Khammouane will open the Tad Sieng Lue waterfall in the Bualapa district for the public to attract more tourists next year. This would be done after access and service facilities have been constructed in the surrounding area.
Khammouane officials have been working towards making the waterfall more accessible to tourists by commissioning the Saiphouluang company to construct an access road, service centers, restaurants, hotels, and a hiking trail, Vientiane Times reported.
The company has been granted a 40-year concession to build a 30-hectare site, with road work now underway.
Tat Sieng Lue is located in a stunning setting among thick flora in Napoung Village, roughly 12 kilometres from the provincial capital.
Khammouane is also home to other beautiful sites, particularly limestone caverns, such as Tham Nang Aen, Tham Pha Nha, Tham Pha, Tham Konglor, and Tham Xebangfay.
The province, according to Khammouane authorities, currently features 198 officially listed tourist sites, 139 of which are nature-based, 30 of which hold cultural interest, and 29 of which are historical sites.
Once construction is complete, visitors can choose from 20 hotels, 115 resorts and guesthouses, 171 restaurants, and 11 entertainment venues.
Khammouane is around 360 kilometers from Vientiane and a tourist could board a public bus or hire a car to travel to the province.
In an attempt to make Khammouane safer, last month, the Lao Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation worked together to remove unexploded ordnance in its Nakay District. Lao personnel also received training on the safe removal of explosives in the process.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/19/breathtaking-waterfall-in-khammouane-to-open-for-public-next-year/
Laos, South Korea Allow QR Payments for Travelers
he launch of a cross-border payment service from Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), and South Korean company GLN International, will provide more convenient payment options for Korean visitors in Laos.
An official ceremony to inaugurate the service was held between BCEL and GLN International Korea (GLN) which is a globally integrated platform that offers cross-border use of digital assets and benefits around the world.
Mr. Nanthalath Keopaseuth, Deputy Director of BCEL, and Mr. Han Jun Seong, President of GLN International Company, signed the partnership in the presence of witnesses from the Bank of Lao PDR.
This service will allow GLN’s registered wallet users to make cross-border QR code payments at merchants who use BCEL’s OnePay and they can also make cash withdrawals at BCEL’s ATM by scanning the QR code on their GLN registered wallet app.
Over 100 shops and service providers accept this form of payment, particularly in tourist areas of Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, according to the bank. There are plans to expand these services to other provinces and towns as well.
BCEL also recently announced that customers would now be able to receive international bank transfers directly into their accounts through MoneyGram.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/23/laos-korea-allow-qr-payments-for-travelers/
Vientiane’s Iconic Nam Phou Square Officially Handed Back to Public
Renovation of Nam Phou Square in Vientiane Capital is now complete, with the iconic fountain and surrounding park officially handed over to the public.
The government approved the return of the Nam Phou area to the government in June, stating that as an important heritage site, Nam Phou Fountain should be open for public use.
The concession holder, AIDC (AIF Group), agreed to return the site to the government without compensation, according to a statement issued by the company.
Nam Phou’s deteriorating condition in the mid-2000s caused the government to privatize the public area, granting AIF Group (AIDC) a 30-year concession on the 4,000-square-meter site.
In 2017, the fountain was transformed into a live music venue with double-storey restaurants and bars. After the closure of entertainment venues during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nam Phou area was eventually converted into a cursory skate park.
But criticism from the public led the government to propose the site be returned to public use in its original form.
Nam Phou Square has now been renovated and returned to something more befitting a public space, with trees, green areas, and public seating.
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh visited the fountain on Wednesday to preside over a handover ceremony and art exhibition that officially brings the treasured public space back to the people.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/22/vientianes-iconic-nam-phou-square-officially-handed-back-to-public/
Laos is Open and Simply Beautiful in Any Season
With Laos reopening its borders after two years in May 2022, international tourists from all over have been visiting the country and providing an encouraging boost to its tourism industry. The buzz is so positive that Laos has even earned a coveted spot on National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2023, so plan your trip and pack your bags.
While there is a unique charm to Laos in every season, one of the most popular times to visit is between October and March when the country experiences warm and dry weather. To luxuriate in even cooler weather during this time, one could also head to Northern Laos, where temperatures in villages surrounded by mountains might even require you to put on a jumper!
The dry season is especially conducive for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, exploring caves, tubing, kayaking, or taking a slow boat ride down a river as well.
From April to September, Laos experiences hot and humid weather thanks to the scorching sun and refreshing rainfall. However, the monsoon season is also a special time to witness nature take on a lush green color and resplendent waterfalls shroud nearby areas with a magical mist.
