New Riverside Park planned for Plain of Jars

Xieng Khouang province will develop a 10-hectare riverside park in Paek district of Phonsavanh to beautify the area and give residents and tourists a place to relax.
Vientiane Times reported the park is being built along the Nam Ngum River near a market and is on a well-traveled route that visitors must take to enter or exit the town.
It will take two years to complete the park. However, once it's finished, the place should become a popular spot where residents can exercise or join in community activities.
“Construction of the park is expected to be finished in mid-2016 as the province is set to host the 11th National Games in 2017,” the governor told local media.

The park is close to the provincial stadium where the National Games will be hosted.
This is the first park to be built in the province and underscores the authorities efforts to attract domestic tourism and improve recreational facilities for residents.
‪Plain of Jars‬ is located in the Xieng Khouang Plateau, Northeast of the country around 400 km of Vientiane. It is already one of the country’s top tourist destination after Luang Prabang, attracting tourists interested in the Plain of Jars.
The province borders ‪Luang Prabang‬ to the Northwest, Houaphan to the Northeast, ‪Vietnam‬ to the East,  Bolikhamsai to the Southeast, and ‪Vientiane‬ to the Southwest.
The province’s Plain of Jars site has been proposed for listing as a ‪UNESCO‬ World Heritage Monument.

Bolikhamsai improves four ecotourism sites

Information, Culture and Tourism Department of Bolikhamsai province, in Lao PDR, will improve four ecotourism sites that could be linked up with trips to other destinations in the country.

Lao News Agency reported the four ecotourism sites that will be developed are Meuangmoun Choumthong area in Viengthong district, the Kaengsaitean area in Khamkuet district, Thamphasing cave in Bolikhanh district and the Nam Tone waterfall in Pakkading district.
The province’s deputy governor, Souvanny Xayana, said Bolikhamsai province has a high potential for ecotourism with many tourist sites scattered around the province.
“We have a plan to improve and develop tourism sites to support the influx of both domestic and foreign tourists.”

inside no 1The issue hindering their development is the lack of adequate transport between the destinations.
He added: “An ecotourism site in Thaphabath district has already been developed and has attracted tourists from both nearby provinces and neighbouring countries. It has generated income for local people.”
Bolikhamsai is located in the heart of the country bordering Xiangkhouang province to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Khammouan province to the south, and Thailand to the west. The province includes the Annamite Range, stretching east to Vietnam, while to the west is the Mekong River that marks the border with Thailand.

Source: Vientiane Times

The Elephant Festival Sayabouly

The Asian elephant has its day, actually two, in mid-February when Laos turns its eyes to Sayabouly Province and the Elephant Festival. Launched in 2007, the annual fete draws more than 80.0000 elephant fans to the ceremonies, processions, and performances to pay tribute to the national symbol of “The Land of Million Elephants”.

Home to the country’s largest pachyderm population, Sayabouly Province is the natural choice to host this growing event that also aims to raise awareness about the need to protect the endangered Asian elephant, which has played such a vital role in Lao people’s livelihoods, culture and heritage.

After an opening ceremony, a procession of elephants enters the host village through a bamboo arch. The elephants bathe and are blessed by monks, with participants making merit in a baci ceremony, before with the election of the “Elephant of the Year”. Then the entertainment begins: pachyderm performances, musical concerts, outdoor films, dance shows, and fireworks displays in a carnival atmosphere that includes elephant rides and a “Fun Fair”. After the second day’s procession and religious ceremony, mahouts round up their massive mammals for a day of elephant entertainment and visitor education capped with the crowning of the elephant of the Year. For an even more authentic experience, visitors can book a village home-stay.

Source: tourismlao.org

Wat Phou Festival

The annual Vat Phou Festival takes place in February each year, coinciding with the Buddhist festival of Makha Busa and bringing believers from near and far to attend a ceremony and take part in festivities. The Vat Phou Festival 2016 will take place on 03 February 2016.

Since the ancient Khmer ruins of Vat Phou were listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, government authorities have been working hard to promote tourism in Champasak and the surrounding area. The Vat Phou Festival is also important for helping Lao people to understand the cultural significance and historical importance of the magnificent site.

Photos: Adul Tanthakosai

Alongside the sound and light show, the Vat Phou Festival will also include singing and dance performances by performers from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam as well as Laos. Most of the performers are local people from Champasak who have trained for the performance alongside their foreign counterparts. There will also be a large market for facilitating the sale of domestic products and handicrafts.

