Champa Meuanglao: January-February 2023

Dear Passengers,

Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Airlines.

Happy new year to all of our passengers. On the occasion of New Year 2023, we see it as a new beginning and after this challenging year, it is a new opportunity to provide even better service than before. I would like to extend our best wishes for our passengers to be healthy and successful in everything they do, and to be happy and fortunate in this new year.

On behalf of the board of directors and all of the staff of Lao Airlines, thank you for choosing us, as we are very experienced with international standards, and we are committed to serving you.

Safe travels.

With highest respects,

Khamla Phommavanh President & CEO of Lao Airlines

ສະບາຍດີປີໃ��ຜູ�ໂ�ຍສານທ�ຮ�ກແ�ງທຸກທ�ານ, ໃ�ກາລະໂ�ກາດຕ�ອນຮ�ບປີໃ�� ຄສ 2023 ຖືເ�ັນໂ�ກາດທ�ໄ��ເ��ມຕ�ນໃ��, ໃ�ສ�ກປີໃ�� ຄສ ໃ�� ແ�ະ ເ�ັນໂ�ກາດດີ ທ�ສາຍການບິນລາວຂອງພວກເ�ົາໄ��ໃ��ບໍລິການແ��ຜູ�ໂ�ຍສານຢ�າງດີທ�ສຸດ

Hello readers,

Welcome to the January-February issue of Champa Meuanglao.

The Mekong offers incredible opportunities to explore the country. Experience life on the river between Houay Xay and Luang Prabang to get a taste of the real Laos.

Textiles are ubiquitous as souvenirs and prominently seen in daily life. Oudone Precious Silk is working to elevate this art into the future.

Central Vietnam offers plenty of amazing sites to visit. See our Top 5 list of places you should try to see!

The elephant is the symbol of Laos and once a year they are celebrated at a large festival in Sayaboury. Make plans to visit and see many of these great creatures.

Responsible tourism is vital in preserving the important elements that make visiting this country so special. Do your part to keep Laos simply beautiful.

Happy Reading!

The Champa Meuanglao team

In light of the current Covid-19 situation throughout the world, please be aware that certain activities, festivals, sites, businesses, and events mentioned in this magazine may not be open and operating as planned. Do exercise good judgment, maintain safety precautions, and follow the directions of Lao authorities at all times.

Editor In Chief Editors

Managing Editor

Contributing Editors

Creative Director

Contributing Writers

PUBLISHING

Jason Rolan Cameron Darke Aditta Kittikhoun Duangtavanh Oudomchith Endy Khamsing

ADVISORY BOARD

Khamla Phommavanh

Managing Director

Saleum Tayarath

Deputy Managing Director of Commercial and Marketing, ICT

Sitthideth Douangsiththy

Deputy Managing Director of Ground Handling and Cargo

Paithoun Khounsouvanh

Deputy Managing Director of Technical and Flight Operation

LAO AIRLINES STATE ENTERPRISE LIMITED

Headquarters Wattay International Airport Vientiane Capital, Laos Tel: (856-21) 513243-46, Fax: (856-21) 513247 www.laoairlines.com

Follow the official Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/laoairlines to get the latest news and updates from the national carrier of Laos.

DISCLAIMER

Head Photographer

Thanouphet Maniseng Amrita Paul Anita Preston Phoonsab Thevongsa

ADVERTISING

sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 59596621

RDK GROUP

134 Samsenthai Road, Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos (856-20) 55731717 info@rdkgroup.la

Champa Meuanglao is published bi-monthly for Lao Airlines State Enterprise by RDK Group. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Champa Meuanglao do not necessarily reflect those of Lao Airlines State Enterprise or its publishing agents. All information in Champa Meuanglao is correct at time of printing. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

All rights reserved. Copyright © 2022 by Lao Airlines State Enterprise and RDK Group. www.champameuanglao.com

COVER IMAGE Basket boats in Hoi An Photo: Quang Nam Tourism

TEXT BY AMRITA PAUL PHOTOGRAPHS BY QUANG NAM TOURISM

Vietnam is often hailed by many as Southeast Asia's next ‘it’ tourist destination. It is gifted with an abundance of natural beauty, rich culture, and history. Vietnam also has bustling metropolises like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City which are well-connected to major cities around the world.

