MUSIC & MISSILES
18 Provinces What do they mean?
FROM FOREST DREAMS TO CHOCOLATE REALITY
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Hello Readers,
Welcome to the May-June issue of Champa Meuanglao. The weather is boiling, and rockets will launch to the heavens to call for rain. In this issue:
Who doesn’t like chocolate? It’s now made in Laos! Meet the owner of this small business and taste his sweet success.
Experience the wild fun of a rocket festival while in Laos. This is the traditional way to request rain for a bountiful harvest.
Wax nostalgic for the colonial splendor of old Saigon, where history can be found on every corner.
Sukhothai is the old capital of Thailand. See its ancient temples and learn more about the region.
Have you wondered about the names of Laos’ provinces? Get a handle on what they all mean.
Happy Reading!
The Champa Meuanglao team
Editor In Chief Editors
Contributing Editors
Creative Director
Contributing Writers
Head Photographer
Contributing Photographer
PUBLISHING
Jason Rolan
Vannaleth Phimphachanh
Vilavanh Chanthavong
Phounsouk Samounty
Vila Phounvongsa / Snaé History
Anita Preston
Mick Shippen
Phoonsab Thevongsa
Mikaël Bronkhorst
Anita Preston / Evensong Film
Mick Shippen
ADVISORY BOARD
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Managing Director
Saleum Tayarath
Deputy Managing Director of Commercial and Marketing, ICT
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Deputy Managing Director of Ground Handling and Cargo
Phaythoun Kounsouvanh
Deputy Managing Director of Finance
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COVER IMAGE
Elaborate parade floats carry bang fai rockets to the launching area
Photo: Phoonsab Thevongsa
皮肤护理
天然手工皂
纯天然精油
香薰蜡烛
手工艺术品
天然手工皂
来自老挝纯手工制作的天然有机产品
天然精油大豆香薰蜡烛
Mud, Music & Missiles
Festival
Text by: Jason Rolan
Photos by: Phoonsab Thevongsa
A rocket launches into the sky
The Rocket Festival, known locally as Boun Bang Fai, stands as one of Laos' most distinctive celebrations. Taking place during the hottest season before rice planting begins, this centuries-old tradition sees villagers launching homemade rockets into the sky.
In Meuang Feuang, north of Vientiane, visitors can witness this spectacular event firsthand. The festivities begin with blaring speakers pumping molam and loukthong music across communities as locals gather to prepare. The rockets themselves— constructed from bamboo or PVC pipes— are packed with homemade gunpowder mixtures and fitted with fuses. According to Lao belief, these aerial explosives alert the gods to send rain, ensuring bountiful harvests.
As the celebration intensifies, parades of colorfully dressed villagers dance through streets accompanied by traditional instruments like the phin, an electrified lute. The rockets, mounted on decorated carts, are paraded to launching fields amid much fanfare.
S afety precautions are minimal but practical—spectators stand back from the bamboo launch apparatus, and muddy ponds stand ready nearby to soothe potential burn wounds. Local tradition dictates that if a rocket fails to launch or explodes mid-air, its creators are dragged through the mud as a penalty.
The Rocket Festival perfectly captures the Lao approach to life—communal, joyful, and intimately connected to nature's rhythms, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into the country's cultural heritage.
More info:
Dates have not yet been confirmed, but the Rocket Festival in Meuang Feuang is usually in late May or early June
Getting there: Meuang Feuang is an easy two-hour drive from Vientiane
3: Preparing the next launch 2
1: An unsuccessful rocket explodes in the air
2: People gather to watch the rockets rise
Parade floats bring the rockets to the launch site
can be several meters long
1: Liftoff!
2: Large rockets require many hands to move them
3: A mud bath awaits the unlucky
1: ການຍິງບັ້ງໄຟຂຶ້ນຟ້າ
2:
3:
1: A cloud of smoke as the rocket launches
2: A boy covers his ears to protect from the noise
3: Locals prepare their rocket 1:
2:
3:
Seeking Old Saigon
A WALK THROUGH THE PEARL OF THE ORIENT
Text by Anita Preston
Ametropolis of around ten million people, Saigon is sprawling out and up rapidly. The downtown area has a dramatic cityscape. Colonial buildings rub shoulders with modern glitzy skyscrapers, and air-conditioned malls sit beside dank alleys with old ladies huddled over bubbling woks cooking spring rolls. Cobblers patch shoes with glue on the pavements, and top-brand athletic shoe shops are selling their wares down the street. The present firmly stamps its foot, but the past stands stubbornly in the shadows.