Vat Phou is open daily from 08:00 to 1800 and admission is around 30,000 kip. The Vat Phou complex is about 8 km from the main Champasak town, south of Pakse. For more information on ideas for a trip to the south of Laos, please contact us:info@asiarevealtour.com

Based on: Yingchockchai Group, Vientiane Mai
Photos: Adul Tanthakosai

Laos’ International Tourist Arrival Report 2014

Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism reports international tourist arrivals surpassed 4.1 million in 2014, up 10.03% from 3.7 million in 2013.
The Vientiane Times quoted figures from the ministry that confirmed 2014 closed with 4,158,719 visitors compared to 3,779,490 in 2013.
According to the ministry’s Tourism Research and Administrative Division statistics, Thailand continue to supply the most foreign tourists .

However, Thai arrivals decreased 0.76% from 2,059,434 to 2,043,761 visits last year and the length of stay is short.
inside no 3Vietnam was second with 1,108,332 visits increasing 21.77% from 910,164 in 2013.
Laos also saw an increase in Chinese visitors from 245,033 in 2013 to 422,440 in 2014, up 72.40%. The percentage growth is high due to the relatively small numbers. As the volume expands the growth rate will lower to around 10 to 15%, but there is no doubt that within five years, China will be the top travel source market fo Laos with much higher revenue than either Thailand or Vietnam.
Europe was the only region that saw travel to Laos drop, due to an economic downturn in key markets. The region supplied 209,331 visitors in 2014 down 1.52% from 212,566 in 2013.
Tourists from ASEAN member countries increased 5.92% from 3.04 million in 2013 to 3.22 million visitors in 2014, while tourists from non-ASEAN states increased by 46.0% to 630,361 visits in 2014.
Visitors from the Americas increased by 0.15% to 86,027 in 2014, while tourists from Africa and the Middle East increased by 13% to 8,920 in last year.

Source:From report of TTRWeekly

Savannakhet at a glance

Total Area: 21,774 square kilometers.
Population: 906,440.
15 Districts: Kaisone Phomvihan, Outhoumphone, Atsaphangthong, Phine, Sepone, Nong, Thapangthong, Songkhone, Champhon, Xonnabouly, Xaybouly, Vilabouly, Atsaphone, Xayphouthong and Phalanxay.
Capital of the Province: Kaisone Phomvihan
Savannakhet Province is situated in the middle of the country and the largest province (21,774 square kilometers), being bordered by Vietnam to the East, Thailand to the West, Khammouane Province to the North and Salavanh Province to the South. 60% of land is covered by forests. A wide variety of ethnic groups are found in the province: Lowland Lao, Phoutai, Thai Dam, Katang, Mangkong, Vali, Lava, Soui, Kapo, Kaleung and Ta-Oi. In addition, many Vietnamese and Chinese descendants live in the province as well. This fact makes the province rich in cultural and gastronomic diversity.
Savannakhet has long been a center of trade and power. The province is well noted as the birthplace of the Honorable Kaisone Phomvihan, first Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and co-founder of the Lao PDR. His house and a museum documenting his life achievements can be visited in Savannakhet Town. The province’s history, however, goes back long before the time of man.

The area was once inhabited by dinosaurs as evidenced by the bones found in Bang Tang Wai Village and the giant footprints found in Phalanxay, which are documented in the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. Remnants of an ancient civilization can be seen at the Stone temple, “Heuan Hin” a pre-Angkorian building located 40km down stream from town along the Mekong. That Ing Hang Stupa, originally built more than 1.000 years ago and later rebuilt by King Saysethathirath in the 16th century, is the province’s most important religious site. Also of interest is the historic library, Hortay Pidok, which is believed to have been built in the 18th century and was traditionally used to house old “Bai Lan” Buddhist scriptures. Of more recent history is the section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail which passes through Savannakhet. Old tanks, guns and other war equipment left behind on the trail can be seen near villages on Route 9 near the Vietnam border.The Phouthai ethnic group, known for its unique silk and cotton weaving, claimsits origin in the province’s Vilabouly District. The Katang ethnic group, which is loved for its famous folk song, Lam Tang Wai, also has traditional lands in Savannakhet. For nature enthusiasts, trekking in Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area (NPA) provides an opportunity to see rare Douc and Silvered Langurs. Phou Xang Hae NPA has a population of wild elephants as well as distinctive rocky outcrops and vistas. The Eld’s deer, once considered to be extinct in Laos, were rediscovered in 2002 in Xonbouly District and are revered by local villagers. The Province is a hot spot for crocodiles, which inhabit the confluence of the Champhone and Xe Bang Hieng Rivers. Hundreds of stump-tailed macaques, considered sacred by locals, are easily spotted in the 4-hectare Monkey Forest. Giant Asian soft shelled turtles, also considered sacred, can be easily seen in Ban Done Daeng. In Dong Na Tad Provincial Forest, snakes, monkeys and old-growth forest are well protected by the villagers for spiritual reasons. Locally guided tours to the area are available.