However, the country has some other cool, much less frequented, but often even more exciting places to visit, such as Quang Nam Province. This picturesque province is situated on Vietnam’s South Central coast. No matter what kind of places hold your interest as a traveler, Quang Nam has it covered with its scenic beaches, waterfalls, mountains, and quaint towns which take you back in time with their colonial buildings and canals.

Here are five places you must visit during your time in Quang Nam:

THE ANCIENT TOWN OF HOI AN

Located on the north bank near the mouth of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a UNESCO World Heritage Town that used to be one of the busiest international trading ports in Southeast Asia. The town is exceptionally well-preserved and if you have ever considered what a place that reflects both Western and Eastern cultures would be like, look no further. The town currently preserves around 1360 relics that include: houses, clan churches, communal houses, pagodas, temples, assembly halls, ancient wells, harbors, etc. One of its most famous attractions is a wooden Japanese bridge, with a pagoda dating back to the 18th century. Needless to say, with its picture-perfect beauty, Hoi An is a very popular destination for Instagrammers as well.

MY SON SANCTUARY

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the My Son Sanctuary is a 2 km wide valley surrounded by mountains that houses the complex of Champa tower temples which were built between the 4th and 13th centuries. The temples owe their spiritual origins to Hinduism in India and were built for Hindu Gods such as Krishna, Vishnu, and most importantly Shiva. The Sanctuary is a remarkable architectural ensemble, that has more than 70 architectural works containing historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic values and as a traveler, here you would get to experience spiritual tranquility like never before. It is often considered similar to other famous monuments in Southeast Asia such as the Angkor Vat.

THE MONUMENT COMPLEX OF THE VIETNAMESE HEROIC MOTHER

If grand memorial architectures mesmerize and awe you in equal measure, the statue of the Vietnamese Heroic Mother is a must-see destination. Located on the top of Cam mountain, this place has enormous cultural, social, and political significance. With its towering height of 18.5 meters and a curved width of up to 117 meters, the sandstone architecture immediately makes a strong impression on the viewer. The monument pays tribute to the mothers of Vietnam who have sacrificed greatly for the country’s independence and freedom. It lists the names of over 100,000 heroic women along with the stories of their contributions to their nation.

THE GLOBAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE OF THE CHAM ISLANDS

Recognized by UNESCO as a world bio-rights reserve, Cu Lao Cham is a cluster of islands known for immaculately preserving marine ecosystems including 950 aquatic species. As a tourist, you would love this place for the pristine green color of the islands, the aquamarine blue water, and the peaceful fishing villages situated under the romantic canopy of coconut trees. There are eight large and small islands situated next to each other, each of them unique in its own beauty and charm. If you are fond of adventure, the speedboat is a great way to explore the majestic sea. Or you could go diving to explore the stunning coral reefs in the region. You might be pleased to also find out that the islands in the area don’t use plastics and opt for recyclable materials to maintain and preserve the reserve’s beauty.

NGUYEN HOANG NIGHT MARKET, HOI AN

If your travels are incomplete without shopping, you should check out Nguyen Hoang Night Market, one of the busiest night markets in Hoi An. Stretching over 300 meters, the market is open daily from 4 pm to 10:30 pm. Visitors can not only shop for a variety of items from handicrafts to clothes, incense, lanterns, and pottery, but also try out popular dishes from the local cuisine. Even if you aren’t a keen shopper, this night market which is situated next to Hoai River could turn out to be the perfect place for you to sit down and relax while taking in the hustle and bustle of the old city with shimmering lanterns showing the way.

GETTING THERE

There are flights by Lao Airlines to Hanoi or Bangkok where it is possible to connect to Da Nang.

Quang Nam also sees an array of exciting entertainment and cultural events being held every year, which you could plan your travel around. The 2022 Mekong Tourism Forum recently concluded at the luxury 5-star hotel New World Hoiana in Hoi An which was attended by 250 local and regional delegates.

