The goal of the LaoSafe program is to improve the quality of health and hygiene practices, while building confidence in Laos as a safe tourist destination.
After having previously handed over LaoSafe certificates to more than 40 professionals and businesses on 28 February, Mme Darany Phommavongsa, Director General of the Tourism Management Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), addressed the attending tour guides and drivers by congratulating them for passing the assessment and their commitment to providing a safe environment for both domestic and international tourists.
Under the current COVID guidelines governing international tourism to Laos, tour guides and drivers constitute one of the major points of contact for tourists.
“As international tourists may, at this stage, only enter the country by way of organized tours, it is all the more important for the country as well as its incoming tourists to rely on professionals such as yourselves who are serious about upholding great hygiene standards at all times,” Mme Darany Phommavongsa noted.
“We all had some fundamental understanding of relevant hygiene procedures and standards, but the training made us aware of scenarios and practices most of us hadn’t thought of previously,” Mr. Kethavy Sisavath, one of the certified LaoSafe tour guides explained.
This was also echoed by Mr. Syamphone Khamphavongsa who was also handed his LaoSafe Driver certificate: “The training was very practical, consisting of simulations such as responding to the news of having had contact with a COVID positive passenger and applying correct procedures.”
As further remarked by Mme Darany Phommavongsa, who handed out the LaoSafe certificates to the attending tour guides and drivers, “there is a growing demand from the private sector to become LaoSafe certified. We are now focusing on keeping the momentum going, responding to the growing number of requests, and expanding the training for tour guides and drivers in other key provinces such as Luang Prabang and Vientiane Province.”
Against the backdrop of the 22 businesses, 45 tour guides, and 30 drivers that have so far been certified, the program is also preparing additional trainers and assessors for the accommodation subsector, with hotels across the country keen to become LaoSafe certified.
More tour guides, drivers, and businesses are set to be certified, with additional awarding ceremonies planned to take place in Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang over the coming weeks and months.
LaoSafe is a health and hygiene program approved by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the MICT and comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including for accommodation providers, food and beverage (F&B) outlets, airlines, tour guides, and drivers.
The program is supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), which is co-financed by the governments of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
More information on LaoSafe can be obtained at: www.tourismlaos.org or via email laosafe@luxdev.lu.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/03/04/first-tour-guides-and-drivers-become-laosafe-certified/
The event was held in the presence of Mr. Ounthuang Khaophanh, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT), Mr. Nouphan Outsa, Director General of the Technical Vocational Education Department (TVED), Mr. Sam Schreiner, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Luxembourg and Mr. Christian Engler, the Swiss Development Cooperation’s (SDC) Deputy Country Director, 19 individuals received their credentials as LaoSafe Trainers and Assessors, in addition to 22 businesses receiving their LaoSafe certification.
LaoSafe is a health and hygiene program approved by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the MICT and comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry, including for accommodation providers, food and beverage (F&B) outlets, airlines, tour guides, and drivers. The goal of LaoSafe is to both improve the quality of health and hygiene practices while building confidence in Lao PDR as a safe tourist destination.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Minister of the MICT made note of the progress that has already been achieved by the LaoSafe program, which officially commenced its piloting in Vientiane Capital a month ago.
“Following a series of intensive preparation sessions, we have now reached one of the program’s first milestones, which is the certification of Trainers and Assessors for the subsectors of food and beverage, tour guides and drivers,’’ he explained.
“Trainers and Assessors for the accommodation sector are currently undergoing preparation.”
These LaoSafe Trainers are officially certified to train food and beverage outlets as well as tour guides and drivers in preparation for their LaoSafe assessment, and a team of assessors have been equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform onsite inspections.
During their preparation, the trainers and assessors were given the opportunity to directly practice their skills by coaching and assessing numerous businesses which had expressed interest in becoming LaoSafe certified.
“The training provided by the LaoSafe Trainers was not just crucial to refresh and expand our staff’s understanding of relevant hygiene procedures against COVID, but it also gave us the confidence that we would pass the strict assessment to become LaoSafe certified,’’ said Ms. Dalaphone Pholsena, Managing Director of Kualao Restaurant.
