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Sabaidee Magazine would like to wish everyone a warm welcome to our brand new lifestyle and travel magazine, and more importantly to the beautiful Lao PDR. This is an exciting time

for all involved in the creation of this publication that have sweated tears to bring you this inaugural edition. Lao is quickly becoming South-East-Asia�’s newest tourist destination merging its colonial past with some fascinating new travel trends, especially at the World Heritage City, Luang Prabang, which leads our cover story this month!

Over the upcoming months and years, we aim to bring you the best of Lao �– from dining options, shopping and culture, to local news, must see attractions and off-the-beaten-

track locations, with a smattering of real estate and lifestyle choices thrown in for good measure. Laos is rapidly evolving and becoming more accessible to everyone day by day.

The country�’s diversity knows no bounds! In the rst issue of Sabaidee Magazine, we will take you on a journey of a lifetime to Muang Ngoi Nuea. Escape with an amazing rst-hand ex-

perience of exploring Phou Khao Khouay and beyond. Treat your palate with Cuppa Lao and the authentic local Lao avors courtesy of the street vendors. If you fancy something a bit more upmarket, La Signature Restaurant in Vientiane personi es ne-dining and the simplicity of French cuisine.

Don�’t travel through Lao PDR alone, please bring Sabaidee Magazine along as your quin-tessential Laos travel companion and learn more about this eclectic country and its color-

ful culture and humble people.

All the Best.

The Editor

WELCOME TO LAOS & SABAIDEE MAGAZINE

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brb iningg SaSababaiddeee MMagagaza ine e alalonongg asas yyouour r ququinin--tetessssene tiall Laoos travvel comompap ninionon andnd lleaearnrn moore about this eclectic country and its color-

ful culture and humble people.

All the Best.

The Editor

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THISISSUE

Regulars10 Calendar of Events (Jan-Feb)12 Hot Deals / Travel Promotions14 PR News72 Sabaidee Club

Travel16 Special Report22 Sabaidee Cover34 Lao Rooms36 Travel Feature42 Escape48 Feature - Lao Coffee58 Feature Green Care Fund

Lifestyle40 Real Estate46 Sabaidee Guest50 Lao Cuisine53 Restaurant Review54 iTems55 Sabaidee Relax

Directory Listing52 Dine Out Listing54 Shop Listing57 Health & Spa Guide Listing

Map & Info60 Map of Laos61 Lao's General Information62 Vientiane Map & Info64 Vang Vieng Map & Info66 Pakse / Champasak Map & Info68 Savannakhet Map & Info70 Luang Prabang Map & Info

January / February 2012

ຄະນນະະທທປປກກສສາ | Coonnsuultaaanntsພaນລລະຄຄອອນນ ສບບນເຮຮອອງPannlakoonn SSibruuannggອະນນວວaງ ຈຈaaນນທທະລລລານນວວaaງAnoouuvoonngg Janntalaannuvvonngggພaດທທທະລລະະພພaaງງ ຄaaງງວຈຈດດPatttaarapoong KKonnggvvijitວສດດ ເຊາວວະະລດດຕຕານນaaນaນWissitth CChhawwaliitannoonຜອຳaຳaນນວວຍຍກກາານ Direecctorມານນະະໄຊຊ ອອນນແກກກວMannachhaai InkaaewwບaນນນາທທກກາານນບລລລຫາານນEditoor inn CChhiefເກດດ ພດດທທະຢຢາກກກອນນສສນGaidd KoorrnnssilapppaບaນນນາທທກກາານນEditoorສaມໃໃຈຈ ພພມມຜາສກກກSommjai PPimmpasssouukkບaນນນາທທກກາານນ ພພາາສາາອອaງກກດດດEngglish EEddittorອະລລaນaນ ວວາາດດAlan WWaassssບaນນນາທທກກາານນອອອອນລລາາຍOnlinne EEdditorຄະນນດດຖຖາາ ອດຕະະເມມດດKannitthaa AAtttammmateeຈaດໜໜໜາ ແແລລລະ ອອອອກແແບບບບLayoout DDeessignnນaດນນະລລ ມມມາທອງງNutnnareeee MMathhonnggກອນນແກກວວ ນນaaກແແກກວວKorrnnkaaeeww Nokkkaaeewwຝາຍຍຂຂາຍຍ ແແລລະ ກການນນຕຕະ າາດSalees && MMaarkeeetinnggຜອຳaຳaນນວວຍຍກກາານຝຝຝາຍຍຂຂຂາຍSalees && MMaarkeeetinngg Dirrecctoorຊາຢຢາາດາາ ອອະະລຍຍະຜaຜaນນນຈະະເລລລນນ Chaayyaddaa AAriyaaaphhoonnchharrooen ຜຈaດດການນຝຝາາຍກກການນຕຕຕະລລາດດMarrkketiinngg MMannnaggeerນaນທທທະນນາາ ອອນແກກວNanntthanaa InkaaewwຜຈaດດການນຝຝາາຍຂຂາຍຍSalees MManageerພະຊຊາາກອອນນ ພະຫຫລaລaກກPassaakoorn BBhahhurraakຫaວໜໜໜາຝຝາາຍການນນເງນນFinaanncial CConttrolleerສລວວaaນ ວວລລລະວaດທທະນນະະໄຊຊSiriwwwann wwweeeraavattttaanaachhhaai

ສຳaນນaaກaກງານນຂຂາຍ | SSaales OOOffficeeສະບບາາຍດດ ເມມກາາຊຊນນ, ທທຣອປປຄຄຄອລລລ ໂອອເເອອຊດພາາກກບານນວວຊນນ, ຖຖະໜໜaໜaນ ໄໄຊຊເສສດຖຖາາາທລລາດ,

ວວງພພະະບບາາງ ສສສ.ປ.ປປ. ລາາວSabbaaideeee MMaggazinnee, TTroopppicaal Oaasiis Park, Bann Vissoouunn, CCChaaicchettthhaattiratt Roaadd, Luuangg Prabbang, LLao PP.DD.RR.ໂທ: 00711 22552 99333 ແແຟກກ: 007771 2212 88188Tel: 0071 22552 999333 FFaxx: 007771 2212 881188Emaail: ssaalles@@sabbaaideeee--mmmaggazinnne.ccomwwww.sabbaideeee-mmaagazinneee.coom

ເຈ າຂຂອງງ ແແລະ ຜຜຈຈaດດພພມ | OOOwwwneerr & PPuubblissheerທ ເອອສ ເເອອມມ THMM LLAAAOບານນວວຊນນ, ຖຖະໜໜaໜaນ ໄໄຊຊເສສດຖຖາາາທລລາດ,

ວວງພພະະບບາາງ ສສສ.ປປ.ປປປ. ລລາວວBann Vissoouunn, CCChaaicchettthhaattiratt Roaadd, Luuangg Prabbang, LLao PP.DD.RR.

ຄະນະຜຈaດທຳaEditorial Team

LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE | 2012.1.1ABAIDEESABAIDEES

THE1ST ISSUE

INTERVIEW WITH INTHY DEANSAVANH

NEW FACEOF LUANG PRABANG

MUANG NGOI NEUAOFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN LAOS

TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS IN LAO

SHOPRELAX

ANDDINING

OUTGUIDE

IN LAOS& ETC.

Laos 25,000 KIPThailand 100 THBSingapore 4 SGD

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CONTRIBUTORS

Alan WassAlan Wass is a native English speak-ing writer who has worked for publi-cations across Thailand that include the Phuket Gazette, Phuket Post, Day&Night Magazine, The Phuketian and Top10Phuket, alongside some of the biggest property websites in Thai-land such as Siam Real Estate and Thailand holiday Homes. Passionate about his job and with a quirky sense of humor, Alan is the stereotypical dis-illusioned writer/editor putting words together in a certain way that resem-bles sentences and paragraphs.

Jennifer BrownOriginally from the US, Jenn has lived and worked in the tourism industry in Asia for over fi ve years. Having called everywhere from rural Sichuan prov-ince to the bustling streets of Saigon home, she cites Beijing as her favour-ite. She currently resides in Vientiane where she enjoys playing “beach” frisbee on the sandbar in the middle of the Mekong River, and never tires of eating a bowl of local noodle soup accompanied by an iced Lao coffee.

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

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

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Sikhottabong Festival07 February Venue : That Sikhottabong, Khammouane

This religious festival is held at Sikhottabong stupa, located about 8km south of Thakhek.A trade fair also held during the festival featuring the display and sales of products from more than 130 booths from nine districts within the central provinces along with goods from neighboring Thailand.

Elephant Festival Sayaboury17-19 FebruaryVenue : Sayaboury

The event features approximately 60 brightly adorned pachyderms competing for “Elephant of the Year”, along with elephant processions and bathing, mahout demonstrations, traditional Buddhist blessings, fun fairs, night markets, and live performances.

Lao Food FestivalEnd of FebruaryVenue : Vientiane

At the National Cultural Hall in Vientiane, over 80 booths, mainly from Vientiane Capital, Vientiane(province), Savannakhet, Champassak, Khammouane,Sayaboury, Luang Prabang, Xiengkhouang andHouaphanh, demonstrate and sell food and handicraft items.

Wat Phou Festival07 FebruaryVenue : Wat Phou, Champasak

Wat Phu Festival is annually held on the full moon of the 3rdmonth of lunar calendar, on the grounds of the enchantingpre-Angkorian Wat Phu remains in Champasak. Festivitiesinclude elephants racing, buffaloes fi ghting, cock fi ghtingand performances of Lao traditional music and dance. The trade fair showcasing the products from the southern provinces of Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam is also held.

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Salana Corner are offereing up to 11 bottles of fi ne wine at just $20 USD net to celebrate the opening of its wine bar. Drop by at Salana Corner today, before the deal is over! Also, early bird planners will be re-warded with up to 14% discount on room stays. Email for more enquiries on our special internet rates at we-care@salanaboutique.com or call (+856) 21 254 254.

Book three-nights from Thursday to Sunday for the special price of 333USD (+ 10% tax) for one or two persons. The price includes accom-modation (superior room) including breakfast, transport to and from the airport, a dinner at our terrace and daily sundowners on the house. For more information call +856 71 260 733 or visit www.thebellerive.com.

Lovers get a special treat with a package featuring a two-night stay in the 121sqm pool villa with private pool and large bed-room facing a majestic mountain view. The Pool Villa is made even more irresistible with a romantic fl oral bath for 2, cham-pagne and chocolates.

The couple also gets a choice for a roman-tic retreat with either an intimate candlelit dinner by the pool or a spa treatment for him and her during their stay.

Package is at US$422.00++ per night, minimum of 2 nights required.

* Inclusive of Round trip airport Transfers, Pool Villa Accommodation, Spa or Dinner Credits for 2 persons; Honeymoon set-up in the room (Champagne, Chocolates and Floral Bath Set-up).Subject to government tax and service charges.

Offer is valid until March 31, 2012. For more information contact +856 71 260560

HOT TRAVEL DEALS WITH EASIA TRAVEL

Enjoy a stunning three-day tour with Easia Travel. Get an insight into the everyday lives of Laotian elephants and their mahouts from Luang Pra-bang to Pakbeng. Learn the basic techniques of elephant training and how to evaluate the health of these majestic beats on the fi rst day near Ban Houay Ka Village. Take advan-tage of this great opportunity to ride the elephants and learn about their trainers while trekking through some of the most beautiful rain forest im-aginable. For more information about the tour, and many more across the region contact (84-4) 3933 1362, email: info@easia-travel.com or visit www.Easia-travel.com

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As Laos starts to become a fl edgling tour-ist destination, the infrastructure and attitude towards tourism is also rapidly changing to accommodate travelers

from the four corners of the globe. Lao Airlines, which is the national carrier of the country, has just received delivery of one new A320 aircraft from Airbus, with the second one to come. The new aircraft were greatly accepted at a welcom-ing ceremony in Vientiane by Somsavat Lengsa-vad, Deputy Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and Thierry Mariani, French Minister of Transport.

The second A320 should be delivered to Lao Air-lines next month, and will be used on route to key destinations across South-East-Asia, which includes Singapore and Bangkok. These are the fi rst jet aircrafts to be purchased by Lao Airlines that feature high comfort interiors with 126 pas-senger seats and 16 seats in Business Class. All these new aircraft are powered with CFM56 en-gines courtesy of CFM International.

"The A320 will see Lao Airlines introduce a new level of premium service as we expand our in-ternational route network," said Somphone Douangdara, President of Lao Airlines. "In addi-tion to the highest standards of in-fl ight comfort, Lao Airlines will also benefi t from the extremely low operating costs offered by these modern, fuel-effi cient aircraft." "We are pleased to welcome Lao Airlines as a new Airbus operator," said John Leahy, Chief Operat-ing Offi cer, Customers, Airbus. "With the A320 in its fl eet, Lao Airlines joins over 260 airlines world-wide operating the industry’s best-selling single aisle product line, offering proven passenger ap-peal, outstanding reliability and unbeatable oper-ating costs." The A320 Family (A318, A319, A320 and A321) is recognized as the benchmark in its class. With more than 7,900 aircraft sold and over 4,800 de-livered, it is the world’s most successful single-aisle aircraft product line.

