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CARUSO CREATIONS VIENTIANE
A visit to the Caruso workshop in Vientiane is a plunge into a wonderful world. Designers and craftsmen will show you the different stages of production of the most authentic Laotian know-how, silversmiths, sculptors, turners at the service of absolute beauty. The tour ends in the showroom, where the entire Caruso universe is represented: ebony vases, jewelry, carpets and the finest silks find their place in a traditional contemporary setting. Take advantage of Caruso’s chauffeur service to get to the workshop.
Address: Nongbouathong Neua, Homp 14, Unit 49, Vientiane

CARUSO CREATIONS LUANG PRABANG
An international icon of Lao design for almost three decades, Caruso is the very essence of creativity. From marvelous ebony objects, often edged with pure silver, to the finest silk, you’ll find the country’s finest craftsmanship in this elegant boutique. Each piece has been reinterpreted with a modern touch using traditional forms. It’s impossible to leave the boutique without falling in love with an object. The master craftsmen’s workshop is open to the public. Daily worldwide shipments.
Address: 60 Sakkarine Road, Ban Vat Sene, Luang Prabang

As the trend of dispersed tourism rises, Don Det, an island in Champasak Province’s Si Phan Don archipelago, is gaining recognition as a top destination amid the serene Mekong River waters.

Booking.com’s recent report positions Don Det at the 7th spot among emerging international and domestic destinations searched by Asia-Pacific (APAC) travelers, placing it alongside Spain’s Camarinas, especially for those who seek elevated rest and relaxation.

In southern Laos, Don Det is famous for its slow pace, stunning landscapes, and commitment to preserving traditional lifestyles. As more people turn to travel as a stress reliever, 66 percent of respondents in Booking.com’s research aim for uninterrupted relaxation in 2024, and Don Det is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility.

The growing trend of dispersed tourism is emerging as many have begun searching for ways to escape noisy big cities and indulge themselves in a silent space accompanied by a cozy ambiance at least for a few hours or a day, to self-reflect and be surrounded by natural scenery. 

Offering those options has made APAC tourists seek out Don Det, as the island is a peaceful getaway where relaxation is valued. Yet, visitors can also enjoy various activities to soak in its captivating atmosphere.

Options include cycling around the island, observing the laid-back lifestyles, or taking an affordable tour to see Li Fi Falls. Exploring the Angkor-era ruins of Wat Phu in Champasak, while not as grand as Angkor Wat, is a unique experience with its hillside setting and fewer crowds.

Travelers can conveniently reach Don Det by taking a 2.5-hour bus ride from Pakse, a district in Champasak Province, for those journeying from Vientiane Capital, a 10-hour bus ride to Pakse precedes the final leg of the journey to this idyllic island.

Laos is becoming a peaceful choice for travelers seeking an authentic experience, moving away from crowded tourist spots. The rise of dispersed tourism emphasizes visiting less-known, especially rural, areas where the focus is on the beauty of nature.

The popularity of Laos as a distinguished destination for tourists around the globe can be attributed, in part, to international media coverage from renowned publications such as Australian Travel PublicationNational GeographicCNNWanderlust, and Fodor’s, which have highlighted Laos as a must-visit destination.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/12/28/don-det-emerges-as-a-tranquil-haven-for-stressed-travelers/

Bolikhamxay Provincial Authorities will declare the revered Phabath Phonsan Temple in Thaphabath district as a national heritage site in January, coinciding with the annual Boun Phabath Phonsan festival, a key event across the province.

Scheduled to take place from 22-25 January, the Boun Phabath Phonsan festival is a cherished tradition where locals pay homage to the ancient stupa and visit the Buddha’s footprint at the temple. The festival has also earned its place in the Visit Laos Year 2024 program. 

Sonthong Vibounkuang, Head of Bolikhamxay’s Information, Culture, and Tourism Department, announced that the festival will showcase a street fair and mark the Phabath Phonsan Temple’s official declaration as a national heritage site.

A singing competition, cultural performances, and an enthralling fashion show featuring ethnic groups from the area will also serve to further enhance the festivities.

Built in the Buddhist year 902 (AD 359), Phabath Phonsan Temple stands on a 1.2-hectare site where, in 1993, locals found a 2.4 x 1.2-meter footprint believed to be Buddha’s, prompting the construction of Phabath Temple around it, Vientiane Times reported.

Devotees gather annually in mid-January to pay respect to the Buddha’s footprint, making merit by placing gold leaves on the sacred Phabath (Buddha footprint).

Apart from its cultural and religious significance, Bolikhamxay Province boasts eco-tourism activities, including two national protected areas and a vast wetland system. Beyond exploring the Phabath Phonsan temple, visitors are encouraged to visit the province’s numerous waterfalls, such as Tad Xay, Tad Leak, and Tad Mangkon, among others.

Bolikhamxay Province, with 102 officially designated natural, cultural, and historical tourist attractions, aspires to continue the momentum from the previously successful year. In 2022, more than 164,000 domestic and international tourists discovered the province’s wonders.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/12/20/ancient-temple-in-bolikhamxay-set-to-attain-national-heritage-status/

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