blog

Submitted 5 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

A new Hotel in VV with 120 rooms, ample meeting room spaces! place to book and relax while in VV

Submitted 5 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

Rice planting Season has begun in earnest in Laos from North to south!

Submitted 6 months 5 days ago by john58.

Lao PDR, or Laos, is a country in Southeast Asia with a rich history and culture.

Submitted 6 months 5 days ago by john58.

Lao Skyway is a relatively new domestic airline that has been operating in Laos since 2017.

Submitted 6 months 1 week ago by john58.

Kings of Lao PDR, just a recap of who was when! Interesting history for sure!

Submitted 6 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

Lao PDR has become an increasingly popular destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in recent years. Here are some reasons why:

Submitted 6 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

Some of the snakes of Lao PDR keep your distance!

Submitted 7 months 15 hours ago by john58.

Looking for a few good top hotels in Lao PDR read on below!

Submitted 7 months 1 week ago by john58.

A vibrant and diverse mix of traditional Lao cuisine and international flavors. Lao cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh herbs and spices, sticky rice, and a variety of meats and vegetables.

Submitted 7 months 1 week ago by john58.

The China-Laos railway is expected to have a positive impact on the tourism industry in Laos. though it's up to us to drive the inflow of Tourists.

Submitted 7 months 1 week ago by john58.

It's difficult to predict exactly what will happen in the future, but I can provide some general information about the coffee culture in Laos and potential factors that could impact its revival in 2023.

Submitted 7 months 2 weeks ago by john58.

A question to the MICT here in Lao PDR along with the Department of civil aviation?

Submitted 7 months 2 weeks ago by john58.

check out on certain pages on getting round on wearelao.com! look for the 5% Discount from AVIS

Submitted 7 months 2 weeks ago by john58.

Need some inspiration read on some of the places in Laos to add to your bucket list!

Submitted 7 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

Lao Coffee is being seen on the world market and making a good image! another good reason to Visit Laos explore the Southern provinces coffee regions.

Submitted 7 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

International Hotel Chains moving into Lao PDR shows that as a last Frontier Laos will begin to be the place to Visit!

Submitted 7 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

Invest in a budget above the infrastructure!

Submitted 8 months 3 days ago by john58.

Secret trails 7 secret caves along with multi day trekking in Lao PDR! Plenty for those thrill adventure seekers!

Submitted 8 months 4 days ago by john58.

Southern Laos has been neglected for a long time over Luang Prabang! well things change, and now the limelight is on the Southern Provinces

Submitted 8 months 5 days ago by john58.

Xieng Khouang Province, once a secret Airforce base! this province holds a lot of historical and Heritage Attractions

Submitted 8 months 6 days ago by john58.

Ever wonder why Vang Vieng is an adventure capital in Lao PDR! One thing is you need to put it on your bucket list! plenty of beer buckets as well!

Submitted 8 months 6 days ago by john58.

The final frontier of Lao PDR is calling for all adventure travelers to come and enjoy!

Submitted 8 months 1 week ago by john58.

Want to be seen and in the lop at all times.! get your company on Made in Laos added to our listing page its free!

Submitted 8 months 1 week ago by john58.

Don't be last, be productive lets us support you!

Submitted 9 months 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

This is a transformational moment that will define PATA for decades to come. In the words of the business guru Peter Drucker, “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”

Submitted 9 months 2 weeks ago by john58.

Run for Children - Luang prabang Half Marathon 2023 A must participate. for those runners out there!

Submitted 9 months 3 weeks ago by john58.

Exciting Times and exciting Raes and Events in 2023 and into 2024!

Submitted 9 months 4 weeks ago by john58.

Top 24 Coffee Spots in Luang Prabang in 2023 Explore the coffee scene with Tiger Trail!

Submitted 10 months 1 day ago by john58.

Dough & Co! need to taste their sourdough Breads..

Submitted 10 months 18 hours ago by john58.

Charming By Nature! " The Emerald Triangle"

Submitted 1 year 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The seven-day Sabaidee Luang Prabang Fest opened on 6 October, to promote sustainable tourism and Lao tradition and culture, while stimulating post-Covid tourism to the UNESCO World Heritage City, supporting local MSMEs, and raising awareness in sustainable supply chains with a focus on “Made in Laos” products.

Submitted 1 year 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sustainability and ecotourism are the names of the game at Nahm Dong Park that presents 18 hectares of nature with loads of activities for all or just relaxation about 10 km from the center of Luang Prabang.

Submitted 1 year 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Strong, full-bodied Bolaven Plateau coffee has been making its way into cappuccinos, lattes, frappes, and ice coffees around the world in recent years, and now global tourists are coming to experience the “Spring of Lao Coffee” in Champasak Province.

Submitted 1 year 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Tad Yeuang Waterfall in Southern Laos won the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award in January 2022, and the falls and market at the entrance are already attracting foreign visitors – as well as community vendors – just 2.5 months after the country reopened.

Submitted 1 year 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Tad Fane, Southern Laos’ iconic twin waterfalls, has reopened its popular viewpoint and over-the-gorge zipline course to tourists, just a 40-minute drive from Pakse.

Submitted 1 year 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

UNESCO World Heritage hawks can avoid the crowds at other landmark sites with a visit to 10th-century pre-Angkor Vat Phou temple complex in Southern Laos’ Champasak Province.

Submitted 1 year 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos has planted its national flag atop Nong Khiaw’s Pha Daeng Peak, arguably the country’s #1 viewpoint. The summit is known for its morning “Sea Fog” and recent addition of tent camping about three hours north of Luang Prabang.

Submitted 1 year 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A look around Luang Prabang reveals loads of clay lamps, pots, planters, jars, vases, ashtrays, animal figurines, charcoal barbecue grills, and other earthenware products. You’ll see them in hotels, homes, and peoples’ gardens wherever you look. Do you want to see who makes them and how? Do you want to take a pottery class and learn from the masters? Head to “Pottery Village”, about 4 km from the Chompet Pier across the Mekong from the UNESCO World Heritage City.

Submitted 1 year 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Green Group has opened Luxury Camp @ Green Jungle Park to add an accommodation element to the 25-hectare natural adventure playground located about 15 km (45 minutes) from Luang Prabang Town.

Submitted 1 year 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

As dusk falls over Laos, an endless ribbon-like cloud of bats pours out of a cliffside cave at Pha Luang in Meuang Feuang.

Submitted 1 year 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Angnamtong View Resort and Draft House Restaurant, about 90 minutes from Vientiane Capital in Meuang Feuang, held its soft opening in March 2022, and is already attracting guests to its villas, floating pavilions, and water sports on the Nam Tong Reservoir.

Submitted 1 year 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sinxayaram Temple presents a “Kingdom of Buddhism” in Meuang Feuang that has been attracting the faithful from around Laos and northern Thailand for decades, and is now welcoming tourists.

Submitted 1 year 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

While many big name resorts struggle to seamlessly blend with nature, Ban Lao Meuang Feuang effortlessly delivers a real Lao accommodation experience.

Submitted 1 year 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos has turned back the clock to 2019, and is fully opening its borders to tourists on 9 May 2022, with “relaxed measures”, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced.

Submitted 1 year 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

WeAreLao questioned local TAs and DMCs about the reopening process, and the eight respondents mentioned confusion and bureaucracy for stalling a smoother, more robust rollout, while their critique offered varying insights and opinions on how to improve.

Submitted 2 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Inthira Group signed an agreement with the Lao Development Bank (LDB) on 18 October, to provide financing to the 20-year-old tourism and hospitality company for developing sustainable tourism products.

Submitted 2 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Sayabouly, Laos has announced that Mae Khoun Noy gave birth to a calf in the ECC’s home at the Nam Tien forest on 4 October. ECC is also seeking support for the new addition, a gift of hope and a proof of perseverance and hard work for the conservation of this highly endangered species.

Submitted 2 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang-based Saffron Coffee has long been known as a profit-for-purpose enterprise supporting more than 85 villages in northern Laos. Tourism and its café have also entered its brew over the years with programs such as Exclusive Guided Tasting, Cherry to Cup tour, and From Mountain to Cup initiative. Like many in the country’s tourism and hospitality industry and its supply chain, Saffron has suffered under Covid. WeAreLao’s John Morris Williams recently interviewed Saffron Director Todd Moore to uncover the impact of the pandemic on the business.

Submitted 2 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

MICE and group travel will need more lead time before returning to Laos, according to Rob Hanson, General Manager at Nakarath Travel. We Are Lao’s John Morris Williams recently interviewed Mr Hanson, whose DMC specializes in bespoke travel, to discuss his view on what it will take to reopen Lao travel.

Submitted 2 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Are MICE and group travel the way back for Lao tourism once the borders reopen? We Are Lao’s John Morris Williams recently asked Laurent Granier, Co-founder & General Manager of Laos Mood, for his thoughts. Laos Mood is a MICE and group travel specialist with distinct and geographical markets.

Submitted 2 years 3 months ago by john.

~ THE GIFT OF HOPE ~ And the Chance to Revive Laos’ Wild Elephant Population A BABY ELEPHANT IS BORN IN LAOS!

Submitted 2 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Thiao Lao Survey Team traveled to Vientiane Province on 24-27 August, to identify sustainable tourism products, meet with provincial and district tourism officials, and consult with tourism site developers to ensure sustainable tourism growth in the increasingly popular destination.

Submitted 2 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Travel along on a four-day mission to identify products for tour programs in Khammouane for the ongoing Lao Thiao Lao (Lao Travel Lao) domestic tourism campaign.

Submitted 2 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao travel trade sparked to life late last week, with a tourism and hospitality webinar, easing of restrictions after a rigid six-week Covid lockdown, and the publication of the “Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos 2020”.

Submitted 2 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“We use ‘Ethical’ a lot in our practices because I feel tourism is all about people,” said Rachel Dechaineux, owner of the riverside Silver Naga hotel in Vang Vieng.

Submitted 2 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In spite of Covid-19’s effect on the worldwide travel industry, the Lao tourism and hospitality sector continues to look towards a brighter future. However, our global tourism partners and clients are uncertain of the situation in Laos, and what the plan is for reopening when international travel gets rolling.

Submitted 2 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Veteran hotelier and We Are Lao Managing Director John Morris Williams presents an easy to follow guide to reopening the Lao hospitality sector, with a focus tour agent’s and traveler’s needs.

Submitted 2 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Four representatives from the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism (MICT) have been awarded the ‘China Ready’ Certification Award by the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) after successfully completing the ‘China Ready’ training programme.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Scratch the surface of Luang Prabang and discover a side of the UNESCO city to experience what mainstream tourists overlook with these downloads.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The second “Let’s Travel” expo, organized by Lao Airlines, EXO Travel Lao, and Vientiane Center will be held at the Vientiane Center on 19-21 February 2021, to promote domestic travel in Laos during the pandemic.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

How does IHG implement its strict Green Engage global guidelines in Laos? “It’s hard work to get to where we want to go,” said Crowne Plaza Vientiane General Manager Patria Puyat, “but it can be done.”