Savannakhet is most noted for its weavings, especially Phouthai silk and cotton weaving in Vilabouly District, and ethnic Katang weaving in the Dong Phou Vieng area. The favorite national meat, “sin savanh”, a flat, sweet dried beef sprinkled with sesame seeds, originates from Savannakhet and can be purchased in local markets.

The That Ing Hang Festival is the largest festival of the year and is typically celebrated in December at the time of the full moon.

Source: www.tourismlaos.org

New destination - Xaysomboun Province

Xaysomboun province is set to officially open to tourists at the end of this year allowing visitors the chance to explore some unknown and untouched sites in this formerly secret area that was for a long time closed to all outsiders.
Xaysomboun Province was established on 13 December, 2013 as is the 18th Province of Laos. It is located in the central part of Laos, bordering Xiengkhouang Province to the North and the East, Bolikhamxay Province to the South and Vientiane Province to the West. The Province consists of 5 districts which include Anouvong, Long Cheng, Long San, Hom and Tha Thom District. This province does not share any borders with neighboring countries.

To reach this province, there are to ways:
Follow Route 13 to the North of Vientiane – Vang Vieng, about 140 km
Follow Route 13 to the South of Vientiane – Paksan about 90 km

Xaysomboun Province has abundant natural resources scattered in high mountains and steep valleys. The province has a fresh air and cool breeze during summer, but getting pretty cold during winter – some years it gets down below zero degrees. In general,  the annual average temperature of approximately 20˚C.
With a total population of around 80,000; consisting of Khamu 19%, Hmong 55% and Laoloum 26%, this province has rich culture and tradition coupled with generous hospitality of local people.
Visit Xaysomboun, tourists could choose between enjoying home-stay with several ethnic groups, or staying at standard four star hotel. A number of largely unexplored historic caves and mountains is also the attractive of this potential area.
Firstly, exploring Phou Mork in Long Cheng District, learn more about King Anouvong. Then embark on a local boat, seeing the stunning view of Tha Thom District, have a yummy feast at Dan Pha Saeb, Long San, and experience the legend of Chae Lae Waterfall in Hom District. For those are the faithful of adventure, climb to the top of Phou Bia – the Roof of Laos PDR, will be one of the most unforgettable memory.

All about Salavanh

Total area: 10,691 square kilometers
Population: 366,723
08 Districts: Salavanh, Ta-Oy, Toumlane, Lakhonepheng, Vapi, Khongxedon, Lao-Ngarm & Samouay
Capital of the province: Salavanh
A southeastern province situated on the Bolaven Plateau is devoted to agriculture and nature offering idyllic scenery. A prehistoric site exists not far from the cascades where a wonderful scene can be seen.
Salavanh Province is home to the Phou Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, covering nearly 1,000 sq km in the western part of the province next to the Mekong River. It is thought that Asiatic black bear, banteng, clouded leopard, Douc langur, elephant, gibbon, guar, Siamese crocodile and tiger and inhabit this area. Within a cave huge stone caskets are piled one on top of the other, province not only beauty but interesting thoughts as to how it originated.
Salavanh has vast tracts of forest and is home to three National Protected Areas that harbor a wealth of biodiversity. Xe Xap, (1,335 km2) Xe Bang Nouane (1,970 km2) and Phou Xieng Thong (1,200 km2) lie mostly within Salavanh’s borders, have a range of habitats and micro-climates and are home to a diverse population of ethnic minority groups. The Mekong River separates Salavanh from Thailand and the province also shares a border with Vietnam to the east. The main geologic features are the Bolaven Plateau, Mekong River Valley and Southern Annamite Mountains, which rise to over 2,000 meters in the eastern portion of the province.

