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ສະບາຍດທານຜອານ!

ເດອນກມພາ ເວາໄດວາເປນເດອນແຫງຄວາມຮກອນແສນຫວານ. ດງນນ, ໃນສະບບທ 24 ຂອງວາລະສານເຮານ, ພວກ ເຮາຈະນຳພາທານໄປສ 8 ຈດ ໝາຍປາຍທາງທຈະຊວຍເສມສາງ ໃຫຄວາມຮກຂອງທານມຄວາມຫວານ ແລະ ຮກກນຍາວນານໄປກວາເກາ. ແຫງທອງ ທຽວຕາງໆລວມມ ສວນຫນທຳມະຊາດຢຖຳຊາງໃນຄຳມວນ, ໄປຈນຮອດຈອມພເໜອເມກ ຢໄຊສມບນ ຫ ຈະສດອາກາດສດຊນບລສດ ຢນຳຕກຕາດຟານກໄດ, ເຊງບວາຈະເປນບອນໃດໆກຈະສາມາດເຮດໃຫທານຕກຫມຮກກບແຫງທອງທຽວຕາງໆນໄດຢາງງາຍດາຍ.

ສວນພາກເຊອມຕອາຊຽນໃນສະບບນ, ພວກເຮາພາທານໄປພບພປະສບການທອງທຽວໂດຍ ການພກອາໄສຢນຳເຮອນປະຊາຊນ ທບານ ຄຳປງບງ ໃນ ມາເລເຊຍ, ເຊງບານດງກາວ ແມນຕງຢແຄມແມນຳ ເປຣກ ແລະ ແມນຳນປຽບສະເໝອນຊາຍແດນແບບທຳມະຊາດ ຂນລະຫວາງມາເລເຊຍ ແລະ ໄທ ເຊງຍາວຢຽດກວາ 1000 ກມ. ນອກນນພວກເຮາຍງໄດ ແວຖາຍຮບຢ ມດສະຢດ ຄຣເຊ ໃນປດຕະນນຳອກ.

ການເດນທາງຜະຈນໄພບໄດໝາຍຄວາມວາຈະຕອງເດນທາງໄປບອນໃໝໆ ສະເໝໄປ ແລະ ສະບບນ ພວກເຮາເອງ ກໄດມໂອກາດ ເຂາໄປສຳຜດກບວຖ ການດຳລງຊວດປະຈຳວນຂອງ ຊາວປະມງຢແຄມແມນຳຂອງ. ແມນຳຂອງປຽບສະເໝອນສາຍນະທແຫງຊວດທໄຫຜານ 4 ປະເທດ ແລະ ເປນບອນລຽງປາກລຽງທອງໃຫແກປະຊາຊນຫາຍພນຄນທດຳລງຊວດຢຕາມ ແຄມແມນຳຂອງ. ແມນຳຂອງ ບພຽງແຕເປນບອນຫາປາຂອງຊາວປະມງເທານນ, ແຕຍງເປນທເພງພາອາໄສໃຫແກການດຳລງຊວດໃນແຕລະວນ ຂອງພວກເຂາ.

ຫວງວາທານຈະເພດເພນໄປກບການອານວາລະສານຂອງພວກເຮາສະບບນ. ສວນໃນເດອນ ໜາ, ພວກເຮາຈະພາທານໄປທອງທຽວທາງພາກໃຕທແຂວງ ຈຳປາສກ ເຊງຍງມຫາຍໆ ບອນທຄນຍງບທນຄອຍຮ ບວາຈະເປນໝບານຕາງໆ, ການຂຊາງ, ນຳຕກຕາດອນສວຍງາມ, ແລະ ອນໆ. ຂຂອບໃຈທທານໄດຮວມຜະຈນໄພໄປກບເຮາ!

ພນລະຄອນ ສບນເຮອງຜອຳນວຍການ

Sabaidee readers!

February is a time for celebrating romance. So for our 24th issue

we take you to eight destinations to help you start to create a long

lasting romance. From the grand Kong Lor cave in Khammoune,

to the cloud covered mountain peaks of Xaysomboun, and the

invigorating air at the Tad Fane Waterfall there is a chance you

could fall in love with these destinations and more.

For this month’s ASEAN Connect, we experience Malaysian

homestay-style tourism in Kampung Beng Village. Located on the

Perak River, the river acts as a natural border between Malaysia

and Thailand and stretches over 1,000 kilometers. We also visit

the elegant Krue Se Mosque in Pattani for a photo session.

Exploring is not always about going a new destination. We get

a chance to dive into the daily life of the fishermen of Mekong

River. The Mekong is a lifeline that passes through four countries,

feeding thousands of people who live along its shores. These

fishermen not only feed from it, they depend on the river for their

livelihood.

Please sit back and enjoy this issue. Next month, we take you

to the south into Champasak. There are many unseen villages

elephant riding, majestic waterfalls and more.

Thank you for exploring with us!

Phanhlakhone SyboonheungThe Director

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8 Romantic Destinations in Laos

CONTRIBUTORS

Lifestyle

20 Life of Mekong Fishermen41 Guide To – Sweet Accommodations48 EAT, DRINK, RELAX, SEE & DO, SLEEP listings

Travel

24 Asean Connect - Malaysia Homestay30 Cover Story - 8 Romantic Destinations in Laos

People

16 Sabaidee Guest - Dr. Khampheng SAYSOMPHENG

News & Events

10 What’s On14 What’s New

THIS ISSUE24th

FEBRUARY 2015

ON THE COVER

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Anousone Vongphrachanh

After spending most of his earlier years in the United States, Anousone Vongphrachanh decided to return to his native born country of Laos PDR. He is an outdoor person at heart. When he is not trekking or snowboarding, he is exploring for good food experiences whether it is fine dining or street side food carts.

Nipon Riabriang

Freelance photographer, Nipon photographs screen shots for movies, contributes to several travel magazines and newspapers such as Na-ture Explorer, Holidays Magazine, Casaviva, The Art of Siam, and does advertising shots. He is also a photography lecturer and organizes his photo exhibitions such as, “Why Thai Society Needs a Revolution” and “Bee Here Now”.

Michelle Luehman

Michelle has spent the last 20 years living and working around the world. Most of that time has been spent around Asia. An avid observ-er of people and places, she has written extensively about life in Asia both as a visitor and a resident. She has worked for lifestyle and travel magazines around the globe capturing the essence and flavor of life in each different locality.

Phonesavanh Sangsomboun

Connecting and associating with new people from all walks of life has given a chance for Phonesavanh to broaden his experiences and knowledge. Phonesavanh is a visual reporter engaged in multimedia through photo and video journalism. He has travelled to many countries around the world, both in Asia and Europe, to report from these places. He strongly believes media plays a significant role in reflecting societal issues and gives a light to those who do not have it.

[ ຄະນະທປກສາ / Consultants ] ພດທະລະພງ ຄງວຈດ Pattarapong Kongvijit / ມານະໄຊ ອນແກວ Manachai Inkaew / [ ຜອຳນວຍການ / Director ] ພນລະຄອນ ສບນເຮອງPhanhlakhone Syboonheung / [ ບນນາທການອຳນວຍການ / Editorial Director ] ເກດ ພດທະຢາກອນສນ Gaid Phitthayakornsilapa / [ ບນນາທການບລຫານ / Editor inChief ] ຄຳສວນ ຈນທະລາດ Khamsouan Chanthalat / [ ບນນາທການ ພາສາອງກດ / English Editor ] ອະນສອນ ວງພະຈນ Anousone Vongphrachanh / [ ຜອຳນວຍການຝາຍຂາຍ / Sales & Marketing Director ] ຊະຍາດາ ອະລຍະພນຈະເລນ Chayada Ariyaphoncharoen / [ ປະສານງານການຕະຫາດ / Marketing Co-ordinator ] ບນລອດສດທພງ Bounlod Sittiphong / [ ທມງານຂາວ / Reporter ] ເທບພະວງສອນ ບວພາ Thepphavongsone Bouapha / [ ຈດໜາ ແລະ ອອກແບບ/ Layout Design ] ເກດ ພດທະຢາກອນສນ Gaid Phitthayakornsilapa / [ ຫອງການວາລະສານສະບາຍດ / Sabaidee Magazine Sales Office ] ທ ເອສ ເອມ ລາວ 256 ບານ ໜອງບອນ ເມອງໄຊເສດຖານະຄອນຫວງວຽງຈນ ສປປ ລາວ THM Lao Co., Ltd 265 Nongbone Village, Xaysettha, Vientiane Lao P.D.R [ ໂທ / Tel ] +856 21 454782, +856 20 5516 2440[ ມຖ / Mob ] +856 20 5884 8376, +66 83 018 4076(Thai) [ ອເມລ ບນນາທການ / Editor Email ] editor@sabaidee-magazine.com [ ອເມລ ຝາຍຂາຍ / SalesEmail ] chayada@sabaidee-magazine.com [ ເຈາຂອງ ແລະ ຜຈດພມ / Owner & Publisher ] ທ ເອສ ເອມ ລາວ THM Lao Co., Ltd. [ ພມທ / Print by ] ໂຮງພມ ລາວຍນພຮນ ຈຳກດ Lao Uniprint Press Co., Ltd

WHERE WE ARE

VIENTIANEIncreasingly modern bustling capital with a trailblazing dining scene that must be tasted to be believed. Here you’ll

alongside Parisian-style boulangeries, glossy developments, a young emerging creative scene, and some of the country’s most lively marketplaces.

LUANG PRABANGTranquil heritage-listed city boasting exquisite handicrafts, rich cultural sites steeped in history, a cosmopolitan bar scene and oodles of French colonial charm, all where the idyllic Nam Kahn and Mekong rivers meet. The perfect destination for the discerning traveller, the city is dotted with boutique hotels and spas.

VANG VIENGOne-time party haven turned an outdoor enthusiasts dream, the small town is set to

and lush forest. Nothing beats whiling a day away kayaking down the Nam Song river or taking a dip at the serene blue lagoon – utter relaxation in nature.

SAVANNAKHETSitting on the banks of the Mekong, this growing city is the second-largest in Laos. The town centre houses ambient French Colonial architecture and small and friendly eateries are dotted along the riverfront. Just beyond the city

nearby Dong Natad Protected Area.

PAKSEThe capi ta l o f the southern province of Champassak, Pakse is the gateway to the picturesque Bolaven Plateau which is home to an abundance of scenic waterfalls and motorcycle routes, and is widely regarded as producing some of the highest-quality coffee in the country.

THAKHEKA launching pad for the captivating Thakhek Loop. Throw your kit on a rented motorbike and set off on a 4-day journey to explore the hidden Buddha Cave, secluded water holes, tiny villages and, the main attraction, Kong Lor Cave which houses a snaking river system accessed only by motorboat.

XAYABOURY Home to the Land of Million Elephants’ highest pachyderm population. Each year in February

creatures during the annual Elephant Festival.

HMLAO

WHO'S

All material appearing in Sabaidee Lifestyle & Travel Magazine is strictly copyrighted and all rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the prior written permission to the copyright holder. All articles and photographs published herein are created by the authors and photographers at their own discretion and do not necessarily represent the view of the publisher of the magazine. Sabaidee Lifestyle & Travel Magazine holds no responsibility or liability arising out of the publication of such articles and photographs.

ONLINE EDITION ALSO AVAILABLE AT:

For more informationvisit www.sabaidee-magazine.com

or simply scan the QR code

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What’s On

The metal bands of Laos and Thailand converged on stage at Mark2 Club for a night of thrashing on February 7th. The thrash metal music community in Laos may still be small, but they are a spirited bunch and plays it hard on stage.

www.facebook.com/babiescorpse.thatdam

Metal Destruction 2015

An art exhibition “Monsoon Country’’ by Thep Thavonsouk at Mercure Vientiane Hotel, 5 - 8 February 2015. A collection of oil on canvas and water colour, pastel & ink on rice paper by Internationally Acclaimed Lao born Canadian Artist, Theìp Thavonsouk. He has participated in many regional & International exhibitions and nomination for sovereign Art Prize 2010.

“My paintings are inspired by light and shadow. I am moved by striking moods in the clouds, rain and mist as well as a flow of monks’ saffron robes”

www.junerain.com

“Monsoon Country’’

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Cool & kawaii 2015

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Vientianale Film Fest Hits Screens in March 2015Athidxay (Ding) Bouandaoheaung is a Vientiane-based documentary filmmaker, director of the DokLao Learning Center and producer for Lao New Wave Cinema Productions. Ding has also been actively involved in the Vientianale Film Festival since its beginning in 2009, managing the logistics of the capital’s major film event and liaising with the Lao Cinema Department, the festival’s long-term partner, while team members Hélène Ouvrard, Margarete Magiera and Kate Antonas work on fundraising, programming and marketing. The 2015 Short Film Competition is themed ‘Back to the Roots’. Entries will be screened on the final day of the festival. “In a dramatically evolving region, we want filmmakers to reflect what it means for them to be Lao, 40 years after the founding of Lao PDR,” Ding explains. March 12-15, Vientianale will screen contemporary Lao and international short and feature films at its outdoor evening venue, outside the Cultural Hall. Daytime screenings will be held at the Cinema Department, off Khouvieng Road. The festival also features

performances from Khao Niew Theatre, Fang Lao dance company, and Lao musicians. An art exhibition themed ‘Back to the Roots’ will be held at i:cat gallery. All Vientianale screenings and events are free of charge and open to the public.For the full programme visit www.vientianale.org or Facebook.com/vientianale.

ໃນວນທ 28/01/2015 ທ ບານອອມ ເມອງອານວງ ແຂວງໄຊສມບນ ໄດມ ພທ ມອບ-ຮບ ໂຮງຮຽນ ບານອອມ ເມອງອານວງ ແຂວງໄຊສມບນ ພາຍ ໃຕການເປນປະທານຂອງ ທານ ດຣ.ສມບດ ເຢຍລເຮ ເລຂາຄະນະບລຫານ ງານພກແຂວງ ເຈາແຂວງ ແຂວງ ໄຊສມບນ ແລະ ເປນກຽດເຂາ ຮວມມ ທານ ສທງ ທອງແກວ ຮອງເລຂາຄະນະພກກະຊວງ ລດຖະມນຕ ຊວຍວາການກະຊວງ ໄປສະນ ໂທລະຄມມະນາຄມ ແລະ ການສສານ, ທານ ພນຕ ສບນ ຫນນະຈຳປາ ຮອງຫວ ຫນາກມໃຫຍການເມອງກະຊວງປອງກນປະເທດ, ທານ ຄນ ໄຊສະນະວງໄຊ ຮອງຫວຫນາກມອານບານ ແລະ ປະຖມ ກະຊວງສກສາທການ ແລະ ກລາ, ທານ ທອງໃສ ຊານໄຊຍະ ຜອຳນວຍການໃຫຍລາວໂທລະຄມ ພອມດວຍແຂກຜມກຽດ ສມວນຊນ ແລະ ພ ແມ ປະຊາຊນ ບານ ອອມ ເຂາຮວມຢາງພອມພຽງ.

ຈດປະສງໃນການສາງໂຮງຮຽນແຫງນແມນເພອປະກອບສວນເຂາໃນການສາງສາ ແລະ ພດທະນາປະເທດຊາດ ຕາມທດທາງທ ພກ-ລດ ວາງອອກ ແລະ ເພອເປນການສາງຄວາມສະດວກສະບາຍໃຫກບພແມປະຊາຊນ, ຊາວຄາຂາຍ ແລະ ນກທລະກດ ທງໃນພນທນ ແລະ ພນທໃກຄຽງ ໄດນຳເອາລກຫລານຂອງຕນ ໄດເຂາມາຮຳຮຽນ ໃນໂຮງຮຽນທໄດມາດຕະຖານແຫງນ ແລະ ມຄອາຈານຄອຍ ເບງແຍງສດສອນ ເພອໃຫນອງໆໄດເຕບໃຫຍ ແລະ ມຄວາມຮກາວຂນໄປຮຽນ ໃນລະດບຕໆໄປ ເປນລກທດຂອງພແມ ເປນສດທດຂອງຄອາຈານ ແລະ ເປນພນລະເມອງ ດຂອງຊາດ ນຳເອາຄວາມຮຄວາມສາມາດ ດງກາວມາສາງສາ ພດທະນາປະເທດຊາດຕໄປ..

ພທມອບ-ຮບ ໂຮງຮຽນ ບານ ອອມ ເມອງ ອານວງແຂວງ ໄຊສມບນ

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What’s New

ຮບເງາ ຮກນທວຽງຈນ ສາຍຮອບສມວນ ຊນມແລງນ. ເລມສາຍທໂຮງຮບເງາ ໄອເຕກ, ນະຄອນຫວງວຽງຈນ ໃນວນທ 13-22 ກມພານ

ຮກນ ທວຽງຈນViENTiANE iN LOVE

Vientiane’s Trial 2015Historic Town Pilot Project – Historic Town Renovation To create attractive cityscape and comfortable street spaces for tourists and locals. January 31st - February 1st, 7th, 8th

Location: between Chao Anou Street & Francois Ngin Street

Car free streets Guided historical walking tours Street performances Art exhibitionswww.facebook.com/pudmlaos

Le SommelierVisit the new wine bar and modern European restaurant near Nam Phou central area in Vientiane. Relax on their side walk patio area and enjoy the street view.Open 10:00am - 11:00pm phone: +856 30 51 66 333www.facebook.com/lesommeliervtelaos

“Vientiane in Love” Press screening at Lao ITECC cinema tonight. Coming to ITECC Cinema in Vientiane, 13th - 22nd February, 2015. We have English subtitles too for our International audience friends!

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ໃນລະຫວາງວນທ 24/1/2015 ສະຖານບລການນຳມນ ວແອວວ ຫລກ 9 ຕງຢ ເມອງ ໄກສອນພມວຫານ ແຂວງສະຫວນະເຂດ ໄດມການຈດພທເປດຂນ ຢາງເປນທາງການ ໂດຍໃຫກຽດເປນປະທານເປດງານ ທານຍາປາ ແກວສາຍໃຈ ໄຊຍະສອນ ພນລະຍາຂອງທານຈມມະລ ໄຊຍະສອນ ເລຂາທການໃຫຍພກປະ ຊາຊນປະຕວດລາວ ປະທານປະເທດ ສປປ ລາວ ແລະ ຮວມຕດລບບນເປດງານ ໂດຍທານ ດຣ. ສພນ ແກວມໄຊ ເລຂາພກແຂວງ ເຈາແຂວງສະຫວນະເຂດ ທານ ດຣ. ໂພໄຊ ໄຊຍະສອນ ເລຂາພກເມອງ ເຈາເມອງໄກສອນພມວຫານ, ທານ ສມຍດ ຄງປຣະເວດ ຜຊວຍກຳມະການຜຈດການໃຫຍການຕະຫລາດພານດ ແລະ ຕາງປະເທດໜວຍທລະກດນຳມນ ບລສດ ປຕທ ຈຳກດ (ມະຫາຊນ) ແລະ ທານວໄລວອນ ຊມພນພກດ ເຈາຂອງສະຖານບລການນຳມນ ວແອວວ ຫລກ 9.

ເປດສະຖານບລການນຳມນ ວແອວວ ຫລກ 9 ຢາງເປນທາງການສະຖານບລການນຳມນດງກລາວ ເປນຮບແບບຄບວງຈອນແຫງຫລາສດຂອງ ພທທ (ລາວ) ທໄດເປດດຳເນນການ ໂດຍນກທລະກດຄນລາວ ເພອຮອງຮບ ກບການຂະຫຍາຍຕວຂອງຕວເມອງ ເສດຖະກດທຂະຫຍາຍຕວໂດຍສະເພາະ ໃນເຂດເສດຖະກດພເສດ ໃນແຂວງສະຫວນະເຂດ ເຊງໄດທດລອງເປດບລ ການມາແລວເປນເວລາສອງເດອນ ພາຍໃນສະຖານບລການນຳມນ ມສງອຳ ນວຍຄວາມສະດວກ ແລະ ກດຈະການຕາງໆເຊນ ຫອງນຳທສະອາດ ຮານສະ ດວກຊ ຮານຄາເຟອາເມຊອນ ສນປຽນຖາຍນຳມນເຄອງ ທະນາຄານ ຮານ ລາງລດທທນສະໄໝ ຮານອາຫານ ຮານເສມສວຍ ແລະ ຮານຂາຍເຄອງກລາ ພອມດຽວກນນນຕາງຫນາພທທ (ລາວ) ທານ ສມຍດ ຄງປຣະເວດ ຍງໄດມອບ ຖງຂ ເຫຍອໃຫແກ ທານ ດຣ. ສພນ ແກວ ມໄຊ ເພອໃຊໃນກດຈະກຳຮກສາ ຄວາມສະອາດ ພາຍໃນແຂວງສະຫວນະ ເຂດອກດວຍ.

