Northern Lao Provinces Target Asean CBT Standards
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath Tourism officials in three northern provinces learned the process for major tourism sites to meet ASEAN Community Based Tourism Standards. The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism together with staff from Bokeo, Oudomxay and Luang Prabang tourism departments convened three training sessions on the evaluation of Asean Community
Saffron Coffee Kicks Off Harvest Time with Exclusive Guided Tasting
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. The 60-90 minute guided tasting, being offered from 12 November 2018 – 28 February 2019 by appointment, gives coffee drinkers the
Lao Railway Adds First 1,000-Meter Tunnel
A Chinese engineering company has completed the first train tunnel longer than 1,000 meters along the Lao railway. Nateuy No. 1 Tunnel is located in the northern Lao province of Luang Namtha bordering China. Huang Zongwen, a senior official with the China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group, which oversees the tunnel’s construction, told Xinhua
GDL Launches 1-Day Vang Vieng Challenge
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. “I think it’s the perfect way for people in Laos to challenge their friends and spend an unforgettable day in Vang Vieng’s natural wonders,” said the company’s communications
Lao Airlines Revises Surcharge
Lao Airlines has issued an official letter that all their flight rate will increase by $5 effective from 11 November 2018, according to Focus Asia. The revised YQ surcharge is as follows: – Domestic Sectors from $13 to $18 – International Sectors from $25 to $30 – Routing of VTE-CAN, VTE-KMG, VTE-SIN from $40
Sanctuary Lightens Up in October
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. The fun kicks off with the “Boun Souang Heua” Boat Racing Festival on Vang Vieng’s Nam Song River on 24 October. Guests at the Sanctuary Nam
l’Elephant’s Last Straw
The l’Elephant Group of five restaurants is joining the push against plastic straws in Luang Prabang, by serving drinks without tubes unless patrons request them. The restaurants are reporting that the results are quite good, with only a few customers asking for straws. l’Elephant’s participation in Luang Prabang’s “No Straw” project is part of
BambooLao’s Straws Win Top MIST Prize
Contributed by TTR Weekly 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. The travel startup competition, supported by the Australian government and Asian Development Bank, includes Asia’s most prominent travel-specialised venture capitalists among its advisors. MIST’s top
Oudomxay Revs Up for Boat Racing Fest
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. The race roster shows 17 men’s teams and 13 women’s teams will participate in
Viengxay Caravan to Celebrate Lao History through Tourism
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. The goal of the multi-vehicle convoy is to commemorate those who made great sacrifices for national liberation, and particularly the period of