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LAO AIRLINES BECOMES NEW AIRBUS OPERATOR

FIRST A320 FOR NATIONAL CARRIER WELCOMED IN VIENTIANE

ການບນລາວ ກາຍມາເປນຜປະກອບການແອບaສໃໝ

ການບນລາວ າງມ ໆ ນ ໄດຮaບເຮອບນລຳaໃໝລນ A320 ລຳaທຳaອດ ຈາກແອບaສ. ພທຕອນຮaບໄດ ຈaດຂ ນທ ວຽງຈaນ ເຂ າຮວມໂດຍແຂກພເສດ ເຊ ນ ທານ ຮອງລaດຖະມaນຕ ສaມສະ າດ ເລ ງສະ aດ, ແລະ ເທຍຣ ມາຣອານ ລaດຖະມaນຕຄaມມະນາຄaມ ຂອງຝຣa ງ. ເຮອບນ A320 ລຳaທສອງ ຈະສa ງມາຮອດ ການບນລາວ ໃນເດອນໜາ ແລະ ຈະໄດຖກນຳaໃຊເຂ າໃນການເດນສາຍໄປສປາຍທາງທa ວທະວບ ອາຊຕາເວນອອກສຽງໃຕ ເຊ ງລວມທaງ ສງກະໂປ ແລະ ບາງກອກ.

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This is an exciting time for Lao PDR with the 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge being offi -cially inaugurated on the auspi-

cious date of 11/11/11 at 11am. Many dignitries and VIPs were there to open the bridge, chaired by Her Royal High-ness Princess Sirindhorn and also in-cluding Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck

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THE OFFICIAL OPENINGOF THE 3RD THAI-LAO FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE

Shinawatra. The bridge links Nakhon Phanom in Thailand and the Kham-moun Provinces in Lao, while also in-corporating more integration in the Greater Mekong sub-region. The event was broadcast live on Thai television.

Starting construction in May 2009, the project has cost Bt 1,723 Million, which was paid by the Thai Government, al-though the Lao government did provide the land and tax privileges on the im-portation of construction materials and machinery.

The new 1.4 kilometer long bridge will become a link, mainly through the AH15 Asian Route, connecting Laos, Vietnam, Thailand and southern Chi-na. The bridge will also bring together greater unity and cooperation between

Lao and Thailand, also including Viet-nam so closer ties regarding culture, trade and economics.

“This bridge is a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the Lao PDR and Thailand,” said Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong.

The construction of the bridge is in-deed a great way to build a closer re-lationship between Laos and Thailand, as well as being an economic corridor to Vietnam. The bridge commercially opened on 12 November, with the fi rst group of travelers paying 50baht each for privet cars making the cross-ing. Cars with seating arrangements of 7 to 12 seats will be charged a fee of 100baht, while those with 12 to 24 seats are 150baht. Buses that have 24 seats or more will pay 200baht.

The 3rd Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge marks a new era for Thai and Lao rela-tions, which is not only good in govern-mental and economic terms but also for those traveling across this stunning part of South-East-Asia.

ຂaວມດຕະພາບນ ແມນເວລາອaນໜາຕ ນເຕ ນສຳaລaບ ສປປ ລາວ ທ ຂaວມດຕະພາບ ລາວ-ໄທ ໄດເປດນຳaໃຊ ຢາງເປນທາງການ ໃນວaນມaງຄນ ທ 11 ພະຈກ 2011 ໃນເວລາ 11 ໂມງ. ແຂກ ຜມກຽດ ແລະ ພເສດ າຍຄaນໄດເຂ າຮວມພທເປດ ໂດຍການເປນປະທານຂອງ ເຈ າຍງ ສຣດaນ ພອມດວຍ ລaດຖະມaນຕ ທານ ຍງລaກ ຊນນະວaດ ຂອງໄທ. ຂaວເສ ນນ ເຊ ອມຕ ລະ າງ ແຂວງນະຄອນພະນaມ ຂອງໄທ ແລະ ແຂວງຄຳaມວນ ຂອງລາວ ໃນຂະນະດຽວກaນກ ຮວມເອາການປະສaມປະສານກaນຂອງພາກພ ນ ລມແມນຳaຂອງ. ພທດa ງກາວໄດອອກອາກາດສaດຜານໂທລະພາບໄທ.

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THE TIME FOR LAOS IS NOW

WHETHER ON YOUR FIRST VISIT OR ONE OF MANY, THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO EX-PLORE LAOS THAN RIGHT NOW, AND TRAVELLERS TO SOUTHEAST ASIA ARE DOING JUST THAT IN GROWING NUMBERS

With out-of-the-way destinations more reachable than ever before, it’s easy to tai-

lor your Lao adventure to combine the splendour of the regular tour-ist destinations with travels off the beaten track to the rural heart of the country.

For most visitors the journey begins in Vientiane, a capital like no other whose centre has an enduring vil-lage-like quality, fi lled with a jumble of shaded temples, shop-houses and colonial-era villas, while further out the city is expanding fast with an eye fi rmly on the future.

From the capital, whether heading north or south, a scenic journey awaits - across the endless beau-

ty of the mountainous northern provinces, or following the mighty Mekong River south through the lowlands to Siphandone (the ‘Four Thousand Islands’).

In either case, opportunities for ad-venture and exploration abound, and for several years ecotourism in particular has been on the rise in Laos. The UNESCO-listed former royal capital of Luang Prabang, as well as being a must-see destina-tion in itself, offers a jumping off point for numerous trekking desti-nations in Laos’s northern National Protected Areas.

In the other direction, Thakhek provides a relaxed base for ex-ploring the karst wonderland of Khammuan province, in which the

‘Thakhek Loop’ motorbike circuit is an increasingly popular section of longer two-wheeled trips through the country, easily the most free-spirited method of getting from A to B in Laos.

Meanwhile Savannakhet’s quiet old town, now being restored, plus ef-forts by the local branch of the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA) to sign-post many historic and natural sites close to the town, gives more reasons to spend a few extra days on your journey south.

The southern hub of Pakse puts you in easy reach of the pre-Angkor temple of Wat Phou Champassak, Laos’s second UNESCO heritage site; the cool coffee plantations and waterfalls of the Bolavens plateau;

ROB COLE GAID P. KORNSILAPA

18

the water-world and island lifestyles of Siphandone and onwards to the Cambodian border.

Laos, and particularly Luang Pra-bang, has benefi ted from high cov-erage in the global travel press in recent years, helping to encourage tourist arrivals which are predicted to hit 2.6 million in 2011.

The LNTA hopes to raise the coun-try’s global tourism profi le still fur-ther in 2012 by launching a second ‘Visit Laos Year’ (the fi rst was in 1999); a timely decision considering the juncture at which Lao tourism presently fi nds itself.

In 1999, the focus of tourism de-velopment in Laos was on access – countless destinations were way

off the map for all but the hardiest travellers, and transport and other infrastructure in many areas was still the stuff of government plans.

In 2012, a much wider area of the country is open to easier exploration thanks to highway projects over re-cent years linking many of the coun-try’s provincial centres with paved roads, as well as more multi-country trip options through new or refi tted border crossings with Thailand, Vi-etnam and Cambodia.

Travel in Laos has never been easier, while at the same time tour and ac-commodation options have never been more diverse, catering to both budget and high-end travellers. As Lao tourism development shifts from access to quantity and quality,

arrival numbers will inevitably and justifi ably keep building.

But Laos is still far from being over-run by tourism, and you can easily fi nd your own level of escape if you desire to; the heart of this country only a sangtheaw (pick-up truck) ride away.

ເວລາຂອງລາວນ ແມນເວລາຂອງປະເທດລາວ ທ ກຳaລaງກາຍມາເປaນຈດໝາຍປາຍທາງອaນເປນທ ນຍaມຂອງນaກທອງທຽວ ທ ມາຢຽມຢາມອາຊຕະເວນອອກສຽງໃຕ.

ການທອງທຽວລາວ ບ ເຄຍສະດວກສະບາຍເທ ານ ມາກອນ ໃນຂະນະດຽວກaນຕaວເລອກດານ ທaວ ແລະ ບອນພaກອາໄສ

ກ ບ ເຄຍມ າກ າຍກວານ , ຕອບສະໜອງໃຫ ທaງ ຜທ ມງaບໜອຍ ແລະ ຜທ ມaກຄວາມ າ. ໃນຂະນະທ ການພaດທະນາດານການທອງທຽວຂອງລ

າວ ຫaນຈາກບaນຫາດານການເຂ າເຖງ ມາສມໃສດານ ປະລມານ ແລະ ຄນະພາບ, ແນນອນແລວ ນaກທອງທຽວ

ຈະເພ ມຈຳaນວນຂ ນຢາງ ກລຽງບ ໄດ.

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The Luang Say Residence THE ESSENCE OF GRANDEUR

Lao is rapidly becoming a desirable tourist destination for those in the know, with Luang Prabang and its old worldly charms sport-ing a modern attitude, now the premier location for visitors to Lao from afar and wide. Nestled against the banks of the gargantuan

Mekong River, Luang Prabang basks within a warm atmospheric glow with many temples, Indochinese inspired architecture and 19th Century colonial French buildings that give this UNESCO protected town a real diverse and melting-pot environment.

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Although the inevitable surge of mass tourism might affect Luang Prabang over the long run, it will no doubt retain its essence due to it being

protected. Therefore, when you decide to create a new hotel in such a unique destination, it makes sense to merge the old with the new, which is exactly what has transpired with The Luang Say Resi-dence. Blending 19th Century colonial French architecture with the luxurious trappings of the new world, this is a ho-tel that stands out in a crowd and makes itself noticed.

Striking a meticulous balance is not an easy task, however, The Luang Say Resi-dence has proven you can take the best aspects of everything and combine them to create something that is uniquely new but also accentuates the glories of the French colonial period. Situated just a short stroll from Luang Prabang’s his-toric town centre, Luang Say Residence is a convenient hotel that conjures up a dreamlike atmosphere conducive to the perfect holiday stay.

With 24 exquisitely styled suites and rooms, set over 5 pavilions, the resort is charm personifi ed. The building itself is reminiscent of a fortress for a French ambassador during the 19th century - a place you wouldn’t fi nd out of place as a home for French royalty or other north-ern European nobility. The moment you set foot within the hotel, you are immedi-ately greeted by an oval atrium keeping you supremely cool - a safe haven away from the humidity and pulsating sunrays of South-East-Asia.

Nowhere are its 19th Century roots more apparent than within the adjoining 1861 Bar, which epitomizes that colonial style with its roaring open fi re and its welcom-ing armchairs. One can sit back and ab-sorb the atmosphere and imagine French explorers exchanging tales of danger and excitement whilst partaking in an alcoholic beverage or two.

La Belle Epoque is Luang Say Residence’s fi ne restaurant, where one can sample sumptuous dishes lovingly created with care and passion. The restaurant is also making a big name for itself in Luang Pra-bang, which is usually a good sign for up and coming restaurants. Overlooking the gardens and pools, the restaurant serves healthy food from all over the world, though the Laos chefs in the kitchen are able to of-fer local dishes.

The rooms are heavily inspired by Indochi-nese elements that give the overall fl air of the hotel great diversity, which mirrors Lu-ang Prabang as a whole. This conceptual way of creating such a hotel allows you to feel the mismatch of local Laos culture at fi rst hand.

Just sit back and relax, absorbing the mountainous backdrop, and when you are ready to try something different, you can do it in style by traversing the Mekong River aboard the Vat Phou and Luangsai Cruises. The Luang Say Residence experi-ence is one you will never forget, and what better way to enjoy such an interesting destination as Luang Prabang than within a hotel that mirrors the essence entire of the region.

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The Luang Say Residence 4-5 Ban Phonepheng, P.O. Box 507 Luang Prabang Lao PDR.Tel: + 856 (0) 71 260 891 Fax: +856 (0) 71 260 892

www.luangsayresidence.com

OF LUANG PRABANG

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LAOS# new airport for Luang Prabang

LUANG PRABANG IS SET AMID KARST LIMESTONE MOUNTAINS CARPETED IN DENSE FOREST COVER, A PENINSULA OASIS OF GLITTERING GOLDEN TEMPLES TUCKED BETWEEN THE ME-KONG AND NAM KHAN RIVERS. LONG VISITED, PRIMARILY BY BACKPACKERS AND A HANDFUL OF FRENCH TOURISTS LOOK-ING TO RETRACE COLONIAL ROOTS, THE SERENE VIBE OF THE TOWN HAS BECOME A DESTINATION THAT SEAMLESSLY MERG-ES THE NEW WITH ITS OLD WORLD CHARMS

Just this year, the Lao govern-ment announced the forma-tion of the Lao Tourism Mar-keting Board, with ambitious

plans to develop a long-term strate-gy to promote Laos as a tourist des-tination in fi ve key markets abroad, namely English-speaking and Euro-pean countries.

As part of the government’s strate-gic vision for tourism infrastructure development, a new, longer runway at the airport has already been built with a new terminal building planned but not yet constructed, so that the airport may accommodate larger jet planes and increased passenger

traffi c. This is good news for the aspiring visitor and will hopefully re-sult in more competitive pricing and greater availability.

Dominated by state-owned Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines, air acces-sibility to Luang Prabang is limited to only a trickle of international fl ights each day, almost all of which are handled by small propeller planes, although Bangkok Airways does op-erate twice daily fl ights from Bang-kok to Luang Prabang. However, there are several Lao Airline domes-tic fl ights into Luang Prabang on a daily basis

LAO AIRLINESLuang Prabang (LPQ)

Airport Offi ceTel : (856-71) 212173Fax : (856-71) 252264lpq@laoairlines.com

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# new lifestyle and activities: where fashion and ecotourism harmoniously meet

To learn about the painstaking work behind the endless stacks of scarves on offer, venture towards the Phousi market where you will

fi nd a small dirt lane leading to the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center. Translated as ‘East Meets West,’ Ock Pop Tok injects traditional Lao weavings with chic contem-porary design. Drop in and allow the hum of the looms to envelop you as the nimble fi ngers work their magic, employing tech-niques passed from mother to daughter for generations.

