champa holidays magazine issue11

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ທອງທຽວເ�າະເ�ກ ສ ພ�ນດອນ ພຣະລ�ກ ພຣະລາມ ທ ວງພຣະບາງ ບອນທ ທານຄວນໄ�ໄ� ແ�ວງຊຽງຂວາງທຽວຊ�ມຜາຫນຍ�ກ “ມາຮອດລາວ ຮອາຫານລາວ”ອ�ງກ ມລະດ�ກອ�ນຍາມະນຂອງກ�ປເ�ຍອ�ງກ ມລະດ�ກອ�ນຍາມະນຂອງກ�ປເ�ຍ

Scouring 4000 Islands

Phralak Phralam in Luang Prabang Highlights in Xieng Khouang

Meet the Stone Giants “A Taste of Laos”

Angkor: Cambodia’s Heritage Treasure

I S S U E 1 1 J U N E - J U LY 2 0 1 2

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Champa Holiday Issue 11 Cover.indd 1 5/18/12 11:28:53 AM

Dear readers,

As well as the “Visit Laos” year, Laos PDR is also celebrat-ing the 55th Anniversary of Lao-Vietnamese diplomatic relations and 35 years since a friendship treaty was signed between the two countries.

Laos will also be the host of the 2012 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). This will be a significant event for Laos, enhanc-ing our reputation overseas and allow our country to play a central role on the international stage. It will also boost tourism, trade and much more.

In response to such historical events, Lao Airlines is prepar-ing to expand its services by purchasing two brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft. The first will be delivered in November 2012 and the second in June 2013. This will replace our MA 60 series aircraft, which will be adapted as part of an ex-pansion of our air freight services.

In addition, we will add a new flight to Kwangchow (China), as part of our new winter schedule. Four weekly charter flights to Tokyo have also been operational since 25 April 2012.

Best wishes,

Dr. Somphone DouangdaraPresident of Lao Airlines

ສານຂອງທານ ດຣ. ສມພອນ ດວງດາຣາຜອຳນວຍການໃຫຍລດວສາຫະກດການບນລາວMessage from Dr. Somphone DOUANGDARAPresident of Lao Airlines

ປໃໝລາວໄດຜານພນໄປ ຫວງວາປະຊາຊນລາວບນດາເຜາຂອງ ລາວເຮາໄດສະຫລອງກນດວຍຄວາມມວນຊນເພອຮກສາໄວຊງຮດຄອງປະ ເພນອນດງາມຂອງເຮາໄວ. ປນນອກຈາກເປນປທອງທຽວລາວ ແລວຍງເປນ ປໜງທ ສປປ ລາວ ເຮາຕອງໄດອອກແຮງແຂງຂນກບເຮດໜາທຂອງແຕລະ ແຂວງການສະເຫມສະຫອງມແຫງຄວາມສາມກຄມດຕະພາບກບສສຫວຽດ ນາມ ຄສະຫອງຄບຮອບ55 ປ ແຫງການສາງສາຍພວພນທາງການທດລະ ຫວາງ ສປປລາວ ແລະ ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ, ສະເຫມສະຫອງສນທສນຍາມດ ຕະພາບ ຄບຮອບ35 ປ ຂອງທງສອງປະເທດອກດວຍ.ນອກນນໃນທາຍປ2012ນ ສປປລາວ ເຮາຍງ ໄດຮບກຽດເປນເຈາພາບຈດກອງປະຊມອາເຊມ (ASEM) ຊງລວນແລວແຕເປນເຫດການທມຄວາມສຳ ຄນຂອງ ສປປລາວ ຊງຈະນຳມາຊງຊສຽງ ແລະ ຜນປະໂຫຍດຕາງໆ ທຈະໄດຕາມມາຕາມພາຍ ຫລງເຊນ:ສາກນຈະເຫນແລະ ເຂາໃຈສປປລາວຕມຂນ.ການທອງທຽວ,ການລງທນແລະອນໆກຈະເປນຕອງໂສຕາມມາຢາງແນນອນ. ລດວສາຫະກດການບນລາວເຮາເອງກໄດວາງແຜນແລະຕຽມຕວເພອຮບເຫດການຕາງໆໄວໃນອານາຄດ. ພວກເຮາໄດຈດຊເຮອບນ ATR72–600ຈຳນວນ2ລຳຊງເປນລນຫລາສດຂອງບລສດອາເອໂຣສະຊອານ(Aerospacial)ຊງລຳທຳອດຈະສງມອບໃນເດອນພະຈກ(11)2012ແລະລຳທ2ສງມອບໃນເດອນມຖນາ(6)2013. ນອກຈາກນໃນແຜນບນລະດໜາວ(WinterSchedule)ຈະເພມ ຖຽວບນໄປກວາງໂຈ (CAN) ສປ ຈນ ແລະ ຖຽວບນເຊາເໝາ (Charter flight) ໄປຍງໂຕກຽວ (TYO) ປະເທດຍປນ ອາທດໜງ 4 ຖຽວ ຊງໄດເລມ ປະຕບດ ແຕ ວນທ 25/04/2012 ເປນຕນມາ. ພອມດຽວກນນທາງລດວສາ ຫະກດການບນລາວພວກເຮາຍງໄດດດແປງ(modify)ເຮອບນMA60ໃຫ ເປນ ເຮອບນລຳລຽງ (Freighter) ຖວາການວາງແຜນກຽມພອມກກາຍເປນ ຮບປະທມແລວເພາະວາພວກເຮາໄດກຽມພອມ-ສຳລບສາຍບນໄກດວຍA320-ສຳລບສາຍບນໄກດວຍATR72–600-ສຳລບການລຳລຽງດວຍAM60

VIENTIANE

Don Chan PalaceHotel & Convention

3I’cI,fvo9aorkg]f

Located strategically on the New Promenade of the Mekong River adjacent to the King Anouvong’s park, Don Chan Palace, Hotel & Convention is the official 5-star hotel in Laos. Enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong River and Vientiane city from the tallest building in Laos while staying with us. All rooms are inclusive of complimentary unlimited high

speed internet access with plush necessities and our new au-natural amenities for the discerning guests. Our Lao Traditional Hospitality Makes us Different…

Room and Accommodation- 237 rooms- Cable television- Indvidually air conditioning controlled room- Safe deposit box- Complimentary Coffee/ tea facility- In room fax machine ( on request )- Mini bar- Hair dryer- High speed internet access in room ( Free access)

Meeting and Convention- 2000 Fax capacity Ballroom- 20 Modern Function rooms- Free Wifi at meeting rooms

Food and Beverage and entertainment- 24 Hrs Coffee House- Lobby Lounge with Cake Counter and Pastry counter- Outside Catering Service- Chinese Restaurant- 14 Floors Sky Lounge- Lunar 36-Outdoor Bar, Discotheque, and Private Karaoke Rooms

Wellness and Relaxation- Swimming Pool- Private Massage Rooms- Outdoor Gym- Sauna

- 24 Hrs room service- Airline booking and informaiton- Concierge service- Foreign exchange- Doctor on call 24 Hrs- Laundry service- Airport transfer- Tour and travel agency- Free car parking- Business center- Car rental service- 24 Hrs security-13 private massage rooms with professional masseurs

- Swimming Pool on 3rd floor- Jacuzzi- Steam room- Airline booking and information- Foreign currency exchange- 2000 pax capacity ballroom (1792sqm)- Dimsum Buffet- Monthly F&B Promotion- Free wifi on lobby and executive floors

Facilities and Services

Three years consecutive winner of Best business hotel year 2009,2010, 2011 by the tourism alliance awards.

Don Chan Palace Hotel & Convention, Unit 6 Piawat Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: (856-21) 244 288 Fax: (856-21) 244 111-2

Email: [email protected]

Nearby attractions- King Anouvong Recreational Park- Mekong River Promenade- Presidential Palace - King Sisavangvong Statue- Wat Si Muang Temple

Lao AIrlines In-Flight Magazine

EXECUTIVE ADVISERS:MR. SOMPHONG MONGKHONVILAY

MR. SOUKASEUM PHOTHISANEDR. SOMPHONE DOUANGDARA

MR. SOMSANOUK MIXAY MR. CHANTHY DEUANSAVANH

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

MR. SOUKHEE NORASILP

PROOF EDITOR:MR. SOMSOUK SOUKSAVATH

EXECUTIVE EDITOR:MS. PHITSAMAI CHANTHABOURY

ENGLISH EDITOR:MR. BENJAMIN BLECH

GRAPHIC DESIGN:INSMAI CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS

TRANSALATION:MR. ANOUSA KOUNNAVONG

PHOTOGRAPHY:FAB wORLD

FINANCE:MS. KHOUNKHAM CHANTHABOURY

CHAMPA HOLIDAYS MAGAzINE IS PRODUCED & PUBLISHED BY

INSMAI CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS

TEL/FAX: (856-21) 223590Email: [email protected]

www.champamag.com

OwNER & PUBLISHER:INTER MEDIA LAO CO.LTDTEL/FAX: (856-21) 480947

[email protected] license of Lao Airlines

LAO AIRLINES HEAD OFFICE:02 PANGKHAM RD,

XIENG GNUNE VILLAGE, CHANTHABOURY DISTRICT,

VIENTIANE, LAO PDRTEL : (856-21) 212051-54, 212016

FAX: (856-21) 212056, [email protected]

www.ChampaMag.comwe can guide you more


ບດບກ

ປໃໝລາວປນຕອນຮບປມງກອນເປນປທມຄວາມຮອນແຮງອງຕາມມາດຕະເກນຂອງໂຫລາສາດກາວໄວ.ຖາຝນຕກກຕກແຮງ-ຖາແລງກແລງສດຂດຈນດນແຫງໄງຜງ.ຈະເປນຈງຄຄຳທຳນາຍຫລບນນຂໃຫຈບຕາສງຊອມເບງວາຈະມເຫດການດງກາວນຈະເກດຂນແທບ?

ພວກເຮາມຄວາມຍນດທຈະຂນຳສະເໜສະບບທ11,ບວາທານຈະອານວາລະສານຈາກບອນໃດຫຈາກປາຍທາງໃດຂອງສາຍການບນລາວ.ພວກເຮາຫວງຢາງຍງວາມນຈະສາມາດເປນແນວທາງແລະເປນແຮງບນດານໃຈໃຫທານເພມເຕມຈາກປະເທດຂອງພວກເຮາທມຄວາມມະຫດຈນທາງທຳມະຊາດແລະວດທະນາທຳແລະຈາກປະເທດເພອນບານ.

ໃນສະບບນພວກເຮາແນະນຳໃຫທານຮສອງພມພາກທມຊສຽງແລະເປນທດງດດ.ເບນໂລຊນໂບມໄດເຜຍຄວາມລບທເກບໄວທດທສດຂອງປະເທດລາວໃນບດຄວາມກຽວກບສພນດອນທຫາຍຄນບເຄຍເດນທາງໄປທນນແລະຍງມຫາຍກດຈະກຳທໜາສນໃຈຈາກການທອງທຽວແບບອະນລກ.ແລະບດຄວາມຂອງ ປະເທດກຳປເຈຍທເປນຕຳນານຂອງຄວາມສະຫາດ ຂອງມະນດ,ຈາກຊາກປະລກຫກພງຂອງອງກວດເຊງ ພວກເຮາໄດຊອກຫາຂມນມາຕອນມາຝາກ.

ນອກຈາກນຍງໄດແນະນຳແບບສນໆໄປຍງເມອງແຄມ ແມນຳອທງດງາມຂອງໜອງຂຽວຮເບອງຕນຂອງ ການສະແດງເລອງພະລກພະລາມຈາກບດກະວຂອງອນ ເດຍລາມມະກຽນຊງໄດມການສະແດງໃນແຂວງຫວງພະບາງ.ແລະສງທຂາດບໄດແມນເຄດລບທຮອນແຮງບອນນອນ,ກນ,ດມແລະຜອນຄາຍ.

ຂໃຫພວກທານມຄວາມມວນຊນແລະປອດໄພໃນການເດນທາງ.

ສະບາຍດພບກນໃໝສະບບໜາສຂນຣະສລປບ.ກ

ປລ:ທານໃດທຕອງການສງຄຳຕຊມຫອານເພມເຕມໃນບດອນທຫນາສນໃຈໃນເວບໄຊໄດທ:www.champamag.com

Greetings from the Editor

Dear readers,

A very Happy Lao New Year from me, Soukee Norasilp, and everyone at Champa Holiday Magazine!

welcome to this 11th issue of Champa Holi-day. whether you are reading this on route to one of Lao Airline’s exciting international and domestic destinations, or courtesy of one of our partners, we hope it will guide and inspire you to discover more of the wonders of Laos and its neighbors. In this issue, we guide you around two of the region’s most renowned attractions. Bernie Rosenbloom reveals the best kept secrets of Laos’ idilic and infamously laid back Siphandon (Four Thousand Islands), which despite becom-ing something of a mecca for travelers; still offer many exciting eco-tourism projects. And south to Cambodia, where one of the world’s most legendary feats of human ingenuity; the ancient ruins of Angkor, offer visitors a unique insight into life in the region several century ago.

Also in this issue, a short guide to the spectacu-lar riverside town of Nong Khiaw. An introduc-tion to Phralak Phraram, a Lao take on the Indian epic poem Ramayana, now an acclaimed ballet performed in Luang Prabang. And of course, all our hottest tips on where to sleep, eat, drink and relax.

Until next time, Happy Travels!

Soukee Norasilp Editor

To discover more of the hidden highlights of the Lao Airlines network, as well as the best places to eat, sleep and relax, visit our website at:www.champamag.com

8 Phralak Phralam in Luang Prabang

10 Five Highlights of Xieng Khouang Province

13 Ban Na, Bolikhamsay Province

16 Meet the Stone Giants

21 Scouring Siphandon

30 Destination Chiang Khan

34 Angkor: Cambodia’s Heritage Treasure

39 “A Taste of Laos”

43 Wine Houses in Vientiane

48 Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino

CoNTeNTSສາລະບານ

ບານນາ, ແຂວງ ບລຄຳໄຊ

ທຽວຊມຜາຫນຍກ

ມາຮອດລາວ, ຊມອາຫານລາວ

ຊອກຫາທພກຜອນໃນແຂວງສະຫວນນະເຂດ

ເມອງຊຽງຄານ, ຈງຫວດເລຍ

ອງກ ມລະດກອນຍາມະນຂອງກຳປເຈຍ

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ທອງທຽວເຈາະເລກ ສພນດອນ

Phralak Phralam in Luang Prabang Somsanouk Mixay

No visitor to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO world Heritage City in Northern Laos should miss the performance of Phralak Phralam, the Lao equivalent of Ramayana.

Ramayana (or Rama’s Path), one of the two major epics of ancient Indian literature, is a

poem believed to have been written by bandit-turned-poet Valmiki in around 200 BC.

It’s legacy has remained over the centuries, with numerous anonymous artists adding

to it right up to the present day.

The epic poem describes the adventures of Rama, Prince of Ayodhya. Victim of a plot

inside the royal court, Rama, together with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana, are

living under a fourteen year exile. In a world full of gods, demons, ferocious ogres and

monkeys, the heroes have to undergo multiple ordeals in which they show off their

supernatural powers and strong moral qualities.

The main event within the poem is Rama’s struggle to rescue his wife, who has been

abducted by an evil ogre.

The Ramayana has since spread to many countries in Southeast Asia, who have incor-

porated the epic tale into their own cultural heritage.

8

EVENT & FESTIVAL

From Ramayana to Phralak Phralam The Ramayana was introduced to Laos in the 15th century un-

der King Phothisarath and adapted under the title of Phralak

Phralam. The characters were given Lao names. Sita became

Sida, Ravana, the ogre King of Lanka, became Thotsakan, Jat-

ayu, King of birds, became Sadayu while Hanuman, the King

of the Monkeys, retained his original name. And all the action

takes place in the Mekong Valley.

Under many different monarchs, the story later became a bal-

let performed at the royal court in Luang Prabang.