As remarked by Mme. Darany Phommavongsa, Director General of the Tourism Management Department of the MICT,”‘it’s been extremely encouraging to witness the interest of tourism and hospitality businesses and professionals in the LaoSafe certification. Consequently, a lot of trainings and assessments are underway in Vientiane Capital and in Luang Prabang”.
Numerous businesses, ranging from the national airlines – which also received their certification during the event – to accommodation businesses like Crowne Plaza Hotel understand the need to make their domestic and international clients feel cared for.
“We owe it to our guests to make them feel absolutely safe on our premises. Once the borders have fully reopened, we want to be able to show to potential clients that we have done everything in our power to ensure that all operations are run with strict dedication to high-quality hygiene standards,’’ Mr. Nattawut Wetprasit, Director of Operations of the Crowne Plaza Hotel emphasized.
More tour guides, drivers, and businesses are set to be trained and assessed in the coming months in different locations of the country. Additional awarding ceremonies are also planned to take place in Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang in the coming weeks.
The LaoSafe program is supported by the Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029), which is co-financed by the governments of the Lao PDR, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.
More information on LaoSafe can be obtained under: https://www.tourismlaos.org/about-laosafe/ or via email laosafe@luxdev.lu.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/03/01/businesses-attain-laosafe-certification/
The ASEAN Clean Tourism Award was presented by Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mrs. Suanesavanh Vignaket, and received by Luang Prabang Governor, Mr. Viengthong Hatsachan.
Luang Prabang City was evaluated for the award in 2021 and was found to have met about 93 percent of the criteria put forth by ASEAN’s clean tourism standards.
The city first received the award in 2020, and has worked with businesses and residents to ensure the city continued to meet the required standards to be awarded again.
Meanwhile, Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang Province received a Sustainable Tourism Award after local authorities implemented measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and encouraged vendors at the site to use biodegradable packaging, such as banana leaves.
Facilities at the site were also upgraded, according to the Luang Prabang tourism department, while the ticket station at Kuang Si Waterfall provides electric shuttle bus services to the falls and viewing points.
The award was presented to the Head of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department of Luang Prabang Province, Dr. Soutdaphone Khomthavong. It was conferred by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mrs. Suansavanh Viyaket at Phousi convention hall, National Museum of Luang Prabang.
The ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA) are held every two years in support of the implementation of ASEAN’s Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and are aimed at creating incentives for ASEAN tourism destinations and stakeholders and jointly develop tourism products and to reduce the environmental, socio-cultural and economic problems caused by the rapid growth of tourism.
The theme of the 3rd ASTA held for 2022-2023 is “Safe Tourism,” according to Visit Southeast Asia, the official ASEAN travel website.
Kuang Si waterfall features a stunning and beautiful multi-tiered waterfall hidden in the forest outside the city, which has become a famous destination among local and foreign visitors.
Champasack’s Tad Yuang Waterfall also received an ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award in January for promoting the sale of organic vegetables and locally made handicrafts as part of an upgrade to facilities during the Lao Thiao Lao domestic tourism campaign of 2020.
Some 84 foreign tourists have visited Vientiane Capital since the government began its Travel Green Zone reopening plan in January.
Four tour companies in Vientiane Capital have facilitated the arrival of foreign visitors, mainly from South Korea.
Tourists from the Philippines, Netherlands, Thailand, and Japan have also visited Laos this year, as well as Laotians living abroad.
Director of the Vientiane Capital Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Ms. Vilayvone Chanthalaty, said that all 84 foreign tourists who arrived in Vientiane Capital had fully complied with Covid-19 prevention measures and protocol, including taking Covid-19 tests on arrival.
Visitors stayed at hotels accredited under the Lao Safe program, according to Ms. Vilayvone, and had visited sites in Vientiane Capital including That Luang Stupa, Phakeo Temple, Sisaket Temple, Patuxay Victory Monument, and the Nam Pien Yorla Pa resort.
Authorities believe the initial 84 arrivals to be a good start to the program, saying that more than 100 tourists from South Korea had booked tours to Laos, however, they had to cancel their bookings due to changes to Covid-19 measures imposed by the government of South Korea that would mean ten days quarantine upon returning home.