Most visitors access Salavan by route 20 from Pakse, stopping in Ban Houn, a roadside village that produces fine weavings and basketry. Tad Lo, the best known attraction in the province is a wide, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery and a number of well-planned resorts and guest houses. At Tad Lo you can rent a bicycle, enjoy nature walks and venture out to surrounding villages on the Bolaven Plateau. Tad Lo sits in the center of a major coffee and vegetable growing region, so there is usually a variety of fresh seasonal produce on the menu. East of Tad Lo and the provincial capital are Ta-Oy and Samouay Districts, populated mostly by Mon-Khemer speaking ethnic groups. Here you can see traditional long houses that may house up to 45 people. A nice outing in Ta-Oy is a trip on the Xe Lanong to watch birds and walk to the La Lao Waterfall. Criss crossing the eastern half of the province is the famous Ho Chi Minh Trail network, still in use today as a link between remote villages. Along the trail you can see extensive evidence of the heavy aerial bombardment this part of the country suffered during the Second Indochina War.On the Mekong is Khongsedon District, maker of some of the most potent Lao lao whiskey in the country. Khongsedon has many unusual rock formations along the Mekong valley, best known among them is Phou Lahit with its prehistoric rock paintings.One of the most entertaining songs and dances in the entire country, the Lam Salavanh, was conceived here and this catchy tune really does make you want to get up and dance! There are excellent “khaen” players in Salavanh and the traditional instrument is still made here. Besides coffee, two famous Salavanh products are the fragrant coconuts from Naxai Village and the delicious barbeque chicken that can be purchases at Napong Village on route 13.Like everywhere else in the country, Lao New Year or Pi Mai is celebrated throughout Salavanh for a week around 14 April. Before this are the Katang and Ta-Oy ethnic group’s annual festivals, which occur during late January – early February.

Source: www.tourismlaos.org

Boun Khao Phansa Festival (Buddhist Lent) or Asalahaboucha Day

Boun Khao Phansaa, which marks the beginning of "Buddhist Lent", is celebrated yearly on July.  There is a legend said that, there was once a group of six monks walking during the rainy season. They were careless about where they put their feet, stepping on frogs and crushing new rice plants. This angered the farmers who complained to the Buddha. The Buddha made the rule for the Sangha, the community of monks, to observe Khao Phansaa, which means "entering the rainy season."  The traditionally lay people are not allowed to get married until the end of the Buddist Lent which is less making parties during three months Khao Phansa. Many take time away from work to make merit for deceased relatives. They also offer robes to become novices or monks.

During this time devout people often abstain from alcohol. They pray for assistance and guidance to encourage merit and happiness in their lives. It encourages them to follow the five major Buddhist vow to follow the precepts (five rules of conduct):

·         You shall not kill lives

·          You shall not steal or cheat

·         You shall not commit adultery

·          You shall not lie

·         You shall not consume alcohol or drugs

The rule is that for three months during the rainy season the monks must vow not to stay overnight away from their temple, unless they have permission for special circumstances such as visiting sick parents, going to deliver sermons.   In any case, they can never be gone more than seven days.

Source: laos-guide-999

On the first day of the waning moon, People do Tak baat (Alms offerings)  of food (particularly khaotom, rice, banana or pork wrapped in banana leaves) and donate necessities like soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes and towels for the monks. Most temples are very busy during this time with people making merit and giving their donations. At the end of these merit-making activities the monks will recite the teachings of Buddha and tell the history of Lent to temple goers., take the precepts, and listen to a sermon.   After the evening prayers, the novices and monks make their vows to stay in their wat and kuti or monk living quarters , residence, for the three rainy months.

On the full-moon day of the eighth lunar month people go to the temple with incense sticks, candles, and Pha Ab Nam Fon (a yellow robe for bathing) and offer them to the Buddha statue in the temple. After that, they perform the prayer/chanting ceremony and listen to a sermon. Later in the evening monks, novices and laypeople bring flowers and candles and walk around the central temple three times in a ceremony known as Vien Thien in Lao.

Nang Sang Khan - Highlight of Laos New Year

Boun Pi Mai, or Lao New Year is a three-day celebration, which is taken place from April 13-15 every year.  During these days, there are lots of themed activities, as well as cultural ceremonies, being officiated. One of those highlights, which can be found in the two biggest cities – Vientiane and Luang Prabang, is Nangsangkhan pageant.