Practice Environmentally Friendly Habits

DO

Reduce, re-use and recycle solid waste during your trip.

Bring your own re-usable water bottle to fill.

Take your own bags with you when shopping –say no to any kind of plastic or Styrofoam containers.

When ordering a drink, try to order without a plastic straw.

Plan your transport by looking for the most efficient and cleaner option of transportation.

Choose tour operators and accommodations that have community projects, environmental policies and/or a sustainability certification.

Reduce your consumption of water and electricity in accommodation (for example you can use towels and sheets for more than one day, turn off the lights, heating and air conditioning when leaving the room, try not to leave water taps running and take showers rather than baths)

Ask your driver to open windows to cool down with fresh air in rural areas.

Support organic product from the farmers.

DON’T

Do not buy products that have unnecessary packaging and containers.

Do not wrap your luggage in kilometers of plastic wrap; protect them with locks instead.

Get vaccinated!

Practice social distancing and try to stay at least 1 meter apart.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.

Use hand alcohol-based hand rub (if soap and water are not available).

Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow, not your hand, when you cough or sneeze.

Isolate in your hotel room if you start to feel unwell.

Wear face mask in public spaces. If you have fever, cough or difficulty breathing, seek medical care. REFERENCES 1. Lao National Tourism Administration. (2006) Do and don’t in Laos. 2. Exo Foundation (n.d.). Tips for Responsible Travelers. Retrieved from https://exofoundation.org/tips-for-responsible-travelers/ 3. UNWTO. (n.d.). Tips for Responsible Tourists #stay healthy travel responsibly Retrieved from https://www.unwto.org/responsible-tourist 4. Travelife Online Courses. (n.d.). Covid-19 Resilient Training Retrieved from https://www.travelife.info/learning/index.php?course=1308&lang=en

meter

1

Stay Safe from COVID-19 DON’T

Avoid direct contact with others (cheek and nose greetings, shaking hands, kissing and hugging).

Avoid direct contact with surfaces whenever possible.

GO WITH THE

TEXT BY ANITA PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANITA PRESTON / EVENSONG FILM

Take a slow boat to Luang Prabang

If you are entering Laos through northern Thailand don’t rush to get to your destination. Arriving at the fabled Golden Triangle, channel the spirit of the early explorers and discover Laos by its mighty waterway, the Mekong. Famed as one of the world’s mightiest, this “mother of all rivers” is rich in unique flora and fauna. Its biodiversity is second only to the Amazon and a large proportion of the Mekong’s watershed is actually in Laos. If you feel like slowing down and enjoying the natural splendors of this renowned waterway and lifeline of millions of people, we recommend you embark on one of a number of cruises that operate up and down the Mekong between the Thai border at Houay Xay to Luang Prabang.

Our group for the two-day trip met in Chiang Khong, on the Thai side, where we were assisted across the Friendship Bridge and driven to the boat, where we departed at 8 am for the 328-kilometer journey. We enjoyed breakfast while passing through the flat plain of Houay Xay. The river flows south from here so it is slightly faster cruising to Luang Prabang than the reverse journey upstream to Houay Xay.

You can see a lot of activity in the morning, fishermen out casting their nets, ladies harvesting river weed, and children playing beside the river. There is always movement on the water from different types of boats, traders going to sell items, people moving goods, and even some larger cargo vessels. The river is quite flat and wide at Houay Xay but after an hour or so, the boat encounters more dramatic scenery as you enter the mountains of Northern Laos that will funnel you down to Luang Prabang. The trip is largely composed of gently flowing waters with the odd roaring rapids to negotiate and mammoth grey slab river rocks which seem to have been placed by giants.

A glorious Mekong sunset

Along the way, the cruise docks at a very basic Khmu village for a visit and to drop off some deliveries at the school. It’s a steep climb up the hillside to arrive at a village consisting of very rustic bamboo houses. The boat also pays a toll to the village as a way to help the villagers with much-needed income. They are completely dependent on the river for travel and their survival as there is no road in or out of the village.