Today’s Phralak PhralamThe revival of Phralak Phralam, the performance of which was halted by political changes in the region after 1975, was a long and difficult process. Grand masters of dance, music and chanting all disappeared. So many new dancers and mu-sicians had to be trained. The Governor of Luang Prabang, Chansy Phosikham, set up a Committee for the Revival of Phralak Phralam and Nang Kaeo Dance.

The Phralak Phralam Royal Ballet of Luang Prabang was set up in the compound of the former Royal Palace, which is now a museum. Gradually it gathered a handful of grand masters who could train young artists from various schools in the city. Rich costumes were re-created according to ancient designs. And dozens of masks kept in the palace cellar were restored by great artists like Manivong Khattignarath and Singkham.

Finally, the first two episodes of Phralak Phralam took to the stage. The success was a resounding one. The artists were soon invited to perform at the Ramayana Festival at Angkor wat in Cambodia.

Thanks to the support of numerous domestic and interna-tional organizations, including the Department of Culture, the International Francophone Organization, the Institute of Ethnology at Munster University, the Lee Foundation and the-atrical support from Singapore and the French Special Social Fund, Phralak Phralam is once again alive and well in Laos. Every evening, two episodes of Phralak Phralam are performed at the palace theatre in Luang Prabang. During festival peri-ods like Pimai Lao (the Lao New Year), performances are held on the magnificent esplanade of the Phrabang Sanctuary.

Towards a Phralak Phralam Festival Many Phralak Phralam enthusiasts would like there to be a Phralak Phralam festival, in which productions from all over South and Southeast Asia are invited to perform in Luang Prabang . The present Governor of Luang Prabang, Dr Kham-pheng Saysompheng is very supportive of the project.

9

10

1. Sneak through a Secret TunnelScale more than 1,000 steps to reach a secret passageway slicing through the summit of the Phu Kheng Jar Quarry Site that played a strategic role for Pathet Lao forces during the Indochina war (1964-1973). The hardy climb passes an odd mix of bomb craters and unfinished or broken jars destined for Jar Site 1. The steps get steeper, but the reward is a magnificent view of the valley around Phonsavanh and the hidden entrance to a narrow 70-metre-long, 1.6-metre-high tunnel chiselled through rock that winds past re-inforced concrete bunkers and sleeping quarters before exiting to a panorama of the Phoukoud Valley.

Location: From Phonsavanh, follow Route 7 west past the Mulberry Farm and across a river. Turn left after 8 km at the “Phu Kheng Jar Quarry Site” sign and continue 7 km to the visitor centre.

2. Drive Back in TimeExplore ruins dating to the 14th century that crown the hills around the ancient Phuan Kingdom capital, Muang Khoun, which was levelled during the Indochina war. A 30-km drive southeast of Phonsavanh passes a stone wall with brick archways, leftovers of France’s colonial presence. The giant Buddha at Vat Piawat, first built in 1564, still sits erect overlooking Muang Khoun, though only the temple’s pillars and short wall sections remain. Once buried in the forest, the 450-year-old That Foun Stupa stands tall next to a road outside town, and though bombing raids most-ly destroyed Vat Si Phom, enough remains to envision its glory when constructed in 1390.

Location: From Phonsavanh, follow Route 10 southeast for about 30 km.

Ecotourism Laos

Five Highlights in Xieng Khouang Province Bernie Rosenbloom takes you to five easy-to-access attractions in Xieng Khouang Province, all within two hours of Phonsavanh Town.

You’ll climb 1,000 stairs to a secret wartime hilltop tunnel, explore centuries-old religious sites around the ancient Phuan Kingdom capital of Muang Khoun, investigate the famous Plain of Jars, visit a village that makes spoons from scraps of crashed warplanes, and uncover the efforts of the Mines Action Group (MAG) in clearing the province’s live unexploded ordinances (UXOs), some more than 45 years old!

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3. Jars, Jars, JarsNo one goes to Xieng Khouang without inspecting the myste-rious Plain of Jars. But, with thousands of massive ancient urns scattered over dozens of sites, and other attractions to see in the province, your most efficient bet is a short trip from Phonsavanh to Jar Site 1. A new visitor centre greets you with local handicrafts, refreshments, and information panels. A marked trail, well away from the UXOs still littering the 25-hectare grounds, leads to the 334 jars spread across a field. A 2.5m x 2.5m jar tops the others, most of which are half the size, with just one decorated in carved bas relief.

Location: From Phonsavanh, follow Route 10 south for about 6 km, and turn right at Ban Na-0.

4. Side Road to SpoonsSetting your sights to see spoon production may sound eccen-tric, but Ban Napia, an ethnic Phuan village just south of Phon-savanh, moulds this tableware from war scrap. One day in the 1980s, eight families brainstormed over what to do with all the aluminium bits from downed aircraft. One person noted a lack spoons in the market and noodle shops, so they made wooden moulds, coated them in ash, and poured in the melted junk. And according to the ladle lady, they have an unending supply of de-bris. You can bookend your spoon tour with stops at nearby Lang waterfall and Jar Site 3.

Location: Turn right at the sign on Route 10 past the market just south of Phonsavanh, and travel 30 km to Jar Site 3 and the path Ban Napia.

MAGnificent Mine BustersThe UK-based Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has embarked on the almost impossible mission of clearing hun-dreds of thousands of unexploded or-dinances (UXOs) from Xieng Khouang. The MAG Visitor Information Centre in Phonsavanh provides in-depth history into the intense bombing campaign, the legacy it left behind as the most densely bombed area per capita on earth, facts on the injuries and deaths UXOs continue to cause, diagrams of how cluster bombs work, and even a few diffused shells. The highlight, a one-hour unbi-ased documentary detailing the bombing’s background, appeals to an audience ranging from people born before the war, those who grew up during the era, and veterans who fought.

Location: On the main street in east Phonsavanh near the tourist restaurants and guesthouses.

Vientiane-based travel writer, Bernie Rosenbloom, has covered Southeast Asia for more than 15 years. He has authored sev-eral Lao provincial guidebooks, and along with Champa Holiday,

has recently contributed stories about Laos to Thai Airway’s Sawasdee magazine, PATA Compass, and Travel Review. Bernie is currently a public relations consultant for the Laos Sustainable Tourism Develop-ment Project, Lanith (Lao National Institute for Tourism and Hospital-ity), NZAID, and the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office.Email: [email protected].

For more information and to book tours, visit the Xieng Khouang Tourist Information Centre near the Southern Bus Terminal in Phonsavanh.Phone: (+856 061) 312 217.Email: [email protected]: www.tourismlaos.org.

For a free downloadable Xieng Khouang Province guidebook and brochures, visit www.stdplaos.com (web-based Knowledge Centre, Visitor Informa-tion).

TOURISM

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TOURISM

80 km south of Vientiane along Route 13, on the edge of the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (NPA), is the quiet rural village of Ban Na.Tourism is a relatively new feature of peaceful Ban Na. Most visitors come to see elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a village that is classic of laid-back Central Laos. In April 2005, the village opened its first observation tower in the sur-rounding forest, where visitors can observe wild elephants at

a nearby salt-lick and stream.

ບານນາແມນບານໜງທງຽບສະຫງບໃນຊນນະບດຕງຢຕາມເສນ ທາງເລກ13ໃຕຫາງຈາກນະຄອນຫວງວຽງຈນ80ກໂລແມດໃກ ກບເຂດປາສະຫງວນແຫງຊາດພເຂາຄວາຍ.

ການທອງທຽວຂອນຂາງເປນໃບໜາໃໝຂອງບານນາທມແຕຄວາມສະຫງບສກ.ນກທອງ ທຽວສວນໃຫຍແມນເດນທາງມາຊມຊາງປາດຳລງຊວດຕາມວຖທາງທຳມະຊາດແລະ ບານທມເອກະລກສະເພາະທາງພາກກາງຂອງລາວທຍງຮກສາວຖຊວດຊນ ນະບດດງເດມໄວຢ. ໃນເດອນເມສາປ 2005, ບານດງກາວ ໄດເປດຫຊມຊາງ ແຫງທຳອດໃນບລເວນປາໃກຄຽງ, ເພອເປນສະຖານທຊມຊາງປາໃກກບບອນກນປງແລະຮອງຫວຍ.

ບານນາ, ແຂວງ ບລຄຳໄຊBAN NA BOLIKHAMSAY PROVINCE

TOURISM

The elephants are drawn out of the surrounding mountains by the prospect of enjoying the sugar cane, pineapples and bananas produced in and around Ban Na. To protect the wild herds and compensate for the damage these magnificent animals inflict, a community-based tourism project has been introduced, offering visitors a great opportunity to observe elephants at close range without disturbing them.

From the village, you can hire a guide for the easy trek into the Phou Khao Khouay NPA and stay overnight at the observation tower. As with any wild animals, of course elephant sightings cannot be guaranteed. Fortunately, Ban Na has more to offer than the elephants alone. There are many rewarding treks fur-ther into the forest, such as the longer hike to the Nam Hi and Tad Lung waterfalls, as well as a challenging assent of some 40-meters to the top of Tad Fa, a dramatic rock-face deep in the jungle.

ຊາງປາຖກດງດດໃຫອອກຈາກພຜາປາດງໃກຄຽງໂດຍຫວງວາຈະໄດກນອອຍ,ໝາກນດແລະໝາກກວຍຕາມສວນທຢໃກແລະອອມແອມບານນາ.ເພອເປນການປກປອງຝງສດປາແລະຊດເຊຍຜນເສຍຫາຍທກຂນໂດຍຝງຊາງປາ, ໂຄງການທອງທຽວຊມຊນໄດຖກສາງຕງຂນ, ເປດໂອກາດອນພເສດໃຫກບນກທອງທຽວສາມາດເບງຊາງປາໃນໄລຍະໃກໂດຍບລບກວນຝງຊາງ.

ຈາກບານດງກາວທານສາມາດນຳໃຊບລການຂອງພະນກງານນຳທຽວ ເພອຍາງທຽວຊມເຂດປາສະຫງວນພເຂາຄວາຍ ແລະພກຄາງຄນທຫຊມຊາງ.ຕາມທຳມະຊາດຂອງສດປາທວໄປ,ການເບງຊາງບສາມາດຮບປະກນໄດ. ແຕໂຊກດທບານນາມບລການອນອກຫາຍຢາງນອກເໜອຈາກການຊມຊາງປາ. ມບລການທຽວຊມປາທໜາປະທບໃຈຫາຍຢາງໃນປາເລກເຊນ: ການເດນປາໄລຍະໄກໄປເຂດນຳຮແລະນຳຕກຕາດລງແລະນອກນຍງມການ ທອງທຽວແບບພະຈນໄພທທາທາຍຢເທງຍອດຕາດຟາ, ເຊງເປນ ໜາຜາສງ40ແມດດງລງໄປໃນປາເລກ.

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ໄລຍະເວລາດທສດໃນການທອງທຽວນຳຕກຕາດແມນລະດຝນ(ພດສະພາຫາພະຈກ),ເຊງເປນໄລຍະ ທລະດບນຳສງສດແລະປາໄມທພວມຂຽວອມທມໄດເນລະມດທວທດອນໜາອດສະຈນໃຈທຫາບອນ ປຽບໄດຍາກ.

ທບານນານກທອງທຽວສາມາດພກເຊານຳຄອບຄວຊາວບານເຊງເປນເຮອນຕາມວຖຊາວບານແບບດງເດມ,ເປນໂອກາດອນດທຈະພບປະກບຄນທອງຖນແລະເບງແມຍງຈກສານກະຕາຕບເຂາແລະເຄອງໃຊຕາງໆຢາງຊຳນຊຳນານ.

ຫາງຈາກບານນາ1.5ກໂລແມດຕາມແຄມເສນທາງເລກ13ໃຕ,ຍງມວດພະບາດເຊງແມນສະຖານທສຳ ຄນທສດສຳລບຊາວພດໃນລາວເນອງຈາກວາມຮອຍພະບາດທຖກຮບຮຢາງກວາງຂວາງ.

The best time to visit the waterfalls is during the rainy season (May to November), when the water is at its highest and the lush green vegetation creates some spectacular contrasts. In Ban Na, visitors can stay with a host family in a typical village house, a great opportunity to meet local people and watch women weaving intricate baskets. 1.5km from Ban Na along Route 13, wat Phabath is one of the most important sites for Buddhist pilgrims in Laos be-cause of its renowned Buddha footprint.

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ໜອງຂຽວ,ບານຜາຍກນອນ.ທຳມະຊາດອນໜາອດສະຈນໃຈເຮດໃຫໜອງຂຽວເປນອນຍາມະນທຖກເຊອງຊອນໃນ

ພາກເໜອຂອງລາວ.

ໃຊເວລາເດນທາງໆ ລດຈາກຫວງພະບາງພຽງແຕ3ຊວໂມງຫຂເຮອຂນຕາມລຳນຳອທມທວທດອນງດງາມປະມານ6ຫາ7ຊວໂມງ,ຍາມໃດໜອງຂຽວ

ກບປາດສະຈາກພາບແຫງຄວາມປະທບໃຈ,ໂດຍມພາບເບອງຫງເປນພຜາຫນ,ວວແມນຳທເຕມໄປດວຍສະເໜມນຂງແລະກດຈະກຳນອກສະຖານທອນນບບຖວນ.

ການເດນທາງລະຫວາງຫວງພະບາງຫາໜອງຂຽວບມສງໃດໂດດເດນໄປກວາການຂລດຈກ.ໄລຍະທາງ25ກໂລແມດສດທາຍຫງຈາກປາກມອງແມນໄລຍະເວລາທພເສດສດ.ເສນທາງດງກາວຕດຜານພເຂາຂຽວສດຊນ,ທງນາອນສວຍສດງດງາມ,ຄວາຍພວມກນຫຍາແລະຊມຊນຕວເມອງນອຍຈຳນວນໜງ,ເຊງເປນການນຳສະເໜວຖຊວດຊນນະບດຂອງລາວຢາງ

ໜາປະທບໃຈ.

mjP;-q,zksuopadTOURISM

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Meet the Stone Giants Nong Khiaw, the village of sleeping stone

giants. The dramatic wonders of nature make Nong Khiaw a hidden

gem of Northern Laos.

Just a 3-hour drive north from Luang Prabang, or a six to seven hour cruise up

the spectacular Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw never fails to impress, with

its backdrop of imposing limestone mountains,

picturesque river views and a variety of

outdoor activities.

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TOURISM

ພມາເຖງໜອງຂຽວກເຕມໄປດວຍແຮງບນດານໃຈ. ຖະໜນສາຍຫກໃນຕວເມອງຕດຜານແມນຳເຮດໃຫແນມເຫນພຜາທໂດດເດນສະຫງາຢດານ ຂາງແມນຳອນຄດລຽວແລະປາທຂຽວອດມສມບນ.ມນເປນສະຖານ ທໆທານຮສກໂດຍທນທວາຢາກຈະພກເຊາເພອຜອນຄາຍ ແລະ ດດດມທວທດອນຈບໃຈ.

ກດຈະກຳອນຫາກຫາຍເຊນ:ການຍາງປາ,ທຽວຊມຖຳ,ປນຜາ,ຂເຮອກາຢກ ແລະ ຂລດຖບ ມບລການທງພາຍໃນ ແລະ ເຂດໃກຄຽງໜອງຂຽວ.ທານສາມາດສອບຖາມຂມນນຳຫອງການທອງທຽວທທາເຮອຫເຄາເຕສະໜອງຂມນຂອງ ກຣນດສໂຄເວຣ ໄດທຣສອດແຄມນຳໜອງຂຽວ.ໃນຕວເມອງກມຮານອາຫານ,ນວດແຜນບຮານແລະບາຈຳນວນຫາຍເພອໃຫບລການທານ.