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

WeAreLao announced it will soft-launch its “Sustainable Tourism Laos: Showcase” campaign on 8 February, to globally promote Lao businesses, and the destination, as safe and sustainable, and continually keep Laos on the worldwide tourism radar screen during the pandemic.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

An early January survey of 116 Luang Prabang hotels shows more than 25% remain open. Many suggest the domestic tourism market in the country of 7 million stands at just 150,000 people. Yet, Luang Prabang’s hotel open rate is an achievement considering the country remains closed to foreign tourists.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is jumping into Vang Vieng with fresh management contracts for two riverside hotels. The properties are expected to reopen in late 2021, after they complete their refurbishment programmes.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Derm COO and WeAreLao MD John Williams conducted a survey of 116 hotels in Luang Prabang to discover if they were open or closed.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Our hopes for elephant conservation in Laos increase with the birth of a new boy on Xmas Day.

Submitted 2 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In 2011, tourism development guru, Peter Semone, told the 3rd LANITH Symposium, “Today we will discuss how…to achieve one billion dollars in revenue by 2020.” His crystal ball appeared to be working, as 2019’s take was USD 934,710,409. A 2020 billion-dollar target looked doable.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Covid clobbered tourism and hospitality coffers in 2020. All sizes of businesses took big hits. Plenty shuttered their doors. Others toughed it out and found something to do. WeAreLao joined them.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The much-awaited vaccine has started the cellular battle against Covid. Tourists will soon be flooding to newly-opened destinations. One shot and I’m good, right? Wrong.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Suppose it is 1 Jan 2020, and we’re pouring over the Tourism Development Department’s “2019 Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos”. At a glance, Laos has plenty of reasons to smile. Arrivals jumped 14% to 4,791,065, revenue surged ahead 15.2% towards USD 1 billion, and Green Season is soaring. However, where visitors get their information seems muddled.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Meet the makers in the Made in Lao Fair 2020. Loads of great people and products. All unscripted, and apologies for the poor YouTube production. My first try.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao President Bounnhang Vorachit cut the ribbon to open the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway on 20 December, unleashing hordes of domestic tourists on the 110-km speedway to the holiday retreat. Drivers heavy on the pedal report travel times of an hour, a far cry from the half-day scenic tour on Route 13.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Fifty publications now line the shelves of WeAreLao.com/downloads, the site’s most popular page, Better yet, the library’s filtered search engine makes it fast and easy to find the right document.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

On 17 December, I interviewed private sector tourism leaders about when and how would the borders open for tourists, and what could hinder this? The very next day, the UNDP release “The Lao PDR Tourism Recovery Roadmap, December 2020”. Nice timing. The private sector meets the academics.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Tourism Development Department (TDD), Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism published the 2019 Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos. Download and have a look. Full analysis from WeAreLao to come after New Year.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos now has a draft for a Tourism Recovery Roadmap.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

PATA’s Crisis Communications Center has published two resources to help the travel trade navigate their way through the Covid-19 Pandemic maze. These are now available at Downloads | We Are Lao.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Download and read these year-end reports on Covid-19’s impact on travel (Deloitte) and its effect on Asian SMEs (ADB). Some of the findings may not be what you expected, others predict a path ahead, and all are extremely insightful.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao economy, like those around the world, is hunting for reasonable ways to get the money machine rolling during the Covid-19 pandemic, and the upcoming Made in Laos 2020 fair looks like a logical move.

Submitted 2 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The on-again, off-again opening of the highly touted Vientiane-Vang Vieng expressway has a new (and third) official launch date…20 December...But will it happen?

Submitted 2 years 12 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos is shifting its emphasis on developing and promoting sustainable and green tourism to lure more visitors from 2021 to 2025, with ecotourism and agro-tourism leading the list of development and promotional objectives.

Submitted 2 years 12 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029) Steering Committee convened in Vientiane Capital on 10 December to review achievements and progress made to date and to present its goals for the upcoming year.

Submitted 3 years 5 days ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

On 23 November, The Lao National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control confirmed 14 new coronavirus cases, by far the country’s largest one-day tally, and bringing the total to 39. So how can this be good news for the Lao travel trade?

Submitted 3 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

During a ceremony on 2 November 2020, the Vientiane Province Technical College inaugurated a new tourism and hospitality practical training facility built at its Vang Vieng campus. The facility, named The Academy Training Hotel and Restaurant, will provide tourism and hospitality students and the teachers with a modern training environment to hone practical skills.

Submitted 3 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

As highlighted by the upcoming Lao Handicraft Festival in Vientiane, preserving and promoting local handicrafts and culture is more important than ever in the times of Covid-19. To contribute to those efforts, the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), which is implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, supported handicraft-related enterprises in providing training to artisans in their existing supply chain, also with the goal to increase producers’ income.

Submitted 3 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sustainable experiences reach into themed rooms at the Riverside Boutique Resort, while General Manager Mathieu Thaeron cuts consumption by relying on common sense and a clued-in staff.

Submitted 3 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

WeAreLao.com expanded it “Helpful Links” page to include 13 provincial tourism websites and Facebook pages and relevant tourism sites to provide visitors with a fast path to updated and detailed information and contacts for the destination of their choice.

Submitted 3 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Thiao Lao marketing campaign kicked off on 11 September at a launch event in Vientiane, showing how the public and private sector are coming together to boost domestic tourism against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Submitted 3 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In its ongoing efforts to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029) continues to roll out its tourism and hospitality training throughout Laos in 2020 with the aim of upskilling more than 1,400 people working in the sector through a variety of programmes.

Submitted 3 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Boten was born in 2003, and suffered through a troubled childhood. Now, it is “finding itself”, and looks set to mature as a major Southeast Asia tourism and commercial hub.

Submitted 3 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The "Good Tourism” (“GT”) Blog has selected WeAreLao as its first Destination Partner to present stories and insights into the best practices of the country’s tourism stakeholders.

Submitted 3 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Check out numbers that will interest travellers, small tourism and hospitality businesses, and even those who pour over travel trade publications. It’s a great 8-minute read.

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Some may struggle with the costs of sustainable practices, but former Luang Prabang View Hotel General Manager John Williams sees going green as a way of life...while saving greenbacks along the way.

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Thai Smile had recently announced it would reignite flights to Laos in July, but is now hitting the pause button until October.

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Oudomxay kicked off an electric bus service on 14 May to offer visitors an environmentally friendly way to get around.

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Asian Trails Laos has launched a new webinar showcasing the beauty, travel opportunities and different ways to discover the destination beyond the usual attractions.

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Ministry of Health with support from USAID has published a poster-like “Good Practices for Covid-19” for accommodation and food retailers. (Download)

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The award-winning Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Sayabouly, Laos, has published its 2020-2021 tour programs and rates for its four itineraries lasting between two and seven days.

Submitted 3 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Covid-19 has rattled tourism and hospitality marketing. Safety and sanitation have pushed their way to the front of the pathway to purchase. Rooms, menus, attractions, and sustainability are now seeking cover under the umbrella of trust.

Submitted 3 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Laos is currently seeking contributions to help keep both their conservation and educational work alive during the challenging pandemic.

Submitted 3 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

According to Routes, Thai Airways has announced it will launch a daily Bangkok-Vientiane flight starting 1 July, on board an Airbus A330-300.

Submitted 3 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos locked down in late March, but this did not slow down ORLA Tours. They remained busy, with the team working from home.

Submitted 3 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Most agree the global hospitality landscape will forever change in the post-Covid era, and Lao hotels are no different. Even while the country remains in lockdown until 4 May, hoteliers are looking beyond today’s woes to when guests return.

Submitted 3 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

How will Covid-19 change Lao tourism? Laurent Granier, Co-founder & General Manager Laos Mood Travel raises interesting issues.

Submitted 3 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

According to routesonline.com, China Southern will begin operating a once weekly flight commencing 8 May on board a Boeing 737-800.

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Did your tourism-related business have a crisis communications strategy in place, when the Covid-19 pandemic kicked in? Probably not. So what, how, and how often are you communicating with travel agents, FITs, clients, guests and the public during this ongoing situation?

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao government announced it is tightening the screws on the country’s Covid-19 regulations from 30 March-19 April in a bid to curtail the spread of the virus. There are now eight confirmed cases in Laos.

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Crowne Plaza, Vientiane has taken even stronger measures than those already in place to protect guests and staff after an employee tested positive for Covid-19 on 24 March.

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Deputy Minister of Health Phouthone Meuangpak confirmed the first two Covid-19 cases in Laos at a press conference on 24 March at 14:00, after several Facebook posts began spreading the unconfirmed news earlier in the day.

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

On Sunday, 22 March, Laos shut down all overland border crossings with Thailand for tourists, the latest in a string of strict measures to keep the country free of Covid-19.

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

WeAreLao.com has launched a “Downloads” menu page to provide the travel trade and tourists with a range of useful information they can use and save. The digital library also features a filtered search engine so site visitors can quickly find the information they seek.

Submitted 3 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

We need to stop refunding final customers to avoid a very big crash: let us postpone without fees but not refund!

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bangkok Airways is slicing and canning several domestic and international routes, including Bangkok-Vientiane flights, due to a drop in demand, mainly caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Gaspard Artisan Cuisine opened its doors in Luang Prabang late last year to present a menu featuring traditional French signature dishes with an “a la Française” service set in a UNESCO-classified two-storey Tai Lue-style teak house at the crossroads of the landmark Nam Phou Fountain and Mekong River.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Travelife, the leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector, has recognized Asian Trails Laos as a Travelife Partner, along with five other Southeast Asian offices.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Celebrity Luxembourg TV Chef and cookbook author Anne Faber conducted a hands-on workshop for Lao ‘Kitchen Assistant’ students at Vientiane’s Pakpasak Technical College, to teach them the underlying skills of Western-style food preparation.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

La Lune hosted its second Vientiane Wine Inclusive (WINC) event, “A Taste of Bordeaux”, on 21 February, to present some 30 local wine enthusiasts with the chance to sample authentic red and white vintages paired with dishes inspired by the world’s most famous wine region.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Kiridara, a contemporary boutique hotel in Luang Prabang, has landed a spot as one of the dreamiest hotels in Asia, in TripZilla’s “15 Romantic Hotels in Asia Perfect for a Swoon-worthy couple’s trip”.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Those who are in the capital of Laos and are keen to do their part in sustainability can keep a lookout for various events with a sustainable focus that will be taking place in Vientiane.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

We Are Lao is proud to announce the endorsement of eGlobal Travel Media, a leading online travel trade publication with more than 60,000 subscribers. We Are Lao will now be a major supplier of trade news and travel stories from Laos, with links to WeAreLao.com.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

We Are Lao is releasing the second annual “MICE Guide to Laos” at ITB Berlin 2020 on 4-9 March, with eight additional hotels joining the charge to attract business events and incentive groups to “The Last Frontier”.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“What is the solution to the coronavirus and the Chinese tourism market, and is there something we can do to mitigate losses?” wonders Luang Prabang View General Manager John Morris Williams, who has some 30 years of experience in the tourism and hospitality business, before offering three simple suggestions.

