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CAVERNS AND CLIFFS Explore Pak Ou and go deeper into the past
Two years of new tourist sites ready to explore!
JULY / AUGUST 2022
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THE MINISTRO
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Sabaidee Dear Passengers, Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Airlines. Laos has fully reopened and we are thrilled to welcome you to our beautiful country. Lao Airlines continues to be vigilant in protecting the health and safety of everyone. 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 respect, Khamla Phommavanh Managing Director & CEO of Lao Airlines
Hello readers, Welcome to the July-August issue of Champa Meuanglao. Laos is finally reopened for tourism. We are glad to have you back! Check out some of the new tourism spots you might have missed over the past few years.
COVER IMAGE Nam Xay Viewpoint, Vang Vieng Photo: Phoonsab Thevongsa
Many visitors to Luang Prabang visit the historic Pak Ou Caves, but there is more to do here than you would think! Responsible tourism is vital in preserving the important elements that make visiting this country so special. Lasting Laos is working hard to make tourism in Laos more sustainable. Animals are central to the health of our environment, yet the wildlife trade still exists and brings great risk to humans. Looking to build connections with Lao businesses? ECCIL EuroCham can help light the way. Happy Reading! The Champa Meuanglao Publishing 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.
PUBLISHING Editor In Chief Editors
Managing Editor Contributing Editors Creative Director Contributing Writers Head Photographer
Jason Rolan Cameron Darke Aditta Kittikhoun Duangtavanh Oudomchith Endy Khamsing Jochen Moravek Anita Preston Phoonsab Thevongsa
ADVISORY BOARD Khamla Phommavanh Managing Director Somsamay Visounnarath Deputy Managing Director of Technical and Flight Operation
ADVERTISING sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 59596621
Saleum Tayarath Deputy Managing Director of Commercial and Marketing, ICT Sitthideth Douangsiththy Deputy Managing Director of Ground Handling and Cargo
RDK GROUP
LAO AIRLINES STATE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
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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
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
CONTENTS
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EXPLORE
ONE HEALTH
SUSTAINABILITY
Welcome back to Laos!
Save wildlife, save our lives.
Lasting Laos – Sustainability is easier than you think
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36
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TRAVEL
BUSINESS
ON THE AIR
Explore Pak Ou and go
ECCIL EuroCham works to unlock
Lao Airlines information
deeper into the past
Lao-European business potential
纯天然精油
Vat Inpeng Street Vien�ane, Lao PDR Tel. 021-223178 info@ar�sanslao.com
精油洗发皂
天然驱蚊喷雾 枕边睡眠喷雾
Products P d t on display att T’Shop T’Sh Lai L i Gallery G lle / ffacebook:LesArtisansLao cebo k:L sArt sAr isa sLa /email: /email info@artisanslao.com info@ f fo@ rtis nsl
Welcome Back EXPLORE
TO
Laos!
Here are some things you missed while you were away PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA TEXT BY JASON ROLAN
I
t’s been a long time since Laos was able to welcome foreign visitors to the country, but we are delighted to have you back. 777 days of closure is a long time, so while you were away, Laos has been developing some new tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants that are sure to enchant you.
Phou Ya Kha This rocky mountainous area is great for trekking and camping, and it is easy to access with a local guide, as the trailhead is located just 32 km outside of Oudomxay. One and two-night trekking adventures are available, so you can marvel at impressive views and unusual rock formations only found here, as well as breathe fresh mountain air as the stars twinkle overhead.
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The Laos-China Railway This electric train travels at 120 kph through the beautiful landscape, across 62 kilometers of bridges, and through 198 kilometers of tunnels to the Chinese border. The railway is a convenient way to reach off-the-beaten-path areas such as Kasy, Meuang Nga, Nateuy, and Boten, in addition to tourist standards like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay.
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EXPLORE
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The Rock Viewpoint
at Phou Pha Marn
This adventure destination in Khammouane Province sports an easy zipline, spider net bridge, and via ferrata course set between stunning limestone karsts. Enjoy a stay here in cozy capsules or more luxurious treehouses. There is also a breezy modern branch of the famous Khop Chai Deu restaurant to enjoy the view.
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EXPLORE
Souphattra Hotel Luang Prabang’s chic new address for affordable luxury. The 37 guest rooms are lovingly decorated with just the right amount of stylistic Lao touches. The impressive 25-meter turquoise swimming pool is a great place to sample the array of cocktails and refreshments before a delicious meal at the hotel’s Lao Derm Restaurant.
