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AVANI+ Leads Luang Prabang’s Luxury Charge
AVANI+ Luang Prabang and Mekong Kingdoms’ cruises have been gaining traction in the media, with Conde Naste Traveler pointing to Minor Hotel’s high-end additions as reason enough to visit Luang Prabang. In its May 2018 issue, the prestigious travel and leisure magazine tapped Luang Prabang in “The Best Places to Visit this Summer”. The UNESCO city was the only Asian pick on the top-12 list. The subtitle for Luang Prabang reads, “Go because… the ancient Lao capital is exploding with new hotels,” and they zoomed in on the AVANI+. The reporting team pointed out the new hotel’s “French colonial architecture (is only topped by) its 82-foot swimming pool, flanked by a centuries-old Banyan tree. Swoon!” Photo by Michelle Chaplow Mekong Kingdom’s two overnight river cruises received praise. The 13-cabin Bohème gained points for its wine cellar and spa, while noting the two-cabin Gypsy, “is ideal for couples or families,” and debuts in July. Fah Thai, Bangkok Airlines inflight magazine, featured AVANI+ Luang Prabang on page titled “Heritage Luxe” in its May issue. The article highlighted the 53 rooms and suites “conceived for a demanding new breed of traveller…An intimate, open-plan feel with louver wooden doors open to a balcony or terrace overlooking either the pool or a private courtyard.” Pattarawadee Saengmanee wrote “Making the most of Luang Prabang” in Thailand’s The Nation newspaper, and also highlighted AVANI+’s “contemporary French neo-classical” design by French-Canadian architect Pascal Trahan. She also suggested that guests can simply “relax by the pool under the canopy of an ancient banyan tree or head to the spa for a pampering session.” She recommended the Mekong Kingdoms sunset cruise, rather than enjoying the end of the day at the hotel’s upstairs bar or street-side veranda. “Visitors should make for the river to admire the sunset and board one of the Mekong Kingdoms Luxury Cruises for a two-hour cruise,” Ms Pattarawadee wrote. She noted the furnishings including colourful lounge sofas and the sundeck, where guests can “drink in the romance of the colonial era while enjoying spectacular views of verdant mountains and fishing communities on the banks.” Hotel manager Andrew Jansson told Ms Pattarawadee, “The AVANI+ is the first hotel in Luang Prabang to receive official five-star ranking from the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism.” Luang Prabang continues to attract more upscale guests, who require luxury accommodation, and according to the media, the recent addition of AVANI+ and Mekong Kingdoms is leading the charge. AVANI+ Hotels Read the full articles: Conde Naste Traveler Fah Thai The Nation
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Luang Prabang Hosting 4-Day “Simply Beautiful” Celebration
Luang Prabang is holding Ngam Thae Oh (Oh Luang Prabang, You’re Simply Beautiful) events from 4-7 July, to promote the UNESCO city and beyond to Nambak and Ngoi districts. Ngam Thae Oh is one of the main activities planned by the province in celebrating Visit Laos Year 2018, said Luang Prabang provincial governor, Khankham Chanthavisouk. “This event showcases our unique local culture including the display and demonstration of handicrafts, sculpture, local food, One District One Product (ODOP) products, and traditional performances,” he added. The event includes a FAM trip for international bloggers and travel media to meet local tourism business and travel to outlying Nambak and Ngoi districts. The 40-plus writer are currently on a journey to visit traditional weaving villages, explore caves and nature, look at old wooden houses, and enjoy the view from the top of Phouphadeng hill in Luang Prabang Province’s secondary destinations. Deputy Director of the province’s Information, information and Tourism Department, Soudaphone Khomthavong, told the Vientiane Times that highlighting these two districts as the province’s secondary tourist destinations is aimed at expanding tourism and tapping potential in surrounding areas. Visitors will be able to sample authentic local lifestyle in Nambak’s Nayang village, where many people spend their days weaving and dyeing textiles using natural methods. The village’s products are among the province’s five items made under the ODOP scheme. This district also has plenty of old wooden houses, which may be developed as home-stay accommodation for guests. In addition, Tham Phakuang and Phathok are well known caves with potential for being a major draw. FAM trip participants will also climb the towering Phouphadeng hill near Nong Khiew Pond in Ngoi. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view over the Nam Ou River, which is surrounded by untouched nature. Mrs Soudaphone said she used to hike up this hill and it took 90 minutes to reach the top. The area is dominated by the rushing river, dense jungle and green hills. Visitors to these two districts can also enjoy local delicacies including Or Lam (meat mix with eggplant, vegetables and dried cattle skin), Jaew Bong (a sauce made with hot chillies and buffalo skin) and Khaipan (dried riverweed, lightly fried with sesame seeds and garlic). Source: Vientiane Times
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Savannakhet Upgrading Three Iconic Tourist Sites
Savannakhet is further developing three attractions – Dong Natad National Protected Area in Kaysone Phomvihane City, the Monkey Forest in nearby Champhon and the Stone House (Heuan Hin) south of the city – to attract more visitors. Chanthachak Kittivong, an official of Savannakhet Provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department told the Vientiane Times construction of a fence around the Dongling area is underway, and is expected to be completed this year. According to the report, Dong Natad is identifying suitable tourism possibilities near the protected area that “is compatible with local residents’ lifestyles” to attract domestic and foreign tourists. The Stone House, an Angkor-era rest stop, is earmarked for restoration, with an eye towards nearby attractions such as weaving villages. For more information on Savannakhet tourism, click here. Source: Vientiane Times and WeAreLao.com