Submitted 3 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Oudomxay Tourism Department is offering a 2-day/1-night homestay at a Khmu village along with a trek a Hmong village and Chom Ong, the longest known cave in Laos.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The SureStay Hotel Group celebrated the launch of the first SureStay® Hotel in Laos in early February, with a rooftop party to mark the Grand Opening of SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos, China’s southern neighbour, continues to fend off the coronavirus, with no reported cases, due largely to a quick government response. Meanwhile, the country’s tourism and hospitality sector is feeling the pinch from widespread global fears.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Visitors can now enter Champasak’s popular Khone Phapheng and Li Phi (Som Pha Mit) Waterfalls at no charge after axing Ying Sokxay Company’s lease on the two attractions.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Here’s the latest on the dwindling numbers of pachyderms in the “Land of a Million Elephants”, and the effort the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) has put into finding out why and what can be done.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Tourists arrivals surpassed 4.7 million in 2019, a 14.47% leap over the previous, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines will kick off three direct weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between Vientiane and Danang commencing 29 March 2020, according to Airpost On-line Asian Aviation and Travel News.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A new – and free – bridge crossing the Song River in Vang Vieng is now open, in response to complaints about the two-way toll for using the current, centrally located span to reach the area’s main attractions, while also alleviating peak-season traffic.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Accor today (23 January 2020) announced its commitment to join the UN Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and to remove all single-use plastic items in guest experience from its hotels by the end of 2022.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In Laos, girls from rural areas often have to leave school before the age of 15, with few career prospects. Four girls are now learning sewing and life-skills at The Little House, a project run by Laos Solidarity through Luang Prabang Library Outreach Programme.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

More than a dozen Lao attractions and tourism business took home ASEAN Standards Awards from the ASEAN Together Forum 2020 held in Brunei from 12-16 January.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Victoria Xiengthong Palace has implemented the first Plastic- Free Program in a Luang Prabang hotel.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Download Do's & Don'ts in Laos (Lao, English, Chinese)

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang Deaf&Mute Community’s Special Education Handicraft School has produced a catalogue featuring products now available their shop.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The SayNam Holistic Health Spa Center opened on 10 January 2020 at Wat Hat Siew on the Mekong Road in Phakhom Village to provide health care through treatments, teachings and training sessions.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

This year’s Vat Phou Festival will take place on 6-8 February 2020.

Submitted 3 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao travel industry has received a boost, with www.imct-training.gov.la recently going live and offering free downloadable training resources, in Lao language, to increase the use of ASEAN competency standards by tourism businesses, trainers and institutions.

Submitted 3 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Shompoo Cruise regularly navigates the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Houay Xay, and stops at Ban Tang Sa, a remote village the business supports. Recently Shompoo brought the village kids a surprise.

Submitted 3 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Korean low-cost carrier, T'way Air, launched a twice weekly flight between Daegu and Vientiane on 26 December.

Submitted 3 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Institute of Mass Media, Culture and Tourism (IMCT) launched the China-Ready Training Program on 25-26 December 2019, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Vientiane to provide local tourism businesses with information on Chinese outbound tourism, how to better access this market, and ways to tailor products and services to better meet the needs of Chinese tourists.

Submitted 3 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The village home stay is built from clay bricks and provides a little bit of luxury where sensitive and culturally interested travellers can enjoy an ethnic interaction responsibility while staying in ecologically built accommodation that supports the community with ongoing income.

Submitted 3 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

NamKhan Ecolodge is a natural eco-resort, respectful of its environment and local community. Get enchanted in our green sanctuary located along the Nam Khan River in Luang Prabang. Travellers can reconnect with nature, discover traditional Lao culture, and immerse themselves in tropical food, forests, eco-farming, and animal stable.

Submitted 3 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

As the morning temperatures drop in Luang Prabang, Saffron Coffee Company’s farmers in over 85 villages across northern Laos are eagerly watching their coffee trees. They are looking for when the fruit turns the perfect crimson colour that signals it is ripe for harvest.

Submitted 4 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“At Nahm Dong Park, we have worked on sustainability from the very beginning, and we're the very first in Laos to produce natural plates and containers,” said Samuel Vedrines the park’s general manager.

Submitted 4 years 4 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Looking at the title, you must be wondering: Wait, what is this place? Well, with little to non-existent search results, it is indeed unlikely for one to know what this destination endows.

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Welcome to Fandee Island and stay in our nice, eco-friendly resort at Tad Lo in lovely and idyllic Salavan Province.

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sayabouly Guide for downloading. A bit outdated but still of value.

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Download brochure

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The number of domestic and foreign tourists holidaying in Laos during the first nine months of this year increased compared to the same period last year, while visitor numbers from some countries that had slowed in recent years were also up.

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A call to Action was made during the celebration of World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Tourists will find a Buddhist holiday in Laos almost every month of the year, and Off Road Laos Adventures presents a solid lineup with descriptions for the faithful and curious.

Submitted 4 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Make your own kathong with an artisan guide and learn the symbolism and history of the Festival of Lights with Ock Pop Tok in Luang Prabang.

Submitted 4 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sao Sinh has launched a “Rent and Roam” clothing service for tourists, who want to experience Luang Prabang while wearing a traditional sinh, the tubular skirt worn by Lao women.

Submitted 4 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Hundreds of visitors flocked to the second Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (STSE) this past weekend, marking a new commitment to sustainability within the tourism and hospitality industries.

Submitted 4 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

After last year’s well-received first event in Luang Prabang, the second Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (STSE) will take place this week in Vientiane on 27-28 September 2019 at the Crowne Plaza. The STSE is the region’s leading specialized fair for the tourism industry to celebrate, explore, and exhibit the latest trends, insights, and technology in sustainable tourism and hospitality practices.

Submitted 4 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Vang Vieng will host the second Vang Vieng Trail Run on 9-10 November to strengthen the growing view of the area as an ecotourism destination.

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sofitel Luang Prabang has partnered with acclaimed Food and Beverage consultants Avril Production to launch the latest farm-to-table-dining concept at its dining outlet Governor’s Grill to give guests an opportunity to explore the exotic taste of Laotian produce.

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The launch of the landmark resort’s latest onsite initiatives signals a new milestone in the resort’s sustainable integration

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

ORLA (Off Road Laos Adventures) is taking to Luang Prabang’s side streets in a day-long walking itinerary that hits the city’s highlights and hidden nooks and crannies.

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Trail runners from around Laos and Thailand will “Find Your Challenge” at the Vang Vieng Trail Run on 9-10 November.

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang Deaf & Mute Centre has added the “Coffee Place" at its home next to the bowling alley in Ban Phoumock.

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Le Thatluang D’oR has launched its palatial boutique hotel in the heart of historic “Old Vientiane”, the Lane Xang Kingdom’s last capital, to offer alternative luxury accommodation in an authentic, quiet neighbourhood.

Submitted 4 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines since July 2019 expanded codeshare partnership with Silk Air, covering the latter’s service beyond Singapore.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Work has begun on transforming the 980-metre Mekong Riverfront in Savannakhet Capital Kaysone Phomvihane City to prevent flooding while creating a leisure environment and green space for locals and tourists.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Prime Minister visited organic farmers in Vientiane and found they face an uphill battle.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Xieng Khouang plans to install more facilities at the newly UNESCO-listed Plain of Jars to prepare for an influx of tourists.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Adventure seekers can now take boat to explore the recently discovered Phaka Cave in Vientiane’s Maed District, about 200 km north of the capital near Vang Vieng and the new tourist destination, Nam Feuang.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Avani+ Luang Prabang ranked 22nd on the Top 25 Leisure Hotels list for the Smart Travel Asia Awards 2019.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bounma Chanthavongsa, President of Lao Airlines, recently held a press conference at the Lao Embassy in Tokyo to release details of the upcoming regular direct weekly flights between Kumamoto and Vientiane/Luang Prabang.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Tourism officials claim Visit Laos-China Year 2019 is a success, according to the Vientiane Times, who proceeded to interview an “official in charge who asked not to be named.” However a deeper look at the numbers may raise some questions. Read on, and download the “2018 Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos"

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines plans to launch regular flights connecting Vientiane and Luang Prabang with Kumamoto in southwest Japan in November 2019, to propel Laos into a Mekong Region travel hub.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Green Season in Laos turns streams into raging rivers and rapids, perfect for kayaking. And Green Discovery Laos (GDL), in their endless search for new adventures, has found a winner…the Houay Bang Lieng River that cuts through the jungle of Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area in Champassak.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) has release its 2019-2020 brochure, “Highlighting the People & Culture of Laos.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A Lao village kid pedalled his way into the global ultracycling spotlight by capturing third place in BikingMan Laos in May 2019. Thavone Phonasa, the local wildcard, breezed past many of the world’s best, and he had never even heard of them.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) has relocated and redesigned its craft museum in Luang Prabang.

Submitted 4 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang Bio Bamboo has launched a creative new line of home and tourist products with the overall aim of reducing plastic waste while allowing patrons to discover organic, eco-friendly goods.

Submitted 4 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

After 20 years of waiting in line, the Plain of Jars will be officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this year, according the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office.

Submitted 4 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

UNESCO has officially added the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang province to its list of World Heritage Sites, according to the Vientiane Times.

Submitted 4 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Hotel Alliance (LHA) launched its initiative with a FAM trip in northern Laos to showcase four member hotels and a cruise line, while establishing a label of excellence for mid-range luxury hospitality at selected locations. Some 45 global travel agents embarked on the excursion from 9-17 June.

Submitted 4 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“Laos is the toughest BikingMan race by far,” said winner, Jason Black, who completed the 785-km circuit through the country’s northwest in 51:42. “The combination of heat, rain, mountains, the unknown…”

Submitted 4 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Pullman Luang Prabang recently hosted its inaugural MICE Meeting Showcase 2019, inviting industry professionals and members of the media to discover how it can facilitate MICE experiences for all types of groups.

Submitted 4 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Women’s empowerment is a core value of Ock Pop Tok, and this year, the “Queens of Crafts” chose to partner with Lao Solidarity and their Lao Teen Girls Project.

Submitted 4 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang is making great strides in merging meals made with locally produced, organic ingredients with farm and garden tours filled with activities for all ages and interests.

Submitted 4 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Green Discovery Laos (GDL) is planning new adventure activities on Phou Phamarn Hill in Khounkham District, Khammouane Province.