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Sabaidee Guest

ດຣ. ກຳແພງ ໄຊສມແພງ ເຈາແຂວງຫວງພະບາງDR. KHAMPHENG SAYSOMPHENG LUANG PRABANG GOVERNOR

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ເມອງຫລວງພະບາງໄດຖກຄດເລອກເປນເມອງຍອດນຍມແຫງການທອງທຽວຂອງໂລກ“Best City” in the Wanderlust Travel Award for 2015

ວາລະສານສະບາຍດ ມໂອກາດສຳພາດ ດຣ ກຳແພງ ໄຊສມແພງ ທານເຈາແຂວງຫວງພະບາງ ເຖງການພດທະນາການທອງທຽວຂອງແຂວງຫວງພະບາງ ດງນ

ຕອນນ ເມອງຫລວງພະບາງມແນວໂນມພດທະນາ ການທອງທຽວແນວໃດ ?

ປດຈບນ ການທອງທຽວຂອງເມອງຫລວງພະບາງມ ແນວໂນມຂະຫຍາຍຕວຂນເປນກາວໆ, ພວກເຮາໄດເອາໃຈໃສພດທະນາການທອງທຽວ ເຊງເປນທາແຮງ ສຳຄນໃນການຫນປຽນໂຄງປະກອບເສດຖະກດຂອງ ແຂວງ ເປນໃຈກາງທາງດານການບລການການ ທອງທຽວຂອງບນດາແຂວງພາກເໜອ ແລະ ອານ ພາກພນ. ພວກເຮາໄດເອາໃຈໃສເຂາໃນການພດທະ ນາພນຖານໂຄງລາງ ເພອຮອງຮບເຂາວຽກງານທອງ ທຽວເປນຕນແມນພດທະນາໂຮງແຮມ, ບານພກ, ຮານອາຫານ, ແຫງທອງທຽວໃຫໄດມາດຕະຖານສາ ກນໄດເອາໃຈໃສສກສາອບຮມ ໃຫປະຊາຊນບນດາ ເຜາ ແລະ ຊນຄນຕາງໆ ເປນເຈາການໃນການປກປກຮກ ສາຄນຄາເມອງມລະດກຫລວງພະບາງໃຫຍນຍງ, ຕດພນກບວດທະນະທາ ແລະ ທາມະຊາດ,ສາງພະ ນກງານວຊາຊບການທອງທຽວ, ການບລການໃຫຊາ ນານງານ,ສງເສມໃຫທກພາກສວນເສດຖະກດເຂາ ໃນການພດທະນາພນຖານໂຄງລາງເພອຮອງຮບການ ທອງທຽວ; ສາງແຫງໂຄສະນາການທອງທຽວລະດບ ສາກນໃຫດ ສາງໃຫມການເຊອມໂຍງການທອງທຽວ ພາຍໃນຂງເຂດ, ພາກພນ ແລະ ສາກນໃຫ ກວາງ ຂວາງ, ເຊງໃນແຕລະປ ຫລວງພະບາງມນກທອງທຽວ ຕາງປະເທດເຂາທຽວຊມຫລວງພະບາງ 400,000 ກວາຄນ.

ຫລວງພະບາງທສມບນແບບຕາມທທານຄດຝນເປນແນວໃດ ?

ເມອງຫລວງພະບາງໄດຮບການສາງຕງຂນເປນເວ ລາພນກວາປແລວ, ເປນເມອງທມທວທດທຳມະຊາດ ສວຍສດງດງາມ ມພນຖານວດຖບຮານປສະນຍະສະ ຖານອນລຊຫລາຍແຫງ, ໃນປດຈບນນແມນມຄວາມ ພນເດນໃນເວທສາກນ ກຄໃນໂລກ, ພາຍຫລງເມອງ ຫລວງພະບາງ ໄດຖກຮບຮອງຈາກອງການອຍແນດສະ ໂກຮບຮອງເປນເມອງ ມລະດກໂລກໃນປ 1995; ທາງລດຖະບານ ກຄອຳນາດການປກຄອງແຂວງຫລວງ ພະບາງໄດເອາໃຈໃສ ໃນການປກປກຮກສາ ແລະ ສງເສມວຽກງານການທອງທຽວ ແລະ ເຮດໃຫບນດາ ແຂກທງພາຍໃນ ແລະ ຕາງປະເທດເຂາມາທຽວຊມ ຫລວງພະບາງນບມນບຫລາຍຂນ. ເມອງຫລວງພະບາງ ໄດຖກຄດເລອກເປນເມອງຍອດນຍມ ແຫງການທອງ ທຽວຂອງໂລກຫລາຍປຊອນຄ: ປ 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 ແລະ

ປ 2015 ຫລວງພະບາງ ຂອງພວກຂາພະເຈາກໄດຮບລາງວນລາງວນດງກາວນອກຄງ, ນອກຈາກນນ, ເມອງຫວງພະບາງຍງໄດຮບນາມມະຍດ ເປນເມອງ ປອດຄວນຢາສບ,ເປນເມອງທມສຂຽວຂອງກມອາຊຽນ ແລະ ເປນເມອງນາມະຍດອນໆ, ນມນໄດສະແດງໃຫ ເຫນວາເມອງຫລວງພະບາງເປນເມອງໜງທມຄວາມໜາສນໃຈ ແລະ ມສມບນແບບທາງດານການທອງທຽວ. ຕໄປ ພວກຂາພະເຈາຈະເພມທະວສກສາອບຮມຊນ ຄນຕາງໆຊາວຫວງພະບາງມນາໃຈປກປກຮກສາ ແລະ ພດທະນາສງຕາງໆໃຫດຂນຢາງບຢດຢງ ແລະ ໃຫຫວງ ພະບາງຊງຄນຄາຕະຫອດກາລະນານ.

ການເດນທາງຄມມະນາຄມຂນສງໃນຫລວງພະບາງ ຕອນນເປນແນວໃດ ?

ຈາກການຂະຫຍາຍຕວທາງດານເສດຖະກດ - ສງຄມ ແລະ ການພດທະນາການທອງທຽວຢາງແຂງແຮງນນ ລດຖະບານກຄ ການນຳຂອງແຂວງຫວງພະບາງໄດ ເອາໃຈໃສໃນການປບປງພນຖານໂຄງລາງຢາງແຂງ ແຮງ ໂດຍສະເພາະແມນການຄມມະນາຄມນບ ທງທາງນຳ, ທາງອາກາດ ແລະ ທາງບກ; ປດຈບນທວ ແຂວງຫວງພະບາງ ມບານທມເສນທາງລດໄປເຖງ ແລະ ທຽວໄດຕະຫອດປມ 595 ບານ, ກວມເອາ 78,18% ຂອງບານທງໝດໃນທວແຂວງ, ພອມນນ ໄດມການເປດເສນທາງລດໂດຍສານ ເຊອມຕປະເທດ ໃກຄຽງ, ເຊນ: ຫວງພະບາງ-ດຽນຟ, ຫວງພະບາງ-ເຫງອານ (ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ). ຫວງພະບາງ - ສບ ສອງພນນາ (ສປ ຈນ). ຫວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງໃໝ, ຈງຫວດເລຍ (ຣາຊະອານາຈກໄທ).

ໄດປບປງ-ຍກລະດບສະໜາມບນໃຫເປນສະໜາມ ບນສາກນ, ເປດສາຍການບນຫວງພະບາງ - ຮາໂນຍ (ສສ ຫວຽດນາມ). ຫວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງຮງ (ສປ ຈນ). ຫວງພະບາງ-ບາງກອກ, ຫວງພະບາງ - ຊຽງໃໝ, ຫວງພະບາງ - ສໂຂໄທ (ຣາຊະອານາຈກໄທ). ຫວງພະບາງ - ສຽມຣຽບ (ກຳປເຈຍ) ຕມອກ;

ນອກຈາກ ເສນທາງບກ ແລະ ອາກາດແລວແຂວງພວກເຮາກໄດເອາໃຈໃສ ໃນການຂນສງທາງນຳຕດພນກບການທອງທຽວ ໂດຍສະເພາະແມນການເດນ ເຮອຈາກຫວງພະບາງໄປເມອງຫວຍຊາຍ,ແຂວງບແກວ, ຫວງພະບາງໄປປາກແບງແຂວງອດມໄຊ, ຫວງພະບາງ-ໄຊຍະບລ ຕາມລຳແມນຳຂອງໃນຕວ ເມອງຈະການດທາງ ແລະ ລດເດນໃຫ ສອດຄອງຕມ ອກ,ໄດສາງລະບຽບການຈລະຈອນທາງອາກາດ, ທາງ ນາ, ທາງບກດຂນ, ເພອເຮດໃຫການບລການຄມມະ ນາຄມເຂາສລະບຽບ ແລະ ໄດມາດຖານສາກນ. ອານາຄດລດຖະບານຈະສາງທາງລດໄຟຄວາມໄວສງ ຜານແຂວງຫວງພະ ບາງ ແລະ ຈະສາງສະຖານລດໄຟ

ດງກາວຢເມອງຫວງພະບາງ.

ຄວາມປຽນແປງຂອງຫລວງພະບາງທທານຄດວາຄນທ ເຄຍມາທຽວແລວຄວນຈະກບມາຢຽມຢາມອກຄງຄຫຍງ ?

ຍອນເມອງຫລວງພະບາງ ເປນເມອງໜງທຮກສາ ໄດຄນຄາຂອງເມອງມລະດກ, ເປນເມອງທມສະເໜ, ມອາລຍະທຳອນເກາແກ, ມສະຖານແຫລງທອງທຽວ ທາງດານວດທະນາທຳ, ທຳມະຊາດທສວຍສດງດ ງາມ, ຊາວຫວງພະບາງເປນຄນທມນາໃຈໂອບເອອ ອາລ, ຕອນຮບແຂກຄນທມາທອງທຽວຫລວງພະ ບາງດວຍຄວາມສພາບຮຽບຮອຍ,ອອນໂຍນແລະຍມ ແຍມແຈມໃສ. ອກປະການ ໜງຍອນນກທອງທຽວ ມາຢຽມຢາມແລວ ນກທອງທຽວມກດຈະກາຮວມກບ ປະຊາຊນທາການຜະລດ, ສາງກດຈະກາຕາງໆ ເຊນ: ປກພດ, ດານາ, ລຽງສດ, ສາງໂຮງຮຽນ, ສກສາລາ, ສະໂມສອນບານແລະ ອນໆ..., ສະນນ, ນກທອງທຽວ ທໄດມາຫລວງພະບາງແລວຢາກຈະກບມາອກຕມ, ບາງຄນກມາຢຽມຢາມຫລວງພະບາງຫລາຍກວາ 2 ຄງ, ມາແລວຢາກຈະມາອກ.

ແນະນຳສງທຕອງ ໄປກນ ໄປຊມ ໄປສຳພດ ທຫລວງພະບາງ

ແຂວງຫລວງພະບາງມແຫລງທອງທຽວ 228 ແຫງ ເປນຕນແມນ: ມແຫລງທອງທຽວທາງທຳມະຊາດ ( ນາຕກຕາດກວາງຊ, ຕາດແສ,ຖາຕງ, ຂເຮອຊມທຳ ມະຊາດແມນາຂອງ...);ມແຫລງທອງທຽວທາງວດທະນາທຳ, ວດວາອາຮາມ,ປສະນຍະສະຖານທລຊ ( ວດຊຽງທອງ, ພະທາດພສ,ຫພພດທະພນ,ພະທາດ ໝາກໂມ...); ນອກຈາກນນຍງມບານຜະລດເຄອງ ຫດຖະກຳ ( ບານຜານມບານຊາງຄອງ,ບານຊຽງ ເຫລກ, ບານຊາງໄຫ...., ທຽວຊມທຳມະຊາດ, ພກ ແຮມຄນຕາມບານຊນເຜາຂຊາງຊມທຳມະຊາດ ແລະ ນອກຈາກມາທຽວຢເມອງຫວງພະບາງແລວ, ນກທອງ ທຽວຍງສາມາດໄປທຽວຊມແຫງທອງທຽວຕາງໆ ຢບນດາເມອງ ຄ: ເມອງຊຽງເງນ, ເມອງນາບາກ,ເມອງ ງອຍ, ເມອງໂພນທອງ, ເມອງພຄນ...,ເຊງມແຫງທອງທຽວປະສມປະສານ ຫາກຫາຍ ແລະ ໜາຈບໃຈ.

ເມອງຫລວງພະບາງມຮານອາຫານຫລາຍແຫງທ ແຊບຊອຍ, ມອາຫານທເປນເອກະລກຂອງຊາວຫວງ ພະບາງເປນຕນ: ເອາະຫາມ, ແຈວບອງ, ໄສອວ, ໄຄແຜນ, ເຂາໜມ........

ທານຢາກບອກນກທອງທຽວ ຫລເຊນຊວນແນວໃດ ໃຫມາຢຽມຢາມຫລວງພະບາງ?

ຂາພະເຈາໃນນາມຕາງໜາໃຫແກອງການປກຄອງແຂວງ ແລະ ຊາວຫລວງພະບາງຂສະແດງຄວາມຂອບ ໃຈມາຍງນກ ສາພາດທໃຫໂອກາດແກຂາພະເຈາ ໄດສະເໜຊແຈງ

18

Luang Prabang was voted “Best City” in the WanderlustTravel Award for 2015.Sabaidee Magazine was given a special opportunity to interview the Governor of Luang Prabang, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng shares with us the progress they have achieved and their future plans.

What are the directions toward tourism development in Luang Prabang?

Currently tourism industry in Luang Prabang is constantly growing, and we are committed in the development of tourism industry which is a significant potential for economic structure reform in the province, to turn the province into central hub of tourism and services of the Northern provinces and the region. We put a lot of effort into improving the infrastructure in preparation for welcoming tourists, such as improving hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and major attractions to meet the international standard. We encourage the locals to take ownership into protecting the heritage town of Luang Prabang, culturally and environmentally. We provide technical assistance for workers in tourism and services industry. We encourage all sectors to take part in infrastructure development to support tourism. We put effort into promoting tourism internationally, and into strengthening national, regional and international tourism integration. We have over 400,000 international tourists visiting Luang Prabang every year.

What is your ideal of a perfect Luang Prabang?

Established thousand years ago, Luang Prabang has a beautiful scenery, famous ancient sanctuary and archaeological finds, and the city became world-renowned when it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. On behalf of the government, our Luang Prabang provincial authority is committed to the preservation and promotion of tourism to attract more tourists, both local and international, to visit Luang Prabang. It was voted as the most favorite travel destination in the world for many years, including 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010,

How are the transportation and communication systems in Luang Prabang now?

Through strong socio-economic growth and tourism development, the provincial government has improved the infrastructure, especially water, air and land transportation. Currently, 595 households (78.18% of all households) in Luang Prabang province now have road access year-round. In addition, there are also new road that connects to neighboring countires, such as: Luang Prabang - DienPhu, Luang Prabang - Hoi An (Vietnam); Luang Prabang – Sipsong Panna (China); Luang Prabang-Chiangmai, Luang Prabang - Loei (Thailand).

We have also improved/developed our airport to be an international airport, with additional international flights including Luang Prabang - Hanoi (Vietnam); Luang Prabang - Xianghong (China); Luang Prabang - Bangkok, Luang Prabang - Chiangmai, Luang Prabang - Sukhothai (Thailand); and Luang Prabang - Siem Reap (Cambodia).

Apart from land and air transportation, we also focus on water transportation in relation to tourism, especially the boat ride from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai, Bokeo province; Luang Prabang to Pakbeng, Oudomxay province; and Luang Prabang to Xayabouly, along Mekong River. We aim to improve the traffic in the city, and improve traffic regulations for air, water, and land transportation, to ensure a proper

communication system that meets international standards. In the future, the government will build a high-speed railway through Luang Prabang province and we will have a train station here in Luang Prabang.

ແຂວງຫລວງພະບາງເປນແຂວງທອງທຽວ, ໜາຢໜາ ຊມອນດບໜງຂອງໂລກ ແລະ ຂເຊນຊວນບນດາທານ ແຂກທງພາຍໃນ ແລະ ຕາງປະເທດເຂາມາທຽວຊມ ຫລວງພະບາງ, ມາສຳພດກບທຳມະຊາດ, ອາລຍະທຳ ແລະ ແບບແຜນການດຳລງຊວດຂອງຊາວຫລວງພະ ບາງ; ພວກເຮາພອມແລວທຈະໃຫການຮວມມ, ອຳ ນວຍຄວາມສະດວກໃຫແກບນດາທານ ແລະ ຍນດຕອນ ຮບທກໆທານທມຈດປະສງຢາກມາທຽວຊມ ເມອງ ຫລວງພະບາງເມອງມລະດກໂລກແຫງນ. ພອມນເຊນ ຊວນແຂກທກໆທານຈງຊວຍຊບອກດານທຍງຄງຄາງ ກຽວກບການປກປກຮກສາ ແລະ ພດທະນາທາງດານ ການທອງທຽວ,ການບລການ, ເຊງພວກເຮາຍນດຈະ ຮບເອາໄປປບປງໃຫມຄວາມສມບນແບບທກປະການ.

2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and recently in 2015 Luang Prabang was voted “Best City” in the Wanderlust Travel Award. In addition, Luang Prabang is also declared as a smoke-free city, a green city of ASEAN, and other awards, which shows that Luang Prabang is a truly unique place, and a perfect travel destination. We will continue to educate and encourage citizens of Luang Prabang to preserve their own city, and continue to improve all aspects to ensure that its treasure, charm and uniqueness are preserved for eternity.

What are the new changes in Luang Prabang? And why should people return to visit the city?

Luang Prabang is able to preserve its heritage. It is a city of charm, ancient civilization, with beautiful natural and cultural attractions. Luang Prabang people are also kind-hearted, friendly, polite, and gratefully welcome tourists who visit the city. In addition, visitors also had the opportunity to engage in various activities with the local community, such as growing plants, harvesting rice, raising livestocks, building schools, medical centers, and so on. Therefore, tourists who have visited Luang Prabang before are always eager to return; some people have visited the city for more than two times, always wanting to come back.

What are your recommendations on attractions and places to eat in Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang has overall 228 main attractions, including natural attractions (i.e. Tad Kuangsi waterfall, Tad Sae waterfall, Tum Ting cave, cruising along Mekong river), and cultural attractions including ancient temples and archeological finds (i.e. Xiengthong temple, Phousi Stupa, museum, Watermalon stupa). You can also visit local villages that produce handicrafts (Ban Phanom, Ban Xianglek, BanXarnghai), or stay in a homestay with the local tribes, and enjoy the elephant ride. Apart from Luang Prabang city, tourists can also travel to other districts, including Meuang Xiang Ngern district, Meuang Nam Bak, Meuang Ngoi, Meuang Phonethong and Meuang Phoukhoun, which has various kinds of tourist attractions.

Luang Prabang has many good restaurants that serve authentic, unique Luang Prabang food, including Or Larm, JeoBorng, Lao sausage, river weed, and other sweet snacks.

How would you like to invite tourists to visit Luang Prabang?

