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Offroad Laos Adventures Sets Golden Triangle Biker Dates
Luang Prabang-based Offroad Laos Adventures has announced the 2018 schedule for its seven-day Mysterious Golden Triangle motorcycle tours. The tours takes three-to-six experienced riders on a challenging 1,350-km circuit that kicks off in Luang Prabang and heads west to Oudomxay. The trail continues over Luang Namtha’s mountains until it reaches the Mekong at Xieng Kok, where it follows the river to the notorious Golden Triangle in Bokeo. The path runs along the Mekong as it heads downriver to Houay Xay, and continues along the Lao-Thai border to Sayabouly Province, before returning to Luang Prabang. Offroad Laos Adventures’ 2018 schedule offers three Mysterious Golden Triangle tours: * 21-27 October: 4 motorbikes left * 18-24 November: 2 motorbikes left * 1-5 December: 4 motorbikes left According to Co-founder Charly Renaudin, 75% of the trip is off road. “Riders will dive into the mythical and unknown trails of the Golden Triangle, within the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and China. The Hmong, Khmu and Tai Dam tribes will warmly welcome you in their remote lands.” He added, “During this adventure, you will ride up to 1,800 metres high on mountain trails, cross bamboo bridges and rivers on rafts, visit lost tribes, and be reckless. We are talking about an epic adventure!” For more information on this tour, click here. View video.
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Paul Burnett Tapped as Summit Tours Executive Director
Following the recent partnership between Summit Tours and Green Discovery to launch Summit Discovery, Summit Tours has appointed Paul Burnett as its Executive Director. “Paul brings decades of managerial experience to our organization,” said Bert Wollen, CEO and Founding Director of Summit Tours. “He has a sound knowledge of the Lao landscape, having been a traveller here for the past 12 years, and residing in both Luang Prabang and Vientiane for five years.” Mr Wollen added, “He’s also an environmentally active and outdoorsy type of guy, who loves and respects the great outdoors, and has trekked and explored places that I wouldn’t dream of visiting!” Mr Burnett explained Summit’s itineraries. “Our tours offer an amazing opportunity for travellers, who want to view this incredible country from a new and lofted perspective. Never before has this type of experience been available in a tour package format.” He stressed the importance of the matchup up with Green Discovery. “To be working with the Green Discovery team is a serious privilege. What these guys don’t know about adventure locations in Laos isn’t worth writing about. We are currently exploring some great new potential locations in the north of Laos with the Green Discovery adventure team.” Mr Burnett zeroed in on the Summit-Green concept and connection. “We are offering our guests a unique experience that will stay with them forever. Laos is bestowed with outstanding natural wonders. Add in the cultural and historical attractions, and we enjoy an amazing array of locations to suit everybody.” He added, “I’m very strong on environmental and cultural sustainability, and this fits perfectly with a wonderful organization like Green Discovery.” Summit Discovery offers discerning travellers Laos’ only helicopter tours via an exclusive partnership with Lao Skyway. The collaboration of all companies involved aims to push Lao tourism to a new and exciting level. The management, ground staff, and experienced guides of Summit Discovery are currently exploring new and unique locations to add to their portfolio of cultural, spiritual, historical, and soft adventure experiences. For more information please contact info@summittours.la or info@summitdiscoverylaos.com. To visit Summit Tours, click here.
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Khop Chai Deu Celebrates 20 Years
Vientiane’s iconic Khop Chai Deu restaurant celebrated its 20 year anniversary on 19 July, with more than 400 guests and old friends gathering to raise a glass to its founder Inthy Deuansavanh, who went on to establish the Inthira Group. The story of “The Place Where the World Meets” began 20 years ago, when Inthy saw the need to transform his colonial-style family house, near Nam Phou Fountain, into a restaurant, one of a few catering to tourists at the time. He opened the doors on July, 19th 1998 during the first Visit Laos Year. The eatery morphed into a place that united locals, expats and tourists, and quickly became a must-visit hot spot for people wanting to enjoy the new Vientiane nightlife. Over the years, Khop Chai Deu has changed its design more than five times, constantly reinventing itself to stay abreast of guests’ wishes and trends. Today, the original 30-seat barbecue restaurant now caters to more than 300 guests a day. Khop Chai Deu went on to become the cornerstone of the Inthira Group, which includes Inthira Hotels, and the Samba Xayoh and Suntara restaurants. Inthira used the 20th year anniversary to launch Khop Chai Deu’s new, much larger room to present live music every night, and during the celebration, several bands rocked the restaurant. Kamala, a band that used to play at Khop Chai Deu when their singer was 12 years old, hit the stage, along with local celebrities Aluna Thavonsouk and Alexandra Bounxouei. Popular Thai singer, Tik Shero, closed the special night. More than a business, Khop Chai Deu has demonstrated itself as a pillar of the local community, by supporting the Lao Red Cross for more than 10 years, and by providing professional training and education to local youth. Because the restaurant wanted this event to be more meaningful, they raised funds to renovate the school at Ban Nong Yai village in Sayabouly Province, the hometown of one of the restaurant’s senior employees. The aim is to keep its 35 children safe and dry, and allow them to study in better conditions. Every donor entered a special lucky draw for a chance to win prizes, such as two nights in luxurious hotels and flights. The effort raised more than $10,000 for the school and students’ materials. Inthira plans to take Khop Chai Deu to the next level over the next 20 years, to become a national brand, while continuing to participate in the country’s development. The restaurant would like to give a special thanks to its sponsors who supportes an unforgettable party and helped raise funds for the Ban Nong Yai School: Johnny Walker, Bangkok Airways, Beerlao, Coca-Cola, Green Discovery Laos, Heineken, Indochina Bank, Lao Telecom, Lao Toyota Service, the Muang La Lodge, The Rashmis Plaza, Revlon, Sanctuary Hotels, Sengdara Fitness, and Thai Airways. Visit Khop Chai Deu
