອກ, ຫຼວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງໃໝ່, ຫຼວງພະບາງ - ສຸໂຂໄທ (ຣາຊະອານາຈັກໄທ). ຫຼວງພະບາງ - ສຽມຣຽບ (ກຳປູເຈຍ) ຕື່ມອີກ; ນອກຈາກ ເສັນ ້ ທາງບົກ ແລະ ອາກາດແລ້ວແຂວງ ພວກເຮົາກໍໄ ່ ດ້ເອົາໃຈໃສ່ ໃນການຂົນສົງ່ ທາງນ້ຳຕິດ ພັນກັບການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ໂດຍສະເພາະແມ່ນການເດີນ ເຮື ອ ຈາກຫຼ ວ ງພະບາງໄປເມື ອ ງຫ້ ວ ຍຊາຍ,ແຂວງ ບໍແ ່ ກ້ວ, ຫຼວງພະບາງໄປປາກແບງແຂວງອຸດມ ົ ໄຊ, ຫຼວງພະບາງ-ໄຊຍະບູລີ ຕາມລຳແມ່ນຳ້ ຂອງໃນຕົວ ເມືອງຈະກໍານົດທາງ ແລະ ລົດເດີນໃຫ້ ສອດຄ່ອງຕືມ ່ ອີກ,ໄດ້ສາ້ ງລະບຽບການຈໍລະຈອນທາງອາກາດ, ທາງ ນໍາ້ , ທາງບົກດີຂນ ້ຶ , ເພືອ ່ ເຮັດໃຫ້ການບໍລກ ິ ານຄົມມະ ນາຄົມເຂົາ້ ສູລ ່ ະບຽບ ແລະ ໄດ້ມາດຖານສາກົນ. ອາ ນາຄົ ດ ລັ ດ ຖະບານຈະສ້ າ ງທາງລົ ດ ໄຟຄວາມໄວສູ ງ ຜ່ານແຂວງຫຼວງພະ ບາງ ແລະ ຈະສ້າງສະຖານີລດ ົ ໄຟ

ດັງ່ ກ່າວຢູເ່ ມືອງຫຼວງພະບາງ. ຄວາມປ່ຽນແປງຂອງຫລວງພະບາງທີ່ທ່ານຄິດວ່າຄົນທີ່ ເຄີຍມາທ່ຽວແລ້ວຄວນຈະກັບມາຢ້ຽມຢາມອີກຄັງ້ ຄືຫຍັງ ? ຍ້ອນເມືອງຫລວງພະບາງ ເປັນເມືອງໜຶ່ງທີ່ຮັກສາ ໄດ້ຄຸນຄ່າຂອງເມືອງມໍລະດົກ, ເປັນເມືອງທີ່ມີສະເໜ່, ມີອາລິຍະທຳອັນເກົ່າແກ່, ມີສະຖານແຫລ່ງທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ທາງດ້ານວັດທະນາທຳ, ທຳມະຊາດທີ່ສວຍສົດງົດ ງາມ, ຊາວຫຼວງພະບາງເປັນຄົນທີ່ມີນໍ້າໃຈໂອບເອື້ອ ອາລີ, ຕ້ອນຮັບແຂກຄົນທີ່ມາທ່ອງທ່ຽວຫລວງພະ ບາງດ້ວຍຄວາມສຸພາບຮຽບຮ້ອຍ,ອ່ອນໂຍນແລະຍິ້ມ ແຍ້ມແຈ່ມໃສ. ອີກປະການ ໜຶ່ງຍ້ອນນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ມາຢ້ຽມຢາມແລ້ວ ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວມີກິດຈະກໍາຮ່ວມກັບ ປະຊາຊົນທໍາການຜະລິດ, ສ້າງກິດຈະກໍາຕ່າງໆ ເຊັ່ນ: ປູກພືດ, ດໍານາ, ລ້ຽງສັດ, ສ້າງໂຮງຮຽນ, ສຸກສາລາ, ສະໂມສອນບ້ານແລະ ອື່ນໆ..., ສະນັ້ນ, ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ທີ່ ໄ ດ້ ມ າຫລວງພະບາງແລ້ ວ ຢາກຈະກັ ບ ມາອີ ກ ຕື່ ມ , ບາງຄົນກໍ່ມາຢ້ຽມຢາມຫລວງພະບາງຫລາຍກວ່າ 2 ຄັ້ງ, ມາແລ້ວຢາກຈະມາອີກ. ແນະນຳສິງ່ ທີຕ ່ ອ ້ ງ ໄປກິນ ໄປຊົມ ໄປສຳພັດ ທີຫ ່ ລວງພະບາງ ແຂວງຫລວງພະບາງມີແຫລ່ງທ່ອງທ່ຽວ 228 ແຫ່ງ ເປັນຕົ້ນແມ່ນ: ມີແຫລ່ງທ່ອງທ່ຽວທາງທຳມະຊາດ ( ນໍ້າຕົກຕາດກວາງຊີ, ຕາດແສ້,ຖໍ້າຕິ່ງ, ຂີ່ເຮືອຊົມທຳ ມະຊາດແມ່ ນໍ້ າ ຂອງ...);ມີ ແ ຫລ່ ງ ທ່ ອ ງທ່ ຽ ວທາງວັ ດ ທະນາທຳ, ວັດວາອາຮາມ,ປູສະນິຍະສະຖານທີ່ລືຊື່ ( ວັດຊຽງທອງ, ພະທາດພູສີ,ຫໍພິພິດທະພັນ,ພະທາດ ໝາກໂມ...); ນອກຈາກນັ້ນຍັງມີບ້ານຜະລິດເຄື່ອງ ຫັດຖະກຳ ( ບ້ານຜານົມບ້ານຊ່າງຄ່ອງ,ບ້ານຊຽງ ເຫລັກ, ບ້ານຊ່າງໄຫ...., ທ່ຽວຊົມທຳມະຊາດ, ພັກ ແຮມຄືນຕາມບ້ານຊົນເຜົ່າຂີ່ຊ້າງຊົມທຳມະຊາດ ແລະ ນອກຈາກມາທ່ຽວຢູ່ເມືອງຫຼວງພະບາງແລ້ວ, ນັກທ່ອງ ທ່ ຽ ວຍັ ງ ສາມາດໄປທ່ ຽ ວຊົ ມ ແຫຼ່ ງ ທ່ ອ ງທ່ ຽ ວຕ່ າ ງໆ ຢູ່ບັນດາເມືອງ ຄື: ເມືອງຊຽງເງິນ, ເມືອງນໍ້າບາກ,ເມືອງ ງອຍ, ເມືອງໂພນທອງ, ເມືອງພູຄູນ...,ເຊິ່ງມີແຫຼ່ງທ່ອງ ທ່ຽວປະສົມປະສານ ຫຼາກຫຼາຍ ແລະ ໜ້າຈັບໃຈ. ເມື ອ ງຫລວງພະບາງມີ ຮ້ າ ນອາຫານຫລາຍແຫ່ ງ ທີ່ ແຊບຊ້ອຍ, ມີອາຫານທີ່ເປັນເອກະລັກຂອງຊາວຫຼວງ ພະບາງເປັນຕົ້ນ: ເອາະຫຼາມ, ແຈ່ວບອງ, ໄສ້ອົ່ວ, ໄຄແຜ່ນ, ເຂົ້າໜົມ........ ທ່ານຢາກບອກນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຫລືເຊີນຊວນແນວໃດ ໃຫ້ມາຢ້ຽມຢາມຫລວງພະບາງ? ຂ້າພະເຈົາ້ ໃນນາມຕາງໜ້າໃຫ້ແກ່ອງົ ການປົກຄອງແຂວງ ແລະ ຊາວຫລວງພະບາງຂໍສະແດງຄວາມຂອບ ໃຈມາຍັງນັກ ສໍາພາດທີໃ່ ຫ້ໂອກາດແກ່ຂາ້ ພະເຈົາ້ ໄດ້ສະເໜີຊແ ້ີ ຈງ

ແຂວງຫລວງພະບາງເປັນແຂວງທ່ອງທ່ຽວ, ໜ້າຢູໜ ່ າ້ ຊົມອັນດັບໜຶງ່ ຂອງໂລກ ແລະ ຂໍເຊີນຊວນບັນດາທ່ານ ແຂກທັງພາຍໃນ ແລະ ຕ່າງປະເທດເຂົາ້ ມາທ່ຽວຊົມ ຫລວງພະບາງ, ມາສຳພັດກັບທຳມະຊາດ, ອາລິຍະທຳ ແລະ ແບບແຜນການດຳລົງຊີວດ ິ ຂອງຊາວຫລວງພະ ບາງ; ພວກເຮົາພ້ອມແລ້ວທີຈ ່ ະໃຫ້ການຮ່ວມມື, ອຳ ນວຍຄວາມສະດວກໃຫ້ແກ່ບນ ັ ດາທ່ານ ແລະ ຍິນດີຕອ ້ ນ ຮັບທຸກໆທ່ານທີມ ່ ຈ ີ ດ ຸ ປະສົງຢາກມາທ່ຽວຊົມ ເມືອງ ຫລວງພະບາງເມືອງມໍລະດົກໂລກແຫ່ງນີ.້ ພ້ອມນີເ້ ຊີນ ຊວນແຂກທຸກໆທ່ານຈົ່ງຊ່ວຍຊີ້ບອກດ້ານທີ່ຍັງຄົງຄ້າງ ກ່ຽວກັບການປົກປັກຮັກສາ ແລະ ພັດທະນາທາງດ້ານ ການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ,ການບໍລກ ິ ານ, ເຊິງ່ ພວກເຮົາຍິນດີຈະ ຮັບເອົາໄປປັບປຸງໃຫ້ມຄ ີ ວາມສົມບູນແບບທຸກປະການ.

communication system that meets international standards. In the future, the government will build a high-speed railway through Luang Prabang province and we will have a train station here in Luang Prabang. What are the new changes in Luang Prabang? And why should people return to visit the city?

Luang Prabang was voted “Best City” in the Wanderlust Travel Award for 2015. Sabaidee Magazine was given a special opportunity to interview the Governor of Luang Prabang, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng shares with us the progress they have achieved and their future plans. What are the directions toward tourism development in Luang Prabang? Currently tourism industry in Luang Prabang is constantly growing, and we are committed in the development of tourism industry which is a significant potential for economic structure reform in the province, to turn the province into central hub of tourism and services of the Northern provinces and the region. We put a lot of effort into improving the infrastructure in preparation for welcoming tourists, such as improving hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and major attractions to meet the international standard. We encourage the locals to take ownership into protecting the heritage town of Luang Prabang, culturally and environmentally. We provide technical assistance for workers in tourism and services industry. We encourage all sectors to take part in infrastructure development to support tourism. We put effort into promoting tourism internationally, and into strengthening national, regional and international tourism integration. We have over 400,000 international tourists visiting Luang Prabang every year. What is your ideal of a perfect Luang Prabang? Established thousand years ago, Luang Prabang has a beautiful scenery, famous ancient sanctuary and archaeological finds, and the city became world-renowned when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. On behalf of the government, our Luang Prabang provincial authority is committed to the preservation and promotion of tourism to attract more tourists, both local and international, to visit Luang Prabang. It was voted as the most favorite travel destination in the world for many years, including 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 18

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and recently in 2015 Luang Prabang was voted “Best City” in the Wanderlust Travel Award. In addition, Luang Prabang is also declared as a smoke-free city, a green city of ASEAN, and other awards, which shows that Luang Prabang is a truly unique place, and a perfect travel destination. We will continue to educate and encourage citizens of Luang Prabang to preserve their own city, and continue to improve all aspects to ensure that its treasure, charm and uniqueness are preserved for eternity. How are the transportation and communication systems in Luang Prabang now? Through strong socio-economic growth and tourism development, the provincial government has improved the infrastructure, especially water, air and land transportation. Currently, 595 households (78.18% of all households) in Luang Prabang province now have road access year-round. In addition, there are also new road that connects to neighboring countires, such as: Luang Prabang - DienPhu, Luang Prabang - Hoi An (Vietnam); Luang Prabang – Sipsong Panna (China); Luang Prabang-Chiangmai, Luang Prabang - Loei (Thailand). We have also improved/developed our airport to be an international airport, with additional international flights including Luang Prabang Hanoi (Vietnam); Luang Prabang - Xianghong (China); Luang Prabang - Bangkok, Luang Prabang - Chiangmai, Luang Prabang Sukhothai (Thailand); and Luang Prabang Siem Reap (Cambodia). Apart from land and air transportation, we also focus on water transportation in relation to tourism, especially the boat ride from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai, Bokeo province; Luang Prabang to Pakbeng, Oudomxay province; and Luang Prabang to Xayabouly, along Mekong River. We aim to improve the traffic in the city, and improve traffic regulations for air, water, and land transportation, to ensure a proper

Luang Prabang is able to preserve its heritage. It is a city of charm, ancient civilization, with beautiful natural and cultural attractions. Luang Prabang people are also kind-hearted, friendly, polite, and gratefully welcome tourists who visit the city. In addition, visitors also had the opportunity to engage in various activities with the local community, such as growing plants, harvesting rice, raising livestocks, building schools, medical centers, and so on. Therefore, tourists who have visited Luang Prabang before are always eager to return; some people have visited the city for more than two times, always wanting to come back. What are your recommendations on attractions and places to eat in Luang Prabang? Luang Prabang has overall 228 main attractions, including natural attractions (i.e. Tad Kuangsi waterfall, Tad Sae waterfall, Tum Ting cave, cruising along Mekong river), and cultural attractions including ancient temples and archeological finds (i.e. Xiengthong temple, Phousi Stupa, museum, Watermalon stupa). You can also visit local villages that produce handicrafts (Ban Phanom, Ban Xianglek, BanXarnghai), or stay in a homestay with the local tribes, and enjoy the elephant ride. Apart from Luang Prabang city, tourists can also travel to other districts, including Meuang Xiang Ngern district, Meuang Nam Bak, Meuang Ngoi, Meuang Phonethong and Meuang Phoukhoun, which has various kinds of tourist attractions. Luang Prabang has many good restaurants that serve authentic, unique Luang Prabang food, including Or Larm, JeoBorng, Lao sausage, river weed, and other sweet snacks. How would you like to invite tourists to visit Luang Prabang? On behalf of the provincial authority and the people of Luang Prabang, I would like to thank Sabaidee Magazine for the opportunity for Luang Prabang to be featured as a travel destination and as the world’s best city. I would like to invite both local and international tourists to visit Luang Prabang, to experience the ancient civilization, the beautiful nature, and experience the traditional lifestyle of Luang Prabang people. We are ready to accommodate and welcome all of you who wish to visit this world heritage town of Luang Prabang. Moreover, we also welcome any comments and recommendations on the preservation and development of tourism and services that will help us improve this city.

Travel Feature

Words & photos: Phonesavanh Sangsomboun

ຊີວິດຊາວປະມົງ ລຸ່ມນຳ້ຂອງ

Photo: Xaykhame Manilasith

ຕາມລຽບຝັ່ງແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ຫ່າງອອກຈາກຕົວເມືອງວຽງຈັນບໍ່ໄກ ພໍເທົ່າໃດ, ທ່ານຈະພົບເຫັນຊຸມຊົນຊາວປະມົງ ທີອ ່ າໄສແມ່ນຳ້ ຂອງ ອັນກວ້າງໃຫຍ່ໄພສານເປັນບ່ອນທຳມາຫາກິນລ້ຽງຊີບດຳລົງຊີວິດ,ເຊິ່ງວີຖີການດຳລົງຊີວິດ ອັນເປັນເອກະລັກດັ່ງກ່າວນີ້ ແມ່ນ ໄດ້ສບ ື ທອດຕໍກ ່ ນ ັ ມາແລ້ວຫຼາຍເຊັນ ່ ຄົນ ແຕ່ວາ່ ໃນປັດຈຸບັນກໍ່ປະກົດເຫັນວ່າ ຊີວິດການເປັນຢູ່ຂອງພວກເຂົາແມ່ນ ເກີດມີການປ່ຽນແປງທີ່ເຫັນໄດ້ຢ່າງຊັດເຈນ.

Photo: Xaykhame Manilasith

ຊາຍຫນຸ່ມແຫ່ງ ແມ່ນຳ້ຂອງ ເວລາຕອນນີ້ ຕົກຢູ່ປະມານ 5 ໂມງເຄິ່ງຕອນແລງ ກ່ອນຕາເວັນຕົກດິນ ໜ້ອຍໜຶ່ງ. ຂ້ອຍແນມເຫັນຊາວ ປະມົງໜຸ່ມຜູ້ໜຶ່ງອາໄສຢູ່ເຮືອນແພ ເທິງ ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ກຳລັງນັ່ງແປງຊຸມໄກ່ຂອງລາວຢູ່, ແທນທີ່ໆລາວຈະຂີ່ເຮືອ ຫາງຍາວໄປຫາປາຢູ່ ຕາມແມ່ນ້ຳ.