On behalf of the provincial authority and the people of Luang Prabang, I would like to thank Sabaidee Magazine for the opportunity for Luang Prabang to be featured as a travel destination and as the world’s best city. I would like to invite both local and international tourists to visit Luang Prabang, to experience the ancient civilization, the beautiful nature, and experience the traditional lifestyle of Luang Prabang people. We are ready to accommodate and welcome all of you who wish to visit this world heritage town of Luang Prabang. Moreover, we also welcome any comments and recommendations on the preservation and development of tourism and services that will help us improve this city.

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Travel Feature Words & photos: Phonesavanh Sangsomboun

Photo: Xaykhame Manilasith

ຊວດຊາວປະມງ ລມນຳຂອງ

ຕາມລຽບຝງແມນຳຂອງ ຫາງອອກຈາກຕວເມອງວຽງຈນບໄກ ພເທາໃດ, ທານຈະພບເຫນຊມຊນຊາວປະມງທອາໄສແມນຳຂອງ ອນກວາງໃຫຍໄພສານເປນບອນທຳມາຫາກນລຽງຊບດຳລງຊວດ,ເຊງວຖການດຳລງຊວດອນເປນເອກະລກດງກາວນ ແມນ ໄດສບທອດຕກນມາແລວຫາຍເຊນຄນ ແຕວາໃນປດຈບນກປະກດເຫນວາ ຊວດການເປນຢຂອງພວກເຂາແມນ ເກດມການປຽນແປງທເຫນໄດຢາງຊດເຈນ.

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Photo: Xaykhame Manilasith

ຊາຍຫນມແຫງ ແມນຳຂອງເວລາຕອນນ ຕກຢປະມານ 5 ໂມງເຄງຕອນແລງ ກອນຕາເວນຕກດນ ໜອຍໜງ. ຂອຍແນມເຫນຊາວ ປະມງໜມຜໜງອາໄສຢເຮອນແພ ເທງ ແມນຳຂອງ ກຳລງນງແປງຊມໄກຂອງລາວຢ, ແທນທໆລາວຈະຂເຮອ ຫາງຍາວໄປຫາປາຢ ຕາມແມນຳ.

ທາວ ສດທະຈກ ອາຍ 30 ປ ຮສກເມອຍໜາຍກບການໄປຫາປາຢ ແມນຳຂອງແລວກບມາມເປາຕະຫອດ. ປດຈບນລາວໄດລຽງສດເປນອາຊບ ເສມເພອຫາລາຍໄດເສມເຂາສຄອບຄວ. ສດທະຈກເປນຊຽວຊານໃນ ການຫາປາ ແລະ ຕະຫອດຊວດຂອງລາວແມນທາມາຫາກນລຽງຊບ ດວຍການຫາປາ ແລະ ຂາຍປາເປນຫກ. ລາວໃຊຊວດສວນໃຫຍຢເທງ ເຮອນແພແຄມນຳ ແທນທຈະອາໄສຢເຮອນເທງບກຂອງລາວ ຢບານ ສຖານເໜອ, ນະຄອນຫວງວຽງຈນ.

ທກສະການຫາປາຂອງ ສດທະຈກ ແມນຖວາມຄວາມແນນອນຫາຍ ລາວ ຮບອນແລະຍາມທຫາປາໄດ ແລະ ຮວາຕອງໃຊແຫປະເພດໃດຈງຈະ ໄດປາມາ. ແຕວາປດຈບນ ກໄດກເກດມຫາຍປດໃຈທເຮດໃຫຊວດການຫາປາຂອງຊາວປະມງຢແມນຳຂອງ ມຄວາມຫຍງຍາກຂນບວາຈະ

ເປນການຫາປາຫາຍເກນກຳນດ ຫການນຳໃຊອປະກອນການຫາປາທຜດ ກດໝາຍ. ການຄາດຄະເນຂອງຊາວປະມງ ກບທຽງກງຄແຕກອນ ແລະ ພວກເຂາກຫາປາໄດໜອຍລງນຳ.

ສດທະຈກ ໄດກາວວາ: “ແຕຫາຍປກອນ ພວກເຮາສາມາດຄາດຄະເນໄດຢາງຖກຕອງວາລະດໃດ ແລະ ເດອນໃດແມນຫາປາໄດຫາຍທສດ, ເປນຕນແມນຍາມນຳລງ ແລະ ຍາມອອກພນສາ”. ແຕປດຈບນ ແມນເວາໄດຍາກຫາຍ ວາຍາມໃດປາຈະໄຫເຂາມາມອງຂອງລາວ ແລະ ປາທສເຫອເອາມາຂາຍກນບມນບໜອຍລງ.

ສດທະຈກກາວຕມວາ “ພວກເຮາກຍງຫາປາໄດຢ, ຫາກເຫອແຕປານອຍໆ. ຂອຍຂເຮອອອກໄປ ເພອເອາແຫໄປປອຍປາອອກ, ແຕບເຫນປາພໂຕຕດຢແຫເລຍ”. ແມຂອງ ເປນສາຍນະທແຫງຊວດ ທໄຫຜານສປະເທດ ແລະເປນບອນ ລຽງປາກລຽງທອງ ໃຫແກປະຊາຊນຫາຍພນຄນ ທດຳລງຊວດ ຢຕາມແຄມແມນຳຂອງ. ແມນຳຂອງ ເປນໜງໃນແມນຳທໃຫຍທສດໃນ ໂລກ ແລະ ສາລບສດທະຈກເອງແລວ ລາວກບເຄຍຄດບເຄຍຝນວາມ ໜງປາສໝດໄປຈາກ ແມນຳຂອງ.

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ລາວໂທດອປະກອນຫາປາທທນສະໄໝ ການຫາປາຫາຍເກນກຳນດ ແລະການ ນຳໃຊເຕກນກໄຟຟາມາຊອດປາ. ໂດຍສະເພາະ ການຊອດປານ ແມນເຮດໃຫ ປາບສາມາດສບພນໄດ ແລະ ເຮດໃຫປາບສາມາດລອຍຂນມາ ເທງໜານຳໄດ. “ລອງຄດເບງໃນສະ ໄໝກອນ ພວກເຮາ ພາກນເຫນປາໂຕໃຫຍໆໂດດຂນມາ ເທງໜານຳ ເປນ ສຽງຟວດ ຟາດຕະຫອດ. ແຕດຽວນ ແມນບມໂອກາດໄດເຫນຄ ແຕກແລວ”.

ຫາງຈາກຕບສດທະຈກໄປປະມານ 200 ແມດ ກແນມເຫນ ພຕບວລ ອາຍ 72 ປ ເຊງເປນຊາວປະມງຜເກາແກ ກຳລງປກຄນເບດຂອງລາວໄວເທງຕມ ຕບວລ ໄດຫາປາຢແມນຳຂອງມາເປນເວລາ 50 ປ ແລະ ພຕເອງ ກສງເກດ ເຫນວາ ຈຳນວນປາຢແມນຳຂອງໄດຫດໜອຍລງເຊນ ດຽວກນ. ລາວສງເກດ ເຫນຄນມາຫາປາຢນຳຂອງ ນບມນບຫາຍຂນໂດຍນຳໃຊວທການຈບປາຮບແບບ ໃໝ. ອກກະແສໜງທເປນຕາໜາກງວນ ແມນເວລາ ທເຂາເຈາສານແຫຫາຍໆ ແຫຕກນເປນຂະໜາດໃຫຍ ເຊງບາງເທອກສງເຖງ 4-6 ແມດ.

“ແຕວາເຂາກຍງຈບປາບໄດຢດ ເພາະວາຕາປາມນໄວຫາຍ ແລະ ປາມນ ກສະ ຫາດ. ມນພາກນລອຍໜແຫຂະໜາດໃຫຍໄດຢາງວອງໄວຫາຍ” ຕບວລກາວ.

ພຕບວລເວາວາ ເພນສາມາດອານຄວາມຄດຂອງປາອອກໄດ, ດງນນ ເພນຈງຮບອນຄກແນວາຕອງຕກເບດ ແລະ ຫວານແຫຢບອນໃດ. ແຕສງທເພນກງວນ ກແມນວາ ເລອງອາຍຂອງເພນ ທນບມນບເຖາລງ ແລະ ກະແສນຳກໄຫແຮງ. ປດຈບນ ພຕແມນໄດນງເສອຊຊບ ແລະ ໝວກກນນອກເພອເປນສງປອງກນ.

ພຕກາວວາ: “ເຈາຕອງໄດຮຽນຮນຳ ແລະ ຮຽນຮປາຢາງລະອຽດ ແລະ ຄກ ແນກອນທສມາຫາປາຢນ. ບາງຄນ ເຫນຜອນມາຫາປາໄດ ກະຄດວາເຮາກຕອງ ຫາໄດຄກນ. ແຕມນບແມນແນວນນ. ທຳອດເຈາຕອງໄດຮຽນຮກອນວາຊໃຊແຫ ແນວໃດດ”.

ເຖງແມນວາຈຳນວນປາຈະນບມນບໜອຍລງ, ແຕພຕບວລເອງກຍງສາມາດຫາປາຕດໄມຕດມກບມາເຮອນ ທກໆມ. ພຕກາວວາ: “ປກກະຕພຕສຕງຄນເບດໄວຢາງໜອຍ 50 ຄນຕມ, ແຕທກມນ 5 ຄນກພແລວ ເພາະກະແສນຳ ກໄຫແຮງ ແລະ ຂາພຕກຕດຄາຕມ”, ແລະ ໃນຂະນະທພຕກຳລງເວາຢ, ພຕກກຳ ລງພະຍາຍາມຍກຂາອອກຈາກຕມຂອງແມນຳຂອງໄປນຳ ເຊງຂາພຕເອງກຈມ ລງເລກໄປ 60 ຊງຕແມດແລວ.

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LIFE OF THE MEKONG FISHERMENAlong the banks of the Mekong, just outside the bustle of downtown Vientiane, lives a community of fishermen who depend on the mighty river for their sustenance and livelihood. Their unique lifes tyle has been passed down for generations but now there are signs that change might be on the horizon.

It’s about 5:30 pm, just before the sun sets. A young fisherman who lives in a floating cottage on the Mekong is supposed to be heading out in his long-tail boat to trawl the river. Today, though, he is instead fixing his chicken coop.

Southachack, 30 is tired of coming back from fishing trips on the MeKong empty handed. Now he raises poultry on the side to generate some extra income. He is an expert fisherman, who has spent his whole life making a living from catching and selling fish. He spends most of his time in his floating cottage on the water’s edge, rather than at his permanent house in Sytarnneua Village, Vientiane. Southachack has a well-honed skill set. He knows the best times and places to fish, and the right nets with which to do it.

But recently a variety of factors including overfishing and the use of illegal equipment has made life harder for the fishermen of the Meong. Their predictions have become less accurate their catches, smaller.

“Several years ago we could accurately predict the season and the month for the best catch, like when the water is low around the end of Buddhist Lent,” Southachacksays. He says it has become harder to know when schools of fish will migrate past his river cottage. There have been less fish left over to sell.

“We can still catch, but only small fish,” Southachacksays. “I go out with my boat to empty my nets but find nothing in them. ” . The Mekong is a lifeline that passes through four countries, feeding thousands of people who live along its shores. It is one of the largest

rivers in the world – to fishermen like Southachack, it seems almost inconceivable that the fish could run out.

He blames advanced fishing equipment, overfishing and the use of illegal electro-shock fishing techniques. The latter in particular can make fish infertile and stunt their migration upstream. “Imagine what it was like in the past. It was quite common for us to see big fish splashing loudly on the surface from our cottages. Now we don’t see any. ”

About 200 metres from Southachack’s cottage, veteran fisherman Bualy is planting his fishing rod in the mud. Bualy is a 72-year-old grandfather who has been catching fish in the Mekong for 50 years. He too has noticed a decline in the number of fish. He has observed more and more people coming to fish in the river using advanced tackle. Another worrying trend is people stringing nets together to make huge nets, sometimes as much as 4-6 metres high. “But they still can’t catch the fish because the fish’s eyes are so quick and they are too clever. They escape the big nets very quickly.” Bualy says.

Bualy claims he can read the minds of fish, so he knows exactly where to place hooks and nets. The only things he worries about are his age and the strong current of the river. These days he wears a lifejacket and a helmet as a precaution.

“You have to study the river and the fish carefully before you come to catch," he says. “Some people think that if other people can catch fish, they can do it too. That’s wrong. First you have to learn about good quality fishing nets. ”

Despite the declining population, Bualy still manages to bring home a catch every day. “I usually set at least 50 fishing hooks a day, but today five is enough because the current is so strong and the mud is sucking at my legs” he says, while he works to free one of his legs that has already sunk 60 centimetres into the Mekong’s thick, brown mud.

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Asean Connect words & photos Nipon Riabriang

MALAYSIA

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ຕອນເວລາປະມານ 6 ໂມງເຊາ, ຂອຍຢນເບງກມເດກນອຍມສະລມ ທພວມໄປໂຮງຮຽນໂດຍ ຍາງຈາກບານພວກເຂາມງໜາໄປສທາເຮອຢແມນຳເປຣກ. ແມນຳບອນນ ແມນເປນຊາຍ ແດນລະຫວາງໄທ ແລະ ມາເລເຊຍ ເຊງນອນຢໃນສາຍພ ສນກາລາຄຣ ເຊງປຽບດງຊາຍ ແດນແບບທຳມະຊາດ ທກນເຂດແດນສອງປະເທດ ແລະ ຍາວຢຽດກວາ 1000ກມ, ແລະ ບອນທຂອຍຢນ ແມນແນມເຫນເດກ ນອຍຍາງໄປໂຮງຮຽນແຕເຊາເປນເລອງປກກະຕ. ພວກເຮາເດນທາງມາເປນຄະນະ ເພອຊອກຫາປະສບການທອງທຽວແບບ ໂຮມສະເຕ (ອາ ໄສຢບານປະຊາຊນ) ຢບານ ຄາປງ ເບງ ເຊງຕງຢເປຣກ ຟາກມາເລເຊຍ ແລະ ທວທດ ທາມະຊາດທຂອຍແນມເຫນ ແມນມຄວາມສວຍສດງດງາມ ພປານວາຢໃນນທານ. ຂອຍ ແນມເຫນແມເຖາ ພາຫານນອຍ ຂນຂເຮອໄປໂຮງຮຽນ. ມນເປນວຖການດຳລງຊວດແບບຮຽບ ງາຍແຕມສະເໜຫາຍ ເຊງເມອງດງກາວ ແມນຕງຢຢາງສະຫງບສກທາມກາງສາຍພອອມຮອບ.

ຄະນະຂອງພວກເຮາມສະມາຊກ 8 ຄນລວມທງຄນຂບລດ ແລະ ຜນຳທຽວ ແລະ ພາຍ ຫງທພວກເຮາໂອລມກນ ແລະ ເລມຮຈກກນ, ຂອຍກຮບຟາວຖາຍຮບຢ ມດສະຢດ ຄຣເຊ ຢປດຕະນ ເຊງເປນສະຖານທສກສດ ແລະ ປດຈບນ ກາຍ ເປນສະຖານທທອງທຽວ ທມຫພພທະພນເຊອມຕນຳໂດຍ ໄດວາງສະແດງເຖງ ວຖການດຳລງຊວດຂອງຊມຊນຢໃນ ປດຕານ. ພາຍໃນຫພພທະພນ ມຈສະ ແດງ ຂມນເປນລະບບດຈຕອນຂະໜາດ ໃຫຍ (ຕາມ ທຄນຫາດໃຫຍຢໃນຄະນະເຮາເຊງ ກຳລງຮຽນຕປະລນຍາເອກກາວ) ແຕພວກເຮາບມເວລາ ພເຂາໄປເບງທາງໃນຊຳ, ພຽງ ແຕຖາຍຮບມດສະຢດຢພາຍນອກເທານນ.

Homestays – Live Life Local Styleພກອາໄສຢເຮອນປະຊາຊນ ແບບຄນມາເລເຊຍ

ເມອເຂາສເມອງ ຕາກໃບ ຢແຂວງ ນາຣາທວາດ (ໄທ) ກອນ ທຈະໄປຮອດຊາຍແດນ ສໄຫງໂກລກ, ພວກເຮາກໄດພາກນ ແວວດ ຊນທາຣາສງເຮ, ເຊງຮຈກກນໃນທອງຖນໃນນາມ ວດພທກແຜນດນ, ເຊງຖກສາງຂນສະໄໝທາຍຣາຊະການ ເຈາພຣະຈອມເກາ (ຣາມາ IV), ເກອບ 50 ປກອນການສາງ ຕງຂອງເມອງຕາກໃບ. ເຊງເມອງດງກາວ ແຕກອນ ແມນຂນກບ ລດ ເຄລນຕນ.

ວດດງກາວແມນມບດບາດທາງດານປະຫວດສາດ ໂດຍສະເພາະ ໃນໄລຍະທອານາຈກອງກດ ມາແບງແຍກມາເລເຊຍອອກຈາກສະ ຫຍາມ. ຣາຊະອານາ ຈກສະຫຍາມສາມາດໂນມນາວໃຫອງ ກດຍາຍ ເສນແບງແຍກເຂດແດນຈາກ ບລເວນ ວດໄປຫາແມ ນຳຕາກໃບ ແລະ ສໄຫງໂກລກ ແລະ ເຫດຜນ ກແມນ ຍອນວດຖ ບຮານອນມຄາ ແລະ ພະພດທະຮບອງສກ ສດເກາແກຢພາຍໃນ ວດດງກາວນນເອງ. ສລະປະສາສະໜາ ພດຮບແບບໄທຕອນໃຕ ທງດງາມແຫງນໄດ ຖກສາງຂນໃນສະ ໄໝທເຈາຈລາລງກອນ (ຣາມາ V) ຂນຄອງ ຣາຊ ເຊງລວມມຮບ ແຕມຈດຕະກຳຕາມຝາໂດຍຄບາຈາກ ສງຂລາ ເຊງເປນຮບແຕມທ ສະແດງໃຫເຫນເຖງວຖຊວດ ວດທະນະທຳ.

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ເມອຂາມເຂດຊາຍແດນມາເລເຊຍ ເຂາສລດເຄລນຕນ, ຜນຳຂອງຊມຊນດງ ກາວ ກໄດລຖາຕອນຮບພວກເຮາ ຢຕໜາ ພະລາຊະວງ ອສ ຕານາ ຈາຮາ, ເຊງເປນ ສະຖານທອນງດງາມ ສະຫງາຜາເຜຍໂດຍມ ແສງແດດຍາມແລງ ສອງໃສປະຕ ໂຂງຂອງພະລາຊະວງເຫອມປະກາຍ ຢາງຮງເຮອງ. ຈາກຈດນດ ພບດງກາວ ພວກ ເຮາໃຊເວລາເດນທາງຕມ ອກປະມານ 30 ກມ ກໄປ ຮອດ ກບງ ເທລາກາ ເຊງເປນ ບອນທພວກເຮາອາໄສຢກບບານຂອງປະຊາຊນ. ເມອ ພວກເຮາມາຮອດ ບານ ດງກາວກມປະຊາຊນຫາຍໆຄນພາກນ ນງເຄອງພນ ເມອງມາຢນຖາຕອນຮບ ພວກເຮາຢທາງເຂາສຊມຊນ ຢາງອບອນ.