With its wide boulevards and sophisticated society, Saigon was known as “The Pearl of the Orient.” Life was grand in the capital of Indochina for those who chose to make the long journey from France, six weeks by boat. The city had hospitals, schools, trains and trams, and a postal service, all of course, French. Even justice was meted out French style, a guillotine and public executions took place in front of the Courthouse complex built in 1881, still standing imposingly next to the Independence Palace.
Photos by Anita Preston / Evensong Film
Walking around Saigon, one can easily find traces of its past everywhere, especially in its civic buildings, hospitals, and schools. The Post Office, Opera House, Archbishop's Palace, City Hall, Ho Chi Mihn Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral all showcase the might of France's best architects. But there are some lesser-known fine colonial examples scattered all over the city.
Walking north of the Independence Palace down a leafy boulevard, one can find Chasseloup Laubat, the earliest and most prestigious education institution in Saigon, built in the 1870s. King Norodom of Cambodia, author Marguerite Duras, and many members of Lao royalty, including Prince Phetsarath and King Sisavangvong, received their education here. The original buildings, with their black and white tiled floors, wooden shutters, and tropical garden foliage, still function as a school. Round the corner from Chasseloup Laubat on Vo Van Tan Street, formerly Rue Testard, stands Marguerite's home, now a bank, but you can still see its former glory beyond the smoked glass windows.
Ben Thanh Market (1914), Saigon's social and geographical center, is probably the first stop for tourists searching for souvenirs, tee shirts, fridge magnets, and conical hats. Little has changed here apart from the merchandise and neon signs; it still has its clock and retains its original simple architecture. Don’t leave the market
1: Rue
2: The former headquarters of Messageries Maritimes now the Ho Chi Minh museum
3: A lady selling fresh lychees by bicycle
Left: Eiffel's bridge across the Bến Nghé Canal at night
Catinat in the past
without taking a look across the street. In front stands the eye-catching Railway Office, built the same year, a much more elaborate example of colonial style with its mellow paint scheme, red-tiled roof, and swirly iron door panels. Once slated for demolition, this grand building has thankfully been spared the wrecking ball.
A good contemporary source on growing up in the colonies can be found in the works of French author Marguerite Duras. In her book The Lover, she talks about buying her famous fedora and diamanté cabaret shoes on sale at the Rue Catinat. The earliest grand avenue to be built, Rue Catinat, had everything the expat could want: cafes and bakeries selling French pastries and cheese, cinemas, and even a photography studio operated by an Algerian French man. Her mother spent some time playing piano at the Eden Cinema, which was demolished to make way for the Eden Center in 2009, directly across from the Continental Hotel.
With its elegant white façade and potted palms, the Continental was built in 1880 and is a fine example of French Colonial architecture with its proliferation of white arches and wrought iron railings. It is a good place to stop, sip a drink, and bask in the shady terraces and courtyard. Somerset Maugham was one guest who enjoyed a tipple here while reading the local newspapers. Graham Greene’s antiwar novel The Quiet American was written during one of his many visits. Set during the second Indochina War, a time of secrecy and intrigue, journalists and foreign correspondents ended up confined to the building during the worst battles for the city.
The splendid Central Post Office next to Notre Dame Cathedral, with its old wooden booths, is often attributed to Gustave Eiffel, but sadly, it is not his handiwork. To find a rare example of his skills, check the Pont des Messageries Maritimes, constructed in 1882. Teal-colored girders form a graceful crescent arch spanning the Arroyo Chinois. The bridge is pedestrian only and a popular local wedding photo and selfie spot, lit up at night.
The monumental Indochina Bank stands beside the bridge. This was the central bank of the colonies, where fresh piastres were minted and investments made in rubber plantations, rice production, and infrastructure. Its dark granite stonework combines elements of Art Deco, eastern, and colonial architecture into a potent mix.
