Champa Meuanglao: November / December 2019

STYLE & SUBSTANCE The Souphattra Hotel

WHAT'S WHAT IN A WAT Find your way to enlightenment

Sinh City

Dress the part in Luang Prabang

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

HUANG XIAOMING. TISSOT CHEMIN DES TOURELLES AUTOMATIC. POWERMATIC 80 MOVEMENT WITH UP TO 80 HOURS OF POWER RESERVE.

#ThisIsYourTime TISSOT BOUTIQUE & SERVICE CENTER WORLDTIME - VIENTIANE CENTER NO. 13, KHOUVIENG ROAD, NONGCHAN VILLAGE, SISATTANAK DISTRICT, GROUND FLOOR, VIENTIANE, LAOS PDR. TEL: +856-20-555 24 097 EMAIL: WORLDTIME.VC@JKALEXINTERNATIONAL.COM OFFICIAL RETAILER: TAIFA TIME TRADERS 132, # 62/3 NONGBONE ST, NONGCHAN VILLAGE, SISATTANAK DISTRICT, VIENTIANE, LAOS PDR . TEL: + 856-21-215 268

TI S S OT WATC H E S .CO M TISSOT, INNOVATORS BY TRADITION

Sheer Driving Pleasure

BOUNMA CHANTHAVONGSA PRESIDENT & CEO OF LAO AIRLINES

Sabaidee Dear Passengers, Welcome aboard and thank you for choosing Lao Airlines.

November-December brings us to the end of the year and we prepare to celebrate the arrival of 2020. Over the past year, we have achieved many successes and are continuing our work to ensure that you receive the best services from our national carrier.

On behalf of the board of management and the employees of Lao Airlines, I would like to thank you for your faith in our international level of service and the direction of Lao Airlines in our expansion to new destinations.

Lao Airlines is ready to serve you every time, whether near or far. I hope that Lao Airlines will be your choice as a convenient method of transport to your destination and we hope that we can welcome you aboard a ight with us again soon.

Safe travels.

Bounma Chanthavongsa President & CEO of Lao Airlines

Hello readers, Welcome to the November-December issue of Champa Meuanglao. As the year comes to an end, we bring you an exciting new issue chock full of exotic places and interesting travel ideas.

In this issue, we learn about Sao Sinh, where you can enjoy wearing Lao clothes to take amazing photos with beautiful Luang Prabang as a backdrop. While you are at it, take a look around with our guide to What’s What in a Wat.

COVER IMAGE A girl poses in front of the carriage house at Wat Xiengthong Photo by Gwenn Rosseau

Luang Prabang’s newest address, Souphattra Hotel, is a chic place to relax and explore the city. While up north, also enjoy a meal, or a whole day, soaking up the scenery at Viewpoint Restaurant and Cafe.

PUBLISHING Editor In Chief Editors

Taste innovative flavors at both Tea House Luang Prabang and Belle J, who are coming up with very interesting twists on old classics. Speaking of creative tastes, meet Manoi, the winner of the Cooking Competition at the recent Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo.

Managing Editor Contributing Editor

Finally, try working some local Lao fabrics into your wardrobe with advice from our style guru.

Creative Director Assistant Designer

Happy Reading!

Contributing Writers

The Champa Meuanglao Publishing Team

ADVISORY BOARD Bounma Chanthavongsa President Somsamay Visounnarath Vice President �– Technical, Operation & Training Sengpraseuth Mathouchanh Vice President – Planning, Cooperation & International Relations & Legislation

Head Photographer Contributing Photographers

Leuangsamay Leuangvanxay Vice President – Administration, Finance & Accounting Rada Sunthorn Vice President – Passenger Service, Cargo & Catering Saleum Tayarath Vice President – Commercial, Tourism

Jason Rolan Cameron Darke Aditta Kittikhoun Duangtavanh Oudomchith Angkhana Vongphukdy Jochen Moravek Thanouphet Maniseng Benny Omar Dominique le Roux Francis Savanhkham Joël Riedo Dr. Lia Genovese Melody Kemp Tara Gujadhur Thouy Phetsavanh Vanida Phimphrachanh Phoonsab Thevongsa Anita Preston Bart Verweij Gwenn Rosseau Van Hai

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Manager

Prae Phongpipatkul prae.phongpipatkul@champameuanglao.com (856-20) 95646578

Sales & Marketing Executive

Souphaphone Insixiengmay souphaphone.insixiengmay@champameuanglao.com (856-20) 55471337

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 our official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/laoairlinesofficial to get the latest news and updates from the national carrier of Laos

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

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 © 2019 by Lao Airlines State Enterprise and RDK Group. www.champameuanglao.com

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019 CONTENTS

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34

52 18

26 12

14

WHAT'S ON

FOOD CAPITAL

Our guide to events

The foodie's guide

in Laos

to Vientiane

16

18

22

26

34

MADE IN LAOS

CULTURE

CLOSE-UP

SNAPSHOT

EXPLORE

Showcasing the best

Sinh City – dress the part

MAG helps Laos overcome

What's what in a wat?