ເມອພວກເຮາໄປຮອດບານ ທາງບານກມເຂາໜມ ກຍ ກຊ ມາຕອນ ຮບເຊງເປນເຂາໜມຫວານແປງສແດງ ແລະ ມຍດໃສທາງໃນ ຄາຍຄ ເຂາໜມທຽນ ຂອງໄທ, ເປນເຂາໜມລດຊາດແຊບກນຄ ກບເຄອງດມຫວານໆ ກອນທພວກ ເຮາຈະເດນທາງເຂາໄປເຮອນ ທທາງບານໄດກຽມໄວໃຫພວກເຮາ ຢກນ 2 ຄນນຳແຕລະຄວເຮອນ. ລາວບອກຂອຍວາ ແນວຄວາມຄດການທອງທຽວ

ຮບແບບການອາໄສຢກບເຮອນປະຊາຊນນ ແມນເລມຂນໄດ 6 ປກອນ, ແລະ ນກທອງທຽວທມາຢຽມຢາມ ສວນໃຫຍແມນຄນມາເລເອງຈາກກວ ລາລຳເປ ທຢາກມາລອງປະສບການ ການໃຊຊວດແບບຮຽບງາຍ. ສວນ ນກທອງທຽວອນໆ ກມມາຈາກສງກະໂປ, ເກາຫໃຕ ແລະ ຍປນເຊງ ພວກເຂາມຄວາມສນອກສນໃຈ ໃນວຖການດຳລງຊວດອນໂດດເດນ ແລະ ເປນເອກະລກ ພາຍໃນຊມຊນດງກາວນ ອກຢາງໜງລາຄາ ກສມເຫດສມຜນ ເຊງຕກຢພຽງ US$ 20 ໂດລາ ຕຄນລວມມອາ ຫານ 3 ຄາບນຳ. ນອກນນ ນກທອງທຽວຍງສາມາດຮບຊມການສະ ແດງເຊນ ການຫນ ໂຢ-ໂຢ ແບບພນເມອງ ໂດຍຈາຍຕມພຽງເລກ ນອຍເທານນ, ແຕສວນໃຫຍນກທອງທຽວຈະຈາຍ ເປນເຕມຮບແບບທ ລວມມກດຈະກຳຫາກຫາຍຢາງ. ກດຈະກຳທເປນທນຍມ ແມນກດຈະກຳ ທໃຫນກທອງທຽວ ສາມາດລອງປະສບການໃຊຊວດຕວຈງກບເຈາຂອງ ເຮອນໂດຍກງ ເຊນການຕກປາ (ຖາເຈາຂອງເຮອນທຢນຳ ເປນຊາວປະມງ) ຫ ການເຮດນາ (ຖາເຈາຂອງເຮອນທຢນຳ ເປນຊາວນາ).

ຂາມຊາຍແດນ

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ເມອເວາເລອງອາຫານການກນແລວ ຜໃດທຊອກຫາບວງສອມກຈະຜດ ຫວງແດເນອງຈາກວາ ປະຊາຊນຢເຂດນ ບໃຊບວງຫສອມ, ມແຕບວງ ຢຖວຍໄວຕກຂອງກນເທານນ. ຢນ ເວລາກນຕອງໄດໃຊມ ແລະ ກມ ການຳຕງຢ ເອາໄວລາງມ ເຊງທຳອດຂອຍຫງ ຄດວາແມນນຳກນ. ຂອງ ກນສວນໃຫຍເປນອາຫານພນເມອງ ລວມມໄກ, ປາ ແລະ ກະຫກມ ລດຊາດຄາຍຄກນ ກບທາງພາກໃຕຂອງໄທ ແຕຈາງກວາ. ເຈາຂອງ ບານຮສກຕະຫກເມອແນມ ເບງແຂກ ທຝນໃຈກນອາຫານດວຍມ ແລະ ລາວກຫວຂວນຫາຍໆເທອຕອນ ທກນເຂາຢພາເຂາ.

ພຕກແລງມາ ພວກເຮາກໄດຮບຄວາມບນເທງ ໂດຍການຮບຊມການ ສະແດງ ພນເມອງ ຊວາ ເດເກ ບາຣດ (ຄາຍຄການສະແດງ ເດເກ ຮລ ຢຕອນໃຕຂອງໄທ). ຄະນະນກສະແດງ ໜາຕາເຄງຂມ ແຕເຮດໃຫ ບນດາຜຊມ ພປານວາຖກມນສະເໜ ຍອນສຽງຮອງເພງອນກອງກງ ວານຂອງພວກເຂາ. ພວກເຮາບເຂາໃຈດອກວາເຂາຮອງຫຍງ, ແຕວາ ສຽງເພງອນມວນຊນ ບວກກບການເຕນອນມສະເໜ ກເຮດໃຫພວກເຮາ ຄກຄນມວນຊນໄປນຳ.

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ບານຢແຄມນຳຈາກເຄລນຕນ ເຮາກພາກນມງໜາໄປແມນຳ ເພຣກ ແລະ ການເດນທາງ ໄປເມອງນ ກໄດເປດໂອກາດ ໃຫພວກເຮາທອງທຽວ ຂນພລງຜາຕາມສາຍພຂອງເຂດດງກາວ ແລະ ຈາກຈດຊມວວຢ ສວນອທຍານແຫງຊາດເບລຳ ເຊງເປນບອນທພວກເຮາແວກນເຂາ ສວາຍ, ພວກເຮາກແນມເຫນສາຍພ ສນກາລາຄຣ ເຊງເປນຊາຍແດນແບບທຳ ມະຊາດລະຫວາງໄທ ແລະ ມາເລເຊຍ.

ພຕກສວາຍມາ, ພວກເຮາກມາຮອດບານ ຄຳປງ ເບງ (ຄຳວາ ຄຳປງ ແປວາ “ໝບານ” ໃນພາສາມາເລ) ແລະ ຈາກນນເຮາຕອງໄດພາກນ ແບກຫບຂອງພວກເຮາ ລງເຮອໂດຍສານສຳລບ 10 ຄນ. ທວທດ ອອມແອມ ແຄມແມນຳທງສອງຝງ ແມນເປນຕາໜາ ປະທບໃຈຫາຍ ແລະ ຂອຍກພມໃຈທໄດຖາຍຮບງາມໆມາ ໃບໜງ ໃນໄລຍະທພວກ ເຮາຂເຮອເປນເວລາ 15 ນາທ. ເມອ ເຮາມາຮອດທາເຮອຂອງໝບານ, ຂອຍຮສກຄດພ ຕອນໄປຮອດ ທາເຮອຂອງໂຮງແຮມແຫງໜງທມຂນ ຕອນການເຊກອນຄາຍຄ ກນເລຍ, ເຖງແມນວາໂຮງແຮມແຫງນນຈະເປນ ໂຮງແຮມ 6 ດາວ ຢຊຽງຣາຍກຕາມ, ເຊງການເດນທາງທາງນຳແມນວທ ທາງດຽວທຈະ ໄປຮອດໂຮງແຮມດງກາວ.

ມນຂອນຂາງເຫນໄດຢາງຊດເຈນ ວາສງທເຮດໃຫບານອນທຽບກບບານນບ ໄດ ກຍອນວາບານນບມຫນທາງເຂາເຖງໂດຍກງ ແລະ ການເດນທາງທາງນຳ ກແມນວທທາງດຽວທຈະໄປຮອດສະຖານທດງກາວ. ທງນກຕອງຂອບໃຈມາ ຍງການກສາງເຂອນ ທໄດແຈງໃຫຊາວບານຍາຍ ໄປຢເຂດທສງກວາເພອ ຫກລຽງນຳຖວມ. ດງນນ, ບນດາເຮອນຊານໃນ ບານນ ຈງຕງຢເທງພສງ ແລະ ອອມ ຮອບດວຍພເຂາ ແລະ ມນກເປນພາບ ອນໜາປະທບໃຈຫາຍທໄດ ເຫນ ໝດໝບານຖກປກຄມດວຍໝອກໃນຕອນ ເຊາໆ ງດງາມພປານຮບ ແຕມ.

ຂອຍພກຢບານຂອງຟາຣດາ ເຊງເປນແມຄວທເຮດອາຫານແຊບໆໃຫພວກ ເຮາ ກນທກໆແລງ, ແລະ ລາວຍງເຮດອາຫານເຊາແຊບໆໃຫຂອຍ ກນນຳ. ລາວ ອາໄສຢກບລກສາວ, ລກເຂຍ ແລະ ຫານ, ແລະ ຄອບຄວອນອບອນ ຂອງລາວກຍງມພເຖາແມເຖາ ທອາໄສຢຂາງບານນຳ.

ເຊາມຕມາ ອາລນວນໃໝ ກຮອດຍາມສະກນາ ແລະ ສດສາວາສງຕາງໆ ອອກໄປຊອກຫາອາຫານ, ແລະ ຮອດເວລາທຊາວປະມງເລມອອກໄປຫາ ປາ. ຂອຍຮສກພປານກບວາຢໂຮງຮບເງາຂະໜາດໃຫຍທມສາຍພເປນສາກ ງາມໆດານຫງ. ຂອຍຕອງຍອມຮບວາ ຂອຍມກແນມເບງທວທດດງກາວຫາຍ ແລະ ພາຍຫງກນອາຫານເຊາ ເຊງລວມມ ນາຊໂກເຣງແຊບໆແລວ, ພວກເຮາກພາກນຂເຮອເລາະຊມໄປຕາມແມນຳເປຣກຈນມາຢດຢ ບານ ດຣາວ ເຊງເປນບອນທຊມຊນດງກາວ ມາປກບານຂອງພວກເຂາ ແຕທຳອດຢນ.

ໃນໄລຍະທພວກເຮາຍງຢໃນເຂດ ເປຣກ, ພວກເຮາມໂອກາດໄດເຂາຊມອບດ ອາເຊງເປນໜງໃນມດສະຢດ ທງາມທສດໃນມາເລເຊຍມດສະຢດຂອງເຊອເຈາແຫງນຕງຢ ກວລາກງຊາ ແລະຕອນທເຮາໄປຮອດພດຖກຕອນແສງແດດກຳລງສອງຜານໂຄງສາງດງກາວ ຢາງງດງາມ,ສະແດງໃຫເຫນເຖງສະ ຖາປດຕະຍະກຳ ອດສະລາມ, ເຮດໃຫມດສະຢດດງກາວ ມຄວາມໂດດ ເດນງດງາມຂນໄປຕມອກ. ສຳລບທານທຢາກໄປເຂາຊມມດສະຢດກຕອງ ໄດແຕງຕວສພາບ ຮຽບຮອຍແດ ເນອງຈາກວາສະຖານທດງກາວເປນສະຖານ ທສກສດ ສຳລບຊາວມສະລມ.

ຕມາ ພວກເຮາກມາຮອດ ເຄດາ ເຊງເປນພນທປກເຂາອນອດມສມບນ ແລະ ມ ຊສຽງໃນມາເລເຊຍ. ພວກເຮາໄດເຂາຊມ ພພທະພນ ປາດເຊງເປນພພທະພນ ກະສກຳສະໄໝໃໝ ທວາງສະແດງໃຫເຫນເຖງ ຮບແບບການດຳລງຊວດຂອງ ປະຊາຊນພາຍໃນທອງຖນ ແລະ ກດຈະກຳດານກະສກຳຕາງໆ ໂດຍມວທການ ນຳສະເໜແບບທນສະໄໝລຳໜາຫາຍຢກອງເພດານຂະໜາດໃຫຍ, ນກທອງທຽວ ຈະໄດນງຢບອນນງທໝນໄດ 360 ອງສາ,ເຮດໃຫເຂາສາມາດເບງການວາງສະ ແດງໄດເຕມຈເລຍ, ແລະ ຄາເຂາ ກຕຳກວາ 1 ໂດລາອກ ນອກນນຍງມການ ວາງສະແດງອປະກອນການກະສກຳຕາງໆ ແລະ ວາງສະແດງພນເຂາຫາກຫາຍ ປະເພດ ທປກຢທວມາເລເຊຍ.

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ຄນສດທາຍ ໃນຄຳປງ ເຈຣຈຄຳຄນອນປະທບໃຈ ຄນສດທາຍຂອງພວກເຮາ ໄດພກເຊາຢບານປະຊາຊນຢ ຄຳປງ ເຈຣຈ, ເຊງເປນບອນທຊາວບານທຳມາຫາກນໂດຍການຫາປາຢແຄມຝງ ທະເລ ແລະ ການເຮດນາ. ຢນມທງນາຂຽວສດງດງາມຢໄປຕາມສອງຟາກທາງຍາງ ໄປຫາທະເລ. ບມຫຍງທຈະສາມາດປຽນແປງແນວຄວາມຄດຂອງຊາວບານຢນໄດ ແລະ ພວກເຂາເອງກຍງຄງໃຊຊວດແບບຮຽບງາຍ ເຖງວາຈະມນກທອງທຽວເຂາ ມາບານຢາງຫວງຫາຍກຕາມ.

ຢຕະຫາດເຊາ ຈະເຫນຄນສວນໃຫຍມາຈມກນ ຖາຊປາສດ ແລະກມລກາເຟໄວປກ ຄນແຕເຊາໆ, ພອມທງຍງມລໂຣຕທຄນຂາຍພມໃຈສະແດງໃຫເຫນເຖງຝມການ ນວດແປງຂອງພວກເຂາ ເຮອນທຂອຍພກເຊາຢມກອງຕາລາງເຮອນເຮດໃຫອາກາດ ໂລງເຢນດ. ສວນຢພາຍໃນເຮອນ,ໃນຫອງນອນຂອຍມປອງຢຽມ ເປນ ໄມແຜນໆ, ແລະ ພແຕແສງແດດທຳອດສອງເຂາມາແຕເຊາຂອຍກແນມເຫນທວທດທງນາຢຫງ ບານ ເມອພວກເຮາມາຮອດຊາຍແດນຟາກໄທ,ຄະນະຂອງ ພວກເຮາກມໂອກາດ ໄດແວເຮອນພກປະຊາຊນທຕງຢບານຊາຍຂາວຢເມອງໂຄກໂພ, ແຂວງປດຕານ ເຮອນພກປະຊາຊນຢນມກດຈະກຳຄກໆຫາຍຢາງເຊນ ການເດນທາງໂດຍລດຈບ ຮບແບບຄສະໄໝສງຄາມໂລກຄງທສອງເພອຂນໄປຫາຈດ ຊມວວຢໃນອທະຍານ ແຫງຊາດນຳຕກຊາຍຂາວ ເຊງເພນຕອງໃຊລດຈບຍອນວາທາງຂນໄປເທງຈອມພ ແມນຂອນຂາງຊນ.

ຕອງບອກວາການເດນ ທາງຂນໄປຈດຊມວວນແມນຄມຄາຫາຍເພາະທວທດຢ ເທງນມຄວາມສວຍສດ ງດງາມຫາຍ ຢເທງນຂອຍຮສກປະທບໃຈແລະ ເພດເພນ ໄປກບການແນມເບງທວທດທຳມະຊາດ ຂອງສາຍພທຂດເສນຊາຍແດນລະຫວາງໄທແລະມາເລເຊຍເຊງເປນທຳມະຊາດອນສວຍສດງດງາມ ແລະ ຂອຍເອງກຮສກປະທບໃຈກບປະສບການ ການອາໄສຢກບເຮອນປະຊາຊນມາເລທໃຊຊວດ ແບບຮຽບງາຍ. ມນໄດມອບຄວາມຫວງນອຍໆໃຫແກຂອຍວາ ຄວາມຈງແລວ ຄວາມສະຫງບສກກຍງຄງມຢ ໃນຂງເຂດນຖາ ຫາກເຮາຕງໃຈເບງໃຫດໆ.

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ສະຖານທໂຣແມນຕກໃນລາວRomantic Destinations in Laos

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| ໄຊສມບນ-Xaysomboun |

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ຕອງການພສດຄວາມຮກຂອງທານບ? ບາງເທອແຂວງ ໄຊສມບບນ ອາດກາຍເປນບອນພສດຄວາມຮກສຳລບຄຮກ ເຂາໃໝປາມນກ ເປນໄດ ວາຄວາມຮກຂອງທງສອງ ຈະໝນຄງ ແລະ ຍນຍາວຫບ ແຂວງ ໄຊສມບນ ເປນແຂວງໃໝຂອງ ສປປ ລາວ ຈງຍງບທນມຄນ ໄປຫາຍເທອ ແລະ ຍງມພມສນຖານຕງຢໃຈກາງປະເທດລາວນຳ ອກ. ໃນການເດນທາງໄປສດນແດນບລສດແຫງນ ທານຈະຕນຕາ ຕນໃຈ ໄປກບວດທະນະທຳອນແປກໃໝ ແລະ ເພດເພນກບທຳມະ ຊາດອນສດຊນບລສດ ເກນກວາທທານຄາດຫວງໄວຫາຍ. ລອງນກ ພາບຕອນທານຢນຢກບຄນຮກສອງຕສອງ ຢເທງຈດທສງທສດ ໃນ ສປປ ລາວ ເທງຈອມພເບຍ ກບອາກາດໜາວເຢນຕຳກວາ 0 ອງສາຕະຫອດປ ຫາບອນໂຣແມນຕກກວານບມອກແລວ! ນອກນນ ພາຍໃນແຂວງໃໝນ ຍງມບອນໜາສນໃຈຫາຍບອນ ໄວໃຫຄຮກໄດ ໄປທອງທຽວ, ບວາຈະເປນນຳຕກຕາດໃນລອງຊານ ແລະ ການຍາງ ເລາະໄປຕາມເສນທາງປະຫວດສາດ ຕາມສນພໝອກ ໃນລອງແຈງ.

Need a proof of love? Maybe Xaysomboun is just the place for new couples to prove their everlasting relation-ship. As a new province of Lao P.D.R. as well, Xaysom-boun is less explored and geographically located in the heart of Laos. Traveling into this virgin land will reward you with pure nature and cultural surprises more than you ever imagine. Where else will be more romance than standing together with your love one and saying ‘I love you’ at the highest spot of Lao P.D.R. on the mountain-top of Phu Bia, among below zero degree celsius climate all year round. Yet, there are many more attractions in the new province for couples to experience, such as waterfalls in Long San and historical walking trail on the mountain ridge of San Phumok in Long Cheng

Xaysombounໄຊສມບນ

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Vang vieng

ວງວຽງ

Vang Vieng is nestled by a sheer cliff face on one side, mountains on the other and the Nam Song River running through the town. The surrounding view is already a backdrop for romance. Once you arrive, there are a variety of activities to help you build up the ambiance.

Start your day with a sunrise breakfast next to the river. The Riverside Boutique Resort, Elephant Crossing Hotel and many more that will give you this view. After a good breakfast, take a quiet walk through one of many caves. Soak in the cool refreshing cave air and listen to the meditating sounds of water dripping from limestone.

After a calming cave stroll, you can kick it up a notch with a hot air balloon ride at sunset. The ride will float you up the river and glide along the sheer cliff face. You could almost reach out and touch the cliffs.

ວງວຽງ ເປນເມອງນອຍໆ ຕງຢທາມກາງໜາຜາສງຊນຢເບອງໜງ ແລະ ຢອກຟາກໜງ ກມສາຍນຳຊອງໄຫຜານຕວເມອງ. ສະເພາະ ແຕບນຍາກາດອອມຮອບຕວເມອງນກກນຂາດແລວເລອງຄວາມໂຣ ແມນຕກ. ເມອທານໄປຮອດວງວຽງ ກຈະມກດຈະກຳຫາຍໆຢາງໃຫ ທານເຮດ ເພອຊວຍສາງບນຍາກາດໃຫມສສນຂນຕມ.

ເລມຕນອາລນວນໃໝ ໂດຍການຮບປະທານອາຫານເຊາ ແລະ ແນມເບງຕາເວນຂນ ຢແຄມແມນຳ ເຊງທານຈະແນມເຫນທວທດ ດງກາວໄດຈາກຫາຍໆບອນ ບວາຈະເປນ ຣເວຊາຍ ບຕກ ຣສອດ ຫ ໂຮງແຮມ ເອເລເຟນ ຄຣອສຊງ. ພາຍຫງກນເຂາເຊາແຊບໆແລວ ກມງໜາເດນທາງໄປຫາຖຳ ເຊງມຢຫາຍຖຳ. ທານສາມາດຍາງເຂາ ໄປໃນຖຳອນງຽບສະຫງບ, ສດອາການເຢນສດຊນພາຍໃນຖຳພອມ ຟງສຽງນຳໄຫຍອຍລງມາຈາກຫນປນ ເປນຕາອອນຊອນ.

ພາຍຫງການຍາງເລາະເບງຖຳອນງຽບສະຫງບແລວ ທານກສາມາດຫາ ປະສບການໃໝໆໂດຍການຂປມເປາລອຍຟາໃນຍາມອາທດອດສະດງ ເຊງຈະພາທານຂນຈາກບລເວນແມນຳ ແລະ ສບຕໄປໃກບລເວນໜາຜາ ຈນຮສກພປານກບວາ ທານສາມາດຢມໄປຕວຍຮອດໜາຜາໄດ.