A series of classes allows you to delve further into these traditional arts by hand-crafting your own souvenir. Weaving class-es start by mixing a natural dye and fi nish on the loom, where you will interlace the silk threads into a placemat-sized piece. The batik class, taught by a warm and pa-tient H’mong grandmother, will guide you through the creation of her culture’s intri-cate geometric patterns.

OCK POP TOK73/5 Ban Vat Nong

Luang Prabang, Lao PDRTelephone: +856 (071) 253 219

info@ockpoptok.comwww.ockpoptok.com

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For the active visitor, head out of town for a hike through the dense forests. At the El-ephant Village, spend a day in the shoes of a ‘mahout’ or elephant caretaker. Once known as the ‘Land of a Million Elephants,’ the population is dwindling in the face of habitat destruction. This sanctuary offers a gentler income alternative to animals and caretakers formerly involved in logging. Ride through the lush surrounding foliage, learn about their care from the resident vet-erinarian, and cap off the day with these majestic yet humble creatures by heading down to the river for their daily bath.

AT THE ELEPHANT VILLAGE, SPEND A DAY IN THE SHOES OF A ‘MAHOUT’ OR ELEPHANT CARETAKER

ELEPHANT VILLAGEBan Xieng Lom,

Luang Phabang, LaosTel / Fax : +856(0)71 252417,

+856(0)30 5140614info@elephantvillage-laos.comwww.elephantvillage-laos.com

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OF LUANG PRABANGNEW FACENEW FACE

# new luxury stay: chic luxury stays in Luang Prabang

After some years of stagnant hotel devel-opment and limited deluxe options, Lu-ang Prabang’s accommodation scene has fl ourished recently. Merging the colonial past glories with a modern atmosphere and attitude, The Luang Say Residence is one of those special places that brings new and old together into one total experience. With 24 luxury suites set over six colonial style pavilions, this is resort for the intrepid ex-plorer to Luang Prabang.

Hotel de la Paix Luang Prabang, suc-cessfully blends colonial charms with con-temporary style, constructed on the site of a former prison. The rooms here are spa-cious, with high ceilings, sweeping cur-tains, and a sultry minimalist style. Mirror-ing Luang Prabang’s UNESCO protected image, the Amantaka is a picturesque resort set within a stunning French colo-nial building within close proximity to many boutiques, bakeries and restaurants lining the main street of the town. Also close to the banks of the Mekong, this is the perfect place to stay when visiting Luang Prabang.

SUCCESSFULLY BLENDS COLONIAL CHARMS WITH CONTEMPORARY STYLE, CONSTRUCTED ON THE SITE OF A FORMER PRISON

THE LUANG SAY RESIDENCE

4-5 Ban Phonepheng, P.O. Box 507

Luang Prabang Lao PDRTel: + 856 (0) 71 260 891 Fax: +856 (0) 71 260 892

info@luangsayresidence.comwww.luangsayresidence.com

HOTEL DE LA PAIX LUANG PRABANG

Manomai Street,Ban Mano,

Luang Prabang, 0600Lao P.D.R.

Phone: +856 71 260 777Fax: +856 71 260 776

book@hoteldelapaixlp.comwww.hoteldelapaixlp.com

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La Residence Phou Vao is nestled upon a scenic hillside with stunning moun-tain views benefi tting from a tranquil and calming ambience overlooking the dreamy Luang Prabang. With rooms that are inspired by local styles and materials, this is a luxury hotel you will never forget. Xiengthong Palace is a luxury and unique boutique hotel set in a peaceful area of Luang Prabang, beside a Buddhist Mon-astery and facing the Mekong River. The 26 rooms and 15 suites combine luxury, intimacy and comfort to create one of the best hotels in the city.

AMANTAKA55/53 Kingkitsarath Road

Ban Th ongchaleun Luang PrabangLao PDR

Tel:(856) 71 860 333Fax:(856) 71 860 335

amantaka@amanresorts.comwww.amanresorts.com

LA RÉSIDENCE PHOU VAO3 PO Box 50, Luang Prabang,

Lao PDRTel: (+856-71) 212194 or 212530

Fax: (+856-71) 212534 reservations@residencephouvao.com

www.residencephouvao.com

XIENGTHONG PALACEKounxoau Road, Ban Phonehueng,

Luang Prabang, Lao PDRTe;: +856 71213200Fax: +856 71213203

reservation.xtp@jetwingindochina.comwww.xiengthongpalace.com

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TROPICAL GARDEN RESTAURANT

Bane Vixoun, Setthatirath Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Tel: 071 212 642, 071 252 933

Fax: 071 212 818info@luangprabangoasis.comwww.luangprabangoasis.com

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OF LUANG PRABANGNEW FACENEW FACE

# new dining out – it’s all about Taste!

The great thing about dining out in Luang Prabang is there is plenty of choice avail-able. Situated on the banks of the Me-kong, The Big Tree Gallery Café serves

up an interesting selection of cuisine styles from local Lao dishes and European specialities, all the way to Korean food, which is quite unique for Luang Prabang. Being the only eatery in the city that serves Korean food, this accolade is well worth a visit alone.

Lao is well known for its bread-making qualities due to its French inspired past. Going to Luang Prabang without sampling the bread is like going to London and not visiting Buckingham Palace. Located by the town’s post offi ce, Joma Bakery Café is regarded as an institution in Luang Pra-bang. All coffee lovers tend to pop in for a coffee and cake when in the city. Also home to quality pizzas that have a Chicago infl uences rather than Italian, and New York bagels, this is a must-visit café when in Luang Prabang.

If you are seeking a spot of Thai cuisine when in Luang Prabang, Tropical Garden Restaurant serves up Thai dishes for foreign travelers and locals. Sample Thai favorites such as Pad Thai (Thai Style Fried Noodle), Squid fried with shrimp paste, Green Curry, Sour and Spicy Shrimp Soup, Pan Fried Spicy Seafood and many more. Don’t miss Thai Favorite Buffet every Sat and Sun from 19.00 to 21.00.

GOING TO LUANG PRABANG WITH-OUT SAMPLING THE BREAD IS LIKE GOING TO LONDON AND NOT VISIT-ING BUCKINGHAM PALACE

JOMA BAKERY CAFEChao Fa Ngum Road,

near the city post offi ce+856 (0) 21 412 792

www.joma.bizOpening hours: 7am-9pm, daily

THE BIG TREE GALLERY CAFE

PO Box 612, 46 Bat Van Nong+856 (0) 20 777 6748www.bigtreecafe.com

Opening hours: 9am-9pm, daily

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OF LUANG PRABANGNEW FACENEW FACE

# new hip & chic repose

For afi cionados of boutique proper-ties brimming with character, look no further than the Ock Pop Tok Villa, nestled in a corner of the

frangipani-fringed yard at the aforemen-tioned Living Crafts Centre. Perched on the banks of the Mekong, this petite villa houses four rooms, named after the ethnic group whose traditional textiles adorn the walls, bed, and fl oors of each chamber. Star-shaped mulberry paper lanterns mark the entrance to this cosy abode, with ample space for lounging on the large outdoor sofa chairs.

Other notable hip & chic options include Satri House, which is one of the most ex-quisite places to stay within this ancient city. The Apsara Hotel is an ultra-hip and chic repose located in the heart of the city with views overlooking the banks of the Nam Khan River and the surround-ing mountains. Luang Prabang has truly become an enchanting city evolving into a hip and happening place catering to all travellers.

THIS PETITE VILLA HOUSES FOUR ROOMS, NAMED AFTER THE ETHNIC GROUP

OCK POP TOK VILLA2 Km south of

Luang Prabang town in Ban Saylom

Telephone: +856 (0)71 212 597Lcc@ockpoptok.comwww.ockpoptok.comSATRI HOUSE

057 Photisarath Rd, Ban Th atluang, Luangprabang

Lao PDRTel: +856 71 253 491-2 Fax: +856 71 253 418info@satrihouse.comwww.satrihouse.com

THE APSARALUANG PRABANGTel: (856 71) 254 670 Fax: (856 71) 254252info@theapsara.comwww. theapsara.com

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YOUNG NOVICE MONKS STROLL ALONG THE STREETS, CLOAKED IN TANGERINE ROBES AND DELICATELY SHADED UNDERNEATH BLACK UMBRELLAS

Despite increasing infrastructure and tourism developments, Lu-ang Prabang has thus far man-aged to retain its tranquil colonial

charms which have seduced the most jad-ed city-slickers. Even the mighty Mekong seems gently subdued here, as small boats ferry monks and local residents back and forth across the river, fi sherman glide downstream dragging their nets, vil-lagers tend to leafy riverside vegetable gardens, and young children dip into the cool waters for a refreshing swim.

Young novice monks stroll along the streets, cloaked in tangerine robes and delicately shaded underneath black um-brellas, greeting visitors with a polite ‘sa-baidee’ as they pass. At dusk, the quiet hum of evening prayers emanates from within the temples, wafting its way through the warm air as locals set up their stalls at the nightly handicraft market.

UNESCO has indeed worked tirelessly to ensure maintenance of strict architectural standards, helping to safeguard the his-toric culture of the town. However, most visitors would argue that the most prevail-ing factor in preserving the serene nature of this sleepy town is indeed the mild na-ture of the Lao hosts.

# the old charms: keeping true to its colorful past

31

ສະໜາມບນໃໝສະໜາມບນ ວງພະບາງ ກຳaລaງມວນຊ ນກaບການປຽນແປງ າຍຢາງ ເພ ອຮອງຮaບການ a ງໄ ເຂ າມາໃນພາກພ ນຂອງນaກທອງທຽວທ ເພ ມຂ ນ. ດວຍທາງແລນອaນ ໃໝ ແລະ ຍາວກວາເກ າ ທ ໄດໃຊຢ ແລະ ການກ ສາງອາຄານບນອaນໃໝທ ກຳaລaງດຳaເນນຢ, ຖຽວບນຈາກ ຕາງປະເທດ ແລະ ພາຍໃນຂອງການບນລາວ ຈະເປນປະໂຫຍດຕ ກaບຕaວເມອງຢາງແນນອນ.

ວຖຊວດ ແລະ ກດຈະກຳa ໃໝປະເທດລາວກຳaລaງມຊ ສຽງເພ ມຂ ນຍອນ ວຖຊວດ ແລະ ກດຈະກຳa ທ ປະສaມປະສານສ ງ ໃໝ ແລະ ເກ າ ເຂ າເປນຫບຫ ອaນດຽວໄດຢາງໜາຈaບໃຈ. ລອງໄປຖຽວຕະ າດພສ ບອນທ ທານຈະໄດພaບ ສນຫaດຖະກຳaແບບມຊວດຂອງ ອອກພaບຕaກ ທ ປະສaມປະສານການຕຳaຜາແບບພ ນເມອງລາວ ເຂ າກaບການອອກແບບຕາມສະໄໝທ ເກໄກ, ລອງອອກໄປແຖວບານຊາງ ເພ ອລອງໃຊຊວດເປນ ຄວານຊາງ ຈaກມ ໜ ງ.

ໃບໜາໃໝຂອງ ວງພະບ

າງ

ເມອງທ ໄດຮaບການປaກປaກຮaກສ

າຈາກການເປນສະຖ

ານທ ທາງມລະດaກໂລກ ວງພະບາງ ກຳaລaງກາຍມາ

ເປນຈດໝາຍປາຍທາງໃນທະວບອາຊ ທ

ມາແຮງແຫງໃໝຂອງນaກ

ທອງທຽວຢາງໄວວາ ເປນສະຖານທ

ທ ປະສaມປະສານອາດດໄລຍ

ະ

ກອນ ແລະ ລະ າງ ການເປນເມອງຂ ນ ກaບ ກດຈະກຳa ແລະ

ສ ງດງດດ ໃໝໆໄດຢາງມຜaນສຳaເລດ.

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DINNER SHOW

Setthathilath Road, PO Box 586 Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R.Tel. 856-71-254870Fax 856-71-254880

info@rootsinlaos.comreservation@rootsinlaos.comwww.rootsinlaos.com

Roots & Leaves

ບອນພaກທ າອaນໃໝພາຍ aງຈາກ າຍປຂອງ ການພaດທະນາໂຮງແຮມທ ຊaບເຊາ ແລະ ຂອບເຂດທ ຈຳaກaດຂອງຕaວເລອກດານຄວາມ າ ພາບສະຖານທ ພaກຂອງ ວງພະບາງ ໃນໄລຍະ aງນ ກຳaລaງເກດດອກອອກໝາກ. ມວນຊ ນໄປກaບບອນພaກທ າ ແລະ ເກໄກ ຢສະຖານທ ຕາກອາກາດ ເຊ ນ ໂຮງແຮມ ເດລາແປ, ອາມaນຕະກະ, ລາເຣຊດອງ ພວາວ, ຊຽງທອງ ພາເລສ ແລະ ທາຍສດ ວງໄຊ ເຣຊເດນສ ກaບຮບແບບເມອງຂ ນທ າ ແລະ ເປນເອກ.

ຮານອາຫານໃໝສ ງທ ຄaກ ກຽວກaບການກນເຂ ານອກບານຢ ວງພະບາງ ແມນຕaວເລອກທ ມຢຢາງ ວງ າຍ. ມວນຊ ນໄປກaບອາຫານ ເກາ ທ ບກທຣ ແກເລຣ ຄາເຟ ເຊ ງເປນບອນທ ມເອກະລaກສະເພາະໃນ ແຂວງ ວງພະບາງ. ລ ມລອງຮານອາຫານຂອງຕaວເມອງ າຍແຫງ ເຊ ນ ຮານ ໂຈມາ ເບກເກຣ ຄາເຟ ແລະ ລaດຊາດແບບໄທ ທ ຮານ ໂທຣປຄອລ ກາເດນ.