ໃຊເວລາຂເຮອພຽງໜງຊວໂມງ ກຈະໄປເຖງບານເມອງງອຍທໂດດດຽວແລະ ງຽບສະຫງບ ເຊງບມເສນທາງເຖງ ສະນນຈງບມລດ ບດບງຄວາມງຽບສະຫງບຂອງສະຖານທອນສວຍສດງດງາມແຫງນ. ເວລາຖກກຳນດໂດຍອງໃສການໝນຂອງຕາເວນຂນຫຕກ.ແລະທກສງຈະປດໃຫບລການໃນເວລາ9ຫ10ໂມງ, ໃນຂະນະທສຽງໄກຜໂອກຂນເປນສນຍານອາລນວນໃໝ.

ສງໜງທທານຄວນລອງໃນໄລຍະເວລາພກຜອນຢໜອງຂຽວແມນການນງເທງອຢລະບຽງນອກບງກາໂລແຄມນຳອ, ເພອຊມທວທດອນສວຍສດງດງາມ ແລະ ເຮອທພວມແລນຢາງຊາໆ. ຫງຈາກນນທານກສາມາດຍາງເລາະລຽບຕາມເສນທາງນອຍຜານຜາພາບທຳມະຊາດອນໜາປະທບໃຈ.

There’s no better way to make the journey between Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw than by motorbike. The last 25km after Pakmong are a fantastic ride. The route passes lush green mountains, beautiful rice fields, grazing buffalo and a handful of small towns, which offer a wonderful introduction to life in rural Laos.

Arriving in Nong Khiaw is awe inspiring. The main road in the town crosses the river to reveal vertical limestone rock-faces beside the meandering river and lush forest. It’s the kind of place you instantly feel you could stay a while, just relaxing and enjoy the stunning scenery.

There are ample opportunities for trekking, caving, rock-climbing, kayaking and cycling in and around

Nong Khiaw. Be sure to visit the tourism office on the pier or head to the Green Discovery counter at the

Nong Khiaw Riverside Resort. The town also has a good selection of restaurants, massage and laid-back bars.

Only an hour away by boat is the isolated and sleepy village of Muang Ngoi. There are no roads, so there’s no cars to break the serenity of this beautiful place. Time is marked as it has always been; aligned with the rise and fall of the sun. And everything shuts down by nine or ten, until the noisy roosters mark the start of a new day. If there’s anything you wouldn’t want to miss in Muang Ngoi, it’s sitting in a hammock outside one of the many riverside bungalows, watching the spectacular scenery and slow-moving boats. Then you can walk along one of the easy tracks that weave there way through the dramatic landscape.

Useful links:

www.nongkiau.comwww.saangtours.comwww.greendiscoverylaos.com

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ເມອງງອຍກສະໜອງກດຈະກຳອນຫາກຫາຍຄາຍຄກນກບໜອງຂຽວເຊງປະກອບມ: ການຍາງປາ, ຂເຮອຊມທວທດ,ທຽວຊມຖຳ,ຕງແຄມ ແລະ ຂເຮອກາຢກ,ທກສງທກາວມານນເປນວທທດທສດໃນການດດດມຄວາມງາມທາງທຳມະຊາດຈາກເຂດດງກາວ. ທານສາມາດໃຊບລການຂເຮອຫາປາຕາມແບບປະຖມປະຖານຂອງຄນຫາປາໃນທອງຖນ, ແລະ ຫງຈາກນນທານກຈະໄດລອງຊມລດຊາດປາປງທທານຫາໄດເທງດອນໃດໜງທໃກຄຽງ.

ພວກເຮາຍາງໄປບານໜງໃນບນດາໝບານທຢຫາງໄກສອກຫກ ແລະ ກຄນພບຖຳຈຳນວນໜງໃນເຂດນນ. ມນເປນວນ ພກຜອນທເຕມໄປດວຍຄວາມງດງາມ.

ເມອງງອຍເປນສະຖານທໆທານຈະຕອງຮສກເສຍໃຈໃນຍາມຈາກ ແລະ ກບຮວາເມອໃດທານຈະໄດກບຄນໄປຢຽມ ຢາມອກ.

Muang Ngoi offers a similar range of activities as Nong Khiaw, including trekking, boating, caving, camping and kayaking, all of which are a great way to get the most out of the area’s natural beauty. You can also go on a fishing trip to master the traditional methods used by local fishermen, then enjoy your catch with a BBQ on one of the nearby islands.

we walked to one of the remote villages and discovered a few of the many caves in the area. A lovely day out. Muang Ngoi is the kind of place you are always sad to leave and know you have to come back.

Scouring SiphandonBy Bernie Rosenbloom

In 1866, French Commander Ernest Doudart de Lagree and his first officer, Francis Garnier, depart-ed Saigon with a crew of 20, and set sail to explore the Mekong. Their mission: steam to the fabled

riches of China and firm up France’s Southeast Asian colonial foothold.

The raging rapids flanking Champasak’s Don Khone Island ended their boat ride, but not France’s colonial aspirations. They realised the strategic value of Don Khone, as it sidestepped the impass-

able torrent. Control Don Khone and Siphandon (4,000 Islands), and the Mekong is yours.

I realised that without Siphandon’s back story, my visit would boil down to pondering a pair of 100-year-old rusty locomotives, spotting Irrawaddy river dolphins, and watching water race over

rocks. Surely thousands of islands offer more than that.

Once again, Rik Ponne and Jim Johnston at the Asian Development Bank’s Sus-tainable Tourism Development Project (STDP-Laos) opened their library

and presented the plan to brighten Siphandon’s flash on travellers’ radar screens.

ທອງທຽວເຈາະເລກສພນດອນໃນປ1866,ຜບນຊາການທະຫານຝຣງທານແອກເນສດດາກເດລາກຣແລະຜຮອງຂອງເພນທານຟຣອງຊດກາກນເອໄດອອກເດນທາງຈາກເມອງໄຊງອນພອມດວຍລກນອງຈຳນວນ20ຄນໂດຍໄດອອກເດນເຮອສຳຫວດ ລຳແມນຳຂອງ.ໜາທຂອງເຂາເຈາແມນເດນທາງຂນຕາມແມນຳໄປຍງປະເທດຈນດນແດນແຫງຕຳນານອນອ ດມຮງມແລະເພອເປນການຮບປະກນຮດແໜນທໝນຫວເມອງຂນຂອງຝຣງໃນຂງເຂດອາຊອາຄະເນ.

ກະແສນຳທໄຫແຮງໃກກບເຂດດອນຄອນແຂວງຈຳປາສກໄດຢດການເດນເຮອຂອງເຂາເຈາ,ແຕບສາມາດຢດ ຄວາມຫວງໃນການຂະຫຍາຍເມອງຂນຂອງຝຣງໄດ.ເຂາເຈາຮບຮເຖງຄນຄາທາງຍດທະສາດຂອງດອນຄອນ ເນອງຈາກວາເຂາເຈາຖກທາງກະແສນຳທບສາມາດຜານໄດ.ຖາຄມດອນຄອນແລະສພນດອນໄດ(4000ດອນ)ແລະແມນຳຂອງຈະເປນຂອງທານ.

ຂາພະເຈາຮບຮດວາຖາບມປະຫວດພມຫງຂອງສພນດອນ,ການເດນທາງຂອງຂາພະເຈາກຈະມພຽງແຕການ ຊມຫວລດໄຟອາຍນຳເກາອາຍ100ປ,ເບງປາຄານຳຈດແລະຊມກະແສນຳທໄຫແຂງກນຜານໂງນຫນ. ແນນອນສພນດອນມຫາຍກວານນ.

ອກເທອໜງທທານລກພອນແລະທານຈມຈອນສະຕນຊຽວຊານໂຄງການພດທະນາການທອງທຽວແບບ ຍນຍງຂອງທະນາຄານພດທະນາອາຊ(STDP-Lao)ໄດເປດຫອງສະໝດແລະນຳສະເໜແຜນໃນການດງດດ ຄວາມສນໃຈຂອງນກທອງທຽວໃຫກບສພນດອນ.

ທອງທຽວດອນໂຂງດອນໂຂງຄວາມເປນສະຖານທໆຕອງທຽວຊມຢາງຖາວອນໃນແຜນການເດນທາງທອງທຽວສພນດອນແທນທຈະມສະຖານະທຖກເບງຂາມ,ສະນນໂຄງການSTDPຈງນຳສະເໜສງທໜາສນໃຈໃນດອນໂຂງໃຫຮບຮກອນ.

ຫງຈາກເດນທາງດວຍລດຈກໃນໄລຍະທາງ130ກໂລແມດເທງເສນທາງເລກ13ໃຕຈາກປາກເຊ,ປາຍ“ບານຫາດຊາຍຄນ”ບອກໃຫລຽວຂວໄປຫາເຮອນຳທຽວແມນຳຂອງ-ຂວທພວມໄດຮບການກສາງ-ຫາ ດອນໂຂງແລະເທດສະບານເມອງໂຂງໃນປະຈບນແລະເຄຍເປນຖານຂອງການບລຫານພາກໃຕຂອງລາວໃນສະໄໝເມອງຂນຝຣງ.

ພວກເຮາຍດທສນຂມນຂາວສານການທອງທຽວທສະໜບສະໜນໂດຍໂຄງການSTDPແລະບານຊງ ຝຣງຂອງເຈາເມອງກອາໄພ,ເຊງຖກສາງຂນໃນປ1935ແລະໄດຮບບລະນະຈາກການຊວຍເຫອຂອງໂຄງການໃຫກາຍເປນຫພພຕະພນຂອງເມອງໂຂງ.ສນທອງທຽວແນະນຳໃຫຍດຊມ10ຈດ,ລດສະໝ30ກໂລແມດເຂດພາກໃຕເຊງເລມຈາກການສະແດງລະຄອນສດຢບານຫນສວ.ຊາວກະສກອນຜສງໄວອວອອຍເພອ ກນກອງເອານຳຫວານເພອມາຂຽວເປນນຳອອຍແຜນ.

ຫນແກະສະຫກໃນສະໄໝຂະເໝນ,ເຊງຢງຢາຍຕາມຖານຂອງວດພພະພດທະຮບເຂາແກວເຮດໃຫຂາພະເຈາຈຳ ຕອງເລາະທຽວຊມ,ໃນຂະນະທບນຍາກາດການຂບເຂອນແບບຊາໆຢອອມຕາມຮານອາຫານແຄມນຳໃນເມອງ ແສນເຮດໃຫພວກເຮາທກຄນຕອງຢດຄຳເວາທວາ“ໄປຕໄດແລວ”

22

TOURISM

www.setthapalace.comE-mail: [email protected]

6 Pang Kham Street, Vientiane, Lao PDR

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

A Belmont International Hotel

Colonial Charm,Luxurious EleganceLapping Don Khong Don Khong deserves a permanent slot in Siphandon itineraries rather than “often overlooked” status, so the STDP brought its highlights to the fore.

After a 130-km motorbike ride on Route 13 south from Pakse, a sign, “Ban Hat Xay Khoun”, signalled a right turn to the Mekong ferry – bridge under construction – to Don Khong Island and Khong Town, today’s district capital and colonial France’s southern Lao adminis-trative base.

we stopped at the STDP-supported Tour-ist Information Centre and Governor Kou Abhay’s French colonial house, built in 1935 and restored with STDP’s help into the Khong District Museum.

The visitor centre suggested a 10-stop, 30-km “Southern Loop”, which turned up a circus act in Ban Hinsiew. An older farmer scaled a limb-less sugar palm tree to extract fruit juice, which he steamed into sugar cakes called nam oy.

The Khmer-era rock carvings, scattered at the base of 14th-century Vat Phou Khao Keo’s stupa, caught me off guard, while the slow-pace surrounding our riverside restaurant seats in Meuang Saen kept everyone from saying, “Let’s go.”

Don’t missed to supportProducts of villager

23

ໜງຜະລດຕະພນທຕອງຊມຢາລມແວະຊຂອງຕອນຈາກຊາວບານ

Stemp 5x5cm Stemp 5x5cm

ບານຫນສວ, ເມອງໂຂງ, ແຂວງຈຳປາສກBan Hinsiew, Khong District, Champasak Province

Product of Laos

ເກບຮກສາໄວບອນເຢນແລະແຫງ Store in a cool, dry placeMFD. NET WT. g

Palm SugarKhong Island

Pure & Natural

ສດ ແລະ ທຳມະຊາດດອນໂຂງ

ບານຫນສວ, ເມອງໂຂງ, ແຂວງຈຳປາສກBan Hinsiew, Khong District, Champasak Province

Product of Laos

ເກບຮກສາໄວບອນເຢນແລະແຫງ Store in a cool, dry placeMFD. NET WT. g

Palm SugarKhong Island

Pure & Natural

ສດ ແລະ ທຳມະຊາດດອນໂຂງ

ທຽວຊມດອນຄອນປະມານ14ກໂລແມດລງທາງໃຕຕາມເສນທາງເລກ13,ສນຂມນທອງທຽວນາກະສງ

ນຳສະເໜດອນຄອນແລະດອນເດດເປນພາສາອງກດແລະພາສາລາວ.

ພວກເຮາໃຊບລການເຮອນຳທຽວເພອຂາມໄປຍງດອນຄອນທຍງຮກສາວຖຊວດດງເດມໄວຢ, ເຖງແມນວາຜເດນທາງໄປມາຈະຢດທບານຫວເດດທມສສນ,ເຊງເປນສະຖານທຝງແມນຳ

ອວດອາງຮອງຮອຍຂວທຽບເຮອອາຍ100ປ,ເຊງເປນການລະບສງທຕງຢທາງໜາ.

ພວກເຮາເດນທາງມາຮອດບານຄອນ,ເຮອນພກແລະຮານອາຫານຈຳນວນໜງບລການອາຫານປະເພດ ປາພອນ,ເຊງເປນປາທມຊສຽງໃນທອງຖນ.ຫງຈາກອາຫານຄຳ,ພວກເຮາໄດທຽວຊມວຖຊວດໃນດອນແລະທຳມະຊາດໃນສະໄໝອະດດເມອງຂນຝຣງ.ເມອຕາເວນຂນພວກເຮາຂເຮອໄປທາງຕາເວນອອກຕາມທາງກນນຳທມຄວາມຍາວ500ແມດສາງຂນໃນປ1903ເພອລຳລຽງໄມສກລງຕາມອມງຮອສມເພອໄປຍງເຄອນຄອນປາສອຍ.ພວກເຮາສາມາດຊມວວອນສວຍງາມຈາກຂວອຢເທງດອນປາສອຍ,ກອນທຈະເດນທາງໄປເບງຄນຫາປາໄຕໄມໄຜກາຍຂາມແກງນຳເພອຢາມຕອນຂອງເຂາເຈາ.ປາເຕມ ກະຕາກໝາຍຄວາມວາຫາໄດຫາຍ.

ກບຄນມາຍງເສນທາງຫກ,ພວກເຮາເດນທາງໄລຍະ2.5ກໂລແມດໄປຍງທາເຮອຫາງຄອນຂອງດອນຄອນເພອດນທາງໄປທາງໃຕ.ຂາພະເຈາຄາດຫວງວາຈະເຫນຫວລດໄຟອາຍນຳໃນສງປກສາງພອມດວຍສລາຈາ ລກປະຫວດຄວາມເປນມາຂອງທາງລດໄຟ,ແຕຊຳພດໄດຮຽນຮຫາຍກວານນ.

ເສາຊມງຂອງຂວສຊນທຖກຖມໄວໃນປະຈບນເຄຍເປນຈດທລດຍກລຳລຽງເຄອງຂອງເຂາອອກຢາງສນລະວນ ເທງແມນຳຂອງໃນອະດດ.ແຕໃນປະຈບນລະບບລດຍກທເຂາໝຽງໄດຖກເກບໄວໃນສາງເກບເຄອງທເຕມໄປ ດວຍຄວາມງຽບສະຫງບ.ອາງເກບນຳຢຮອມພທບໄດໃຊວຽກຫຍງກມແຕຄວາມງຽບສະຫງບເຂາແທນທຄວາມອດມສມບນໃນຊມປ1930.