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ວດພ ຢແຂວງຈຳປາສກ ເປນບຮານສະຖານ, ເປນຊາກວດໃນສະໄໝຂອມທໄດ ຖກສາງຂນຢເທງພ ໃນລະຫວາງສະຕະວດທ 6 ຫາ 12, ແລະ ປດຈບນແມນໄດ ຖກຮບຮອງໃຫເປນມລະດກໂລກ ໂດຍອງການຢເນສໂກ.

ສະຖານທດງກາວ ຈະພາທານຫວນກບຄນສອະດດຕະການ. ຢຕາມທາງຍາງທເປນ ຫນກຈະຄອຍໆແຄບເຂາ ແລະ ຊນຂນເມອທານຍາງສງຂນໄປ, ເຮດໃຫທານຮສກ ໃຈຈດໃຈຈຢາກຂນໄປຮອດຈອມວດເທງສດໄວໆ.ຂໃຫທານໃຈເຢນໆເພາະເມອຍາງຂນໄປເທງສດແລວທານຈະພບກບທວທດທຳມະຊາດອນສວຍສດງດງາມອອມຮອບຈຳປາສກກບແມນຳຂອງໄຫຜານພອມທງຫຍາອນຂຽວງາມ , ຄມຄາ ຢາງແນນອນ. ນອກນນ ທານຍງຈະຫງໄຫໄປ ກບຮບປນແກະສະຫກ ຮບນາງອກສອນອນສວຍງາມ ແລະ ສະຖາປດຕະຍາກຳຂອມອນເປນເອກະ ລກນຳອກ.

In Champasak, the Wat Phou ruin is a Khmer temple built on the Phou Kao Mountain between the 6th and 12th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The site will take you to a world before. The stone walk way leading up the steep steps start to build up your anticipation for reaching the main temple ruin at the top. Take your time, because the panoramic view of Champasak, Mekong River and bright green fields will be your wonderful reward. Beautiful stone carvings of Khmer female figures and architecture will also take your breath away.

Wat Phou

ວດພຈຳປາສກ

Vang vieng

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Nam Ngum Lake is easily accessible from Vientiane with just a 40-minute drive. Its green turquoise water and cool breeze will refresh your senses. The lake is quite big reaching over 10 kilometers across at some points. Off in the distance, Phou Kao Khouay sits silently in the backdrop. Rent a full service boat for a day. These include food, beverages and even a karaoke entertainment system. Float the afternoon away. Or if you are a more adventurous romantic, you can jump on a jet ski or be pulled on a banana boat ride.

ອາງນຳງມ ຢບຫາງຈາກຕວເມອງວຽງຈນຫາຍສາມາດໄປຮອດໄປເຖງສະດວກໂດຍໃຊເວລາຂບລດພຽງແຕ 40 ນາທ. ອາງນຳ ງມສຂຽວມລະກດ ແລະ ລມພດເຢນສະບາຍຈະຊວຍ ໃຫທານ ຮສກສດຊນມຊວດຊວາຂນ. ອາງນຳງມຂອນຂາງກວາງໃຫຍເຊງ ບາງຈດກກວາງກວາ 10 ກໂລແມດ ແລະ ຍງແນມເຫນພເຂາ ຄວາຍຢໄກໆ, ທານສາມາດເຊາເຮອແພໄວລອງໝດມເຊງມາ ພອມກບອາຫານ, ເຄອງດມ ແລະຍງມຄາລາໂອເກະໄວຮອງເພງນຳ ອກ. ທານສາມາດລອງ ເຮອພກ ຜອນໝດມຫຖາຢາກຜະຈນໄພແດກສາມາດຂເຈດສະກ ຫ ຂເຮອກວຍກໄດ.

Nam Ngum Lakeອາງນຳງມ

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ນຳຕກຕາດຟານ ທໄຫລງມາເປນຄແຝດແມນເປນ ຈດສນສດຂອງປາສະຫງວນແຫງຊາດ ດງຫວສາວ ປຽບສະເໝອນວາ ເປນຜພທກປະຕສປາສະຫງວນ ດງກາວ. ນຳຕກຕາດຟານ ຕກລງມາສງເຖງ 120 ແມດ ຈາກໜາຜາຫນ ເຊງເປນບອນສນສດຂອງ ປາ, ເວາໄດວາເປນນຳຕກ ທມຄວາມງດງາມເປນ ຕາໜາປະທບໃຈທສດໃນລາວເລຍກວາໄດເນອງ ຈາກວາຮບຮາງ ແລະ ທຕງຂອງນຳຕກດງກາວ ແມນພດກນທສດ. ນອກນນກມເຮອນພກຕາກອາ ກາດຈຳນວນໜງ ຕງຢແຄມໜາຜາ ແນມເຫນທວທດ ນຳຕກອນສວຍງາມ

The twin falls of Tad Fane mark the edge of Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area like guards at the gate. They drop more than 120m off a rocky cliff where the raised forest meets its edge. This is perhaps the most spectacular waterfall in Laos due to its remarkable symmetry and location. Facing the waterfalls, a few boutique villas sit on the edge of the cliff giving a bird’s eye view.

Tad Fane Waterfallນຳຕກຕາດຟານ

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Kong Lor Caveຖຳກອງລບາງເທອ ທານກຈະພບບນຍາກາດອນແສນໂຣແມນຕກພາຍ ໃຕຄວາມມດມດກເປນໄດ ດງບນຍາກາດໃນຖຳກອງລເຊງເປນ ຖຳຫນປນ ຢແຂວງຄຳມວນ, ເປນບອນທຄຮກສາມາດລອງ ເຮອເຂາໄປໃນໂພງຖຳ ແລະ ຊນຊມຫນຍອຍອນສວຍສດງດ ງາມກບອາງນຳສຂຽວມລະກດ. ຂະໜາດຂອງຖຳແມນໃຫຍ ຫວງຫາຍກບເພດານທສງ ແລະ ຫາຍເຂາໄປໃນຄວາມມດເລຍ. ເມອຂເຂາຊວງໜງ ທານກຈະໄດລງຈາກເຮອ ແລວຍາງໄປ ຕາມທາງຍາງທມແສງສະຫວາງ ຜານດງຫນຍອຍ ແລະ ຫນງອກ ອນງດງາມຫາຍເມອທານອອກມາ ຈາກຖຳອກຟາກໜງ ກຈະພບກບອາງນຳນອຍໆອກອາງໜງ ແລະ ໝ ບານໃນບລເວນດງກາວ.

Romantic scenes sometimes can be found in the darkness such as Kong Lor Cave, a karst limestone cave located in Khammouane Province, where the love couple can take the boat ride that runs through the main cave to view the caverns and dramatic limestone formations and a glimmering emerald-colour pool. The size of the cave is truly staggering, with cathedral ceilings that are completely lost in the darkness. In one part you will disembark and walk along a well-lit pathway through a forest of stalactite and stalagmite formations. When you reach the other end of the cave you will find another small pool and a local village.

Photo: Pattarapong Kongvijit

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Your evening in Luang Prabang starts about an hour before sunset with a cruise on the Mekong River. Grab a bottle or two of your favourite beverage and get to the banks of the river just as daylight begins to fade. You’ll find dozens of boat drivers ready to take you out on your own private cruise (usually about 120,000 kip for an hour or so). There are few travel moments as magical as when your driver turns off the engine and your boat floats gently downstream while you watch a jaw-dropping Mekong sunset.

If you want a higher vantage point, walk up the steps of Wat Phousi. Just before sunset, the night vendors have already setup their tents in front of the Royal Palace Museum. Across the street is the entrance to the steps.

ຢ ຫວງພະບາງ ພຕກແລງມາ ກຮອດເວລາລອງເຮອຕາມແມນຳຂອງ ເຊງເລມຂນປະມານໜງຊວໂມງກອນຕາເວນຕກດນ. ທານສາມາດ ກະກຽມເຄອງດມທທານມກ ແລວມງໜາໄປແຄມທາຟາກຂອງຕອນ ແລງໆ ແລວທານກຈະເຫນຄນຂບເຮອຫາຍໆຄນກຽມພອມ ພາທານ ໄປລອງເຮອສວນຕວ (ຕກຢປະມານ 120.000 ກບ ຕຊວໂມງ).ບນຍາກາດອນເປນຕາໜາປະທບໃຈທສດກແມນ ຕອນທຄນຂບເຮອມອດຈກ ເຮອແລວປອຍໃຫເຮອຂອງທານໄຫລອງລງມາ ຕາມລຳແມນຳຂອງອນ ງຽບສະຫງບ ພອມແນມເບງຕາເວນລບຂອບຟາຢແມນຳຂອງ ສວຍສດ ງດງາມຫາຍ

ຖາທານຕອງການເບງຕາເວນຕກດນຈາກບອນອາວສງແດ ກສາມາດ ຂນໄປເທງຈອມວດພສ. ທາງຂນໄປຈອມພສແມນຢກງກນຂາມກບ ພະຣາຊະວງ ແລະ ຄອຍຄຳຍາມແລງມາ ກຈະເຫນບນດາແມຄາຊາວ ຂາຍມາຕງເຕນຂາຍເຄອງຢຕາມທາງດງກາວ.

Luang Prabang

ຫວງພະບາງ

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Mekong riverside, Vientiane

ແຄມຂອງ, ນະຄອນຫວງວຽງຈນ ຢ ແຄມຂອງ ໃນຕວເມອງວຽງຈນ ກມກດຈະກຳຫາກຫາຍຢາງ ແລະ ມບອນ ຫາຍໆບອນ ທຈະຊວຍສາງບນຍາກາດອນແສນຫວານໄດ, ໂດຍສະເພາະ ແມນທວທດຕາເວນຕກດນ ທມຄວາມສວຍສດງດງາມຫາຍ. ທດສະນຍະພາບ ຍາມອາທດອດສະດງຢແຄມຂອງນ ເຮດໃຫຜຄນທກາຍໄປກາຍມາ ທງນກ ທອງທຽວຕາງປະເທດ ແລະ ຄນລາວເອງກຕອງຢດຊນຊມທວທດດງກາວ ແລະ ຖາຍຮບເກບໄວເປນທລະນກ.

The river side along the Mekong River in Vientiane has a variety of activities and spots to help you create romance. The sunset view is especially spectacular. The scenery makes many tourists and even locals pause to take a breath to enjoy or take a photo selfie.

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Sabaidee’s guide to the very best thing to see, do, eat, drink and stay in the country’s urban centres.

ເຮານຳພາທານໄປສສງທດທສດ ບວາຈະເປນບອນທຽວ ບອນຫນ, ບອນກນ, ບອນດມ ແລະ ບອນພກເຊາໃນ ເດອນແຫງຄວາມຮກ ພວກເຮາແນະນຳ ທານໃຫພບກບ ທພກເຊາທສດແສນປະທບໃຈທານສາມາດແວໄປສຳ ພດໄດຢາງງາຍດາຍ ກຽມແຜນໄປກບຄຮກ ຫ ຄອບຄວ ນຳພວກເຮາໄດ.

For this month of romance, we present resorts that are romantic destinations on their own. You can simply hide away in your own destination. Please come to celebrate your sweet holiday with your love and family. Join us now.

ທພກທແສນຫວານSweet Accommodations

Sabaidee’s Guide To

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| ເສດຖາປາຣດ - Settha Palace |

| ຊາລານາ ບຕກ - Salana Boutique |

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ເສດຖາປາຣດ

ຊາລານາບຕກ

Settha Palace

Salana Boutique

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ເສດຖາປາຣດ, ພາທານຫວນຄນສປະຫວດສາດ ແລະ ຄວາມຮກ ອນແສນຫວານໃນອະດດ, ກບຜາກງສຂາວນວນ ປວສະໄຫວໄປ ມາ, ໂຄງສາງໄມຂະໜາດໃຫຍ, ສວນອນງຽບສະຫງບ ແລະ ຮມ ເຢນດ. ໃນສະໄໝກອນ ສະຖານທແຫງນ ເຄຍເປນພະຣາດຊະວງ ເກາ ທຖກປວແປງ ກາຍເປນໂຮງແຮມອນສວຍງາມໃນປດຈບນ ພອມການຕກແຕງຢາງພຖພຖນ ຄງຄວາມຫຫາມາກວາສະຕະວດwww.setthapalace.com

ຊາລານາບຕກ ເປນທາງເລອກສະໄໝໃໝ ສຳລບການໄປພກ ຜອນແບບໂຣແມນຕກຢໃຈກາງຕວເມອງ ນະຄອນຫວງວຽງຈນ ແຕຮສກຄວາໄດໜໄປທຽວຢບອນອນ. ຮບແບບການຕກແຕງ ສະຫງາງາມ, ທນສະໄໝ ແລະ ໂດດເດນ, ໂທນສເຂາກນຢາງ ລງຕວ, ແນມເບງແລວຮສກສະບາຍຕາ, ໃສໃຈໃນທກລາຍລະ ອຽດ ເລກໆນອຍໆ ແລະ ທສຳຄນ ແມນຕງຢບໄກຈາກແຫງບນ ເທງໃນຍາມຄຳຄນ.www.salanaboutique.com

ຢໂຮງແຮມທງສອງແຫງນ ມສດທພເສດສຳລບ ທານທຕອງການມາຮນນມນ ແຕດຽວນຈນ ເຖງທາຍ ເດອນມນາ.Both of them have fabulous special offers on honeymoon packages until the end of March.

Settha Palace, steeped in history and the romance of history, flowing white curtains, large wooden structures and quiet gardens. A beautifully restored palace, with exquisite touches and faithfully restored to turn of the century luxury. www.setthapalace.com

Salana Boutique is the modern alternative true city romantic getaway, in the heart of the city. Streamline décor, subtle colouring, modern fittings, no detail forgotten, simple elegance and a stone throw from the nightlife. www.salanaboutique.com

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ລາເຣຊເດນພວາວ La Residence Phou Vao/ເມອທານເດນທາງອອກຈາກເມອງເກາຂອງຫວງພະບາງ ເມອງມລະດກ ໂລກ ບໄກພປານໃດ, ຂນໄປເທງເນນພໜອຍໜງ ທານກຈະມາເຖງ ລາເຣຊເດນພວາວ ເຊງເປນໜງໃນກມບລສດ ເບລມອນ ແລະ ຢເທງນ ທານຈະແນມເຫນທວທດທຳມະຊາດ ເມອງຫວງພະບາງ ອນສວຍສດ ງດງາມຫາຍ. ລາເຣຊເດນພວາວ ແມນມຄວາມຫຫາອະລງການທສດ ໂດຍຫອງພກຂອງທານຈະເປນເຮອນວນລາເປນຫງເລຍ ແລະ ຮບປະ ທານອາຫານຄຳພາຍໃຕແສງທຽນກວາ 500 ເຫມ ຢກາງສາລາອນເປນ ສວນຕວອອມຮອບດວຍແສງໄຟເຫອງນວນ, ສມກບເປນບນຍາກາດຮນ ນມນຢາງແທຈງhttp://www.belmond.com/la-residence-phou-vao-luang-prabang

3 ນາຄາ 3 Nagas/ຢໃຈກາງເມອງຫວງພະບາງ ທານຈະພບກບໂຮງແຮມ 3 ນາຄາ ເຊງສະຖານທດງກາວແມນເຄຍເປນທຢອາໄສຂອງອປຣາດ ໃນສະໄໝກອນ. ນາຄາ ຫວາ ນາກ ແມນງໃຫຍໃນຕຳນານອນ ເກາແກຂອງລາວ ກຄເປນເຈາມງກອນແຫງແມນຳ ທປກປກຮກ ສາຜທໃຫການເຄາລບສກກາລະະບຊາ. ເຄຫາສະຖານດງກາວ ເປນຮບແບບພນເມອງ ພອມຫອງທສະຫງາງາມ, ລະບຽງກວາງ ຂວາງ, ມສວນສວຍງາມ ແລະ ມລດແບບຍອນຍກສະໄໝ 1930 ໃຫເຊານຳອກ, ຊວນໃຫລະນກເຖງປະຫວດສາດໃນສະ ໄໝເກາກອນ.www.3-Nagas.com

Slightly outside of the Luang Prabang’s UNESCO listed old town, up on a hill giving you stunning views of the valley sits La Residence Phou Vao. Part of the Belmond group. It drips luxury. Your own villa room and their 500 candlelit dinner in a secluded pavilion surrounded by soft night. Now that is a honeymoon moment. http://www.belmond.com/la-residence-phou-vao-luang-prabang

In the very heart of the city in old residences of the Viceroy Chief Advisers is the 3 Nagas. (Nagas being in Lao the mythical serpent / dragons of the rivers, protecting those that respect them.) A traditional mansion, with elegant rooms, large balconies, terraced gardens and vintage, 1930’s vehicles for hire. A slice of history. www.3-Nagas.com

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ຊາງກຣ ລາວ Shangri Lao/ເມອທານຂລດອອກຈາກຕວເມອງຫວງພະບາງປະມານ 30 ນາທ ທານກຈະມາຮອດ ຊາງກຣ ລາວ ເຊງຕງສະຫງາຢແຄມແມນຳ ຄານ. ສະຖານທດງກາວແມນເປນເຂດອານລກຊາງ. ຢລສອດ ແຫງນມເຮອນວນລາພຽງແຕສາມຫງ ແລະ ປະກອບມເຄອງຕກ ແຕງແບບບຮານມາຈາກຫາຍໆບອນໃນທວອາຊ ແຕລະຫອງມ ແກວປອງຢຽມສສນສວຍງາມໃນຫອງນຳ, ຕຽງທມເສາສດານພອມ ຜາປກຄມແບບສະໄໝກອນ ມລະບຽງທແນມເຫນແມນຳ ແລະ ແຕ ລະມກຈະເຫນຝງຊາງຍາງໄປມາwww.shangri-lao.com

ສນຕ ຣສອດ Santi Resort/ເມອທານອອກມານອກເມອງໜອຍໜງກຈະມາເຖງ ວນລາ ສນຕ ຣສອດ ແລະ ສະປາ ເຊງເປນໂຮງແຮມທສາງຂນໃໝ ຕງຢທາມກາງສວນອນກວາງຂວາງຫາຍເຮກຕາ ແນມໄປ ເຫນທງນາອນຂຽວສດງດງາມພອມທວທດສາຍພແບບຈາງໆ ທານສາມາດຍາງເລາະຫນອອມແຄມສະບວ ເລາະຊມດອກ ກວຍໄມ ຫ ຈະຜອນຄາຍໃນສະປາກໄດ. ບນຍາກາດຢຣສອດ ແຫງນແມນຮສກຄວາໄດມາພກຜອນຢອນໃຈແຕກຕາງ ຈາກບອນອນໆຫາຍ.www.villasantihotel.com

Just out of town you have Santi Resort and Spa, a reconstructed period hotel, set in acres of majestic gardens looking across rice paddies to the softly outlined mountains. Stroll around the lotus ponds, amble among the orchids or luxuriate in the double spa. The resort has a feeling like no other. www.villasantihotel.com

About 30 minutes out of town the Shangri Lao, sits proudly on the banks of the Namkhang river It is an active elephant sanctuary. The resort has only 3 villas, furnished with antiques from all over Asia. Each room has stained glass windows in the bathroom, canopied beds, balconies overlooking the river and each day a parade of elephants.www.shangri-lao.com

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ຂະມ ອໂຄ-ລອດ Kamu Eco-lodge/ຖາທານຢາກເລມຕນການຮນນມນຂອງທານ ດວຍການລອງເຮອ ແລະ ໃຊເວລາເປນສວນຕວ, ອອມຮອບ ດວຍທວທດແມນຳຂອງ ອນສວຍງາມຢຟາກໜງ, ແລະ ອກຟາກໜງເປນທງນາທມຄວາຍ ໃນໝບານຊນເຜາຂະມ, ກຕອງຂແນະນຳໃຫທານມາທ ຂະມ ອໂຄ-ລອດ ເລຍ. ເຮອນພກດງກາວ ແມນມຮບແບບການເປນຢຢາງພພຽງ, ເປນມດຕທຳມະຊາດ, ມພະລງງານແສງອາທດ, ລະບບໝນໃຊນຳເສຍ, ມລກສະນະຕດພນກນ ກບຊວດການ ເປນຢຂອງປະຊາຊນພາຍໃນບານ ທມວຖຊວດແບບຮຽບງາຍ. www.kamulodge.com