Nangsangkhan pageant, or Miss Pi Mai Lao, or Miss Lao New Year, is famous by its own attractions from organization, candidate’s reputation, and a huge paradise on the street to show the respect, on the main day of Laos New Year.

Photo ©: Luang Prabang Moradock

Approximately from middle of March, normally 15 – 21st March, the committee will select the candidates for Miss Laos New Year. More or less of twenty-five beautiful girls around the city will be announced supporting by any organizations. Only seven contestants will be selected within the first winner is called Nang Sang Khan of this year. The reason why seven contestants, neither less than, nor more than, is because each person will symbolize for one of King Kabinlaphrôm’s seven daughters according to the Lao legend.

Photo ©: Luang Prabang Moradock

The contest is annually held at the Deun That or old stadium, Luang Prabang Province between11th – 12th nights of April; and Vientiane with the same time, at selected venue every year.

All the candidates have to prove themselves by 03 rounds. And the support from fans and crowds is also the important key for the champion. After selected, Nang Sang Khan will represent the tutelary spirit of the New Year in luxurious styles clothing. She performs in the main parades mounted on the huge animal statue (the holistic animal sign of the year) and surrounded by her fellow contestants.

Kongbouat Festival - the beauty of Laos Therawada Buddist Culture

Respectful senior monks and newly ordained monks step over silk sashes placed by merit makers for the monks to step on after they walk from a Naga boat, which is where people pour water over them to wash away any bad spirits. This is the central feature of the Kongbouat festival.
Merit makers at this festival including young and old men and women who sit in a long line from a point close to the Naga boat until the grounds of the sanctuary. Some middle-aged men lay on the ground for the monks to step over their backs, believing the monks will cure their backache.
Merit makers take part in the ordination rituals at the temple and a large group of them invite respectful monks and newly ordained monks to step over their silk sashes, but it’s unlikely that most of them know the meaning of this custom.

Venerable Keo, a senior monk at Sisavangvong temple in Xayaboury district, Xayaboury province, said merit makers offer sashes to respectful monks and newly ordained monks to step over as a sign of respect and to offer their congratulation to monks who are promoted to a new position and have contributed to Buddhist organisations.
This ritual is in evidence as part of merit making during the Konghote and Kongbouat festivals. When these festivals are observed either in a temple or in someone’s home, the organisers and the monks will decorate a Naga boat while the pathway from the boat to the main worship hall will be adorned with leafy banana stems, sugar cane plants and flowers.
According to Venerable Keo, who is on the temple committee, the Konghote and Kongbouat festivals are held at an appropriate time of the year. This depends on the time that is convenient for those involved, as well as their financial circumstances. There is no limit to the number of festivals that may be held. A large number of people may hold nine Konghote festivals and one Kongbouat jointly. Some people will arrange two or one Konghote and Kongbouat festivals.
Venerable Keo said there are various reasons for holding the Kongbouat festival. Some people do it to ordain a son so that he can study Dharma in the temple and pay tribute to his parents, while others want to pay homage to their deceased parents and other relatives. Elderly people use the occasion as a merit-making ritual as they believe the offerings will support them in the next life. People who arrange a Kongbouat festival are aged over 40. It is considered unacceptable for people under 40 to host the festival because it means they will receive their offerings early and will therefore have a short life.
The festivals last for two days. On the first day the offerings are prepared and on the second day there is an almsgiving ceremony in the early morning and lay people take on the role of Nagas to protect the newly ordained monks. Merit makers and guests form a procession with the four Nagas and offerings and walk to the temple after the almsgiving ceremony.