ວາດສະໜາໄດຜກດນໃຫຫາງຄອນເປນຈດເດນ.ສະພາບການລະຫວາງຝຣງແລະສະຫຍາມກຽວກບແມນຳ ຂອງໄດເພມຂນກາຍເປນການກດກນຂອງດານເດນເຮອຂອງບາງກອກໃນປ1893.ສນທສນຍາຫງຈາກນນກ ເອອຜນປະໂຫຍດແກຝຣງທຕອງການນຳເຮອບນທກປນໃຫຍຜານດອນຄອນ.ນາວາໂທຈອດຊມງ,ເຊງເປນ ຜບນຊາການທບເຮອໃນເວລານນກໄດສາງທາງລດໄຟໄລຍະ3ກໂລແມດເພອຂາມຜານຫລຜແລະລຳລຽງ ເຮອຈາກດອນຄອນໄປບານຄອນໃຕ.

TOURISM

Exploring Don Khone About 14 km further down Route 13, the Nakasang Tourist Information Centre introduces Don Khone and Don Det in English and Lao.

we booked ferry passage to laidback Ban Khone, though some commuters stopped at the livelier Ban Hua Det, where the river bank boasted the remains of a 100-year-old pier, a hint of what lay ahead.

we arrived at Ban Khone, a cluster of guesthouses and riverside restaurants serving “Pa Phone”, a local fish specialty. Over dinner, we mapped out a tour weaving island life and nature into colonial France’s past.

At sunrise, we motored east to the 500-meter-long river barrier, built in 1903 to funnel teak down the Hou Ixom Chan-nel to a diversion dam straddling Khone Pa Soy Rapids. we pondered the marvel from Pa Soy Island’s suspension bridge, before taking a path to fishermen crawling over the rapids on a bamboo matrix to check their traps. Fish-filled buckets revealed a good catch.

Back on the main trail, we ventured 2.5 km to Hang Khone Port on Don Khone’s southern tip. I expected the steam loco-motive in a pavilion with panels presenting the railway’s tale, but got much more.

The concrete bones of an abandoned four-storey pier, from where gantry cranes once loaded freight, hung hauntingly over the Mekong. A rusted pulley system climbed up the bank to a now-silent motor room. A retired hillside reservoir quietly looked down on a ghost town that had thrived through the 1930s.

26

TOURISM

ແຕວາລກນອງຂອງນາວາໂທຊມງບສາມາດລຳລຽງເຮອຂນບກໄດ,ສະນນເພນຈງປຽນເສນທາງລດໄຟໄປຫາງຄອນໃນປ1894ແລະ ດງຫາມລວງນຳໄປຍງສະຖານທລຖາຂນສງແລະຫງຈາກນນກໃຊເວ ລາຢສາມຊວໂມງເພອເຮດໃຫແຮງດນນຳມກຳລງອອນລງ.

ຂອຍຢນເບງສງທຍງຄງຫງເຫອຢໃນຂະນະທມຄນມາບອກວາ:ເຖງ ເວລາຂນເຮອເພອເດນທາງໄປເບງປາຄານຳຈດທໃກສນພນ.

ເຖງແມນວາຈະເຕມໄປດວຍຄວາມງຽບສະຫງບ,ແມນຳທແຄບແລະເຕມໄປດວຍຝງປາຈາກຫາງຄອນໄດຢດຕການເດນທາງຕໄປທາງ ຕນນຳ,ມນໄດສະໜອງພມລຳເນາອນຫາຍາກເຊງເປນບອນອາໄສຂອງປາຄານຳຂອງຈຳນວນໜງ.

ພວກເຮາເຂາໃກຊາຍແດນກຳປເຈຍເນອງຈາກວານຳມາກໃນລະດ ຝນໄດພດພາເອາປາຄາໄປຍງຝງຕາເວນຕກຂອງແມນຳ.ກວດສາຍ ຕາແນມເບງໜານຳໃກໆກບດອນນອຍແລະມນກປຽບເໝອນສນ ຍານປາຄາໄດໂຜຫວອອກຈາກນຳແລະລຳໂຕສຟາເທາກພນເໜອ ໜານຳເນອງຈາກວາປາຄາອອກມາຫາຍໃຈຢາງເຊອງຊາ.

ພາບຂອງໂຄງທາທຽບເຮອໄດສອດແຊກຈາກທວທດອນຂຽວສດງດ ງາມຂອງຫາງຄອນໃນວນທພວກເຮາເດນທາງກບເຊງເປນການຈຳ ລອງມະໂນພາບນກທອງທຽວໃນສະໄໝໄທທານກແລະສນຄາຖກ ສງໄປຍງລດໄຟຂນສງແລະຂນສງທາງນຳໄປຍງສະຫວນນະເຂດ,ວຽງຈນແລະຫວງພະບາງ.

ເສນທາງຂອງພວກເຮາສບຕໄປຍງຫລຜ,ໂງນຫນແລະສາຍນຳສຂາວພດເຂາສຝງເມອງຂນຝຣງແລະພວກເຮາກຢດພກຊມຮອງຮອຍສງປກສາງຈາກສະໄໝຂະເໝນທວດຄອນໃຕ.

Fate propelled Hang Khone into the spotlight. French and Siamese tensions over the Mekong escalated into an 1893 naval blockade of Bangkok. The resulting treaty favoured France, who needed to move gunboats above Don Khone.

Mission leader, Naval Lt Georges Simon, constructed a 3-km railway to bypass Somphamit Falls (Li Phi), and transport ves-sels from Don Khone’s Marguerite Bay to Ban Khone Tai.

But, Lt Simon’s crew could not hoist the boats ashore, so he rerouted the rails to Hang Khone in 1894, and pulled the two-piece “Ham Luong” to an awaiting carriage and three-hour push to calm upriver waters.

I stood gawking at the relics, when someone snapped me from my daze. It was time to board a boat to spot the endan-gered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Though the small stretch of quiet, shallow, fish-filled waters off Hang Khone terminated upriver steamboat trips, it offers a rare habitat harbouring a handful of the Mekong’s 80-some “snub-fin dolphins”

we puttered to Cambodia, as the swelled rainy-season river sends dolphins to the western banks. Eyes scanned the surface near a shrubby island, and as if on cue, the dolphins’ bulging foreheads and blue-gray bodies broke the surface, as they lazily came up for air.

The view of the enormous skeletal pier interrupting Hang Khone’s greenery on our return conjured images of Titanic-era tourists and cargo transferring to the shuttle train and ships bound for Savannakhet, Vientiane, and Luang Prabang.

VientianeSalana Boutique HotelDesigned to impress even the most discerning guests, this charming bou-tique hotel is centrally located in Vientiane, placing you in the centre of all the hustle and bustle the city has to offer. www. salanaboutique.com

AV Hotel Guestrooms at AV come with modern décor and dark wood furnishings. All rooms are well-equipped with a refrigerator and en suite bathroom with hot shower facilities.www.avhotel.info

Don Chan Palace hotelDon Chan Palace is the first ever international five star hotel in the capital of Laos. It is strategically lo-cated along the infamous Mekong River and within easy reach to the major cultural sites and ancient temples.www.donchanpalacelaopdr.com

Le Leela HotelA newly opened hotel, this exclusive property is located in the heart of the city, right in Vientiane. Just a couple minutes away from wat Piawat, wat Simuang, and the Melong River, it is a perfect place for a brilliant educational and cultural experience. www. leleela.com

Luang PrabangLe Bel Air HotelThis boutique resort in Luang Prabang is perfect for a comfortable stay in tranquil rural Laos. A newly opened hotel, its ten guestrooms with beautiful river views are decorated with local products: pre-cious woods, natural silk and traditional Laotian hangings.www.lebelairhotels.com

Kiridara Hotel The 24 room boutique hotel scaled on a hillside and surrounded by native teak forests, offers panoramic views of Mount Phou Si, with easy access to central Luang Prabang. Designed to take full advantage of the magnificent Mount Phou Si views, Kiridara guest rooms offer spacious interiors that spill out into external terraces, balconies and courtyards.www. kiridara.com

Villa deux rivièresLocated in the heart of Luang Prabang this unique boutique hotel is situated in the centre of the UNESCO world Heritage area, with the main his-torical places of interest and attractions within walking distance. The hotel offers you 17 comfort-able rooms, spread out over 5, two storey, low rise buildings, set around a small garden. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Lao style, yet equipped with all modern facilities.www.villadeuxrivieres.com

Satri House HotelThis beautiful, refurbished property is the most exquisite places in this ancient city. Located in the heart of the city, the whole interior is designed with a style inspired by Lao culture, set in a serene ambi-ence. All the rooms of this hotel are fully equipped with modern amenities, providing utmost comfort to all guests. Relax at the balcony while watching the everyday’s life of local people or dip in the out-door pool and spa or even sit back and do some work in the library, pro-vided with internet connectivity. Guests should not miss to sample food at the onsite restaurant or chill at the garden bar for few drinks.www.satrihouse.com

ACCOMMODATION ADVISOR

www.ChampaMag.com*Get offer from hotels in our website

we can guide you more

STDP-Laos has established three boating tours based in Hang

Khone. A one-day “Dolphins and Rapids Tour” spots the “Darling of

the Mekong”, and travels to Don Sadam Island, Hu Sahong Channel,

rapids, and Tham Ee Daeng Canyon.

The two-day “Island Hopping Tour” sails to Don Sahong Island, treks

along Hu Xang Pheuak Channel to waterfalls, boats to Kassoum and

Yuak Islands, and overnights at a Ban Hang Khone homestay. The

three-day option includes a second homestay and trek to Khmer-era

temple ruins.

To book a tour, contact the Nakasang visitor center staff.

we can guide you morewww.ChampaMag.com

For more information, go to “Visitor Information” at

www.stdplaos.com’s Web-based Knowledge Centre.

28

ບານຄອນໃຕກມບດຮຽນທາງປະຫວດສາດໄວໃຫຮຽນຮເຊນກນ.ໃນປ1910,ໄດສາງຂວ13ເສາຂາມຮເບຫານຊນໄປດອນເດດພອມໆກບການປບປງຫາງຄອນແລະນອກນຍງສາງທາທຽບເຮອທພວກຂເຮອຜານເມອກອນນ.ສາລາບານຄອນໃຕເປນບອນເກບມຽນຫວລດໄຟປ1929ແລະສລາຈາລກປະຫວດຂອງດອນຄອນເປນພາສາອງກດແລະພາສາລາວ.

ການເດນທາງໄປສພນດອນຂອງພວກເຮາສນສດທຕາດຄອນພະເພງ.ມນເປນນຳຕກທມແຮງອນມະຫາສານແຕກພດຜານກະທບໄປທກທາງຄາຍກບຟອງຍກຊນາມທບມຈດຈບພດຜານໂງນຫນຜາສງຊນຕກລງເປນຟອງ,ກະທບເປນແຮງສນສະເທອນພນດນ,ຄາຍຄກບສະໄໝຝຣງມາເຖງແຜນດນລາວ.

Our route continued to Somphamit waterfalls, the boulder-filled, white-water thorn in colonial France’s side, and stopped to see Khmer-era relics at Vat Khone Tai.

Ban Khone Tai provided another history lesson. In 1910, along with Hang Khone upgrades, the French built the still-viable 13-arch bridge across Hou Béhanzin to Don Det, extended the rails to Ban Det, and constructed the pier we passed the day be-fore. A Ban Khone Tai pavilion shelters a 1929 locomotive and panels revealing Don Khone’s past in English and Lao.

Our Siphandon excursion ended at the Khone Phapheng waterfalls. This hydro-won-der explodes over a wide fault line like an unending tsunami, rumbling over massive boulder-filled drop-offs with a foaming, ground-shaking force, just like it did when the French arrived.


by i n sm a i

Vang ViengInthira Vang ViengEach of the boutique style guestrooms is designed with modern fittings and feature offers a roof top terrace with a view of the famous limestone moun-tains which line the Nam Song River. To top its list of facilities, access to the swimming pool of Ban Sabai Bungalow is only a 100 meters away.www.inthirahotels.com

The Elephant Crossing HotelLocated in Vang Vieng this hotel is conveniently close to many of the city’s most historic and famous Bud-dhist temples. The hotel of-fers 40 comfortable guest rooms with modern ameni-ties including TV with satel-lite channels, air condition-ing and a mini bar. The The Elephant Crossing Hotel also organizes scenic boat trips up and down the river thanks to its attached jetty. The hotel also hous-es a delicious restaurant that serves delicious local delicacies and there are also a number of food stall dotted around d the area for guests to try. www.theelephantcrossinghotel.com

Nam Lik Eco-villageLovers and specialists of Nature, travelers and sports or relaxation addicts will all find in Nam Lik a dream place to enjoy their leisure. The resort has been de-signed as a still and harmonious place to fit in the wild landscape as well as a human project linked to the village, Ban That wang Monh. www.namlik.com

NorthNong Khiaw RiversideLarge and comfortable wooden bungalows on stilts with breathtaking riv-er view. warm welcome by Eskil the Danish owner and his friendly team. Excellent home made food. The place to stay.www.nongkiau.com

Auberge Phouphadend - PhonsavanA delightful little resort on a hilltop in the countryside near Phonsavan, the base for exploring the famous ‘Plain of Jars’. Fifteen com-fortable wooden bunga-lows are spread through the forest cover of pine and fern trees.

Charming Lao Hotel The Charming Lao Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests to Oudomxai. All rooms and suites are fully equipped with modern facilities. Best choice in town.www.charminglaohotel.com

The Boat LandingThe premier ecotourism lodge in Luang Namtha with access to the Nam Ha Protected Area. The bunga-lows are constructed with local materials in a local Lao style adapted for your com-fort and pleasure. www.theboatlanding.com

SouthKhone Phapheng Resort - ChampassakThe Resort is secluded in 32 acres of lush green forestry and built alongside the Majestic Mekong River. Khonephapheng Resort is situated approximately 148 kilometers south of Pakse and only 2 kilometers to the famous Khonephapheng waterfall- otherwise known as the Pearl of the Mekong. Each bungalow is built with a private terrace and offers a spectacular view of the Beautiful Mekong River.www.khonephaphengresort.com

The river Resort - ChampassakThis newly opened riverside resort in Champasak offers 20 confortable guest rooms that have stun-ning panoramic views of the Mekong River from their large riverfront terraces. Swimming pool overlook-ing the river, laotian mas-sage pavilion, charming staff. A beautiful retreat.www.theriverresortlaos.com

La Folie Laos - Done DaengLocated on Dong Daeng Island, on the banks of the Mekong River in southern Laos, where exceptional natural beauty and unspoilt charm combine with areas of significant cultural inter-est, La Folie Lodge sits on a secluded beach facing the ruined Khmer temples of wat Phou. www.lafolie-laos.com

*Get offer from hotels in our website

ACCOMMODATION ADVISOR

30

Tucked behind the Mekong River north of Loei and west of Nong Khai, Chiang Khan is the ideal

destination for a romantic getaway. The day before we left, I called Europcar who immediately provided a car, as well as a skilled and professional driver.

After crossing into Thailand, we headed west for around 200km along a spectacular road beside the Mekong. Luckily, our driver was incredibly patient and allowed us to make numerous stops along the way. After three hours of beautiful scenery, we arrived in Chiang Khan, a beautiful old town that was considered off the beaten track until quite recently.

Chiang Khan offers the same beautiful scenery and slow pace of life as many other towns along the Mekong. It’s long list of secluded accommodation options and a few sights make it a great place to sit back and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Eastern Thailand.

MAKING TRACK

ຕງຢດານຫງຂອງແມນຳຂອງທາງພາກເໜອຂອງຈງຫວດເລຍແລະທາງຕາເວນຕກຂອງໜອງຄາຍ,ເມອງຊຽງຄານເປນປາຍທາງທຊວນໃຫຫງໄຫສຳລບການພກຜອນພອມດວຍຄຮກ,ສະຫງບແລະສວຍສດງດງາມ.ມກອນໜາທພວກເຮາອອກເດນທາງ,ຂາພະເຈາໄດໂທຫາບລສດລດເຊາຢໂຣຄາ ເຊງໄດຕກລງໃຫເຊາລດພອມທງພະນກງານຂບລດທມທກສະແລະປະສບການໂດຍທນທ.