ບອນພaກຜອນທ ທaນສະໄໝ ແລະ ເກໄກ ບອນໃໝສວຍໂອກາດຈາກບອນພaກຜອນທ ທaນສະໄໝ ແລະ ເກໄກ ໃນພາກພ ນນ ກaບ ວນລາ ອອກພaບຕaກ ລຽບແຄມຂອງ, ບານ ສະຕາຣ ແລະ ອກ າຍບອນ.

ສະເໜເກ າແກ ເຖງແມນວາຈະມ ສ ງປກສາງ ແລະ ການພaດທະນາດານທອງທຽວ ເພ ມຂ ນ ແຂວງ ວງພະບາງ ຈaນເຖງປະຈບaນ ຍaງສາມາດຮaກສາສະເໜເມອງຂ ນອaນງຽບສະ aບໄວໄດ ເຊ ງເປaນສ ງໜ ງທ ດງດດຄaນເມອງທ ເມ ອຍລາ. ແມນແທ ອaງການຢເນສໂກ ໄດເຮດວຽກດວຍຄວາມ ບາກບa ນເພ ອຮaບປະກaນການປaກປaກຮaກສາມາດຕະຖານດານສະຖາປະນກທ ເຂ ມງວດ ເພ ອຊວຍເຂ າໃນ ການອະນລaກວaດທະນະທຳaອaນເກ າແກຂອງຕaວເມອງ.

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LA

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MS A RETREAT FOR SPLENDID SOULS

HOTEL DE LA PAIX

HOTEL DE LA PAIXLUANG PRABANG

Unit 4, Ban Mano,Old Prison Road,

Luang Prabang, 0600Lao P.D.R.

Phone: +856 71 260 777Fax: +856 71 260 776

www.hoteldelapaixlp.com

Hotel de la paix is a true blending ofhistoric charm with contemporarystyle. Situated in the former royal

capital of Laos, the hotel is built on UN-ESCO heritage site making it all the more fascinating and alluring to the visitors.

This culturally affl uent destination comprises of luxury suites that fl aunts French colonialarchitecture and style with a series of intimate spaces done with wooden furnishings making these suites perfect for indulgence and complete relaxation. The ideal mountainous backdrop and secluded location ensures visitors a restful stay. The hotel spells its extravagance through its big courtyards, landscaped gardens, exuberant pools and fi replaces that can sway any visitor.

SPIRITUAL REJUVENATION AT

Ideally located in the towns Old Quarter,3 Nagas is a boutique hotel that surrounds three restored heritage

buildings. The hotel is an appropriateplace to observe the serene and divine alms giving procession of monks in the early morning.

The elegance of 3 Nagas has been marked by its exotic architecture with dark wooden fl oors, high end ceilings and silk fabrics. One can taste authentic Laotian cuisine, discover a range of handicrafts and silk fabrics made by local hill tribes,and can buy varieties of tea, infusions and spices. For inquisitive travelers who love to explore the world of literature, the hotel has a personal library with some best books of every genre.

3 NAGAS

3 NAGASLUANG PRABANG

Ban Vatnong,Sakkaline Road

P.O. Box 722,Luang Prabang, Lao P.D.R.Phone: +856 71 253 888

Fax: +856 71 253 999www.3-nagas.com

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Known as the last residence of Lao Royalty, Xiengthong Palace is a unique hotel

situated in a tranquil part of Luang Prabang. Benefi tting from a stunning location next to the Royal temple Wat Xiengthong while also facing the Mekong River, this luxury hotel features 26 stylish rooms including 15 suites that bring together comfort, intimacy, hospitality and exclu-sivity into one package. With awe-inspiring architecture and close proximity to Luang Prabang’s shopping district, markets and the International Airport, this is a distinctive hotel with major attention to detail and a person-alized that will make your stay the most memorable.

Situated in the heart of Luang Prabang with a stunning mountain-ous backdrop, The Luang Say Resi-

dence is a fantastic resort set within a pic-turesque French Colonial building. Enjoying 24 beautifully appointed luxury suites set across 6 pavilions, the hotel refl ects Lu-ang Prabang’s colonial past with a modern contemporary style. As nineteenth century explorers played a big part in Luang Pra-bang’s development, the hotel mirrors an essential essence of the city’s colorful his-tory. Alongside the luxury suites, there are facilities such as a communal swimming pool and the classy La Belle Epoque res-taurant, which serves stunning cuisine that will keep your taste buds in heaven. The 1861 Bar, sometimes with a roaring open fi re, will conjure images of its colonial his-tory. If you are looking for that perfect stay in the city that gives you a sneak preview of the city’s past while also offering luxury and pampering, The Luang Say Residence is the perfect choice.

THELUANG SAY RESIDENCE

4-5 Ban Phonepheng, P.O. Box 507

Luang Prabang Lao PDRTel: + 856 (0) 71 260 891 Fax: +856 (0) 71 260 892

E-mail: info@luangsayresidence.comwww.mekong-cruises.com

THE LUANG SAY RESIDENCE

XIENGTHONG PALACE

XIENGTHONG PALACEKounxoau Road, Ban Phonehueng, Luang Prabang,

Lao PDRTel: +856 71213200Fax: +856 71213203

www.xiengthongpalace.com

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TAKE THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME ON A JOURNEY TO MUANG NGOI NUEA, EXPLORING REAL LAOS WHERE REAL PEOPLE AND STUNNING SCENERY MEETS NATURE AND LAOS’ CULTURE IN ITS PUREST FORM.

MUANG NGOI NEUAOFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN LAOS

JOHN YATES

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THE SKY HIT EVERY HUE OF BLUE, PINK AND PURPLE BEFORE SETTLING ON BLACK“

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If Ernest Hemingway had chosen Laos as his home in-stead of Cuba, perhaps he would have stayed a while in Muang Ngoi Neua. In this tiny village on the Nam

Ou River, deep in the jade mountains of Luang Prabang province, visitors can enjoy a rustic jungle retreat and catch a glimpse of Lao village life.

My journey to Muang Ngoi was an adventure in itself. A songtaew ride from Luang Prabang took me through scenic hill country to the sleepy port of Nong Khiaw, where several other travelers and I caught a longboat to the village. As we boarded the boat, an Irishman in our group said: “I have a feeling I’m going to fi nd Jesus on this trip.” I don’t know if he ever did, but the breathtaking scenery along the river told me that we were heading somewhere otherworldly. Blue skies yawned down on giant, forest-covered mountains and water buffalo bathed in the shallows of the river.

One could easily mistake Muang Ngoi for a ghost town or a Hollywood movie set. A single stretch of road lined on both sides by simple wooden buildings, the village epitomizes timeless serenity. The sounds of birds, chick-ens, locusts and wind compete for dominance of the air, and the villagers go on about their daily lives without even acknowledging the presence of outsiders.

After settling into a $6 Dollar a night bungalow, I joined my fellow travelers on the deck of one of the village’s cafes for Beer Lao and delicious duck spring rolls and got to work on the question that had been on every-one’s mind: “What do we do now?” Our travel books told us that there were hiking trails in the area, but we hadn’t a clue where to fi nd them. An obvious fi rst answer came as the discussion died down and people started to take notice of the beautiful sunset. From where I sat, the view of the surrounding mountains and the Nam Ou, which disappeared among them like a silvery thread, resembled a live Chinese scroll painting. As the sun inched toward the horizon, the sky hit every hue of blue, pink and purple before settling on black. In awe, we all looked at each other as if our question had been a silly one not worth asking. The second answer came a short while later, when a Brazilian group member showed up at our table with a wide grin and a hand-drawn map: a guide to the local hiking trails.

After a baguette breakfast at Sengdala bakery the next morning, we set out along a nondescript path that leads out of Muang Ngoi and passes through an expanse of rice fi elds dotted with limestone cliffs and a few small villages. During spring, the fi elds are dry and easily traversable. Cattle and chick ens roam freely about, villagechildren play pétanque, and, if you’re lucky, you may spot fresh jackfruit growing on trees. Farther down thetrail, the human factor disappears, and you’re left with the silent company of nature. The forest becomes more dense, the mist thicker, and the mountains higher, which seems to go on like that forever. The surreal emptiness of the landscape, along with the feeling that I was in a time vacuum miles and miles away from the nearest hint of a city was exactly what I had been looking for.

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After a certain point, the path my group and I had takengrew narrower and narrower until it disappeared into a thick wall of foliage. A few guys and I decided toscout it out, and, after walking into the brush, sliddown a muddy slope into a shallow, clear creek fedby a trickle of a waterfall. The canopy overhead was so thick that we couldn’t see the sky. The trail appeared to go on, but in a much less reliable form. With that, we decided to climb up the thick ropes of vines that hung from the trees and lead the group homeward. After a quick stop at a small cave just outside the village, of which we were only able to catch a glimpse for lack of light, we were back in town in time for dinner.

To this day, I often wonder what lies beyond the creek where we ended our hike, and where the alternate paths we chose not to take end up. Perhaps mystery makes memories all the more real, and serves as a powerful incentive to return one day and pick up where you left off. One thing’s for sure, though: if you visit Muang Ngoi, you would be wise to take a head torch with you. Not only does the village’s electricity shut off at night, but you never know when you’ll stumble upon a cave you might want to explore.

ເມອງງອຍເໜອ ໄປຕາມເສນທາງທບຄອຍມຄນເດນໃນລາວ ສຳຫວດພາບພນທຂອງ ລາວ ແລະ ເມອງງອຍເໜອ ເຊງເປນຈດໝາຍປາຍທາງອນສວຍງາມທບຄອຍມ ຄນທຽວ. ພວກເຮາເດນທາງຜານບານນອຍໆແຫງໜງແຄມນຳອ, ເຂາເລກໄປສາຍພສຂຽວຂອງແຂວງ ຫວງພະບາງ ບອນທຜຢຽມຢາມສາມາດເພດເພນກບ ຄວາມສນໂດດໃນປາ ແລະ ມມໜງຂອງຊວດ ບານນອກ. ນແມນປະສບການທອງທຽວທເປນເອກະລກທຜຢຽມຢາມລາວບຄອຍໄດເຫນ. ຮຽນກຽວກບ ບານນອກທສວຍງາມຂອງລາວ ແລະ ຄນລາວທມສວນໃນການເດນທາງຄງໜງໃນຊວດນ.

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WITH LAOS CURRENTLY ENJOYING A FLEDGLING PERIOD IN ITS RAPIDLY GROWING POSITION AS A TOURIST DESTI-NATION IN SOUTH-EAST-ASIA, IT IS ONLY RIGHT TO ASSUME THAT A PROPERTY BOOM IS AROUND THE CORNER. MORE EXPOSURE USUALLY RESULTS IN MORE INTEREST, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY – FOREIGN INVESTMENT!

ABSORB NATURE AT THE JUNGLEHOUSE

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Luang Prabang Real Estate Consulting is a real estate agent in Lao that offers some great and unique choices for the Laos real estate market

and potential homebuyers. One of the most unique properties on their website is a stunning Jungle House situated just a 25-minute drive from Luang Prabang. This is a luxury jungle mansion with stunning views seamlessly blending into a natural abundant location with views of the mountains and overlooking a wondrousriver. Situated within a magnifi cent jungle-laden private estate on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, this is the ideal villa for nature lovers or those wishing to be at one with nature and themselves.

This two bedroom villa has some of the most scenic views imaginable gazing out above the jungle canopy as the world rolls out beneath. The villa is connected to the river over land and there is another house/building which can be sold in connection with the villa. The villa itself is a gem and if you wish to integrate some business plans into your new investment, you could add a small guesthouse by the river.

This beautiful luxury mansion with stunning river and scenic mountain views is the perfect weekend or holiday retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of other Asian cities, offering an environment of pure luxury and beauty. It is built on the base of a 100 year old Lao style house and extended with open-air bathroom, bath tub, rain shower, various sitting and working areas, fully equipped kitchen and living room, television and ready to move in facilities. The house can be transformed into a business orientated property, perfect for “honeymooners” and businessmen in search of indulgent luxury. Aside from the house, there is also a separate plot of land and a lodge, all of which can be purchased with the house.

For more information regarding the Jungle House or any other property desires in Lao you might

have, you can contact Luang Prabang Real Estate Consulting and visit their website at:

www.real-estate-luang-prabang.com

THE LANDThe land is on a lease/rent through the government of Laos with all paper documentations for another 30 years from 2009. Rental fee for the land to the government is paid and included in the house price.

THE LODGEThis piece of property is known as the Elephant Lodge, and may be included in the sales for the future owner. It offers on-river access and 5 nicely furnished rooms to run a small business. The land is big enough to add another building to add a further 6-8 rooms, also on river front. All supplies for everyday life come from LuangPrabang on a newly repaired road. Access to the Nam Khan River is just a 3 minute walk away! There are forests, jungle trails, and waterfalls within the surrounding 5 km and in walking or boat distance. The pool is currently under construction.

This jungle villa is perfect for individuals in search of a new home base close to one of the most fascinating locations in South East Asia, in Luang Prabang. It could also be interesting investment for those who wish to add an Eco-lodge to their portfolio with one eye on the future tourism infl ux into Laos.