ເມອງລາ ຣສອດ Muang La Resort/ເມອເດນທາງຂນເໜອໄປແຂວງ ອດມໄຊ ຢເທງພຜາອນ ຫາງໄກສອກຫກ ທານຈະພບກບແມນຳອ ເຊງເປນໜງໃນ ແມນຳ ທສວຍງາມທສດໃນລາວ ໂດຍຂນຊລຊາທາງດານ ທວທດອນງດງາມ ພອມຜາຫນປນອນເປນເອກະລກ ຈາກ ນນ ທານກຈະມາຮອດ ເມອງລາ ຣສອດ ທຕງຢທາມກາງ ທວທດທຳມະຊາດ ອນສວຍງາມແຫງນ. ຣສອດດງກາວ ປະສມປະສານຄວາມທນສະໄໝຢໃນບນຍາກາດດງເດມ ຕດພນກບຊວດ ການເປນຢຂອງປະຊາຊນພາຍໃນບານ ໂດຍທານສາມາດພກຜອນຍອນໃຈ ຊມຊບເຖງວຖການ ດຳລງຊວດກຄປະເພນແບບພນເມອງລາວ ທນບມຈະເຫອດ ແຫງໄປwww.muangla.com

If you want to start your honeymoon with a boat ride and spend your time alone, surrounded by the magnificent Mekong River on one side and rice paddies, the odd buffalo and a welcoming traditional Kamu village on the other, then Kamu Eco-lodge is for you. Totally self sufficient, solar electricity, waste water recycling, integrated with the local village and a simple life. www.kamulodge.com

Heading up north, to OudomXay, right up in the remote hills of Laos, on one of the most beautiful rivers, the Nam Ou River, legendary for its scenery and soaring white limestone cliffs. Nestled on a sweeping bend is Muang La Resort. Modern fittings in traditional settings, integrated with local village life, watch the traditional and fast disappearing traditional Lao lifestyle and find yourself completely unwinding. www.muangla.com

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ລາ ໂຟລ La Folie Hotel/ຢແຖວຕນໆຂອງເກາະສພນດອນນເປນບລເວນທແມນຳ ຂອງອນກວາງໃຫຍໄພສານ ໄດມາຢດພກຜອນ ໄຫລອງ ຢາງຄອຍໆ ແລະ ງຽບສະຫງບ ກອນທຈະມງໜາໄຫແຮງ ຕກສທະເລ. ຢແຄມແມນຳຂອງບລເວນນ ທານຈະພບກບ ເຄຫາສະຖານ ຮບແບບອານານຄມຝຣງຂະໜາດໃຫຍ ເຊງ ໄດຖກປວແປງໃຫກາຍເປນ ໂຮງແຮມ ລາ ໂຟລ ໃນປດ ຈບນ. ຢ ລາ ໂຟລ, ທານຈະເພດເພນໄປກບການນງພກ ຜອນຢລະບຽງອນຮມເຢນ, ແນມເບງກອນຫນຂະໜາດໃຫຍ ທໄຫມາກະທບແຄມຝງ, ຊມແສງອາທດ ສະທອນໃສແມນຳ ຂອງສຟາຄາມ, ພກຜອນຢອນອາລມໄດຕາມທໃຈທານຕອງ ການ ແລະ ປອຍເວລາໃຫຜານພນໄປແບບບຮເມອເລຍ. www.lafolie-laos.com

ເມອເດນທາງລງໄປທາງໃຕ ກຈະຮອດ ທຣ ທອບ ເອກປຣເຣ (ເຮອນ ຕນໄມ) ເຊງເປນສະຖານທແຫງນເປນສນກາງຂອງການປນເຂາ ແລະ ການປນເຂາ ດວຍເຊອກໃນພາກພນອາຊ ຕາເວນອອກ ສຽງໃຕ. ຣ ສອດດງກາວ ອອມຮອບ ດວຍພຜາອນສງຊນນຳຕກຕາດ ສຽງດງກອງ ເມອຍາມນຳຕກລງໃສຮອມພ ແລະ ມສາຍສະລງຍາວຫາຍຮອຍແມດ ໄວສຳຫບການໂອນເຊອກໄປຫາເຮອນຕນໄມທຢກາງປາດງພງໄພທານ ສາມາດນອນຢເຮອນຕນໄມດງກາວເຊງເປນ ເຮອນໄມ ແລະ ຕນຂນ ມາແຕເຊາໆພອມສຽງຮອງຂອງໂຕທະນ. ຖາຫາກທານມຄວາມມກຮກ ໃນການຜະຈນໄພແບບຕນຕາຕນໃຈ ແລະ ມກຮກໃນຄວາມງາມຂອງ ທຳຊາດຮບຮອງວາທານຈະຕອງຫງຮກສະຖານທແຫງນຢາງແນນອນ.www.treetoplaos.com

Right down south is Tree Top Explorer, the heart of abseiling and rock climbing in South East Asia. A resort of soaring mountains, waterfalls where sound of falling water fills the valley and 100’s of metres of zip lines in the jungle canopy. Sleep in wooden tree houses and wake to the morning call of gibbons. If adrenaline and beauty is what binds you, this is the place. www.treetoplaos.com

At the beginning of Si Pan Islands (Si Pan Don), long, wide, flat and lazy, the Mekong rests from its pursuit of the sea. On the shores of this Mekong sits a restored French Colonial Mansion now a residence of La Folie Hotel. Sit on the cool, shaded balcony, gaze at large round stones which flank the shore, the sun glistening off the blue Mekong and let the hours slip by as you savour complete hospitality. www.lafolie-laos.com

/ Tree Top Explorerທຣ ທອບ ເອກປຣເຣ

• Vegie Hut – Vegetarian. You would never ever find this brilliant Chinese-style hideout if you weren’t looking for it. A lot of thought has been put into making Vegie Hut’s interior warm, comfortable and inviting. the menu is huge, and you’ll find flavours from Chinese, Lao and thai cuisines. Dishes include fake duck and fake seafood. the staff are extremely attentive and friendly, and prices are very fair. Vegie Hut can get crowded, so consider making a booking. Vegetarian friendly. Asean Road, at the intersection with Sibounheuang Road, 020 5619 9938. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm.

• Kung’s Café Lao. – Lao/Breakfast. Tucked down a residential laneway, this popular breakfast and lunch haunt is a hit with those in-the-know. The breakfast and lunch menu runs all day so try Lao-inspired sweets like sticky rice pancakes with mango or banana french toast and savoury dishes like meatballs in broth with a fresh crunchy baguette or the Pad Lao noodles with pork. on the main street, look for a small hand painted sign pointing the way. off Rue simeuang, Piawat Village, 021 219 101, open 7 days 6am – 3pm.

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EAT LISTING

• Makphet – Lao. this restaurant-cum-social enterprise is working to shape lives. Founded by Friends-International, Makphet provides training in hospitality to disadvantaged youth in Laos. If that wasn’t enough reason to dine here the kitchen creates an inspired take on Lao cuisine, blending traditional flavours with modern techniques. #78 Ban Inpeng, Vat Chanh tha, 021 260 587, makphet-restaurant.org. Open Monday to Sunday 11am-10.30pm.

• Ai CApOne – italian. the latest offering from Chef gerardo is Ai Capone, in downtown Vientiane. the contemporary interior is matched with a modern menu offering top italian dining with a casual flair, boasting simple dishes packing authentic flavours. the menu ranges from pastas and mains to risotto and desserts – but it’s hard to look past the wood-fired pizzas with over 40 combinations straight from napoli. 8 Rue Francois ngin, Ban Mixai, 020 5991 0888, facebook.com/aicaponelaospdr. Open 7 days 11.30am – 10.30pm.

• BiStRO 22 – French. Chef philippe presents honest French bistro fare at this cosy, hole-in-the-wall eatery. the food is fresh and flavourful with highlights including the goat’s cheese salad, rabbit terrine and classic steak frites. popular with the expat crowd, the service is faultless and the desserts, including a delectable chocolate fondant, are not to be missed. 22 Samsenthai Road, Ban Khaonyot, 021 214 129 Open Monday to Friday 11am – 2pm, Monday to Saturday 6pm – 10pm.

• ARiA MixAi itALiAn CuLinARY ARtS – italian. Aria presents high-end epicurean italian cuisine in an elegant salon setting in downtown Vientiane. the kitchen produces traditional hearty italian fare including antipasti, homemade pasta and wood fired pizza using the highest quality ingredients. Discerning diners will welcome the extensive wine list which boasts fine imports from italy. Set lunches are extremely popular on weekdays. 8 Rue Francois ngin, 021 222 589

• Vieng SAwAn – Vietnamese. Look beyond the décor at this bustling eatery which serves up cheap and delicious Vietnamese dishes to hungry masses. Order a fresh or fried spring roll combination which comes with heaped plates of fresh lettuce, herbs and noodles designed to be eaten together. if you’re feeling lost check out how neighbouring diners are doing things and follow suit. Rue Hengboun (opposite Home ideal), 021 213 990

• SOuL KitCHen – italian. this laid-back dinner hot spot is a little off the main drag but the pizzas and casual atmosphere – complete with rock and blues tunes – make it worth the trip. the menu includes tasty pasta dishes and salads but it’s the traditional wood fired pizzas that keeps Soul Kitchen’s loyal fans coming back for more. in keeping with the quotes from rock stars scrawled on the walls, the pies have fun names like ‘Rock n Roll’, ‘purple Haze’ and ‘Voodoo Child’. Family friendly. thadeua Road 143 (KM 0.5), 020 5612 0804, soulkitchen.vientiane@gmail.com Open tuesday to Sunday 5.30pm – 10.30pm.

• Le SiLApA ReStAuRAnt – French. Le Silapa is an elegant gastronomic experience housed above the owners more casual establishment i-Beam Bar. Decadent and extensive the menu contains a collection of classic and modern French-inspired delicacies and the wine list includes bottles from France, italy, Australia and South Africa. For a spot of post-dinner indulgence the cheese selection is outstanding. the ever-changing daily lunch set menu is a steal. Free wiFi. Level 1, 88 Setthathirath Road (above i Beam), 021 219 689 Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

| Masa Spoon Cafe n' Bistro. |

| pimenton |

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• Vegetarian in the golden age–Vegetarian. the geniuses in the kitchen at Vegetarian in the golden age have got fake meat down to a forensic art. Some veggies aren’t a fan of this, but if you can get past the weirdness of biting into super-realistic fried fish somehow created from soybeans, the dishes are delicious. Fake pork, beef and chicken are all on the menu too, alongside more conventional veggie staples like eggplant and tofu that aren’t pretending to be anything else. the food is fantastic and best shared with a few friends. the restaurant is run by Vietnamese monks, and the walls are adorned with photographs of famous Vietnamese Buddhist leader Master ruma. Come at lunch for a super-cheap buffet. all food here is believed to be vegan. Vegetarian, vegan friendly. lunch buffet. Saylom road, 020 5550 5305. open daily 8am-8pm.

• Ban Gai Tex Mex CanTina – american/Mexican. a casual eatery which some say serves the best chicken in Vientiane. Once famed purely for their finger-licking buffalo hot wings, Ban Gai has recently expanded their menu to include a host of authentic Tex Mex classics including nachos, enchiladas and burritos heaped with fresh salsa, gooey cheese and accompanied by bowls of piping hot rice and beans. Pair anything from the menu with one of their delicious margaritas and you’re set. Family friendly, delivery. Sokpalaung Road, 020 9825 6654, facebook.com/BanGaiHouseOfChicken Open Tuesday to Sunday 11am – 9pm.

• RAY’S gRiLLe – American/Mexican. it’s all about comfort food at Ray’s – home style burgers, legendary philly cheese steak sandwiches and tasty quesadillas – all fresh and made to order in this homely joint. while the real drawcard is the colossal cheeseburger (best handled with two hands) mention must also go to the felafel burger which is sure to satisfy vegetarians. A selection of local and imported beers are available including a few micro-brewed American craft beers – just the ticket to wash down this tasty diner fare. 17/1 Sihom Road, 020 5896 6866, facebook.com/raysgrilleLaopdr. Open Monday to Friday, Sunday 11am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm.

• LAO KitCHen – Lao. A colourful eatery that specialises in authentic Lao dishes. Sisters noi and teng run the show while their family help out in the kitchen preparing soups, stews, grilled meats, stir-fry dishes and of course laap (the duck variation is a stand out). A great place for those new to Lao cuisine – the menu is full of helpful explanations for each dish and warns you if something may be a little too piquant for some palates. Rue Hengboun (opposite Kp Hotel), 021 254 332, lao-kitchen.com Open Monday to Sunday 11am – 10pm.

• LA SignAtuRe – French/Fusion. Set in the stylish Ansara Hotel, this sophisticated restaurant perfectly marries French-Lao fusion with old-world charm. Choose between dining indoors in the high-ceilinged salon or al fresco on the elegant terrace. Sample salmon tartare with green apple millefeuille, Burgundy snails and three-flavoured lamb or let the chef guide you with daily specials including Lao-style petit fours. Desserts include a not-to-be-missed crème brulee trio. Quai Fa ngum, Ban Vat Chan tha, 021 213 514, ansarahotel.com. Open 7 days 6.30am – 10.00am, 11.30am – 2.30pm, 16.30pm – 9.30pm.

• OSAKA HAC CHAO – Japanese. this cosy eatery is usually buzzing with Japanese customers who come for a taste of home – always a good sign. Simple traditional and not-so-traditional Japanese fare is on offer including generous sushi and sashimi platters, crisp tempura, steaming bowls of ramen and udon noodle soups and a variety of katsu dishes. the set meals are a great way to try a little of everything and the tempura ice cream is a quirky addition to the sweets menu. nokeokoummane Road (next to Le Banneton)

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• MASA SpOOn CAFé n’ BiStRO – Asian/western. A bright and cheerful restaurant, split over two levels Masa pairs minimalist furniture with feature walls of raw timber, cool wall art and vintage china. the menu runs from share-plates of Asian-spiced chicken wings and crunchy onion rings to dishes for one including signature dishes Masa Spoon burger, sticky BBQ spare ribs and tasty pastas. Sweet tooths will love the honey toast – perfect with a cup of tea. Rue Dongpalanthong, phonesinuan (next to pizza Company), 021 261 634, Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 11pm.

• BenOni CAFé – Asian/western/Café. escape the bustle of downtown Vientiane at Benoni Café, a bright and airy café-cum-restaurant which serves up fresh and tasty Asian and western fare. Choose from a wide range of baguettes, quiches, burgers and noodle and rice dishes – all prepared quickly and served with a smile. the Lao coffee is home roasted and the delicious cakes and sweets are all made in-house. wiFi, family friendly. Rue Setthathirath (above phimphone), 021 213 334, Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.

• L’ADReSSe De tinAY ReStAuRAnt FRAnçAiS – French. Chef tinay produces some of Vientiane’s finest and most inventive French cuisine at this chic dining spot. the whole duck breast with homemade foie gras and white truffle oil is a current favourite and tinay’s signature cassoulet with homemade confit duck is the perfect nod to traditional French comfort food. For dessert the crème brulee is the best in town. Behind wat Ong teu, 020 5691 3434, ladressedetinay.com Open Monday to Friday 11.30am – 2pm, 6.30pm – 10pm, Saturday 6.30pm – 10pm.

• JAMiL ZAHiD ReStAuRAnt – indian/pakistani. this cheap and cheerful eatery is affectionately known simply as Jamil’s by the loyal diners that frequent it. tucked down an alley, Jamil and his team serve up authentic indian and pakistani dishes which are full of flavour and light on the hip pocket. Ordering anything that comes from Jamil’s on-site traditional tandoori oven is always a safe bet. Off Khounboulom Road, Ban Haysok, 020 5650 2455,

• piMentOn – Spanish/Steakhouse/tapas. Drawing on Hispanic flavours and flair the emphasis here is on open wood fire quality grilled meats and small bites. try contemporary tapas like montadito of pork belly, homemade grilled chorizo, garlic prawns and imported jamón ibérico de bellota or look to the grill for succulent tenderloin or lamb chops served with a kicky chimichurri sauce. the slick warehouse-esque décor with polished concrete and exposed piping only enhances the dining experience at Vientiane’s hippest eatery. 5 Rue nokeoukoumane, 021 215 506, pimentonrestaurant-vte.com Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 10pm.

• BAMBOO HOuSe - Korean barbecue entering Bamboo House, you’ll note the distinctly modern and welcoming feel with a sleek, light wood interior mingling with the tantalizing scent of barbecuing steaks, while a state-of-the-art ventilation system – imported from Korea – hovers over every table, ensuring your dinner conversation isn’t had through smoke.Open daily, lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 5pm-10pm t: 021 453 668 A: 23 Singha Road, nongbone Village, Sayettha District

| L’Adresse de tinay |

| pimenton |

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• tAMARinD ReStAuRAnt – Lao. tamarind specialises in helping diners explore and learn about Lao cuisine and the traditions associated with it. enjoy sampling platters or something from the a la carte menu with explanations and demonstrations from helpful staff and the nam Khan River as a picturesque backdrop. if you’re happy to be guided by the chef try one of the famed specialised feasts choices include traditional Lao Fish Barbeque, the Adventurous Lao gourmet and Luang prabang Family Dinner. Ban wat Sene on the banks of the nam Khan River, 071 213 128, tamarindlaos.com. Open Monday to Saturday 11am – 9pm.

• LeS 3 nAgAS – Lao. Dining at Les 3 nagas is a distinctly local affair with the restaurant housed both on the inviting terrace of the 3 nagas Hotel and inside an adjacent colonial-style building. executing both authentic Lao dishes and the chef’s original creations with a touch of French finesse this attractive lunch and dinner spot presents some of the finest food in town. Start your meal with the crisp and tangy Luang prabang salad and round off with the black sticky rice for dessert. Happy hours 3pm – 6pm. Sakkaline Road, Ban Vat nong, 071 253 888, 3-nagas.com Open 7 days 6.30am – 10.30pm.

LuANg PrAbANg

• tAMnAK LAO ReStAuRAnt – Lao. A family-run restaurant which delivers delicious authentic and homely Lao cuisine. the in-house cooking school means the staff know their stuff, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. try the crispy bamboo shoots stuffed with pork and vegetables or the ubiquitous Luang prabang sausage, both are done very well here. Sakarinne Road, 071 212 239, tamnaklao.net. Open 7 days breakfast 8.30am – 10.30am, lunch 11am – 3pm, dinner 5pm – 11pm.

• LA BeLLe epOQue – Lao /western. Housed in the grand Luang Say Residence, just outside the city centre, this upscale dining room exudes a warm, heritage ambience. the seasonal, healthy and creative menu changes quarterly and features a tempting selection of regional dishes from Laos and further afield in South east Asia. An on-site fruit and vegetable garden means fresh ingredients are always at the kitchen’s fingertips. 4-5 Ban phonepheng, 071 260 891, luangsayresidence.com. Open 7 days 6am – 10.30pm.

• ReStAuRAnt L’eLepHAnt – French/Lao. L’elephant is housed in a charming colonial building just steps away from the magnificent Mekong River. Specialising in traditional and creative French and Lao cuisine the kitchen places an emphasis on using organic, local produce which is grown in their own gardens a few kilometres out of town. Free wiFi. Kounxoa Road, Ban Vat nong, 071 252 482, elephant-restau.com Open 7 days 11.00am – 10pm.