Many of the avenues in central Saigon are lined with massive golden oak trees, some up to thirty meters tall, which make you feel positively Lilliputian in comparison. Almost twenty years have passed since my first visit to Saigon. I was worried that these magnificent giants planted 150 years ago would be victims of progress but there they are still growing upwards and thriving, much like Saigon.
Getting there: Lao Airlines flies frequently to Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, from Vientiane
1: Pho Sate in Cholon
2: A snappy-looking local in Cholon
3: A busy alley behind walking street
4: The belle epoque Opera House
5: Street food: spring rolls and skewers
(guillotine)
(Independence Palace).
(Notre Dame)
(Chasseloup Laubat)
(Rue Catinat).
Eiffel),
Phongsaly
Old photo of Luang Prabang at the end of the 19th century
Bokeo
Luang Namtha Oudomxay
Xayaboury
Houaphan
Luang Prabang
Xieng Khouang
Xaysomboun
Vientiane
Vientiane Cap.
Champasak Attapeu
Bolikhamxay
Khammouan
Savannakhet
Salavan
Xekong
18 provinces in Laos What do they mean?
Text by: Vila Phounvongsa / Snaé History
Photos by: Phoonsab Thevongsa
Translated by: Nick Pugh
1. Luang Prabang
The meaning of the word “Luang” in Lao refers to “grand” and is an abbreviation of “grand city” or a capital. “Prabang” comes from the name of priceless Buddha image. Combining the two to make “Luang Prabang” therefore translates as the “grand city which is home to the Prabang" and this name has been in use since 1560.
2. Xieng Khouang
The meaning of the word “Xieng” in Lao came from the Chinese word “Sian,” which refers to a city. “Khouang” is derived from the word for “spacious,” so when the two words are combined, they translate to “spacious city.”
3. Xayaboury
The meaning of the word “Xaya,” which translates as “Victory” or win + “Boury” (city), becomes “City of Victory.” This name has been in use since 1946.
4. Bokeo
The word “bo” refers to a “mine,” while “keo” refers to gems or sapphires of exquisite colors that were found on the banks of the Mekong River when locals used to sift the sands here.
5. Luang Namtha
“Luang” in Lao means “grand,” possibly referring to a large city, while Nam Tha is the name of an important river that flows through the town, becoming “the large city of the Nam Tha River.” This name has been used since 1983.
6. Oudomxay
“Oudom” can refer to “abundant,” while the term “xay” comes from the word “victory.” Together, they can be translated into “abundant victory.” This name has been in use since 1969.
7. Houaphan
Houaphan once referred to a frontier region called “Houaphan Thang Ha Thang Hok,” which could be translated as “The Fifth and Sixth Provinces.”
8. Phongsaly
Phongsaly evolved from the Tai Leu term “Fongsaly” “Phong” is said to translate to “beauty” while “saly” was the name of a legendary chieftain in this area.
9. Xaysomboun
“Xay” means “victory” while the meaning of the word “somboun” means rich abundance. Putting these together, it means “Abundant Victory”. This has been the official name of the new 18th province since 2013.
10-11. Vientiane Capital and Vientiane Province
“Vieng” means a “walled city,” while “chan” evolved from “chanthana” or “sandalwood” tree. Alternatively, it may refer to Boulichan, who was the first recorded lord of Vientiane in an ancient chronicle.
12. Savannakhet
Savannakhet was originally a tiny village called “Na Kham” or “field of gold,” which became Souvannakhet. “Souvanna” in Pali-Sanskrit means gold, while the term “Khet” means “an area of land.” Later, the pronunciation changed from “Souvanna” to “Savanna” instead, finally taking on the meaning of the “city of heaven.” This name was first used in 1895.
13. Khammouan
The word Khammouan evolved from Khamkeut village. “Khamkeut” originates from the fact that gold (Kham) naturally arose (Keut) here. The people of Khammouane panned and dredged for gold and, in doing so, had fun (“fun” in Lao is “mouan”).
14. Bolikhamxay
Bolikhamxay evolved from two important districts in the province, which separated off from Khammouan province. These were the Bolikhan and Khamkeut districts, and the word “xay” was added, meaning “victory.” This name has been in use since 1986.