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ADVENTURERS AND EXPLORERS WILL BE IN THEIR ELEMENT WHEN DISCOVERING THE NATURAL AND WILDLIFE ABUN-DANCE OF PHOU KHAO KHOUAY, A NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA. THE JOURNEY WILL TAKE YOU THROUGH UNTOUCHED RAIN FORESTS AND DESERTED TREKS IN THE PURSUIT OF THAT UNIQUE LAOS TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

PHOU KHAO KHOUAY

As soon as I learned that I would have another chance to visit Laos, I was overjoyed. That’s because every time I cross the Mekong River to this neigh-

boring country, I feel just like I’m going to visit my own generous relatives and close friends. This time, I had a chance to explore nature and the local people’s way of living around Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, which has abundant forests and wildlife that remains almost untouched. It was a rather adventurous trip for amateur trekkers.

We used the Thai–Laos Friendship Bridge to cross the Mekong River from Nong Khai to Vientiane, the capital city of Laos and continued the trip to Phou Khao Khouay. Not far from the city of Vientiane, we reached the town of Tha Phrabat, where we had a brief stop at Wat Tha Phrabat, one of the most signifi cant Buddhist sanctuaries of the town. This temple has a rep-lica of the Lord Buddha’s footprint enshrined in the main Ubosot with some water always spilling over the footprint. It is believed to be holy wa-ter. In previous days, there were many vendors who cheated people by selling bottles of wa-ter claiming it was from the Buddha footprint.

To solve the problem, the temple staff made a fence to prevent anybody from reaching the wa-ter. Behind the main Ubosot there is a big beau-tiful Buddha image in a reclining posture where most people usually visit and pay homage or ask for good luck.

The next temple we visited was Wat Phon San, located adjacent to the Mekong River on the mound of the riverbank. We climbed up the

ON A NATURE TREK WITH GRACIOUS COMPANIONS

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stairways to the main Ubosot of the temple to pay homage to the Buddha image. This temple features some odd sculptures of animals. Normally, most temples have a sculpted pair of serpent (Naga) statues with their heads located on the foot of the stairs and their long bodies reaching up-wards to the end of the staircase on the left and right to serve as handrails. But both staircases at Wat Phon San have elephant heads instead of ser-pents. Another spectacular thing to see in this temple is the mural paint-ings portraying the Jataka, the stories of the former incarnations of the Lord Buddha. Each frame of picture is cap-tioned in Laotian, but it was not that diffi cult for us to read because the alphabet and words are quite similar to Thai.

We left the temple and continued our trip to a small village named Ban Na, located at the foot of Phou Khao Khouay, where we stopped for a lo-cal style lunch. Our fi rst meal in Laos consisted of fried fi sh, chili paste, and boiled bamboo shoots, most of which came from the neighborhood forest near the village. It was an impressive meal we had together with some local villagers. To welcome us as special guests, our hosts poured some local liquor into one tiny glass and then al-ternately offered it to everybody to. In

addition to the hot weather, the alcohol turned our faces red, but we were fi lled with joy at the warm welcome sincerely presented by the Laotians.

After the wonderful lunch, and feeling a bit drunk, we had a chance to explore through the village of Ban Na. The small community has about 100 houses with 600 residents. Most of the villagers make their living from farming, while some of them also make baskets to use for sticky rice containers, which are ex-ported to the Thai market. So, walking around the village, we saw a picture of people of every age, including the very young ones, keeping busy with their unique and skillful work. Apart from gaining income from basketry, the vil-lage has organized home stay activi-ties for adventurous tourists who want to get close to the local living style. On top of that, this village is the ser-vice center for those who want to trek or stay overnight for wildlife observa-tion. Tourists are briefed with a wildlife watching plan and safety guidelines. To make sure that tourists don’t uninten-tionally spoil the natural environment, the tourist service center will provide a volunteer guide from the village to ac-company them.

Ban Na village is located right on the border between the jungle and civili-zation. About 20 kilometers into the nature preserve there is an Elephant Observation Tower. It was built for tour-ists to observe the wild elephants that come out from the forests to visit the salt lick. We spent almost all afternoon on the tower looking for signs of the biggest wild creature. However, the vil-lager told us that normally the elephants only come out from about 9:00 pm to midnight. Those who want to witness the elephants need to stay over night at the tower. Therefore, some of our group members were determined to stay while the others went back down to the village and stayed in the home stay houses.

The kids in the village told us that from time to time the elephants invaded the villagers’ land and came down to eat their crops, so now the villagers have given up planting any crops that are tempting food for elephants. Anyway, we didn’t pay much attention to the el-ephants but what we were interested in was the people’s way of life. We spent time with children who were willing to be our tour guides, showing us around

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their village and the fi elds. This gave us the opportunity to inhale the fresh air. That evening, we took a bath outdoors, had dinner and fun with the local peo-ple, and slept well under mosquito nets. That was a worthwhile experience to escape from the chaotic city.

The next morning, those who slept in the tower came back looking tired. They said they couldn’t sleep because it was so hot and there were lots of mosquitoes and of course no sign of the elephants. There was one person in the group who said that the elephants were coming up close at one moment, but then they ran away when some one in the tower made noise. The guide told us that when in the forest, tourists shouldn’t cook, wear perfume, make noise or do anything else that could alert the elephants to

their presence.

Then, later in the morning our group was taken to the most beautiful water-falls in Phou Khao Khouay. Tad Leuk Waterfall was our fi rst destination. Tad Leuk is a waterfall formed by water from the river cascading down from a short cliff. The compound features a large fl at stone space for people to picnic and absorb the coolness from the waterfall. There is also an information center there to educate the visitors about the forest and its properties. The viewpoint can be observed from a small restaurant look-ing down to the beauty of the waterfall. Some of the group couldn’t stand the heat and climbed down to take a dip in the natural whirlpool down at the foot of the waterfall.

From Tad Luek, we moved further to Tad Xay Pha Xay. The earthen roadway to reach this place is very rough so it takes an experienced and skillful driver to get there. After about 10 kilometers we reached a small village called Ban Hatkhai to collect our lunch before moving a bit further. We fi nally arrived at the base of the trail to the waterfall. Next we had to walk through the jungle for another 300 meters before the huge and steep cliff with white fl owing water was right before us. The time of year we went there was not quite the best time because it was the end of summer, be-fore the beginning of the rainy season. So the waterfall didn’t have much water.

From Tad Xay Pha Xay, we walked back and headed to the other side to see Houay Xay Waterfall. The water in this waterfall is from the northern side of the fertile Phou Khao Khouay Mountain and fl ows further down to the Mang River - the main river fl owing through this pro-tected area. The white water fl owing from the high steps from the top is just an example of the beauty that this natu-ral area possesses. If we had gone there in the high water season, this waterfall would have created an even more fan-tastic picture as one of the most beauti-ful waterfalls in Laos. Another charm of the location is a large area of fl at stones with a tiny stream down along the river way from the waterfall. The guide told us that during the high water season you can’t walk there, as the water level is up to 2 meters deep.

The beautiful and unspoiled natural environment of Laos is something that amazes all visitors and you will not be disappointed. But something that is equal to the natural beauty, which can lift up your impression of the visit, is the beautiful mind and mentality of the peo-ple. The lunch arranged by the locals and their toast of local liquor to create a tie of friendship made our trip to Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area even more gorgeous. …… Sabai Dee Phou Khao Khouay!

ພເຂາຄວາຍ ໃນການເດນປາຮວມກaບຄເດນທາງທ ມນຳaໃຈ ນ ແມນເລ ອງລາວຂອງການເດນທາງທ ເປນເອກະລaກ ຜານປາດaງດບທ ບ ເຄຍຖກສຳaຜaດ ແລະ ຄວາມ ອດaມສaມບນທາງທຳaມະຊາດ ໄປເຖງ ປາສະ ວນແຫງຊາດ ພເຂາຄວາຍ ປະມານ 40 aກ ໄປທາງ ຕາເວນອອກສຽງເໜອຂອງວຽງຈaນ. ເພດເພນກaບ ສາຍພຫນປນທ ໜາປະທaບໃຈ ປາສະ ວນ ປາດaງດບ ສaດປາ ແລະ ຄວາມງາມຂອງລາວໃນສະພາບທ ບລສດທ ສດ ທ ເຮາໄດພaບໃນການພະຈaນໄພຂອງ ພວກເຮາ. ນ ແມນ ປະສaບການການເດນທາງສຳaລaບນaກສຳa ວດທ ມaກພາບຂອງເນ ອທ ທ ບ ເຄຍຖກສຳaຜaດ ເລຍຕa ງແຕສະໄໝບຮານ.

44

‘WE ARE IN THE BUSINESS OF PEOPLE’

LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE | 2012.1.1

ABAIDEESABAIDEESTHE1ST ISSUE

INTERVIEW WITH INTHY DEANSAVANH

NEW FACEOF LUANG PRABANG

MUANG NGOI NEUAOFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN LAOS

TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS IN LAOSHOP

RELAXAND

DINING OUT

GUIDE IN LAOS& ETC.

Laos 25,000 KIPThailand 100 THBSingapore 4 SGD

LIFESTYLE & TRAV

EL MAG

AZIN

E | 2012.1.1

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SA

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INTHY DEANSAVANH

SUCCESSFULLY MERGING A BUSINESS EMPIRE WITH FAMILY, ECO TOURISM AND SOUND

MORALS AND VALUES, ALONGSIDE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, THE STORY OF THE ENTREPRENEURIAL

INTHY DEANSAVANH IS INSPIRING TO ALL. SABAIDEE MAGAZINE WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO CATCH UP WITH INTHY TO DISCUSS HIS PAST,

PRESENT AND FUTURE

ການສຳa ພາດກaບ ອນທ ແດນສະ aນພວກເຮາໂຊກດທ ໄດສຳaພາດ ອນທ ແດນສະ aນ ເຊ ງເປນໜ ງໃນຜນຳaດານການ ປະກອບການ ແລະ ສາງອານາຈaກທລະກດ ໃນໄລຍະທaດສະວaດທ ຜານມາ ເຊ ງລວມມ ສະຖານບaນເທງ, ການທອງທຽວແບບ ອານລaກທຳaມະຊາດ, ໂຮງແຮມບຕກ ແລະ ຮານອາຫານຊa ນສງ. ອນທ ບ ພຽງແຕເປນນaກທລະກດທ ຊານສະ າດ ແຕຍaງເປນມະນດທ ຈງໃຈ ທ ໂອລaມກຽວກaບ ທາງທ ຖກຕອງໃນການປະຕບaດຕ ພະນaກງານ, ການຮaກສາການທອງທຽວໃຫໄປຕາມແລວທາງດຽວກaບຄນຄາຂອງລະບaບນເວດ ແລະ ກຽວກaບວາ ການທອງທຽວລາວຄວນຕອງກາວໄປໃຫຖກທາງແນວໃດ

JEPPE BAUER CARLSEN

INTHY PROVES YOU CAN BUILD A BUSINESS EMPIRE THE RIGHT WAY!

46

Ten years ago, the beautiful colonial building that is now Khop Chai Deau Restaurant, was the home of Inthy Deansavanh, his wife, his sister, two brothers and both his parents. At the time, the area in front

of the house was a small Sindard (the Lao interpretation of Korean Barbeque) restaurant. Now, 10 years later, the makeshift restaurant has grown into a 3-story entertain-ment complex with food, live music, a venue for sporting events and a general social buzz unrivaled anywhere else in Vientiane.

Aside from steering Khop Chai Deu steadfastly towards this huge success, Inthy has developed the family busi-ness to include three boutique hotels, a small resort, a for-est treetop lodge, a nationwide eco-tour operator, a steak house and a sushi restaurant. Yet this amazing expansion of business is not what impresses me the most this after-noon as I meet him for coffee in Khop Chai Deu (KCD). You would think that a man who has managed to expand his business so aggressively in such a short period of time would be a hardcore and calculating business tycoon. Yet the care for his employees, family and the environment alike are the traits that truly defi ne this man. I have watched Inthy build up his business over the years, always consid-ering him great proof that business can be conducted in a fair, considerate and respectful manner and that contrary to the myth of the cold, calculating Asian businessman, it is very possible to make it without cheating, manipulating and being greedy!

As if that wasn’t enough, Inthy is not only a business man, he is also an artist who has designed and over-

seen all the expansions and restoration efforts that created the amazing atmosphere that is the foundation of the suc-cess of KCD today. He is a musician and singer who is not shy to take the stage for a charity concert and do a very respectable cover of anything from Frank Sinatra to Scorpions. He is an adventurer and explorer, who is always fi rst in line whenever the eco tours need to expand to new areas or update existing itineraries, and thus get involved in anything from cave exploration, white water kayaking to rock climbing and deep jungle trekking.

I asked Inthy, “What is your secret formula for this amazing success”?

Inthy: “I feel very lucky because today I only need to do what I like to do. Before, when we started, I had to be in-volved in everything. Now I have a great team who supports me and really the success is because of the team.

“I think it is very important to know your own capabilities. What you are capable of doing yourself and what your team can do and also you need to know the market, to know and understand the trends. This way you will know if you can deliver what people want and this is the key to success I believe.”

In trend with the latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) management styles, he adds, “We must all benefi t from the business. The team must get paid well according to the business and we must all be happy together”!

When you know Inthy, as I do, you will understand this is not a smart management structures or theory – this is the way he has built and dealt with his business on a daily ba-sis. When an employee was robbed and killed last year, In-thy immediately founded a charity event where money was collection to help out the grief-stricken family who were dependent on their son’s income for survival.

When asked about his opinion regarding sustainable development for tourism in Laos he gladly shares his

thoughts, “We must really be careful about this idea of just looking at the number of arrivals. It is really important that we attract the right kind of people here. Of course we want to attract more people to Laos, but we also need to con-sider our capacity and our ability to maintain our lifestyle and culture – the things that make Lao unique!