ທ້າວ ສຸດທະຈັກ ອາຍຸ 30 ປີ ຮູ້ສຶກເມື່ອຍໜ່າຍກັບການໄປຫາປາຢູ່ ແມ່ ນ້ຳຂອງແລ້ວກັບມາມືເປົ່າຕະຫຼອດ. ປັດຈຸບັນລາວໄດ້ລ້ຽງສັດເປັນອາຊີບ ເສີມເພື່ອຫາລາຍໄດ້ເສີມເຂົ້າສູ່ຄອບຄົວ. ສຸດທະຈັກເປັນຊ່ຽວຊານໃນ ການຫາປາ ແລະ ຕະຫຼອດຊີວິດຂອງລາວແມ່ນທໍາມາຫາກິນລ້ຽງຊີບ ດ້ວຍການຫາປາ ແລະ ຂາຍປາເປັນຫຼັກ. ລາວໃຊ້ຊີວິດສ່ວນໃຫຍ່ຢູ່ເທິງ ເຮືອນແພແຄມນ້ຳ ແທນທີ່ຈະອາໄສຢູ່ເຮືອນເທິງບົກຂອງລາວ ຢູ່ບ້ານ ສີຖານເໜືອ, ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ. ທັກສະການຫາປາຂອງ ສຸດທະຈັກ ແມ່ນຖືວ່າມີຄວາມແນ່ນອນຫຼາຍ ລາວ ຮູ້ບ່ອນແລະຍາມທີ່ຫາປາໄດ້ ແລະ ຮູ້ວ່າຕ້ອງໃຊ້ແຫປະເພດໃດຈຶ່ງຈະ ໄດ້ປາມາ. ແຕ່ວ່າປັດຈຸບັນ ກໍ່ໄດ້ກໍ່ເກີດມີຫຼາຍປັດໃຈທີ່ເຮັດໃຫ້ຊີວິດການ ຫາປາຂອງຊາວປະມົງຢູ່ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ມີຄວາມຫຍຸ້ງຍາກຂຶ້ນບໍ່ວ່າຈະ

ເປັນການຫາປາຫຼາຍເກີນກຳນົດ ຫຼກ ື ານນຳໃຊ້ອປ ຸ ະກອນການຫາປາທີຜ ່ ດ ິ ກົດໝາຍ. ການຄາດຄະເນຂອງຊາວປະມົງ ກໍບ ່ ທ ່ໍ ຽ່ ງກົງຄືແຕ່ກອ ່ ນ ແລະ ພວກເຂົາກໍຫ ່ າປາໄດ້ໜອ ້ ຍລົງນຳ. ສຸດທະຈັກ ໄດ້ກາ່ ວວ່າ: “ແຕ່ຫາຼ ຍປີກອ ່ ນ ພວກເຮົາສາມາດຄາດຄະເນໄດ້ ຢ່າງຖືກຕ້ອງວ່າລະດູໃດ ແລະ ເດືອນໃດແມ່ນຫາປາໄດ້ຫາຼ ຍທີສ ່ ດ ຸ , ເປັນ ຕົນ ້ ແມ່ນຍາມນຳ້ລງົ ແລະ ຍາມອອກພັນສາ”. ແຕ່ປດ ັ ຈຸບນ ັ ແມ່ນເວົ້າໄດ້ ຍາກຫຼາຍ ວ່າຍາມໃດປາຈະໄຫຼເຂົ້າມາມອງຂອງລາວ ແລະ ປາທີ່ສິເຫຼືອ ເອົາມາຂາຍກໍ່ນັບມື້ນັບໜ້ອຍລົງ. ສຸດທະຈັກກ່າວຕືມ ່ ວ່າ “ພວກເຮົາກໍຍ ່ ງັ ຫາປາໄດ້ຢ,ູ່ ຫາກເຫຼອ ື ແຕ່ປານ້ອຍໆ. ຂ້ອຍຂີເ່ ຮືອອອກໄປ ເພືອ ່ ເອົາແຫໄປປ່ອຍປາອອກ, ແຕ່ບເ່ໍ ຫັນປາພໍໂຕຕິດ ຢູ່ແຫເລີຍ”. ແມ່ຂອງ ເປັນສາຍນະທີແຫ່ງຊີວດ ິ ທີໄ ່ ຫຼຜາ່ ນສີປ ່ ະເທດ ແລະເປັນບ່ອນ ລ້ຽງປາກລ້ຽງທ້ອງ ໃຫ້ແກ່ປະຊາຊົນຫຼາຍພັນຄົນ ທີດ ່ ຳລົງຊີວດ ິ ຢູຕ ່ າມແຄມແມ່ນຳ້ ຂອງ. ແມ່ນຳ້ ຂອງ ເປັນໜຶງ່ ໃນແມ່ນຳ້ ທີໃ່ ຫຍ່ທສ ່ີ ດ ຸ ໃນ ໂລກ ແລະ ສໍາລັບສຸດທະຈັກເອງແລ້ວ ລາວກໍ່ບ່ເຄີຍຄິດບໍ່ເຄີຍຝັນວ່າມື້ ໜຶ່ງປາສິໝົດໄປຈາກ ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ.

ລາວໂທດອຸປະກອນຫາປາທີ່ທັນສະໄໝ ການຫາປາຫຼາຍເກີນກຳນົດ ແລະການ ນຳໃຊ້ເຕັກນິກໄຟຟ້າມາຊ໋ອດປາ. ໂດຍສະເພາະ ການຊ໋ອດປານີ້ ແມ່ນເຮັດໃຫ້ ປາບໍ່ສາມາດສືບພັນໄດ້ ແລະ ເຮັດໃຫ້ປາບໍ່ສາມາດລອຍຂຶ້ນມາ ເທິງໜ້ານ້ຳໄດ້. “ລອງຄິດເບິ່ງໃນສະ ໄໝກ່ອນ ພວກເຮົາ ພາກັນເຫັນປາໂຕໃຫຍ່ໆໂດດຂຶ້ນມາ ເທິງໜ້ານ້ຳ ເປັນ ສຽງຟວດ ຟາດຕະຫຼອດ. ແຕ່ດຽວນີ້ ແມ່ນບໍ່ມີໂອກາດໄດ້ເຫັນຄື ແຕ່ກີ້ແລ້ວ”. ຫ່າງຈາກຕູບສຸດທະຈັກໄປປະມານ 200 ແມັດ ກໍ່ແນມເຫັນ ພໍ່ຕູ້ບົວລີ ອາຍຸ 72 ປີ ເຊິ່ງເປັນຊາວປະມົງຜູ້ເກົ່າແກ່ ກຳລັງປັກຄັນເບັດຂອງລາວໄວ້ເທິງຕົມ ຕູ້ບົວລີ ໄດ້ຫາປາຢູ່ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງມາເປັນເວລາ 50 ປີ ແລະ ພໍ່ຕູ້ເອງ ກໍ່ສັງເກດ ເຫັນວ່າ ຈຳນວນປາຢູ່ແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງໄດ້ຫຼຸດໜ້ອຍລົງເຊັ່ນ ດຽວກັນ. ລາວສັງເກດ ເຫັນຄົນມາຫາປາຢູ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ນັບມື້ນັບຫຼາຍຂຶ້ນໂດຍນຳໃຊ້ວິທີການຈັບປາຮູບແບບ ໃໝ່. ອີກກະແສໜຶ່ງທີ່ເປັນຕາໜ້າກັງວົນ ແມ່ນເວລາ ທີ່ເຂົາເຈົ້າສານແຫຫຼາຍໆ ແຫຕໍ່ກັນເປັນຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່ ເຊິ່ງບາງເທື່ອກໍ່ສູງເຖິງ 4-6 ແມັດ. “ແຕ່ວ່າເຂົາກໍ່ຍັງຈັບປາບໍ່ໄດ້ຢູ່ດີ ເພາະວ່າຕາປາມັນໄວຫຼາຍ ແລະ ປາມັນ ກໍ່ສະ ຫຼາດ. ມັນພາກັນລອຍໜີແຫຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່ໄດ້ຢ່າງວ່ອງໄວຫຼາຍ” ຕູ້ບົວລີກ່າວ. ພໍ່ຕູ້ບົວລີເວົ້າວ່າ ເພິ່ນສາມາດອ່ານຄວາມຄິດຂອງປາອອກໄດ້, ດັ່ງນັ້ນ ເພິ່ນຈຶ່ງ ຮູ້ບ່ອນຄັກແນ່ວ່າຕ້ອງຕຶກເບັດ ແລະ ຫວ່ານແຫຢູ່ບ່ອນໃດ. ແຕ່ສິ່ງທີ່ເພິ່ນກັງວົນ ກໍ່ແມ່ນວ່າ ເລື່ອງອາຍຸຂອງເພິ່ນ ທີ່ນັບມື້ນັບເຖົ້າລົງ ແລະ ກະແສນ້ຳກໍ່ໄຫຼແຮງ. ປັດຈຸບັນ ພໍ່ຕູ້ແມ່ນໄດ້ນຸ່ງເສື້ອຊູຊີບ ແລະ ໝວກກັນນ໋ອກເພື່ອເປັນສິ່ງປ້ອງກັນ. ພໍ່ຕູ້ກ່າວວ່າ: “ເຈົ້າຕ້ອງໄດ້ຮຽນຮູ້ນ້ຳ ແລະ ຮຽນຮູ້ປາຢ່າງລະອຽດ ແລະ ຄັກ ແນ່ກ່ອນທີ່ສິມາຫາປາຢູ່ນີ້. ບາງຄົນ ເຫັນຜູ້ອື່ນມາຫາປາໄດ້ ກະຄຶດວ່າເຮົາກໍ່ຕ້ອງ ຫາໄດ້ຄືກັນ. ແຕ່ມັນບໍ່ແມ່ນແນວນັ້ນ. ທຳອິດເຈົ້າຕ້ອງໄດ້ຮຽນຮູ້ກ່ອນວ່າຊິໃຊ້ແຫ ແນວໃດດີ”.

ເຖິງແມ່ນວ່າຈຳນວນປາຈະນັບມື້ນັບໜ້ອຍລົງ, ແຕ່ພໍ່ຕູ້ບົວລີເອງກໍ່ຍັງສາມາດຫາປາ ຕິດໄມ້ຕິດມືກັບມາເຮືອນ ທຸກໆມື້. ພໍ່ຕູ້ກ່າວວ່າ: “ປົກກະຕິພໍ່ຕູ້ສິຕັ້ງຄັນເບັດໄວ້ຢ່າງ ໜ້ອຍ 50 ຄັນຕໍ່ມື້, ແຕ່ທຸກມື້ນີ້ 5 ຄັນກໍ່ພໍແລ້ວ ເພາະກະແສນ້ຳ ກໍ່ໄຫຼແຮງ ແລະ ຂາ ພໍ່ຕູ້ກໍ່ຕິດຄາຕົມ”, ແລະ ໃນຂະນະທີ່ພໍ່ຕູ້ກຳລັງເວົ້າຢູ່, ພໍ່ຕູ້ກໍ່ກຳ ລັງພະຍາຍາມຍົກ ຂາອອກຈາກຕົມຂອງແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງໄປນຳ ເຊິ່ງຂາພໍ່ຕູ້ເອງກໍ່ຈົມ ລົງເລິກໄປ 60 ຊັງ ຕິແມັດແລ້ວ.

LIFE OF THE MEKONG FISHERMEN Along the banks of the Mekong, just outside the bustle of downtown Vientiane, lives a community of fishermen who depend on the mighty river for their sustenance and livelihood. Their unique lifes tyle has been passed down for generations but now there are signs that change might be on the horizon. It’s about 5:30 pm, just before the sun sets. A young fisherman who lives in a floating cottage on the Mekong is supposed to be heading out in his long-tail boat to trawl the river. Today, though, he is instead fixing his chicken coop. Southachack, 30 is tired of coming back from fishing trips on the MeKong empty handed. Now he raises poultry on the side to generate some extra income. He is an expert fisherman, who has spent his whole life making a living from catching and selling fish. He spends most of his time in his floating cottage on the water’s edge, rather than at his permanent house in Sytarnneua Village, Vientiane. Southachack has a well-honed skill set. He knows the best times and places to fish, and the right nets with which to do it. But recently a variety of factors including overfishing and the use of illegal equipment has made life harder for the fishermen of the Meong. Their predictions have become less accurate their catches, smaller. “Several years ago we could accurately predict the season and the month for the best catch, like when the water is low around the end of Buddhist Lent,” Southachacksays. He says it has become harder to know when schools of fish will migrate past his river cottage. There have been less fish left over to sell. “We can still catch, but only small fish,” Southachacksays. “I go out with my boat to empty my nets but find nothing in them. ” . The Mekong is a lifeline that passes through four countries, feeding thousands of people who live along its shores. It is one of the largest

rivers in the world – to fishermen like Southachack, it seems almost inconceivable that the fish could run out. He blames advanced fishing equipment, overfishing and the use of illegal electro-shock fishing techniques. The latter in particular can make fish infertile and stunt their migration upstream. “Imagine what it was like in the past. It was quite common for us to see big fish splashing loudly on the surface from our cottages. Now we don’t see any. ” About 200 metres from Southachack’s cottage, veteran fisherman Bualy is planting his fishing rod in the mud. Bualy is a 72-year-old grandfather who has been catching fish in the Mekong for 50 years. He too has noticed a decline in the number of fish. He has observed more and more people coming to fish in the river using advanced tackle. Another worrying trend is people stringing nets together to make huge nets, sometimes as much as 4-6 metres high. “But they still can’t catch the fish because the fish’s eyes are so quick and they are too clever. They escape the big nets very quickly.” Bualy says. Bualy claims he can read the minds of fish, so he knows exactly where to place hooks and nets. The only things he worries about are his age and the strong current of the river. These days he wears a lifejacket and a helmet as a precaution. “You have to study the river and the fish carefully before you come to catch," he says. “Some people think that if other people can catch fish, they can do it too. That’s wrong. First you have to learn about good quality fishing nets. ” Despite the declining population, Bualy still manages to bring home a catch every day. “I usually set at least 50 fishing hooks a day, but today five is enough because the current is so strong and the mud is sucking at my legs” he says, while he works to free one of his legs that has already sunk 60 centimetres into the Mekong’s thick, brown mud.

Asean Connect words & photos Nipon Riabriang

MALAYSIA 24

ພັກອາໄສຢູ່ເຮືອນປະຊາຊົນ ແບບຄົນມາເລເຊຍ Homestays – Live Life Local Style

ຕອນເວລາປະມານ 6 ໂມງເຊົ້າ, ຂ້ອຍຢືນເບິງ່ ກຸມ ່ ເດັກນ້ອຍມຸສະລິມ ທີພ ່ ວມໄປໂຮງຮຽນໂດຍ ຍ່າງຈາກບ້ານພວກເຂົາມຸ່ງໜ້າໄປສູ່ທ່າເຮືອຢູ່ແມ່ນ້ຳເປຣັກ. ແມ່ນ້ຳບ່ອນນີ້ ແມ່ນເປັນຊາຍ ແດນລະຫວ່າງໄທ ແລະ ມາເລເຊຍ ເຊິ່ງນອນຢູ່ໃນສາຍພູ ສັນກາລາຄີຣີ ເຊິ່ງປຽບດັ່ງຊາຍ ແດນແບບທຳມະຊາດ ທີ່ກັ້ນເຂດແດນສອງປະເທດ ແລະ ຍາວຢຽດກວ່າ 1000ກມ, ແລະ ບ່ອນທີ່ຂ້ອຍຢູ່ນີ້ ແມ່ນແນມເຫັນເດັກ ນ້ອຍຍ່າງໄປໂຮງຮຽນແຕ່ເຊົ້າເປັນເລື່ອງປົກກະຕິ. ພວກເຮົາເດີນທາງມາເປັນຄະນະ ເພື່ອຊອກຫາປະສົບການທ່ອງທ່ຽວແບບ ໂຮມສະເຕ (ອາ ໄສຢູ່ບ້ານປະຊາຊົນ) ຢູ່ບ້ານ ຄໍາປັງ ເບັງ ເຊິ່ງຕັ້ງຢູ່ເປຣັກ ຟາກມາເລເຊຍ ແລະ ທິວທັດ ທໍາມະຊາດທີ່ຂ້ອຍແນມເຫັນ ແມ່ນມີຄວາມສວຍສົດງົດງາມ ພໍປານວ່າຢູ່ໃນນິທານ. ຂ້ອຍ ແນມເຫັນແມ່ເຖົ້າ ພາຫຼານນ້ອຍ ຂຶ້ນຂີ່ເຮືອໄປໂຮງຮຽນ. ມັນເປັນວິຖີການດຳລົງຊີວິດແບບຮຽບ ງ່າຍແຕ່ມີສະເໜ່ຫາ ຼ ຍ ເຊິງ່ ເມືອງດັງ່ ກ່າວ ແມ່ນຕັງ້ ຢູຢ ່ າ່ ງສະຫງົບສຸກທ່າມກາງສາຍພູອອ ້ ມຮອບ. ຄະນະຂອງພວກເຮົາມີສະມາຊິກ 8 ຄົນລວມທັງຄົນຂັບລົດ ແລະ ຜູ້ນຳທ່ຽວ ແລະ ພາຍ ຫຼັງທີ່ພວກເຮົາໂອ້ລົມກັນ ແລະ ເລີ່ມຮູ້ຈັກກັນ, ຂ້ອຍກໍ່ຮີບຟ້າວຖ່າຍຮູບຢູ່ ມັດສະຢິດ ຄຣືເຊ ຢູ່ປັດຕະນີ ເຊິ່ງເປັນສະຖານທີ່ສັກສິດ ແລະ ປັດຈຸບັນ ກາຍ ເປັນສະຖານທີ່ທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ທີ່ມີຫໍພິພິທະພັນເຊື່ອມຕໍ່ນຳໂດຍ ໄດ້ວາງສະແດງເຖິງ ວິຖີການດຳລົງຊີວິດຂອງຊຸມຊົນຢູ່ໃນ ປັດຕານີ. ພາຍໃນຫໍພິພິທະພັນ ມີຈໍສະ ແດງ ຂໍ້ມູນເປັນລະບົບດິຈິຕ້ອນຂະໜາດ ໃຫຍ່ (ຕາມ ທີ່ຄົນຫາດໃຫຍ່ຢູ່ໃນຄະນະເຮົາເຊິ່ງ ກຳລັງຮຽນຕໍ່ປະລິນຍາເອກກ່າວ) ແຕ່ພວກເຮົາບໍ່ມີເວລາ ພໍເຂົ້າໄປເບິ່ງທາງໃນຊ້ຳ, ພຽງ ແຕ່ຖ່າຍຮູບມັດສະຢິດຢູ່ພາຍນອກເທົ່ານັ້ນ.