ຫງຈາກທຂາມໄປຝງໄທ, ພວກເຮາໄດເດນທາງໄປທາງທດຕາເວນຕກປະມານ 200 ກໂລແມດ ຕາມເສນທາງລຽບແຄມຂອງທມທວທດສວຍງາມປະທບໃຈ. ໂຊກດ, ທພະນກງານຂບລດເປນຄນໃຈເຢນຫາຍ ແລະກອະນຍາດໃຫພວກເຮາຈອດຫາຍໆຄງຕາມເສນທາງ.ຫງຈາກໄດຊມທວທດອນຊວນຫງໄຫເປນເວລາສາມຊວໂມງ, ພວກເຮາກມາເຖງຊຽງຄານ,ເມອງເກາທເຕມໄປດວຍຄວາມງາມເຊງຫາກເປນທຮບຮຫວາງບດນມານ.

ຊຽງຄານມທວທດທສວຍງາມແລະມຈງຫວະການດຳລງຊວດທເຊອງຊາແລະລຽບງາຍຄກບຫາຍເມອງທຕງຢລຽບແຄມແມນຳຂອງ. ມທາງເລອກທຫາກຫາຍດານສະຖານທພກເຊາແລະຍອນສະຖານທທອງທຽວທໂດດ

ເມອງຊຽງຄານ, ຈງວດເລຍDestination Chiang Khan

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oUR PICKເຮອນພກສເນຕານແມນເຮອນພກທສາງໂດຍໄມແລະມຄວາມງດງາມມທງໝດ10ຫອງນອນພອມດວຍອປະກອນແລະການຕບແຕງຢາງມລດນຍມ.ໂດຍຕງຢສະຖານທໆສະດວກສະບາຍ,ການບລການແລະສງອຳນວຍຄວາມສະດວກທຫາກຫາຍກມໄວສະໜອງ.ຫອງພກທດສດກມວວແມນຳຂອງອນເປນເລດ.

There are plenty of walking opportunities around Chiang Khan. One of the most rewarding is a pleasant stroll between Ban Paben and Ban Umung, a village that seems lost in time and home to a Buddha foot print, a large cave, superb mountain scenery and friendly people.

Two of Thailand’s best National Parks are also only a short distance from Chiang Khan: Phu Kradung and Phu Reua, as well as the lesser known but equally beautiful Phu Suan Sai (also known as Na Haeo National Park). There are also many spectacular waterfalls, as well as the Phu Luang wildlife Reserve along the Thai-Lao border.

ເດນເຮດໃຫເມອງນເປນຈດທດເລດສຳລບການຫວນຄນເວລາແລະດດດມບນຍາກາດຢອນຍກໃນພາກຕາເວນອອກສຽງເໜອຂອງປະເທດໄທ.

ຜຢຽມຢາມສາມາດຍາງອອມຕວເມອງຊຽງຄານໄດຢາງສະດວກສະບາຍ.ການຍາງທໜາປະທບໃຈ ແລະ ຜອນຄາຍທສດແມນໄລຍະແຕບານຜາແບນຫາອມງ, ເຊງເປນບານໜງທຍງຮກສາໄວເຊງທຳນຽມປະເພນປະຕບດຕາມວຖດງເດມແລະກເປນສະຖານທໆມຮອຍຕນພະບາດ,ຖຳທກວາງໃຫຍ,ທວທດພເຂາອນສວຍງາມແລະຜຄນທເປນມດ.

ປາສະຫງວນແຫງຊາດສອງແຫງໃນບນດາເຂດອະນລກທດສດຂອງໄທກຢບໄກຈາກເມອງຊຽງຄານພປານໃດເຊນ: ພກະດງ ແລະ ພເຮອ ນອກນຍງມສະຖານທອນທມຄວາມງດງາມບຕາງກນແຕອາດມຊສຽງນອຍກວາ

Suneta GuesthouseThis lovely wooden guesthouse has 10

rooms fully equipped and tastefully decorated. Along with its convenient

location, it offers a wide range of services and facilities. The best rooms have great

river views.

Destination Chiang Khan

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ພເສດສດໆ…. ‘’ຂຂອບໃຈຜສະໜບສະໜນໃຈດ

ຂອງພວກເຮາ ຢໂຣບຄາ ທຄຽງຄໄປກບ ພວກເຮາທກບອນ”

In Chiang Khan, visitors are reminded of the strong historical and cultural ties between Eastern Thailand and Laos, particularly the characteristically Lao style of many of the temples, which closely resemble those found in Northern Laos. Among the most interesting are wat Pa Klang and wat Mahathat . Otherwise just watching the tranquil flow of the Mekong from the balcony of one of Chiang Khan’s charming wooden guesthouses is hard to beat.

MAKING TRACK

ເຊນພສວນໄຊ (ຫຮຈກກນໃນນາມປາສະຫງວນແຫງຊາດນາແຫວ).ນອກນຍງມນຳຕກທສະຫງາງາມພອມທງເຂດສະຫງວນສດປາພຫວງທຕງຢຕາມຊາຍແດນໄທ-ລາວ.

ໃນຕວເມອງຊຽງຄານ,ນກທອງທຽວວາດມະໂນພາບຄນໄດເຖງສາຍພວພນດານປະຫວດສາດແລະວດທະນະທຳລະຫວາງພາກຕາເວນອອກສຽງເໜອຂອງໄທແລະລາວ,ໂດຍສະເພາະແມນວດວາອາຮາມທມຊງລາວຈຳນວນຫາຍ,ເຊງເບງໂດຍລວມແລວກຄາຍຄກບບນດາວດທສາມາດພບເຫນໄດທາງພາກເໜອຂອງລາວ.ໃນບນດາວດທໜາສນໃຈທສດແມນວດປາກາງແລະວດມະຫາທາດ.ນອກຈາກນນທານສາມາດຊມແມນຳຂອງໄຫຢາງມດງຽບຈາກເທງລະບຽງຂອງເຮອນພກທເຮດດວຍໄມເຕມໄປດວຍມນສະເໜເຊງເປນສງທຈະລມໄດຍາກ.

Special thanks to Europecar for getting

us there safely

Y AND DRIVEFFLY AND DRIVELY AND DRIVELY AND DRIVELY AND DRIVELY AND DRIVELLLY AND DRIVELFF

Europcar Laos guarantees Lao Airline passengers exclusive car rental deals. Save 10% on your vehicle rental upon presentation of your boarding pass*

Visit our station and discover the inner beauty of Laos by car.Asia Vehicle Rental Co,Ltd (Europcar Laos)Samsenthai Road, Vientiane Lao PDRTel: 021 223 867, Email: [email protected]*Offer limited to 15 days after boarder pass departure date

www.europcarlaos.com

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ເມອງເກາຂອງກຳປເຈຍເປນສະຖານທປະດດສະຖານມລະດກທາງປະຫວດສາດທຍງໃຫຍຂອງກຳປເຈຍ.ແລະຍອນມນສະເໜທຖກເຊອງຊອນໄວຫາຍຢາງນນ,ມນໄດກາຍເປນສະຖານທດດດມມລະດກທາງວດທະນະທຳອນລາຄາຂອງປະເທດ.

ອງກມລະດກອນຍາມະນຂອງກຳປເຈຍ

The ancient Khmer city of Angkor is home to many of Cambodia’s greatest historical treasures. And with it’s many hidden charms, it’s a great place to experience the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Angkor: Cambodia’s Heritage Treasure

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A lost city surrounded by jungle and a renowned world heritage site; most visitors to Southeast Asia have envisaged the dream of witnessing that iconic silhouette of Angkor wat, illuminated by a fiery sunrise. Angkor was the capital of the Khmer Empire from 9th to 14th century. For many, the city’s charm comes from the many unsolved mysteries of the civilization who built it, as well as its proximity to the surrounding jungle. It is also impossible not to be struck by the gigantic banyan roots which are growing in and amongst the ruins.

At the hight of Khmer power, Angkor was the star of its time, a God-King whose splendor was famed in every corner of the empire.

with so many incredible carvings and enormous facades, depicting everything from the mundane happenings of daily life, to some of the most epic battles of the time, Angkor is like an open book left behind by master-craftsman thousands of years ago. The walls of many of the buildings are like a visual encyclopedia into life in the Khmer Empire. And it comes in several hundred volumes.

ເມອງທຖກເຊອງຊອນແລະໂອບອອມດວຍປາໄມອນຕບໜາແລະສະຖານທມລະດກໂລກທມຊສຽງນນ:ນກທອງທຽວສວນຫາຍທເດນທາງມາຢຽມຢາມອາຊອາຄະເນລວນແລວແຕຝນທຈະໄດປະຈກຕາກບຮບຊງອນໂດດເດນຂອງວດອງກເຊງເປງປະກາຍໂດຍແສງພະອາທດຂນອນແຮງກາ.

ອງກເປນເມອງຫວງຂອງອານາຈກຂະເໝນແຕສດຕະວດທ9ຫາ14.ສຳລບຫາຍໆທານແລວ,ມນສະເໜຂອງຕວເມອງແມນມາຈາກປດສະໜາຫາຍຢາງທຫາຄຳຕອບບໄດຂອງຄວາມສວໄລທໄດສາງມນຂນມາແລະການມທຕງຢໃກປາໃຫຍທຢອອມນນ.ນອກນນ,ມນເປນໄປບໄດທຈະບຕະລງໄປກບຮາກຕນໂພທປງຂນຕາມບອນທແຕກຫກຂອງສງກສາງ.

ໃນສະໄໝຂະເໝນຮງເຮອງອຳນາດ,ອງກກເປນເມອງເອກໃນສະໄໝນນ,ພະເຈາຊວດເຊງຄວາມຍງໃຫຍຂອງພະອງນນກຖກຈາລກໄວໃນທກໆມມຂອງອານາຈກ.

ໂດຍມການຄວດຢາງໜາອດສະຈນໃຈແລະສໜາອນກວາງໃຫຍ,ອະທບາຍທກສງຕງແຕສງທເກດຂນໃນວຖຊວດປະຈຳວນຈນເຖງການຫວນຄນປະຫວດສາດການຕສທຍງໃຫຍໃນສະໄໝນນ,ວດອງກກປຽບເໝອນປມທເປດປະໄວເບອງຫງໂດຍນາຍຊາງແກສະຫກເປນເວລາຫາຍພນປມາແລວ.ຝາຂອງສງກສາງຫາຍຫງກປຽບເໝອນວດຈະນານກມທສາມາດມອງເຫນໄດເຖງວຖຊວດຂອງອານາຈກຂະເໝນແລະມນກມຫາຍໆເຫມ.

ໃນດນແດນຂອງພະພດທະເຈາຫາຍອງທແຂງຂນກນ,ງໃຫຍທະເລ,ສນຍາລກທສະແດງເຖງຄວາມແຂງແຮງທໜາປະຫາດແລະແປວໄຟອນແຜດເຜາ,ນກທອງທຽວຜຊອກຮຊອກເຫນໄດເດນທາງເຂາໄປຄນຫາຄວາມສກໃນສະຖານທໆເປນອນຍາມະນແຫງປະຫວດສາດເຊງຫາບອນປຽບໄດຍາກທສດ.ບມສະຖານທໃດໃນກາປເຈຍຈະມສສນເໜອກວາອງກວດ.ຍອນສາເຫດດງກາວ,ເປາໝາຍໃນການກສາງສະຖານທນກຍງຫງເຫອໄວເຖງປະຈບນ.

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ໂຮງແຮມບານອງກສຽມລຽບຍອນໄດແຮງບນດານໃຈຈາກບານບຮານຂອງກຳປເຈຍ,ໂຮງແຮມບານອງກໄດຖກສາງຂນດວຍຈດສຳນກເຖງຮດຄອງປະເພນຂອງຂະເໝນ,ໂດຍນຳໃຊແບບເຮອນໄມບຮານຕງຢບລເວນໜອງນາເຂດຮອນແລະສວນທຂຽວສດຊນ,ຫາງໄກຈາກຕວເມອງທວນວາຍ.

ຫອງນອນແມນປະສມປະສານກນລະຫວາງຄວາມມລດນຍມແລະຄວາມສະດວກສະບາຍໂດຍມລະບຽງທສາມາດເບງເຫນສະລອຍນາອນສວຍງາມຄດລຽວໄປຕາມສວນອນຂຽວສດຊນ.

ພາຍຫງທໄດທຽວຊມວດໜງວນ,ກສາມາດຜອນຄາຍກບບລການສະປາ.ຄນນວດກມຄວາມອອນຊອຍແລະຊຽວຊານທຈະຮສກຜອນຄາຍ.

ສງເຄອງດມທເຮດໃຫສດຊນຈາກບາທຕງຢດານຂາງ,ໃນຂະນະທເບກບານໄປກບລມອອນໆອນບລສດແລະກນຫອມຈາກສວນທຫາກຫາຍ.ນອກນຍງມຮານອາຫານສອງຮານທບລການອາຫານທອງຖນທມຊສຽງ.ທານສາມາດຊມຊບວດທະນະທຳ,ການເຕນແລະອາຫານກຳປເຈຍດວຍການຊມການສະແດງບດຟອນອບສະລາ.

In a land of jostling deities, giant sea snakes, strange phallic symbols and fiery flames, the curious visitor is in for a treat, in what is a historical treasure rivaled by few. Nowhere is the magic of Cambodia more alive than at Angkor. And so the purpose for which it was built lives on.

Angkor Village Hotelwww.angkorvillage.com 37

Inspired by a traditional Cambodian village, the Angkor Village Hotel is built with Khmer tradition in mind, with its quaint wooden houses nestled among tropical ponds and gardens, secluded from the bustle of the town.

Rooms combine style with comfort and come with balconies overlooking a great swimming pool, which meanders through a lush green garden.

After a day visiting the temples, a relaxing spa is more than welcome. Staff are highly professional and expertly trained in the art of making you look and feel wonderful.

Grab a glass of something refreshing at the open sided bar, while enjoying the fresh breeze and many scents of the garden. There are also two restaurants, which offer great local cuisine. You can also immerse yourself in Khmer culture, dance and food with an evening at the “Apsara Theatre”.

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Hot Dishes

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Hot Dishes

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Luang Prabang in Northern Laos has also become renowned for its many gastronomic delights, thanks to a wide selection of excellent restaurants. Among them is the authentic Lao food experience

offered by the Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School. The restaurant is housed in a lovely wooden house in a prime location on the banks of the Nam Khan River. It’s friendly atmosphere, as well as a simple menu of distinctly Lao food created by talented Lao chef Joy, make it a great choice for those looking for a “Taste of Laos”.

A Taste of Laosຫວງພະບາງເປນເມອງໜງຕງຢທາງຕອນເໜອຂອງ ລາວເຊງນອກຈາກຈະມຊສຽງສຳລບມລະດກດານວດ ທະນະທຳທຮງມ,ກຍງມຊສຽງສຳລບຄວາມນຍມຊມ ຊອບດານອາຫານການກນທຫາກຫາຍເນອງຈາກວາ ມຮານອາຫານທດເລດຈຳນວນຫວງຫາຍ.ໜງໃນບນ ດາຮານເລານນແມນຮານອາຫານແລະໂຮງຮຽນປງ ແຕງທຳມາລນ.

ຮານອາຫານນ ໃຫບລການໃນເຮອນໄມທມຄວາມງາມສະເພາະໃນໂຕແລະກຕງຢໃຈກາງເມອງແຄມນຳຄານ.ເປນສະຖານທໆມບນຍາກາດທເປນມດ, ພອມກນນນກບລການອາຫານທມລກສະນະງາຍໆທມເອກະລກຄວາມເປນອາຫານລາວຢາງເດນຊດ ໂດຍມພຄວຈອຍຜທມພອນສະຫວນເປນຜປງແຕງ ເຊງເຮດໃຫຮານນກາຍເປນທາງເລອກອນໂດດເດນ ສຳລບບນດາທານທຕອງການທດລອງຊມລດຊາດແບບລາວໆ.