At the same time, Laos had hoped to allow foreign visitors a 24-hour waiting period for Covid-19 test results upon arrival, however, delays have meant that this period had to be extended to 48 hours, causing visitors to lose valuable time.
Ms. Vilayvone said that Vientiane Capital hopes to attract 300,000 foreign visitors by the end of the year if no more major outbreaks of Covid-19 occur.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/13/laos-receives-84-international-tourists-after-reopening/
The Thai cabinet approved plans for a second Thailand-Laos friendship bridge last month connecting Nong Khai in northeast Thailand with Vientiane, Laos.
Thailand’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob says the bridge, estimated to cost around BHT 4 billion (USD 1.2 billion), will most likely be funded by both countries, according to the Thaiger.
He added that the design study of the bridge is expected to cost around 140 million baht (USD 4.25 million) from the central budget and will be handled by Thailand’s Department of Highways.
The bridge project should be completed in time for the second phase of the Sino-Thai High-Speed Rail Project, which will link Bangkok with Kunming.
The Thai-Chinese railway project’s first phase, which runs from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is currently under development and scheduled to open in 2026.
The second phase of the high-speed train project will open for service in 2028, linking Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, according to Thai Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
According to a media release issued today by Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to issue visas for certain visitors under the laogreenpass.gov.la website.
The new online system will initially be available for diplomatic employees, employees of international organizations, businesspeople and investors, and other foreigners residing in Laos.
The system will also facilitate foreigners of Lao descent living abroad.
A 48-hour quarantine period following an RT-PCR test for foreign residents arriving in Laos will remain in place, after which seven-day home isolation is authorized.
During the seven days, foreign residents may visit their place of work only.
Ms. Thippakone stated that the requirement for wrist monitor systems among these groups is to be discontinued.
According to the release, the arrival and departure of international flights will no longer require authorization from the Covid Taskforce.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/03/02/laos-launches-green-pass-online-visa-portal/
Following the easing of travel restrictions and other measures late last year, domestic tourism in Vang Vieng has quickly rebounded, Lao Youth Radio reports.
Vang Vieng District Governor, Mr. Bounchan Malavong, told the media on Monday that thousands of tourists have been visiting Vang Vieng each week since the reopening of attractions in the district late last year.
He said that the bulk of tourism is domestic, with residents traveling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng via the Vang Vieng Expressway.
“But we haven’t seen many tourists arriving via the Laos-China Railway,” he noted.
The majority of domestic visitors travel to Vang Vieng on weekends and return the same day, with fewer overnight stays than before the expressway was built, according to Mr. Bounchan Malavong.
Although Vang Vieng was one of the first tourism sites proposed by the government under its Green Zone Travel Plan reopening scheme, no foreign visitors have been recorded visiting the district as part of the program, according to Governor Bounchan.
“Local authorities in our district have also had to deal with domestic visitors failing to comply with Covid-19 prevention and control measures,” said Mr. Bounchan.
“Enforcing strict measures among tourists is difficult, especially with tourism is just now reopening, and we sympathize with enterprises that have been without income for a long period,” Mr. Bounchan Malavong added.
The Vang Vieng Expressway, linking the nation’s capital with the town of Vang Vieng, stretches some 109 kilometers, cutting travel time from four hours to just one hour.
Motorists are able to travel at speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour when using the expressway.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/10/vang-vieng-seeing-3000-domestic-visitors-every-week/
In the old part of Vientiane city, an attractive and interesting settlement is situated along the Mekong River where the ancient temples, museums, monuments and parks are all located just a short distance apart.
The cosmopolitan capital of Laos, Vientiane, has galleries, boutiques, theatres, nightclubs and internet cafe, making it a major attraction for visitors from all around the globe. Although the city is small, it offers visitors a great variety of restaurants serving both Lao and foreign cuisine. When you get hungry try the nation’s signature dish, tam mak-hung (spicy green papaya salad), laap (spicy minced meat salad) and ping kai (fried chicken). Quench your thirst with a refreshing Beer Lao or fresh fruit shake from one of the many small restaurants found along almost every street in town. At dusk, find a spot along the Mekong promenade to enjoy an amazing view of the sunset over the river.