• CAFé tOui – Lao/western. A colourful hole in the wall on a quiet side street leading to the Mekong River. Chef toui began his culinary journey as a waiter in Vientiane before working the kitchen at L’elephant where he developed his passion for cooking. now head of the kitchen at his own eatery toui serves up hearty Lao and western fare using fresh, local ingredients. Sisavangvatthana Road, Ban xieng Mouane, 020 5657 6763, cafetoui.com Open 7 days 6.30am – 10.30pm.

| Les 3 nagas |

| tamarind Restaurant. |

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PAksE• nADAO – French/Lao. A great find in pakse, nadao offers fresh and flavoursome French bistro fare and traditional Lao dishes in a fine dining atmosphere. A little out of the city centre, its location hasn’t stopped locals and visitors alike from flocking to experience some of the best gourmet dining in southern Laos. the service is faultless and the owner/chef will almost always be happy to suggest something from his repertoire. near the Japanese Bridge (opposite the Champasak grand Hotel), 021 213 174

• Le pAnORAMA – Lao/international. As the name might suggest this leafy rooftop terrace, perched on the top floor of the Hotel pakse, has the best views in town. Diners can take their pick from a range of cuisines including Lao, thai and French. no matter what you’re eating the fact remains Le panorama is the place to sit back, relax and take in a glorious sunset in pakse, chilled Beerlao in hand optional. Street 5, Bane watlouang, 031 212 131, hotelpakse.com.

• LAn KHAM nOODLe HOuSe – Lao. Attached to the Lan Kham Hotel this noodle house is considered famous around these parts. particularly popular with locals for breakfast – you may have to fight for a spot – Lan Kham consistently produces huge steaming bowls of noodle soup accompanied by heaped plates of fresh herbs and greens. Cheap and tasty, having this on your doorstep would be reason enough to stay at the neighbouring guest house. Street 13, Lakmeaumg Village. Open 7 days 6.30am – 1pm.

• Lin’S CAFe – Asian/Café. A friendly tucked away eatery housed in a 1930s building complete with original art-deco tiles. Located in the heart of historic downtown this is the perfect place to while away the afternoon with a fresh Lao coffee and tasty Lao/Vietnamese fare. An upstairs gallery exhibits photographs of old Savannakhet. Free wiFi, tourist information, bicycle rental. Latsaphanit Road, Ban xaiyaphoum Village, 020 9988 1630, lincafe.netau. Open 7 days 8.30am – 8.00pm.

• CAFé CHAi Dee – Japanese/western. Fun little café housed in a sunshine-yellow building on the main street of Savannakhet. Chai Dee serves up a mix of Japanese favourites including katsudon, sushi, cold noodle salad alongside fresh sandwiches and thai curries. Cosy into a comfy armchair with a freshly brewed Lao coffee lounge on the sunny terrace with an icy Chai Dee Cooler. Occasional live music in the evenings. Free wiFi, book exchange. 1 Latsavongseuk Road, Lattanalansy thai Village, 020 9179 2479, cafechaidee.com Open tuesday to Sunday 8.30am – 9.00pm.

sAVANNAkhET

| Lin's Cafe. |

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DRINK LISTING

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| Cafe NOMAD |

| Espresso |

– Bar/Belgian. This cosy pub, decorated with Tin Tin paraphernalia, is the place to come if you’ve got a hankering for Hoegaarden or any of the other 79 imported Belgian beers they keep. Huge steaming pots of moules frites attract big crowds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free WiFi, beer specials on Thursdays. 32/4 Fa Gnum Quai (along the Mekong River front), 020 5610 3434, chokdeecafe.com. Open 7 days 10am – 11pm.

– Bar/Western/Lao. Sticky’s, as it’s more a known, is a long-time expat institution drawing big crowds for their legendary happy hour on Wednesday and Friday nights. The bartenders make a mean Tom Yum Martini which, refreshingly piquant, comes complete with a whole chilli garnish. Free WiFi, delivery. 10/3 Rue Francois Nginn, 021 215 972. Open Monday to Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 11pm.

– Wine/Tapas. Modern and casual this intimate bar combines an excellent drop of red or white with seasonal share plates like dainty croquettes, marinated vegetables and an inventive take on nachos con carne. I-Beam buzzes on Wednesday nights when ladies receive half price wine by the glass. Live jazz on Thursday nights. Free WiFi, lunch bu daily. 88 Setthathirath Road, 021 254 523, facebook.com/ibeamvientiane. Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

• THE SPIRIT HOUSE – Bar/Lao/Western. An inviting meeting point with a sprawling terrace looking onto the Mekong River. The cocktail list is extensive with quality liquors preferred, perfect for a sundowner paired with tasty Lao bar snacks. It’s located on a quiet stretch of the waterfront which makes for a peaceful breakfast or afternoon drink before it busies up in the evening. Free WiFi. 93/09 Fa Ngum Road, Ban Seetarn Neua, 021 243 795, thespirithouselaos.com, info@thespirithouselaos.com. Open 7 days 7am – 11pm.

• WINE95 – Wine. Whether you’re after a full-bodied red or a dry white Wine95 is the last word in wine service in Vientiane. Upon entry it is evident these guys know their stu with a slick, fully stocked cellar bar complete with the DiWine Service System guaranteeing a fresh drop in every glass. A staircase leads to an intimate upstairs space with elegant lounges and objects d’art. Setthathirat Road (next to Phimphone), 020 5550 2957, facebook.com/Wine95. Open Monday to Saturday 5pm – 12am.

• THE HIGHLAND RESTAURANT & BAR – Sports bar. Casual and relaxed open-air sports bar with views of the Mekong River. Drawing huge crowds for rugby, football and soccer matches all broadcast live on big-screen televisions, the menu includes Lao, pizza and pub-style fare – perfect for ravenous sports

,1794 9577 020 ,atnuohK naB ,daoR gnohkmahK .snafhighlandbar.com.

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SAVANNAKHET

| Tangor |

| Sinouk Coffee and Bakery |

• TANGOR – Bar/Tapas. Contemporary chic meets colonial charm at this intimate spot on Luang Prabang’s main stretch. Tangor specialises in impeccably crafted cocktails and a generous selection of local and imported beers and ciders. Market produce dictates the ever-changing menu of share plates but luckily for us their

Susavangvong, 020 9560 7262, resa@letangor.com. Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

• ICON KLUB – Cocktail. This cosy bohemian haunt attracts a creative crowd who take advantage of the regular live music and open mic poetry nights. Icon’s walls are adorned with vintage posters and

lm noir stills and punters are most likely to be seen sipping a brilliantly made cocktail (try the Bloody Mary or a dry martini) over a game of chess or retro board game. Free WiFi. Siphouttabath Road, Ban Xiengmouan, 071 254 905, iconklub.com. Open 7 days 5pm – 11.30pm.

• UTOPIA – Bar/Lao/Western. Hidden on the lush banks of the Nam Khan river amongst charming tropical gardens and thatched decking Utopia has perfected laid back paradise. Patrons can languidly sip tropical cocktails on the cushioned terrace watching the river go by, play a board game with neighbours or party into the night in a tiki hut. Ban Aphay, 020 2388 1771, utopialuangprabang.com. Open 7 days 8am – 11.30pm.

• SINOUK COFFEE AND BAKERY – Café. A Lao legacy, the well-known Sinouk Co�ee empire has grown from its humble beginnings as a small plantation in the 1990s to a 50 hectare estate and is turning heads across Asia. Pakse’s Sinouk Co�ee and Bakery outpost serves up delicious cups of Sinouk’s signature organic blend which comes direct from the farm in Paksong to the table. Free Wi-Fi. Pakse centre, near the Tourism

• CAFÉ CHEZ BOUNE – Café/Western. Drawing crowds for great European fare, impressive décor and charming atmosphere, Café Chez Boune is a popular spot for dining out in Savannakhet. Opt for something light such as a tasty bruschetta or baguette or if you’re looking for something more substantial the seared duck breast or tender imported steaks are a good choice. Chaimeuang Road, Xayaphoum Village, 041 215 190, cafechezboune.com. Open 7 days 7am – 10pm.

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| Cafe NOMAD |

| Espresso |

– Bar/Belgian. This cosy pub, decorated with Tin Tin paraphernalia, is the place to come if you’ve got a hankering for Hoegaarden or any of the other 79 imported Belgian beers they keep. Huge steaming pots of moules frites attract big crowds every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Free WiFi, beer specials on Thursdays. 32/4 Fa Gnum Quai (along the Mekong River front), 020 5610 3434, chokdeecafe.com. Open 7 days 10am – 11pm.

– Bar/Western/Lao. Sticky’s, as it’s more a known, is a long-time expat institution drawing big crowds for their legendary happy hour on Wednesday and Friday nights. The bartenders make a mean Tom Yum Martini which, refreshingly piquant, comes complete with a whole chilli garnish. Free WiFi, delivery. 10/3 Rue Francois Nginn, 021 215 972. Open Monday to Friday 5pm – 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am – 11pm.

– Wine/Tapas. Modern and casual this intimate bar combines an excellent drop of red or white with seasonal share plates like dainty croquettes, marinated vegetables and an inventive take on nachos con carne. I-Beam buzzes on Wednesday nights when ladies receive half price wine by the glass. Live jazz on Thursday nights. Free WiFi, lunch bu daily. 88 Setthathirath Road, 021 254 523, facebook.com/ibeamvientiane. Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

• THE SPIRIT HOUSE – Bar/Lao/Western. An inviting meeting point with a sprawling terrace looking onto the Mekong River. The cocktail list is extensive with quality liquors preferred, perfect for a sundowner paired with tasty Lao bar snacks. It’s located on a quiet stretch of the waterfront which makes for a peaceful breakfast or afternoon drink before it busies up in the evening. Free WiFi. 93/09 Fa Ngum Road, Ban Seetarn Neua, 021 243 795, thespirithouselaos.com, info@thespirithouselaos.com. Open 7 days 7am – 11pm.

• WINE95 – Wine. Whether you’re after a full-bodied red or a dry white Wine95 is the last word in wine service in Vientiane. Upon entry it is evident these guys know their stu with a slick, fully stocked cellar bar complete with the DiWine Service System guaranteeing a fresh drop in every glass. A staircase leads to an intimate upstairs space with elegant lounges and objects d’art. Setthathirat Road (next to Phimphone), 020 5550 2957, facebook.com/Wine95. Open Monday to Saturday 5pm – 12am.

• THE HIGHLAND RESTAURANT & BAR – Sports bar. Casual and relaxed open-air sports bar with views of the Mekong River. Drawing huge crowds for rugby, football and soccer matches all broadcast live on big-screen televisions, the menu includes Lao, pizza and pub-style fare – perfect for ravenous sports

,1794 9577 020 ,atnuohK naB ,daoR gnohkmahK .snafhighlandbar.com.

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PAKSE

SAVANNAKHET

| Tangor |

| Sinouk Coffee and Bakery |

• TANGOR – Bar/Tapas. Contemporary chic meets colonial charm at this intimate spot on Luang Prabang’s main stretch. Tangor specialises in impeccably crafted cocktails and a generous selection of local and imported beers and ciders. Market produce dictates the ever-changing menu of share plates but luckily for us their

Susavangvong, 020 9560 7262, resa@letangor.com. Open 7 days 11am – 11pm.

• ICON KLUB – Cocktail. This cosy bohemian haunt attracts a creative crowd who take advantage of the regular live music and open mic poetry nights. Icon’s walls are adorned with vintage posters and

lm noir stills and punters are most likely to be seen sipping a brilliantly made cocktail (try the Bloody Mary or a dry martini) over a game of chess or retro board game. Free WiFi. Siphouttabath Road, Ban Xiengmouan, 071 254 905, iconklub.com. Open 7 days 5pm – 11.30pm.

• UTOPIA – Bar/Lao/Western. Hidden on the lush banks of the Nam Khan river amongst charming tropical gardens and thatched decking Utopia has perfected laid back paradise. Patrons can languidly sip tropical cocktails on the cushioned terrace watching the river go by, play a board game with neighbours or party into the night in a tiki hut. Ban Aphay, 020 2388 1771, utopialuangprabang.com. Open 7 days 8am – 11.30pm.

• SINOUK COFFEE AND BAKERY – Café. A Lao legacy, the well-known Sinouk Co�ee empire has grown from its humble beginnings as a small plantation in the 1990s to a 50 hectare estate and is turning heads across Asia. Pakse’s Sinouk Co�ee and Bakery outpost serves up delicious cups of Sinouk’s signature organic blend which comes direct from the farm in Paksong to the table. Free Wi-Fi. Pakse centre, near the Tourism

• CAFÉ CHEZ BOUNE – Café/Western. Drawing crowds for great European fare, impressive décor and charming atmosphere, Café Chez Boune is a popular spot for dining out in Savannakhet. Opt for something light such as a tasty bruschetta or baguette or if you’re looking for something more substantial the seared duck breast or tender imported steaks are a good choice. Chaimeuang Road, Xayaphoum Village, 041 215 190, cafechezboune.com. Open 7 days 7am – 10pm.

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• ADINA SPA This experienced spa team provides the ultimate pampering. Unlike many others spas, they provide Japanese traditional massages, Indian massages and a Hot Stone Massage. The facials are amongst the most advanced in the city. Higher-end prices. 170 Phonsaath, Kaysone Road, 021 414 138, 9am-10pm, www.adinaspalao.com.

• CHAMPA SPA & MASSAGE Champa has two locations in town within serene, quiet surroundings. Traditional Lao Massage, Herbal Treatments, Aromatherapy Massage and Body Steams have a range of lengths and prices. There is also a hand and foot spa, and waxing services. Among the best in Vientiane. Corner of Fa Ngum and Pangkham Roads, near Nam Phu, 021 251 926, 9am-10pm, www.champaspa.com.

• DALAH SPA Luxurious Dalah Spa have a mineral milk bath, anti-stress back and shoulder treatments, the Four Hands Massage and sports massage for those exerting themselves. Located on a quiet lane just off the main road. 140 Khouvieng Road, 021 285 125, 9am-9pm.

• GIRIYA SPA You’ve got to travel to Rashmi’s Hotel, 3km from the city centre, to reach Giriya, but that’s small sacrifice for the awaiting experience. There’s an Indian atmosphere reflected in the decoration, while Thai masseuses give excellent massages in private rooms. Soon open to membership. Rashmi’s Hotel, Thadeua Road Km3, 021 315 088, www.rashmishotel.com.

• GREEN PARK CHAMPA LAO SPA This hotel-based spa is walled-in with dark woods and has snow white beds with trinkets on lockers and candles burning for soft light. They’ve got traditional massage, body exfoliation and expert facial treatments for guests and visitors. Foot massages take place in comfy recliners with a view to the gardens. Green Park Hotel, 12 Khouvieng Road, 021 263 064, 10am-7pm, www.greenparkvientiane.com.

• HERBAL SAUNA This establishment has Lao style herbal saunas for men and women in separate rooms. It also offers different massages including Lao, oil and foot. Entrance fees include a towel for men but women must rent a sarong for a small fee. Located very close to the Mekong in central Vientiane. Chao Anou Road, 020 5504 5655, 1pm-9pm.

• MANDARINA BODY & SOUL SPA Another one of many in the centre of Vientiane, but definitely among the best. The staff is friendly and there’s a few packages to choose from. Otherwise,

• PAPAYA SPA The setting in an old French colonial villa is charm enough, but inside the opulence is even greater. They’ve a Swedish oil massage, offer facials, body scrubs, reflexology and saunas. It’s definitely one of the pricier in the capital, but well worth it to relax in a state of pure luxury for a few hours. Phanya Sy Road, 021 216 550, 9.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, www.papayaspa.com.

• WHITE LOTUS MASSAGE & YOGA White Lotus gives excellent foot massages in relaxing leather recliners. It’s one of the more affordable yet consistent massage businesses in town and has a great aromatherapy massage. Try the signature lotus foot massage or the Cleopatra treatment with gold masque for 200,000kip – heavenly. Also does yoga instruction. Pangkham Road, close to Nam Phu, 021 217 492, 10am-10pm.

| Giriya Spa |

• MANEE SPA About 4km from the city centre, Manee Spa offers consistently good massages in a tranquil setting. There are several private rooms with quality tables and a tasteful interior. It’s on the higher price scale but the setting with beautiful gardens is second to none. Sokpaluang Road, past the Myanmar Embassy, 021 353 207.

• NIKOLAZ MASSAGE This is just a 5-minute walk from the Mekong in the centre of town and they offer advanced massage and body therapies, as well as the traditional foot and body massages. The owners are very friendly and can further elaborate on options available. 45 Settathirath Road, 9am-11pm.

• NIRVANA SPA The head and back massage is particularly good but it’s possible to get a combination of several treatments. The delightful honey body wrap could be combined with aromatic skin massage, followed by a herbal skin polish. Pangkham Road, facing Lao Plaza Hotel, 021 222 936, 10am-9pm, www.nirvana-spa-laos.com.

RELAX LISTING

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LUANG PRAbANG

• The Angsana Spa Luangprabang - After you have explored the enchanting cultural heritage of Luang Prabang, it’s time to rest and relax at our tropical Angsana Spa. Nestled amidst a picturesque garden, this haven is the perfect respite to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Experience Bliss, discover Ibu’s Secret, or follow time-honored traditions with divine Thai Herbal Glower pampering! Drift away from the hustle-and-bustle of life – visit this therapeutic oasis to recharge.Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel -Rue Chao Fa Ngum, Ban Thatluang, Luang Prabang Tel : +856 71 254609 Fax : +856 71 212577www.angsana.com | www.banyantree.comE-mail: spa-luangprabang@angsana.com Opening hour : 10.00 am-8.00 pm.

• DOK CHAMPA MASSAGE Fully trained and qualified massage therapists mean Dok Champa is an excellent place to relieve stress. They offer sports, aromatic oil, and gel and lotion massage. There are also deep cleansing facials for those looking for complete body rejuvenation. Visounarath Road, Ban Vixoun, 020 7777 9966, www.dokchampamassage.com.

• KIRIDARA SPA Kiridara Spa’s signature treatment is the Nuat Bouhan Massage, which lasts 90 minutes and fuses ancient Lao traditions with the regional therapies of Japanese Shiatsu, Thai massage and Chinese acupuncture. They’ve got many packages to choose from and the view over Luang Prabang is stunning. 22/13 North Road, Ban Naviengkham, 071 261 888, www.snhcollection.com/kiridara.

• LAO RED CROSS Set up to help children in poor communities, Lao Red Cross is one of the cheapest in town but with no compromise on quality. Housed in a Lao-French building, try the herbal sauna for 10,000 kip between 4pm-8pm, or go for one of the traditional massages. Bring your own towel or sarong. Wisunarat Road, 071 252 856, 9am-9pm.

• LUANG PRABANG YOGA This collective runs classes in yoga and meditation for beginner and experienced practitioners. The group alternates their regular classes between several picturesque riverside locations including Utopia and Ock Pop Tok and holds yoga retreats at Mandala Ou Resort in Nong Khiaw. luangprabangyoga.org.

• THE SPA GARDEN Spread over three locations, The Spa Garden (also known as Aroma Spa) has a deep tissue massage, a Mystic Lao massage and a foot massage with herbal creams amongst its signature treatments. Spa products also available for purchase. ban Phonheuang, 071 212325, 10am-11pm, www.spagardenlpb.com.

| Dhammada Oasis Massage |

• SANCTUARY MASSAGE This is the place to try a superb Thai herbal compress massage. Sanctuary applies steamed Thai and Chinese herbs to the body in a kneading action to release muscle tension and stiffness. There are also aroma and oriental massages in calming rooms. Sanctuary Hotel, Kitsalat Road, 071 213777, www.sanctuaryluangprabang.com.

• DHAMMADA OASIS MASSAGE Tucked away beside a beautiful lotus pond and surrounded by coconut trees, Dhammada provides exceptional massages. There are aroma, oriental and foot massages to ease body tensions and bigger packages to spend a few hours. Very friendly and experienced staff makes Dhammada one of the best in town. Luang Prabang Oasis Hotel, ban Vixoun, 071 212 642, www.luangprabangoasis.com.

• AYU SPA At Xieng Thong Palace Hotel, Ayu Spa is massage and body treatment heaven. Holistic practices performed by experienced therapists are a perfect way to slip into true relaxation. You could spend a half-day sampling the variety of massage and sauna/steam options, while a pedicure or manicure ties a few hours off. Kounxaou Road, ban Phoneheung, 071 213 200, www.xiengthongpalace.com.

