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We Are Lao Heads to Southern Laos
We Are Lao will be joining 13 bloggers and media members from eight countries on a 4-day familiarization trip to present Southern Laos’ top tourism experiences on the world stage. The journey kicks off on Wednesday, 5 December, with an afternoon visit to the Vat Phou UNESCO World Heritage Site and the ancient city of Setthapura. That evening, the bloggers and media will network with the tourism business sector at the Grand Pakse Hotel. A full Day 2 starts at the mountaintop Vat Phou Salao with unrivalled views of Pakse. Then it’s off to the 4,000 Islands all the way to the Lao-Cambodian border checkpoint. The caravan then heads to Khone Pha Pheng waterfall, and on to the Nakasang Pier and a ferry ride to Don Det Island and the Golden Hotel Dondet. The next morning, the blogger parade explores Don Det and Don Khone Islands including Somphamith Waterfall, remnants of a French colonial railway system, and a peek at the rare Irrawaddy river dolphins, before the ride back to the Grand Pakse. On Day 4, the tour breaks from the Mekong and heads to the Bolaven Plateau’s coffee-and-waterfall show. Before reaching the Sinouk Coffee Plantation with its amazing gardens, the troops will stop at a blacksmith village, tea plantation, and Tad Fane and Tad Nyeuang Waterfalls. The odyssey continues to several ethnic villages (Alak, Kaleum, Ngae and Katu, before reaching Tad Lo Waterfall Park and Houay Houn handicraft village. The return trip to Pakse stops at Cham Pi Food Garden. A Farewell Party wraps up the experience that We Are Lao will cover from head to toe on our News & Events page, or you can follow us on Facebook. The FAM trip is being hosted by the Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project Champasak Province and the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism.
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Viengxay Marks the 50th Anniversary of National Day
Known as the stronghold of the nation’s revolutionary movement, Viengxay Cave City in Houaphanh Province celebrated the 50th National Day anniversary on Sunday, 2 December 2018. Addressing the event, Vice President Phankham Viphavanh said that today the Party, government and people of Houaphanh Province, along with people throughout the country, had organised this national celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the Viengxay liberation forces’ command centre. This momentous occasion was honoured by the presence of President Bounnhang Vorachit, along with high-ranking officials and local residents at a grand celebration in the district’s main stadium. President Bounnhang said that people across the country were happy and proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of Viengxay, the 43rd anniversary of the liberation of Laos, and the 98th anniversary of the birth of former President Kaysone Phomvihane. “We recall the great deeds of President Kaysone Phomvihane, who set the country on the mission to liberate our nation, and other leaders of the Party and State, people of all ethnic groups, advisors from Vietnam and our friendly partners for the sacrifices they made for the independence and the well-being of our people,” President Bounnhang said. Thousands of people attended the celebratory activities that took place in Viengxay district from November 28-30. Visitors were entertained with stage shows, product fairs, and exhibitions. In addition, a convoy consisting of 126 vehicles and nearly 600 people travelled to Viengxay from Vientiane and the provinces. However, the main ceremony took place on 2 December, centring on a grand parade that included more than 20 groups. Before the parade took place, leaders laid a wreath at the Unknown Soldier Monument and the Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong memorials. Many visitors toured the caves which housed the offices of the revolutionary leaders as they devised strategies that resulted in the defeat of their enemies. The caves witnessed the birth of the Lao PDR and today serve to teach visitors from far and near about the revolutionary struggle. A tour allows people to explore the caves inhabited by former presidents Kaysone Phomvihane, Souphanouvong and Nouhak Phomsavanh, Khamtay Siphandone, and Xanglort. The provincial capital of Houaphanh, Sam Neua, is home to a majestic city pillar which rises from the town centre. It has a large crystal ball at its apex that glistens in the sunset. It too celebrates the site of the revolutionary movement. Viengxay can be reached by private vehicle and bus from Vientiane or from Luang Prabang and Xieng Khuang provinces and also from Son La province in Vietnam. Lao Skyway offers flights from Vientiane to Houaphanh Source: Vientiane Times
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Asia Foundation to Hold Ecotourism Workshop in Luang Prabang
Applications are now open for the 2019 YSEALI Workshop on Eco & Sustainable Tourism! The Asia Foundation will be implementing this 5-day workshop in the world heritage site of Luang Prabang, Laos from March 4-8th 2019. We are looking for actively engaged students, entrepreneurs and young professionals, age 18-35, from across ASEAN who are interested in promoting ecotourism. Participants will learn best practices through a hands-on tour of eco projects in one of the world’s most beautiful boutique tourism cities. You will learn from some of the best minds in the region, and network with other young leaders from across ASEAN. Click here to apply! https://app.wizehive.com/appform/login/yseali2019ecotourismworkshop Deadline for applications is December 15th