The site of That Luang has been builtin use since the year 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307BC). When the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourichan built a structure that looked like a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. The original stupa was built on the site in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated Lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument
The memorial monument, Patuxay, was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. It is situated on Lanexang Avenue. While the arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnaly”, a mythical bird woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city
Originally, this ancient temple was built in 1565 by King Xayasetthathilath to house the Emerald Buddha 1565-1779 (lost to the Siamese in 1828) as his personal place of worship. It was reconstructed in 1936. For this reason and unlike other temples in Laos, monks have not taken up residence here. During the 1970’s, the temple was converted from a place of worship into museum and now houses the finest national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. From the terrace of HorPhra Keo, one can enjoy a view overlooking the president’s Palace (former Royal Palace) and garden.
Sisaket is the only ancient templeremaining intact after the destruction of the Siamese in 1828. It’s located in the center of the old city,where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. The old monastery stands intact in its original form and certainly is one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little inches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images.
Buddha Park is a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. The best spot for photography here is on top of the giant pumpkin structure standing about three stories high. The entrance is crafted to look like a demon’s mouth (about three metres high) with a stone ladder inside leading to a bird’s eye view of the entire Xieng Kuan Park. It was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. This explains why his park is full not only of Buddha images but also of Hindu gods as well as demons and animals from both beliefs. The most outstanding ones include Indra, the king of Hindu gods riding the three-headed elephant (aka Erawan and Airavata), a four-armed deity sitting on a horse and an artistic deity with 12 faces and many hands, each holding interesting objects. They are all equally impressive not only because of their enormous size but because they are full of interesting details and interesting motifs. There is a local eatery and café offering food and drinks to tourists at one end of the park right next to the Mekong River that makes a great spot to chill after all the walking and climbing. Among the popular snacks are papaya salad, fried bananas and cold Lao beer. It also has a souvenir shop and restrooms. There is a small fee for entering the park as well as for photography.
Simuang Temple is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites of worship, and offers a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism. The original city pillar of Vientiane is found in Wat Simuang located in Ban Simuang village along Setthathirath Road. It was built in 1956 and is believed to be guarded by the spirit of a local girl called “ Si ” Local legend has it that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as the pillar was being lowered into the hole. A very colorful Phasat Pheung (wax pavilion procession) attracts large crowds to Simuang Temple, taking place just two days prior to the That Luang Festival in November. On a daily basis, Wat Si Muang attracts crowds of local Buddhists who want to benefit from its ‘good luck’ powers. It is commonly thought that if you pray for something here and simultaneously make a promise, your wish will be granted, providing you return and fulfill your promise.
Vientiane Night Market is aimed primarily towards tourists, with clean, orderly stalls, and all manner of merchandise that make great souvenirs or mementos. It all begins around sunset when a small army of sellers begin setting up their red-roofed stalls directly on the riverside promenade. You can’t fail to see it. The whole riverside area is alive at this time with joggers and dog-walkers taking advantage of the cooling breezes and stunning backdrop of the sun lazily sinking into the Mekong river. Products on offer are fairly typical of night markets throughout the region. You will find a predictable array of Buddhist-inspired paintings and knickknacks, cheap sunglasses, and Beer Lao T-shirts. The clothes stalls tend to be geared towards the backpacker market with fishermen pants and one-size-fits-all dresses and skirts. With only $US10 in your pocket you can pick up at least a couple of products here, but, for bargain hunters, it’s worth mentioning that everything on offer here can be found at a slightly cheaper price at other markets. The traders seem to have whittled down all the best-sellers from the Morning Market and set them up in more attractive, and convenient, surroundings.