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• COPE VISITOR CENTRE – Museum.Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, or COPE, is a locally run non-profi t working with partners to provide rehabilitation services for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survivors and other people with disabilities across Laos. The Visitor Centre houses a free exhibition about UXO in Laos, stories from survivors and information on the services provided by COPE. Interactive displays, excellent documentaries and imagery provide a thought-provoking experience to visitors. There is an opportunity to support COPE through the gift shop or a donation. Centre of Medical Rehabilitation, Khouvieng Road, 021 218 427, 9am–6pm, 7 days, www.copelaos.org.

• HOUEY HONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR WOMEN – Class/Craft. The Centre provides training and employment for disadvantaged Lao women in the areas of natural dyeing, weaving, tailoring and administration. Visitors can tour the facilities and take part in dyeing and weaving classes creating a unique textile to take home, the cost of which includes transfers, lunch and provides direct support to the Centre. The gift shop sells stylish products made on-site by sta� and trainees. Lane 19, Houey Hong Village, 021 560 006, Mon-Sat 8.30am–12pm, 1.30pm–4.30pm, www.houeyhongcentre.com.

• I:CAT GALLERY – Gallery. A bright and inviting gallery space featuring a revolving programme of engaging exhibitions from local artists working in a range of mediums. A collection of original prints, art books, photography, paintings and handmade cards are permanently for sale in the gallery space and past installations and events have included visual art, music, poetry, fi lm and fashion. 230-231 Thanon Settathirath, Ban Simeuang, 020 7783 9674, Mon-Fri 6pm–8pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm, www.facebook.com/icatgallery.

• DAY TRIP TO NAM NGUM LAKE – Tour. The perfect way to get back to nature while staying close to your base in Vientiane, Green Discovery Laos takes you to the Nam Ngum Resevoir. En route on this guided day-trip participants will get a fi rst-hand look at Hmong village life to meet locals and visit the market before taking in the 11th century archaeological site of Van Xang. At the reservoir you’ll lunch on a fl oating restaurant and explore �shing villages and small islands by boat before returning to Vientiane. For more information visit greendiscoverylaos.com.

• FROM FARM TO MARKET – Tour. Local tour guides Tuk Tuk Safari specialise in small group educational and interactive tours of Vientiane and surrounds. On this tour patrons will visit the Panyanivej Eco Rice and Fish Farm to have a hand at traditional Lao fi shing, rice planting and other farm activities before using fresh farm ingredients to cook a traditional Lao lunch. 020 5433 3089, tours run daytime from Monday to Saturday, www.tuktuksafari.com.

• VIENTIANE BYCYCLE – Tour. Explore Vientiane on two wheels in either a guided half or full-day tour allowing you to uncover a di�erent side to the city. You’ll follow the gentle curve of the Mekong River to explore nearby scenic villages and observe fi shermen and local temples. Back in the city centre you’ll pass touristic highlights like glittering temples, the grand Presidential Palace, Patuxai and That Luang while also venturing o� the beaten path to capture scenes of Lao daily life in sleepy residential areas. 020 5581 2337, Tours run daily 8am to 5pm, www.vientianebycycle.com.

• LAO EXPERIENCES COOKING CLASS AND FOOD TOURS – Class/Tour. Join friendly host Nook as she teaches you to cook popular Lao dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional methods. These fun and interactive classes are held in a leafy garden kitchen by the Mekong River, the perfect setting to throw together a tasty laap or mok pa (banana leaf steamed fi sh) all of which you’ll devour at the end of class. The additional tour of the largest fresh market in Vientiane is great for those new to Lao ingredients. Bookings at The Full Moon Café or via lao-experiences.com, 020 5569 9429. Classes and Market Tours conducted daily.

• LAO DISABLED WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRE – Tour/Craft. A local non-pro�t run b y w o m e n w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s f o r w o m e n w i t h disabilities. In a beautiful setting near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge the Centre is a hive of activity with training programmes including sewing and needlework, social development and women’s c ivi l r ights . V is itors can tour the centre, buy locally-made handicrafts including accessories, fashion items and homewares and lear n how t h e y a re m a d e . T h a d e u a R o a d , H a d s a y f o n g Distr ict , 021 812282, 8 .30am–5pm, 7 days , www.laodisabledwomen.com.

• TRADITIONAL ARTS AND ETHNOLOGY CENTRE – Museum/Craft. Housed in a renovated heritage building at the foot of Phou Si hill TAEC is a museum dedicated to the promotion of the culture and knowledge of Laos’ diverse ethnic communities. Several permanent and rotating cultural exhibitions showcase artefacts, traditional art and clothing of Lao ethnic groups and give insight into the diversity and richness of the country. The gorgeous museum shop which keeps handicrafts from village artisans is well worth a look. Guided tours available for an additional fee. Ban Khamyong (behind Dara Market), 071 253 364, taeclaos.org. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 6pm.

• ELEPHANT VILLAGE – E Tour. Get up close to magnifi cent pachyderms at this tourist destination operated by international specialists and volunteers who aim to rescue, protect and rehabilitate elephants in Laos. There are a myriad of activities on o�er for visitors including thrilling elephant rides, bathing elephants in the Nam Kahn River, a basic mahout training course and feedings. You can also stay overnight in on-site accommodation, aptly named the Elephant Lodge. To book and for more information visit elephantvillage-laos.com. Tours run 7 days.

• OCK POP TOK LIVING CRAFTS CENTRE – Class/Craft. Take part in a fun hands-on workshop and learn traditional weaving and dying techniques from skilled Lao artisans at this handicrafts centre set in lush tropical gardens overlooking the Mekong River. A variety of classes suitable for a range of skill levels are on o�er or you could visit the weaving centre for a free tour and observe weavers at their craft. Ban Saylom (opposite Phousi Market), 071 212 597, 9am–5pm, 7 days, www.ockpoptok.com

• TAMARIND COOKING SCHOOL – Class. This popular cooking class, run by the restaurant of the same name, has been schooling students in the art of laap for years. Participants will fi rst check out ingredients at a local fresh market then head to Tamarind’s lake-side cooking school to cook and, more importantly, eat. The menu consists of a range of Lao classics including jeow spicy dipping sauces and Tamarind’s signature chicken and herb-stu�ed lemongrass. To book and for more information visit tamarindlaos.com. Full day classes Mon-Sat 9am–3pm, evening classes Mon-Fri 4pm–8.30pm

• KOFFIE’S COFFEE WORKSHOP PAKSONG – GTour. Explore Southern Laos’ renowned co�ee country and see just how beans make it into your morning cup of Joe. You will visit Koffi e’s own organic co�ee plantation and farm when you’ll see arabica growing, picked, then learn about the husking and drying processes. After lunch you’ll get hands-on in roasting arabica beans yourself and brew yourself a fl avourful cup of aromatic java. For more information visit paksong.info/laos_co�ee_workshop.php, 020 2276 0439, co�ee@paksong.info

• SINOUK COFFEE RESORT – Garden. A must-see Tif you’re travelling through the Bolaven Plateau, Sinouk is a name synonymous with co�ee in Laos. Surrounding the resort are palatial landscaped gardens which include co�ee plants, rock gardens, a lake and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy a signature locally grown cup of co�ee from Sinouk’s nearby plantation in the pavilion restaurant or cafe. For more information visit sinoukco�eeresort.com.

• TREE TOP EXPLORER AT JUNGLE HOTEL PAKSONG – Tour. Green Discovery Laos lead an Gunforgettable adventure in an unparalleled South East Asian mountain forest setting of Champassak province. This tour is not for the faint-hearted with zip-lining over gorges and waterfalls and breathtaking views from a canopy walkway leading to great fun in a stunning environment. Retire to the Jungle Hotel Paksong a cluster of private treehouses set amongst the lush forest. The ultimate experience in nature. For more information visit greendiscoverylaos.com.

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VIENTIANE LUANG PRABANG

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• COPE VISITOR CENTRE – Museum.Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise, or COPE, is a locally run non-profi t working with partners to provide rehabilitation services for Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survivors and other people with disabilities across Laos. The Visitor Centre houses a free exhibition about UXO in Laos, stories from survivors and information on the services provided by COPE. Interactive displays, excellent documentaries and imagery provide a thought-provoking experience to visitors. There is an opportunity to support COPE through the gift shop or a donation. Centre of Medical Rehabilitation, Khouvieng Road, 021 218 427, 9am–6pm, 7 days, www.copelaos.org.

• HOUEY HONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FOR WOMEN – Class/Craft. The Centre provides training and employment for disadvantaged Lao women in the areas of natural dyeing, weaving, tailoring and administration. Visitors can tour the facilities and take part in dyeing and weaving classes creating a unique textile to take home, the cost of which includes transfers, lunch and provides direct support to the Centre. The gift shop sells stylish products made on-site by sta� and trainees. Lane 19, Houey Hong Village, 021 560 006, Mon-Sat 8.30am–12pm, 1.30pm–4.30pm, www.houeyhongcentre.com.

• I:CAT GALLERY – Gallery. A bright and inviting gallery space featuring a revolving programme of engaging exhibitions from local artists working in a range of mediums. A collection of original prints, art books, photography, paintings and handmade cards are permanently for sale in the gallery space and past installations and events have included visual art, music, poetry, fi lm and fashion. 230-231 Thanon Settathirath, Ban Simeuang, 020 7783 9674, Mon-Fri 6pm–8pm, Sat-Sun 1pm-6pm, www.facebook.com/icatgallery.

• DAY TRIP TO NAM NGUM LAKE – Tour. The perfect way to get back to nature while staying close to your base in Vientiane, Green Discovery Laos takes you to the Nam Ngum Resevoir. En route on this guided day-trip participants will get a fi rst-hand look at Hmong village life to meet locals and visit the market before taking in the 11th century archaeological site of Van Xang. At the reservoir you’ll lunch on a fl oating restaurant and explore �shing villages and small islands by boat before returning to Vientiane. For more information visit greendiscoverylaos.com.

• FROM FARM TO MARKET – Tour. Local tour guides Tuk Tuk Safari specialise in small group educational and interactive tours of Vientiane and surrounds. On this tour patrons will visit the Panyanivej Eco Rice and Fish Farm to have a hand at traditional Lao fi shing, rice planting and other farm activities before using fresh farm ingredients to cook a traditional Lao lunch. 020 5433 3089, tours run daytime from Monday to Saturday, www.tuktuksafari.com.

• VIENTIANE BYCYCLE – Tour. Explore Vientiane on two wheels in either a guided half or full-day tour allowing you to uncover a di�erent side to the city. You’ll follow the gentle curve of the Mekong River to explore nearby scenic villages and observe fi shermen and local temples. Back in the city centre you’ll pass touristic highlights like glittering temples, the grand Presidential Palace, Patuxai and That Luang while also venturing o� the beaten path to capture scenes of Lao daily life in sleepy residential areas. 020 5581 2337, Tours run daily 8am to 5pm, www.vientianebycycle.com.

• LAO EXPERIENCES COOKING CLASS AND FOOD TOURS – Class/Tour. Join friendly host Nook as she teaches you to cook popular Lao dishes with fresh ingredients and traditional methods. These fun and interactive classes are held in a leafy garden kitchen by the Mekong River, the perfect setting to throw together a tasty laap or mok pa (banana leaf steamed fi sh) all of which you’ll devour at the end of class. The additional tour of the largest fresh market in Vientiane is great for those new to Lao ingredients. Bookings at The Full Moon Café or via lao-experiences.com, 020 5569 9429. Classes and Market Tours conducted daily.

• LAO DISABLED WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT CENTRE – Tour/Craft. A local non-pro�t run b y w o m e n w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s f o r w o m e n w i t h disabilities. In a beautiful setting near the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge the Centre is a hive of activity with training programmes including sewing and needlework, social development and women’s c ivi l r ights . V is itors can tour the centre, buy locally-made handicrafts including accessories, fashion items and homewares and lear n how t h e y a re m a d e . T h a d e u a R o a d , H a d s a y f o n g Distr ict , 021 812282, 8 .30am–5pm, 7 days , www.laodisabledwomen.com.

• TRADITIONAL ARTS AND ETHNOLOGY CENTRE – Museum/Craft. Housed in a renovated heritage building at the foot of Phou Si hill TAEC is a museum dedicated to the promotion of the culture and knowledge of Laos’ diverse ethnic communities. Several permanent and rotating cultural exhibitions showcase artefacts, traditional art and clothing of Lao ethnic groups and give insight into the diversity and richness of the country. The gorgeous museum shop which keeps handicrafts from village artisans is well worth a look. Guided tours available for an additional fee. Ban Khamyong (behind Dara Market), 071 253 364, taeclaos.org. Open Tuesday to Sunday 9am – 6pm.

• ELEPHANT VILLAGE – E Tour. Get up close to magnifi cent pachyderms at this tourist destination operated by international specialists and volunteers who aim to rescue, protect and rehabilitate elephants in Laos. There are a myriad of activities on o�er for visitors including thrilling elephant rides, bathing elephants in the Nam Kahn River, a basic mahout training course and feedings. You can also stay overnight in on-site accommodation, aptly named the Elephant Lodge. To book and for more information visit elephantvillage-laos.com. Tours run 7 days.

• OCK POP TOK LIVING CRAFTS CENTRE – Class/Craft. Take part in a fun hands-on workshop and learn traditional weaving and dying techniques from skilled Lao artisans at this handicrafts centre set in lush tropical gardens overlooking the Mekong River. A variety of classes suitable for a range of skill levels are on o�er or you could visit the weaving centre for a free tour and observe weavers at their craft. Ban Saylom (opposite Phousi Market), 071 212 597, 9am–5pm, 7 days, www.ockpoptok.com

• TAMARIND COOKING SCHOOL – Class. This popular cooking class, run by the restaurant of the same name, has been schooling students in the art of laap for years. Participants will fi rst check out ingredients at a local fresh market then head to Tamarind’s lake-side cooking school to cook and, more importantly, eat. The menu consists of a range of Lao classics including jeow spicy dipping sauces and Tamarind’s signature chicken and herb-stu�ed lemongrass. To book and for more information visit tamarindlaos.com. Full day classes Mon-Sat 9am–3pm, evening classes Mon-Fri 4pm–8.30pm

• KOFFIE’S COFFEE WORKSHOP PAKSONG – GTour. Explore Southern Laos’ renowned co�ee country and see just how beans make it into your morning cup of Joe. You will visit Koffi e’s own organic co�ee plantation and farm when you’ll see arabica growing, picked, then learn about the husking and drying processes. After lunch you’ll get hands-on in roasting arabica beans yourself and brew yourself a fl avourful cup of aromatic java. For more information visit paksong.info/laos_co�ee_workshop.php, 020 2276 0439, co�ee@paksong.info

• SINOUK COFFEE RESORT – Garden. A must-see Tif you’re travelling through the Bolaven Plateau, Sinouk is a name synonymous with co�ee in Laos. Surrounding the resort are palatial landscaped gardens which include co�ee plants, rock gardens, a lake and waterfalls. Visitors can enjoy a signature locally grown cup of co�ee from Sinouk’s nearby plantation in the pavilion restaurant or cafe. For more information visit sinoukco�eeresort.com.

• TREE TOP EXPLORER AT JUNGLE HOTEL PAKSONG – Tour. Green Discovery Laos lead an Gunforgettable adventure in an unparalleled South East Asian mountain forest setting of Champassak province. This tour is not for the faint-hearted with zip-lining over gorges and waterfalls and breathtaking views from a canopy walkway leading to great fun in a stunning environment. Retire to the Jungle Hotel Paksong a cluster of private treehouses set amongst the lush forest. The ultimate experience in nature. For more information visit greendiscoverylaos.com.

VIENTIANE

| Carol Cassidy Textiles |

• LAO FINE ARTS HANDICRAFT JEWELLERY Superbly crafted, resplendent jewellery made from wood, coconut and silver can be bought here. Other contemporary and more traditional items can also be purchased. 550/01 Thatluang Tai Village, Saysettha District, 020 5542 6993, 9.30am-5.30pm.

• NIGHT MARKET Drawing hordes of tourists and locals to the riverside each evening you simply can’t miss the two rows of red-topped marquees along the waterfront mingling with smoky food stalls and mountainous balloon displays. The wares on sale may be aimed predominately towards tourists (think t-shirts, trinkets and Buddhist inspired art) but locals shop here too and there are plenty of bargains to be had. Mekong riverfront, Fa Ngum Road, Sunset-9pm, 7 days.

• SAOBAN CRAFTS A treasure trove of handmade handicrafts created by over 300 artisans from villages

textiles, exquisite homewares and contemporary jewellery with most goods crafted from natural dyes, local bamboo and organically grown cotton and proceeds going back to the artist. 97/1 Chao Anou Road, Mon-Sat 9am–8pm, Sun 1pm–8pm, www.saobancrafts.com.

• T’SHOP LAI GALLERY A delightful gallery and crafts store featuring works from local and visiting artists and producing and selling the Les Artisans Lao range of organic skincare and beauty products. The range includes luscious body creams and soaps, all-natural repellents and aromatic oils. Vat Inpeng Street, 021 223 178, Mon-Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 10am–6pm, www.artisanslao.com.

| T’Shop Lai Gallery |

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SHOP LISTING

LUANG PRABANG

• MA TE SAI A boutique shop with shelves of original souvenirs and handicrafts. The store seeks to help local people by working with them to sell their products and improve their livelihoods. Many of the souvenirs are made from recycled paper, bamboo and other natural materials. Sisangvong Road, Ban Xieng Mouane, 071 260 654, 8am-9pm, www.matesai.com

• NIGHT MARKET Down the length of Sisavangvong Rd is the city’s famous Night Market. Weave under awnings to admire handicrafts such as rosewood carvings and silver jewellery, alongside herbal teas, rice paper diaries and beautiful linen dresses. It’s a friendly market and bargains are to be had. Sisangvong Road, 5pm-11pm, 7 days (weather dependent).

• OCK POP TOK A shop with a di�erence. Ock Pop Tok seeks to empower local women by developing their artistic skills and sells their items. Woven textiles, bags and scarves are on o�er, while they also run classes for visitors who want to try their hand at production or just admire artisans at work. The group also has a

Sene, 071 253 219, 8am-9pm, www.ockpoptok.com.

• TRADITIONAL ARTS & ETHNOLOGY CENTRE Although better known as a museum, the centre also supports over 500 handicraft producers from across Laos. They sell beaded necklaces, belts, backpacks, jewellery and lots of other items that showcase the enormous ethnic diversity of Laos. Kitsalat Road, Ban Khamyong, 071 253 364, Tue-Sun 9am-6pm, www.taeclaos.org.

• L’ETRANGER BOOKS & TEA This quaint book café lies close to the Nam Khan River and sells second-hand books. It’s well-stocked and has novels in many

and regional history. Over 70 varieties of tea are for sale upstairs. Phousi Road, Ban Aphay, 071 212 880, Mon-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 10am-10pm.

• PASSA PAA The culmination of British and Lao creative minds, this store is the shopfront for the textile and accessories label of the same name. The label explores the language of desing that has evolved in Laos to re-think, re-interpret, and re-construct patterns, symbols and forms into contemporary bags, scarves, purses and more. 79 Ban Vat Sene, 020 5541 1244, 7 days 8am-8pm, www.passa-paa.com.

| Ma Te Sai |

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SLEEP LISTING

| Vientiane Plaza |

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MAP OF VIENTIANE

VIENTIANE

As the nation's capital, Vientiane is a must-experience city when traveling through Laos. Vientiane became the capital in 1563 because of fears surrounding Burmese invasion. Under French rule, it became the administrative capital and in recent times the city has emerged as the country's economic hub. Sitting on the northern banks of the Mekong river, the city has a colourful culture, amazing hospitality and is home to an enviable local and international dining scene. With its French colonial characteristics and leafy boulevards surrounded by rustic temples and coconut palms, this is a city that mixes colonial architecture with a tropical environment. The laidback atmosphere is ideal for visitors, and it is rapidly becoming one of the most fascinating cities to see in Asia.

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