“I heard about the King of Bhutan and it seems he has some really great ideas. I agree with his philosophy to have a quota on how many people can come and maybe even make it more expensive and thus only attract a particular crowd to visit places like Luang Prabang. This is a small town and if it becomes too crowded it will lose its charm. Luang Prabang is not like for instance Angkor Wat. People don’t just go there to visit temples, but rather to see the daily lives of the people living there. This is the real charm, and we must fi nd ways to preserve it”.

Inthy has done a lot himself for preserving both Lao culture and even more so the Lao wildlife and nature. In 2009, he

backed and cooperated with IUCN to create a campaign against wildlife traffi cking that can still be seen today in the airports and other places.

As for looking ahead, Inthy feels sure he will stick to devel-oping his own businesses within the tourism and service sector, while also continuing to fi ght for both protecting the local environment and also looking forward to a Laos that will be more well organized and creating a strategic and planned approach to developing the tourism sector.

“We have the rules and laws we need in place already,” said Inthy. “Now we just need to get better at enforc-ing them”!

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW YOUR OWN CAPABILITIES“ 47

FE

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WHILE THE WORLD HAS GONE INSTANT COFFEE MAD, NOTHING TASTES BETTER THAN REAL COFFEE STRAIGHT FROM LOCALLY GROWN BEANS. CUPPA LAO IS SOME OF THE TASTIEST AND AROMATIC COFFEE IN ASIA. TASTE THE FLAVOR, TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC!

CUPPA LAO Taste the essence JOHN YATES

48

Though Laos’ coffee industry has European roots, the essence of its product is all local. Sinouk’s Arabica and Lao Mountain’s Naga blend impressed me every bit as much as anything I had tasted in coffee shops in California. Both were rich and fl avorful and, as with the teas, contained subtle hints which I enjoyed but could not identify. Exquisite though they are, these two items are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the product lines of these two companies. Lao Mountain offers a long list of different coffees, as well as some teas. Sinouk, in addition to offering a vast array of different teas and coffees of various roasts and blends, has retail outlets throughout Laos, as well as Suan Sinouk – a resort cum plantation on the Bolavens plateau in the south, not far from Pakse.

What the pallet savors can not always be translated well into words: just have a cup and experience it for yourself. Whether you favor the leaf or the bean, Laos offers both in abundant measure and premium quality.

You’ve had cups of Java and Joe. Now, have a cup of Lao! Just when living in China and Los Angeles had led me to believe that I had already tried the

best in tea and coffee, an impulse purchase on my last day in Vientiane convinced me otherwise.

As I searched the shelves of a mini-mart for snacks to take with me on my all - night sleeper bus journey down to Pakse, a row of specialty teas and coffees caught my attention. They weren’t exactly what I needed for my trip down south, but I had been meaning to buy souvenirs from Laos to take back home, so I selected one bag each of Sinouk’s Paxxong green tea, Phongsaly high mountain smoked green tea and organic Arabica coffee and a bag of Naga Blend coffee by Lao Mountain Coffee before going on my way. It wasn’t until after I returned home to Los Angeles that I sampled these fi ne products and immediately wished that I had bought more - as in, an entire suitcase’s worth.

With all its pristine mountain highlands, it only makes sense that Laos would produce quality tea. Sinouk’s Phongsaly smoked green tea has unique taste that straddles the green and Oolong categories, and, as the name suggests, a robust smoky fl avor. To me, the smokiness seemed vaguely reminiscent of a peat-heavy Scotch – sans alcohol. The leaves themselves are long and twisted, and stay intact remarkably well, even when stuffed into a suitcase for thirteen hours. The Paxxong green reminded me of organic greens I had tried in China, but has an earthy fl avor and an added hint of something suggestive of Korean barley tea. There were components in the fl avors of both teas that I had trou-ble explaining. Maybe it’s something in the rich Laotian mountain soil, maybe it’s the lack of chemicals and pes-ticides, or maybe the Sinouk Company is onto the next best thing in tea.

*Maybe it’s something in the rich Laotian mountain soil, maybe it’s the lack of chemicals and pesticides, or maybe the Sinouk Company is onto the next best thing in tea.

49

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LAO STREET FOOD LAO IS FAMOUS FOR ITS

TASTY STREET FOOD AND

VENDORS THAT HAVE BE-

COME A PART OF LAOTIAN

CULTURE. FIND OUT SOME OF

THE BEST DISHES TO TRY TO

TASTE THE LOCAL DELICACIES

AT FIRST HANDTANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS IN LAO

MALISSA RICHTER GAID P. KORNSILAPA & GINGER MASSEY

50

The quickest way to peel back the layers and discov-er the soul of any city is to dive headfi rst into its cuisine.

“What we eat” is intimately linked with our history, environment, pas-sions and traditions; and is ultimate-ly a visceral refl ection of our cultural identity.

Vientiane is no exception, and it is the street food found throughout the city that tells the most compel-ling story. Nestled along the mighty Mekong River and sharing a border with Thailand, Vientiane is a city of contrast with an easy going small town feel and an eclectic and vibrant food scene.

Food lovers are encouraged to ven-ture down most any street near the numerous guest houses and cafes to fi nd one of the many local vendors selling the popular Laos sandwich known as khao jji paa-te. This sand-wich is a masterpiece; which begins with a wonderfully chewy and crusty fresh baked baguette that is quickly warmed up and toasted on a char-coal grill. It is then expertly sliced and stuffed with a choice of bologna style cold cuts, home-style pate, green herbs, pickled and fresh veg-etables, and a dazzling choice of ex-otic sauces. It’s the perfect amalga-mation of both European and Asian ingredients that boggles the im-agination and stimulates the palate. Each vendor has their unique per-spective of this sandwich and there are several versions to try including one that is served with an over-easy fried duck egg and a tangy dark soy sauce that is simply magical.

The adventure truly begins as you wander the dusty streets of Vienti-ane and explore the many food stalls that emerge along balmy river banks in the evening. Here you will fi nd a kaleidoscope of brilliant food op-tions such as smoky and moist bar-

becued chicken on a stick, mari-nated grilled pork, sweet sticky rice steamed in bamboo, spicy papaya salads and a plethora of aromatic curries and stir-fry’s. There are vi-brant fresh fruits to be tried such as pomello, dragonfuit, durian and papaya as well as provocative bot-tles of exotic rice wine that feature a macabre host of alcohol pickled creatures including snakes, lizards, scorpions and even some unex-pected small mammals.

As the day gives way to night un-der a fading orange, red and purple sky; the only thing that can match the splendor of a sunset along the river is the intoxicating aromas that beckon you from the make shift cafes that seem to miraculously appear out of nowhere. Fresh sea-food is an integral part of the diet in Vientiane and locals consider it a birthright. Hawkers proudly show-case grilled salt-encrusted and lemongrass stuffed tilapia along-side bowls of slowly melting ice that boast giant prawns and fresh squid that you can have cooked to order. They will grill it, steam it, or stir fry it in giant woks with chilies and fresh herbs of your choosing. Locally sourced fi sh and frogs also swim in aerated bins of water until they are unceremoniously selected to be the main course on some-one’s dinner plate for the night.

All of the anxieties and stress of the day melt away as you take your fi rst sip of icy cold Beer Lao and fi nd your way to an unassum-ing table among the throng. The pungent aroma of fi ery spices fi lls the air as the sun sets and you an-ticipate the meal to come. There is something infectious that fi lters down and evokes a sense of tran-quility and wonder as the riverfront comes alive in a heady mix that makes you feel all at once some-place exotic yet still at home.

HERE YOU WILL FIND A KALEIDOSCOPE OF BRILLIANT FOOD OPTIONS SUCH AS SMOKY AND MOIST BARBECUED CHICKEN ON A STICK, MARINATED GRILLED PORK, SWEET STICKY RICE STEAMED IN BAMBOO, SPICY PAPAYA SALADS AND A PLETHORA OF AROMATIC CURRIES AND STIR-FRY’S

TCUEUEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD WEETWEET

LADSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS LARY’S

51

LISTINGNGSTILILuang Prabang

IIDINE OUTS GG

RES

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AMPHONECuisine: LaoLocation: 34/1 Setthathirath RdContact: 021/212-489

CAFÉ DES ARTSCuisine: FrenchLocation: Heng Boun Rd.Contact: 071/252-162

CHILL OUT CAFÉCuisine: Lao/InternationalLocation: Dara MarketContact: 071/261-006

CHOKDEE CAFÉCuisine: BelgianLocation: 19/3 Fa NgumContact: 021/263-847

DOUANG DEUNE RESTAURANTCuisine: AsianLocation: Francois Nginn StContact: 021/241-154

HARE AND HOUNDCuisine: WesternLocation: 9 Francois Nginn RdContact: 020/630-2616

KHOP CHAI DEU RESTAURANT & BARCuisine: WesternLocation: 54 Setthathirat Rd, Nam PhouContact: 021/251-564www.khopchaideu.com

LA BELLE EPOQUECuisine: FrenchLocation: 6 Pangkham Rd.Contact: 021/217-581

LE CENTRALCuisine: FrenchLocation: 077/8 Setthathirath RdContact: 021/243-703

LA SIGNATURECuisine: FrenchLocation: Quai Fa Ngum, Ban Vat Chan

Vientiane

LAOSLAOS

MEX ALEXIACuisine: Tex-MexLocation: Fa NgumContact: 021/241-34

MITTAPHAP RESTAURANTCuisine: LaoLocation: Fa NgumContact: 021/264-444

STICKY FINGERSCuisine: WesternLocation: 103/3 Francois Nginn StContact: 021/215-972

THE COTE D’AZUR PIZZERIACuisine: FrenchLocation: 62/63 Fa NgumContact: 021/217-252

THE FULL MOON CAFÉCuisine: WesternLocation: Francois Nginn StContact: 021/243-373

BLUE LAGOON RESTAURANTCuisine: WesternLocation: Ban ChoumkhongContact: 071/253-698www.blue-lagoon-cafe.com

COULEUR CAFÉ & RESTAURANTCuisine: Lao/FrenchLocation: 48/5 Ban Vat NongContact: 071/254-694

L’ELEPHANT RESTAURANTCuisine: FrenchLocation: Ban Vat NongContact: 071/252-482www.elephant-restau.com

NAZIM RESTAURANTCuisine: IndianLocation: 78/4 Ban Visoun, Visounnarath RdContact: 071/252-263www.nazim.laopdr.com

PARK HOUAY MIXAYCuisine: Lao Location: 75/76 Ban Xieng MouaneContact: 071/212-260

TAMNAKLAOTHE THREE ELEPHANTS RESTAURANTCuisine: LaoLocation: Sakkarine RdContact: 071/252-525

THE APSARA BAR & RESTAURANT Cuisine: Asian/InternationalLocation: Kingkitsarath RdContact: 071/254-670

THE TAMARIND CAFÉCuisine: LaoLocation: Ban Wat NongContact: 020/777-0484www.tamarindlaos.com

Vieng Kheam KhongCuisine: LaoLocation: 549 Ban Xieng MouneContact: 071/212-726

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La Signature

FINE-DINING IN VIENTIANE

TANTALIZE YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH EXQUISITE FINE DINING FRENCH CUISINE AT LA SIGNATURE RESTAURANT IN VIENTIANE. THE CITY MIGHT NOT HAVE THE VASTEST CHOICE OF FINE DINING OPTIONS IN SOUTH-EAST-ASIA, BUT THIS IS ONE FIVE-STAR EATERY YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO MISS

When you walk around the central part of Vientiane, try venturing into the small streets (hom in Lao) and into the different little

villages that makes up a large part of the center around Samsenthai and Setthathirat roads. Here you will still be able to fi nd lots of the old colonial style buildings and archi-tecture. One such little hom is Hom 5, run-ning from Quai Fa Ngum next to vat chan. In this little hom, you will fi nd the exquisite French owned and run boutique hotel An-sara and their restaurant La Signature.

Considering the size of Vientiane, the amount of restaurants and different styles of cuisine available is pretty good. How-ever, once it comes to 5-star fi ne-dining, the choices are not that many. La Signature defi nitely falls into that fi ne-dining category!

There is a choice of upstairs inside dining with air-conditioning or outside garden ter-race seating. Since this December evening is nice and cool we chose the fresh-air of the garden. The menu is very traditional French in all its simplicity and extravagance combined, offering just enough choice so that every taste is catered for and satisfi ed.

The chef, Jean Marie Stainmesse, suggest-ed we should start with the signature dish; a delightful plate of 3 different fois gras that lit-erally melted our tongues. For main course, I chose a sirloin steak with roast potatoes and carrots and my companion chose the risotto with truffl e. I guess strictly speaking this would count as Italian cuisine, but defi -nitely a welcome supplement to the French

delicacies that makes up the remainder of the menu. It is not hard to fi nd a good steak in Vienti-ane. It has, however, over time proved to be a hard task for me to fi nd a place that con-sistently serves a great steak every time. Local meat can be of excellent quality, but it can also very easily turn out to be disap-pointingly average. A place that serves you a great steak on one night might well turn out to be rather disappointing the very next. Since this is my third time at La Signature, I feel safe to say that so far this would be my favorite choice for steak in Vientiane! If I were to be critical at all, I would say that the sauce was a bit on the sweet side, but nothing to spoil the tasty and perfectly pre-pared meat.

For the Risotto, the balance and fullness of the fatty rice combined with the intensity of truffl es was struck perfectly and the presen-tation of the dish was worthy of an art gal-lery. To go with the food we decided on the house wine - a pretty standard but decent tasting Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert-son’s Winery. To be fair, the wine card does of course hold more interesting choices and so it is possible to indulge here as well.