ມາຮອດລາວ, ຊມອາຫານລາວ

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Tamarind introduces a delicate balance of Lao flavors, a subtle combination of traditional spices and herbs, as well as high quality local produce including fresh fish, meat and vegetables. we started with a sampling platter, a great way to try a range of Lao tastes, followed by a plate of dried buffalo meat. Every dish was explained to us by the attentive and friendly staff. Some of their innovative drinks also proved to be the perfect accompaniment to out culinary adventure, which ended with a cooking lesson. The cooking class began in the local market, where a variety of fresh local products were explained, including many fresh vegetables and herbs, as well as a selection of wonderful meat and fish. The cooking school is located a short distance from the town centre, a lovely open-air pavilion nestled in a stunning lakeside location with beautiful lush gardens. The class is highly informative and hands-on, led by excellent instructors. This was ideal as it really helps Tamarind’s students go away and cook with confidence after returning home

ຮານອາຫານທຳມາລນນຳສະເໜລດຊາດອາຫານລາວໃນລະດບທພດ, ດວຍການປະສມປະສານທພເໝາະລະຫວາງລດຊາດເຜດຕາມສດບຮານແລະພດຜກທເປນສະໝນໄພຄຽງຄກບຜະລດຕະພນທອງຖນທມຄນນະພາບສງເຊນ:ປາສດ,ຊນແລະຜກປອດສານພດ.

ພວກເຮາເລມຕນດວຍການຊມອາຫານຫາຍຢາງ, ເຊງເປນວທດເລດໃນການຊມລດຊາດອາຫານລາວ, ຕດຕາມດວຍຈານເສບຊນຄວາຍແຫງທບ. ອາຫານທກປະເພດໄດຮບການອະທບາຍດວຍຄວາມເອາໃຈໃສຈາກພະນກງານທເຕມໄປດວຍໄມຕຈດມດຕະພາບ. ເຄອງດມທມລກສະນະສາງສນຂອງເຂາເຈາ ບາງປະເພດກເຂາກນດກບອາຫານທບລການໃນໄລຍະທພວກເຮາພວມມວນຊນກບການຊມອາຫານປະເພດຕາງໆເຊງສນສດດວຍການຮຽນປງແຕງ.

ການຮຽນປງແຕງອາຫານເລມຕນທຕະຫາດທອງຖນເຊງພວກເຮາໄດຟງຄຳອະທບາຍກຽວກບ ຜະລດຕະພນສດຈາກທອງຖນ ໃນນນມຜກສດແລະຜກທເປນສະໝນໄພຫາຍປະເພດຮວມທງຊນແລະປາທມຄວາມຫາກຫາຍຢາງໜາອດສະຈນ.

ໂຮງຮຽນປງແຕງຕງຢບໄກຈາກໃຈກາງເມອງພປານໃດ, ເປນສະຖານທໂລງກາງແຈງແຄມໜອງ ມບນຍາກາດທອບອນ ແລະ ສວນອນຂຽວອດມຊມຊນ. ການຮຽນການສອນແມນໄດຖາຍທອດຄວາມຮໃນລະດບສງສດໂດຍອາຈານຜທມພອນສະຫວນອນເປນເລດແລະກເນນໃສພາກປະຕບດຕວຈງ. ພວກເຮາໄດຮບການສດສອນວທປງແຕງອາຫານ 5 ຢາງ ໂດຍບຫຍງຍາກແຕກຖກຕາມວທ ນແມນການສດສອນອນປະເສດ ເພາະມນຈະຊວຍເຮດໃຫນກຮຽນທຮຽນຈບແລວສາມາດປງແຕງອາຫານດວຍຄວາມໝນໃຈເມອເວລາກບບານ.

Hot Dishes

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Our menu was:Jeow Mak Keua (Aubergine Dip), Mok Pa (Fish Steamed in Banana Leaves), Ua Si Khai (Chicken or Tofu Stuffed Lemongrass), Orlarm (Luang Prabang Stew), Sticky Rice & Khao Gam (Purple Sticky Rice with Coconut Sauce).

A few hours later it was the time to sit down and sample what we had cooked.

For the five recipes we cooked,see our website www.chamnpamag.com

ລາຍການ ອາຫານ ທ ພວກ ເຮາ ຮຽນ ປງ ແຕງ ແມນ:ແຈວໝາກເຂອ,ໝກປາ,ອວສໄຄ,ເອາະຫາມ,ສງຂະຫຍາເຂາກຳ.ບພທໃດຊວໂມງຕມາ,ກເຖງເວລານງຊມສງທພວກເຮາໄດປງແຕງ.

ສຳລບລາຍການອາຫານ5ຢາງທພວກເຮາໄດປງແຕງນນທານສາມາດເຂາເບງໄດທເວບໄຊຂອງພວກເຮາwww.chamnpamag.com

RESTAURANT

Full Moon Restaurant: Dongnasok Village (near Donpasak traffic l ight)Tel: 021-520828, Mobile: 02055554341, 020 22225732

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RESTAURANT

Wine Houses in Vientiane

Vientiane has a small number of great wine houses offering an ideal combination of atmosphere and wine expertise. Here are some of our favourites.

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wINE 95wine 95 is a newly opened, upmarket and contemporary wine bar where great wines and a social atmosphere merge effortlessly together. In addition to their selection of fifty internationally renowned favourites, every 2 weeks there’s a new selection set to a unique theme. And there’s a Jazz piano con-cert every Thursday evening.

Setthathirath road

GECKO wINE BARThis rustic, warm cellar wine bar is modelled on boutique wineries from around the world. whether you have discerning wine tastes or feel lost choosing the right bottle, the expertise of the staff is the main attraction. Everyone’s welcome, from wine-novices to educated connoisseurs. Gourmet plates are coming soon. Happy hour is from 6pm to 8pm.

Setthathirath road

RESTAURANT

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I-BEAMThis convivial and relaxing tapas bar has an

informal atmosphere ideal for enjoying some great wine with friends. There’s also a selection of gourmet tapas to enhance your palate, most

notably of all the incredible cheese selection. wine tast-ings are held every first Friday of the month. And for ladies on a wednesday evening, all glasses of sparkling wine are half price.

Setthathirath road

THAT DAM wINE HOUSEThis renowned wine house and restaurant is ideally located opposite That Dam. It has a large and very international selection of wine, perfectly matched with local and international cuisine. Exceptional in value and quality, meat lovers will enjoy the serious steak menu. The candle lit terrace is wonderfully relaxed in the evening. And the personalised and attentive service mean That Dam wine House is sure to exceed your expectations.

That Dam Place

ເຊນຊວນແຂກໃຫກາຍເປນສະຫວນສວນຕວ, ໂດຍມບລການທປະສມປະສານການຜອນຄາຍ, ຄວາມຕນເຕນຕະຫອດ 24 ຊວໂມງ ແລະ ຄວາມອະລງການທຫາບອນປຽບໄດຍາກ.

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ACCOMMODATION

The Savan Vegas Hotel invites guests to become

absorbed in a world of its own, offering a blend of relaxation, twenty-four hour excitement and unparalleled luxury.

Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino

Savannakhet

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♣ ♣

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ຊອກຫາທພກຜອນ ໃນແຂວງສະຫວນນະເຂດ

ແຂວງສະຫວນນະເຂດແມນເມອງໃຫຍອນດບ

ສອງໃນລາວ,ເປນເມອງທມສະຖາປດຕະຍະກຳສະໄໝເມອງຂນຝຣງທດສດໃນອາຊອາຄະເນ

ຫງເຫອຢ,ນອກນຍງເປນບານເກດຂອງວລະບລດຜສຳຄນທສດຂອງລາວອາດດປະທານ

ໄກສອນພມວຫານ.ແຕວາຫາຍທານມາແຂວງນກເພາະມບນຍາກາດຂອງຄວາມເປນຕວ

ເມອງນອຍທໜາພກຜອນແລະມຮານອາຫານອນຫາກຫາຍຢງຢາຍຕາມແຄມແມນຳຂອງ

ອນງຽບສະຫງບ.ເຖງແມນວາຈະມຄວາມຄາຍຄກບຫາຍໆເມອງທອງທຽວແລະນອກນ

ຍງມຊາຍແດນຕດກບໄທ,ຫວຽດນາມ,ແຂວງສະຫວນນະເຂດຖວາເປນສະຖານທເພອ

ຫດຜອນຄວາມດນເລອດແທນທຈະເປນບອນສະໜອງຄວາມຕນເຕນຈນມາເຖງຫວາງ

ບດນມານເມອສະຫວນເວກດເກດຂນ.

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Savannakhet is the second largest city in Laos, home to some of the finest examples of French colonial architecture in Southeast Asia, as well as being the birthplace of one of Laos’ most celebrated heroes, Kaysone Phomvihane. But many come simply for its sleepy small-town atmosphere and tranquil riverside cafes. Despite its close proximity to numerous tourism hotspots, as well as borders with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Savannakhet was until recently, seen as a town guaranteed to lower your blood pressure, rather than provide much in the way of excitement. Until Savan Vegas was born.

The hotel is truly five star, affording guests every imaginable luxury, as well as quiet working areas and high-speed internet, making it an excellent choice for business travelers, as well as holiday makers looking for the very best. The Presidential Suite is particularly exquisite, featuring a spacious dining area, luxurious furniture, jacuzzi and even a fully stocked cocktail bar. Yes. This is a hotel that takes pride in showcasing Luxury with a capital ‘L‘.

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ACCOMMODATION

For those looking to try their luck in the in-house casino, there are tables to keep even the most seasoned gamblers reeling with excitement into the small hours. Open twenty four hours, the casino offers the dazzling lights and relentless excitement of Las Vegas only a short bus ride from small town Laos, featuring more than 500 slot-machines, 100 table games and a sports book. There’s everything from Roulette and Blackjack to Caribbean Stud Poker and lots more.

Inside the casino, some of the best musical acts from Laos and Thailand play until late. And there’s a poker jackpot of more than 1.5 million baht.

Even if you are not coming to Savan Vegas to gamble the night away, the world-class gastronomy at the in-house restaurant is as good a reason as any. Guests can enjoy some of the finest dining in the region and there’s always something from everyone, with an eclectic menu of local and international favorites, as well as a buffet where choice, quality and world-class service run side by side.

Guests can also unwind at the the wonderful outdoor swimming pool & spa, which are sure to leave you feeling & looking your best.

At Savan Vegas, children are given the same VIP treatment, with a ‘Kids Club’ that is sure to offer a safe and fun-packed program that will keep them entertained for hours.

Lao Airlines fly to Savannakhet from Bangkok, Pakse and Vientiane. The hotel’s luxury stretch-limousine service can collect guests from the airport or central Savannakhet, just a

short distance away. For fares and information on the latest Lao Airlines routes,

visit www.laoairlines.com or contact your nearest Lao Airlines agent.

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Tel: + 856 (0) 21 223 867, Email: [email protected] ¥ Discount cannot be used with other promotional campaign

we can guide you morewww.ChampaMag.com

In Laos your head is ‘High’, your feet ‘Low’. Using your feet for anything other than walking or playing sport is generally considered rude.

Lao people speak softly and avoid confrontation. Please do not shout or raise your voice. Before you take a photo of someone ask if it is ok.

More cartoon please visit: www.champamag.com

DOS & DON’TS

IN LAOSWELCOME TO LAOS! WE HOPE YOUR VISIT IS ENJOYABLE AND REQUEST THAT YOU RESPECT THE LAO LAW, CUL-TURE AND CUSTOMS.PLEASE READ ON TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE DO’S AND DON’TS FOR CULTURALLY SEN-SITIVE TRAVEL IN THE LAO PDR.

The Lao word for Hello is “Sabai dee”, usually said with a smile.Touching or showing affectionn in public will embarrass your hosts.

Lao people traditionally greet each other by pressing their palms together to ‘NOP’, although it is acceptable for men to shake hands.

Remember, your head is ‘high’, your feet ’low’, it is polite to gently crouch down when passing someone who is seated. Never, ever step over

someone in your path.

Kissing and hugging in public is impolite. Please be discrete.

created by insmai.com

56

INTERNATIONAL ROUTEPlease contact Lao Airlines office for confrimation

ວຽງຈນ - ບາງກອກ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - BANGKOK - VIENTIANEQV414 Daily VTE BKK 07:30 08:35 320 0QV415 247 VTE BKK 16:15 17:50 AT7 0QV415 1356 VTE BKK 16:40 17:50 320 0QV4571 Daily VTE BKK 13:50 14:55 734 0QV4575 Daily VTE BKK 21:50 22:55 734 0QV424 Daily BKK VTE 09:35 10:45 320 0QV425 247 BKK VTE 18:55 20:40 AT7 0QV425 1356 BKK VTE 18:55 20:05 320 0QV4570 Daily BKK VTE 11:45 12:55 734 0QV4574 Daily BKK VTE 19:55 21:05 734 0ວຽງຈນ - ຮາໂນຍ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - HANOI - VIENTIANEQV312 Daily VTE HAN 15:15 16:25 320 0QV920 Daily VTE HAN 19:35 20:35 320 0QV322 Daily HAN VTE 17:25 18:35 320 0QV921 Daily HAN VTE 09:40 10:45 320 0ວຽງຈນ - ພະນມເປນ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - PHNOMPENH - VIENTIANEQV921 Daily VTE PNH 11:30 13:00 320 0QV920 Daily PNH VTE 17:30 18:50 320 0ວຽງຈນ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - SIEMREAP - VIENTIANEQV512 Daily VTE REP 06:30 09:25 AT7 PKZQV522 Daily REP VTE 10:05 13:00 AT7 PKZວຽງຈນ - ສງກະໂປ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - SIEMREAP - VIENTIANEQV535 247 VTE SIN 15:40 19:40 320 0QV545 247 SIN VTE 20:40 22:40 320 0ວຽງຈນ - ໂຮຈມນ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - HOCHIMINH - VIENTIANEQV515 1356 VTE SGN 07:45 11:15 AT7 PKZQV525 1356 SGN VTE 12:15 15:50 AT7 PKZວຽງຈນ - ຄນມງ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - KUNMING - VIENTIANEQV817 Daily VTE KMG 07:20 09:50 320 0QV827 Daily KMG VTE 10:50 11:20 320 0ຫລວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງໃໝ - ຫລວງພະບາງ LUANG PRABANG - CHIENG MAI - LUANG PRABANGQV635 Daily LPQ CNX 13:10 14:10 AT7 0QV645 Daily CNX LPQ 15:05 16:05 AT7 0ຫລວງພະບາງ - ຈງຫງ - ຫລວງພະບາງ LUANG PRABANG - JINGHONG - LUANG PRABANGQV818 247 LPQ JHG 11:20 12:20 AT7 0QV828 247 JHG LPQ 13:00 14:00 AT7 0ຫລວງພະບາງ - ບາງກອກ - ຫລວງພະບາງ LUANG PRABANG - BANGKOK - LUANG PRABANGQV633 Daily LPQ BKK 07:30 09:10 AT7 0QV643 Daily BKK LPQ 10:20 12:00 AT7 0ຫລວງພະບາງ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ຫລວງພະບາງ LUANG PRABANG - SIEMREAP - LUANG PRABANGQV513 1356 LPQ REP 10:55 14:20 AT7 PKZQV513 247 LPQ REP 10:55 14:20 MA6 PKZQV931 Daily LPQ REP 10:20 11:40 F70 0QV523 1356 REP LPQ 15:00 18:10 AT7 PKZQV523 247 REP LPQ 15:00 18:10 MA6 PKZQV930 Daily REP LPQ 12:20 13:40 F70 0ຫລວງພະບາງ - ຮາໂນຍ - ຫລວງພະບາງ LUANG PRABANG - HANOI - LUANG PRABANGQV930 Daily LPQ HAN 14:25 15:15 F70 0QV343 247 LPQ HAN 14:40 15:40 AT7 0QV313 Daily LPQ HAN 17:10 18:10 AT7 0QV931 Daily HAN LPQ 08:35 09:35 F70 0QV353 247 HAN LPQ 16:20 17:20 AT7 0QV323 Daily HAN LPQ 18:50 19:50 AT7 0ປາກເຊ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ປາກເຊ PAKSE - SIEMREAP - PAKSEQV512 Daily PKZ REP 08:25 09:25 AT7 0QV513 1356 PKZ REP 13:20 14:20 AT7 0QV513 247 PKZ REP 13:20 14:20 MA6 0QV522 DaIly REP PKZ 10:05 11:05 AT7 0QV523 1356 REP PKZ 15:00 16:00 AT7 0QV523 247 REP PKZ 15:00 16:00 MA6 0ສະຫວນນະເຂດ - ສຽມຣຽບ - ສະຫວນນະເຂດ SAVANNAKHET - BANGKOK - SAVANNAKHET QV213 Daily ZVK BKK 10:30 12:00 MA6 0QV223 Daily BKK ZVK 13:05 14:35 MA6 0ປາກເຊ - ໂຮຈມນ - ປາກເຊ PAKSE - HOCHIMINH - PAKSE QV515 1356 PKZ SGN 09:40 11:15 AT7 0QV525 1356 SGN PKZ 12:15 13:50 AT7 0ປາກເຊ - ບາງກອກ - ປາກເຊ PAKSE - BANGKOK - PAKSE QV213 Daily PKZ BKK 09:25 12:00 MA6 ZVKQV223 Daily BKK PKZ 13:05 15:35 MA6 ZVK