On the first day, friends, relatives and other invited guests come to make merit with the festival organisers and give them money, flowers and milled sticky rice in a bowl. In return, the hosts invite the guests to have lunch and dinner and also give them a bag of snacks. Some guests place offerings in the monks’ bags and bowls. On the evening of the first day, a group of musicians plays traditional music and sings folksongs to entertain the guests.
The second day of merit-making sees the giving of alms, the conversion of people into four Naga and the procession carrying offerings to the temple. When the procession reaches the temple, respectful monks, elderly people, merit makers and the musicians walk three times around the shrine to pay their respects to Lord Buddha.
As the troupe of musicians plays their instruments and sings, participants cheer them to spur them on and create a joyful atmosphere. The merit-makers carry their offerings, comprising a bed, mattress, robes, household utensils and markbeng (a pyramid made of banana leaves, gold paper, flowers, and silver and golden trees hung with kip notes).
After the merit-makers have processed three times around the shrine, the monks begin the religious rituals in the main worship hall to ordain new monks and novices and present offerings.
After the ceremony, the monks who are to be newly ordained, ordained as senior monks or elevated to a higher rank will have water poured over them inside the Naga boat. The merit-makers do this in order to wash away any bad spirits.
The newly ordained monks carry bags and alms bowls from the Naga boat to the main worship hall. Some monks throw sacred water over the participants while some merit-makers throw money mixed with candy, milled sticky rice and flowers.
Merit-makers then invite monks from other temples and the organisers of the Kongbouat festival to take part in a Baci ceremony for the newly ordained monk. The hosts of the festival offer a bowl containing pieces of silver and golden swords to the monk.
Venerable Keo said these items are considered to be a show of support for the monk. The monk is not allowed to sell them, but may give them to someone he holds dear.
There is no limit to the weight of the silver and golden swords given to the monk. The amount given depends on the festival organiser.
The Konghote and Kongbouat festivals are similar, but the Konghote doesn’t involve the presentation of pieces of silver and golden swords.
Invited guests and all laypeople taking part in the merit-making, both at home and in the temple, will wear modest clothing. Women of course wear a sinh (long skirt) and blouse, while men wear trousers.

Source: By Phon Thikeo , Vientiane Times

Feature Laos Cuisine

Laotian food is based on fish, beef, pork, poultry and especially herbs. The food is very spicy and hot, which contains major famous ingredients are herb, rice, chili and fish sauce.
Today we will introduce you some famous Laos dishes and drinks.

1. Feature specialties:
• Sticky rice (best eaten with fingers). Most traditional Lao dishes were designed to accompany with Sticky rice. To keep fingers clean, and rice from dropping into communal food, dishes do not have a liquid consistency.
• Laap (minced meat, fish or vegetables tossed in lime juice, garlic, onions, powdered rice and chillies, accompanied by sticky rice).
• Kai (Water weed from the Mekong River – a Luang Prabang specialty)
• Tam Maak Hung
Another Lao invention is tam maak hung, the spicy green papaya salad known as som tam in Thailand, but which the Lao like to dress with fermented crab and a chunky, intense fish sauce called pa daek, resulting in a stronger flavor than the milder, sweeter Thai style.
• Sindad
This is the typical of Grill & hot pot in Laos style. With a special pot – half grill, half boiled and a laid of tantalizing cuts of well-marinated tenderloin, ribs, pork, shrimp and fresh seafood around, the waiter will fire up the grill and leave you to cook selections to your liking. Meanwhile, they will leave a steaming hotpot to simmer its delights. You can enjoy with a choice of Beer Laos or wine on every restaurant near Mekong River Bank.

• Oh Lam
Oh lam is a stew mainly made from vegetables: beans, eggplants, gourds, black mushrooms, then seasoned with lemongrass, chili, and coriander and finally thickened with sticky rice. Ho or Oh is loosely translated as “to put in”, which implies that this stew is a hodge podge of whatever ingredients are on hand. But the key ingredient is sa kan, a bitter root herb.
• Mok Pa
This special dish is very famous in Luang Prabang, which contains sticky rice, lemon grass, onion, dill, basil leaves, chili and garlic mixed with chicken or fish. Mixed meat and ingredients together and wrapped with banana leave before steam.

2. Feature drinks:
• Lao lao (rice whisky) is popular and there are two brands available (White Champa and Dark Champa)
• Beer Lao.
Enjoy a Food Tour with Asia Reveal's experts to learn more about Laos' Cuisine and Culture!

Morning Alms Giving - A great culture - not the show

The ritual of alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) is a ceremony that takes place all day at dawn when the monks get out of their temples to collect offerings from local people. This traditional ceremony is most famous in Luang Prabang – the former capital of Lane Xang, which has 33 ancient Buddhist temples in a total area of 25 ha.