15. Champasak
The word “Champa” originates from the Champa flower and the ethnic group known as the Cham. “Sak” translates to “prestige.” Some say that “sak” originated as the name of a river called the Bassac.
16. Salavan
The name Salavan comes from the Sal tree. The Sal tree is sacred in the Hindu and Zen religions. The area known as Salavan Province today was created from three provinces, the East Province, Salavan, and Vapikhamthong, in 1975 AD.
18. Attapeu
The name Attapeu originated from the Khmer word “Itkabeu” “It” means “feces,” while “kabeu” translates as “buffalo” together meaning the “city of buffalo droppings.” Pronunciation shifted over the centuries, and then Attapeu became a province in 1954.
17. Xekong
Xekong’s name comes from the Xekong River. “Xe” means “river” in the Cham language, while “kong” refers to a traditional Lao drum. Xekong Province was established in 1984 and named after the river on which it is located.
For more articles like this, follow Snaé History on Facebook: fb.com/SnaeHistory
This article was serially published between 7-23 February 2025
Painting of Luang Prabang in 1860
by: Luis Delaporte
From Forest Dreams to Chocolate Reality
The Story of Chocolate Dream
Text by: Jason Rolan
Photos by: Mikaël Bronkhorst
1:
2:
3: Spreading beans out to dry
Travelers to Laos usually visit the country’s remarkable sites and continue onward, but Mikaël Bronkhorst found something worth staying for. Born to a Dutch father and Belgian mother, Mikaël carried the chocolate heritage of two European nations in his blood, though he couldn't have predicted how profoundly this would shape his future.
His love affair with Laos began like many others—as a backpacker in 2003. But when he returned in 2006, something deeper took hold. Where others saw vacation memories, Mikaël envisioned a home. He purchased an area of forest, not for development but preservation, and built a small hut in its heart. This sanctuary eventually blossomed into Dream Time, an eco-retreat that served tourists and expatriates for nearly a decade.
A fter ten years in tourism, Mikaël found himself wandering his beloved forest, contemplating his next chapter. It was
during one of these reflective walks that two simple realizations collided: he was craving chocolate, and there was none to be found in Laos. In that moment, a vision materialized—not just of eating chocolate, but of making it.
"Coming from a Belgian background, I grew up eating the best available chocolate," Mikaël explains. "My standard was always very high. When I started making chocolates, there was only one way to go about it: make the best possible chocolate out there, or don't bother."
The journey from inspiration to creation wasn't swift. When Mikaël shared his vision with his brother, who challenged him to make chocolate for Christmas 2015, he quickly discovered that chocolate-making demanded more than enthusiasm. It required a year of persistent experimentation before he created something worthy of sharing.
Above: Cacao beans dry before processing
Cacao fresh from the pod
Bars of Chocolate Dream make great snacks and souvenirs
The obstacles were substantial. Laos had no established cacao plantations—only scattered trees across the country—and no equipment for chocolate production. Undeterred, Mikaël embarked on cacao-hunting expeditions throughout Southeast Asia, often returning with beans in his backpack from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and even as far as Madagascar and Peru.
M ikaël approached chocolatemaking with the same minimalist philosophy that guided his life. Rather than investing in industrial equipment, he focused on the basics and accepted the necessity of hard work. This approach yielded a distinctively artisanal product—chocolate that's genuinely handmade, with each bar reflecting his uncompromising standards.
Today, Chocolate Dream offers an intentionally limited range focused on quality rather than variety. Their white chocolate incorporates cacao nibs, their milk chocolate contains significantly higher cacao percentages than industrial alternatives, and their dark chocolate showcases the distinctive flavors of various origins. All products remain steadfastly organic
and natural, free from preservatives and artificial agents.
Perhaps most meaningful to Mikaël was producing the first single-origin Lao chocolate bar, made possible through an exclusive partnership with a farmer in Vientiane province. This milestone represents the realization of his efforts to encourage local farmers to diversify into cacao cultivation.
B eyond creating exceptional chocolate, Mikaël is fostering opportunity. Chocolate Dream proudly employs Lao women, providing specialized skills and training. Every public tasting event becomes a moment of local revelation as Lao people discover chocolate grown and made in their homeland.