FLT No Day Routing Dep Arr AC STP

57

DOMESTIC ROUTEPlease contact Lao Airlines office for confrimation

Remarks: All times are local times 1: Monday 2: Tuesday 3: wednesday 4: Thursday 5: Friday 6: Saturday 7: Sunday

FLT No Days Routing Dep Arr Ac STP

* QV4570/ QV4571/ QV4574/ QV4575 Operated by THAI AIRwAYS* QV920/ QV921/ QV930/ QV931 Operated by VIETNAM AIRLINES

02 Pangkham Rd, P.O. Box 6441 Vientiane , Lao P.D.R

For more information please contact Lao Airlines Tel: +856 21 212016, 212051-54Fax: +856 21 212056, 212058

www.laoairlines.com

ວຽງຈນ - ຫລວງພະບາງ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - LUANGPRABANG - VIENTIANE QV111 Daily VTE LPQ 09:15 10:10 AT7 0QV109 247 VTE LPQ 09:30 10:25 MA6 0QV101 Daily VTE LPQ 11:45 12:30 320 0QV103 Daily VTE LPQ 16:30 17:25 AT7 0QV112 Daily LPQ VTE 07:50 08:45 AT7 0QV102 Daily LPQ VTE 13:30 14:15 320 0QV104 Daily LPQ VTE 17:55 18:50 AT7 0QV110 247 LPQ VTE 18:40 19:35 MA6 0ຫລວງພະບາງ - ປາກເຊ - ຫລວງພະບາງ LUANGPRABANG - PAKSE - LUANGPRABANG QV513 1356 LPQ PKZ 10:55 12:35 AT7 0QV513 247 LPQ PKZ 10:55 12:35 MA6 0QV523 1356 PKZ LPQ 16:30 18:10 AT7 0QV523 247 PKZ LPQ 16:30 18:10 MA6 0ວຽງຈນ - ອດມໄຊ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE -OUDOMXAY - VIENTIANE QV501 246 VTE ODY 10:30 11:20 MA6 0QV502 246 ODY VTE 12:00 12:50 MA6 0ວຽງຈນ - ຫວຍຊາຍ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE- HOUEISAY - VIENTIANE QV901 1356 VTE HOE 11:00 11:55 MA6 0QV902 1356 HOE VTE 12:35 13:30 MA6 0ວຽງຈນ - ຫລວງນຳທາ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - LUANGNAMTHA-VIENTIANE QV601 135 VTE LXG 14:00 15:00 MA6 0QV602 135 LXG VTE 15:30 16:30 MA6 0ວຽງຈນ - ຊຽງຂວາງ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - XIENGKHUANG-VIENTIANE QV401 247 VTE XKH 13:40 14:10 AT7 0QV401 1356 VTE XKH 13:40 14:10 MA6 0QV402 247 XKH VTE 14:40 15:10 AT7 0QV402 1356 XKH VTE 14:40 15:10 MA6 0ວຽງຈນ - ປາກເຊ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE- PAKSE - VIENTIANE QV512 Daily VTE PKZ 06:30 07:45 AT7 0QV515 1356 VTE PKZ 07:45 09:00 AT7 0QV201 Daily VTE PKZ 07:40 08:55 MA6 0QV522 Daily PKZ VTE 11:45 13:00 AT7 0QV525 1356 PKZ VTE 14:30 15:45 AT7 0QV202 Daily PKZ VTE 16:05 17:20 MA6 0ວຽງຈນ - ສະຫວນນະເຂດ - ວຽງຈນ VIENTIANE - SAVANNAKHET-VIENTIANE QV201 Daily VTE ZVK 07:40 09:55 MA6 PKZQV202 Daily ZVK VTE 15:07 17:20 MA6 PKZປາກເຊ - ສະຫວນນະເຂດ - ປາກເຊ PAKSE - SAVANNAKHET - PAKSE QV201 Daily PKZ ZVK 09:25 9:55 MA6 0QV202 Daily ZVK PKZ 15:05 15:35 MA6 0

Branch offices (Domestic)

Luangprabang (Lpq)Town OfficeTel: (856-71) 212172Fax: (856-71) 212406Email: [email protected] OfficeTel: (856-71) 212173Fax: (856-71) 252264Email: [email protected]

Xiengkhuang (Xkh)Tel: (856-61) 312027Fax: (856-61) 312487Email: [email protected]: (856-61) 312177 (Airport)

Luangnamtha (Lxg)Tel: (856-86) 212072FaX: (856-86) 212073Email: [email protected]: (856-86) 312180, 312053 (Airport)

Oudomxay (Ody)Tel: (856-81) 312047, 312146Fax: (856-81) 212229Email: [email protected]

Houeisay (Hoe)Tel: (856-84) 211026Fax: (856-84) 211471Email: [email protected]: (856-84) 211494 (Airport)

Savannakhet (Zvk)Tel: (856-41) 212140,Fax: (856-41) 251060Email : [email protected]

Pakse (Pkz)Tel: (856-31) 212252Fax (856-31) 212751Email: [email protected] Airport Tel: (856-31) 251921,Fax: (856-31) 410130E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Branch offices (Abroad)

THAILANDBangkok - (Town office)491/17 ground Fl, Silom plazaSilom road, Bangkok 10500Tel: (66-2) 236 9822, 2369823, 237 8044Fax: (66-2) 236 9821 Email: [email protected]: BKKRRQV

Bangkok - (Airport office)3RD Floor Room No. T3-072C,Passenger building Suvarnabhumi AirportTel: (662) 134 2006 to 2008Fax: (662) 134 2009Booth (or Counter service)No. 7/10(Opposite of Check-in row “R”)Tel: (662) 134 2010Fax: (662) 134 2011

Chiangmai2/107 Rajchapuak, Huaykew RoadAmper muang Chaiangmai 50300Tel: (66-53) 223 401Fax: (66-53) 223 400Email: [email protected]: CNXRRQ

CARGO c/o P.T. Air Cargo Co.,Ltd.Building 301, Room 427-428,Customs Free zone Suvarnabhumi Airport, 999 Moo 7, Rachathewa, Bangphli, Samutprakan 10540Tel: (66-02) 1346721 (Auto)Fax: (66-02) 1346453-4Email: [email protected]

CAMBODIAPhnompenh111 sihanouk st, no274, PhnompenhCAMBODIATel: (855-23) 222956,Tel/Fax: (855-23) 216 563Email: [email protected]: PNHRRQV

Siem Reap114 Sala Khanseng Village, road no 6Svay Dongkhom Commune,Siem Reap District, Siem Reap ProvinceTel: (855-63) 963283Fax: (855-63) 965160 Email: [email protected]

VIETNAMHanoi03 Lieu Giai Road, BadinhDistrict, Hanoi Capital, Vietnam. Tel: (84-4)3942 5362Fax: (84-4)3942 5363Email: [email protected]: HANTOQV

Hochiminh City11A Songda Street, ward 2, Tan Binh Dist, Hochiminh City, Vietnam tel: 84-8 3547 4033 fax: 84-8 3547 4032email: [email protected]

CHINAKunmingN.96 East Dong Feng RoadCamellia Hotel , Kunming,Yunnan, China 650041Tel: (86 871) 3163000 ext 5166Tel/Fax: (86 871) 312 5748Email: [email protected]

Jinghong 1st floor Kingland Hotel, 6Jingde Rd,Jinghong, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Tel/Fax: (86) 691 2199Email: [email protected]

LAO AIRLINES OFFICES

Vientiane (Head Office)02 Pangkham Street, P.O. Box 6441Tel: (856-21) 212057, Fax : ( 856-21) 212065

Ticket & ReservationTel: ( 856-21 ) 212051-54, Fax : (856-21) 212056Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Tour Dept (Champa holidays) Tel : (856-21) 219932, Fax : (856-21) 212058Email : [email protected], [email protected]

Wattay Airport OfficeTel: (856-21) 512028 ( International Airport )Tel: (856-21) 512 000, 512 004 ( Domestic Airport )

SINGAPORE Airport office New House 60, Airport BoulevardUnit B16-011 Changi Airport Terminal2Singapore 819643Tel: (+65) 6214 8829, Fax: (+65) 6214 8816 Email: [email protected]

Town office c/o GSA-Maple Aviation Pte Ltd133 NewBridge Road #14-07Chinatown PointSingapore 059413Tel: (+65) 6538 2192 ,Fax: (+65) 6535 9901

GSA/SALES AGENT UNITED KINGDOM (UK)Lao Airlines GSAAxis House, 242 Bath Road HeathrowMiddlesex UB3 5AYUnited KingdomTel : +44(0)844 482 2318Fax : +44(0)844 482 1668E-mail: [email protected]

FRANCELao Airlines c/o APG 66 avenue des Champs Elysées-75008 ParisTel: (33) 1 53 77 13 13Fax: (33) 1 53 77 13 05E-mail: [email protected]

SPAINGran Via Corts Catalanes 61708009 BARCELONATel: (34) 933188443Fax: (34) 934813833E-mail: [email protected]

SWEDENLao Airlines EuropeBox 22308 Kungsholmsgatan 10104 22 Stockholm, SwedenTel: (46) 8 545 91 668Fax: (46) 8 612 05 92E-mail: [email protected]

GERMANYLao AirlinesLeonhardstraße 22, 61169 FriedbergTel: (49) 6031 737630Fax: (49) 6031 725081E-mail: [email protected]

ISRAEL Euromart29 Ben Yehuda ST, Tel Aviv IsraelP.O.Box - 3254 Tel Aviv Israel,Tel: (972)-3-7952127, 5279256Fax: 972-3-6005919E-mail: [email protected]: TLVGANz

JAPAN ATB., Ltd6F wanami Bldg, 1-4-5 NihombashiKayaba-Cho, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo,Japan 105-0025Tel: (81-3) 5623 3858Fax: (81-3) 5623 3859E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

KOREA C/O Global Air SystemRm 902, Kwang Hwa Mun Bldg, 211,Sejongro, Chongro-Gu, seoul, KoreaTel: (822) 3708 8561Fax: (822) 3708 8569E-mail : [email protected]

MALAYSIAC/O Maple Aviation Pte, LtdCP57 Suite 1705 17th floor Central PlazaJalan Sultan Ismail 50250Kuala LumpurTel: (60) 321443101 / 3077Fax: (60) 321429392E-mail: [email protected]: KULTOOA

TAIWANTaiwan Orchid Express Inc11F, No25, Chang An E Rd, Sec 1, Taipei, TaiwanTel: (886)-2 25682121Fax: (886)-2 2521-3991E-mail: [email protected]

HUNGARYAVIATION GSA Co.1065 Budapest VI.,Nagymezo utca 47.Tel: (361) 302-2484, (361) 354-1849Fax: (361) 354-1848Mobil: (36) 30-397-7353E-mail: [email protected]

USA (SALES AGENT)Good Luck Tour And Travel2021 The Alanmeda Suit 199San Jose CA 95126Tel: 408-243 7628Fax: 408-243 8168Email: [email protected]

EXCEL TRAVEL4885E, Kings canyon,Fresno CA 93727, USATel: (559) 455 19159Fex: (559) 455 1965Email: [email protected]

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL4400 47TH AVESACRAMENTO CA 95824Tel: 916-429-2711Fax: 916-429-1910Email: [email protected]

USA GATEWAY TRAVEL4100 Spring Valley Rd, Suite 202,Dallas, TX 75244Tel: 972-503-7888Fax: 972-934-4612Email: [email protected]

USA GATEWAY TRAVEL(GTT Internationa)1300 Godward St, N.E.Suite 3120Mineapolis, MN 55413Tel: 612-872-4931Fax: 612-872-4932Email: [email protected]

Vientiane Capital of Lao PDR

For more information please contact Champa holidays tour or Lao Airlines officesTel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884Email: [email protected], [email protected], www.champaholidays.com

L A O S

VientianeVientiane is Southeast Asia’s most laid-back capital. This city boasts outstanding French colonial ar-chitecture and low level buildings spread throughout the city, exuding its rich cultural heritage and relaxed atmosphere. Life in this pleasant capital is slow-paced. We explore this small, peaceful capital at a leisurely pace, visiting some of the finest and most important historical sites in Laos.

How to get to Vientiane on Lao Airlines?From Bangkok, there are two daily flights. There are daily flights from Hanoi / Kunming / Siem Reap. From Ho Chi Minh, three flights a week (Tue, Thu & Sat).

Vientiane Free & Easy Stay-3 days

Code: CPH71

Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package to Vientiane Capital, which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights ac-commodation at a hotel of your choice with breakfast, round trip airport transfer and a half day tour.

Vientiane Stop-Over-3 days

Code: CPH72

Vientiane Stop-Over tour includes a round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, transporta-tion in private car, hotel accommodation in a twin shared room with breakfast, Eng-lish speaking guide, admission fee to indi-cated sights, Government tax and service charge and tour program are below:

Day 1: Arrival in Vientiane (B)Opon arrival in Vientiane, you will be met and transferred to a centrally located ho-tel. Vientiane is a charming and fascinat-ing capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and American influences. After a short rest, we begin visiting the major sights of the capital, including Vat Sisaket, the oldest temple with thousands of miniature Bud-dha statues, and the former royal temple of Vat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha.