ເມື່ອເຂົ້າສູ່ເມືອງ ຕາກໃບ ຢູ່ແຂວງ ນາຣາທິວາດ (ໄທ) ກ່ອນ ທີ່ຈະໄປຮອດຊາຍແດນ ສຸໄຫງໂກລົກ, ພວກເຮົາກໍ່ໄດ້ພາກັນ ແວ່ວັດ ຊົນທາຣາສິງເຮ, ເຊິ່ງຮູ້ຈັກກັນໃນທ້ອງຖິ່ນໃນນາມ ວັດພິທັກແຜ່ນດິນ, ເຊິ່ງຖືກສ້າງຂຶ້ນສະໄໝທ້າຍຣາຊະການ ເຈົ້າພຣະຈອມເກົ້າ (ຣາມາ IV), ເກືອບ 50 ປີກ່ອນການສ້າງ ຕັ້ງຂອງເມືອງຕາກໃບ. ເຊິ່ງເມືອງດັ່ງກ່າວ ແຕ່ກ່ອນ ແມ່ນຂຶ້ນກັບ ລັດ ເຄລັນຕັນ. ວັດດັງ່ ກ່າວແມ່ນມີບດ ົ ບາດທາງດ້ານປະຫວັດສາດ ໂດຍສະເພາະ ໃນໄລຍະທີອ ່ ານາຈັກອັງກິດ ມາແບ່ງແຍກມາເລເຊຍອອກຈາກສະ ຫຍາມ. ຣາຊະອານາ ຈັກສະຫຍາມສາມາດໂນ້ມນ້າວໃຫ້ອງັ ກິດຍ້າຍ ເສັນ ້ ແບ່ງແຍກເຂດແດນຈາກ ບໍລເິ ວນ ວັດໄປຫາແມ່ ນຳ້ຕາກໃບ ແລະ ສຸໄຫງໂກລົກ ແລະ ເຫດຜົນ ກໍແ ່ ມ່ນ ຍ້ອນວັດຖຸ ບູຮານອັນມີຄາ່ ແລະ ພະພຸດທະຮູບອົງສັກ ສິດເກົາ່ ແກ່ຢພ ູ່ າຍໃນ ວັດດັງ່ ກ່າວນັນ ້ ເອງ. ສິລະປະສາສະໜາ ພຸດຮູບແບບໄທຕອນໃຕ້ ທີງ່ ດ ົ ງາມແຫ່ງນີໄ້ ດ້ ຖືກສ້າງຂຶນ ້ ໃນສະ ໄໝທີເ່ ຈົາ້ ຈຸລາລົງກອນ (ຣາມາ V) ຂຶນ ້ ຄອງ ຣາຊ ເຊິງ່ ລວມມີຮບ ູ ແຕ້ມຈິດຕະກຳຕາມຝາໂດຍຄູບາຈາກ ສົງຂລາ ເຊິງ່ ເປັນຮູບແຕ້ມທີ່ ສະແດງໃຫ້ເຫັນເຖິງວິຖຊ ີ ວ ີ ດ ິ ວັດທະນະທຳ.

ຂ້າມຊາຍແດນ

ເມືອ ່ ຂ້າມເຂດຊາຍແດນມາເລເຊຍ ເຂົາ້ ສູລ ່ ດ ັ ເຄລັນຕັນ, ຜູນ ້ ຳຂອງຊຸມຊົນດັງ່ ກ່າວ ກໍໄ່ ດ້ລຖ ໍ າ້ ຕ້ອນຮັບພວກເຮົາ ຢູຕ ່ ໜ ່ໍ າ້ ພະລາຊະວັງ ອິສ ຕານາ ຈາຮາ, ເຊິງ່ ເປັນ ສະຖານທີອ ່ ນ ັ ງົດງາມ ສະຫງ່າຜ່າເຜີຍໂດຍມີ ແສງແດດຍາມແລງ ສ່ອງໃສ່ປະຕູ ໂຂງຂອງພະລາຊະວັງເຫຼອ ້ື ມປະກາຍ ຢ່າງຮຸງ່ ເຮືອງ. ຈາກຈຸດນັດ ພົບດັງ່ ກ່າວ ພວກ ເຮົາໃຊ້ເວລາເດີນທາງຕືມ ່ ອີກປະມານ 30 ກມ ກໍໄ່ ປ ຮອດ ກູບງັ ເທລາກາ ເຊິງ່ ເປັນ ບ່ອນທີພ ່ ວກເຮົາອາໄສຢູກ ່ ບ ັ ບ້ານຂອງປະຊາຊົນ. ເມືອ ່ ພວກເຮົາມາຮອດ ບ້ານ ດັງ່ ກ່າວກໍມ ່ ປ ີ ະຊາຊົນຫຼາຍໆຄົນພາກັນ ນຸງ່ ເຄືອ ່ ງພືນ ້ ເມືອງມາຢືນຖ້າຕ້ອນຮັບ ພວກເຮົາຢູທ ່ າງເຂົາ້ ສູຊ ່ ມ ຸ ຊົນ ຢ່າງອົບອຸນ ່ . ເມື່ອພວກເຮົາໄປຮອດບ້ານ ທາງບ້ານກໍ່ມີເຂົ້າໜົມ ກຸຍ ກູຊີ ມາຕ້ອນ ຮັບເຊິ່ງ ເປັນເຂົ້າໜົມຫວານແປ້ງສີແດງ ແລະ ມີຍັດໃສ້ທາງໃນ ຄ້າຍຄື ເຂົ້າໜົມທຽນ ຂອງໄທ, ເປັນເຂົາ ້ ໜົມລົດຊາດແຊບກິນຄູ່ ກັບເຄື່ອງດືມ ່ ຫວານໆ ກ່ອນທີ່ພວກ ເຮົາຈະເດີນທາງເຂົ້າໄປເຮືອນ ທີ່ທາງບ້ານໄດ້ກຽມໄວ້ໃຫ້ພວກເຮົາ ຢູ່ກັນ 2 ຄົນນຳແຕ່ລະຄົວເຮືອນ. ລາວບອກຂ້ອຍວ່າ ແນວຄວາມຄິດການທ່ອງທ່ຽວ

ຮູບແບບການອາໄສຢູ່ກັບເຮືອນປະຊາຊົນນີ້ ແມ່ນເລີ່ມຂຶ້ນໄດ້ 6 ປີກ່ອນ, ແລະ ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວທີ່ມາຢ້ຽມຢາມ ສ່ວນໃຫຍ່ແມ່ນຄົນມາເລເອງຈາກກົວ ລາລຳເປີ ທີ່ຢາກມາລອງປະສົບການ ການໃຊ້ຊີວິດແບບຮຽບງ່າຍ. ສ່ວນ ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວອື່ນໆ ກໍ່ມີມາຈາກສິງກະໂປ, ເກົາຫຼີໃຕ້ ແລະ ຍີ່ປຸ່ນເຊິ່ງ ພວກເຂົາມີຄວາມສົນອົກສົນໃຈ ໃນວິຖີການດຳລົງຊີວິດອັນໂດດເດັ່ນ ແລະ ເປັນເອກະລັກ ພາຍໃນຊຸມຊົນດັ່ງກ່າວນີ້ ອີກຢ່າງໜຶ່ງລາຄາ ກໍ່ສົມເຫດສົມຜົນ ເຊິ່ງຕົກຢູ່ພຽງ US$ 20 ໂດ່ລ້າ ຕໍ່ຄົນລວມມີອາ ຫານ 3 ຄາບນຳ. ນອກນັ້ນ ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຍັງສາມາດຮັບຊົມການສະ ແດງເຊັ່ນ ການຫຼິ້ນ ໂຢ-ໂຢ ແບບພື້ນເມືອງ ໂດຍຈ່າຍຕື່ມພຽງເລັກ ນ້ອຍເທົ່ານັ້ນ, ແຕ່ສ່ວນໃຫຍ່ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວຈະຈ່າຍ ເປັນເຕັມຮູບແບບທີ່ ລວມມີກິດຈະກຳຫຼາກຫຼາຍຢ່າງ. ກິດຈະກຳທີ່ເປັນທີ່ນິຍົມ ແມ່ນກິດຈະກຳ ທີ່ໃຫ້ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ສາມາດລອງປະສົບການໃຊ້ຊີວິດຕົວຈິງກັບເຈົ້າຂອງ ເຮືອນໂດຍກົງ ເຊັ່ນການຕຶກປາ (ຖ້າເຈົ້າຂອງເຮືອນທີ່ຢູ່ນຳ ເປັນຊາວປະມົງ) ຫຼື ການເຮັດນາ (ຖ້າເຈົ້າຂອງເຮືອນທີ່ຢູ່ນຳ ເປັນຊາວນາ).

ເມື່ອເວົ້າເລື່ອງອາຫານການກິນແລ້ວ ຜູໃ້ ດທີຊ ່ ອກຫາບ່ວງສ້ອມກໍຈ ່ ະຜິດ ຫວັງແດ່ເນື່ອງຈາກວ່າ ປະຊາຊົນຢູ່ເຂດນີ້ ບໍ່ໃຊ້ບ່ວງຫຼືສ້ອມ, ມີແຕ່ບ່ວງ ຢູ່ຖ້ວຍໄວ້ຕັກຂອງກິນເທົ່ານັ້ນ. ຢູ່ນີ້ ເວລາກິນຕ້ອງໄດ້ໃຊ້ມື ແລະ ກໍ່ມີ ການ້ຳຕັ້ງຢູ່ ເອົາໄວ້ລ້າງມື ເຊິ່ງທຳອິດຂ້ອຍຫຼົງ ຄິດວ່າແມ່ນນ້ຳກິນ. ຂອງ ກິນສ່ວນໃຫຍ່ເປັນອາຫານພື້ນເມືອງ ລວມມີໄກ່, ປາ ແລະ ກະຫຼີ່ກໍ່ມີ ລົດຊາດຄ້າຍຄືກັນ ກັບທາງພາກໃຕ້ຂອງໄທ ແຕ່ຈາງກວ່າ. ເຈົ້າຂອງ ບ້ານຮູ້ສຶກຕະຫຼົກເມື່ອແນມ ເບິ່ງແຂກ ທີ່ຝືນໃຈກິນອາຫານດ້ວຍມື ແລະ ລາວກໍ່ຫົວຂວັນຫຼາຍໆເທື່ອຕອນ ທີ່ກິນເຂົ້າຢູ່ພາເຂົ້າ. ພໍຕົກແລງມາ ພວກເຮົາກໍ່ໄດ້ຮັບຄວາມບັນເທີງ ໂດຍການຮັບຊົມການ ສະແດງ ພື້ນເມືອງ ຊື່ວ່າ ເດເກ ບາຣັດ (ຄ້າຍຄືການສະແດງ ເດເກ ຮູລູ ຢູ່ຕອນໃຕ້ຂອງໄທ). ຄະນະນັກສະແດງ ໜ້າຕາເຄັ່ງຂຶມ ແຕ່ເຮັດໃຫ້ ບັນດາຜູ້ຊົມ ພໍປານວ່າຖືກມົນສະເໜ່ ຍ້ອນສຽງຮ້ອງເພງອັນກ້ອງກັງ ວານຂອງພວກເຂົາ. ພວກເຮົາບໍ່ເຂົ້າໃຈດອກວ່າເຂົາຮ້ອງຫຍັງ, ແຕ່ວ່າ ສຽງເພງອັນມ່ວນຊື່ນ ບວກກັບການເຕັ້ນອັນມີສະເໜ່ ກໍ່ເຮັດໃຫ້ພວກເຮົາ ຄຶກຄື້ນມ່ວນຊື່ນໄປນຳ.

ບ້ານຢູ່ແຄມນ້ຳ ຈາກເຄລັນຕັນ ເຮົາກໍ່ພາກັນມຸ່ງໜ້າໄປແມ່ນ້ຳ ເພຣັກ ແລະ ການເດີນທາງ ໄປເມືອງນີ້ ກໍ່ໄດ້ເປີດໂອກາດ ໃຫ້ພວກເຮົາທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຂຶ້ນພູລົງຜາຕາມສາຍ ພູຂອງເຂດດັ່ງກ່າວ ແລະ ຈາກຈຸດຊົມວິວຢູ່ ສວນອຸທິຍານແຫ່ງຊາດເບລຳ ເຊິ່ງເປັນບ່ອນທີ່ພວກເຮົາແວ່ກິນເຂົ້າ ສວາຍ, ພວກເຮົາກໍ່ແນມເຫັນສາຍພູ ສັນກາລາຄີຣີ ເຊິ່ງເປັນຊາຍແດນແບບທຳ ມະຊາດລະຫວ່າງໄທ ແລະ ມາເລເຊຍ. ພໍຕົກສວາຍມາ, ພວກເຮົາກໍ່ມາຮອດບ້ານ ຄຳປຸງ ເບັງ (ຄຳວ່າ ຄຳປຸງ ແປວ່າ “ໝູ່ບ້ານ” ໃນພາສາມາເລ) ແລະ ຈາກນັ້ນເຮົາຕ້ອງໄດ້ພາກັນ ແບກຫີບຂອງພວກເຮົາ ລົງເຮືອໂດຍສານສຳລັບ 10 ຄົນ. ທິວທັດ ອ້ອມແອ້ມ ແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳທັງສອງຝັ່ງ ແມ່ນເປັນຕາໜ້າ ປະທັບໃຈຫຼາຍ ແລະ ຂ້ອຍກໍ່ພູມໃຈທີ່ໄດ້ຖ່າຍຮູບງາມໆມາ ໃບໜຶ່ງ ໃນໄລຍະທີ່ພວກ ເຮົາຂີ່ເຮືອເປັນເວລາ 15 ນາທີ. ເມື່ອ ເຮົາມາຮອດທ່າເຮືອຂອງໝູ່ບ້ານ, ຂ້ອຍຮູ້ສຶກຄິດພໍ້ ຕອນໄປຮອດ ທ່າເຮືອຂອງໂຮງແຮມແຫ່ງໜຶ່ງທີ່ມີຂັ້ນ ຕອນການເຊັກອິນຄ້າຍຄື ກັນເລີຍ, ເຖິງແມ່ນວ່າໂຮງແຮມແຫ່ງນັ້ນຈະເປັນ ໂຮງແຮມ 6 ດາວ ຢູ່ຊຽງຣາຍກໍ່ຕາມ, ເຊິ່ງການເດີນທາງທາງນ້ຳແມ່ນວິທີ ທາງດຽວທີ່ຈະ ໄປຮອດໂຮງແຮມດັ່ງກ່າວ. ມັນຂ້ອນຂ້າງເຫັນໄດ້ຢາ່ ງຊັດເຈນ ວ່າສິງ່ ທີເ່ ຮັດໃຫ້ບາ້ ນອືນ ່ ທຽບກັບບ້ານນີບ ້ ່ໍ ໄດ້ ກໍຍ ່ ອ ້ ນວ່າບ້ານນີບ ້ ມ ່ໍ ຫ ີ ນ ົ ທາງເຂົາ້ ເຖິງໂດຍກົງ ແລະ ການເດີນທາງທາງນ້ຳ ກໍແ ່ ມ່ນວິທທ ີ າງດຽວທີຈ ່ ະໄປຮອດສະຖານທີດ ່ ງ່ັ ກ່າວ. ທັງນີກ ້ ຕ ່ໍ ອ ້ ງຂອບໃຈມາ ຍັງການກໍສ ່ າ້ ງເຂືອ ່ ນ ທີໄ ່ ດ້ແຈ້ງໃຫ້ຊາວບ້ານຍ້າຍ ໄປຢູເ່ ຂດທີສ ່ ງູ ກວ່າເພືອ ່ ຫຼກ ີ ລ່ຽງນ້ຳຖ້ວມ. ດັງ່ ນັນ ້ , ບັນດາເຮືອນຊານໃນ ບ້ານນີ້ ຈຶງ່ ຕັງ້ ຢູເ່ ທິງພູສງູ ແລະ ອ້ອມ ຮອບດ້ວຍພູເຂົາ ແລະ ມັນກໍເ່ ປັນພາບ ອັນໜ້າປະທັບໃຈຫຼາຍທີໄ່ ດ້ ເຫັນ ໝົດໝູບ ່ າ້ ນຖືກປົກຄຸມດ້ວຍໝອກໃນຕອນ ເຊົາ້ ໆ ງົດງາມພໍປານຮູບ ແຕ້ມ. ຂ້ອຍພັກຢູ່ບ້ານຂອງຟາຣີດາ ເຊິ່ງເປັນແມ່ຄົວທີ່ເຮັດອາຫານແຊບໆໃຫ້ພວກ ເຮົາ ກິນທຸກໆແລງ, ແລະ ລາວຍັງເຮັດອາຫານເຊົ້າແຊບໆໃຫ້ຂ້ອຍ ກິນນຳ. ລາວ ອາໄສຢູ່ກັບລູກສາວ, ລູກເຂີຍ ແລະ ຫຼານ, ແລະ ຄອບຄົວອັນອົບອຸ່ນ ຂອງລາວກໍ່ຍັງມີພໍ່ເຖົ້າແມ່ເຖົ້າ ທີ່ອາໄສຢູ່ຂ້າງບ້ານນຳ. ເຊົ້າມື້ຕໍ່ມາ ອາລຸນວັນໃໝ່ ກໍ່ຮອດຍາມສະກຸນາ ແລະ ສັດສາວາສິ່ງຕ່າງໆ ອອກໄປຊອກຫາອາຫານ, ແລະ ຮອດເວລາທີ່ຊາວປະມົງເລີ່ມອອກໄປຫາ ປາ. ຂ້ອຍຮູສ ້ ກ ຶ ພໍປານກັບວ່າຢູໂ ່ ຮງຮູບເງົາຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່ທມ ່ີ ສ ີ າຍພູເປັນສາກ ງາມໆດ້ານຫຼັງ. ຂ້ອຍຕ້ອງຍອມຮັບວ່າ ຂ້ອຍມັກແນມເບິ່ງທິວທັດດັ່ງກ່າວ ຫຼາຍ ແລະ ພາຍຫຼັງກິນອາຫານເຊົ້າ ເຊິ່ງລວມມີ ນາຊີໂກເຣັງແຊບໆແລ້ວ, ພວກເຮົ າ ກໍ່ ພ າກັ ນ ຂີ່ ເ ຮື ອ ເລາະຊົ ມ ໄປຕາມແມ່ ນ້ ຳ ເປຣັ ກ ຈົ ນ ມາຢຸ ດ ຢູ່ ບ້ານ ດູຣາວ ເຊິ່ງເປັນບ່ອນທີ່ຊຸມຊົນດັ່ງກ່າວ ມາປຸກບ້ານຂອງພວກເຂົາ ແຕ່ທຳອິດຢູ່ນີ້.