Looking forward, Mikaël envisions expanding cacao processing in Laos while facilitating exports. Yet amid growth, his principle remains unwavering: "unadulterated chocolate"—no compromises.
From a forest daydream to the country's first bean-to-bar chocolate maker, Mikaël Bronkhorst's journey reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful paths begin with the simplest cravings. In his hands, chocolate isn't merely a sweet indulgence but a vehicle for authenticity, sustainability, and transformation in a land where such traditions are just taking root.
For more info, visit Chocolate Dream’s Facebook page: fb.com/ByMikael. Their chocolate is available at fine boutiques around Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
从森林梦境到 巧克力现实
巧克力之梦的故事
作者：Jason Rolan
摄影：Mikaël Bronkhorst
到访老挝的旅行者往往在游览完这个国家的瑰 丽景点后便匆匆离去，但米凯尔·布朗克霍斯特却发现 了值得为之驻足的事物。他父亲是荷兰人，母亲是比 利时人，血脉中流淌着两个欧洲国家的巧克力文化基 因——尽管他当时未曾料到，这份基因将如何深远地影 响他的未来。
米凯尔与老挝的“情缘”始于2003年，和许多人一 样，他最初只是一名背包客。但2006年重返此地时，一 种更深的情感在他心中扎根。旁人的旅途记忆或许仅 是假日碎片，米凯尔却萌生了安家的念头。他买下一片 森林，不为开发，只为守护这片净土，并在森林深处建 起一座小木屋。这方静土逐渐发展为“梦境时光”——一 座为游客和外籍人士服务近十年的生态度假村。
在旅游业耕耘十年后，米凯尔开始漫步于挚爱的 森林，思索人生的下一篇章。一次沉思中，两个简单的 念头在脑海中交汇：他渴望巧克力，而老挝却无处可 寻。那一刻，一个愿景清晰浮现——不仅是享用巧克力， 而是亲手创造它。
“身为比利时人，我从小品尝的就是最顶级的巧 克力，”米凯尔这样说道，“我的味蕾早已被宠坏了。当 我决定亲手制作巧克力时，只剩下一个选择：要么做到 极致，要么彻底放弃。”
从灵感到实体的蜕变绝非坦途。2015 年圣诞节，米凯尔的兄弟向他发起挑战—— 制作巧克力作为节日礼物。他很快意识到， 巧克力工艺需要的可不止是满腔热忱。历 经365天近乎偏执的反复调试，他终于制作 出了值得示人的作品。
现实的重锤接连砸下：老挝境内找不 到成规模的可可种植园（唯有零星野树倔 强生长），更遑论现代化生产设备。但这位 倔强的匠人背起行囊，开启了一场横跨三 大洲的“可可猎寻”——印尼雨林的醇厚、 马达加斯加岛屿的芬芳、秘鲁山野的狂 野……他的行囊里满载着跨越经纬度的风 土密码---可可豆。
他将自己信奉的极简主义也注入到巧 克力制作中：拒绝轰鸣的工业流水线，选择 用双手的温度唤醒可可的本真。这种近乎 苦行的坚持，最终淬炼出带着指纹印记的 巧克力——每一块都如棱镜，折射着他对完 美的偏执追求。
如今的“巧克力梦”以少为美：白巧克 力中跳动着烘烤可可碎粒的俏皮脆响；牛 奶巧克力以高出行业标准30%的可可含量 颠覆味觉认知；黑巧克力则化身风味考古 学家，用70%-100%的可可浓度解锁不同 产地的灵魂纹路。所有产品始终遵循减法 哲学——零防腐剂、零人工添加。
对米凯尔而言，最具意义则是老挝单 一原产地巧克力的成功制作——通过与万 象省农户的独家合作，诞生了老挝首款单 一原产地黑巧。这枚深褐色的里程碑，不仅 见证了他游说当地农民改种可可树的五年 耕耘，更撬动了一个古老农业国的味觉觉 醒。
他的野心不止于创造顶级风味。“巧克 力梦”工厂里，60%的员工是老挝女性。这 些曾经赤脚劳作的农妇，如今身着白色工 服，在恒温车间里掌握着可可发酵的微妙 时差。每一场品鉴会都化作老挝土地的觉 醒时刻：当山民们第一次尝到用自家门前 可可果制成的巧克力时，他们浑浊的眼瞳 里闪动着骄傲。
关于未来，米凯尔构画着更宏大的版 图：在老挝建立标准化可可加工链，让这个 内陆国的名字出现在世界精品巧克力版图 上。但无论规模如何扩张，他始终恪守着「 巧克力纯粹主义」——零代可可脂、零香精、 零速成。就像他森林小屋门前那株野生可 可树，只遵循季节的节奏缓慢生长。
从一个人的味觉乡愁，到一个国家的 产业破冰，米凯尔·布朗克霍斯特用二十年 光阴印证：最伟大的变革往往始于最朴素 的渴望。在他布满茧痕的掌纹里，巧克力早 已超越甜点的定义，化作连接土地与人心 的琥珀色桥梁——当第一粒可可豆在老挝 红土中扎根时，一个关于尊严与可能性的 故事，才刚刚开始生根发芽。
如需了解更多可访问脸书主页： fb.com/ByMikael. 在万象和琅勃拉邦很 多精品店也可以买到他们的巧克力。
1: 美味的巧克力
2: 在巧克力里加糖使其变甜
3: 巧克力梦是一份很棒的纪念品
4: 可可豆荚生长在树上
5: 包装好的巧克力棒
6: 可可豆荚生产出美味的巧克力
7: 可可花盛开
Ancient Wonders of Sukhothai
THAILAND'S UNESCO HERITAGE TREASURE
Text
and Photos by Mick Shippen
Left: A sight to behold. The enormous Buddha image at Wat Si Chum.
Right: The magnificent ruins within the park are joy to explore.