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Sao Sinh Sao Sinh is the newest addition to Luang Prabang’s vibrant cultural tourism scene. Billing itself as the first “Rent and Roam” traditional clothing rental service in town, the shop stocks dozens of traditional skirts, blouses, trousers, sashes, jewelry, and accessories in all sizes for visitors to rent for half and full-day wear.
photo: Sao Sinh
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EXPLORE
photo: Skills for Tourism Project (LAO/029)
The Academy Training
Hotel and Restaurant
This new spot in Vang Vieng welcomes guests for overnight stays, meals, meetings, and workshops. It offers tourism and hospitality students a unique practical training environment. Staffed by students, these budding young professionals are overseen by their teachers and an international management team while developing their core skills and preparing to enter the workforce.
MODULAR CAMP BUILDING SPECIALISTS
The Vientiane Vang Vieng Expressway
Accommodation Units Canteens School Classrooms Toilet / Shower blocks Campsite Offices
For a quick journey to Vang Vieng, this expressway shortens the journey by road to just one hour. It is also a convenient way to reach resorts on the north shore of the Nam Ngum Reservoir, as well as tourist areas near the Nam Ngum Dam.
Warehouses Mining / Hydro / Construction
020 2249 6446 jhonan@osssgroup.com OsssLao ASIA AFRICA AUSTRALIA
www.osssgroup.com
SAVE Wildlife. SAVE Our Lives. If everyone commits, we can prevent a new pandemic TEXT BY WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHS BY WILDLIFE CONSERVATION SOCIETY / DOMINIQUE LE ROUX / WWF FOR MORE INFO on combating health risks in the wildlife trade, visit: fb.com/onehealthlaos
T
he recent COVID-19 epidemic has totally disrupted lives, caused unprecedented losses, and turned the world upside down. Yet this disaster was very preventable. Evidence suggests that this disease spread from animals in the wildlife trade to humans. Due to the severity of the COVID-19 outbreak, governments around the world must pay more attention to preventing
life-threatening zoonotic risks associated with the commercial trade in wildlife for human consumption. More than 70% of newly emerging zoonotic diseases originate in animals, and current zoonotic virus investigations show that there are over 1.6 million unstudied viruses in birds and mammals. Scientists predict that 700,000 of these could constitute a zoonotic risk, based on decades of experience. Despite what are likely countless cases of humans becoming infected with pathogens spilling over from wildlife in the trade chain and the well-known human health dangers and economic consequences, the trade in wild animals persists in Laos and other nations in the region.
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The Government of Laos, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and other partners have a long history of investigating wildlife trade markets around the country. Wildlife disease surveillance in wildlife markets throughout Laos, led by the Department of Livestock and Fisheries, has discovered known and previously-unknown coronaviruses and other viruses in rodents, bats, and other wild animals sold for consumption over the last ten years. Although SARS-CoV2, the virus which causes COVID-19, was not found during this surveillance, new viruses capable of causing disease were discovered. The confirmation of coronaviruses present and circulating in traded wildlife demonstrates the opportunity and real potential for viral spillover into the human population. Dr. Bounlom Douangngeun and Dr. Watthana Theppangna of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries presented a report with global leaders in 2016 that showed high quantities of wild animals from 12 taxonomic families being sold in Lao markets. These animals are known to be carriers of 36 distinct zoonotic diseases, posing a direct hazard to public health in the country.
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"THE SAFEST AND MOST COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD TO MANAGE A DISEASE OUTBREAK IS TO PREVENT ONE FROM OCCURRING IN THE FIRST PLACE."
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left: Birds, a squirrel and a civet for sale in a market 1. Monitor lizards for sale in Attapeu 2. Bats are frequent victims of the animal trade 3. Various mammals caught in the forest and available for sale
The sale of wildlife for human consumption brings naturally-occurring viruses in animals closer to humans, allowing them to jump from one animal species to another, propagate, and create an epidemic or pandemic. Close interaction between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans along wild animal supply chains, especially in Laos' markets, provides a highrisk setting for an animal virus to spread to people and across the country. According to qualitative research, people in cities are buying wildlife to eat as a luxury item, a behavior that can be changed without compromising their nutritional needs, given that they can access a wider range of food options that are richer in quality nutrients and lower-priced as they are locally produced (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, spices, mung beans, peas and mushrooms). "We do not yet know what the COVID-19 pandemic's final economic impact or human health toll will be. But one thing is certain: the safest and most cost-effective method to manage a disease outbreak is to prevent one from occurring in the first place," said Dr. Bouaphanh Khamphaphongphane, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Health's National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology. If the trade in wild animals continues, zoonotic disease spillover will undoubtedly occur again in the future. The next new disease event could happen tomorrow, and it could be far worse than the one we are facing today. This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the responsibility of the implementing partners and do no necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
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ONE HEALTH
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JULY / AUGUST 2022
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+856 20 5959 6621 sales@rdkgroup.la
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SUSTAINABILITY
STEP BY STEP TO A
LASTING LAOS Sustainability is easier than you think TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY SUSTOUR LAOS
above: The Consultation Workshop on Improving the Cultural Excursion throughout the Tourism Supply Chain in Luang Prabang right: Hotel businesses in Luang Prabang learned about Travelife and learned how to apply this in their organizations.