Enroute to Lao’s national icon, the pre-cious and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph.

we’ll end the day by the Mekong riverside for a relaxing stroll and admire the sunset. Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 2: Vientiane – Nam Ngum Lake After breakfast, we head out of the city to make our way to Nam Ngum, a huge reservoir created by the damming of the Nam Ngum River. On the way to Nam Ngum Lake, we’ll stop at Ban Keun, which is famous for its salt extraction plant and a village that distills the local Lao whiskey. On arrival at Nam Ngum Lake, we embark on a long tail boat to visit fishing villages in the various islets. we take a short walk to explore the lifestyle of the local fisher-men. After that we’ll have lunch. On the return drive to Vientiane, [if time permits], perhaps you might want to experience gambling at the Lao casino located in the valley where you can also enjoy a beauti-ful view of the lake. we return to Vientiane by late evening. Overnight in Vientiane (B)

Day 3: Vientiane-DepartureAfter breakfast, we visit the Morning Mar-ket which has a range of Lao made prod-ucts, from silk, handicrafts, silver jewelry, clothing, etc. (if time permits). The tour ends after you’re transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

For more information please contact Champa holidays tour or Lao Airlines officesTel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884Email: [email protected], [email protected], www.champaholidays.com

Pakse City (Champasak)Pakse Stop-Over-3 Days

Code: Champa 3.2

Day1: Arrival-Pakse to Don KhoneOn arrival at Pakse, drive out towards Khong Island. On the way we make a short detour to visit Pha Suam Vaterfall and to explore the Lao Teung ethnic minority villages. we continue our journey by mo-torboat to Don Khong, the largest island in the southern part of the Mekong river region known as the 4,000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Khong. (L/D)

Day 2: Khong Island to Done Khone to Pakse Following breakfast, we enjoy a visit to the surrounding countryside, and embark on a longtail boat tour of the Don Khone area, which takes you to visit the remains of the French colonial period and Liphi Vaterfall or “the Corridor of the Devil”. we return to the mainland at the fishing vil-lage of Ban Nakasang and drive further south to visit Khone Phapheng. Khone Phapheng is considered the largest Vater-fall by volume in South east Asia; this is an impressive attraction near the Lao-Cam-bodian border, set within an area which is teeming with wildlife, making it one of the most breathtaking destinations in Laos. Afterwards we drive back to Pakse. Overnight in Pakse. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Pakse- Departure after breakfast, at your leisure or shopping, then transfer to airport. (B)

Package includes:- Roundtrip on Lao Airlines air ticket- Two nights accommodation in hotel in a twin sharing room; daily breakfast- Transportation in private car- English speaking guide- Admission fee to indicated sights

Pakse Free & Easy Stay-3 Days

Code : Champa 3.1

Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in Pakse, the southern city of Laos. You can make a connection flight on Lao Airlines flight from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Luang Prabang and Vientiane.

Day 1: Meet at Pakse airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and relaxation.Day 2: Enjoy breakfast at hotel and free time or you may contact hotel counter for city tour yourself.

Day 3: After breakfast, free time and transfer to airport for check in and fly back to your next destination.

Package includes:- Roundtrip Lao Airlines air ticket- Two nights accommodation at hotel - Daily breakfast- Round trip airport transfer

Pakse Splendid

we explore the beautiful region of Pakse, located in the southern part of Laos, also home to the famous Ancient Khmer ruins of Vat Phou from the 5th Century and the awe-inspiring Khone Phapheng Vaterfall, the biggest in Southeast Asia! The surrounding forests teem with flourishing vegetation and you will be greeted by the friendly locals as we visit a few villages. You will take a trip to the Bolaven Plateau, which will provide you with a refreshing break from the heat and allow you to observe the cultivation of rich coffee, tea and other crops.

On Pakse on Lao Airlines flights from Vien-tiane, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh. Direct flights are avail-able from Ho Chi Minh to Pakse as follows: Tue, Thu, Sat – Depart at 11:45 and arrive at 13:45. Pakse to Ho Chi Minh: Tue, Thu, Sat–Depart at 09:15 and arrive at 10:45.

Luang Prabang World Heritage City

For more information please contact Champa Holidays Tour or Lao Airlines officesTel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884Email: [email protected], [email protected], www.champaholidays.com

Luang Prabang has a beautiful and tranquil dream-like setting with a fusion of foreign influences and splendid land-scape and scenery, making this an idyllic, unspoiled and charming destination for visitors. It is no wonder this amaz-ing city has been declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO. The ancient city was the former capital of Laos, with a reign of more than 63 kings over 600 years. Luang Prabang is known as the ‘Thousand Pagoda City’ and there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in this sleepy and once royal capital.

How to get to Luang Prabang?Lao Airlines has direct flights from Bangkok, Chiangmai and Hanoi daily; three times a week from Siem Reap; three flights daily from Vientiane.

Luang Prabang Free & Easy Stay-3 Days

Code: CPH11

Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in the world Heritage City of Laos which in-cludes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodations in a hotel room of your choice with daily breakfast, round trip airport transfer and half day city tour.

Luang Prabang Stop-Over-3 Days

Code: CPH12

Luang Prabang Stop-Over tour includes a round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, trans-portation in private car, accommodation in a twin shared room with breakfast, English speaking guide, admission fee to indicated sights, and government taxes and service charges. The tour program is as follows:

Day 1: Arrival-Luang Prabang Arrival at Luang Prabang airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Af-ter a short rest, we will visit the impressive stupa of Vat Visoun and the shrine of Vat Aham and Vat Mai. we then climb up to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view of the city and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by hilltribe groups and lo-cal people from the surrounding area of Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Pra-bang.

Day 2: Luang Prabang-Pak Ou CaveOn this day, we enjoy a short-guided tour to see the city’s oldest temples of Vat Sene and the magnificent Vat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, rep-resenting classical Laotian architecture. we then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil coun-

tryside as well as time to explore the mys-terious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lac-quered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we will stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where the local rice wine is produced. On return, we’ll take a short drive to another small village, Ban Phanom, which is fa-mous for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day3: Luang Prabang-DepartureVisit the National Museum (closed Tues-days) at the former Royal Palace. It displays a collection of artifacts reflecting the rich-ness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last reign. There will also be time to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morning, there may be free time (depending on your flight) to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Luang Prabang World Heritage City

For more information please contact Champa Holidays Tour or Lao Airlines officesTel: ( 856-21 ) 219932, Fax: ( 856-21 ) 212058, Mobile: 22413161, 22224884Email: [email protected], [email protected], www.champaholidays.com

Luang Prabang Wonder-4 Days

Code: CPH13

Enjoy Luang Prabang wonder – 4 days and 3 nights which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, transportation in private car and accommodation in a twin shared room with daily breakfast, English speaking guide, admission fees to indicat-ed sights, government taxes and service charges. The tour program is as follows:

Day 1: Arrival-Luang PrabangUpon arrival, you will be met and trans-ferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang has been claimed by UNESCO to be ‘the best preserved city in Southeast Asia’. During your time here, we’ll visit the impressive stupa of Vat Visoun and the shrines of Vat Aham and Vat Mai. we then climb up to the top of mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a panoramic view of the city at sunset and the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hilltribe people from the surrounding areas of Luang Pra-bang. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 2: Luang Prabang-Pak Ou CaveEnjoy a short-guided tour to see the city’s oldest temple of Vat Sene and the magnif-icent Vat Xiengthong with its roofs sweep-ing low to the ground, representing classi-cal Laotian architecture. we then embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River, which also gives us a breathtaking view of the tranquil countryside as well as time to explore the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight inLuang Prabang. (B)

Day 3:Luang Prabang-Khouangsi VaterfallAn optional early start gives you the fantastic opportunity to participate in the daily morning rituals of saffron-clad monks collecting offerings of Alms (of-ten in the form of sticky rice) from faithful residents. This tradition is very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the ritual. From there, you will visit the morning Phousi Market, where you will see such diverse offerings as dried buffalo skin, local tea and saltpeter among the chickens, vegetables and hill-tribe weavings.

Laos is also known for its traditional crafts, and this day you will visit local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups at Ban Ouay, a Hmong village, Ban Ou, Lao Oum Village and Ban Thapene, which are Khmu vil-lages. This then takes us to the beautiful Khouangsi Vaterfall where you can cool off with a refreshing swim in the pools or walk along the forest trails.

On the return trip to Luang Prabang by late afternoon, we continue to Ban Xang-khong, a village well known for its silk weavings and for its Saa (jute) Papermak-ing. we return to the city by late evening to admire the sunset at Vat Siphoutha-bath. Overnight in Luang Prabang. (B)

Day 4: Luang Prabang-DepartureVisit the National Museum (closed Tues-days) at the former Royal Palace. It dis-plays a collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through to the last reign. There will also be time for us to look around the Central Market. After visiting these sights in the morn-ing, there may be free time (depending on your flight) to venture into town and stroll around the shopping area. The tour ends after your transfer to the airport for departure. (B)

Ho Chi Minh City - VietnamFormerly known as Saigon

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City? You may take Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane or Pakse to Hochiminh on Tue, Thu & Sat.

Ho Chi Minh Free & Easy Stay-3 days

Code: CPH61

Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in the historical Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, two nights accommodation in a three star hotel with daily breakfast, round trip airport transfer and a half-day tour in Ho Chi Minh city.

Ho Chi Minh-Mekong Delta-3 Days

Code: CPH62

The Ho Chi Minh Mekong Delta 3 days and 2 nights package includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights ac-commodation in a twin sharing room, daily breakfast and one lunch at the ho-tel, transportation in private car, entrance fees to tourist sites and a one-day tour of the Mekong Delta including tour guide as follows:

Day 1: Meet on arrival at Tan San Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and then free time or shopping.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh (Meals: B/L)

After breakfast, depart at 8:00 am, driv-ing to the Mekong Delta, nicknamed the large rice basket of Vietnam. This day in-cludes visiting Vinh Trang pagoda, cruis-ing on the Mekong river to an island for

sightseeing and observing the daily activ-ities of local people, taking a paddle boat along the small canal, visiting a bee farm, orchards, enjoying tea, honey, seasonal fruits, sweets, amateur traditional music performances, touring a coconut candy mill and then lunch on the island. On the way back, stop for shopping.

Day 3: Depart Ho Chi Minh (B)

After breakfast at hotel , free time or shop-ping and transfer to Tan Son Nhat airport for your departure flight.

Ho Chi Minh Vung Tau 3 Days

Code: CPH63

Ho Chi Minh Vung Tau 3 days and 2 nights includes round trip air ticket on Lao Air-lines, 2 nights accommodation in a twin sharing room, full meals, transportation in private car, entrance fees to tourist sites, tour guide and tour program as fol-lows:

Day 1: Arrive Ho Chi Minh – CITY TOUR (L,D)

Arrive Ho Chi Minh by QV515 at 10:45. welcome by friendly guide then transfer to hotel. Buffet lunch provided by hotel.

PM: City tour – visit local neighborhoods and landmarks such as China Town, Thien Hau Pagoda, Remnant war Museum, Re-unification Hall (Formerly Presidential Pal-

ace), Opera House, City Hall, stop at the Main Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral for pictures. On the way back to the hotel, stop at a lacquer ware factory for shop-ping. Back to hotel and enjoy a set dinner at Sapphire Hotel.

Day 2:HCMC – VUNG TAU – HCMC (L, D)

Depart in the morning for Vung Tau, a fa-mous tourist spot. Free for swimming and sea bathing at Mariana Club. Set lunch at the local seafood restaurant. Visit memo-rial statue of Saint George (30 m high) on Small Mountain - the highest Saint statue in VietNam; visit Niet Ban Tinh Xa, the most beautiful pagoda in Vung Tau on a hillside facing the sea. On the way back to HCMC, stop at Long Thanh to buy fruits of the season. Arrival HCMC, enjoy a set din-ner on a Saigon floating restaurant. Trans-fer back to hotel for leisure time.

Day 3: HO CHI MINH – VIENTIANE

Free time until transfer to airport for a flight at 11:45 am. End of service.

Amazing Angkor, Siem Reap - CambodiaHow to get to Angkor Vat? You may take Lao Airlines flight from Vientiane or Pakse with daily service or depart from Luang Prabang on Mon, Thu & Sat.

Angkor Vat Free & Easy Stay-3 Days, 2 Nights

Code: CPH41Enjoy the Free & Easy Stay package in Siem Reap city which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accom-modation in a three/four star hotel with daily breakfast and round trip airport transfer.

Amazing Angkor VatFull Package - 3 Days, 2 Nights

Code: CPH42 Visit the Amazing Angkor city on a 3 days and 2 nights package with Champa Holi-days which includes roundtrip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommoda-tion in a twin sharing hotel room, meals, transportation (car, van or bus), entrance fees to tourist sites, English/Thai speaking guide and tour program as follows:

Day 1: Arrive – Siem Reap (L/D) Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and visit the National Museum then have lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Vat Thmei Artisan Angkor, Old Market, then have dinner at Koulen II Restaurant with Apsara Dance show. After dinner, visit the Night Market, then back to hotel.

Day 2: Angkor Thom (B/L/D )After breakfast at hotel, visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon temples, Bapuon, Phimenakas, Terrace of Elephant and Leper King. In the afternoon, visit Ta Prum temple, Takeo, Angkor Vat temple and Vatch the sunset over Bakheng Hill, din-ner and back to hotel.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Pakse/Vientiane (B) Breakfast at hotel, visit old market and transfer to Siem Reap International Air-port to fly back.

Angkor Vat - Phnom Penh -SihanoukvilleFull Package - 6 Days, 5 Nights

Code: CPH42Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap (L/D) Arrive at Siem Reap International airport and transfer to hotel for check-in. Lunch at Sophea Angkor Pich Restaurant then visit South Gate of AngkorThom , Terrace of Elephant, Angkor Vat and Vatch the sunset over Bakheng Hill, dinner at Kolen II Restaurant.

Day 2: Tonle Sap Lake – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)At 7:30 am guide and van pick up to visit the Tonle Sap Lake, and have an early lunch at Kolen II restaurant. At 12:00 noon depart by van to Phnom Penh and check-in to a three star hotel and have dinner at the Tonle Basac restaurant.

Day 3: City tour Phnom Penh – Siha-noukville (B/L/D)At 8:00 am guide and van pick up to visit the Royal Palace, museum, the killing fields, and have lunch at Tonle Basac res-taurant and at 1:00 pm depart by van to Sihanoukville and check-in to Hotel Gold-en Sand, then have dinner at the Beach Restaurant.

Day 4: SihanoukvilleAt 8:00 am guide and van will pick up to Ream Beach. Lunch at Beach Restaurant and in the afternoon visit the Ochheuteal beach, then have dinner at a beach res-taurant.

Day 5: Sihanoukville – Siem Reap (B/L/D)At 8:00 am visit Sihanoukville Market and lunch at Tonle Basac Restaurant, and drive back to Siem Reap, check-in to hotel and have dinner at Sophea Angkor Pich Res-taurant.

Day 6: Siem Reap – Pakse/ VTE (B) Breakfast at hotel, visit old market and transfer to Siem Reap International Air-port to your next destination.

Jinghong-ChinaVisit Jinghong , Xishuang Banna

Located in the south of Yunnan Province, Jinghong is the political, economic and cultural center of Xishuang Banna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, which is a supernatural oasis in southwest China, while Jinghong is a bright pearl in the oasis.

Attractions in Xishuang BannaKnown for its tropical flowers, plants, and garden, attractions in Xishuang Banna include the Meng Tropical Botanical Gar-den, tropical rain forest valley, Mengle great Buddhist monastery, Mengle cultur-al park, Manting park, Dai ethnic garden, wild elephant ravine, south medicinal plants garden, the virgin forest park and Mengjinglai village and more.

How to get to Jinghong?Travel with Lao Airlines direct flight from Luang Prabang on Friday and Sunday or on a connecting flight from Vientiane.

Jinghong Free & Easy Stay-3 Days, 2 Nights

Code: CPH51

Enjoy and relax with the Free & Easy Stay package in Jinghong Xishuang Banna which includes round trip air ticket on Lao Airlines, 2 nights accommodation in a four star hotel with daily breakfast and airport transfer.

Jinghong Stop-Over-3 Days, 2 Nights

Code: CPH52

Spend your holidays with the Jinghong Stop-Over – 3 days, 2 nights which in-cludes roundtrip air ticket of Lao Airlines,

2 nights accommodation in a three star hotel with a twin sharing room, full meals (Chinese food), transportation (car, van or bus), entrance fees to tourist sites, Lao/English speaking guide and tour program as follows:

Day 1: Take Lao Airlines flight QV818 to Jinghong , guide will meet you at the airport, go straight to visit Bage Temple (Head Temple in Xishuangbanna), then transfer to hotel check-in and dinner. Overnight at Jinghong.

Day 2: After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Virgin Forest Park, lunch, then to Ganlan-ba and sightseeing in the local bazaar and the villages of Dai people and visit the Dai Garden, take part in the Vater splashing, and have dinner during a singing and dancing show. Overnight at Jinghong.

Day 3: Breakfast & check-out from ho-tel, tour the Flower Garden. After lunch, transfer to the airport to fly back to Luang Prabang or Vientiane.

Champa Holiday Issue 11 Cover.indd 2 5/18/12 11:29:01 AM

champa holidays magazine issue11

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