As we were both pretty full, we had to skip the dessert, but judging from the choice and my previous experience it would not have been a disappointment.All in all, a true gourmet experience and a place that is certainly worth a visit if you are looking for great food in Vientiane.

ລາ ຊກນະຕວຽກຮານອາຫານຄນນະພາບດຂອງວຽງຈaນ

ລ ຕອມລaດຊາດ ແລະ ບຳaເລລ ນ ຂອງທານ ດວຍອາຫານຝຣa ງຊa ນດ ທ ຮານອາຫານ ລາ ຊກນາຕວຽກ ໃນວຽງຈaນ. ໃນນະຄອນ ວງມຮານອາຫານດໆໃຫເລອກ າຍ ແຕ ລາ ຊກນາຕວຽກ ແມນບອນຊມນມ ຂອງນaກຊຽວຊານດານອາຫານທa ວປະເທດ. ນຳaສະເໜໂດຍ ພ ຄaວຝຣa ງ ຊອງ ມາຣ ສແຕງເມສ ລາຍການອາຫານແມນແບບພ ນເມອງຝຣa ງແທໆ ທ ປະສaມປະສານຄວາມລຽບງາຍ ເຂ າກaບ ຄວາມ າ ເພ ອມອບທາງເລອກທ ຕອບສະໜອງຕ ຄວາມຕອງການຂອງທກລaດຊາດ ຢາງໜາເພ ງພໃຈ.

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LUANG PRABANG

KOPNOIStyle: Fashion, accessories, silkLocation: Ban Aphay Luang PrabangContact: +856 71 260248www.kopnoi.com

PATHANA BOUPHA ANTIQUE HOUSE Style: Antique statuary, jewelry, silverwork,Location: 26/2 Ban Visoun, Luang PrabangContact: +856 71 212262

BAAN KHILY GALLERYStyle: Handmade Lao handicraftsLocation: 43/2 Baan Khily, Luang PrabangContact: +856 71 212261

NAGA CREATIONS Style: Jewelry, precious stones, silverLocation: Th Sisavangvong, Old TownContact: +856 0207775005

OCKPOPTOKStyle: Home textiles, village weavers products, scarvesLocation: 73/5 Ban Vat NongContact: +856 71 253219

BARI GEMS & JEWELRYStyle: JewelryLocation: 368 Samsenthai Road Contact: +856-21-212680

CARTERIE DU LAOSStyle: Handmade cards and printsLocation: 118/2 Thanon SetthathiratContact: +856 (0) 21 241401

COULEUR D’ASIEStyle: French-Vietnamese dress designs Location: Namphou SquareContact: +856 21 223008

PHAENG MAI GALLERYStyle: Traditional weaved silk itemsLocation: 117 Nongbouathong Tai VillageContact: 856 21 217341www.silk-phaengmai.laopdr.com

SATRI LAO SILKStyle: Antique silk, jewelry, furnitureLocation: 79/4 Setthathirath RoadContact: + 856 21 219 295www.satrilao.laopdr.com

featured shop

KopnoiKopnoï, taken from the Lao language, means “little frog”, a universal symbol for balance in the environment. In November 2005, after four years of developing the eco-dyed cotton apparel collection for men, women & kids, Kopnoï’s opened an Export Promotion Center located in Luang Prabang, Laos. Their selection also includes silk apparel & accessories, designer jewelry, home collection, as well as gift boxes, spices & delicacies.

KOPNOIBan Aphay Luang Prabang, LaosNear L'Etranger, Books & Tea and hive bar.Email: info@kopnoi.comTel: 856-071-260 248

Fine Silk ScarfWith traditional Lao motifs.Available in 2 colors: Pink, Grey.

Silk Shoulder BagMade from Fine silk. 45" Braided silk strap. 2 styles: Green with motifs, Shades of Brown.

Designer Silver Pendant Necklace92.5% Silver

Designer Silver BraceletHandwoven Bamboo from Recycled Traditional Rice Box - 92.5% Silver

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"Dhammada" in Lao means ordinary; however, when you have fi nished a sim-ple treatment here at

Dhammada Massage Oasis you will experience an overwhelming feeling of 'extraordinary' that will rejuvenate your body and realign your senses.

Nestled within a lush tropical com-pound at the 'Tropical Oasis Park' in Lu-ang Prabang, Dhammada Massage Oa-sis is the ultimate relaxation hideaway offering simple yet effective massage treatments performed so impressively that the spa has already been recom-mended by some of the world’s most famous spa guidebooks.

Luang Prabang is a World Heritage town that is best explored on foot, so partak-ing in the recommended Foot Relaxa-tion Treatment at Dhammada Massage Oasis will relieve the stress on your feet,

REALIGN YOUR

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OASIS

which also supports and affects the en-tirety of your body. Couple this treatment together with a back and shoulder mas-sage and you will feel completely satis-fi ed and inspired.

The “Oriental Massage” is well re-nowned across the region, and the mas-seur will adjust the pressure to suit the individual needs of the guest, strength-ening the back muscles and supporting your whole body. Another highly recom-mended treatment is the Aroma Oil Mas-sage, which is 120 minutes of pure bliss, alleviating tension and caressing your mind, body and soul.

Service rates start from 50,000 for 40 minutes. Dhammada Massage Oasis operates from 10.00 am to 8.00 pm. Call 071 212642 for reservations or visit www.luangprabangoasis.com for more information.

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Bane Vixoun, Setthatirath Road, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR

Tel: 071 212 642, 071 252 933Fax: 071 212 818

info@luangprabangoasis.comwww.luangprabangoasis.com

GAID P. KORNSILAPA

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Situated in Vientiane, Papaya Spa is a majestic old French colonial-style residence, surrounded by lush gar-dens of tropical orchids set among

palms, mango, frangipani and coconut trees. The spa is a unique refuge from life’s daily grind through Herbal Steam Baths, Tradi-tional Lao, Swedish, Aromatherapy and Foot Refl exology massages.

Discover the exclusive Papaya Spa’s Body and Facial treatment Packages including some great options such as “Fresh traditional home made recipes” with papaya, tamarind, honey, milk, turmeric and more. The herbal steam bath rooms and the intimate “Wom-en’s corner” is where you can splash yourself with fl oral scented water, surrounded by the turquoise blue patio. The VIP Pavilions, com-plete with private garden, provide full privacy and cozy comfort. Constructed with tradi-tional golden teak and rosewood carpentry, the exquisite ambiance is completed with rare Asian antiques.

REVITALIZE AND REPLENISH

AT PAPAYA SPA IN VIENTIANE

After treating yourself to untold pampering, relax in the garden or enjoy herbal teas and refreshments at the Papaya Spa bar.

With a great selection of fully-trained thera-pists from Vientiane’s Traditional Medicine Institute, and with additional expertise from Moh Shivagakomarpaj Foundation, Chiang Mai, and the Cosmoprof Institute of Singa-pore, your mind, body and soul is within the hands of professionals.

The selection of Papaya Spa Body and Facial Care Treatments benefi t from the spa’s own blends of 100% pure natural fragrance essen-tial oils, created in Grasse, France. Rejuvenate your vibrations with massages and treatments such as the Traditional Lao Herbal Steam Bath, Traditional Lao massage, Swedish mas-sage, Aromatherapy massage, Foot refl exolo-gy, Body scrubs & Facial care, Pedicure/Mani-cure and Body Waxing. If you are seeking out that day of relaxation and pampering, Papaya Spa in Vientiane is the ultimate choice.

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PAPAYA SPA Papaya Spa, PO Box 9891Ban Sithan Neua, Vientiane

Laos PDRPhone: 219626 or (020) 020 50 03

601www.papayaspa.com

MATTHEW WAKEMJEPPE BAUER CARLSEN

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HEALTH & SPA GUIDE

LISTING

LAOSLAOOS

DHAMMADA MASSAGE OASISSignature: Traditional Lao MassageLocation: Setthathirath RoadContact: 071 212 642

LEMONGRASS SAUNA & TRADITIONAL MASSAGESignature: Herbal Sauna Location: Sisavangvong RdContact: (856) - 205597370

KHMU RESTAURANT SPA & MASSAGESignature: Lao and Khamu MassagesLocation: Sisavangvong Road Contact: 071 212092

LAO RED CROSS SAUNA AND MASSAGESignature: Herbal SaunaLocation: Wat WisunaratContact: 071 252856

THE MEKONG SPASignature: Aromatherapy MassageLocation: Phou Vao road | La Residence Phou Vao Contact: 071 212194

RAMAYANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPASignature: Traditional Lao MassageContact: 071-255055Location: 128 Toutane Avenue, Ban Pakham

CHAMPA SPASignature: Traditional Lao MassageLocation: Samsenthai Road & Pangkham RoadContact: +856 21 264097-8

PAPAYA SPA LANE XANGSignature: Exclusive body and facial treatmentsLocation: Ban Sithan NeuaContact: (020) 55610565www.papayaspa.com

NIRVANA SPASignature: Lao Traditional MassageLocation: Rue Pangkham Contact: +856 21 222 936www.nirvana-spa-laos.com

OASIS SPA MASSAGE & BEAUTYSignature: Traditional Lao MassageLocation: 18 01 FrancoisNgin StContact: +856-21 24 3579

DALAH SPASignature: Hot Herbal MassageLocation: 140 Khouvieng St Contact: +856-21 28 5125

NIYOM MASSAGE & SPASignature: Traditional Lao MassageLocation: 045/09 04 Khoualuang Tai Contact: Traditional Lao Massage

MANEE SPASignature: Traditional Lao MassageLocation: 004 17 Sokpaluang St Contact: +856-21 35 3207

DALAVANH TRADITIONAL MASSAGESignature: Traditional Lao MassageLocation: 006 01 Phiavat Contact: +856-21 21 3313

MANDARINA BODY AND SOUL SPASignature: Herbal MassageLocation: 101-3 Samsenthai Rd XiengNyeun Contact: +856-21 22 3857

Luang Prabang

Vientiane

OOSO 57

In the modern world so preoccupied with economic growth and GDP, it’s refreshing to learn that good causes still exist in the wake of the surroundingmegalomania currently suffocating our planet.

The Green Car Fund, a part of the Green DiscoveryAdventure & Eco Tourism group, is a private funddedicated to promoting awareness of nature conser-vation among Lao urban youth and their teachers.

Nature and eco-tourism is the way forward, especiallyfor a country such as Laos, which is a fl edgling nationas far as holidaymakers are concerned. Rain forests cover two thirds of Laos’ entire land area, with 21 protected areas covering 16% of the territory. In a bid to protect its beautiful natural abundance from illegal logging and poaching, the Green Care Fund ideology pictures a Laos where society and economy can live in perfect harmony adhering to the sound principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

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GREEN CARE FUND BUILDING A GREENER AND BRIGHTER FUTURE Alan Wass

THE GREEN CARE FUND INLAOS IS AN ORGANIZATIONDEVOTED TO EDUCATINGTHE LOCALS AND LAOS INGENERAL ABOUT THE IMPACTAN ECOLOGICALLY SOUNDETHOS TO LAOS AND TOURISMIS THE WAY FORWARD FORCREATING A BETTER ANDMORE SUSTAINABLE COUNTRY.

Targeting young students from lower secondary schools from the ages of 10 to 18, the children are encouraged, along with their parents and teachers, to proactivelyparticipate in the tour preparation. Taking part inteam-building exercises such as tent building, cookingand trekking alongside lectures on forest management and issues regarding illegal logging, wildlife trade, establishing protected areas, biodiversity and sustainable usage of non-timber forest products (NTFP), the children are encouraged to refl ect upon what they have learned from their experience and their own honest feelings towards the issues.

The Green Care Fund promote a cohesion between organizations who are sometimes seen as distant entities from each other such as the Lao government, universities, national and international organizations working in the fi eld of nature conservation and education, and private companies. It is a fundamental point to the philosophyof Green Care to neither compete with any of theseorganizations nor reinvent something that is alreadyin place - it’s all about working together to protect thenation’s natural beauty while at the same time promoting Laos in a positive and attractive fashion.

The ultimate goal is to instigate a genuine feeling ofappreciation of nature the kids can carry back home. The Green Care staff has years of experience in this specifi c fi eld and profi ts from Green Discovery Laos’s knowledge of tours in Laos’ nature. It is such a great cause, helping locals understand the impact the negative issues have on rain forests and the world in general.

Green Discovery Laos, leading eco-tourism tour opera-tor in Laos focusing on nature discovery and adventure travel, operates for the benefi t of underprivileged people in rural areas, especially ethnic minorities. The protection of the environment has always been a foremost concern in the companyphilosophy. For more information on Green Discovery Laos or how you can become a part of the Green Care Fund, please visit their website at www.greencarelaos.org

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Educating locals, starting with children, who are the future of the country, is where the Green Care Fund excels. Sound education on such green and eco-friendly values inspired the Green Card Fund’s organized visit of twenty-fi vestudents from Sisattanak Lower Secondary School to Tad Leuk, part of the Phou Khao Kbouay National Protected Area in Thaphabath district, Borikhamxay province.

Senior advisor for Sustainable Tourism at Green Discovery,Dr Klaus Schwettrnann, said “We want children,especially those in lower secondary schools, to learn from spending time in forested areas, because we know thatstudents who come from poor families won’t have the chance to get out of the city and visit such places.”

