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Jeep along the Hidden Coffee Trail
Mr Khamsone knows coffee and the rough roads that reach the best beans on Southern Laos. Armed with an army jeep, his Paksong Adventures now shows visitors the real deal for growing Robusta, Arabica and Typica in untouched areas, unknown by tourists in the far reaches of the Bolaven Plateau. A tour rumbles through the wilds starting about one hour from Pakse in Champasak Province. The jeep navigates hidden trails to countless coffee plantations, vegetable farms, Laven and Suay ethnic villages, and remote waterfalls, with a bit of trekking in the coffee fields. During the journey, Mr. Khamsone explains the entire coffee process, from planting to roasting…and tasting. He takes groups to enjoy a riverside picnic lunch, explore vegetable fields along river banks, take a walk along a path to a remote waterfall, and swim in its natural pool. Mr. Khamsone and his family have been working on coffee plantations for more than 40 years. He was born on the Bolaven plateau and his extreme passion for the coffee culture highlights the tours. Coffee Season Paksong Adventures offers 2, 3, and 4-day tours on the Bolaven Plateau’s protected areas all year long. Visitors can always check out coffee plantations, vegetable farms, waterfalls, and ethnic villages, but they all have their own calendar. When is the best time to go? November to March: During the dry season, coffee plantations’ harvesting process is in full swing, while vegetable gardening (cucumber, cabbage, and chili) plays second fiddle. April to October: Action at coffee plantations slows during the Green Season, but visitors can see the first steps of coffee production, when the coffee fruit is green. Mr Khamsone delivers a full overview of the coffee production process. Meanwhile, vegetables cover fields, and rivers and waterfalls are at peak performance. Roads during Green Season are bumpy and muddy. The jeep can go everywhere, but clients should be aware that journeys could be longer and more tiring. Trekking is not difficult, but can be more slippery and challenging during the rains. For more information visit Paksong Adventures or contact Mr. Khamsone at skhamsone@yahoo.com
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New flights planned between Laos and China
Hainan United Airlines and the Lao Tourism Promotion Department put the wheels in motion for a new route between Hainan, China, and Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The Vientiane Times reported that an agreement signed on 21 May between the two countries calls for a flight departing from Vientiane to Haikou City in Hainan on Wednesdays and Sundays, and from Luang Prabang on Fridays. No launch date was given for the new routes. Deputy Director of the Haikou Tourism Development Commission, Wen Delin, pointed out that the island province of Hainan welcomes flights from Macau and Hong Kong, two destinations without direct Lao flights. Flight time between Haiku and Laos is 90 minutes. Deputy Director General of the Lao Tourism Promotion Department, Sengsouda Vanthanouvong, said the new flight route was an additional milestone in further promoting tourism between the two countries. According to the Hainan tourism sector, the number of Chinese nationals travelling to Laos is increasing every year but the number of people going from Laos to Hainan is small in comparison. The Vientiane Times also reported that Lao Airlines expects to begin direct flights between Luang Prabang province and Changsha in Hunan Province starting in June. Source: By Souknilundon Southivongnorath, Vientiane Times
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Houaphanh marks Visit Laos Year, city pillar’s 10th anniversary
Thousands of visitors crammed the provincial capital on Friday, 18 May, to enjoy the colourful activities organised to officially launch Visit Laos Year in Houaphanh Province. The occasion coincided with the 10th anniversary of Xameua district’s city pillar, which takes centre stage in the town, according to the Vientiane Times. Deputy Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and provincial authorities joined the crowd of spectators and participants who turned out for the celebrations. Activities included traditional sports and food contests, a walk through the town, cultural shows, and a street fair. The Governor of Houaphanh, Mr Vanxay Phengxoumma, reminded those present of the province’s many beautiful and fascinating tourist attractions which are largely centred on the stunning landscape and Huaphan’s historical associations. More and more people from both Laos and other countries are visiting Houaphanhand Mr Vanxay said the province extended a warm welcome to everyone and hoped visitors would be pleased and impressed with their experiences. The double celebration of the city pillar and Visit Laos Year was aimed at further promoting tourism, with activities taking place from May 16-19. Leaders, senior officials and the media visited Pha Thee hill in Xamneua district, a strategic site that was wrested from enemy control in 1968 during the Indochina war, and has recently become a tourist attraction. On the morning of the final day, leaders and local residents took part in a grand almsgiving ceremony at the city pillar. Huaphan’s other attractions include the Sa Lery waterfall, the Hintang archaeological site, Nam Neun Night Safari, Nam Et-Phouleuy National Protected Area, Tadloun waterfall, Hiem hot springs, Tham Hang cave, Nam Meuang hot springs, Tad Kone waterfall, and Phavang waterfall. Visitors can also sample the local food, including jeo pa bam (fish with chilli sauce), chicken soup, and phan xeen (pork with chilli and herbs wrapped in pomelo leaves). Other colourful events and festivals taking place in Houaphanh this year include the Lao New Year festivities, Tai Deng ethnic festival, Huaphan-Son La tourism week, Crystal City Pillar festival, Boun Pa Khang Na (fish jumping in rice fields), and longboat races on the river. According to the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department, about 49,000 people visited Huaphan last year, generating about 34 billion kip in revenue for the local economy. Houaphanhhas 152 officially designated tourist sites, of which 51 are nature-based, 35 are of cultural interest, and 66 are historical, with 54 of these sites open to the public. According to 2017 statistics from the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, the province has 10 hotels, 58 resorts and guesthouses, 122 restaurants, and three entertainment venues. Houaphanhis located about 600 km north of Vientiane and can be reached by road or air routes. More information about the province’s special attractions can be obtained online at www.tourismlaos.org or from the Huaphan provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department on 064 312 567. Source: Vientiane Times, 21 May 2018