Thailand is scattered with fascinating archaeological sites and impressive temple ruins, but the jewel in the crown is Sukhothai.
Thailand’s Sukhothai period from 1238 to 1438 is regarded as the beginning of Thai history, and its rich legacy still resonates throughout present-day Thai culture. At its height, the kingdom is thought to have wielded dominance from Nakhon Si Thammarat in the south to Luang Prabang in northern Laos and Martaban in Myanmar. Historians consider Sukhothai to be the first true Thai kingdom, and with nine kings ruling over two centuries, it is a stable period of history. King Ramkhamhaeng, the second king, established a system of writing that became the basis for modern Thai script. The king also promoted Theravada Buddhism, which gave birth to classic forms of Thai religious art. The production of glazed ceramic wares was vital to the economy of Sukhothai. Pots from the many kilns just outside the city and in nearby Si Satchanalai were exported all over the region. To this day, sunken trade vessels in the Gulf of Thailand and in Malaysian waters continue to be discovered by marine archaeologists and reveal yet more secrets from the Sukhothai period.
Getting there:
Lao Airlines flies daily from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai. Travel from there by road to Sukhothai takes approximately four hours.
Following the death of King Ramkhamhaeng, Sukhothai’s influence began to wane. The last king of Sukhothai, King Thammaracha, died in 1438, and the kingdom became a province within the now-dominant kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Sukhothai Historical Park
Home to magnificent temples, ruins, and monuments, the Sukhothai Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws thousands of visitors every year. It covers over 7,000 hectares and is divided into five zones that can be explored by bicycle or electric buggy. The Ramkhamhaeng National Museum within the site gives visitors an interesting historical perspective and is a good starting point before exploring the park.
A moat surrounds the park's central area and features 21 magnificent temples. The most dramatic is Wat Si Chum, located just outside the old city's walls at the northwest corner. Approaching Wat Si Chum along the pathway, the face of the enormous Buddha within is first glimpsed through an opening in the front wall. The hand of the 15-meter high, 11-meter wide seated Buddha image is covered with gold leaf rubbed onto the fingers by the thousands of worshippers who pray before it.
In November, on the night of the full moon, Sukhothai Historical Park hosts Thailand’s biggest Loy Kratong festival. It also occasionally holds light and sound events with music, dance, and fireworks.
