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Plain of Jars Awaits July Decision on World Heritage Status
The Lao government remains optimistic that UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will grant the Plain of Jars full listing status when it meets in July. The Plain of Jars “All the necessary documents were submitted last year,” said Director General of the Heritage Department, Thongbay Phothisan. “At the end of last year the World Heritage team came to Laos to assess the site, and we went to Paris to confirm our intention to apply and to maintain the Plain of Jars as a World Heritage Site”, he said. “All the necessary documents were submitted last year.” If the application is successful, the Plain of Jars will be Laos’ third World Heritage Site after Luang Prabang (1995) and the Vat Phou temple complex (2001) in Champassak province. The Plain of Jars covers more than 200 hectares across 11 sites in Xieng Khouang Province, and includes hundreds of stone jars cut from rock. Archaeologists date the jars back to 500 BC, and their investigation into materials found at the sites continues. They have yet to agree on the jars purpose. The government is currently preparing documents for submission to UNESCO requesting that Hin Nam No in Khammouane Province be Laos’ first Natural Heritage Site. Source: Vientiane Times
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Sayabouly Elephant Festival Dates Announced
The 2019 Sayabouly Elephant Festival will take place from 20-27 February, according to TourismLaos.com. The parade of pachyderms In Vientiane Province, the Meuang Feuang Festival will run from 9-10 February, and feature a street fair selling ODOP products and traditional performances. Feuang District is about 130km from Vientiane and visitors can easily reach it by car or motorbike as it is only about 30km off Route 13 North. Currently the district offers activities including riding bamboo rafts, tubing and kayaking along the Lik River, and riding boats on the Lik Reservoir near Nam Ngum Lake.
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Kids to Compete in Luang Prabang Folk Fest Battle
The Luang Prabang Cultural Office is holding the second Luang Prabang Folk Song Festival on Saturday, 30 March, in which school children from each of the province’s districts compete in a traditional showdown at the Cultural Office’s grounds. Traditional instruments in kids’ hands. According to event organizer Somboun Keoduangchit, “Last year was a great event, and its success is due to all those who donated, supported us, and gave their services for food and accommodation.” Lao celebrity Touly has been confirmed as the woman MC for the event, and will sing a few songs. She is seeking a male MC to work with her. The festival is also opening its doors to booths selling local products on show day, which include sustainable items, handicrafts, tea, and coffee. Asia One and Luang Prabang View Hotel are hosting a dinner after the show, while other hospitality providers are being sought for meals and rooms for students and teachers during their stay. For those who wish to support the festival, please contact: Somboun Keoduangchit at keoduangchit89@gmail.com