Nam Pien Yor La Pa is a tributary of Nam Kat Yor La Pa, located in Xieng Lae Tha Village, Pak Ngum District, Vientiane Capital. The new site covers an area of about 140 hectares of Nam Pien National Park, with varieties of adventure activities, including riding an ATV, riding the Luge, roller coaster rides, relaxing on spider net, walking on the sky bridge and stand at the waterfall, canopy walk, water park area, tree top, shooting BB gun, trekking to the mountain, sleeping at the camp base with BBQ. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature, especially the beautiful waterfall. How to get there? If you are leaving Vientiane Capital, there are two routes to Chiang Lae Village, Pak Ngum District – via route 13 and route 10. Both routes have similar distances, but we recommend you take Route 13 as it is a 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Morning market is known as Talat Sao. It is the famous shopping area in Vientiane Capital where sells a variety of different items including Lao traditional handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, clothing, souvenir items. To be more specific, if you’re looking to buy traditional Lao skirt, there are endless choices of fabrics to choose. Wooden boxes and carvings are scattered in various shops, and if you are looking for elephant motifs, you’ve come to the right place. It’s also a good place to enjoy a slice of local Vientiane life. How to get there? Morning Market is located in downtown Vientiane, about 700 meters south of Patuxai (Victory Monument). It’s easy to visit on foot or by bicycle from other downtown attractions. Opening hours from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Built during the 16th century by King Saya Setthathirath and completed in 1560, Xieng Thong Temple is one of the most interesting examples of traditional Lao art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former King is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Lung Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-tiered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.
Phou Si Temple is known as Chom Si Temple which stands at the top of Mount Phou Si, the prominent hill in the center of Luang Prabang city. The main entrance of this temple is in front of Royal Palace Museum (5 minutes walk from the Tourist Information Center). It is forested with frangipani and hibiscus, and provides magnificent views of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset. However, you must climb 328 steps before you reach the 20m high Chom Si stupa. As the temple is a sacred religious site, please dress accordingly and remember that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.
This atmospheric market is a place you should not miss when you visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The market is a perfect place for visitors who are looking for a large variety of traditional gifts, such as local textiles, silk scarves, Lao ethnic handicrafts, portrayals of Buddha in all imaginable forms, local paintings and so on. Night Market opens daily from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum was first constructed in 1904 in the French colonial era. Visit the museum and see the real “Prabang” Buddha image. Prabang lives is an easy-to-miss little room surrounded by engraved elephant tusks and three silk screens embroidered by the former queen. To find it, walk east along the palace’s exterior south terrace and peer in between the bars at the eastern end.
Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) is a very impressive waterfall which is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the town. This waterfall has three tiers leading to 50m drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are great for swimming and very popular with both visitors and locals. In the wet season the water is a deep green and you can hear the sound of falls well before you can see them. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center situated in the waterfall area. You can take a Tuk-Tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport.
This charming waterfall is a perfect place for picnic and swim which is located 15km Southeast of the town. This place requires a ride out of town and then a short trip down the Khan River in a traditional longboat to the main waterfall about 8 minutes. These falls feature smaller cascades on the wider tributary. There is an elephant park offer visitors the chance to meet, feed and even ride Asian elephants.
This stunning cave is situated on the Mekong River and it is a short distance from Luang Prabang. In this cave, there are thousands of Buddha statues. This underground sanctuary has been venerated for centuries. The numbers of Buddha images in the cave gradually increases as locals bring Buddha to this place when the visit. The cave can be reached either by boat or by road to Xang Hai village, where you can also experience the villagers make fermented rice liquor (Rao Lao). Visitors can taste the drink and the local handicrafts are also available in this place.
Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos’ various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. There’s just enough to inform with overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch video or ask to leaf through the books of a small library cabinet in the museum’s delightful café. TAEC is within a former French judge’s mansion that was among the city’s most opulent building of the 1920s. Open daily except Monday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Alms giving ceremony can be seen in many places through Luang Prabang city. The main procession is in front of Xiengthong temple, Luang Prabang Primary School and National Museum. Every morning starts from 5.30 am saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls. Awaiting them are Lao people who have already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods. They will place a portion in the bowl of each monk who passes by. The ceremony is under taken in complete silence. The culture significance and austere beauty of alms giving has made it a very popular and attractive activity for visitors in Luang Prabang.
Partnership