T
he SUSTOUR Laos project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Plan International Laos in cooperation with the Department of Trade Promotion of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC), the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), and the European Centre for Ecological and Agricultural Tourism (ECEAT), recently held introductory training of the Travelife certification programme for tourism businesses which attracted more than 50 tour operators, travel agencies, and accommodation businesses in Vienti-
ane Capital, Vientiane Province, and Luang Prabang Province. The training aims to enable tourism businesses to orient their business in the direction of sustainable tourism. As a result of this training, participating businesses have gained knowledge about the Travelife certification process, trends in sustainable tourism, and how to improve their operations to make their businesses more environmental-friendly and attractive to responsible tourists. The next steps of the SUSTOUR project will focus on coaching tourism businesses in compliance with Travelife standards in order to be certified as sustainable business leaders in Laos. Travel agents, tour operators, and accommodations that are interested in participating in the Travelife programme can contact the project through the project Facebook page at www.facebook. com/lastinglao.
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Improving sustainability throughout the tourism supply chain At the same time, the SUSTOUR project held 5 consultation workshops in Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, and Luang Prabang Province with stakeholders in the Lao tourism industry supply chain, focusing on 5 key supplier sectors: transportation, food & beverage, handicrafts & souvenir, cultural excursions, and waste management. The workshops attracted more than 80 participants. The purpose of these workshops was to develop a local certification programme – “Lasting Laos Certified”– which aims to improve the sustainability of tourism supplier businesses, based on the Travelife standards. During these workshops, representatives of the private and public sectors exchanged ideas on the aspects that should be considered for this certification. The next steps for the SUSTOUR project will be to incorporate all feedback received from participating stakeholders and finalize the Lasting Laos certification criteria and processes. Tourism supplier businesses that are interested in participating in the certification programme can contact the project at www.facebook.com/lastinglao.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: SUSTOUR Laos Project Office (LNCCI building) Kaysone Phomvihane Ave, Phonphanao Village, Saysettha District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, P.O. Box: 4596
travelife.info
facebook.com/ lastinglao
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SUSTAINABILITY
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TRAVEL
CAVERNS CLIFFS AND
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Explore Pak Ou and go deeper into the past TEXT BY ANITA PRESTON PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANITA PRESTON / EVENSONG FILM
Ancient Buddha statues in Pak Ou Cave overlooking the Mekong River
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T
he Pak Ou Caves are one of the most popular tourist sites in Laos and sit where the Ou River converges with the Mekong just north of Luang Prabang. While traveling to this site can be done by river or road, there is a certain element of stepping back in time as you voyage up the Mekong by boat which channels the old explorers that came here in the 19th century. Around Pak Ou don’t limit yourself to just the caves. There are other attractions to keep you busy and you may even want to spend a couple of days exploring the area. During the cruise up, a stop at the island temple of Wat Don Khoun is recommended. After climbing up a sandy beach you are rewarded with a charming temple displaying simple Buddha statues on its altar. More than likely you will be the only visitor and can enjoy exploring the island. It is also serene and peaceful with only the sounds of leaves fluttering in the breeze and the hum of insects.
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TRAVEL
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On the mainland directly opposite the island is the mysterious Phou Kiaw Stupa on a mountain that juts up at the mouth of the Xeuang River. Phou Kiaw Stupa requires quite a steep climb up through the trees to the top. A huge crumbling brick stupa sits on the summit is on top of the hill. According to legend, it was started at the same time as Chomsi Stupa on top of Phousi Hill in Luang Prabang. Whichever stupa completed first would become the center of power. Chomsi Stupa was finished first and so construction on Phou Kiaw came to a halt. Nearer to Pak Ou is Xang Hai Village. This village's claim to fame is its rice whiskey. Try a sip of this warming concoction before seeing traditional weaving and textile manufacturing. Pak Ou Village, opposite the caves, is worth a stop to see its very enchanting temple, with a red sloping roof and carved elephants guarding the entrance reputed to be one of the oldest temples in Laos. As you approach the caves you will see a gap in the limestone cliff face with a dramatic set of steep white stairs. The Pak Ou Caves have a lower cave (Tham Ting) and an upper cave (Tham Theung). Significant
GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has regular flights to Luang Prabang.