Lunch is served around noon. All food is cooked on the boat and is fresh and delicious using local produce. We enjoyed a varied selection of dishes including addictive crispy spring rolls with peanut sauce, sautéed eggplant, Luang Prabang salad, and lemongrass stuffed with pork. The cruise includes freeflow tea and coffee at the bar where you can also buy soft drinks and harder beverages. With such libations on offer, the onboard restroom is a godsend. The boat is spacious, clean, and tastefully decorated. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and spent a lot of time going over information and addressing any concerns passengers had. Gently moving with the river is a calming experience and soon some passengers stretched

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has frequent flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Bangkok, Hanoi, and Siem Reap.

MORE INFO

The author traveled with Shompoo Cruise (shompoo-cruise.com), but there are local public boats available, too.

out and dozed off, lulled by the movement of the boat and abundant fresh air. On this stretch, we saw many locals panning for gold on the bank with their large wooden pans and lots of people in small boats traveling between villages.

Pakbeng is the major stop of the trip, halfway along the journey. Boats dock here overnight as they do not travel after dark. There are a number of accommodation options available for different budgets. We stayed at the chic new Le Grand Pakbeng. Situated on a hilltop, this resort has wonderful views overlooking the Mekong. Remember you will arrive late in the afternoon and leave the following morning, so you will only be able to experience a little of the area. If you want to spend longer than one night, it can be arranged beforehand.

We departed early the next morning before the sun could push through the darkness. Traveling through a shady bluehued gorge we made our way toward our first stop for the day, a whiskey village. Here, villagers display their local rice whiskey and demonstrate the old-fashioned production in stills. Brace yourself and try a sip of this potent beverage. Ladies also weave here, so do browse the scarves for some nice souvenirs and also support the village. We reached the grottos of Pak Ou shortly after in the afternoon. It is filled with hundreds of Buddha statues from the primitive to the ornate and is one of the most popular attractions in Laos, venerated since time immemorial and connected with royal events and folklore.

Arriving in Luang Prabang in the late afternoon, we were greeted by a proliferation of lush coconut palms that obscured the city from view. Passing the impressive steps at Wat Xiengthong is quite a memorable way to make an entrance into the former royal capital, just as kings and explorers did in the past.

1. Boats dock in Pakbeng for the night

2. A villager enjoys on orange

3. A child watches boats pass on the riverbank

4. Sunset at Le Grand Pakbeng

CULTURAL THREADS

TEXT BY SALI SASAKI

“Patchworks:

Korea.

above: Fine woven textiles on display from Oudone Precious Silk Photo by Van Hai right: Lao filmmaker, Mattie Do, wears a modern outfit by Sophie Garcia and belt by Femei, both collaborations with Oudone Precious Silk Photo by Van Hai

Oudone Precious Silk, based in Vientiane, has been creating high-quality garments based on Lao heritage knowledge and aesthetics since 2001. It was formed by a mother and daughter duo, Oudone and Vanida, who resided in France for several decades. Oudone returned to Vientiane in 1989 and Vanida in 2012, and since then they are leaning toward a contemporary design direction even if they continue to produce traditional items like the Sinh, the Lao tube skirt worn by office workers and during Buddhist rituals across the country. The French influence is naturally visible in their collection where the use of gold thread is a key component. The gold thread produced in Lyon is a centuries-old craft that was prominent in the textile trade in France and worn by royal family members in Laos.

Oudone and Vanida's approach is infused with ancestral cultural knowledge and skills while seeking to sustain the depth of the Lao culture alive for the generations ahead through contemporary designs.

Lao textiles look to the past to fi nd the future.

A version of this article originally appeared in

the Globalized Life of Traditional Clothes in East Asia” supported by The Asia Culture Center in

“In terms of the weaving craftsmanship, we wish it to be timeless. We have a very niche market and we tend to work on bespoke orders to make them unique. Our clientele is primarily collectors and ex-pats who are sensitive to their cultural environment. We used to have more Lao customers, but they are aging and numbers are dwindling. We create unique pieces and try to be different in a market that has become more competitive.