Main features:

Time: Daily at 4: 30 or 5:00 AM
Location: Along all the streets
Where: Nationwide
Offerings: Sticky rice, candies, cookies, Khao Tom (sticky rice steamed inside banana leaves), milk, etc…
Alms Giving Ceremony is held at 4:30 or 5am daily morning. Women dress in traditional way, shoulder is rounded with sweat cloth and flower’s put on hair. Everyone brings food, which is prepared and laid carefully on a silver tray, or in rattan basket, sits on the roadside and wait for silent lines of saffron-clad monks walk down the streets of Luang Prabang to collect alms. The monk pass one by one in front of the devotees and the faithful at the same time, delivered the offerings with their own hands by inserting food inside the metal container that the monks carry. The ritual is done in silence; the monks walk in meditation, and the almsgivers reciprocate with respect by not disturbing the monk’s meditative peace, even when they pass already.
The ceremony is truly an important tourist attraction because of its beauty. However, this is a culture, not a show, being maintained for thousand years.  When tourists don’t know about the customs, their clumsiness can disrupt this ceremony.
 

Tips for traveler when attending Tak Bat:
•    Observe the ritual in silence and contribute an offering only if it is meaningful for you and can do so respectfully.
•    Please buy sticky rice at the local market earlier that morning rather than from street vendors along the monk route.
•    If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and behave respectfully. Do not get in the way of the monks’ procession or the believers offerings.
•    Do not stand too close to the monks when taking photographs; camera flashes are very disturbing for both monks and the lay people.
•    Dress appropriate: Shoulders, chests and legs should be covered.
•    Do not make physical contact with the monks.
•    Do not position yourself so your head is higher than the monks’ heads.
•    Do not make eye contact with the monks.
•    Do not touch the monks’ bowls while placing your offerings.

Top ideal places to enjoy Sunset in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang performs its attraction not only by its friendly people and nice landscape, but also overwhelmed tourists by the stunning of Mekong River over the sunshine. If you are such tired of sitting on car every time, or being heated all day on the road, let’s take a relaxation by a simple book, street fruit shake and straight your foot somewhere, enjoy the sunset, it may treat you well!
So, where can be your ideal place for sunset view? Take a look on below advises and you may need it during this summer!

1.    Phousi Mountain
This place should be in the top of must-see in Luang Prabang. For both local residence, and tourists, Phousi Hill is famous of its holy legend, and a small challenge with 328 steps, for those want to obtain the panorama view of whole ancient city and rivers. Of course, the best time enjoy sunset there, is from 5:00 to 5:30 in dry season (October to April) and 5:30 to 6:00 in rainy season (May to September).
Local people often buy some flower (frangipani or marigold), set on the ground as the offerings, and a small bird to release, wishing for the good luck, peace and happiness in the future.
After relax, visit ancient stupa of Wat That Chompsi, you could go down, enjoy your time of Night Bazaa exploration, or wandering along the street, cross Wat Sene at 06:30 pm and see the monks start to intone, among the holy sounds of bell, drum, while the last lights’ falling on the road.

 
2.    Bamboo Bridge to Dyen Sabai Restaurant
Enjoying sunset view on Bamboo Bridge is quite special and unforgettable. For who never step into a bamboo bridge, it could be a bit scared. However, it is totally not dangerous, if you pay attention and stick tightly to the handrails.
Crossing the bamboo bridge during the sun downs gives you a chance to see how the water changes its color into silver and golden. Watching fisherman and local people finish their daily work along the bank, and relax with the plenty perfume of herbs, oils from Dyen Sabai Restaurant & Spa.
The Bamboo Bridge is only presented during dry season, till the end of May, when the water level is lowest. The entrance fee is 5,000LAK per time, per person.

3.    “Mekong Beach”
“Mekong Beach” is the way people calling the sand ground lying along Nam Khan River and Mekong River, near Bamboo Bridge in Dyen Sabai. This large beach is quite dry during summer and people often come to play game, organize picnic weekend or some football, ultimate Frisbee (for foreign community).
If you want to spend some wandering, take some drink, and get down stair at the Burasary Café & bakery. Late afternoon is most suitable, when the weather is cooler, and you could see the sun downs in a pleasant and authentic way.