ໃນໄລຍະທີ່ພວກເຮົາຍັງຢູ່ໃນເຂດ ເປຣັກ, ພວກເຮົາມີໂອກາດໄດ້ເຂົ້າຊົມອູບູດີ ອາເຊິ່ງເປັນໜຶ່ງໃນມັດສະຢິດ ທີ່ງາມທີ່ສຸດໃນມາເລເຊຍມັດສະຢິດຂອງເຊື້ອເຈົ້າ ແຫ່ງນີ້ຕັ້ງຢູ່ ກົວລາກັງຊາ ແລະຕອນທີ່ເຮົາໄປຮອດພໍດີຖືກຕອນແສງແດດກຳລັງ ສ່ອງຜ່ານໂຄງສ້າງດັ່ງກ່າວ ຢ່າງງົດງາມ,ສະແດງໃຫ້ເຫັນເຖິງສະ ຖາປັດຕະຍະກຳ ອິດສະລາມ, ເຮັດໃຫ້ມັດສະຢິດດັ່ງກ່າວ ມີຄວາມໂດດ ເດັ່ນງົດງາມຂຶ້ນໄປຕື່ມອີກ. ສຳລັບທ່ານທີ່ຢາກໄປເຂົ້າຊົມມັດສະຢິດກໍ່ຕ້ອງ ໄດ້ແຕ່ງຕົວສຸພາບ ຮຽບຮ້ອຍແດ່ ເນື່ອງຈາກວ່າສະຖານທີ່ດັ່ງກ່າວເປັນສະຖານ ທີ່ສັກສິດ ສຳລັບຊາວມຸສະລິມ. ຕໍ່ມາ ພວກເຮົາກໍ່ມາຮອດ ເຄດາ ເຊິ່ງເປັນພື້ນທີ່ປູກເຂົ້າອັນອຸດົມສົມບູນ ແລະ ມີ ຊື່ສຽງໃນມາເລເຊຍ. ພວກເຮົາໄດ້ເຂົ້າຊົມ ພິພິທະພັນ ປາດີເຊິ່ງເປັນພິພິທະພັນ ກະສິກຳສະໄໝໃໝ່ ທີ່ວາງສະແດງໃຫ້ເຫັນເຖິງ ຮູບແບບການດຳລົງຊີວິດຂອງ ປະຊາຊົນພາຍໃນທ້ອງຖິ່ນ ແລະ ກິດຈະກຳດ້ານກະສິກຳຕ່າງໆ ໂດຍມີວທ ິ ກ ີ ານ ນຳສະເໜີແບບທັນສະໄໝລ້ຳໜ້າຫຼາຍຢູກ ່ ອ ້ ງເພດານຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່, ນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວ ຈະໄດ້ນັ່ງຢູ່ບ່ອນນັ່ງທີ່ໝູນໄດ້ 360 ອົງສາ,ເຮັດໃຫ້ເຂົາສາມາດເບິ່ງການວາງສະ ແດງໄດ້ເຕັມຈໍເລີຍ, ແລະ ຄ່າເຂົ້າ ກໍ່ຕ່ຳກວ່າ 1 ໂດລ້າອີກ ນອກນັ້ນຍັງມີການ ວາງສະແດງອຸປະກອນການກະສິກຳຕ່າງໆ ແລະ ວາງສະແດງພັນເຂົ້າຫຼາກຫຼາຍ ປະເພດ ທີ່ປູກຢູ່ທົ່ວມາເລເຊຍ.

ຄືນສຸດທ້າຍ ໃນຄຳປຸງ ເຈຣູຈູ ຄ່ຳຄືນອັນປະທັບໃຈ ຄືນສຸດທ້າຍຂອງພວກເຮົາ ໄດ້ພັກເຊົາຢູ່ບ້ານປະຊາຊົນຢູ່ ຄຳປຸງ ເຈຣູຈູ, ເຊິ່ງເປັນບ່ອນທີ່ຊາວບ້ານທຳມາຫາກິນໂດຍການຫາປາຢູ່ແຄມຝັ່ງ ທະເລ ແລະ ການເຮັດນາ. ຢູ່ນີ້ມີທົ່ງນາຂຽວສົດງົດງາມຢູ່ໄປຕາມສອງຟາກທາງຍ່າງ ໄປຫາທະເລ. ບໍ່ມີຫຍັງທີ່ຈະສາມາດປ່ຽນແປງແນວຄວາມຄິດຂອງຊາວບ້ານຢູ່ນີ້ໄດ້ ແລະ ພວກເຂົາເອງກໍ່ຍັງຄົງໃຊ້ຊີວິດແບບຮຽບງ່າຍ ເຖິງວ່າຈະມີນັກທ່ອງທ່ຽວເຂົ້າ ມາບ້ານຢ່າງຫຼວງຫຼາຍກໍ່ຕາມ. ຢູຕ ່ ະຫຼາດເຊົາ້ ຈະເຫັນຄົນສ່ວນໃຫຍ່ມາຈຸມ ້ ກັນ ຖ້າຊືປ ້ າສົດ ແລະກໍມ ່ ລ ີ ກ ້ໍ າເຟໄວ້ປກ ຸ ຄົນແຕ່ເຊົາ້ ໆ, ພ້ອມທັງຍັງມີລໂ ້ໍ ຣຕີທຄ ່ີ ນ ົ ຂາຍພູມໃຈສະແດງໃຫ້ເຫັນເຖິງຝີມກ ື ານ ນວດແປ້ງຂອງພວກເຂົາ ເຮືອນທີຂ ່ ອ ້ ຍພັກເຊົາຢູມ ່ ກ ີ ອ ້ ງຕາລ່າງເຮືອນເຮັດໃຫ້ອາກາດ ໂລ່ງເຢັນດີ. ສ່ວນຢູພ ່ າຍໃນເຮືອນ,ໃນຫ້ອງນອນຂ້ອຍມີປອ ່ ງຢ້ຽມ ເປັນ ໄມ້ແຜ່ນໆ, ແລະ ພໍແຕ່ແສງແດດທຳອິດສ່ອງເຂົາ້ ມາແຕ່ເຊົາ້ ຂ້ອຍກໍແ ່ ນມເຫັນທິວທັດທົງ່ ນາຢູຫ ່ ງັຼ ບ້ານ ເມືອ ່ ພວກເຮົາມາຮອດຊາຍແດນຟາກໄທ,ຄະນະຂອງ ພວກເຮົາກໍມ ່ ໂ ີ ອກາດ ໄດ້ແວ່ເຮືອນພັກປະຊາຊົນທີຕ ່ ງ້ັ ຢູບ ່ າ້ ນຊາຍຂາວຢູເ່ ມືອງໂຄກໂພ, ແຂວງປັດຕານີ ເຮືອນພັກປະຊາຊົນຢູນ ່ ມ ້ີ ກ ີ ດ ິ ຈະກຳຄັກໆຫຼາຍຢ່າງເຊັນ ່ ການເດີນທາງໂດຍລົດຈິບ ຮູບແບບຄືສະໄໝສົງຄາມໂລກຄັງ້ ທີສອງເພືອ ່ ຂຶນ ້ ໄປຫາຈຸດ ຊົມວິວຢູໃ່ ນອຸທະຍານ ແຫ່ງຊາດນ້ຳຕົກຊາຍຂາວ ເຊິງ່ ເພິນ ່ ຕ້ອງໃຊ້ລດ ົ ຈິບຍ້ອນວ່າທາງຂຶນ ້ ໄປເທິງຈອມພູ ແມ່ນຂ້ອນຂ້າງຊັນ. ຕ້ອງບອກວ່າການເດີນ ທາງຂຶ້ນໄປຈຸດຊົມວິວນີ້ແມ່ນຄຸ້ມຄ່າຫຼາຍເພາະທິວທັດຢູ່ ເທິງນີ້ມີຄວາມສວຍສົດ ງົດງາມຫຼາຍ ຢູ່ເທິງນີ້ຂ້ອຍຮູ້ສຶກປະທັບໃຈແລະ ເພີດເພີນ ໄປກັບການແນມເບິ່ງທິວທັດທຳມະຊາດ ຂອງສາຍພູທຂ ່ີ ດ ີ ເສັນ ້ ຊາຍແດນລະຫວ່າງ ໄທແລະມາເລເຊຍເຊິ່ງເປັນທຳມະຊາດອັນສວຍສົດງົດງາມ ແລະ ຂ້ອຍເອງກໍ່ຮູ້ ສຶກປະທັບໃຈກັບປະສົບການ ການອາໄສຢູ່ກັບເຮືອນປະຊາຊົນມາເລທີ່ໃຊ້ຊີວິດ ແບບຮຽບງ່າຍ. ມັນໄດ້ມອບຄວາມຫວັງນ້ອຍໆໃຫ້ແກ່ຂ້ອຍວ່າ ຄວາມຈິງແລ້ວ ຄວາມສະຫງົບສຸກກໍ່ຍັງຄົງມີຢູ່ ໃນຂົງເຂດນີ້ຖ້າ ຫາກເຮົາຕັ້ງໃຈເບິ່ງໃຫ້ດີໆ.

ສະຖານທີ່ໂຣແມນຕິກໃນລາວ Romantic Destinations in Laos

| ໄຊສົມບູນ-Xaysomboun |

ໄຊສົມບູນ

Xaysomboun ຕ້ອງການພິສູດຄວາມຮັກຂອງທ່ານບໍ່? ບາງເທື່ອແຂວງ ໄຊສົມບບູນ ອາດກາຍເປັນບ່ອນພິສູດຄວາມຮັກສຳລັບຄູ່ຮັກ ເຂົ້າໃໝ່ປາມັນກໍ່ ເປັນໄດ້ ວ່າຄວາມຮັກຂອງທັງສອງ ຈະໝັ້ນຄົງ ແລະ ຍືນຍາວຫຼືບໍ່ ແຂວງ ໄຊສົມບູນ ເປັນແຂວງໃໝ່ຂອງ ສປປ ລາວ ຈຶ່ງຍັງບໍ່ທັນມີຄົນ ໄປຫຼາຍເທື່ອ ແລະ ຍັງມີພູມສັນຖານຕັ້ງຢູ່ໃຈກາງປະເທດລາວນຳ ອີກ. ໃນການເດີນທາງໄປສູ່ດິນແດນບໍລິສຸດແຫ່ງນີ້ ທ່ານຈະຕື່ນຕາ ຕື່ນໃຈ ໄປກັບວັດທະນະທຳອັນແປກໃໝ່ ແລະ ເພີດເພີນກັບທຳມະ ຊາດອັນສົດຊື່ນບໍລິສຸດ ເກີນກວ່າທີ່ທ່ານຄາດຫວັງໄວ້ຫຼາຍ. ລອງນຶກ ພາບຕອນທ່ານຢືນຢູ່ກັບຄົນຮັກສອງຕໍ່ສອງ ຢູ່ເທິງຈຸດທີ່ສູງທີ່ສຸດ ໃນ ສປປ ລາວ ເທິງຈອມພູເບ້ຍ ກັບອາກາດໜາວເຢັນຕຳ່ກວ່າ 0 ອົງສາຕະຫຼອດປີ ຫາບ່ອນໂຣແມນຕິກກວ່ານີ້ບໍ່ມີອີກແລ້ວ! ນອກນັ້ນ ພາຍໃນແຂວງໃໝ່ນີ້ ຍັງມີບ່ອນໜ້າສົນໃຈຫຼາຍບ່ອນ ໄວ້ໃຫ້ຄູ່ຮັກໄດ້ ໄປທ່ອງທ່ຽວ, ບໍ່ວ່າຈະເປັນນຳ້ຕົກຕາດໃນລ່ອງຊານ ແລະ ການຍ່າງ ເລາະໄປຕາມເສັ້ນທາງປະຫວັດສາດ ຕາມສັນພູໝອກ ໃນລ່ອງແຈ້ງ.

Need a proof of love? Maybe Xaysomboun is just the place for new couples to prove their everlasting relationship. As a new province of Lao P.D.R. as well, Xaysomboun is less explored and geographically located in the heart of Laos. Traveling into this virgin land will reward you with pure nature and cultural surprises more than you ever imagine. Where else will be more romance than standing together with your love one and saying ‘I love you’ at the highest spot of Lao P.D.R. on the mountaintop of Phu Bia, among below zero degree celsius climate all year round. Yet, there are many more attractions in the new province for couples to experience, such as waterfalls in Long San and historical walking trail on the mountain ridge of San Phumok in Long Cheng

ວັງວຽງ ວັງວຽງ ເປັນເມືອງນ້ອຍໆ ຕັ້ງຢູ່ທ່າມກາງໜ້າຜາສູງຊັນຢູ່ເບື້ອງໜຶ່ງ ແລະ ຢູ່ອີກຟາກໜຶ່ງ ກໍ່ມີສາຍນ້ຳຊອງໄຫຼຜ່ານຕົວເມືອງ. ສະເພາະ ແຕ່ບັນຍາກາດອ້ອມຮອບຕົວເມືອງນີ້ກໍ່ກິນຂາດແລ້ວເລື່ອງຄວາມໂຣ ແມນຕິກ. ເມື່ອທ່ານໄປຮອດວັງວຽງ ກໍ່ຈະມີກິດຈະກຳຫຼາຍໆຢ່າງໃຫ້ ທ່ານເຮັດ ເພື່ອຊ່ວຍສ້າງບັນຍາກາດໃຫ້ມີສີສັນຂຶ້ນຕື່ມ. ເລີ່ມຕົ້ນອາລຸນວັນໃໝ່ ໂດຍການຮັບປະທານອາຫານເຊົ້າ ແລະ ແນມເບິ່ງຕາເວັນຂຶ້ນ ຢູ່ແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳ ເຊິ່ງທ່ານຈະແນມເຫັນທິວທັດ ດັ່ງກ່າວໄດ້ຈາກຫຼາຍໆບ່ອນ ບໍ່ວ່າຈະເປັນ ຣີເວີຊາຍ ບູຕິກ ຣີສອດ ຫຼື ໂຮງແຮມ ເອເລເຟັນ ຄຣອສຊິ້ງ. ພາຍຫຼັງກິນເຂົ້າເຊົ້າແຊບໆແລ້ວ ກໍ່ມຸ່ງໜ້າເດີນທາງໄປຫາຖ້ຳ ເຊິ່ງມີຢູ່ຫຼາຍຖ້ຳ. ທ່ານສາມາດຍ່າງເຂົ້າ ໄປໃນຖ້ຳອັນງຽບສະຫງົບ, ສູດອາການເຢັນສົດຊື່ນພາຍໃນຖ້ຳພ້ອມ ຟັງສຽງນ້ຳໄຫຼຍ້ອຍລົງມາຈາກຫີນປູນ ເປັນຕາອອນຊອນ. ພາຍຫຼງັ ການຍ່າງເລາະເບິງ່ ຖ້ຳອັນງຽບສະຫງົບແລ້ວ ທ່ານກໍສ ່ າມາດຫາ ປະສົບການໃໝ່ໆໂດຍການຂີປ ່ ມ ູ ເປົາ້ ລອຍຟ້າໃນຍາມອາທິດອັດສະດົງ ເຊິງ່ ຈະພາທ່ານຂຶນ ້ ຈາກບໍລເິ ວນແມ່ນຳ້ ແລະ ສືບຕໍໄ ່ ປໃກ້ບລ ໍ ເິ ວນໜ້າຜາ ຈົນຮູສ ້ ກ ຶ ພໍປານກັບວ່າ ທ່ານສາມາດຢືມ ້ ໄ ື ປຕ້ວຍຮອດໜ້າຜາໄດ້.

Vang vieng Vang Vieng is nestled by a sheer cliff face on one side, mountains on the other and the Nam Song River running through the town. The surrounding view is already a backdrop for romance. Once you arrive, there are a variety of activities to help you build up the ambiance. Start your day with a sunrise breakfast next to the river. The Riverside Boutique Resort, Elephant Crossing Hotel and many more that will give you this view. After a good breakfast, take a quiet walk through one of many caves. Soak in the cool refreshing cave air and listen to the meditating sounds of water dripping from limestone. After a calming cave stroll, you can kick it up a notch with a hot air balloon ride at sunset. The ride will float you up the river and glide along the sheer cliff face. You could almost reach out and touch the cliffs.

ວັດພູຈຳປາສັກ

ວັດພູ ຢູ່ແຂວງຈຳປາສັກ ເປັນບູຮານສະຖານ, ເປັນຊາກວັດໃນສະໄໝຂອມທີ່ໄດ້ ຖືກສ້າງຂຶ້ນຢູ່ເທິງພູ ໃນລະຫວ່າງສະຕະວັດທີ 6 ຫາ 12, ແລະ ປັດຈຸບັນແມ່ນໄດ້ ຖືກຮັບຮອງໃຫ້ເປັນມໍລະດົກໂລກ ໂດຍອົງການຢູເນສໂກ. ສະຖານທີດ ່ ງ່ັ ກ່າວ ຈະພາທ່ານຫວນກັບຄືນສູອ ່ ະດີດຕະການ. ຢູຕ ່ າມທາງຍ່າງທີເ່ ປັນ ຫິນກໍຈ ່ ະຄ່ອຍໆແຄບເຂົາ້ ແລະ ຊັນຂຶນ ້ ເມືອ ່ ທ່ານຍ່າງສູງຂຶນ ້ ໄປ, ເຮັດໃຫ້ທາ່ ນຮູສ ້ ກ ຶ ໃຈຈົດໃຈຈໍຢ ່ າກຂຶນ ້ ໄປຮອດຈອມວັດເທິງສຸດໄວໆ.ຂໍໃຫ້ທາ່ ນໃຈເຢັນໆເພາະເມືອ ່ ຍ່າງ ຂຶນ ້ ໄປເທິງສຸດແລ້ວທ່ານຈະພົບກັບທິວທັດທຳມະຊາດອັນສວຍສົດງົດງາມອ້ອມຮອບ ຈຳປາສັກກັບແມ່ນຳ້ ຂອງໄຫຼຜາ່ ນພ້ອມທົງ່ ຫຍ້າອັນຂຽວງາມ , ຄຸມ ້ ຄ່າ ຢ່າງແນ່ນອນ. ນອກນັນ ້ ທ່ານຍັງຈະຫຼງົ ໄຫຼໄປ ກັບຮູບປັນ ້ ແກະສະຫຼກ ັ ຮູບນາງອັກສອນອັນສວຍງາມ ແລະ ສະຖາປັດຕະຍາກຳຂອມອັນເປັນເອກະ ລັກນຳອີກ.

Wat Phou In Champasak, the Wat Phou ruin is a Khmer temple built on the Phou Kao Mountain between the 6th and 12th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site will take you to a world before. The stone walk way leading up the steep steps start to build up your anticipation for reaching the main temple ruin at the top. Take your time, because the panoramic view of Champasak, Mekong River and bright green fields will be your wonderful reward. Beautiful stone carvings of Khmer female figures and architecture will also take your breath away.