Submitted 4 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

With BikingMan Laos world championship ultracycling race just one week away, We Are Lao announces it will oversee Checkpoint 2 at the top of the notorious Kasi Climb.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“S. Korea visitor numbers down 32 percent in Q1” blared a 6 May headline in the Vientiane Times. That’s a major plummet by anyone’s standards, and the government is struggling to uncover the reason behind its fourth largest market taking a major dive.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary spent the dry and hot season constructing Bear House 4, which is nearing completion, and will provide a much-needed new home for rescued bears.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lone Buffalo, who provides free English tuition for young people in Xieng Khouang, is making great strides in the northeastern Lao province.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Heritage Line announced the launch of its latest luxury vessel, the Anouvong, along with a pair of Lao Mekong cruises to commence in 2020.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Saffron Coffee is on the move all year long, from planting to harvesting to roasting and brewing. There’s no low season in Luang Prabang. The “busy-ness” of harvest (ripe cherry purchase) and the high tourist season (October to March) presents a hectic schedule of planting and cultivation.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) will hold the 6th Made in Lao Fair at Vientiane’s Lao-ITECC from May 10-19 for the country’s businesses to display their products to local and international buyers.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Domestic and foreign arrivals to Las slid 0.5%, but remained more than 1 million, in the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2018, while Chinese visitor numbers leaped 16%.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Peruvian legend Rodney Soncco has won his 6th BikingMan race, completing the 690-km Corsica course in 30h56m.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Read the transcript of an, interview with writer Ashley Westerman, on US radio station, Morning Edition, where she discusses what she learned at the Elephant Conservation Centre about the impact the Lao-China train will have on the country's declining elephant population.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“BikingMan is one of the very few cycling competitions in which women and men are starting, racing, and finishing (as equals),” said Axel Carion, BikingMan founder and CEO.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Oudomxay is marching ahead to place the province on tourists’ radar.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines has scaled back its direct service on the Vientiane – Shanghai route, from four to one day a week, but aims to increase the operation to three weekly flights on 19 May.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Horwath HTL - the global leader in hotel, tourism and leisure consulting – released “Luxury & Upper Upscale Hotel Market Overview Luang Prabang” in April 2019, which spotlights upcoming supply, delves into annual occupancy rates and ADR, and provides a peek into the future.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Season 31 of ‘Amazing Race’ kicked off on 17 April, and the next stop is Laos, with close to 8 million US viewers expected to be glued to their TVs to see who gets bounced in the Land of a Million Elephants.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“The soft release of elephants into the wild is a scientific experiment, and the first in Laos. I can’t wait to see what happens,” said ECC's Sebastien “Seb” Duffillot.

Submitted 4 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

"Rather than trying to promote projects that really would help,, they just come up with rather bland or banal projects because they're keen to make sure the money is spent.”

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The city is currently riding a wave of popularity with Chinese visitors, with some travelling in groups of hundreds of vehicles.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Multi-million dollar fashion brand Max Mara exploits the cultural designs and heritage of the Oma, an isolated ethnic minority group in northern Laos, without any acknowledgement or compensation

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ock Pop Tok’s Veo spoke about role of using cultural heritage as a means of economic development in local communities at “Heritage Protection: The Asian Experience” held by the Siam Society in Bangkok.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

About 10 years ago, National Geographic led an expedition to little known, 7-km Xebangfai River Cave in eastern Khammouane Province’s “Hinterland” near Vietnam.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Asian Trails has announced the appointment of Ms Laetitia Law-Lai, a French national, as their new Laos General Manager starting 8 April 2019.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“We need to eliminate the idea that Pakbeng is just an overnight stop on a Mekong cruise. This is not true. There is plenty to see and do. This is what guests are asking for,” said Ket Thipphachanh, Le Grand Pakbeng Resort owner and Visit Asia Travel Managing Director.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A dedicated group of World Expeditions travellers helped raise $17,000 AUD for more than 500 rescued bears who live at Free the Bears sanctuaries in Vietnam and Laos.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bespoke marketing platform, twisht, presented AVANI+ Luang Prabang with a 2018 Global Experience Award for achieving a guest satisfaction rating above 80%.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Khammouane’s Hinboun District could get a major adventure tourism boost, as Lao company, Intra Crop, is currently conducting a feasibility study to develop the Green World project based at Khoun Kong Leng Lake.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“The aim is education more than cruising,” said Mr Thong, Managing Director of Luang Prabang-based Tanva Mekong Cruise. “And not just in Luang Prabang, but throughout Laos.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ock Pop Tok recently visited a group in its Village Weaver Project at Ban Phienghong Village in Xieng Khouang Province.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

An Arkansas University visiting architecture student from Laos, Nout Keomany Phengmeuang, gave students a presentation, “Laos, A Paradise of adventure”, to create awareness in the country’s culture and traditions, lifestyle, food, and attractions on 27 March as part of the Holcombe Global Series.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

BikingMan needs solid local partners when organising unassisted ultracycling races in the middle of nowhere. They hit pay dirt in Laos with four strong supporters, in different fields, immediately stepping up to help.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

News keeps pouring in from Sanctuary Hotels & Resorts: Green Season deals, an addition to the Mekong Elephant Park, and sponsorship of BikingMan Laos ultracycling race.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Cameras are rolling in Luang Prabang with the filming of "Charm Lao" (Beast) starring big-name Thai and Chinese actors.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In January, We Are Lao reported Bangkok Airway’s launch of direct flights between Luang Prabang and Chiang Mai. In early March, the airline announced a new direct route from the northern Thai hub to the seaside resort, Krabi. PG already offers Bangkok-Luang Prabang flights that will kick off a Thai-Lao circuit that ends at the beach.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Local residents have found about 60 ancient Buddha images in Tham Phapheenoy Cave near Khamphalaeng Village in Khammouane province, which authorities estimate to be hundreds of years old.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao government is pointing to tourism as the key to driving the country’s commitment to the National Green Growth Strategy.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Na Kai Festival is being held in Nakai District, Khammouane on 29-30 March to promote sustainable community-based tourism in the province.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos has lowered the visa fees for Chinese tourists from USD14 to USD10 to make it easier for them to travel to the country, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara said at a recent tourism promotion meeting in Shanghai.

Submitted 4 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

With BikingMan Laos just a bit over two months to go, read the full race journal from BikingMan Oman to see what’s in store for the Lao world championship ultracycling race.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao tourism and hospitality industry continues to struggle in luring secondary school students into the trade. Vientiane Pattana School International Teacher Nate South is starting to open their eyes.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

We Are Lao Managing Director John Morris Williams greeted BikingMan CEO Axel Carion at ITB Berlin, where they discussed the upcoming world championship BikingMan Laos round for unassisted ultracycling on 20-24 May.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ma Té Sai, known for its innovative and useful crafts created by local women artisans, is forging ahead into 2019 with new colours, a new location, more Singapore events, and a tour to the Muang Sing Festival in November.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Thai government aims to complete the 608-km high-speed Thai-Sino high-speed railway project, linking Bangkok and Nong Khai, by 2023, so it can reach the Laos-China train from the Thai capital in just three hours.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The first Lao International Food Expo (LIFE) will be held at Lao-ITECC on 15-19 March, to display a variety of local and regional food, organic vegetables, ODOP (One District, One Product) items, and agricultural equipment and machinery, while highlighting the potential of tea, coffee and rice.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Inthira Group is now part of the “No Plastic Straws” movement. The Lao hotel chain strongly encourages its customers to not use straws, as they are only used for five minutes, but take 400 years to dissolve.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

White Elephant Adventures (WEA) has been making efforts to reduce the amount of plastic bags used in the company, with the introduction of bags made from woven jungle vine.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

We Are Lao is launching “The MICE Guide to Laos” at ITB Berlin 2019 to promote the country as “The Last Frontier” for business events and incentives in nature.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) is returning to the 2019 Sayabouly Elephant Festival with activities aimed at action, education, and conservation.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sayabouly authorities are wondering how to accommodate the 500 or so Chinese visitors who will attend the elephant festival in the provincial capital this week and next.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Free the Bears Lao team headed of on 18 February for a nine-hour drive to rescue two moon bears.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The 4th annual Vientiane International Half Marathon will be held on 3 March 2019.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara unloaded a list of travel complaints on the government last week, and called for cooperation to address the barriers hampering Tourism growth.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Southern Salavan Province has opened Phouphasouk Park with its dozen caves and 25-metre-high Nanglod Waterfall just 9 km from the provincial capital.

Submitted 4 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Download "DESTINATION LAOS: A briefing for travel agents & the tourism trade" published by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Somsak Sengta and his Trash Idol team have announced a pair of dates for 2019’s Luang Prabang city-wide clean up.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A French aid organisation aims to help Laos protect heritage sites and infrastructure in Savannakhet and Champasak provinces, with discussions of a €6 million-project ongoing.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The annual Sikhottabong Stupa Festival in Thakaek, Khammouane Province will be held on 19 February.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) nailed Laos’ slot on the 2019 Experience Mekong Collection (EMC) Showcase at January’s ASEAN Tourism Forum in Halong Bay, Vietnam, by taking top honours in the “Do” category.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines announced Chinese inbound passenger bookings could soar to more than 240,000 in 2019, a 42% jump over last year’s 170,500 flight reservations.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao government remains optimistic that UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will grant the Plain of Jars full listing status when it meets in July.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The 2019 Sayabouly Elephant Festival will take place from 20-27 February, according to TourismLaos.com.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang Cultural Office is holding the second Luang Prabang Folk Song Festival on Saturday, 30 March, in which school children from each of the province’s districts compete in a traditional showdown at the Cultural Office’s grounds.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines has launched a weekly Shanghai-Vientiane service aimed ate the expected influx of Chinese tourists and other passengers during Visit Laos-China Year 2019, according to a Vientiane Times report.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bangkok Airways is planning to commence three weekly Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang flights on 2 April.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao festival and event schedules and details for February and March are starting to take shape.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

BikingMan recently shared two new tutorial videos on the Lao round of the World Championship bikepacking race to share key advice on bike and gear setup to attempt to race across the Last Frontier of Southeast Asia.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) in Sayabouly, Laos, announced they will start the process of releasing elephants into the wild this year.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

White Elephant Adventures organised an 81-person, three-day MICE event in Luang Prabang on 9-11 January, for the Southeast Asia division of the $10 billion dollar multinational Atlas Copco, which included what could be the UNESCO World Heritage city’s largest ever team building event.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The world’s top ultracyclers will descend on Laos from 20-24 May, for Round 3 of the 2019 BikingMan World Championship being held on a 780-km paved-and-gravel jungle circuit over the country’s challenging north-eastern mountains.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Savannakhet will hold the Boun Kabongyay festival from 5-7 February, Ban Phonngam, Atsaphon District to join the Brou people, who were recently recognized by the government as Laos’ 50 ethnic group, in celebrating their culture and food.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Visitor arrivals jumped 8.2% in 2018 over the previous year to reach 4.1 million, but fell far short of the Government’s targeted 5 million for Visit Laos Year 2018.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Over the centuries, Laos and China have created a deep historical connection and an inseparable cultural bond, and to celebrate the “Year of the Pig” in style, Pullman Luang Prabang is offering a series of enticing promotions and culinary occasions.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The 5th Lao Wood Furniture Fair opened at Vientiane’s ITECC on 14 January to promote local manufacturers of timber, bamboo and rattan furniture, and handicraft products. The event runs through 20 January.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Pullman Luang Prabang has embraced a raft of sustainable practices, both internally and through a collection of carefully selected local partners.

Submitted 4 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Konglor-Natan Ecotourism Association (AEKN) has added a slate of activities and services at the famed Konglor Cave area with the aim of attracting tour operators and boosting arrivals and revenue for the locals, who manage the site.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Popolo Cantina and Sugar Cocktail Bar has officially opened in Luang Prabang’s old town to create a “destination restaurant” with two concepts in one building.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao government plans to set up a smart and eco city in northwestern Oudomxay and adjoining Luang Namtha District.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Inthira Group of hotels and restaurants has declared 2019 as a year of sustainability and environmental conservation for the company.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Planet Happiness aims to pull Luang Prabang into its orbit, and position the World Heritage city as a global happiness leader, but they need your help.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Mekong Tourism launches new visual storytelling campaign ‘Mekong From Above’ to showcase the best aerial photos and videos in the Southeast Asian Subregion.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Thanks to a new dedicated team, the joint-venture between Summit Tours and Green Discovery Laos, SUMMIT DISCOVERY, took a huge jump forward and is now more than ready to help you discover Laos from the sky!

