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New & Cool: Le Grand Pakbeng
The 5-star Le Grand Pakbeng Resort recently opened the doors to its 45 villas and suites nestled in the jungle on the Mekong in Pakbeng, the traditional overnight stop on the Luang Prabang-Houay Xay cruise. The sizeable, elegant rooms present tranquil spaces decked out in teak with Lao carvings and a variety of amenities guaranteeing a comfortable stay in the solitude of pristine nature. The State Room or Governor Suite leads the list of accommodation with its Mekong views. It comprises a sizeable bedroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, ample furnishings, and a spacious outdoor living area with a private terrace and Jacuzzi. The Signature Villa features a private gazebo and terrace along the Mekong. The themed interiors are marked by their contemporary Lao design with high ceilings, solid maka wood furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Perched on a verdant hillside, the 35-sqm Mekong Villa mixes Laotian and Balinese style and comfort. Each room features a sizeable private, furnished terrace with Mekong River views. The similar Mountain View rooms overlook Pakbeng’s hills. Le Grand Pakbeng Resort also docks a luxury vessel that offers four cruises with itineraries and activities few deliver including in-depth tours of Pakbeng and cycling on shore. Dining centres on the resort’s Indochine restaurant that presents a fusion of Asian, Caribbean and Mediterranean influences. The Indochine also offers breakfast and dinner buffets, and an outside terrace, perfect for a sunset cocktail. Other facilities include Le Bistro Lounge that presents a variety of wines and drinks, a pool bar, the Banyan Spa, and Le Grand sauna. booking@legrandpakbeng.com www.legrandpakbeng.com
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Houaphanh to Develop Lid Rapids as Tourist Site
Houaphanh signed an MOU with a Lao company on Friday, 1 June, to develop Lid Rapids on the Nam Et River as a tourist attraction, while adding to the province’s other popular sites including “Cave City”. Deputy Director of the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Phouvanh Phetmixay, told the Vientiane Times that the rapids in Nakham village had great potential for use by tourists. The Houaphanh Provincial Authority granted the concession to a Lao company to develop the area and build facilities such as an upgraded road, restaurant, resort, guesthouse, and meeting room for special guests. Authorities will build a bridge and huts on the riverbank, as well as a viewpoint, Mr Phouvanh said. The concession, located about 4 km from the Add District centre, runs for 30 years and the project cost is about 8.3 billion kip (US$1 million). Work on the project will begin this year, according to the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department. Besides the rapids, Houaphanh has several attractions, including Nam Nern Night Safari, Hintang archaeological site, Cave City, Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area, Pha Thee Hill, Hiem and Nam Meuang hot springs, Tham Hang cave, and the Saleuy, Tad Kone, Tad Loun and Phavang waterfalls. Visitors to the province can enjoy local dishes such as jeo pa bam (fish with chilli sauce), chicken soup, and phan seen (seasoned pork wrapped in pomelo leaves). Source: AEC News Today
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Pakse Tourism Eyes Hilltop Buddha
Pakse seems branded as a gateway to Vat Phou, the 4,000 Islands, and the Bolaven Plateau. While it recently received full city status, Pakse is generally viewed as a 1-day tourism destination. However, Champasak provincial authorities are looking to turn this trend around, and sees potential in the hilltop Vat Phou Salao and its giant sitting Buddha. Vat Phou Salao and its Buddha present a platform with a panorama covering the Mekong and Xe Don Rivers converging at Pakse. On a clear day, visitors can clearly see the Bolaven Plateau. Early birds can catch the sunrise over the eastern horizon, or late risers can enjoy the view in the shade of the late afternoon. The Dao-Heuang Group was granted a concession for the site more than five years ago and has built a road up the hill. The group will build other facilities sometime this year, a Champasak official told the Vientiane Times. An ongoing inspection by provincial authorities and potential investors proved a valuable source of information about appropriate facilities – such as a restaurant and gift shop along with improving the area – for the site, according to Mala Chanthalam from the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department. Once the survey is completed, authorities will draw up a draft tourism management plan for submission to an investor for the site’s development. Easy access to a great view with a religious site, restaurant and gift shop would be a welcome addition to Pakse, and will likely draw tourists. Only time will tell what else is on the drawing board for Vat Phou Salao. For more information on What to Do in Pakse, click here. Source: Vientiane Times