It is always advisable for tourists to prepare for the weather and embrace the Lao philosophy of bo pen yang, or “never mind”, should plans need to be adjusted.
Laos has festivals all year round so whether you visit in April, October, or any month in between, there will be majestic cultural festivals to enjoy.
Learn more about Lao culture and places to visit at the Lao Simply Beautiful Facebook Page.
Breathtaking Waterfall in Khammouane to Open for Public in 2023
Khammouane will open the Tad Sieng Lue waterfall in the Bualapa district for the public to attract more tourists next year. This would be done after access and service facilities have been constructed in the surrounding area.
Khammouane officials have been working towards making the waterfall more accessible to tourists by commissioning the Saiphouluang company to construct an access road, service centers, restaurants, hotels, and a hiking trail, Vientiane Times reported.
The company has been granted a 40-year concession to build a 30-hectare site, with road work now underway.
Tat Sieng Lue is located in a stunning setting among thick flora in Napoung Village, roughly 12 kilometres from the provincial capital.
Khammouane is also home to other beautiful sites, particularly limestone caverns, such as Tham Nang Aen, Tham Pha Nha, Tham Pha, Tham Konglor, and Tham Xebangfay.
The province, according to Khammouane authorities, currently features 198 officially listed tourist sites, 139 of which are nature-based, 30 of which hold cultural interest, and 29 of which are historical sites.
Once construction is complete, visitors can choose from 20 hotels, 115 resorts and guesthouses, 171 restaurants, and 11 entertainment venues.
Khammouane is around 360 kilometers from Vientiane and a tourist could board a public bus or hire a car to travel to the province.
In an attempt to make Khammouane safer, last month, the Lao Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation worked together to remove unexploded ordnance in its Nakay District. Lao personnel also received training on the safe removal of explosives in the process.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/19/breathtaking-waterfall-in-khammouane-to-open-for-public-next-year/
Overseas Visitors to Laos Could Exceed One Million in 2022
Since Laos reopened in May, there has been a constant rise in foreign visitors who want to travel through its beautiful landscapes and experience the sights and sounds of the Land of a Million Elephants.
According to information by the Tourism Marketing Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, 644,756 foreign tourists visited Laos through September and the government is expecting 300,000 more international travelers to visit the country this year.
A majority of these travelers were from neighboring Thailand (364,515), who were excited to travel on the high-speed Laos-China Railway and visit popular tourist sites like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
Although China’s borders are still closed, it ranked second with 18,902 Chinese tourists visiting Laos. Thanks to direct flights between Seoul and Vientiane, 9,885 people visited from South Korea, followed by the US with 6,695 people, and 6,379 travelers came in from neighboring Cambodia.
Foreign tourists have generated a revenue of over USD 100 million through September and with the high season setting in, this number is expected to go up considerably.
Meanwhile, the hospitality industry is geared up to welcome tourists during this time and has upgraded its standards and trained its staff to serve patrons even better. Additionally, the government has also collaborated with local businesses to organize exhibitions and fairs and work on the development of new tourism-related products, ensuring the best travel experience for visitors.
Learn more about Lao culture and places to visit at the Lao Simply Beautiful Facebook Page.
As of 2022, Laos has 3 World Heritage Sites inscribed by UNESCO.
Laos has recently been in the global spotlight for being featured in the prestigious National Geographic magazine as one of the best places to ‘slow travel’ in 2023. It has also been selected by Wanderlust, UK’s leading independent travel magazine, among the 20 best places to visit in January 2023.
Alongside its surreal natural beauty with mountains and mighty rivers, the country is also home to three UNESCO World Heritage sites that were awarded this high honor for having “universal value to cultural or natural heritage”. Here are the three places which you absolutely must visit when you are in Laos.
Learn more about Lao culture and places to visit at the Lao Simply Beautiful Facebook Page.
Gordon Ramsay Names Laos as World’s Top Food Destination
British celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, has named Laos as his top pick among the world’s food destinations.
The 56-year-old chef made the call during an interview with Korean YouTuber Cho Seung-yeon. The two discussed food in the UK and the reputation of British foods, as well as discussing the best places in the world for eating out.
During the interview, Cho asks Ramsay, “Where would you say is the number one foodie destination?”
The celebrity chef responds that Laos would be his top pick, as well as Vietnam and Spain.
“I recently came out of Laos, and going back to the provinces and spending time in the countryside away from the tourist traps, the food was just off the charts,” says Ramsay.
