Sekong Province to Improve Facilities Near Tad Fai Mai Waterfall for Visit Laos Year 2024

Sekong provincial authorities are planning to upgrade the tourism infrastructure and provide better facilities at Tad Fai Mai waterfall to welcome more tourists next year.

The Governor of Sekong Province, Mr. Leklay Sivilay, and other provincial and district officials visited Palengtay village in Thataeng district last week to survey the Tad Fai Mai waterfall and understand how the area could be improved to make it an attractive and sought-after tourist destination.

The waterfall is located in a beautiful forest and has a fascinating history. The governor hopes that the province will be able to attract some financial investment to develop the region of the waterfall while preserving the forest and creating jobs for the local community.

Mr. Chanthaboun Thalongsengchan, head of the Sekong Information, Culture, and Tourism Department, said that provincial leaders and other stakeholders have made tourism a priority in attracting domestic and foreign investment. This will generate income for residents and improve the lives of people in the surrounding areas.

Additionally, Mr. Chanthaboun revealed that Sekong Province currently has 42 tourist attractions. Of these, 21 are natural attractions, 7 are cultural attractions, 10 are historical attractions, and 4 are agricultural attractions. He added that the province has allowed entrepreneurs to develop three natural tourist attractions.

Laos is currently preparing for Visit Laos Year 2024, targeting to welcome 2.7 million tourists to boost the post-pandemic recovery of the tourism industry.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/31/sekong-province-to-improve-facilities-near-tad-fai-mai-waterfall-for-visit-laos-year-2024/

Cambodia to Launch Flight Routes to India in Early 2024

As Cambodia and India move closer to finalizing a bilateral free trade agreement, residents of both nations can anticipate the introduction of direct flight routes by early next year.

This development aligns with the remarkable growth in diplomatic relations between the two countries in recent times, as highlighted by the Cambodian Ambassador to India, Kuong Koy. He also expressed optimism that direct flights would commence in early 2024.

When this plan becomes a reality, Cambodia stands to benefit significantly, with increased tourism, expanded trade opportunities, and heightened investment prospects, akin to the positive outcomes seen with direct flights between India and other ASEAN member nations.

Given India’s status as a nation with over 1 billion people, countries worldwide, especially ASEAN member states, have actively been seeking a share of India’s lucrative tourism market.

According to Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, nearly 990,000 Indians visited Thailand in 2022, second only to Malaysia. Initial data for the first five months of 2023 places India among the top sources of visitors to Thailand, with more than 600,000 Indian tourists arriving in Thailand up to May. The TAT anticipates welcoming 2 million Indian visitors this year.

“India has always been and remains a significant and primary tourism market for Thailand,” said Yuthasak Supasorn, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Chai Eamsiri, CEO of Thai Airways International, also emphasized the importance of the flag carrier’s expansion into the Indian market, given India’s vast population and strong cultural and economic ties with Thailand.

After launching direct flight routes to India in June 2022, Vietnam also reported an uptick in tourist numbers in the country.

According to India’s Ministry of Tourism, in 2022, 21,096,217 Indian nationals traveled abroad, as countries gradually reopened their borders to tourists after the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Laos has been unable to tap into the surge of Indian tourists, primarily due to the absence of a direct flight route between Laos and India at present.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/29/cambodia-to-launch-early-flight-routes-to-india-in-2024/

Laos Gears Up to Host ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting & Tourism Forum 2024

Laos is currently making comprehensive preparations to host the 27th ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the 42nd ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) in Vientiane between 22 and 27 January 2024.

Mr. Khom Douangchantha, Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department, revealed recently that the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) has established a 13-member preparatory committee, which will be responsible for a host of duties, including venue selection and preparing invitation cards.

For venue selection, the committee is currently focusing on six hotels that have been designated as official venue partners for the event. The Landmark Hotel will be the venue for the official meeting, while the 20 other hotels will accommodate delegates attending the meetings and exhibitions.

Meanwhile, the committee has completed drafting an invitation card and is now coordinating with the ASEAN Secretariat to review the list of tourism ministers and other invitees, such as ASEAN plus 3 tourism ministers, delegates from ASEAN-India, ASEAN-Russia, and other international organizations.

Alongside, Mr. Khom said that the committee is working on a tourism program for delegates to enjoy during their time in Vientiane Capital. This is being arranged in coordination with the Department of Tourism Business Management, and the Department of Tourism in Vientiane Capital, which are part of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

While the security arrangements are still being finalized, the committee is also working with travel companies to create itineraries for delegates so that they can travel to other provinces in Laos as well. These tours will be available for purchase at designated hotels, where delegates can easily access information and book their trips.

Additionally, the transport arrangements are being made collaboratively with tour operators, and they will include government-provided vehicles and for-rent vehicles.

Mr. Khom said that the ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting and the ATF are important events that will promote tourism in Laos and the ASEAN region. The Lao government is committed to making the event memorable and successful for all participants.

It is estimated that more than 800–1,000 people will attend the meeting. The committee is working on the budget allocation for the meeting and will soon submit it to the government for approval.