4.    Wat Prabath
Wat Prabath (or Chùa Phật Tích) is on the way to Phousi Market. This is one of the most unique, and perhaps somewhat garish, of Luang Prabang’s monasteries, as it combines elements of Thai, Lao and Vietnamese religious architecture. The Wat is on a site overlooking the Mekong River and is to the southwest (downstream) of Luang Prabang so “Sunset view” could be the most common phrase of people when coming there.
5.    Utopia Bar
Well, the most (probably) famous bar for foreigners in Luang Prabang, could be the Utopia. Whose ideal location on the bank of Nam Khan River, overlook to Old Bridge, stylish decoration with cozy atmosphere, plenty choice of drinks and snacks, Utopia is the highlight of almost “Sunset Tour” for those dream of a lazy treatment. When the light on is time for a small yoga club outdoor. You could attend with 50,000LAK per time, or continuing your chat as an audience is no problem!
6.    Nava Mekong Cruise
Nava Mekong Cruises offers you a package of dining while sunset. With a reasonable price, you could easily book a table on the fully-equipped traditional boat, cruising on the Mekong River, enjoy dinner and plus traditional dance with a large view of Mekong during sunset.

7.    Maison Dalabua Terrace Pond View
Maison Dalabua Terrace Pond View is one of my favorite places when I pass the Photisath Road at the sunset time. This open bar is pretty easy to access and appalling enough for some soft drinks before dinner. The pond with wooden bridge-road, flowered by seasonal lotus and water lily brings a boutique feeling for everyone in such a touched afternoon. I assure you could see the sun shadow on the surface, otherwise, after some beers, you may believe that!

LHAI HEUA FAI – FESTIVAL OF THE BOAT OF LIGHT

Lhai Heua Fai means “floating boats of light downstream”. This festival is celebrated on the night of the End of Lent.On this day, every family makes a small round container, using banana leaves on a section of banana trunk. They put flowers, incense sticks, candles, betel nuts and other condiments for chewing and sometimes food and money. At the bank of the river, they light the candles, say prayers and send the boat of light floating away. The spectacle of thousands of boats of light with their twinkling candles on the Mekong River is most moving.

Lhai Heua Fai is also aimed at sending offerings to the dead. But most of all, it is a homage to the Lord Buddha. Temples and villages build their boats of light, which are much bigger and more elaborately decorated. Two types of boats of light are built for that night: the normal Heua Fai, which is to be floated down the river, and Heua Fai Khowk, which will stay on the temple ground. Both are made of bamboo and coloured paper and can be several meters long.
In Luang Prabang, each temple and each village send a boat to join the procession on the main street leading to Wat Xieng Thong. Once at this beautiful 16th century temple, the boats are lined up and a jury awards prizes to the most beautiful boats. After that, one by one, the boats are brought down the staircases of Wat Xieng Thong, reminiscent of a scene from the film Fitzcaraldo when people carry a boat from the mountain down to the river. Then they are delicatedly put on the water and floated down the Mekong River among thousands of small individual banana leaf skiffs in a breathtaking sea of lights.

Need more tour in Laos? contact us now: info@asiarevealtour.com

LUANG PRABANG REACHES THE TOP CITY FROM WANDERLUST TRAVEL AWARD

WHERE IS THE WORLD’S TOP DESTINATION? WHICH COUNTRY IS THE ONE TO WATCH? WHERE IS THE LOVELIEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – AND WHICH AIRLINE IS THE BEST TO FLY WITH? THE WANDERLUST TRAVEL AWARDS 2015 REVEALS ALL…

Top Country

1. New Zealand 97.78%
2. Namibia 97.37%
3. Ethiopia 97.27%
4. Bhutan 97.14%
5. Zambia 96.36%
6. Oman 96%
7. Costa Rica 95.43%
8. Laos 95.25%
9. Myanmar/Burma 95.16%
10. Vietnam 94.56%

Top City

1. Luang Prabang 97.14%
2. Bagan 95%
3. Stockholm 94.74%
4. Kyoto 94.29%
5. Hoi An 94.12%
6. Vancouver 93.85%
7. Berlin 93.51%
8. Rome 93.13%
9. Vienna 92.86%
10. Krakow 92.5%

Luang Prabang is never far from the top spot in this category – proof of its enduring charm, and the bevvy of treasures and unique experiences that await every traveller.

Let’s come and spend your Holiday with us: info@asiarevealtour.com.

Source: www.wanderlust.co.uk

Year End Party 2014 - Vientiane Branch Office

A cozy small party for Vientiane Branch Office Team and Suppliers. We are looking forward to a better New Year 2015! Together we go!