to the surrounding population as a Buddhist site since the fifteenth century, cave paintings suggest that the site dates back to Neolithic times. The caves were believed to contain a powerful guardian spirit and became associated with royal ceremonies. The lower cave is where, for centuries, people have come to place Buddha statues for luck, especially during the Lao New Year. Currently, there are about one thousand Buddha statues and their styles range from primitive to ornate, all standing shoulder to shoulder on many rock shelves lining the cave. To the right of the entrance look for the high water marks from the floods of 1966 and 2008 on the cliff face. The huge cliff next to Pak Ou Village is known locally as Pha Aen and has recently become very popular. If you're feeling energetic you can find a guide that will take you on a steep hike to the top of the cliffs for a perfect selfie. If you would prefer to stay closer to the ground, try kayaking down the Ou or Mekong Rivers. There are even a few resorts with floating bungalows that allow you to spend the night on the river. It's very popular with domestic travelers who like to enjoy al fresco hot pot in the evenings and wake up early to watch the sunrise move across the cliffs.
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1. The whitewashed staircase to the caves 2. Beautiful murals around the doors at Wat Ban Pak Ou 3. The huge Phou Kiaw Stupa remains unfinished 4. Devout Buddhists make merit by leaving Buddha statues in the cave 5. Tourists visiting the lower cave 6. The boat pier directly below the Pak Ou Caves
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BUSINESS
BRIDGING COUNTRIES, BUILDING
DREAMS
ECCIL EuroCham works to unlock Lao-European business potential TEXT & PHOTOGRAPHS BY ECCIL EUROCHAM
MORE INFO To learn more about ECCIL EuroCham’s work or becoming a member, visit eccil.org
I
n 2021, the European Union embarked on a grand pivot toward the Indo-Pacific region. This milestone reflects the growing importance of the region and focuses on strengthening trade between the two regions. As such, considerable interest is growing among European companies in investing in Laos, which is also reciprocated by Lao businesses. In steps the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Lao PDR (ECCIL EuroCham) which serves as a bridge to facilitate and increase twoway investment and trade flows between the Lao PDR and Europe. ECCIL EuroCham does more than just contact and business matching. The organ-
ization also acts as a single voice to advocate on behalf of members’ interests and works with Lao stakeholders to continuously improve the business environment. ECCIL EuroCham also works to improve capacity and develop the Lao private sector through training and seminars. Recently, ECCIL EuroCham and the European Union Delegation in the Lao PDR organized a series of very popular business networking events in Vientiane and Luang Prabang so that members and potential members can meet each other and establish new contacts. The 1st Lao-Europe Business Networking and Promotion Event was held at Crowne Plaza Vientiane. Throughout the afternoon, guests and visitors saw exhibition booths by members of ECCIL EuroCham on a wide range of businesses, services, and products, and were later introduced to EuroCham and Team Europe’s work in supporting trade, investment, and private sector development in the Lao PDR.
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Several days later, the 2nd Lao-Europe Business Networking and Promotion Event was held at Pullman Luang Prabang, which attracted over 100 attendees representing a wide cross-section of the business community. Thiane Khamvongsa, Executive Director of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR remarked, “ECCIL EuroCham has worked for a decade on raising the profile of Lao PDR in the European business community as an investment destination and on creating
a “single voice” of European Businesses advocating for an improved business environment. While our core network is in Vientiane, we are hoping to extend our activities to Luang Prabang now that businesses, including in hospitality, are gearing up for a better year.” Team Europe introduced its strategy 2021–2025 on supporting trade and the private sector at these events. Team Europe and the EU delegation in Lao PDR are strong institutional partners of ECCIL EuroCham, and they work daily with the Chamber to foster sustainable and responsible private investment, promote women in business, improve the Lao business climate, and increase export and trade – between the Lao PDR and the EU, as well as in the ASEAN region. At the event, Mr. Peter Fodge, President of ECCIL EuroCham reinforced the great potential for Lao-EU business ties, “the statistics for regional trade with the EU make it is obvious that we are behind our neighboring countries which means there is significant scope for increased Lao trade with the EU. Let us use this event as the kick-off for intensified cooperation between chambers, and between chambers and the Government of the Lao PDR with the common goal to increase Lao exports to the EU, and to attract responsible European investors to Laos!” This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the responsibility of the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Lao PDR and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
Platinum Sponsors
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left: Participants of a training at ECCIL EuroCham’s offices in Vientiane 1. Breakfast talk at ECCIL EuroCham on HR Management 2. ECCIL EuroCham’s Executive Director Thiane Khamvongsa at the Lao – Europe Business Networking & Promotion Event in Vientiane 3. ECCIL EuroCham’s Executive Director Thiane Khamvongsa and President Peter Fogde giving the Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luang Prabang their certificate of Member.
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