ອ່າງນຳ້ງື່ມ

Nam Ngum Lake ອ່າງນ້ຳງື່ມ ຢູ່ບໍ່ຫ່າງຈາກຕົວເມືອງວຽງຈັນຫຼາຍສາມາດໄປຮອດ ໄປເຖິງສະດວກໂດຍໃຊ້ເວລາຂັບລົດພຽງແຕ່ 40 ນາທີ. ອ່າງນ້ຳ ງືມ ່ ສີຂຽວມໍລະກົດ ແລະ ລົມພັດເຢັນສະບາຍຈະຊ່ວຍ ໃຫ້ທາ່ ນ ຮູສ ້ ກ ຶ ສົດຊືນ ່ ມີຊວ ີ ດ ິ ຊີວາຂຶນ ້ . ອ່າງນ້ຳງືມ ່ ຂ້ອນຂ້າງກວ້າງໃຫຍ່ເຊິງ່ ບາງຈຸດກໍກ ່ ວ້າງກວ່າ 10 ກິໂລແມັດ ແລະ ຍັງແນມເຫັນພູເຂົາ ຄວາຍຢູໄ ່ ກໆ, ທ່ານສາມາດເຊົ່າເຮືອແພໄວ້ລ່ອງໝົດມື້ເຊິ່ງມາ ພ້ອມກັບອາຫານ, ເຄືອ ່ ງດືມ ່ ແລະຍັງມີຄາລາໂອເກະໄວ້ຮອ ້ ງເພງນຳ ອີກ. ທ່ານສາມາດລ່ອງ ເຮືອພັກ ຜ່ອນໝົດມືຫ ້ ຖ ືຼ າ້ ຢາກຜະຈົນໄພແດ່ ກໍສ ່ າມາດຂີເ່ ຈັດສະກີີ ຫຼື ຂີເ່ ຮືອກ້ວຍກໍໄ ່ ດ້.

Nam Ngum Lake is easily accessible from Vientiane with just a 40-minute drive. Its green turquoise water and cool breeze will refresh your senses. The lake is quite big reaching over 10 kilometers across at some points. Off in the distance, Phou Kao Khouay sits silently in the backdrop. Rent a full service boat for a day. These include food, beverages and even a karaoke entertainment system. Float the afternoon away. Or if you are a more adventurous romantic, you can jump on a jet ski or be pulled on a banana boat ride.

ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດຟານ Tad Fane Waterfall

ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດຟານ ທີໄ ່ ຫຼລງົ ມາເປັນຄູແ ່ ຝດແມ່ນເປັນ ຈຸດສິນ ້ ສຸດຂອງປ່າສະຫງວນແຫ່ງຊາດ ດົງຫົວສາວ ປຽບສະເໝືອນວ່າ ເປັນຜູພ ້ ທ ິ ກ ັ ປະຕູສປ ູ່ າ່ ສະຫງວນ ດັງ່ ກ່າວ. ນ້ຳຕົກຕາດຟານ ຕົກລົງມາສູງເຖິງ 120 ແມັດ ຈາກໜ້າຜາຫີນ ເຊິງ່ ເປັນບ່ອນສິນ ້ ສຸດຂອງ ປ່າ, ເວົາ້ ໄດ້ວາ່ ເປັນນ້ຳຕົກ ທີມ ່ ຄ ີ ວາມງົດງາມເປັນ ຕາໜ້ າ ປະທັ ບ ໃຈທີ່ສຸດ ໃນລາວເລີ ຍ ກໍ່ວ່າ ໄດ້ ເ ນື່ອ ງ ຈາກວ່າຮູບຮ່າງ ແລະ ທີຕ ່ ງ້ ັ ຂອງນ້ຳຕົກດັງ່ ກ່າວ ແມ່ນພໍດກ ີ ນ ັ ທີສ ່ ດ ຸ . ນອກນັນ ້ ກໍມ ່ ເີ ຮືອນພັກຕາກອາ ກາດຈຳນວນໜືງ່ ຕັງ້ ຢູແ ່ ຄມໜ້າຜາ ແນມເຫັນທິວທັດ ນ້ຳຕົກອັນສວຍງາມ The twin falls of Tad Fane mark the edge of Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area like guards at the gate. They drop more than 120m off a rocky cliff where the raised forest meets its edge. This is perhaps the most spectacular waterfall in Laos due to its remarkable symmetry and location. Facing the waterfalls, a few boutique villas sit on the edge of the cliff giving a bird’s eye view.

Photo: Pattarapong Kongvijit

ຖຳ້ກອງລໍ

Kong lor Cave ບາງເທືອ ່ ທ່ານກໍຈ ່ ະພົບບັນຍາກາດອັນແສນໂຣແມນຕິກພາຍ ໃຕ້ຄວາມມືດມິດກໍເ່ ປັນໄດ້ ດັງ່ ບັນຍາກາດໃນຖ້ຳກອງລໍເຊິງ່ ເປັນ ຖ້ຳຫີນປູນ ຢູແ ່ ຂວງຄຳມ່ວນ, ເປັນບ່ອນທີຄ ່ ຮ ູ່ ກ ັ ສາມາດລ່ອງ ເຮືອເຂົາ້ ໄປໃນໂພງຖ້ຳ ແລະ ຊືນ ່ ຊົມຫິນຍ້ອຍອັນສວຍສົດງົດ ງາມກັບອ່າງນ້ຳສີຂຽວມໍລະກົດ. ຂະໜາດຂອງຖ້ຳແມ່ນໃຫຍ່ ຫຼວງຫຼາຍກັບເພດານທີສ ່ ງູ ແລະ ຫາຍເຂົາ້ ໄປໃນຄວາມມືດເລີຍ. ເມືອ ່ ຂີເ່ ຂົາ້ ຊ່ວງໜຶງ່ ທ່ານກໍຈ ່ ະໄດ້ລງົ ຈາກເຮືອ ແລ້ວຍ່າງໄປ ຕາມທາງຍ່າງທີມ ່ ແ ີ ສງສະຫວ່າງ ຜ່ານດົງຫີນຍ້ອຍ ແລະ ຫີນງອກ ອັນງົດງາມຫຼາຍເມືອ ່ ທ່ານອອກມາ ຈາກຖ້ຳອີກຟາກໜຶງ່ ກໍຈ ່ ະພົບ ກັບອ່າງນ້ຳນ້ອຍໆອີກອ່າງໜຶງ່ ແລະ ໝູ່ ບ້ານໃນບໍລເິ ວນດັງ່ ກ່າວ.

Romantic scenes sometimes can be found in the darkness such as Kong Lor Cave, a karst limestone cave located in Khammouane Province, where the love couple can take the boat ride that runs through the main cave to view the caverns and dramatic limestone formations and a glimmering emerald-colour pool. The size of the cave is truly staggering, with cathedral ceilings that are completely lost in the darkness. In one part you will disembark and walk along a well-lit pathway through a forest of stalactite and stalagmite formations. When you reach the other end of the cave you will find another small pool and a local village.

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

ຢູ່ ຫຼວງພະບາງ ພໍຕກ ົ ແລງມາ ກໍຮ ່ ອດເວລາລ່ອງເຮືອ ື ຕາມແມ່ນຳ້ ຂອງ ເຊິງ່ ເລີມ ່ ຂຶນ ້ ປະມານໜຶງ່ ຊົວ ່ ໂມງກ່ອນຕາເວັນຕົກດິນ. ທ່ານສາມາດ ກະກຽມເຄືອ ່ ງດືມ ່ ທີທ ່ າ່ ນມັກ ແລ້ວມຸງ່ ໜ້າໄປແຄມທ່າຟາກຂອງຕອນ ແລງໆ ແລ້ວທ່ານກໍຈ ່ ະເຫັນຄົນຂັບເຮືອຫຼາຍໆຄົນກຽມພ້ອມ ພາທ່ານ ໄປລ່ອງເຮືອສ່ວນຕົວ (ຕົກຢູປ ່ ະມານ 120.000 ກີບ ຕໍຊ ່ ວ ່ົ ໂມງ).ບັນຍາ ກາດອັນເປັນຕາໜ້າປະທັບໃຈທີສ ່ ດ ຸ ກໍແ ່ ມ່ນ ຕອນທີຄ ່ ນ ົ ຂັບເຮືອມອດຈັກ ເຮືອແລ້ວປ່ອຍໃຫ້ເຮືອຂອງທ່ານໄຫຼລອ ່ ງລົງມາ ຕາມລຳແມ່ນຳ້ຂອງອັນ ງຽບສະຫງົບ ພ້ອມແນມເບິງ່ ຕາເວັນລັບຂອບຟ້າຢູແ ່ ມ່ນຳ້ຂອງ ສວຍສົດ ງົດງາມຫຼາຍ ຖ້າທ່ານຕອ້ງການເບິ່ງຕາເວັນຕົກດິນຈາກບ່ອນອ່າວສູງແດ່ ກໍ່ສາມາດ ຂຶ້ນໄປເທິງຈອມວັດພູສີ. ທາງຂຶ້ນໄປຈອມພູສີແມ່ນຢູ່ກົງກັນຂ້າມກັບ ພະຣາຊະວັງ ແລະ ຄ້ອຍຄຳ່ຍາມແລງມາ ກໍ່ຈະເຫັນບັນດາແມ່ຄ້າຊາວ ຂາຍມາຕັ້ງເຕັ້ນຂາຍເຄື່ອງຢູ່ຕາມທາງດັ່ງກ່າວ.

Luang Prabang Your evening in Luang Prabang starts about an hour before sunset with a cruise on the Mekong River. Grab a bottle or two of your favourite beverage and get to the banks of the river just as daylight begins to fade. You’ll find dozens of boat drivers ready to take you out on your own private cruise (usually about 120,000 kip for an hour or so). There are few travel moments as magical as when your driver turns off the engine and your boat floats gently downstream while you watch a jaw-dropping Mekong sunset. If you want a higher vantage point, walk up the steps of Wat Phousi. Just before sunset, the night vendors have already setup their tents in front of the Royal Palace Museum. Across the street is the entrance to the steps.

ແຄມຂອງ, ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ ຢູ່ ແຄມຂອງ ໃນຕົວເມືອງວຽງຈັນ ກໍມ ່ ກ ີ ດ ິ ຈະກຳຫຼາກຫຼາຍຢ່າງ ແລະ ມີບອ ່ ນ ຫຼາຍໆບ່ອນ ທີຈ ່ ະຊ່ວຍສ້າງບັນຍາກາດອັນແສນຫວານໄດ້, ໂດຍສະເພາະ ແມ່ນທິວທັດຕາເວັນຕົກດິນ ທີມ ່ ຄ ີ ວາມສວຍສົດງົດງາມຫຼາຍ. ທັດສະນີຍະພາບ ຍາມອາທິດອັດສະດົງຢູແ ່ ຄມຂອງນີ້ ເຮັດໃຫ້ຜຄ ູ້ ນ ົ ທີກ ່ າຍໄປກາຍມາ ທັງນັກ ທ່ອງທ່ຽວຕ່າງປະເທດ ແລະ ຄົນລາວເອງກໍຕ ່ ອ ້ ງຢຸດຊືນ ່ ຊົມທິວທັດດັງ່ ກ່າວ ແລະ ຖ່າຍຮູບເກັບໄວ້ເປັນທີລ ່ ະນຶກ.

Mekong riverside, Vientiane The river side along the Mekong River in Vientiane has a variety of activities and spots to help you create romance. The sunset view is especially spectacular. The scenery makes many tourists and even locals pause to take a breath to enjoy or take a photo selfie.

Sabaidee’s Guide To Sabaidee’s guide to the very best thing to see, do, eat, drink and stay in the country’s urban centres.

ທີ່ພັກທີ່ແສນຫວານ Sweet Accommodations ເຮົານຳພາທ່ານໄປສູສ ່ ງ່ິ ທີດ ່ ທ ີ ສ ່ີ ດ ຸ ບໍວ ່ າ່ ຈະເປັນບ່ອນທ່ຽວ ບ່ອນຫຼນ ້ິ , ບ່ອນກິນ, ບ່ອນດືມ ່ ແລະ ບ່ອນພັກເຊົາໃນ ເດືອນແຫ່ງຄວາມຮັກ ພວກເຮົາແນະນຳ ທ່ານໃຫ້ພບ ົ ກັບ ທີ່ພັກເຊົາທີ່ສຸດແສນປະທັບໃຈທ່ານສາມາດແວ່ໄປສຳ ພັດໄດ້ຢາ່ ງງ່າຍດາຍ ກຽມແຜນໄປກັບຄູຮ ່ ກ ັ ຫຼື ຄອບຄົວ ນຳພວກເຮົາໄດ້.

For this month of romance, we present resorts that are romantic destinations on their own. You can simply hide away in your own destination. Please come to celebrate your sweet holiday with your love and family. Join us now.

| ເສດຖາປາຣັດ - Settha Palace |

| ຊາລານາ ບູຕິກ - Salana Boutique |

ເສດຖາປາຣັດ / Settha Palace ເສດຖາປາຣັດ, ພາທ່ານຫວນຄືນສູປ ່ ະຫວັດສາດ ແລະ ຄວາມຮັກ ອັນແສນຫວານໃນອະດີດ, ກັບຜ້າກັງ້ ສີຂາວນວນ ປິວສະໄຫວໄປ ມາ, ໂຄງສ້າງໄມ້ຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່, ສວນອັນງຽບສະຫງົບ ແລະ ຮົມ ່ ເຢັນດີ. ໃນສະໄໝກ່ອນ ສະຖານທີແ ່ ຫ່ງນີ້ ເຄີຍເປັນພະຣາດຊະວັງ ເກົາ່ ທີຖ ່ ກ ື ປົວແປງ ກາຍເປັນໂຮງແຮມອັນສວຍງາມໃນປັດຈຸບນ ັ ພ້ອມການຕົກແຕ່ງຢ່າງພິຖພ ີ ຖ ິ ນ ັ ຄົງຄວາມຫຼຫ ູ າຼ ມາກວ່າສະຕະວັດ www.setthapalace.com

Settha Palace, steeped in history and the romance of history, flowing white curtains, large wooden structures and quiet gardens. A beautifully restored palace, with exquisite touches and faithfully restored to turn of the century luxury. www.setthapalace.com

ຊາລານາບູຕິກ / Salana Boutique ຊາລານາບູຕກ ິ ເປັນທາງເລືອກສະໄໝໃໝ່ ສຳລັບການໄປພັກ ຜ່ອນແບບໂຣແມນຕິກຢູໃ່ ຈກາງຕົວເມືອງ ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ ແຕ່ຮສ ູ້ ກ ຶ ຄືວາ່ ໄດ້ໜໄ ີ ປທ່ຽວຢູບ ່ ອ ່ ນອືນ ່ . ຮູບແບບການຕົກແຕ່ງ ສະຫງ່າງາມ, ທັນ ັ ສະໄໝ ແລະ ໂດດເດັນ ່ , ໂທນສີເຂົາ້ ກັນຢ່າງ ລົງຕົວ, ແນມເບິງ່ ແລ້ວຮູສ ້ ກ ຶ ສະບາຍຕາ, ໃສ່ໃຈໃນທຸກລາຍລະ ອຽດ ເລັກໆນ້ອຍໆ ແລະ ທີສ ່ ຳຄັນ ແມ່ນຕັງ້ ຢູບ ່ ໄ ່ໍ ກຈາກແຫຼງ່ ບັນ ເທີງໃນຍາມຄຳ່ຄນ ື . www.salanaboutique.com

Salana Boutique is the modern alternative true city romantic getaway, in the heart of the city. Streamline décor, subtle colouring, modern fittings, no detail forgotten, simple elegance and a stone throw from the nightlife. www.salanaboutique.com

ຢູ່ໂຮງແຮມທັງສອງແຫ່ງນີ້ ມີສິດທິພິເສດສຳລັບ ທ່ານທີ່ຕ້ອງການມາຮັນນີມູນ ແຕ່ດຽວນີ້ຈົນ ເຖິງທ້າຍ ເດືອນມີນາ. Both of them have fabulous special offers on honeymoon packages until the end of March.