“The children can benefi t from playing Games, cooking,trekking, setting up their tents, and building a camp fi re at night. They also learn how to preserve forests and can enjoy the peacefulness such an environment offers through the activities we organize,” he said. “We hope to make this a regular event, but we need support from the private sector and embassies.”

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MAPOFLAOS

61

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

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

GETTING THERELao shares offi cial land borders with Thailand, Vietnam and China, although you will fi nd that some of the borders are not accessible to westerners, such as to China through a crossing point named Boten. The Laos-Vietnam borders of Dien Bien Phu and Sam Neua in the north are also closed.

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

BY TRAINOne of the most popular ways to visit Laos is by train. This is a great option if travelling from Bangkok on Thailand’s northeast-ern line from Hua Lampong Railway Station in Bangkok (Tel: 02223-7010 or 1690). Travelling from Bangkok northwards, the train connects with all the major provincial capitals and fi nishes up in Nong Khai, which is in Thailand but right next to Vientiane. It is also possible to reach southern Laos at Pakse via Bangkok and the Thai terminal at Ubon Ratchathani. From Ubon, you will have to take two bus rides to get to the border, and then a songthaew from there to Pakse.

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

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

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

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

NATIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY OF LAO P.D.R., 08/02 Lane Xang Ave., P.O. Box 2511,Vientiane, Lao P.D.R. (tel. 021/212-248or 021/212-251; fax 021/212-769;www.tourismlaos.gov.la

If you are seeking written English information about Laos, you can try the offi cial Laos website, www.visit-laso.com, which is sponsored by the Lao government. The website is very informative and accurate, providing you with lots of details regarding the country. For international news, domestic currentand government affairs, you can visit www.laoembassy.com, which is run by the Lao Embassy in Washington, D.C.

FOR DETAILS OF THE LAO EMBASSY IN THAILAND, PLEASE SEE BELOW:520/502/1-3 Soi Sahakarnpramoon,Wangthonglang, Bangkok 10310,Pracha Uthit Road (end of Soi Ramkhamhaeng 39) Tel: 539-6667-8 or 539-7341;Fax: 539-3827 or 539-6678;www.bkklaoembassy.com

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VIENTIANEFAST INFOAs the capital of Laos, Vientiane is a must see city when traveling through Laos PDR. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 because of fears surrounding Burmese invasion. Under French rule, Vientiane became the administra-tive capital while in recent times has also be-come the economic hub of the country. Sitting on the northern banks of the Mekong River, the city has a colorful culture, amazing hospitality and is the home to some of the tastiest Laos food imaginable. With its French colonial char-acteristics and leafy boulevards surrounded by rustic temples and coconut palms, this is a city that mixes colonial architecture within a tropi-cal environment. The laidback atmosphere is ideal for visitors, and is rapidly becoming one of the most fascinating cities to see in Asia.

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HOTELSIN VIENTIANESETTHA PALACE HOTELTel: +856 21 217 581 2reservations@setthapalace.comwww.setthapalace.com

DON CHAN PALACETel: +856 21 244 288donchanpalace@laopdr.comwww.donchanpalacelaopdr.com

LAO PLAZA HOTELTel: +856 21 222 741-42, 218 800-1Fax: +856 21 222 740, 218 807-9lph@laoplazahotel.comwww.laoplazahotel.com

PARKVIEW EXECUTIVE SUITES VIENTIANETel: +856 21 250 888parkview@laotel.comwww.parkviewexecutive.com

SALANA BOUTIQUE HOTELTel: +856 21 254 254wecare@salanaboutique.comrsvn@salanaboutique.comwww.salanaboutique.com

VIENTIANE PLAZA HOTELTel: +856 21 265365reservation@vientianeplazalao.comwww.vientianeplazalao.com

ANGKHAM HOTELTel: +856 21 900 011info@angkhamhotel.comwww.angkhamhotel.com

MERCURE VIENTIANETel: +856] 21 213 570-1resvn@mercurevte.comwww.mercure.com

ANSARA HOTELTel: +856 21 213 514-8info@ansarahotel.comwww.ansarahotel.com

THE RAMAYANAGALLERY BOUTIQUE HOTELTel: +856 21 214 455-7galleryhotel@ramayana-laos.comwww.ramayana-laos.com

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HOTELSIN VANG VIENG

VILLA NAM SONGTel: +856 23 511 637reservation@villanamsong.comwww.villanamsong.com

VANSANA VANG VIENGTel: +856 23 511 598-9, 511 600-1info@vansanahotel-group.comwww.vansanahotel-group.com

THE ELEPHANT CROSSING HOTELTel/Fax: +856 23 511 232Mob: +856 20 560 2830 or 245 4730info@theelephantcrossinghotel.comwww.theelephantcrossinghotel.com

D’ROSE RESORT@VANG VIENGTel: +856 23 511 035droseresortatvangvieng@yahoo.comwww.drosehotelvientiane.com

THAVONSOUK RESORTTel: +856 23 511 096 , +856 21 414 149Mob:+856 20 760 7111, 570 3100thavonsouk.resort@gmail.comwww.thavonsouk.com

VILLA VANG VIENG RIVERSIDETel:+856 23 511460info@villavangvieng.comwww.villavangvieng.com

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

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

Pakse’s population is just 70,000, which makes it a very small city, although it has been the commer-cial center of the south for centu-ries. The Mekong River provides the perfect route for transportation, which has been the reason why Pakse is an important city for link-ing the north with the south of Lao.

Since the opening of a bridge in 2002 across the Mekong, the city has become even more acces-sible. Flowing from the Thai city of Ubon Ratchathani, you now have the opportunity to explore the Bolaven Plateau, Xe Pian National Protected Area, Wat Phu and Si Phan Don. As the infl ux of visitors to Pakse increases, the city has become a place for a wide range of guesthouses and hotels, allowing you to stay in the city for a few days and absorb the unique atmos-phere of the region.

CHAMPASAK& PAKSEFAST INFO

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HOTELSIN PAKSECHAMPASAK PALACE HOTELTel: +856 31 212 263, 212 777-80, 252 130info@champasakpalacehotel.comwww.champasakpalacehotel.com

CHAMPASAK GRAND HOTELTel: +856 31 255 111-8, 260 211res@champasakgrand.comwww.champasakgrand.com

ARAWAN RIVERSIDE HOTELTel: +856 31 260 34 550info@arawanhotelpakse.comwww.arawanhotelpakse.com

PAKSE HOTELTel: +856 31 212 131, +856 31 252 993info@hotelpakse.comwww.hotelpakse.com

RESIDENCE SISOUKTel: +856 31 214 716contact@residence-sisouk.comwww.residence-sisouk.com

SALACHAMPAHOTEL & RESTAURANTTel: +856 31 212 273www.salachampahotel.com

MEKONG PARADISE RESORTTel: +856 31 212 120mekongparadise@yahoo.comwww.mekongparadise-resortgroup.com

SINOUK COFFEE RESORTsinouk@laopdr.comwww.sinoukcoffeeresort.com

VAT PHOU CRUISESTel: +856 31 251 446www.vatphou.com

HOTELSIN CHAMPASAK

INTHIRA HOTELTel: +856 31 214 059info@inthirahotels.comwww.inthirahotels.com

KINGFISHER ECOLODGETel: +856 20 557 26 315, 20 996 71 574 info@kingfi sherecolodge.comwww.kingfi sherecolodge.com

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Situated in western Laos, Savannakhet, offi cially known as Kaysone Phomvi-hane, is the capital of the Savannakhet province and the second-largest city in the country, after Vientiane. With a mixed population of Thai, Vietnamese and Lao people, the old French colonial quarter of the town sits on the banks of the Mekong River. Because of the city’s close proximity to Thailand and their booming economy, Savannakhet has benefi tted from lots of commercial de-velopment in the northern part of town. The city is home to a 15th century Bud-dist temple, named Wat Sainyaphum. Showing the city’s diversity, there is also a Catholic Church, a Chinese temple and a mosque.

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HOTELSIN SAVANNAKHET

SAVAN VEGAS HOTEL & CASINOTel: +856 41 252 200savan.reservation@savanvegas.comsales.marketing@savanvegas.comwww.savanvegas.com

DAOSAVANH RESORT & SPATel: +856 41 252188, 252199Mob: (+856-20) 58515555, 58885263, 23355363info@daosavanhhtl.com www.daosavanhhtl.com

HOONGTHIP HOTELTel: +856 41-251279, 41-213229, 41-212262hoongthip@hotmail.com

XAYAMOUNGKHOUN GUEST-HOUSETel: +856 41 212426

NONGSODA GUESTHOUSETel: +856 41 212522.

LEENA’S GUESTHOUSETel: +856 41 212404

PHOULAVANE GUESTHOUSETel: +856 309671606

SAVANNAKHETFAST INFO

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Luang Prabang is a protected UNSCO World Heritage site situated on the peninsula formed by the Mekong River. Although Luang Prabang is a small city, there are many things to see and do for travelers. Benefi tting from a stunning collection of French colonial buildings alongside some very old temples and Buddhist monuments, Luang Prabang is a great example of how traditional Lao architecture and 19th century colonial styles merge together to create a fasci-nating and colorful travel experience. Surrounded by mountains and set 700 meters above sea-level where the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River meets, the city is rapidly becoming the center of Laos’ new found tourist popularity.

The city boasts many old temples and Buddhist monuments with one of the most famous being Pha That Luang. The original was constructed in 1566 and re-stored in 1953. The 45-meter high golden stupa is where a relic of Lord Buddha himself is believed to sit. With everything from royal palaces to 33 temples, the city is a perfect destination for travellers seek-ing out Buddhist teachings or a slice of authentic Asia.

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

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

LUANG PRABANGFAST INFO

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HOTELSIN LUANG PRABANGTHE LUANG SAY RESIDENCETel: + 856 71 260 891E-mail: info@luangsayresidence.comwww.luangsayresidence.com

SATRI HOUSE RELAIS & CHATEAUX HOTEL Tel: +856 71 253 491-2info@satrihouse.comwww.satrihouse.com

LA RESIDENCE PHOU VAOTel: +856 71 212 194 or 212 530 reservations@residencephouvao.comwww.residencephouvao.com

VILLA NAGARATel: + 856 71 252 829 Mob: + 856 20 555 70499support@villanagara.comwww.villanagara.com

LE PALAIS JULIANA Tel: +856 71 260 417 rsvn@lepalaisjuliana.comwww.lepalaisjuliana.com

SHINTA MANI HOTELTel: +856 71 260 560www.shintamani.com

HOTEL DE LA PAIX LUANG PRABANGTel: +856 71 260 777book@hoteldelapaixlp.comwww.hoteldelapaixlp.com

HOTEL 3 NAGASTel: +856 71 253 888book@3-nagas.comwww.3-nagas.com

VILLA MALYTel: +856 71 253 902-4info@villa-maly.comwww.villa-maly.com

LUANG PRABANG RESIDENCETel: +856 71 260 699, 260 676info@luangprabangresidence.com www.luangprabangresidence.com

THE GRAND LUANG PRABANG HOTEL & RESORTTel: +856 71 253 851-7info@grandluangprabang.comwww.grandluangprabang.com

XIENGTHONG PALACETel: +856 71 213 200reservation.xtp@jetwingindochina.comwww.xiengthongpalace.com

HOTEL VILLA DEUX RIVIERESTel: +856 207 737 8575info@villadeuxrivieres.comwww.villadeuxrivieres.com

SANTI RESORT & SPATel: +856 71 252 157, 212 267 info@villasantihotel.comwww.villasantihotel.com

KIRIDARA HOTELTel: +856 71 261 888www.kiridara.com

MUANG THONG HOTELTel: +856 71 254 976 reservation@muangthonglpb.comwww.muangthonglpb.com

THE CHANG HERITAGE HOTELTel: +856 71 255 031 info@the-chang.comwww.the-chang.com

LUANG PRABANG PARADISE RESORT Tel: +856 71 213 103, 20 235 3337, 20 389 5885contact@luangprabangparadiseresort.comwww.luangprabangparadiseresort.com

LE BEL AIR BOUTIQUE RESORTTel:+ 856 71 254 699, 213 079Mob: + 856 20 2235 0050info@lebelairhotels.com www.lebelairhotels.com

MY DREAM BOUTIQUE RESORTTel: + 856 71 252 853, 252 198 info@mydreamresort.comwww.mydreamresort.com

THE VIEW PAVILIONTel: +856 71 253 918info@theviewpavilion.comwww.theviewpavilion.com

MAISON DALABUATel: +856 71 255 588 , 253 923info@maison-dalabua.comwww.maison-dalabua.com

LUANG PRABANG OASIS VILLA NAMNUEATel: +856 71 212 642, 252 933info@luangprabangoasis.comwww.luangprabangoasis.com

RAMA HOTELTel: +856 71 212 247rama_hotel@yahoo.comwww.ramahotellaos.com

ANCIENT LUANGPRABANG HOTELTel: +856 71 212 264 info@ancientluangprabang.comwww.ancientluangprabang.com

RESTAURANT LUANG PRABANGBAKERY & GUEST HOUSETel: +856 71 252 499, +856 71 254 844contact@luangprabang-bakery-guesthouse.com www.luangprabang-bakery-guesthouse.com

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MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUMTel: +856 71 254 609maison@angsana.comwww.angsana.com/en/maison_souvannaphoum

ZEN NAMKHAN BOUTIQUE RESORTTel: +856 20 555 71 120www.zennamkhanresort.com

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LIFESTYLE & TRAV

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LIFESTYLE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE | 2012.1.1ABAIDEESABAIDEES

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INTERVIEW WITH INTHY DEANSAVANH

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Laos 25,000 KIPThailand 100 THBSingapore 4 SGD

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