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Vientiane Half Marathon Slated for 3 March
The 4th annual Vientiane International Half Marathon will be held on 3 March 2019. Participants in this year’s run The Vientiane International Half Marathon (VIHM) is the first competitive running race in Laos. The challenging 21 KM, 10 KM, and 5 KM courses will weave through cultural and historic streets, landmarks, and provide runners unique experiences. The marathon event is expected to draw thousands of beginning runners, avid runners and professional runners to run in the quiet city of Vientiane Capital. For more information, click here. Source: KPL
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Minister Lists Tourism Complaints, Tells Government to Act
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara unloaded a list of travel complaints on the government last week, and called for cooperation to address the barriers hampering Tourism growth. Problems in Paradise Dr Bosengkham and other senior officials presented a slate of problems that tourists encounter when entering and exiting the country: · Several border crossings are slow to carry out their duties, especially at the end of the working day when overtime kicks in. · Some border crossings unlawfully make people pay for arrival and entry forms that are free. · Border officials are rude when processing documents. · Crossings without computer systems are very slow, which frustrates tour operators and visitors. · Officials apply unwarranted inspections and fees to groups or visitors when travelling or entering some tourist sites. · The Tourism Police requires tour operators to submit a document detailing their clients’ information and travel plans before bringing a group into the country, though the government already discontinued this practice. · The Tourist Police fine tour operators who change itineraries, and don’t give receipts for the charges. Dr Bosengkham also said the government needed to act on high prices in Laos, which many blame for the decline in foreign tourist arrivals. One reports states that food costs in Laos are 10-20% higher than in neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. The minister also called for the government to consider reducing or waiving visa fees for nationals of certain countries, but did not specify which ones. Source: Vientiane Times
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Salavan Opens Secret Waterfall and Caves
Southern Salavan Province has opened Phouphasouk Park with its dozen caves and 25-metre-high Nanglod Waterfall just 9 km from the provincial capital. Amazing rock formations The caves cut into forested limestone outcrops among fast flowing streams that feed Nanglod Waterfall. The province is first focussing promotion efforts on Phouphasouk and Praleusy Caves and Nanglod Falls. “I invite and welcome all guests to Salavan province and to Phouphasouk Park because there are so many activities to enjoy. If I try to explain it, you won’t understand how fantastic it is. It’s something you have to experience for yourself,” said Somchai Aounchit, head of the province’s Tourism Marketing Department. Along with the lighted caves, the park currently offers huts with 360-degree views of the mountains, forest treks, boating, swimming, and restaurants. Visitors receive a map for exploring the park and learning about its attractions. Mr Aounchit added that local authorities plan to introduce more activities such as more forest treks, camping, zip-lining, elephant or horse rides, and bicycling. The park’s main attraction is Phouphasouk Cave that was fist explored by experts from France and Laos. Following an assessment, it was prepared for visits by the general public and made accessible in 2019. Phouphasouk is the longest cave in the area at 4,630 metres. The French experts consider it to be the most attractive cave in Laos after Konglor cave in Khammouane Province, Mr Somchai said. Nanglod Waterfall drops about 25 metres high as it cascades over 250 metres. A stream in Lom cave feeds the falls. Phouphasouk Park is located at Pakpong village in Salavan District just 9 km from the provincial capital. Visitors can get there in four-wheel drive vehicles, minibuses, cars or motorcycles. Adapted from Phouthong Sivongsa, Vientiane Times