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Sanctuary Nam Ngum Beach Resort new conference room is ready to host executive meetings and inspiring themed events.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bruneian filmmaker, Abdul Zainidi, recently attended the Pause Festival in Luang Prabang, Laos, and screened one of his best works, "Anggur in Pockland".

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Parasol Blanc, one of the finest Boutique Hotels in Luang Prabang, is hosting an amazing and unique weekly Ethnic Fashion Show.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

From December 7 to 12, 2018, acclaimed American filmmakers were leading an animation workshop in Luang Prabang for artists and screenwriters from eight Southeast Asian countries.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

(KPL) A bat that could be a member of a 1990s band *NSYNC, a gibbon with a Star Wars name and a toad straight from Middle Earth are among the 157 newly discovered species in the Greater Mekong region described by the world’s scientists in 2017.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Miss Laos On-anong Homsombath won the National Costume at the Miss Universe 2018 for her elaborate design inspired by the Kinnaree - half-bird, half-women.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos will close its “Visit Laos Year 2018” promotion well short of the five million tourist arrivals target, the Vientiane Times quoted officials.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The 5-star Le Grand Pakbeng Resort officially opened last week at “Destination Pakbeng”, the standard overnight stop on the traditional 2-day Thailand-Luang Prabang Mekong cruise. However, the resort’s aim is more than to present top-notch accommodation at this “Mekong Oasis”.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Asian Development Bank Country Director Yasushi Negishi visited Oudomxay in northern Laos to inspect the progress of development projects funded with ADB loans. These include the construction of an access road to Chom Ong Cave in Beng district.

Submitted 4 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

On 12 December, the ongoing session of the National Assembly approved the Brou as the country’s 50th official ethnic group.

Submitted 4 years 12 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Le Bel Air Resort Luang Prabang launched its premier 4-star property on 15 November, joining the high-end accommodation choices in the UNESCO Word Heritage Town.

Submitted 4 years 12 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

On 7 December, a certificate ceremony was held for the 45 students who graduated from three training courses delivered by Lanith Luang Prabang in Food Production, Food and Beverage Services and Housekeeping.

Submitted 4 years 12 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

An Arabica coffee farmer needs to be patient to be profitable. It takes a tree four years to start producing cherries. The window for harvesting is between November and January, but optimal picking time can be as tight as a week.

Submitted 5 years 4 days ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

From Cherry to Cup, Saffron Coffee shows you the process to produce northern Laos best brew.

Submitted 5 years 5 days ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 5 days ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 6 days ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Asia Foundation will be implementing a 5-day workshop in the world heritage site of Luang Prabang, Laos from March 4-8th 2019.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Mekong Eden Farm in Luang Prabang has announced it will open their Co-op in town on Saturday, 8 December, to sell fresh organic produce grown by small farms in the area and targeting local restaurants.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Chinese arrivals are expected to reach over 1million tourists in 2019, while the 2018 number will reach just over 4 million, less than the target.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) is moving to keep pachyderm management efforts from running amok.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

AVANI+ Luang Prabang scored the Luxury New Hotel title at the 12th World Luxury Awards 2018 on 10 November, at AYANA Resort & Spa in Bali.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Centara Hotels & Resorts has confirmed four new properties in Laos under a partnership with Asia Investment, Development & Construction Laos (AIDC) as part of the Thai hotel group’s expansion strategy to double the properties its manages over the next five years.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Grand Luang Prabang wins the World Luxury Award for Luxury Wellness Retreat 2018.

Submitted 5 years 1 week ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Free the Bear's Wildlife Sanctuary in Luang Prabang fast-paced progress to save animals.

Submitted 5 years 2 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ma Té Sai is open for business in Singapore, decorating Luang Prabang hotels, and creating natural packaging dyed with buffalo urine.

Submitted 5 years 2 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

SilkAir is switching to Singapore Airlines' budget arm "Scoot" for its Lao flights commencing April 2019.

Submitted 5 years 2 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

ONYX Hospitality Group announced a management agreement with Laos-based Asia Investment, Development & Construction Sole (AIDC) to develop a new-build Amari hotel in the centre of Vientiane.

Submitted 5 years 2 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“We differ from other nature tours in Laos, because we are one of the very few opportunities to observe wildlife in their habitat,” said Janina Bikova, as she opened her presentation on ecotourism activities at the Nam Et-Phou Louey (NEPL) National Protected Area.

Submitted 5 years 2 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos and its partners will continue restoring and sustainably preserving many ruined structures at the Vat Phou UNESCO World Heritage site in Champasak, Laos.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Passa Paa Boutique & Textile Studio in Luang Prabang recently added tourism activities to its collection that merges traditional Hmong motifs and methods with modern needs.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Inthira Group took top honours at the 2018 ASEAN Business Awards in Singapore on 12 November, by bringing to Laos the ASEAN Best Tourism Company for the Priority Integration Sector.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of Laos have signed grant agreements worth $125.5 million in total for three projects in the tourism .

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao-Chinese railway project has released polluted water from construction work into the Xong River in Vientiane province’s Vang Vieng district, one of the most popular destinations in the country for tourists, an local resident and an environmental official told RFA’s Lao Service.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH) recently conducted an intensive 10-day Training-of-Trainers programme for 26 technical and vocational education and training teachers from the tourism and hospitality sector in Vientiane.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Vientiane’s 18-hole Lakeview Golf Club hosted the 2nd Carlsberg Golf Classic with Xaying Tongyethor coming out on top of a field of some 100 amateur golfers on 10 November.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

China aims to strengthen commercial ties with Mekong region countries by installing a free-trade zone covering north-western Laos and northern Thai ports on the Mekong River.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A Japanese media watchdog has decided to demand that Nippon Television Network Corp. issue a report in response to allegations that it fabricated a Lao festival in a popular variety show broadcast in May.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Over 600 students have taken part in the final rehearsal for the grand opening ceremony of the celebration of Viengxay’s 50th Anniversary as the revolutionary stronghold of Lao people.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Heaun Chan Heritage Centre in Luang Prabang will be holding a Craft & Culture Festival from 8-12 December.

Submitted 5 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The “Refillution” marched into Vientiane on 8 November, to get the ball rolling on making the Lao capital an ASEAN Clean Tourist City within a year.

Submitted 5 years 4 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Border crossings between Myanmar and Laos has been upgraded and given international status, according to Myanmar's Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.

Submitted 5 years 4 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

With tourism numbers still on shaky ground, Lao government officials are looking to the proposed Visit Laos-China Year 2019 to play a major role in boosting arrivals from the Mainland, as authorities keep the ongoing Visit Laos Year 2018 campaign alive.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines has launched a direct flight connecting Luang Prabang with Shangsha in Hunan, China in a move to attract more tourists from the south central Chinese Province.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao government officials met with business operators on Friday to discuss developments and problems in the tourism industry as well as share ideas on ways to improve services during the remainder of Visit Laos Year 2018.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

President of the Lao Handicraft Association Hansana Sisane pointed out that handmade products have been continually improving and gradually getting better known in international markets.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Handicraft Festival comes to a close after a crowd-filled nine-day run at ITECC Vientiane that kicked off on 27 October.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

With a Michelin star already under their collective belt for Paste Bangkok, chefs Bee Satongun and Jason Bailey are now looking to make their mark in Laos.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Social enterprise Ma Té Sai is expanding into Singapore, bringing their range of fair trade Lao handicrafts to an international market.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Tourism officials in three northern provinces learned the process for major tourism sites to meet ASEAN Community Based Tourism Standards.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

It’s harvest time, and Saffron Coffee’s Espresso, Brew Bar, and Roastery on the Mekong in Luang Prabang is celebrating with the launch of “Exclusive Guided Tasting” led by Saffron Assistant Director Derek Smith.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A Chinese engineering company has completed the first train tunnel longer than 1,000 meters along the Lao railway.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Green Discovery Laos is now offering a one-day version of its iconic Vang Vieng Challenge, which is less expensive and more challenging than the two-day excursion.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Airlines has issued an official letter stating that all their flight rates will increase by $5 effective from 11 November 2018, according to Focus Asia.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sanctuary Hotels and Resorts is celebrating Awk Phansa (end of Buddhist Lent) and the “Fire Boat Festival” on 24-25 October with activities in Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

BambooLao from Luang Prabang beat 111 entrants from across Southeast Asia to take top prize in the 2018 Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism (MIST) Challenge.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The l’Elephant Group of five restaurants is joining the push against plastic straws in Luang Prabang, by serving drinks without the tubes unless patrons request them.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Nafang Village in Oudomxay Province is going all out for this year’s boat racing festival on 26-27 October, with a beauty contest, local food show, and art exhibition backing up the 30-boat competition held at the end of Buddhist Lent.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Vehicles from around the country are set to join a caravan heading to Houaphanh Province to celebrate the 50th anniversary Viengxay District, site of national liberation forces’ command centre, on 30 November.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Glamorous camping, or “Glamping”, is taking off in Luang Prabang, with Asian Trails Laos now offering a 3-night package in one of Rosewood Luang Prabang’s luxury tents.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The reinvigorated MICE sector bodes well for Lao properties with business event facilities. Currently a group of Lao hotels and DMCs are banding together to promote MICE in the country.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the government of the Lao PDR on Oct 16, 2018 signed grant agreements worth US$ 125.5 million in total for three projects in the tourism and urban sectors.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The hottest, fastest-growing, most effective marketing platform for Lao tourism. How do we do it? Download our presentation and see.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Free the Bears saved a record breaking 11th bear in Laos for the year (10 Lao rescues in 2017) in a tricky rooftop rescue.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao Educational Opportunities Trust (LEOT) and friends of Music for Everyone School (MES) are teaming up for a fundraiser at Heuan Chan Heritage Centre in Luang Prabang on 4 November, with Eric Walter and his Native American wood flute taking centre stage at 19:00.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Khiri Travel has introduced five new ‘Signature Experiences’ for travellers who want to go local in Laos.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Moves in Laos to promote Chinese tourism in the coming year will benefit mainly Chinese businesses already established in the impoverished Southeast Asian country, with ordinary Lao citizens less likely to cash in, Lao sources say.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Pakxong District on the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province plans to build the largest Buddha image in ASEAN as a key icon to attract local and international tourists, according to the district governor.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Participants in the South 2 North marathon covering 1,569 km arrived in the Vientiane on Sunday afternoon for a good cause – improving health care at both ends of the country.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC) in Luang Prabang has opened the “Voices of the Wind: Traditional Instruments in Laos” exhibition, after more than two years of extensive research and documentation in remote regions of northern Laos.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang View Hotel has completed renovations of its standard rooms to include new bathrooms, more electrical outlets, painting inside and out, and amenities found in other rooms.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao Handicrafts Association (LHA) is holding the Lao Handicrafts Festival from 27 October -3 November at Lao-ITECC, with more than 200 exhibitors expected to display their wares.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Minister of Informational, Culture and Tourism Dr Bosengkham Vongdara spent two days discussing final preparations for a UNESCO inspection of the Plain of Jars to be held later this month by International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) experts.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Outspan, one of the major world coffee producers and suppliers, is planning to expand its coffee plantations in the southern Laos Champasak Province as the demand for coffee consumption in the world shoots up, according to a company official.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

When it comes to Lao caves, Vang Vieng is king, with more than 15 distinct caves, and Vientiane Province is adding Tham Nang Oua to the list.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang is staging a range of activities to celebrate Boun Ork Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent) and the Light Boats Festival from 23-26 October.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang welcomed 540,542 tourists in the first eight months of 2018, up 20.25% over the same period in 2017. Of the total, 408,700 were foreign visitors, according to provincial official, Soulathip Norkhounphon.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Villa Luang Prabang is hosting artist Nithakong Somsanith, who will display his artwork and hold workshops from 22-25 October to celebrate Boun Auk Phansaa, the end of Buddhist Lent.