History buffs and culture vultures with more time to explore the region’s history can visit the smaller but equally compelling nearby ancient towns of Si Satchanalai (4,000 hectares) and Kamphaeng Phet (340 hectares). Located on the banks of the Yom River, Si Satchanalai was known as the spiritual heart of the Sukhothai kingdom and for producing exquisite ceramics that were exported throughout Southeast Asia, while Kamphaeng Phet (340 hectares) to the south was established as a defensive outpost. Highlights at Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park include Wat Chang Rop in the forest zone, adorned with 68 elephant statues that symbolize Thailand’s royal might, and a lovely little museum with a fine collection of well-displayed artifacts accompanied by informative text.
1: A moat surrounds the temple ruins at the heart of the park.
2: When Wat Si Chum was rediscovered, a huge restoration project had to be undertaken to save the incredible Buddha image.
3: Sukhothai is the location for light and sound events with music, dance, and fireworks, and one of Thailand’s biggest Loy Kratong celebrations.
老挝原始森林野生中草药
这些森林人际罕至，远离工业污染，保存完好，各种野生中草药 资源非常丰富，其中三大 国家级森林保护区更是药材宝库。
早在上个世纪80年代，日本的汉方药企业就从老挝进口优质的 中草药材，现在更有中国，韩国，泰国，越南，印度等商家在这里争 相抢购。
常见中草药材如黄藤、胖大海、砂仁、豆蔻、鸡血藤、土茯苓，桂 枝等等，以及珍贵药材
如野生灵芝、桑黄、石斛、金线莲，龙血竭等
野生灵芝
老挝知名中草药企业：BBL天然草药开发 有限公司自2012年起便致力于开发老挝野生草 药，与卫生部传统草药研究中心合作，采用 现代工艺，依托优质的野生草药哦资源，推出 多款成熟产品。BBL作为知名草药品牌，产 品出口至中国、日本、澳大利亚、美国、泰国 等多个国家，2022年荣获老挝商业领袖奖， 其野生灵芝产品常作为官方外事礼物。公司
在老挝多个省份设有收购基地。
香茅草驱蚊水：
在老挝，防蚊是首要任务，因为当地伊蚊肆虐，每 年有数万人感染登革热，若救治不及时，可能危及生 命。老挝本土产的香茅草是极佳的天然驱蚊剂，也是 冬阴功汤的主要香料之一，许多高档餐厅的洗手间也 会使用它来消除异味。该产品分为红色普通版和绿色 户外版。
占巴花茶：
占巴花，又名鸡蛋花，是某国内知名凉茶品牌的 主原料之一。作为老挝的国花，占巴花因其清热解暑 的功效，成为当地人日常饮用的茶饮，几乎每个家庭 都会种植。用干燥后的占巴花制作的凉茶，具有清热 下火、芳香沁脾的特点，是极具老挝特色的必备品。
姜黄茶:
姜黄被誉为 抗炎之王 ，常用于治疗咽炎、风湿性 关节炎、肩周炎等慢性炎症，对抗人体隐性炎症，消除 肿瘤隐患，也是老挝人民传统草药之一，常用于治疗 腹痛、痛经等。大多数农村家庭会在山上树林种植姜 黄，一般只采挖三至五年的姜黄。使用这种生态姜黄 制作的姜黄茶特别受欢迎，尤其是加入黑胡椒粉后， 能显著提高姜黄素的吸收率。
野生灵芝:
老挝全国范围内均有野生灵芝产出，但根据BBL的检测数 据，华潘、川圹、巴色地区的灵芝有效成分含量最高，特别是赤 芝、紫芝、竹灵芝等。这些地区位于高原，灵芝生长相对缓慢。 整颗灵芝主要用于煮水和泡酒，但吸收效率较低，灵芝的最佳 形式是破壁粉，这样能全部吸收。BBL的野生灵芝破壁粉、灵芝 胶囊、五色灵芝蜜丸在防治肿瘤、消除结节、提高免疫力方面 效果显著。
购买提示：不建议购买整支灵芝，因为可能带有虫害，可 能禁止带入中国。
东革阿里：
老挝拥有丰富的野生东革阿里资源，有些树龄甚 至超过百年。之前出口至马来西亚，2016年，BBL以40 年以上东革阿里树根为主要原料，开发了 “东革阿里 康风宝” 产品，成为当地人必备的抗痛风、降尿酸神 器。
治疗机制:通过修肾损伤，恢复肾功能，让肾脏自 主调节尿酸，避免长期依赖药物，不仅能抗高尿酸血 症，还能提高精力、改善夜尿频繁，消除前列腺钙化、 提高精子活性，改善高血压和高血糖对肾损伤状况 等。
护肝醒酒酶：
本地社交必备，由于气候炎热，本地人喜爱饮用啤 酒，酒前服用4粒可增加酒量，酒后服用可快速醒酒，无 宿醉感。
野生鸡血藤：
老挝原始森林有非常多的野生鸡血藤，鸡血藤通 常被用来通经活络，活血止痛。用鸡血藤为主要原料 浸泡的活血祛痛搽剂对于腰酸背痛，肩颈疼痛，肌肉 扭伤等治疗效果显著。一般第二天疼痛就能得到明显 缓解。