ລາເຣຊີເດັນພູວ່າວ

/ La Residence Phou Vao

ເມືອ ່ ທ່ານເດີນທາງອອກຈາກເມືອງເກົາ່ ຂອງຫຼວງພະບາງ ເມືອງມໍລະດົກ ໂລກ ບໍໄ ່ ກພໍປານໃດ, ຂຶນ ້ ໄປເທິງເນີນພູໜອ ້ ຍໜຶງ່ ທ່ານກໍຈ ່ ະມາເຖິງ ລາເຣຊີເດັນພູວາ່ ວ ເຊິງ່ ເປັນໜຶງ່ ໃນກຸມ ່ ບໍລສ ິ ດ ັ ເບລມອນ ແລະ ຢູເ່ ທິງນີ້ ທ່ານຈະແນມເຫັນທິວທັດທຳມະຊາດ ເມືອງຫຼວງພະບາງ ອັນສວຍສົດ ງົດງາມຫຼາຍ. ລາເຣຊີເດັນພູວາ່ ວ ແມ່ນມີຄວາມຫຼຫ ູ າຼ ອະລັງການທີສ ່ ດ ຸ ໂດຍຫ້ອງພັກຂອງທ່ານຈະເປັນເຮືອນວິນລ້າເປັນຫຼງັ ເລີຍ ແລະ ຮັບປະ ທານອາຫານຄຳ່ພາຍໃຕ້ແສງທຽນກວ່າ 500 ເຫຼມ ້ັ ຢູກ ່ າງສາລາອັນເປັນ ສ່ວນຕົວອ້ອມຮອບດ້ວຍແສງໄຟເຫຼອ ື ງນວນ, ສົມກັບເປັນບັນຍາກາດຮັນ ນີມນ ູ ຢ່າງແທ້ຈງິ

Slightly outside of the Luang Prabang’s UNESCO listed old town, up on a hill giving you stunning views of the valley sits La Residence Phou Vao. Part of the Belmond group. It drips luxury. Your own villa room and their 500 candlelit dinner in a secluded pavilion surrounded by soft night. Now that is a honeymoon moment.

http://www.belmond.com/la-residence-phou-vao-luang-prabang

3 ນາຄາ / 3 Nagas ຢູ່ໃຈກາງເມືອງຫຼວງພະບາງ ທ່ານຈະພົບກັບໂຮງແຮມ 3 ນາຄາ ເຊິ່ ງ ສະຖານທີ່ ດັ່ ງ ກ່ າ ວແມ່ ນ ເຄີ ຍ ເປັ ນ ທີ່ ຢູ່ ອ າໄສຂອງອຸ ປ ຣາດ ໃນສະໄໝກ່ອນ. ນາຄາ ຫຼືວ່າ ນາກ ແມ່ນງູໃຫຍ່ໃນຕຳນານອັນ ເກົ່າແກ່ຂອງລາວ ກໍ່ຄືເປັນເຈົ້າມັງກອນແຫ່ງແມ່ນຳ້ ທີ່ປົກປັກຮັກ ສາຜູ້ທີ່ໃຫ້ການເຄົາລົບສັກກາລະະບູຊາ. ເຄຫາສະຖານດັ່ງກ່າວ ເປັນຮູບແບບພື້ນເມືອງ ພ້ອມຫ້ອງທີ່ສະຫງ່າງາມ, ລະບຽງກວ້າງ ຂວາງ, ມີສວນສວຍງາມ ແລະ ມີລົດແບບຍ້ອນຍຸກສະໄໝ 1930 ໃຫ້ເຊົ່ານຳອີກ, ຊວນໃຫ້ລະນຶກເຖິງປະຫວັດສາດໃນສະ ໄໝເກົ່າກ່ອນ. www.3-Nagas.com

In the very heart of the city in old residences of the Viceroy Chief Advisers is the 3 Nagas. (Nagas being in Lao the mythical serpent / dragons of the rivers, protecting those that respect them.) A traditional mansion, with elegant rooms, large balconies, terraced gardens and vintage, 1930’s vehicles for hire. A slice of history. www.3-Nagas.com

ສັນຕິ ຣີສອດ / Santi Resort ເມືອ ່ ທ່ານອອກມານອກເມືອງໜ້ອຍໜຶງ່ ກໍຈ ່ ະມາເຖິງ ວິນລ່າ ສັນຕິ ຣີສອດ ແລະ ສະປາ ເຊິງ່ ເປັນໂຮງແຮມທີສ ່ າ້ ງຂຶນ ້ ໃໝ່ ຕັງ້ ຢູທ ່ າ່ ມກາງສວນອັນກວ້າງຂວາງຫຼາຍເຮັກຕາ ແນມໄປ ເຫັນທົງ່ ນາອັນຂຽວສົດງົດງາມພ້ອມທິວທັດສາຍພູແບບຈາງໆ ທ່ານສາມາດຍ່າງເລາະຫຼນ ້ິ ອ້ອມແຄມສະບົວ ເລາະຊົມດອກ ກ້ວຍໄມ້ ຫຼື ຈະຜ່ອນຄາຍໃນສະປາກໍໄ່ ດ້. ບັນຍາກາດຢູຣ ່ ສ ີ ອດ ແຫ່ ງ ນີ້ ແ ມ່ ນ ຮູ້ ສຶ ກ ຄື ວ່ າ ໄດ້ ມ າພັ ກ ຜ່ ອ ນຢ່ ອ ນໃຈແຕກຕ່ າ ງ ຈາກບ່ອນອືນ ່ ໆຫຼາຍ. www.villasantihotel.com

ຊາງກຣີ ລາວ

Just out of town you have Santi Resort and Spa, a reconstructed period hotel, set in acres of majestic gardens looking across rice paddies to the softly outlined mountains. Stroll around the lotus ponds, amble among the orchids or luxuriate in the double spa. The resort has a feeling like no other. www.villasantihotel.com

/ Shangri Lao

ເມື່ອທ່ານຂີ່ລົດອອກຈາກຕົວເມືອງຫຼວງພະບາງປະມານ 30 ນາທີ ທ່ານກໍ່ຈະມາຮອດ ຊາງກຣີ ລາວ ເຊິ່ງຕັ້ງສະຫງ່າຢູ່ແຄມແມ່ນຳ້ ຄານ. ສະຖານທີ່ດັ່ງກ່າວແມ່ນເປັນເຂດອານຸລັກຊ້າງ. ຢູ່ລີສອດ ແຫ່ງນີ້ມີເຮືອນວິນລ່າພຽງແຕ່ສາມຫຼັງ ແລະ ປະກອບມີເຄື່ອງຕົກ ແຕ່ງແບບບູຮານມາຈາກຫຼາຍໆບ່ອນໃນທົ່ວອາຊີ ແຕ່ລະຫ້ອງມີ ແກ້ວປ່ອງຢ້ຽມສີສັນສວຍງາມໃນຫ້ອງນຳ້, ຕຽງທີມ ່ ເີ ສົາສີດ ່ າ້ ນພ້ອມ ຜ້າປົກຄຸມແບບສະໄໝກ່ອນ ມີລະບຽງທີແ ່ ນມເຫັນແມ່ນຳ້ ແລະ ແຕ່ ລະມືກ ້ ຈ ່ໍ ະເຫັນຝູງຊ້າງຍ່າງໄປມາ www.shangri-lao.com

About 30 minutes out of town the Shangri Lao, sits proudly on the banks of the Namkhang river It is an active elephant sanctuary. The resort has only 3 villas, furnished with antiques from all over Asia. Each room has stained glass windows in the bathroom, canopied beds, balconies overlooking the river and each day a parade of elephants. www.shangri-lao.com

ຂະມຸ ອີໂຄ-ລ໋ອດ / Kamu Eco-lodge ຖ້າທ່ານຢາກເລີ່ມຕົ້ນການຮັນນີມູນຂອງທ່ານ ດ້ວຍການລ່ອງເຮືອ ແລະ ໃຊ້ເວລາເປັນສ່ວນຕົວ, ອ້ອມຮອບ ດ້ວຍທິວທັດແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງ ອັນສວຍງາມຢູ່ຟາກໜຶ່ງ, ແລະ ອີກຟາກໜຶ່ງເປັນທົ່ງນາທີ່ມີຄວາຍ ໃນໝູ່ບ້ານຊົນເຜົ່າຂະມຸ, ກໍ່ຕ້ອງຂໍແນະນຳໃຫ້ທ່ານມາທີ່ ຂະມຸ ອີໂຄ-ລ໋ອດ ເລີຍ. ເຮືອນພັກດັ່ງກ່າວ ແມ່ນມີຮູບແບບການເປັນ ຢູ່ຢ່າງພໍພຽງ, ເປັນມິດຕໍ່ທຳມະຊາດ, ມີພະລັງງານແສງອາທິດ, ລະບົບໝູນໃຊ້ນ້ຳເສຍ, ມີລັກສະນະຕິດພັນກັນ ກັບຊີວິດການ ເປັນຢູ່ຂອງປະຊາຊົນພາຍໃນບ້ານ ທີ່ມີວິຖີຊີວິດແບບຮຽບງ່າຍ. www.kamulodge.com

If you want to start your honeymoon with a boat ride and spend your time alone, surrounded by the magnificent Mekong River on one side and rice paddies, the odd buffalo and a welcoming traditional Kamu village on the other, then Kamu Eco-lodge is for you. Totally self sufficient, solar electricity, waste water recycling, integrated with the local village and a simple life. www.kamulodge.com

ເມືອງລາ ຣີສອດ / Muang La Resort ເມື່ອເດີນທາງຂຶ້ນເໜືອໄປແຂວງ ອຸດົມໄຊ ຢູ່ເທິງພູຜາອັນ ຫ່າງໄກສອກຫຼີກ ທ່ານຈະພົບກັບແມ່ນ້ຳອູ ເຊິ່ງເປັນໜຶ່ງໃນ ແມ່ນ້ຳ ທີ່ສວຍງາມທີ່ສຸດໃນລາວ ໂດຍຂຶ້ນຊື່ລືຊາທາງດ້ານ ທິວທັດອັນງົດງາມ ພ້ອມຜາຫີນປູນອັນເປັນເອກະລັກ ຈາກ ນັ້ນ ທ່ານກໍ່ຈະມາຮອດ ເມືອງລາ ຣີສອດ ທີ່ຕັ້ງຢູ່ທ່າມກາງ ທິວທັດທຳມະຊາດ ອັນສວຍງາມແຫ່ງນີ້. ຣີສອດດັ່ງກ່າວ ປະສົມປະສານຄວາມທັນສະໄໝຢູ່ໃນບັນຍາກາດດັ້ງເດີມ ຕິດພັນກັບຊີວິດ ການເປັນຢູ່ຂອງປະຊາຊົນພາຍໃນບ້ານ ໂດຍທ່ານສາມາດພັກຜ່ອນຍ່ອນໃຈ ຊຶມຊັບເຖິງວິຖີການ ດຳ ລົງຊີວິດກໍ່ຄືປະເພນີແບບພື້ນເມືອງລາວ ທີ່ນັບມື້ຈະເຫືອດ ແຫ້ງໄປ www.muangla.com

Heading up north, to OudomXay, right up in the remote hills of Laos, on one of the most beautiful rivers, the Nam Ou River, legendary for its scenery and soaring white limestone cliffs. Nestled on a sweeping bend is Muang La Resort. Modern fittings in traditional settings, integrated with local village life, watch the traditional and fast disappearing traditional Lao lifestyle and find yourself completely unwinding. www.muangla.com

ທຣີ ທ໋ອບ ເອັກປຣໍເຣີ ເມືອ ່ ເດີນທາງລົງໄປທາງໃຕ້ ກໍຈ ່ ະຮອດ ທຣີ ທ໋ອບ ເອັກປຣໍເຣີ (ເຮືອນ ຕົນ ້ ໄມ້) ເຊິງ່ ເປັນສະຖານທີແ ່ ຫ່ງນີເ້ ປັນສູນກາງຂອງການປີນເຂົາ ແລະ ການປີນເຂົາ ດ້ວຍເຊືອກໃນພາກພືນ ້ ອາຊີ ຕາເວັນອອກ ສຽງໃຕ້. ຣີ ສອດດັງ່ ກ່າວ ອ້ອມຮອບ ດ້ວຍພູຜາອັນສູງຊັນນຳ້ຕກ ົ ຕາດ ສຽງດັງກ້ອງ ເມືອ ່ ຍາມນຳ້ຕກ ົ ລົງໃສ່ຮອ ່ ມພູ ແລະ ມີສາຍສະລິງຍາວຫຼາຍຮ້ອຍແມັດ ໄວ້ສຳຫຼບ ັ ການໂອນເຊືອກໄປຫາເຮືອນຕົນ ້ ໄມ້ທຢ ່ີ ກ ູ່ າງປ່າດົງພົງໄພທ່ານ ສາມາດນອນຢູເ່ ຮືອນຕົນ ້ ໄມ້ດງ່ັ ກ່າວເຊິງ່ ເປັນ ເຮືອນໄມ້ ແລະ ຕືນ ່ ຂຶນ ້ ມາແຕ່ເຊົາ້ ໆພ້ອມສຽງຮ້ອງຂອງໂຕທະນີ. ຖ້າຫາກທ່ານມີຄວາມມັກຮັກ ໃນການຜະຈົນໄພແບບຕືນ ່ ຕາຕືນ ່ ໃຈ ແລະ ມັກຮັກໃນຄວາມງາມຂອງ ທຳຊາດຮັບຮອງວ່າທ່ານຈະຕ້ອງຫຼງົ ຮັກສະຖານທີແ ່ ຫ່ງນີຢ ້ າ່ ງແນ່ນອນ. www.treetoplaos.com

ລາ ໂຟລີ

/ Tree Top Explorer Right down south is Tree Top Explorer, the heart of abseiling and rock climbing in South East Asia. A resort of soaring mountains, waterfalls where sound of falling water fills the valley and 100’s of metres of zip lines in the jungle canopy. Sleep in wooden tree houses and wake to the morning call of gibbons. If adrenaline and beauty is what binds you, this is the place. www.treetoplaos.com

/ La Folie Hotel

ຢູ່ ແ ຖວຕົ້ ນ ໆຂອງເກາະສີ່ ພັ ນ ດອນນີ້ ເ ປັ ນ ບໍ ລິ ເ ວນທີ່ ແ ມ່ ນ້ ຳ ຂອງອັນກວ້າງໃຫຍ່ໄພສານ ໄດ້ມາຢຸດພັກຜ່ອນ ໄຫຼລ່ອງ ຢ່າງຄ່ອຍໆ ແລະ ງຽບສະຫງົບ ກ່ອນທີ່ຈະມຸ່ງໜ້າໄຫຼແຮງ ຕົກສູ່ທະເລ. ຢູ່ແຄມແມ່ນ້ຳຂອງບໍລິເວນນີ້ ທ່ານຈະພົບກັບ ເຄຫາສະຖານ ຮູບແບບອານານິຄົມຝຣັ່ງຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່ ເຊິ່ງ ໄດ້ຖືກປົວແປງໃຫ້ກາຍເປັນ ໂຮງແຮມ ລາ ໂຟລີ ໃນປັດ ຈຸບັນ. ຢູ່ ລາ ໂຟລີ, ທ່ານຈະເພີດເພີນໄປກັບການນັ່ງພັກ ຜ່ອນຢູ່ລະບຽງອັນຮົ່ມເຢັນ, ແນມເບິ່ງກ້ອນຫິນຂະໜາດໃຫຍ່ ທີ່ໄຫຼມາກະທົບແຄມຝັ່ງ, ຊົມແສງອາທິດ ສະທ້ອນໃສ່ແມ່ນ້ຳ ຂອງສີຟ້າຄາມ, ພັກຜ່ອນຢ່ອນອາລົມໄດ້ຕາມທີ່ໃຈທ່ານຕ້ອງ ການ ແລະ ປ່ອຍເວລາໃຫ້ຜ່ານພົ້ນໄປແບບບໍ່ຮູ້ເມື່ອເລີຍ. www.lafolie-laos.com

At the beginning of Si Pan Islands (Si Pan Don), long, wide, flat and lazy, the Mekong rests from its pursuit of the sea. On the shores of this Mekong sits a restored French Colonial Mansion now a residence of La Folie Hotel. Sit on the cool, shaded balcony, gaze at large round stones which flank the shore, the sun glistening off the blue Mekong and let the hours slip by as you savour complete hospitality. www.lafolie-laos.com

EAT LISTING

VIENTIANE | Pimenton |

| Masa Spoon Cafe N' Bistro. |

• Ai Capone – Italian. The latest offering from

• Vegie Hut – Vegetarian. You would never

• Soul Kitchen – Italian. This laid-back

• Bistro 22 – French.

Chef Philippe presents honest French bistro fare at this cosy, hole-in-the-wall eatery. The food is fresh and flavourful with highlights including the goat’s cheese salad, rabbit terrine and classic steak frites. Popular with the expat crowd, the service is faultless and the desserts, including a delectable chocolate fondant, are not to be missed. 22 Samsenthai Road, Ban Khaonyot, 021 214 129 Open Monday to Friday 11am – 2pm, Monday to Saturday 6pm – 10pm.

• Vieng Sawan – Vietnamese. Look beyond the décor at this bustling eatery which serves up cheap and delicious Vietnamese dishes to hungry masses. Order a fresh or fried spring roll combination which comes with heaped plates of fresh lettuce, herbs and noodles designed to be eaten together. If you’re feeling lost check out how neighbouring diners are doing things and follow suit. Rue Hengboun (opposite Home Ideal), 021 213 990

• Aria Mixai Italian Culinary Arts – Italian. Aria presents high-end epicurean Italian

• Kung’s Café Lao. –

• Makphet – Lao. This restaurant-cum-social enterprise is working to shape lives. Founded by Friends-International, Makphet provides training in hospitality to disadvantaged youth in Laos. If that wasn’t enough reason to dine here the kitchen creates an inspired take on Lao cuisine, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques. #78 Ban Inpeng, Vat Chanh Tha, 021 260 587, makphet-restaurant.org. Open Monday to Sunday 11am-10.30pm.

Chef Gerardo is Ai Capone, in downtown Vientiane. The contemporary interior is matched with a modern menu offering top Italian dining with a casual flair, boasting simple dishes packing authentic flavours. The menu ranges from pastas and mains to risotto and desserts – but it’s hard to look past the woodfired pizzas with over 40 combinations straight from Napoli. 8 Rue Francois Ngin, Ban Mixai, 020 5991 0888, facebook.com/aicaponelaospdr. Open 7 days 11.30am – 10.30pm.

Lao/Breakfast. Tucked down a residential laneway, this popular breakfast and lunch haunt is a hit with those inthe-know. The breakfast and lunch menu runs all day so try Lao-inspired sweets like sticky rice pancakes with mango or banana French toast and savoury dishes like meatballs in broth with a fresh crunchy baguette or the Pad Lao noodles with pork. On the main street, look for a small hand painted sign pointing the way. Off Rue Simeuang, Piawat Village, 021 219 101, Open 7 days 6am – 3pm.

ever find this brilliant Chinese-style hideout if you weren’t looking for it. A lot of thought has been put into making Vegie Hut’s interior warm, comfortable and inviting. The menu is huge, and you’ll find flavours from Chinese, Lao and Thai cuisines. Dishes include fake duck and fake seafood. The staff are extremely attentive and friendly, and prices are very fair. Vegie Hut can get crowded, so consider making a booking. Vegetarian friendly. Asean Road, at the intersection with Sibounheuang Road, 020 5619 9938. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm.

dinner hot spot is a little off the main drag but the pizzas and casual atmosphere – complete with rock and blues tunes – make it worth the trip. The menu includes tasty pasta dishes and salads but it’s the traditional wood fired pizzas that keeps Soul Kitchen’s loyal fans coming back for more. In keeping with the quotes from rock stars scrawled on the walls, the pies have fun names like ‘Rock n Roll’, ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘Voodoo Child’. Family friendly. Thadeua Road 143 (KM 0.5), 020 5612 0804, soulkitchen.vientiane@gmail.com Open Tuesday to Sunday 5.30pm – 10.30pm.

cuisine in an elegant salon setting in downtown Vientiane. The kitchen produces traditional hearty Italian fare including antipasti, homemade pasta and wood fired pizza using the highest quality ingredients. Discerning diners will welcome the extensive wine list which boasts fine imports from Italy. Set lunches are extremely popular on weekdays. 8 Rue Francois Ngin, 021 222 589

• Le Silapa Restaurant – French. Le Silapa is an elegant gastronomic experience housed above the owners more casual establishment I-Beam Bar. Decadent and extensive the menu contains a collection of classic and modern Frenchinspired delicacies and the wine list includes bottles from France, Italy, Australia and South Africa. For a spot of post-dinner indulgence the cheese selection is outstanding. The ever-changing daily lunch set menu is a steal. Free WiFi. Level 1, 88 Setthathirath Road (above I Beam), 021 219 689 Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

VIENTIANE • Pimenton Tapas. Drawing

–

Spanish/Steakhouse/

on Hispanic flavours and flair the emphasis here is on open wood fire quality grilled meats and small bites. Try contemporary tapas like montadito of pork belly, homemade grilled chorizo, garlic prawns and imported jamón ibérico de bellota or look to the grill for succulent tenderloin or lamb chops served with a kicky chimichurri sauce. The slick warehouse-esque décor with polished concrete and exposed piping only enhances the dining experience at Vientiane’s hippest eatery. 5 Rue Nokeoukoumane, 021 215 506, pimentonrestaurant-vte.com Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm.