Preparations are also in full swing for Visit Laos Year 2024, during which the country is projected to welcome more than 2.7 million tourists to stimulate post-pandemic economic growth.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/28/laos-gears-up-to-host-asean-tourism-ministers-meeting-tourism-forum-2024/

VietJet to Start Direct Flights Between Laos and Vietnam

VietJet, a low-cost airline from Vietnam, is planning to launch direct flights between Laos and Vietnam in the near future.

While the airline has not made an official announcement yet, a recent post on AeroLaos, Laos’ leading aviation-focused Facebook page, suggests that this move is in the works.

VietJet operates A320 and A321 aircraft, capable of carrying 180 to 230 passengers to various international destinations, including China, Taiwan, Singapore, and other Asian countries. The airline currently operates up to 400 flights daily.

Although the specific route has not been disclosed, a source close to VietJet says the initial flight route will be between Vientiane Capital, Laos, and Ho Chi Minh City, and Hanoi in Vietnam, as they are renowned as top travel destinations in Asia.

The flight route is set to start by the fourth quarter of this year, or the start of next year, and is to be followed by flights between Laos and Da Nang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam.

Notably, Laos received more than 398,000 visitors from Vietnam in the first half of 2023, which suggests that VietJet’s decision to offer affordable air travel between the two countries is likely to be well-received. This move also aligns with the airline’s strategy to tap into Laos’ growing ambition to develop its tourism industry.

Mr. Ounthuang Khaophan, the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, has declared 2024 as the “Year of Tourism” for Laos, with the goal of attracting over 2.7 million visitors in the coming year. To achieve this, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism is working in collaboration with central and local authorities to plan a diverse range of activities at both regional and national levels.

As the Lao tourism industry gradually recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, international airlines are actively seeking opportunities to enter this emerging market. For instance, Thai Airways resumed direct flights between Vientiane Capital, Laos, and Bangkok, Thailand, on August 15, following the route’s cancellation in December 2021. The airline replaced the previously operated Thai Smile Airways route with larger A320 aircraft from Thai Airways.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/25/vietjet-to-start-direct-flights-between-laos-and-vietnam/

Laos Sets Ambitious Target to Attract Over 2.7 Million Tourists in 2024

Laos is gearing up for Visit Laos Year 2024, projecting to welcome more than 2.7 million tourists to stimulate post-pandemic economic growth.

Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Ounthuang Khaophan, said on Monday that the Lao government has given tourism a pivotal role in its socio-economic development strategy. Hence 2024 has been declared as the “Year of Tourism” in Laos, symbolizing a robust commitment to revitalize the industry post-Covid-19.

To accomplish this ambitious goal, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism is collaborating with central and local authorities to conceptualize a diverse range of activities, that will be held at both regional and national levels.

Notable among the 14 national events are the Vat Phou Champasack Festival, Elephant Festival, Sikhottabong Festival, and That Luang Festival. Additionally, the Lao New Year Festival and other events will be key attractions designed to engage tourists.

In tandem with these festivities, the Ministry has also made considerable efforts to enhance existing tourist attractions and create new ones.

People’s participation has been pivotal in this endeavor, and it’s notable that several locations, including Khon-Dondet village in Champasack province, Vang Vieng district, and Keooudom district in Vientiane province, have seen an 80 percent completion of the improvement plan of existing tourist destinations that are poised to welcome more international visitors in the coming year.

To guarantee a memorable time for tourists in the country, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism organized the 28th National Tour Guide Training for 89 guides from all corners of Laos this month, to help align their skills with the rising demands of the tourism sector.

According to the Tourism Development Department of Laos, Laos saw a total of 1,674,436 visitors exploring the country from January to June. Notably, the ASEAN countries emerged as the leading contributors to this increase, accounting for a majority of foreign tourists.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/08/23/laos-sets-ambitious-target-to-attract-over-2-7-million-tourists-in-2024/

Hotel Chains moving into Lao PDR

There has been an increase in the number of international hotel chains moving into Lao PDR (Laos) in recent years due to the country’s growing tourism industry. However, I do not have the most up-to-date information on the number of international hotel chains currently operating in Laos.

As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, some of the major international hotel chains that have a presence in Laos include the Accor Group, which operates the Sofitel, Pullman, and Novotel brands in the country, and the Marriott International Group, which operates the Marriott and Sheraton brands in Laos. Other international hotel chains with a presence in Laos include the Best Western, InterContinental, and Crowne Plaza brands.

It is worth noting that the hospitality industry can be dynamic and subject to change. Therefore, there may be new international hotel chains that have entered the market since my knowledge cutoff date.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/edit-blog-entry-hotel-chains-moving-lao-pdr

Salavan 10 Things to see and DO

Sure! Here are the 10 best things to do in Salavan, Lao PDR:

1. Explore Tad Lo Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall located near the town of Tad Lo, where you can swim, relax and enjoy the beautiful nature.