安宫牛黄丸：
老挝主要有天然牛黄的原料优势，因为老挝地下 钾盐矿多，老挝的地下水都很硬，万象一般都喝瓶装 水，这里有些地方饮用地下水的人大多有结石病，而 老挝的牛又是散养的，活得时间长的母牛有牛黄的概 率要高很多。
购买建议：因为安宫牛黄丸是中风，高热惊厥的 急救药，最好在正规渠道购买有老挝国家药品注册号 的产品。
诺丽果：
诺丽果干片泡水喝对治疗便秘和祛除色斑效果 较为显著，天然植物果实，不伤身体，一般一两天便秘 就能缓解，一周时间就能看到黄褐斑，老年斑淡化。
野生土茯苓：
土茯苓被誉为清血管之王，中医治疗银屑病、梅毒 等中君药是土茯苓，也是国内许多人用来煲汤的药材， 老挝有着非常丰富的野生土茯苓资源，大的野生土茯 苓直径甚至超过脸盆大小。
野生桑黄：
老挝野生桑黄生长年限长，品质优异，是日本，韩国 药企优先收购的药材，很多被用来制作高档化妆品和 保健品。桑黄抗癌效果显著，可以选择购买桑黄茶或者 桑黄粉等产品。
甘草干姜茶：
野生甘草和两年以上的生态小姜母制成的甘草 干姜茶是健脾胃，祛湿气的首选，感冒，四肢冰凉的朋 友也非常合适喝，一杯下去满头热气。产品为破壁粉， 冲泡非常方便。
手工织物：
老挝传统纺织品色彩鲜艳、工艺精湛。围巾、桌 布、披肩等织物不仅美观实用，还能支持当地手工艺 产业。
老挝独特的风景，低廉的物价和友善的人民希望 能给您留下一段难忘的旅行体验。
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creativity, and making your brand’s voice sing loud and clear, resonating throughout the marketplace.
Airlines Updates
LAO AIRLINES NEWS | AIRLINE PARTNERS FLIGHT ROUTES | OFFICES
Lao
LAO AIRLINES OFFICIALLY ADDS NEW C909 AIRCRAFT TO FLEET
Lao Airlines has announced the induction of the COMAC C909 aircraft into its fleet. The new aircraft, registered as RDPL-34229, features 90 economy class seats and displays the airline's signature blue and white livery with the national Champa flower emblem on its tail.
A t the induction ceremony, airline representatives highlighted that the addition of the C909 represents a significant advancement in their commitment to enhanced passenger service. They also emphasized that this milestone demonstrates the growing air transport collaboration between Laos and China, further strengthening their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Mr. Khamla Phommavanh, Director General of the Civil Aviation Department, Mr. Vilaxay Singkham, President and CEO of Lao Airlines, and Ms. Li Ling, Vice President of COMAC Group and Chairman of COMAC Shanghai Aircraft Customer Service Co.
The C909 is being introduced through a lease agreement with COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China), which will also provide comprehensive support services to ensure operations meet the highest safety standards.
Initially, the aircraft will serve domestic routes between Vientiane and Pakse, as well as Vientiane and Savannakhet, with plans to expand service to additional destinations, particularly in China. The inaugural flight is scheduled for April 12, 2025, pending regulatory approvals from Laos' Civil Aviation Department.
Lao Airlines praises the aircraft's spacious seating and efficient performance, which they believe will offer passengers a more comfortable travel experience.