• Vegetarian in the Golden Age– Vegetarian. The geniuses in the kitchen at

Vegetarian in the Golden Age have got fake meat down to a forensic art. Some veggies aren’t a fan of this, but if you can get past the weirdness of biting into super-realistic fried fish somehow created from soybeans, the dishes are delicious. Fake pork, beef and chicken are all on the menu too, alongside more conventional veggie staples like eggplant and tofu that aren’t pretending to be anything else. The food is fantastic and best shared with a few friends. The restaurant is run by Vietnamese monks, and the walls are adorned with photographs of famous Vietnamese Buddhist leader Master Ruma. Come at lunch for a super-cheap buffet. All food here is believed to be vegan. Vegetarian, vegan friendly. Lunch buffet. Saylom Road, 020 5550 5305. Open daily 8am-8pm.

| L’Adresse de Tinay |

• Bamboo House - Korean barbecue

Entering Bamboo House, you’ll note the distinctly modern and welcoming feel with a sleek, light wood interior mingling with the tantalizing scent of barbecuing steaks, while a state-of-the-art ventilation system – imported from Korea – hovers over every table, ensuring your dinner conversation isn’t had through smoke. Open daily, lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 5pm-10pm T: 021 453 668 A: 23 Singha Road, Nongbone Village, Sayettha District

• Ban Gai Tex Mex Cantina – American/Mexican. A casual eatery which some say serves the best chicken in Vientiane. Once famed purely for their finger-licking buffalo hot wings, Ban Gai has recently expanded their menu to include a host of authentic Tex Mex classics including nachos, enchiladas and burritos heaped with fresh salsa, gooey cheese and accompanied by bowls of piping hot rice and beans. Pair anything from the menu with one of their delicious margaritas and you’re set. Family friendly, delivery. Sokpalaung Road, 020 9825 6654, facebook.com/BanGaiHouseOfChicken Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am – 9pm.

• L’Adresse de Tinay Restaurant Français – French. Chef Tinay produces

some of Vientiane’s finest and most inventive French cuisine at this chic dining spot. The whole duck breast with homemade foie gras and white truffle oil is a current favourite and Tinay’s signature cassoulet with homemade confit duck is the perfect nod to traditional French comfort food. For dessert the crème brulee is the best in town. Behind Wat Ong Teu, 020 5691 3434, ladressedetinay.com Open Monday to Friday 11.30am – 2pm, 6.30pm – 10pm, Saturday 6.30pm – 10pm.

• Ray’s Grille – American/Mexican.

It’s all about comfort food at Ray’s – home style burgers, legendary Philly cheese steak sandwiches and tasty quesadillas – all fresh and made to order in this homely joint. While the real drawcard is the colossal cheeseburger (best handled with two hands) mention must also go to the felafel burger which is sure to satisfy vegetarians. A selection of local and imported beers are available including a few micro-brewed American craft beers – just the ticket to wash down this tasty diner fare. 17/1 Sihom Road, 020 5896 6866, facebook.com/raysgrilleLaopdr. Open Monday to Friday, Sunday 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm.

• Benoni

Café – Asian/Western/Café.

• La Signature – French/Fusion. Set in the stylish Ansara Hotel, this sophisticated restaurant perfectly marries French-Lao fusion with old-world charm. Choose between dining indoors in the high-ceilinged salon or al fresco on the elegant terrace. Sample salmon tartare with green apple millefeuille, Burgundy snails and three-flavoured lamb or let the chef guide you with daily specials including Lao-style petit fours. Desserts include a not-to-be-missed crème brulee trio. Quai Fa Ngum, Ban Vat Chan Tha, 021 213 514, ansarahotel. com. Open 7 days 6.30am – 10.00am, 11.30am – 2.30pm, 16.30pm – 9.30pm.

Escape the bustle of downtown Vientiane at Benoni Café, a bright and airy café-cum-restaurant which serves up fresh and tasty Asian and Western fare. Choose from a wide range of baguettes, quiches, burgers and noodle and rice dishes – all prepared quickly and served with a smile. The Lao coffee is home roasted and the delicious cakes and sweets are all made in-house. WiFi, family friendly. Rue Setthathirath (above Phimphone), 021 213 334, Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.

• Lao Kitchen – Lao. A colourful eatery that

• Osaka Hac Chao – Japanese. This cosy

• Jamil Zahid Restaurant – Indian/ Pakistani. This cheap and cheerful eatery is

• Masa Spoon Café N’ Bistro – Asian/ Western. A bright and cheerful restaurant, split

specialises in authentic Lao dishes. Sisters Noi and Teng run the show while their family help out in the kitchen preparing soups, stews, grilled meats, stirfry dishes and of course laap (the duck variation is a stand out). A great place for those new to Lao cuisine – the menu is full of helpful explanations for each dish and warns you if something may be a little too piquant for some palates. Rue Hengboun (opposite KP Hotel), 021 254 332, lao-kitchen.com Open Monday to Sunday 11am – 10pm.

affectionately known simply as Jamil’s by the loyal diners that frequent it. Tucked down an alley, Jamil and his team serve up authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes which are full of flavour and light on the hip pocket. Ordering anything that comes from Jamil’s on-site traditional tandoori oven is always a safe bet. Off Khounboulom Road, Ban Haysok, 020 5650 2455,

eatery is usually buzzing with Japanese customers who come for a taste of home – always a good sign. Simple traditional and not-so-traditional Japanese fare is on offer including generous sushi and sashimi platters, crisp tempura, steaming bowls of ramen and udon noodle soups and a variety of katsu dishes. The set meals are a great way to try a little of everything and the tempura ice cream is a quirky addition to the sweets menu. Nokeokoummane Road (next to Le Banneton)

over two levels Masa pairs minimalist furniture with feature walls of raw timber, cool wall art and vintage china. The menu runs from share-plates of Asian-spiced chicken wings and crunchy onion rings to dishes for one including signature dishes Masa Spoon burger, sticky BBQ spare ribs and tasty pastas. Sweet tooths will love the honey toast – perfect with a cup of tea. Rue Dongpalanthong, Phonesinuan (next to Pizza Company), 021 261 634, Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 11pm.

Luang Prabang • Restaurant L’Elephant – French/ Lao. L’Elephant is housed in a charming colonial

building just steps away from the magnificent Mekong River. Specialising in traditional and creative French and Lao cuisine the kitchen places an emphasis on using organic, local produce which is grown in their own gardens a few kilometres out of town. Free WiFi. Kounxoa Road, Ban Vat Nong, 071 252 482, elephant-restau.com Open 7 days 11.00am – 10pm.

• Tamnak Lao Restaurant – Lao.

A family-run restaurant which delivers delicious authentic and homely Lao cuisine. The in-house cooking school means the staff know their stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Try the crispy bamboo shoots stuffed with pork and vegetables or the ubiquitous Luang Prabang sausage, both are done very well here. Sakarinne Road, 071 212 239, tamnaklao.net. Open 7 days breakfast 8.30am – 10.30am, lunch 11am – 3pm, dinner 5pm – 11pm.

• La Belle Epoque

• Tamarind Restaurant

– Lao.

Tamarind specialises in helping diners explore and learn about Lao cuisine and the traditions associated with it. Enjoy sampling platters or something from the a la carte menu with explanations and demonstrations from helpful staff and the Nam Khan River as a picturesque backdrop. If you’re happy to be guided by the chef try one of the famed specialised feasts choices include Traditional Lao Fish Barbeque, The Adventurous Lao Gourmet and Luang Prabang Family Dinner. Ban Wat Sene on the banks of the Nam Khan River, 071 213 128, tamarindlaos.com. Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 9pm.

• Café Toui – Lao/Western. A colourful hole in the wall on a quiet side street leading to the Mekong River. Chef Toui began his culinary journey as a waiter in Vientiane before working the kitchen at L’Elephant where he developed his passion for cooking. Now head of the kitchen at his own eatery Toui serves up hearty Lao and Western fare using fresh, local ingredients. Sisavangvatthana Road, Ban Xieng Mouane, 020 5657 6763, cafetoui.com Open 7 days 6.30am – 10.30pm.

– Lao /Western.

Housed in the grand Luang Say Residence, just outside the city centre, this upscale dining room exudes a warm, heritage ambience. The seasonal, healthy and creative menu changes quarterly and features a tempting selection of regional dishes from Laos and further afield in South East Asia. An on-site fruit and vegetable garden means fresh ingredients are always at the kitchen’s fingertips. 4-5 Ban Phonepheng, 071 260 891, luangsayresidence. com. Open 7 days 6am – 10.30pm.

• Les 3 Nagas – Lao. Dining at Les 3 Nagas

is a distinctly local affair with the restaurant housed both on the inviting terrace of the 3 Nagas Hotel and inside an adjacent colonial-style building. Executing both authentic Lao dishes and the chef’s original creations with a touch of French finesse this attractive lunch and dinner spot presents some of the finest food in town. Start your meal with the crisp and tangy Luang Prabang salad and round off with the black sticky rice for dessert. Happy hours 3pm – 6pm. Sakkaline Road, Ban Vat Nong, 071 253 888, 3-nagas.com Open 7 days 6.30am – 10.30pm.

| Tamarind Restaurant. |

| Les 3 Nagas |

Pakse • Le Panorama – Lao/International. As the name might suggest this leafy rooftop terrace, perched on the top floor of the Hotel Pakse, has the best views in town. Diners can take their pick from a range of cuisines including Lao, Thai and French. No matter what you’re eating the fact remains Le Panorama is the place to sit back, relax and take in a glorious sunset in Pakse, chilled Beerlao in hand optional. Street 5, Bane Watlouang, 031 212 131, hotelpakse.com.

• Nadao – French/Lao. A great find in Pakse, Nadao offers fresh and flavoursome French bistro fare and traditional Lao dishes in a fine dining atmosphere. A little out of the city centre, its location hasn’t stopped locals and visitors alike from flocking to experience some of the best gourmet dining in southern Laos. The service is faultless and the owner/chef will almost always be happy to suggest something from his repertoire. Near the Japanese Bridge (opposite the Champasak Grand Hotel), 021 213 174

• Lan Kham Noodle House – Lao. Attached to the Lan Kham Hotel this noodle house is considered famous around these parts. Particularly popular with locals for breakfast – you may have to fight for a spot – Lan Kham consistently produces huge steaming bowls of noodle soup accompanied by heaped plates of fresh herbs and greens. Cheap and tasty, having this on your doorstep would be reason enough to stay at the neighbouring guest house. Street 13, Lakmeaumg Village. Open 7 days 6.30am – 1pm.

Savannakhet • Café Chai Dee – Japanese/Western.

Fun little café housed in a sunshine-yellow building on the main street of Savannakhet. Chai Dee serves up a mix of Japanese favourites including katsudon, sushi, cold noodle salad alongside fresh sandwiches and Thai curries. Cosy into a comfy armchair with a freshly brewed Lao coffee lounge on the sunny terrace with an icy Chai Dee Cooler. Occasional live music in the evenings. Free WiFi, book exchange. 1 Latsavongseuk Road, Lattanalansy Thai Village, 020 9179 2479, cafechaidee.com Open Tuesday to Sunday 8.30am – 9.00pm.

• Lin’s Cafe – Asian/Café. A friendly tucked

away eatery housed in a 1930s building complete with original art-deco tiles. Located in the heart of historic downtown this is the perfect place to while away the afternoon with a fresh Lao coffee and tasty Lao/Vietnamese fare. An upstairs gallery exhibits photographs of old Savannakhet. Free WiFi, tourist information, bicycle rental. Latsaphanit Road, Ban Xaiyaphoum Village, 020 9988 1630, lincafe.netau. Open 7 days 8.30am – 8.00pm.

| Lin's Cafe. |

DRINK LISTING

VIENTIANE – Bar/Belgian. This cosy pub, decorated with Tin Tin paraphernalia, is the place to come if you’ve got a hankering for Hoegaarden or any of the other 79 imported Belgian beers they keep. Huge steaming pots of moules frites attract big crowds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free WiFi, beer specials on Thursdays. 32/4 Fa Gnum Quai (along the Mekong River front), 020 5610 3434, chokdeecafe.com. Open 7 days 10am – 11pm.

– Bar/Western/Lao. Sticky’s, as it’s more a known, is a long-time expat institution drawing big crowds for their legendary happy hour on Wednesday and Friday nights. The bartenders make a mean Tom Yum Martini which, refreshingly piquant, comes complete with a whole chilli garnish. Free WiFi, delivery. 10/3 Rue Francois Nginn, 021 215 972. Open Monday to Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 11pm.

| Espresso |

– Wine/Tapas. Modern and casual this intimate bar combines an excellent drop of red or white with seasonal share plates like dainty croquettes, marinated vegetables and an inventive take on nachos con carne. I-Beam buzzes on Wednesday nights when ladies receive half price wine by the glass. Live daily. jazz on Thursday nights. Free WiFi, lunch bu 88 Setthathirath Road, 021 254 523, facebook.com/ ibeamvientiane. Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

• THE SPIRIT HOUSE – Bar/Lao/Western.

An inviting meeting point with a sprawling terrace looking onto the Mekong River. The cocktail list is extensive with quality liquors preferred, perfect for a sundowner paired with tasty Lao bar snacks. It’s located on a quiet stretch of the waterfront which makes for a peaceful breakfast or afternoon drink before it busies up in the evening. Free WiFi. 93/09 Fa Ngum Road, Ban Seetarn Neua, 021 243 795, thespirithouselaos.com, info@thespirithouselaos. com. Open 7 days 7am – 11pm.

• WINE95 – Wine. Whether you’re after a full-bodied red or a dry white Wine95 is the last word in wine service in Vientiane. Upon entry it is evident these guys know their stu with a slick, fully stocked cellar bar complete with the DiWine Service System guaranteeing a fresh drop in every glass. A staircase leads to an intimate upstairs space with elegant lounges and objects d’art. Setthathirat Road (next to Phimphone), 020 5550 2957, facebook. com/Wine95. Open Monday to Saturday 5pm – 12am. • THE HIGHLAND RESTAURANT & BAR – Sports bar. Casual and relaxed open-air sports bar with views of the Mekong River. Drawing huge crowds for rugby, football and soccer matches all broadcast live on big-screen televisions, the menu includes Lao, pizza and pub-style fare – perfect for ravenous sports fa ns . K ha mk hong R oa d, B a n K hounta , 0 2 0 7 7 5 9 4 9 7 1 , highlandbar.com.

| Cafe NOMAD |

LUANG PRABANG • TANGOR – Bar/Tapas.

Contemporary chic meets colonial charm at this intimate spot on Luang Prabang’s main stretch. Tangor specialises in impeccably crafted cocktails and a generous selection of local and imported beers and ciders. Market produce dictates the everchanging menu of share plates but luckily for us their

Susavangvong, 020 9560 7262, resa@letangor.com. Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

• ICON KLUB – Cocktail.

This cosy bohemian haunt attracts a creative crowd who take advantage of the regular live music and open mic poetry nights. Icon’s walls are adorned with vintage posters and lm noir stills and punters are most likely to be seen sipping a brilliantly made cocktail (try the Bloody Mary or a dry martini) over a game of chess or retro board game. Free WiFi. Siphouttabath Road, Ban Xiengmouan, 071 254 905, iconklub.com. Open 7 days 5pm – 11.30pm.

• UTOPIA – Bar/Lao/Western. Hidden on the lush banks of the Nam Khan river amongst charming tropical gardens and thatched decking Utopia has perfected laid back paradise. Patrons can languidly sip tropical cocktails on the cushioned terrace watching the river go by, play a board game with neighbours or party into the night in a tiki hut. Ban Aphay, 020 2388 1771, utopialuangprabang.com. Open 7 days 8am – 11.30pm. | Tangor |

PAKSE – Café. A Lao legacy, the well-known Sinouk Coffee empire has grown from its humble beginnings as a small plantation in the 1990s to a 50 hectare estate and is turning heads across Asia. Pakse’s Sinouk Coffee and Bakery outpost serves up delicious cups of Sinouk’s signature organic blend which comes direct from the farm in Paksong to the table. Free Wi-Fi. Pakse centre, near the Tourism

• SINOUK COFFEE AND BAKERY

SAVANNAKHET • CAFÉ CHEZ BOUNE – Café/Western.

Drawing crowds for great European fare, impressive décor and charming atmosphere, Café Chez Boune is a popular spot for dining out in Savannakhet. Opt for something light such as a tasty bruschetta or baguette or if you’re looking for something more substantial the seared duck breast or tender imported steaks are a good choice. Chaimeuang Road, Xayaphoum Village, 041 215 190, cafechezboune.com. Open 7 days 7am – 10pm.

| Sinouk Coffee and Bakery |

53 53

RELAX LISTING

VIENTIANE • ADINA SPA

This experienced spa team provides the ultimate pampering. Unlike many others spas, they provide Japanese traditional massages, Indian massages and a Hot Stone Massage. The facials are amongst the most advanced in the city. Higher-end prices. 170 Phonsaath, Kaysone Road, 021 414 138, 9am-10pm, www.adinaspalao.com.

| Giriya Spa |

• CHAMPA SPA & MASSAGE Champa has two locations in town within serene, quiet surroundings. Traditional Lao Massage, Herbal Treatments, Aromatherapy Massage and Body Steams have a range of lengths and prices. There is also a hand and foot spa, and waxing services. Among the best in Vientiane. Corner of Fa Ngum and Pangkham Roads, near Nam Phu, 021 251 926, 9am-10pm, www.champaspa.com. • DALAH SPA

Luxurious Dalah Spa have a mineral milk bath, anti-stress back and shoulder treatments, the Four Hands Massage and sports massage for those exerting themselves. Located on a quiet lane just off the main road. 140 Khouvieng Road, 021 285 125, 9am-9pm.