Submitted 5 years 1 month ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The EU Switch Asia Luang Prabang-Handle with Care project implemented by GIZ, Travelife for Tour Operators and Human Elephant Learning Programs Foundation (H-ELP) would like to invite you to participate in the “Elephant Friendly Mahout Training Workshop” at the Elephant Village sanctuary & resort in Luang Prabang from 14th until the 17th of October 2018.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Meet the Lamphet family, who launched Pottery House Lao Food Tours in Luang Prabang’s Chan Nua Village, a small community that has been throwing clay pots for 400 years.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

White Elephant Adventures in Luang Prabang recently hosted food-and-culture blogger, Mark Wiens, on a two-day visit to a Khmu community in Northern Laos.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos’ clean agriculture cultivation is expected to continue expanding to a total of nearly 8,000 hectares, up by six percent for the year, as demand growth for organic produce persists both domestically and internationally.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Nam Ha National Protected Area of Luang Namtha province has recently been named as one of the top ten ecotourism destinations in Asia, according to the website tripstodiscover.com.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Residents in Savannakhet, Laos recently uncovers hundreds of Buddha images and other ancient relics, estimated at up to 2,000 years old.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao PDR’s tourism industry faces the prospect that the country will close its Visit Laos Year promotion with fewer tourists than recorded in 2017.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Champasak District is aiming to achieve ASEAN Clean Tourist City certification by 2020.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

More than 40 representatives from the state tourism sector, international organisations and tour operators attended a workshop on coffee-related tourism product development in Champasak Province.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The final 124-km stretch of National Road 11 that runs along the Mekong, connecting Vientiane to Sayabouly and Thailand is set to begin at the end of this year, with the construction to be completed in three years.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York will be attending and the proceeds will go to providing quality healthcare for children in Laos

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang-based Mekong Kingdoms has announced its October 2018-March 2019 schedule and rates for it day boat, “Monsoon”, the most premium way to experience the Mekong River with its high ceilings, large picture windows and modern décor.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Mekong River tourism is turning its spotlight on “Destination Pakbeng” as the Lao port transforms from a remote overnight stop on the Thailand-Luang Prabang cruise route into a multi-day stay-over town.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lanith Luang Prabang (Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality) and the nation’s vocational college signed a memorandum of understanding with Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur Hotel on 11 September, to upgrade teachers’ and students’ ability, technical knowledge, skills, and attitude towards the hospitality sector.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Inthira Group has become the first Lao tourism business to win the ASEAN Business Awards Laos, and will present the hotel and restaurant company at the ASEAN Awards Gala Dinner on 12 November in Singapore.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Centara has inked a deal that will give it the management of three hotels in Laos by 2020.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (STSE) on 14-15 September, attracted more than 100 hospitality trade decision-makers from around the Mekong Region to the Luang Prabang View Hotel, where they met some 30 Lao and international sustainable product and service providers, and participated in related symposia.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

More than 1,000 Luang Prabang residents turned out ahead of World Cleanup Day to rid the UNESCO World Heritage City of trash.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ban Nayang is a great new destination for travelers looking for an authentic village homestay experience in Luang Prabang Province. Just a two-hour drive from Luang Prabang town, Ban Nayang has been hosting a small stream of tourists for a while.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) is now inviting applications for its 2018 Talent Lab, led by Tribeca Film Institute (TFI). The Lab, which will train Southeast Asian filmmakers on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the ninth annual festival, which will take place from December 7-12.

Submitted 5 years 2 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Lao restaurants and businesses can now tap into Laos's rich food and farming culture, with last week’s launch of the Pha Khao Lao website dedicated to preserving traditional recipes and agricultural practices.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ma Té Sai is opening a Pop-Up Shop at the ICAT Gallery in Vientiane from Thursday, 13 September until Sunday, 16 September. The Luang Prabang-based Ma Té Sai will be showcasing a hand-picked selection of modern designs crafted by Lao artisans between 11:00-19:00. Up for sale are living and kitchen decor, contemporary textiles, bedding, and small gifts under the Lao Fair Trade banner.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Grade 11 students at Vientiane Pattana School taking the Cambridge AS and A Level “Travel and Tourism” course will find an interesting surprise on page 131 of their text book, where Case Study 11 stars: “Southern Laos launches tourism destination brand”, a three-year-old press release.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos and China signed a feasibility-study agreement to establish a college for training personnel to work as ticket sellers, station operators and provide various passenger services for the upcoming Laos-China railway.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The emerging field of ethnopharmocology is pinpointing exciting new possibilities in Laos to fight the deadliest cancers.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The top two Lao bartenders at this year’s Bartender of the Year 2018 Competition at June's Lao Food Expo faced the best mixologists from the region at the ASEAN Hotel & Restaurant Association (AHRA) Bartenders Championship held in Singapore on 28 and 29 August 2018.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge is focusing on the “Destination Pakbeng” campaign in September, while naming a new manager for their Mekong Elephant Park.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Tiger Trail staff in Luang Prabang recently spent time clearing the tracks to prepare for the upcoming high season, and topping the list is the one-day, 17-km “Trekking the Longhut Trail”.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Pandaw’s newest river cruise ship has successfully completed river trials during the monsoon season, before her inaugural voyage from Laos to China this November.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Citizens of the Republic of Korea visiting Laos can now stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa, following a new visa exemption scheme which comes into effect on 3 September 2018.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The inaugural Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo (STSE 2018) will take place at the Luang Prabang View Hotel on 14-15 September, to match more than 30 Lao and international sellers of sustainable products and services with the hospitality trade in Luang Prabang and the Mekong region, as well as hold four related symposia.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Motorists in Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, and Houaphanh face a red alert for landslides when travelling on northern mountain roads, especially Route 13, which is completely blocked along some stretches, following three days of downpours.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Thai Smile, under the Thai Airways International banner, has announced its new Bangkok-Luang Prabang schedule.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sahtu Press recently announced the forthcoming release of the new illustrated poetry collection entitled “Before We Remember We Dream” by award-winning poet Bryan Thao Worra. This new book explores memory and geography in the Lao diaspora, and will be released in October, 2018. The collection also features original art by Nor Sanavongsay.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

With hordes of Chinese tourists overrunning one Southeast Asian country after the other as a result of a new travel freedom and rising spending power, Laos is the next destination on the map for them.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The new multi-species Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary has been busy with rescues. Recent additions include a pair of young female Assam macaques, who had been tied by the neck with wire.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Construction of the railway linking Vientiane to the Chinese border is making progress despite the torrential rains, floods and landslides afflicting the north of the country.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bounniew “Niew” Somesak led the Luang Prabang LEOT School’s effort to directly deliver aid to the neediest victims of the Attapeu dam collapse.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

On 15 August, Lao Natural launched its Luang Prabang showroom, marking a milestone in their journey to create and sell several lines of locally sourced natural toiletries, massage oils, and a range of other products.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Floods are causing the temporary closure of Lao tourist sites and partially submerging Vientiane’s new Nakharath City shopping centre in the Mekong Riverside’s Chao Anouvong Park.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In response to the devastation caused by the dam collapse in Attapeu, a south-eastern province of Laos, AccorHotels donated US$10,000 to the Lao Red Cross to support immediate disaster relief efforts.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Heuan Chan Heritage House is now offering immersive cooking classes to discover the complexities of Luang Prabang’s traditional food and the role it plays in the locals’ way of life.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge is currently finalizing packages to provide a full Pakbeng experience that includes Mekong cruising, touring options and activities on land, and accommodation at the lodge.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Southern Laos Marketing Taskforce is preparing to launch its Refill not Landfill campaign to reduce plastic waste in the tourism sector by promoting re-usable water bottles and water refill stations.

Submitted 5 years 3 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

That Found stupa in Khoun district, Xieng Khuang province, is attracting more than 300 visitors a month following its renovation, a significant improvement compared to the past.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luxury liner, Pandaw, has launched a 21-day combo river cruise that spends 11 days scouring the Mekong between Vientiane and the Golden Triangle. The other leg of the journey explores Halong Bay, and the Red River Delta and tributaries near Hanoi. The itinerary includes a Vientiane-Hanoi flight.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang-based Offroad Laos Adventures has announced the 2018 schedule for its seven-day Mysterious Golden Triangle motorcycle tours.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Following the recent partnership between Summit Tours and Green Discovery to launch Summit Discovery, Summit Tours has appointed Paul Burnett as its Executive Director.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Summit Discovery, a joint venture between Summit Tours and Green Discovery, launched a slate of helicopter tours, by taking a group of local travel and hospitality leaders into the skies over Vientiane.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Featuring 123 guest rooms, the hotel is the largest property located in the former royal capital of Luang Prabang.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

An Oudomxay government official recently reported to Deputy Prime Minister Dr Sonexay Siphandone and a committee that the province needs roads to a pair of high-potential nature sites: a 600-metre-high waterfall and forests with 1,500-year-old tea trees.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Green Season brings waterfalls to life in Southern Laos. This year, the rains began in March, gorging rivers and turning trickling falls into pluming, ground-shaking wonders.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“Trash Idol hopes to make Luang Prabang a clean and green place for all of us,” said the group’s co-founder Somsack Sengta, owner of the UNESCO city’s Blue Lagoon Restaurant.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Authorities announced new activities to be organised under Visit Laos Year 2018 for the last six months of this year at a meeting for consultations and planning for the tourism sector that was held in the capital on Friday.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Summit Tours and Green Discovery announced on 16 July, they have formed a joint venture to provide helicopter tourism to Laos under the brand, Summit Discovery.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ounthuang Khaophanh said immediate action is needed to remove rules that require tour operators to seek official approval before bringing tourists to Laos, as similar regulations had already been appealed.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

More mega-projects are coming to Laos to accommodate the rising number of Chinese tourists, according to the Vientiane Times.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Don Daeng kicks off Southern Laos’ 4,000 Islands excursion on the Mekong, and it’s just a 40-minute van or taxi ride from the Pakse International Airport in Champasak.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The government of Laos is set to revise its expectations for tourism arrivals this year, as it appears unlikely the country will welcome the forecasted 5 million visitor arrivals for 2018, nor will it earn the expected $900 million in tourism revenue.