We believe that the Lao traditional aesthetic has a strong potential to make Lao contemporary fashion unique. Lao designers will have to be meticulous in the tailoring and take care of the details first and foremost.

Factory imitations could kill Lao craftsmanship, its authenticity, and exclusiveness. The craft sector is an important source of revenue for women, so

it could upend their livelihoods as well. Factory products are only based on price and don’t consider the value of cultural identities. We want to target and inspire the local market since traditional clothes are still regularly used by Lao people. We would also like to see something like a weaving school or a design center to sustain the oral knowhow, the techniques, and also build collaborations between local and international designers. We need to build a certain recognition and appreciation for our textile culture in order to extend it toward the future.”

—Vanida Phimphachanh of Oudone Precious Silk

left: Textiles are still woven on traditional village looms 1. Oudone's mother inspects the quality of a textile

In hyperconnected and diverse societies across the region, traditions and heritage assets need to be reconsidered with new eyes and open minds. On the one hand by understanding how different communities fulfill their own cultural and creative ambitions, while on the other analyzing how traditions continue to exist through contemporary life. In this organic and sometimes contradictory process a patchwork forms, blending authenticity with imitation, old and new, local and global. Positioned at the convergence of heritage and popular culture, this evolving piece is a mirror that perhaps reflects the true characteristics of living cultures in Asia today.

Much more than ritual objects, traditional garments have been transformed into experiential products destined to reach a widening audience. The broader access to communication technology and social media networks has taken heritage assets to multiple levels which include cultural recognition, social trends, and economic development.

Online media offers new possibilities for cultural recognition, whether it is to support a minority group or boost a country's brand. Television series in Korea and Thailand have generated a renewed interest in traditional clothes as a trend among locals and also foreigners, thereby creating new cultural interactions. Digital platforms are also life-altering tools for ethnic minority groups who are expanding their textile businesses through online exposure and demand.

Sasaki is a creative consultant and researcher. Follow her notes, stories, and explorations from Asia at salisasaki.com

MORE INFO

Visit Oudone Precious Silk at oudone.com or at Birds Follow Spring in Vientiane.

GETTING THERE

Lao Airlines has frequent flights to Vientiane from many cities in the region.

1

Sali

THE ELEPHANT FESTIVAL

An unforgettable experience honoring Laos’ largest animal

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA

Xayaboury is the province with the most elephants. These creatures have been used throughout the centuries in the military and in logging. Battles are no longer waged on elephant back and using elephants to haul timber has mostly been phased out. As a way to say thanks and to honor the historical relationship between Lao people and elephants, Xayaboury holds a bustling Elephant Festival every year in mid-February.

During the festival, dozens of elephants are paraded, feted, and then honored with a traditional Lao baci ceremony where holy strings are tied around their legs. It’s well worth a visit as this is the only time you can see so many elephants all at once!

Above: Elephants love playing in the water

1. Visitors try bathing elephants

2. A beautiful procession of pachyderms

Above: Lao people honor elephants with a baci blessing ceremony

1. A calf walks alongside its mother

2. Tourists ride elephants at the festival

FOR MORE INFO

Visit Sayaboury Tourism at tourismsayaboury.org

GETTING THERE

Xayaboury is located a short 3-hour drive from Luang Prabang, to which there are frequent flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Vientiane, and Siem Reap on Lao Airlines.

European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in

(ECCIL EuroCham) celebrates its 10th anniversary

VIENTIANE, LAO PDR On November 5th 2022, the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR (ECCIL) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a spectacular gala dinner and Venetian ball. The celebration, which was jointly sponsored by the European Union in Lao PDR, EuroCham’s Silver Sponsor CS Intellect and Gold Sponsor Prudential, also featured auctions to benefit the Lao Friends Hospital for Children.

ECCIL EuroCham was created in 2011 with the mandate to promote and increase business between Lao PDR and Europe for their mutual benefit and to create a “single voice of European business” in Laos, representing the European business community vis a vis Lao authorities and decision makers. With prestigious guests such as H.E Mr Manothong Vongxay - Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce, H.E Mr. Phayvanh Keopaserth - Vice Minister of Health, the ambassadors of the European Union, France, Germany, United Kingdom, the Deputy Chiefs of Mission of the Embassy of Japan and of the U.S. Embassy, and the vice-president of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce, the event celebrated and strengthen the ties between ECCIL EuroCham and its partners.