2. Visit Ta Ong village: A traditional Hmong village where you can learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life.

3. Trekking in Dong Hua Sao National Park: One of the most beautiful national parks in Laos, which is home to many rare species of animals and plants.

4. Kayaking in the Xe Pian River: A scenic river that offers kayaking and rafting opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

5. Discover the Konglor Cave: A limestone cave located in the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, with a length of 7.5km.

6. Visit the historic Wat Phou temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is a 10th century Khmer temple, located in Champasak province.

7. Take a boat ride on the Mekong River: The Mekong River is one of the most beautiful and iconic rivers in Southeast Asia. You can take a boat ride and explore the river.

8. Visit the Salavan Provincial Museum: A museum where you can learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the Salavan Province.

9. Taste the local cuisine: Lao cuisine is known for its bold and spicy flavors, and Salavan is no exception. Try out some of the local dishes such as laap, khao soi, and mok pa.

10. Shop at the Salavan Night Market: A bustling market where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and local products. The market is especially lively on Saturday and Sunday nights.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-630

Patuxay a historic Landmark

Patuxay is a historic landmark located in the capital city of Laos, Vientiane. The name “Patuxay” means “Gate of Triumph” in Lao language. The monument was built between 1957 and 1968, using funds given by the United States government to construct an airport.

The architecture of Patuxay is reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France. The monument’s design combines traditional Lao architectural elements with French colonial style. The monument is made of concrete, decorated with Lao motifs and sculptures depicting mythical creatures from Lao Buddhist mythology.

Patuxay was built to commemorate the Lao people who had fought for their independence from France. The monument’s central tower is inscribed with the words “ສັນຕິພາບລາວ ” (Satanh Tisata Lao), which translates to “From the ashes rises the Lao nation”. This phrase symbolizes the rebirth and rise of the Lao people from the ruins of colonialism.

Initially, Patuxay was known as “Anousavali” (Memorial Monument). However, after the communist takeover of Laos in 1975, the monument was renamed “Patuxay” and it became a symbol of the government’s socialist ideology.

Today, Patuxay is a popular tourist attraction in Vientiane, where visitors can climb to the top of the monument to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The monument is also a important site for national ceremonies and events in Laos.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-635

Long lost Treasures of Lao PDR

Lao PDR, also known as Laos, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia with a rich cultural and historical heritage. The country has a long and complex history, and there are many stories of buried treasures and lost artifacts that are said to be hidden throughout the country. Here are a few examples:

1. The Treasure of King Setthathirat: King Setthathirat ruled over Laos from 1548 to 1571 and is credited with many of the country’s greatest architectural and cultural achievements. Legend has it that the king hid a vast treasure trove of gold and precious jewels somewhere in Vientiane, the capital city. Despite numerous attempts to find the treasure, it has never been discovered.

2. The Lost City of Muang Sua: Muang Sua was an ancient city located in what is now the northern part of Laos. It was an important center of trade and culture for many centuries, but it was abandoned in the 7th century and eventually became lost to history. Rumors persist that the city was home to a great treasure, but no one has been able to locate it.

3. The Treasure of Khun Borom: Khun Borom was a legendary ruler of the Tai people who lived in what is now northern Laos in the 7th century. According to legend, he amassed a great fortune in gold and jewels and buried it somewhere in the mountains near the town of Luang Namtha. Treasure hunters have searched for the treasure for centuries, but it remains undiscovered.

4. The Buddha That Was Lost and Found: In 1931, a team of French archaeologists discovered a 1,500-year-old Buddha statue in the jungle near the town of Vang Vieng. The statue had been lost to history for centuries, and its discovery sparked a renewed interest in the archaeology of Laos. Today, the Buddha is considered one of the most important cultural artifacts in the country.

While these stories of buried treasures and lost artifacts are certainly intriguing, it’s important to note that most of them are likely just legends. In many cases, the stories have been passed down through generations and may have been embellished over time. Nevertheless, they are an important part of Laos’ cultural heritage and continue to capture the imagination of people around the world.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-639

Pakse and 10 things to do

Pakse is a charming city in southern Laos, known for its picturesque scenery, ancient temples, and natural wonders. Here are ten top things to do in Pakse:

1. Visit Wat Phu, an ancient Khmer temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Explore the Bolaven Plateau, a lush area known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and stunning scenery.

3. Take a boat tour of the Mekong River, which runs through Pakse and offers a unique perspective on the city and surrounding landscapes.

4. Visit the Champasak Provincial Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region.

5. Take a day trip to the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) region, where you can relax on white sand beaches, swim in waterfalls, and spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins.

6. Explore the Pakse night market, where you can sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.

7. Visit the That Dam, an ancient Buddhist stupa with a fascinating history and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

8. Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Lao dishes, such as laap and tam mak hoong.

9. Visit the nearby Tad Yuang and Tad Fane waterfalls, which are some of the most beautiful in Laos.

10. Take a cycling tour of the countryside, where you can explore small villages and see daily life in rural Laos.

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-624

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