He then speaks of Vietnam as an extraordinary melting pot of great food, noting that exciting things are happening in the food scene of Madrid as well.
“I get to challenge my palate by traveling all over the world,” says Ramsay in the interview, “but Laos. Beautiful.”
When asked about his philosophy on food in 2022, Gordon Ramsay advises viewers to be more appreciative of breaking bread with family, noting that the pandemic has shown us all the importance of family.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/10/gordon-ramsay-names-laos-as-worlds-top-food-destination/
Xaysomboun Province Unveils a New Public Park
Xaysomboun officials hosted a ceremony on Sunday to inaugurate Chao Anouvong Park as the new public park and tourist attraction in the province.
The ceremony saw attendance from the Governor of Xaysomboun province, Mr. Phoykham Houngbounyuang, the Lao President’s wife, Ms. Naly Sisoulith, government officials, including Chairman of the Central Buddhist Association of Laos, Mr. Mahabounma Simmaphom and other monks in the area.
Alongside the inauguration of the park, a statue of King Anouvong was also unveiled to remember his contributions to his country and it added to the natural aesthetic and rich history of the area said Mr. Phoykham.
He also added that Xaysomboun officials have designed the park to serve as a natural, cultural, and historical destination for local and international visitors.
According to Vientiane Times, the park contains a seven-hectare area surrounding the Tham Chao Anouvong cave, which is four kilometers from the seat of the province.
Xaysomboun is a hilly province situated between Vientiane and Xieng Khouang provinces. Even though the surrounding area is largely undeveloped, it is rich in natural resources. The highest mountain in Laos, Phou Bia, is also located in Xaysomboun. New tourist attractions in the area are likely to play a key role in the future development of the area.
Last month, Houaphanh also revealed its Big Fish monument as a new attraction, and also a selfie spot for tourists. According to local officials, the monument symbolizes the necessity to protect aquatic life for future generations.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/06/xaysomboun-province-unveils-a-new-public-park/
Laos Assessed as ‘Medium-Risk’ Country to Visit in SE Asia
The international security firm Global Guardian, which specializes in travel risk, classified Laos as a medium-risk country alongside the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, and Indonesia.
Aspects like vulnerability to criminality, sporadic unrest, and being ill-equipped to manage crises have resulted in the aforementioned countries being listed in this category.
Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam were ranked higher and said to be at moderate risk for travelers as their conditions were more stable than the previous countries.
The report by the US-based company says, “Countries that are moderate risk are considered resilient. These countries are capable of quickly and effectively managing most crises and threats to personal security. But criminal activity, terrorism, and natural disasters can impact travel or in-country operations.”
A total of 163 countries were ranked in this report and only Singapore was classified as ‘low-risk’ making it the safest place to travel in Southeast Asia.
Some of the extreme-risk countries on the list are Ukraine, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, and Burkina Faso. While the safest places to travel include New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark, and Austria.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/01/laos-assessed-as-medium-risk-country-to-visit-in-se-asia/
85 Percent of Tourists Traveled to Luang Prabang by Train This Year
The majority of tourists travel to Luang Prabang using the Laos-China Railway as opposed to other means of transport, according to a new report.
According to the Deputy Head of Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr. Chansamone Thipphavanh, Luang Prabang saw 335,794 tourists visiting the province on the Laos-China Railway train until October. A whopping 85.27 percent of people chose the rail as a favorable mode of transport as opposed to taking a flight or traveling by road.
Mr. Chansamone also said that over 253,000 domestic tourists and 140,000 international tourists visited the UNESCO World Heritage town by train; and the rest commuted by boat, bus, or plane. Tourism in Luang Prabang generated a revenue of USD 138 Million until last month.
With Lao Airlines also adding more flights to Luang Prabang in its Winter Schedule and the Hmong New Year Celebration around the corner, the government expects to draw more than 100,00 tourists in the last two months of the year, leading to an income of USD 200 million.
Among Luang Prabang’s 228 official tourist sites, 111 are natural sites and 78 are cultural sites. Only 158 total tourist spots are open to the public at the moment.
Both Luang Prabang and Laos-China Railway have been getting a lot of international acclaim recently with National Geographic magazine picking Laos as one of the best places for slow travel in 2023 and saying, “The train’s promise? To expand tourism among the Lao themselves, who can now more easily explore their country’s multifaceted heritage, including the old imperial capital, Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/11/23/tourists-choose-laos-china-railway-as-the-best-way-to-travel-to-luang-prabang/