“We are here tonight to celebrate an anniversary, but we are also here for a very good cause, to support the Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luang Prabang. Ladies and gentlemen enjoy the Venetian Ball, be generous and make sure that our contribution to the hospital becomes significant!” said Peter Fogde, President of ECCIL in his opening remarks.

“As it is ECCIL EuroCham’s mission to represent and further European core values in responsible trade, we are constantly seeking to encourage responsible investment. We work daily with European and local businesses, civil society organizations, lao authorities and communities to promote responsible business practices and support sustainable economic growth and shared value” said Thiane Khamvongsa, Executive Director of ECCIL. She further added “It is in that spirit that ECCIL EuroCham chose to dedicate this evening celebration to fundraising for the Lao Friends Hospital for Children. For us, a company “doing good” is not only measured in terms of profits, but also by how the company contributes to the communities and ecosystems in which it operates. The sanitary crisis has left people vulnerable, and the role of the private sector is crucial in this context. Therefore, tonight is to celebrate the Chamber’s achievements but also to encourage our members to understand the communities needs and demonstrate the ability for compassion.”

ECCIL EuroCham’s Silver Sponsor CS Intellect, a leading professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital technology and operations, and Gold Sponsor Prudential, a leading Insurance company in Asia with a strong Corporate Social Responsibility program, led the way by jointly sponsoring the event, participating to the dynamic of businesses dedicating funds to valuable causes. Both companies have expressed their strong support for the cause.

The recipient of the fundraising, the Lao Friends Hospital for Children is a pillar of the Lao community as it is the only hospital that provide free care for children in the northern provinces The event was able to raise more than 10,000 USD for the hospital and created awareness among a new group of business leaders to this great cause. Nicole Pagourgis, Executive Director of Friends Without Border commented “The Lao Friends Hospital for Children was so honored to be given an opportunity to inform the prestigious guests at ECCIL Eurocham’s 10th anniversary celebration of the important pediatric medical work we are doing throughout the country of Laos. We are extremely grateful to ECCIL Eurocham Laos for this beautiful event and to the Lao European community and their guests for their generosity which raised over $10k for sick children.”

The event, which also celebrated European culture and food, also featured a performance from Fanglao Dance company on a revisited version of the European Anthem “Ode to Joy”, who joined on stage by the children of Sala Sujipuli, a cultural center that offers free artistic and cultural activities to Lao children in Vientiane and was closed by a concert by the Pianist Orchestra “A green and inclusive economy in the Lao PDR will require an important level of quality private investment to support socioeconomic development” remarked H.E. Ina Marčiulionytë, EU Ambassador to Laos, in her opening speech.

“ECCIL will obviously remain a key interlocutor in contributing to these objectives, especially about trade and business facilitation reforms, investment promotion, and monitoring the implementation of relevant legislation. The EU is also very pleased to see tonight so many female entrepreneurs, social businesswomen leaders, and women-led business executives attending the gala dinner. The EU is supporting ECCIL to foster gender equality in businesses and promote woman leadership.”

Indeed, the EU in Lao PDR supported and encouraged ECCIL EuroCham to streamline and integrate gender empowerment aspect into the event. A disproportionate under-representation of women is too often observed at high level conferences and networking. As ECCIL EuroCham and EU work hand in hand to tackle gender equality issues in business and leadership - one of the dominant themes in organizational development, along with diversity in general - to counterbalance this inequality, EU and ECCIL partnered to invite female entrepreneur, social business women leader, women-led business executive to sit at each table along with bigger corporation businesses and political leaders to network and share their experience.

For more information:

Thiane Khamvongsa

Executive Director - European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR

Email: executivedirector@eccil.com

Mobile: (+856 20) 94 35 48 60

Lao Airlines Updates

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES DOMESTIC OFFICES