• GIRIYA SPA You’ve got to travel to Rashmi’s Hotel, 3km from the city centre, to reach Giriya, but that’s small sacrifice for the awaiting experience. There’s an Indian atmosphere reflected in the decoration, while Thai masseuses give excellent massages in private rooms. Soon open to membership. Rashmi’s Hotel, Thadeua Road Km3, 021 315 088, www.rashmishotel.com. • GREEN PARK CHAMPA LAO SPA

This hotel-based spa is walled-in with dark woods and has snow white beds with trinkets on lockers and candles burning for soft light. They’ve got traditional massage, body exfoliation and expert facial treatments for guests and visitors. Foot massages take place in comfy recliners with a view to the gardens. Green Park Hotel, 12 Khouvieng Road, 021 263 064, 10am-7pm, www.greenparkvientiane.com.

• HERBAL SAUNA

This establishment has Lao style herbal saunas for men and women in separate rooms. It also offers different massages including Lao, oil and foot. Entrance fees include a towel for men but women must rent a sarong for a small fee. Located very close to the Mekong in central Vientiane. Chao Anou Road, 020 5504 5655, 1pm-9pm.

• MANDARINA BODY & SOUL SPA

Another one of many in the centre of Vientiane, but definitely among the best. The staff is friendly and there’s a few packages to choose from. Otherwise,

• MANEE SPA About 4km from the city centre, Manee Spa offers consistently good massages in a tranquil setting. There are several private rooms with quality tables and a tasteful interior. It’s on the higher price scale but the setting with beautiful gardens is second to none. Sokpaluang Road, past the Myanmar Embassy, 021 353 207.

• NIKOLAZ MASSAGE This is just a 5-minute walk from the Mekong in the centre of town and they offer advanced massage and body therapies, as well as the traditional foot and body massages. The owners are very friendly and can further elaborate on options available. 45 Settathirath Road, 9am11pm. • NIRVANA SPA The head and back massage is particularly good but it’s possible to get a combination of several treatments. The delightful honey body wrap could be combined with aromatic skin massage, followed by a herbal skin polish. Pangkham Road, facing Lao Plaza Hotel, 021 222 936, 10am-9pm, www.nirvana-spa-laos.com.

• PAPAYA SPA The setting in an old French colonial villa is charm enough, but inside the opulence is even greater. They’ve a Swedish oil massage, offer facials, body scrubs, reflexology and saunas. It’s definitely one of the pricier in the capital, but well worth it to relax in a state of pure luxury for a few hours. Phanya Sy Road, 021 216 550, 9.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, www.papayaspa.com. • WHITE LOTUS MASSAGE & YOGA White Lotus gives excellent foot massages in relaxing leather recliners. It’s one of the more affordable yet consistent massage businesses in town and has a great aromatherapy massage. Try the signature lotus foot massage or the Cleopatra treatment with gold masque for 200,000kip – heavenly. Also does yoga instruction. Pangkham Road, close to Nam Phu, 021 217 492, 10am-10pm.

Luang Prabang

• The Angsana Spa Luangprabang -

After you have explored the enchanting cultural heritage of Luang Prabang, it’s time to rest and relax at our tropical Angsana Spa. Nestled amidst a picturesque garden, this haven is the perfect respite to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Experience Bliss, discover Ibu’s Secret, or follow time-honored traditions with divine Thai Herbal Glower pampering! Drift away from the hustle-and-bustle of life – visit this therapeutic oasis to recharge. Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel -Rue Chao Fa Ngum, Ban Thatluang, Luang Prabang Tel : +856 71 254609 Fax : +856 71 212577 www.angsana.com | www.banyantree.com E-mail: spa-luangprabang@angsana.com Opening hour : 10.00 am-8.00 pm.

• DOK CHAMPA MASSAGE

• SANCTUARY MASSAGE This is the place to try a superb Thai herbal compress massage. Sanctuary applies steamed Thai and Chinese herbs to the body in a kneading action to release muscle tension and stiffness. There are also aroma and oriental massages in calming rooms. Sanctuary Hotel, Kitsalat Road, 071 213777, www. sanctuaryluangprabang.com.

• THE SPA GARDEN Spread over three locations, The Spa Garden (also known as Aroma Spa) has a deep tissue massage, a Mystic Lao massage and a foot massage with herbal creams amongst its signature treatments. Spa products also available for purchase. Ban Phonheuang, 071 212325, 10am-11pm, www.spagardenlpb. com.

•

• AYU SPA At Xieng Thong Palace Hotel, Ayu Spa is massage and body treatment heaven. Holistic practices performed by experienced therapists are a perfect way to slip into true relaxation. You could spend a half-day sampling the variety of massage and sauna/steam options, while a pedicure or manicure ties a few hours off. Kounxaou Road, Ban Phoneheung, 071 213 200, www.xiengthongpalace. com.

DHAMMADA

OASIS

MASSAGE

Tucked away beside a beautiful lotus pond and surrounded by coconut trees, Dhammada provides exceptional massages. There are aroma, oriental and foot massages to ease body tensions and bigger packages to spend a few hours. Very friendly and experienced staff makes Dhammada one of the best in town. Luang Prabang Oasis Hotel, Ban Vixoun, 071 212 642, www.luangprabangoasis.com.

Fully trained and qualified massage therapists mean Dok Champa is an excellent place to relieve stress. They offer sports, aromatic oil, and gel and lotion massage. There are also deep cleansing facials for those looking for complete body rejuvenation. Visounarath Road, Ban Vixoun, 020 7777 9966, www.dokchampamassage.com.

• KIRIDARA SPA

Kiridara Spa’s signature treatment is the Nuat Bouhan Massage, which lasts 90 minutes and fuses ancient Lao traditions with the regional therapies of Japanese Shiatsu, Thai massage and Chinese acupuncture. They’ve got many packages to choose from and the view over Luang Prabang is stunning. 22/13 North Road, Ban Naviengkham, 071 261 888, www.snhcollection. com/kiridara.

• LAO RED CROSS

Set up to help children in poor communities, Lao Red Cross is one of the cheapest in town but with no compromise on quality. Housed in a Lao-French building, try the herbal sauna for 10,000 kip between 4pm-8pm, or go for one of the traditional massages. Bring your own towel or sarong. Wisunarat Road, 071 252 856, 9am-9pm.

• LUANG PRABANG YOGA This collective runs classes in yoga and meditation for beginner and experienced practitioners. The group alternates their regular classes between several picturesque riverside locations including Utopia and Ock Pop Tok and holds yoga retreats at Mandala Ou Resort in Nong Khiaw. luangprabangyoga.org.

| Dhammada Oasis Massage |

SEE & DO LISTING

VIENTIANE • DAY TRIP TO NAM NGUM LAKE – Tour. The perfect way to get back to nature while staying close to your base in Vientiane, Green Discovery Laos takes you to the Nam Ngum Resevoir. En route on this guided day-trip participants will get a first-hand look at Hmong village life to meet locals and visit the market before taking in the 11th century archaeological site of Van Xang. At the reservoir you’ll lunch on a floating restaurant and explore fishing villages and small islands by boat before returning to Vientiane. For more information visit greendiscoverylaos.com. • LAO DISABLED WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRE – Tour/Craft. A local non-profit run

by women with disabilities for women with disabilities. In a beautiful setting near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge the Centre is a hive of activity with training programmes including sewing and needlework, social development and women’s civil rights. Visitors can tour the centre, buy locally-made handicrafts including accessories, fashion items and homewares and lear n how t h e y a re m a d e . T h a d e u a R o a d , H a d s a y f o n g District, 021 812282, 8.30am–5pm, 7 d ays, www.laodisabledwomen.com.

• COPE VISITOR CENTRE – Museum . Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, or COPE, is a locally run non-profit working with partners to provide rehabilitation services for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survivors and other people with disabilities across Laos. The Visitor Centre houses a free exhibition about UXO in Laos, stories from survivors and information on the services provided by COPE. Interactive displays, excellent documentaries and imagery provide a thought-provoking experience to visitors. There is an opportunity to support COPE through the gift shop or a donation. Centre of Medical Rehabilitation, Khouvieng Road, 021 218 427, 9am–6pm, 7 days, www.copelaos.org.

• VIENTIANE BYCYCLE – Tour. Explore Vientiane on two wheels in either a guided half or full-day tour allowing you to uncover a different side to the city. You’ll follow the gentle curve of the Mekong River to explore nearby scenic villages and observe fishermen and local temples. Back in the city centre you’ll pass touristic highlights like glittering temples, the grand Presidential Palace, Patuxai and That Luang while also venturing off the beaten path to capture scenes of Lao daily life in sleepy residential areas. 020 5581 2337, Tours run daily 8am to 5pm, www.vientianebycycle.com.

• HOUEY HONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR WOMEN – Class/Craft. The Centre

• LAO EXPERIENCES COOKING CLASS AND FOOD TOURS – Class/Tour. Join friendly host Nook

provides training and employment for disadvantaged Lao women in the areas of natural dyeing, weaving, tailoring and administration. Visitors can tour the facilities and take part in dyeing and weaving classes creating a unique textile to take home, the cost of which includes transfers, lunch and provides direct support to the Centre. The gift shop sells stylish products made on-site by staff and trainees. Lane 19, Houey Hong Village, 021 560 006, Mon-Sat 8.30am–12pm, 1.30pm–4.30pm, www.houeyhongcentre.com.

as she teaches you to cook popular Lao dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional methods. These fun and interactive classes are held in a leafy garden kitchen by the Mekong River, the perfect setting to throw together a tasty laap or mok pa (banana leaf steamed fish) all of which you’ll devour at the end of class. The additional tour of the largest fresh market in Vientiane is great for those new to Lao ingredients. Bookings at The Full Moon Café or via lao-experiences.com, 020 5569 9429. Classes and Market Tours conducted daily.

• I:CAT GALLERY – Gallery. A bright and inviting

• FROM FARM TO MARKET – Tour. Local tour guides Tuk Tuk Safari specialise in small group educational and interactive tours of Vientiane and surrounds. On this tour patrons will visit the Panyanivej Eco Rice and Fish Farm to have a hand at traditional Lao fishing, rice planting and other farm activities before using fresh farm ingredients to cook a traditional Lao lunch. 020 5433 3089, tours run daytime from Monday to Saturday, www.tuktuksafari.com.

gallery space featuring a revolving programme of engaging exhibitions from local artists working in a range of mediums. A collection of original prints, art books, photography, paintings and handmade cards are permanently for sale in the gallery space and past installations and events have included visual art, music, poetry, film and fashion. 230-231 Thanon Settathirath, Ban Simeuang, 020 7783 9674, Mon-Fri 6pm–8pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm, www.facebook.com/icatgallery.

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LUANG PRABANG • TRADITIONAL ARTS AND ETHNOLOGY CENTRE

– Museum/Craft. Housed in a renovated heritage building at the foot of Phou Si hill TAEC is a museum dedicated to the promotion of the culture and knowledge of Laos’ diverse ethnic communities. Several permanent and rotating cultural exhibitions showcase artefacts, traditional art and clothing of Lao ethnic groups and give insight into the diversity and richness of the country. The gorgeous museum shop which keeps handicrafts from village artisans is well worth a look. Guided tours available for an additional fee. Ban Khamyong (behind Dara Market), 071 253 364, taeclaos.org. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 6pm.

• ELEPHANT VILLAGE E – Tour. Get up close to magnificent

pachyderms at this tourist destination operated by international specialists and volunteers who aim to rescue, protect and rehabilitate elephants in Laos. There are a myriad of activities on offer for visitors including thrilling elephant rides, bathing elephants in the Nam Kahn River, a basic mahout training course and feedings. You can also stay overnight in on-site accommodation, aptly named the Elephant Lodge. To book and for more information visit elephantvillage-laos.com. Tours run 7 days.

• OCK POP TOK LIVING CRAFTS CENTRE – Class/Craft. Take part in a fun hands-on workshop and learn traditional weaving and dying techniques from skilled Lao artisans at this handicrafts centre set in lush tropical gardens overlooking the Mekong River. A variety of classes suitable for a range of skill levels are on offer or you could visit the weaving centre for a free tour and observe weavers at their craft. Ban Saylom (opposite Phousi Market), 071 212 597, 9am–5pm, 7 days, www.ockpoptok.com

– Class. This popular cooking class, run by the restaurant of the same name, has been schooling students in the art of laap for years. Participants will first check out ingredients at a local fresh market then head to Tamarind’s lake-side cooking school to cook and, more importantly, eat. The menu consists of a range of Lao classics including jeow spicy dipping sauces and Tamarind’s signature chicken and herb-stuffed lemongrass. To book and for more information visit tamarindlaos.com. Full day classes Mon-Sat 9am–3pm, evening classes Mon-Fri 4pm–8.30pm

• TAMARIND COOKING SCHOOL

PAKSE • KOFFIE’S COFFEE WORKSHOP PAKSONG G– Tour. Explore Southern Laos’ renowned coffee country and see just how beans make it into your morning cup of Joe. You will visit Koffie’s own organic coffee plantation and farm when you’ll see arabica growing, picked, then learn about the husking and drying processes. After lunch you’ll get hands-on in roasting arabica beans yourself and brew yourself a flavourful cup of aromatic java. For more information visit paksong.info/laos_coffee_workshop. php, 020 2276 0439, coffee@paksong.info • SINOUK COFFEE RESORTT – Garden. A must-see

if you’re travelling through the Bolaven Plateau, Sinouk is a name synonymous with coffee in Laos. Surrounding the resort are palatial landscaped gardens which include coffee plants, rock gardens, a lake and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy a signature locally grown cup of coffee from Sinouk’s nearby plantation in the pavilion restaurant or cafe. For more information visit sinoukcoffeeresort.com.

• TREE TOP EXPLORER AT JUNGLE HOTEL PAKSONG G – Tour. Green Discovery Laos lead an unforgettable adventure in an unparalleled South East Asian mountain forest setting of Champassak province. This tour is not for the faint-hearted with zip-lining over gorges and waterfalls and breathtaking views from a canopy walkway leading to great fun in a stunning environment. Retire to the Jungle Hotel Paksong a cluster of private treehouses set amongst the lush forest. The ultimate experience in nature. For more information visit greendiscoverylaos.com.

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SHOP LISTING

VIENTIANE • LAO FINE ARTS HANDICRAFT JEWELLERY Superbly crafted, resplendent jewellery made from wood, coconut and silver can be bought here. Other contemporary and more traditional items can also be purchased. 550/01 Thatluang Tai Village, Saysettha District, 020 5542 6993, 9.30am-5.30pm.

• NIGHT MARKET Drawing hordes of tourists and

locals to the riverside each evening you simply can’t miss the two rows of red-topped marquees along the waterfront mingling with smoky food stalls and mountainous balloon displays. The wares on sale may be aimed predominately towards tourists (think t-shirts, trinkets and Buddhist inspired art) but locals shop here too and there are plenty of bargains to be had. Mekong riverfront, Fa Ngum Road, Sunset-9pm, 7 days.

• SAOBAN CRAFTS A treasure trove of handmade handicrafts created by over 300 artisans from villages

textiles, exquisite homewares and contemporary jewellery with most goods crafted from natural dyes, local bamboo and organically grown cotton and proceeds going back to the artist. 97/1 Chao Anou Road, Mon-Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 1pm–8pm, www.saobancrafts.com.

• T’SHOP LAI GALLERY A delightful gallery and crafts store featuring works from local and visiting artists and producing and selling the Les Artisans Lao range of organic skincare and beauty products. The range includes luscious body creams and soaps, all-natural repellents and aromatic oils. Vat Inpeng Street, 021 223 178, MonSat 8am–8pm, Sun 10am–6pm, www.artisanslao.com.

| T’Shop Lai Gallery |

| Carol Cassidy Textiles |

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LUANG PRABANG • MA TE SAI A boutique shop with shelves of original souvenirs and handicrafts. The store seeks to help local people by working with them to sell their products and improve their livelihoods. Many of the souvenirs are made from recycled paper, bamboo and other natural materials. Sisangvong Road, Ban Xieng Mouane, 071 260 654, 8am-9pm, www.matesai.com

| Ma Te Sai |

• NIGHT MARKET Down the length of Sisavangvong Rd is the city’s famous Night Market. Weave under awnings to admire handicrafts such as rosewood carvings and silver jewellery, alongside herbal teas, rice paper diaries and beautiful linen dresses. It’s a friendly market and bargains are to be had. Sisangvong Road, 5pm-11pm, 7 days (weather dependent).

• OCK POP TOK A shop with a difference. Ock Pop Tok seeks to empower local women by developing their artistic skills and sells their items. Woven textiles, bags and scarves are on offer, while they also run classes for visitors who want to try their hand at production or just admire artisans at work. The group also has a Sene, 071 253 219, 8am-9pm, www.ockpoptok.com.

• TRADITIONAL ARTS & ETHNOLOGY CENTRE Although better known as a museum, the centre also supports over 500 handicraft producers from across Laos. They sell beaded necklaces, belts, backpacks, jewellery and lots of other items that showcase the enormous ethnic diversity of Laos. Kitsalat Road, Ban Khamyong, 071 253 364, Tue-Sun 9am-6pm, www. taeclaos.org.

• L’ETRANGER BOOKS & TEA This quaint book café lies close to the Nam Khan River and sells secondhand books. It’s well-stocked and has novels in many and regional history. Over 70 varieties of tea are for sale upstairs. Phousi Road, Ban Aphay, 071 212 880, Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 10am-10pm.

• PASSA PAA The culmination of British and Lao creative minds, this store is the shopfront for the textile and accessories label of the same name. The label explores the language of desing that has evolved in Laos to re-think, re-interpret, and re-construct patterns, symbols and forms into contemporary bags, scarves, purses and more. 79 Ban Vat Sene, 020 5541 1244, 7 days 8am-8pm, www.passa-paa.com.

SLEEP LISTING

| Vientiane Plaza |

MAP OF VIENTIANE

VIENTIANE As the nation's capital, Vientiane is a must-experience city when traveling through Laos. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 because of fears surrounding Burmese invasion. Under French rule, it became the administrative capital and in recent times the city has emerged as the country's economic hub. Sitting on the northern banks of the Mekong river, the city has a colourful culture, amazing hospitality and is home to an enviable local and international dining scene. With its French colonial characteristics and leafy boulevards surrounded by rustic temples and coconut palms, this is a city that mixes colonial architecture with a tropical environment. The laidback atmosphere is ideal for visitors, and it is rapidly becoming one of the most fascinating cities to see in Asia.