Submitted 5 years 4 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The L’Elephant family of fine dining restaurants in Luang Prabang opened the doors to Le Calao in October 2017, to present authentic royal cuisine and traditional Lao, ethnic, and seasonal dishes.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ock Pop Tok took silk reeling and twisting to the next level at Ban Tabu Village by partnering with a Thai university that invented award-winning yarn production machines.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa staff recently handed over the contents of a donation box to Anabella Coria Zavala from Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luang Prabang. The donation box sat beside the water dispenser in the hotels' lobby area.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Laos-China Railway Project gave journalists a look at the railroad’s progress on the relatively flat Vientiane Plain.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Apsara is among the first hotels to climb on board Luang Prabang’s “Plastic Free Bottle Initiative” that kicked off in January 2018, and the move is paying dividends.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos plans to work with foreign countries, including Thailand, to transform its former capital Luang Prabang into a premium destination for international tourists.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Looking for good pizza in Luang Prabang? Check out these top-notch pizzarias.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos is considering an eVisa system by early 2019, according to a tourism official attending the ongoing Mekong Tourism Forum in Nakhon Phanom, Thailand.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

National Assembly (NA) members have proposed for the circumstances around the business of the national civil aviation to be opened for the Assembly through the enforcement of the Law on Civil Aviation.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Offroad Laos Adventures’ humanitarian association Enfants du Laos (Children of Laos) recently received a major boost from France-based Batisafe, who spent 10 days constructing a computer room in a Hmong village frequently visited by the tour operator.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

L’Horizon Private Charters offers a new dimension in luxury cruising on the Mekong. Based in Luang Prabang, L’Horizon presents a private four-seat modern motorboat and captain to do you want…explore, relax, water ski, fish…you can even power to Vientiane in a day. It’s up to you.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Champasak Province and the local Tavisub Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to undertake a feasibility study for developing a Culture Park in Pakse, according to the Vientiane Times.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Inthira Hotels & Restaurants participated in Thailand Travel Mart Plus (TTM+) on 13-15 June, 2018, at the Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Champasak authorities and residents have agreed to broaden the Mekong River’s Irrawaddy dolphin conservation zone from 21 to 150 hectares to provide more food and room for less human disturbance.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

While arrivals have dropped, the Ministry of Information, Cultural, and Tourist puts on a positive spin, though revenue per tourist remains the lowest in Asia.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Suntara Restaurant hosted an exclusive Singapore Embassy dinner party featuring the island nation's award-winning chefs Vincent Bio, Fabian Teo and Ronnie Seng Who Lee, who dazzled Lao guests with their culinary skills.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa in Luang Prabang attended last week’s LAOFOOD ’18 in Vientiane, and offers interesting insight into the exhibition and culinary/hospitality competitions.

Submitted 5 years 5 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Inthira Hotels & Restaurants presented Laos’ biggest ever basket of sticky rice at the opening of LAOFOOD 2018 Exhibition, held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane from 7-9 July, while also taking home honours at the event’s hospitality and culinary competitions.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Free the Bears has announced its 2018 updates and plans, with its new Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (LPWS) near Kuang Si Waterfall taking centre stage.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Sulivong Luangaphay, a long-time plant lover and orchid aficionado, told the Lao media that a new orchid species was seen in a street market in Vientiane on Arbour Day.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

With various barriers hindering the development of the tourism industry, authorities in charge will work closely with the relevant sectors to remove these obstacles, a minister told parliament yesterday.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Mekong Riverview Hotel in Luang Prabang is currently developing the offsite Palm Tree Health Spa with a swimming pool, and the Viewpoint Organic Garden to grow their own produce. Both projects are well underway, and are scheduled to be up and running in 2018.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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”.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Summit Tours Sales & Marketing Manager Jan Wollen met with the Luang Prabang Travel Association (LUTA) on Thursday, 31 May, to introduce her new company’s helicopter tours, and announce Summit’s new cooperative effort with Green Discovery Laos, details of which have yet to be revealed.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ban Nam Dee may only be a 10-minute drive from Luang Namtha Town, but it seems like 100 miles away. The ethnic Lanten “Good Water Village” popped onto tourism maps a decade ago as the last stop on the Tea Caravan Trail in north-western Laos. Today, "Good Water Village" is an easy-to-access - Lao Skyway offers Vientiane-Luang Namtha flights five days a week at 15:00 - responsible tourism success story with a new website.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bangkok Airways and Lao Airlines concluded a new codeshare deal, allowing Lao Airlines to ticket passengers to board Bangkok Airways’ flights on the Bangkok-Vientiane and Bangkok-Luang Prabang routes.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Vientiane has plans to develop new tourism services on the Nam Ngum River in Xaythany district, aiming to attract more visitors through nature-based tourism and the local lifestyle. Projects include three boat docks to allow visitors to travel by boat to organic vegetable farms and the Phaithamkor Conservation Park.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Thousands of Japanese swooped in on the Lao Festival held in Yoyogi Park, Tokyo, from May 26 to 29. The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism organisd the event to promote Visit Laos Year and raise the profile of Laos.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao tourism industry is not only playing a significant role in boosting economic growth, but is also creating a huge number of job opportunities for local people, experts have noted. The United Nations’ World Travel and Tourism Council unveiled its latest report, which states tourism has directly created 114,000 jobs Laos, with related services upping the number to more than 385,000.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

According to World Travel and Tourism Council, in 2017, the total contribution from travel and tourism to Lao PDR's gross domestic product (GDP) was around US$2 billion, which accounted for 13.7 percent of total GDP. This figure is expected to rise up to US$3.3 billion by 2028.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The government is still seeking a qualified partner to jointly operate Lao Airlines in a bid to achieve more efficient and profitable operation of the national flag carrier.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

What started as a Mark Wiens’ Travel for Food vlog, ended up as toilets in a remote Khmu village in Luang Prabang.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Vientiane diners look set to get a good deal on popular Lao dishes. According to “Laopost”, The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) announced a new price control policy in Vientiane Capital on pho, kao piek, kao pat, and kao latna.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos is setting its tree-planting sites high for celebrating Arbour Day and International Children’s Day on 1 June, with a plan to sow saplings on 27,000 hectares in 2018.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Mekong Kingdoms is proud to announce the maiden Mekong River voyage of Gypsy, an ultra-exclusive two-cabin river cruiser, between the ancient Laos capital of Luang Prabang and Thailand's Golden Triangle, in May 2018. A private tailored three-night, four-day cruise from Luang Prabang to the Golden Triangle and a two-night, three-day cruise from the Golden Triangle to Luang Prabang for up to four passengers are on offer.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

New & Cool is stretching its wings to Southern Laos and a jeep journey deep into the heartland of coffee, hidden down uknown trails on the Bolaven Plateau.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

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, while Lao Airlines expects to begin direct flights between Luang Prabang province and Changsha in Hunan Province starting in June.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Thousands of visitors crammed the provincial capital on Friday to enjoy the colourful activities organised to officially launch Visit Laos Year in Houaphanh province.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The National University of Laos and other partners, led by Khiri Travel Laos, are celebrating the 25th International Day of Biological Diversity on Tuesday, 22 May, by organizing a "Clean Up and Water Hyacinth Removal" project in Vientiane from 16:00-18:00. Participants should gather at the Comcenter College, Nongchanh Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Asian Trails Group announced that Philippe Conod will retire from his role as a Managing Director of Asian Trails Laos as of 6 June, with Virginie Kury being tapped as the new General Manager as of 16 May .Ms Kury will report directly to Thuy Tien, who assumes role of Managing Director for both Vietnam and Laos.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Part 3 of New & Cool in Luang Prabang takes you on The Road to Kuang Si Falls, with six great attractions along the way. Get your hands dirty at Living Land Company’ s Organic Farm, or watch the buffalo dairy process, from udder to mozzarella, at the Lao Buffalo Farm. The Kuang Si Butterfly Park presents an educational respite, before a meal or drink in nature at Carpe Diem Restaurant. And then it’s the Save the Bears Sanctuary at the gateway to the grand prize…Kuang Si.

Submitted 5 years 6 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In February this year, an Emirati plane sat on the tarmac at Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, waiting to board 13 Lao elephants for a flight to Dubai and “Safari Park”. A call from Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith’s office halted the transfer. The outright sale of Lao elephants is illegal, he said. The elephants stay in Laos.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Join with volunteers to start ‘recycling’ Vientiane’s old Typing School building into a community art space on International Recycling Day.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Head to The Mekong’s Other Side is the 2nd instalment of We Are Lao’s “New & Cool in Luang Prabang” series. Board a ferry and cruise to Chomphet. You’ll find the Four Temple Tour, Pottery Village, Green Jungle Flight at legendary Hoi Khua (100 Families Waterfall), and Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens with a café and shop.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A five-day April Fam Trip to Luang Prabang opened the eyes of travel agents from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, who didn't know how much Luang Prabang has to offer to tourists.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Hong Kong-listed casino services firm Macau Legend Development Ltd has confirmed to GGRAsia it is aiming to invest US$300 million to US$500 million across “several projects” in the Southeast Asian country of Laos.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“Me getting into tourism is a coincidence. I didn’t know it existed,” said Inthy Deuansawan, founder of Green Discovery Laos. “My dad wanted me to study tourism. I worked in sales and wanted to be an architect.”

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Register now for the free Elephant Camp Welfare and and Sustainability Workshop and Auditor and Advisor training in Luang Prabang from 25-27 April. Discover how to ensure your elephant tours or those you book keep pachyderms in the forefront.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Summit Tours took to the skies over Luang Prabang on Thursday 5 April, 2018, to launch their new luxury helicopter experiences, “Laos from the Sky”.

Submitted 5 years 7 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Summit Tours launched their exclusive “Laos from the Sky” helicopter tours this week, taking top Luang Prabang hoteliers for the ride of their lives.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

You are invited to join thousands of trade visitors at LAOFOOD & LAOHOTEL‘18 – Laos’ No. 1 International Hospitality and Food & Drinks Show at the National Convention Centre, Vientiane from 7-9 June. Save USD 5 and get your free ticket to the expo by pre-registering today!

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang is loaded with bucket- list “must sees”, but the UNESCO city offers a world of activities beyond the traditional trail. Stay an extra day or two, and do something new and cool.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Actor Harrison Ford made a visit to Luang Prabang yesterday, stopping to make merit at Pha O temple and meeting with Sathou Onekeo Sittivong, the abbot of Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Pakkhan, and Wat Pha O, as well as being the Provincial Head of the Luang Prabang Buddhist Fellowship.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

In support of the tourism sector and to create a platform for suppliers to the hospitality and F&B industry to develop business contacts with key decision makers, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Lao Hotel & Restaurant Association will host LAOFOOD+HOTEL 18 – Laos’ 1st Major International Hospitality and Food & Drinks Exhibition at the prestigious National Convention Centre, Vientiane from 7-9 June 2018.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Free the Bears Fund center comes to the rescue. The capture of endangered Asiatic blacks bears, which are typically exported and sold so their parts can be used for medicinal purposes, continues to occur in Laos, despite efforts to reduce wildlife poaching and trafficking in the Southeast Asian nation and pledges by authorities to crack down on those who engage in them.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

No one likes a trash-laden UNESCO site, least of all Luang Prabang. Over the years, several initiatives set out to keep the city clean, but the efforts were often uncoordinated and short-lived. As one project faded, another stepped in to help get rid of the litter that taint the streets and river banks.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A band of Luang Prabang businesses have jumped onboard the plastic bottle boycott with the “Refill not Landfill” initiative.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A week-long trip “Journey through the Capitals of Vietnam and Laos” is being jointly organised by Vietnam’s Hanoitourist travel agency and Laos’ Xay Mung Khun Company.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Rosewood Luang Prabang opened on 27 March, as an ultra-luxury escape within an idyllic hilltop forest in north central Laos, where guests can to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history, spiritual heritage and diverse tropical landscape of Luang Prabang.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The toursim industry in Luang Prabang is leading a campaign to reduce single-use plastic water bottles. Many hotels and tour operators, restaurants and cafes, museums and other businesses in the town center offer safe drinking water refill stations.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Natural indigo-dyed garments fetch high price tags at boutique shops worldwide but little is known about the origin of this dark blue colour and the people who create it.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bangkok Airways introduces double daily services on the Bangkok-Vientiane route effective 25 March.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

uang Prabang View General Manager John Morris Williams explains that although business is important, backing for social activities is also part of the hotel's vision, especially in promoting Luang Prabang and Laos as a tourist destination.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

A friend living in Vientiane recently complained of incessant noise next to her house where a Chinese gang was busy constructing a new feeder road. None of the residents had been consulted. The residents are afraid that asphalt will bring speed and accidents. To the slower paced Laotians, the Chinese are unwelcome. "Why can't Laotians do that work? Who asked if we wanted this road?" one onlooker asked. Good questions.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

What do you do when it’s hot, dry and you want it to rain? Shoot rockets into the clouds … at least that’s what the men of Muang Nan do every year in the month of May.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Pandaw Cruises has announced the addition of a third vessel to its Lao fleet on the Mekong. Scheduled to Launch in September 2019, the RV Sabei Pandaw is being constructed to meet the demand for cruise line’s popular Laos-China route.

Submitted 5 years 8 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Laos’ national carrier Lao Airlines will halt direct Laos-Singapore flights from Mar 25 due to operational reasons.

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Luang Prabang has announced its Visit Laos Year 2018 event calendar, with the nine-day Lao New Year celebration topping the slate.

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Heuan Chan Heritage Luang Prabang opened Sompaseuth Chounlamany’s “Reminiscence Painting Exhibition” on 9 March, to showcase the award-winning Lao-American’s oil paintings “inspired by the beauty and richness of Laos from a bygone era.”

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Ecotourism direct payment approach for wildlife sightings reduces illegal hunting

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce announced that it officially recognizes the Luang Prabang Tourism & Hospitality Rendezvous as a valid association.

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Luang Prabang View Hotel landed the ASEAN MICE Award at the 21st ATF on 26 January in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The honour is presented to venues that comply with stringent ASEAN MICE standards. “It’s a great award to be given,” said Mr Sengmany Chaila, Luang Prabang View Executive Assistant Manager, who accepted the prize. He noted the hotel is the only one in Luang Prabang to achieve this status.

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

SilkAir has announced its Singapore-Laos summer schedule for 2018, which aims to provide better connectivity for European travellers.

Submitted 5 years 9 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

What interests visitors coming to Laos the most? Here’s a hint; you can’t avoid them. According to the government’s Tourism Development Department, nature and culture hold the top two slots. The World Bank came to Vientiane in December 2017, with nature-based tourism on its mind, and its eye on the country’s 20 National Protected Areas (NPAs).

Submitted 5 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

Bounlap Douangphoumy faced a trial by fire at the Laos Media Briefing during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 25 January, when international travel journalists grilled him over why tourist arrivals annually tumbled by 10% in 2016, and a repeat performance is expected when the 2017 tally comes in.

Submitted 5 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The annual Luang Prabang Handicraft Festival is underway. Organised by Heuan Chan Heritage Luang Prabang, “Lad-Bhu Han” is running from 28 January to 4 February, as part of the Visit Laos Year 2018 campaign. The event takes place on a quaint side street with traditional Luang Prabang-style wooden houses in the heart of the UNESCO city.

Submitted 5 years 10 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

“I can’t find information about Laos.” That’s what you often hear from tourists returning to the Mekong Region, who have never crossed into the country. We Are Lao Media recognized this void, and decided to fill it with WeAreLao.com, where Laos is billed as The Last Frontier. The aim is to create the most informative, promotional, and up-to-date Lao tourism website, while providing a multimedia marketing platform that benefits all Lao tourism stakeholders.

Submitted 5 years 11 months ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

The Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry launches LAOFOOD 2018 at a ceremony held on 14 December, at the Best Western Vientiane. By Bernie Rosenbloom The international hospitality trade’s spotlight will focus on the inaugural LAOFOOD 2018 Exhibition, being held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane on 7-9 June, when global and local hospitality and F&B suppliers will present their latest products to regional hotels, restaurants, and distributors. The event – co-hosted by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and Lao Hotel and Restaur
Laos Tourism Food Expo

Submitted 6 years 3 weeks ago by Bernie Rosenbloom.

As Luang Prabang grows as a tourist destination, it faces many challenges in remaining a green destination. Some have termed the current situation in Luang Prabang as "fragile". In 2016, the Lao German Development Cooperation Project (GIZ) began implementing the "Handle with Care" project, funded by the European Union's Switch Asia Programme. The project has reached the halfway mark, and We Are Lao wanted to know how the project is proceeding.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Paul Burnett @ Sanakeo Boutique Hotel Paul is the general manager of the new Sanakeo Boutique Hotel, which is hosting the Mekong Tourism Sector Strategy Open Forum and the Blogger Match-Up. This will be Paul’s first MTF, having heard about event from Sanakeo’s owners. He first learned of the MTCO from local officials followed by a visit from MTCO Executive Director Jens Thraenhart and his team. What opportunities do you see for your business, and Luang Prabang, in hosting the multi-venue MTF? Hosting part of the MTF is a wonderful opportunity to showcase our hotel.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: John Morris Williams @ Luang Prabang View Hotel John in the General Manager of Luang Prabang View hotel, which is hosting the MIST (Mekong Innovative Startups in Tourism) finalists’ presentations. This will be John’s first Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF).

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Georgie Walsh @ Laos Hospitality Consulting & Manda de Laos Georgie is the director of sales and marketing of Laos Hospitality Consulting and Manda de Laos, which is hosting the Marketing and Sales session. This is Georgie’s second MTF, having attended the 2010 event in Pakse. She first heard about the event from Rik Gadella, with who she works with at Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens. What challenges is your business facing in being one part of a multi-venue event? Manda de Laos is not a traditional meeting space.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Gary Tyson @ Azerai Hotel Luang Prabang Gary is the general manager of the new Azerai Hotel Luang Prabang, which is an Official MTF Hotel. This will be Gary’s first MTF, having heard about event from colleagues shortly before its public announcement.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Susie Martin & Rachel O’Shea @ Laos Buffalo Dairy Susie is the CEO and Rachel is the Chef of the Laos Buffalo Dairy, a sustainable venture with a unique business plan. This will be their first MTF, having heard about event in March from John Williams of Luang Prabang View, who directed them to the MIST application process.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

28 April 2017 Luang Prabang Cleans Up Its Act By Bernie Rosenbloom Tourists expect to walk into a sepia-toned 19th-century postcard when visiting Luang Prabang. Sitting on the Mekong banks and sipping cocktails as a breeze flutters tree leaves. Ancient golden-topped temples peeking above French colonial buildings. Empty plastic bottles, discarded cardboard boxes, chunks of Styrofoam and plastic bags scattered along the rivers and roads.  Luang Prabang must keep a constant vigil over trash.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Phonexay (Sai) Keuthbounmay @ Belmond La Residence Phou Vao Sai is the operations manager at the Belmond La Residence Phou Vao hotel in Luang Prabang. He has never attended an MTF, but has followed the forum in the news. He learned of the Luang Prabang MTF from the local hospitality network. What challenges does Luang Prabang face in hosting a multi-venue event? There is not enough capacity and facilities to handle a large event yet…The other challenge is that Luang Prabang is not connected enough to big cities apart from Bangkok, Singapore, and Hanoi.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Jacques Mury @ Villa Santi and Santi Resort & Spa Jacques is the general manager of the Villa Santi and Santi Resort & Spa, which is the host of the MTF Food Fair. This is Jacques’ first MTF, and he first found out about the Luang Prabang event late last year. What challenges does Luang Prabang face in hosting a multi-venue event? Little information has transpired about this event. My understanding is that the main meeting will be at the Central Bank and some hotels will share some other functions.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

13 December 2016 Luang Prabang Pigs Out By Bernie Rosenbloom Luang Prabang’s hotels and restaurants hold “The Battle of the Pigs” to raise funds for families making their livings at the dump.   Troy Matusow frequently visits the Luang Prabang dump. The man behind Asia One Resort Supply knows the people who live amid piles of plastic under tarps. He’s watched them eke out a living by scavenging through the garbage pit, and often brings them water and food.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

15 March 2016 Lord Puttnam Tackles Lao Tourism Challenges By Bernie Rosenbloom Oscar-winning producer Lord Puttnam was recently walking along Luang Prabang’s streets. He notices a fine-looking four-storey hotel topped with a terrace. He hikes up the stairs and takes in the view. He then asks the staff if he can order a drink. The smiling worker replies, “Yes sir, on the first floor.” Lord Puttnam’s anecdote kicked off his keynote address at the 18th Lanith Symposium on the challenges and barriers in growing Lao tourism.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

 Submitted by Bernie Rosenbloom (Huzhou, China) – Interest in Asia Pacific rural tourism has spiked in recent decades, much like country retreats did in 19th-century Victorian England, and for similar reasons. The growing urban Asian population is seeking to escape their pressure-filled, yet often mundane city life, and are increasingly turning to leisure and relaxation holidays in the countryside. However, the Asia Pacific faces a much different situation today than Thomas Cook in the 1850s.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Tara Gujadhur @ TAEC Tara is the co-director of the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), which is hosting the MTF’s “Intangible Tourism” session. She attended the 2012 MTF in Pakse, Laos, and heard about the Luang Prabang event from the ADB’s Steven Schipani. Having worked in tourism with development agencies for several years, she has known about the organiser, Mekong Tourism Co-ordinating (MTCO), since its 2006 launch.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Dr Andreas Hofmann @ GIZ Andreas had a long history in private sector travel before taking the position of Team Leader, Luang Prabang Handle with Care Project for German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). He has never attended an MTF, and first heard about the Luang Prabang event from the organisers and Lao government, though he is familiar with the MTCO website. What challenges does Luang Prabang face in hosting a multi-venue event? Luang Prabang is not known for having the infrastructure to host large regional events.

Submitted 6 years 4 months ago by WALBrunoA.H.Vincent.

MTF Insights: Derek Smith @ Saffron Coffee Derek operates Saffron, a sustainable coffee producer and local café. He has never attended an MTF, and first heard of about the Luang Prabang event at the Lanith Hospitality Managers' Rendezvous, which is where he first learned about the MTCO. What challenges does Luang Prabang face in hosting a multi-venue event? I really don't know much about the MTF. If it's a big event, perhaps Luang Prabang’s roads might not cope with extra traffic?