The World Heritage

Lao products

in Luang Prabang

its legacies of war

40

44

46

52

56

NIGHTLIFE

FLAVORS

STYLE

STAY

WINE & DINE

Belle J's ingenious

Chef Manoi takes first

Luxe looks of Lao

Style and substance

Viewpoint Restaurant

cocktails

prize with her cuisine

artisanal silk

at Souphattra Hotel

and Café

60

64

68

73

BUSINESS

CAFE CULTURE

SOUTHERN LAOS

ON THE AIR

Whessoe raises the bar

Tea House Luang Prabang

Pakse – the essentials

Timetables and

40

brews a recipe for success

44

Plain of Jars

contact details

12

WHAT'S ON

WHAT'S ON?

Laos is full of colorful festivals and celebrations happening all the time.

Stay up to date on events going on around the country and join in the fun!

26 –3 OCT.

NOV.

21–24

21 –1

NOV.

NOV.

LUANG PRABANG

VANG VIENG

Rather than scour the entire country looking for the best local handicrafts, they are all brought together here under one roof at Lao-ITECC.

Skydivers from all around the world will gather in Vang Vieng and jump over the spectacular landscape.

LAO HANDICRAFT FESTIVAL 2019

facebook.com/LaoHandicraftFestival

9 –3

DEC.

VANG VIENG INTERNATIONAL SKYDIVE FESTIVAL

www.skydive.la

VIENTIANE

FANG MAE KHONG INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL

NOVEMBER

22–24

The 10th edition of this dance festival, created to bring access to the arts and culture throughout the country.

Performances at Fanglao Black Box.

NOV.

facebook.com/fmklaos

SAVANNAKHET

SAVAN FUN FEST

Celebrate Savannakhet’s vintage old town with 3 days of art, culture, architecture, film, music, and food!

8

DECEMBER

VIENTIANE

VANG VIENG TRAIL RUN

VIENTIANE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON

facebook.com/VangViengTrail

vientianemarathon.com

VANG VIENG

A series of challenging trails from 8km to 85km are raced around the hills and valleys of Vang Vieng.

11

NOVEMBER

Compete against the best runners from Laos and around the region in this race around Vientiane!

VIENTIANE

THAT LUANG FESTIVAL

This three-day festival and market fair is held in and around That Luang Stupa, the national symbol of Laos, and ends with a fireworks display.

13–14

DEC.

VANG VIENG

VANG VIENG MUSIC FEST

A great lineup of Lao and regional reggae, hip hop, and rock bands will perform on several stages.

This is one of Laos’ largest music festivals! facebook.com/vangviengfest

To list your event here, contact: advertising@champameuanglao.com

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FOOD CAPITAL

food CAPITAL

Benny Omar navigates the movable feast of Vientiane Capital, a town of exciting cuisines and dining experiences, with everything from sizzling street fare, cafe cool, or fine dining gourmandise.

Benny Omar is a food & travel blogger based in Vientiane.

Visit his page online: facebook.com/vientianelifestyle

ICE CREAM

HAUTE & COLD GELATERIA As the name implies, the gelato at this gelateria is simple, honest, and delicious.

Made with fresh, seasonal fruit, Haute & Cold offers some of the very best gelato in Vientiane. Choose from 10 flavors, including the Japanese Green Tea Dairy, fresh Passion Fruit, Pistachio, Avocado, or vegan flavors like Chocolate and Coconut.

don't miss

Crème Brûlée Gelato

Rue Francois Ngin Mon–Sun 10 am – 9.30 pm @hauteandcold

don't miss

The Greenhouse favorite Satay Wrap

LAO AUTHENTIC CUISINE

MAKPHET Makphet was established for the sole cause of giving back to the community. On one hand, the restaurant serves delicious food made from local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients.

On the other, it provides training and career development for people in need of skills and employment.

A delicious homemade rice noodle with mushroom dumpling soup, freshly cooked rice, and a spicy side dish are the best kind of comfort food on any day of the week.

Sit back and enjoy your holiday with their Happy Hour specials from 3 pm to 6 pm.

HEALTHY

THE GREENHOUSE Time to eat your greens! Swap your carbo-heavy lunch for a salad bowl at The Greenhouse in Vientiane.

Sometimes we all need a little change in our lunch roster. But don't worry – healthy doesn't always mean boring.

The Greenhouse is a salad bar in town that serves up a variety of healthy with all the good stuff like superfoods and organic leaves.

Get creative and pick and mix from the selection of hot and cold proteins, deli choices, and various dressings for your personal salad bowl.

Rue Phai Nam Mon–Sat 11.30 am– 9 pm @Makphet

Rue Francois Ngin Mon–Sat 9 am– 6 pm @thegreenhousevte

don't miss

Roasted Tomato, Garlic and Shallot Dip

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MADE IN LAOS

MADE IN LAOS

Looking for the perfect memento from your trip to Laos?

Whether shopping for souvenirs or sampling some delicious Lao snacks, Champa Meuanglao has chosen a few of the best local products.

YAO OPERA JACKET A remake of the traditional hand sewn and embroidered jacket by Yao Mien women of Muang Sing, northern Laos.

1,500,000 LAK Ma Té Sai Ban Aphai, Luang Prabang

NEWSPAPER EARRINGS Give the gift of sustainability with earrings upcycled from newspaper and magazines, created by the women of Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre.

25,000 LAK Lao Disabled Women’s Development Centre Thadeua Road, Vientiane laodisabledwomen.com

matesai.com

LE TRIO COFFEE Just in time for their 10th anniversary, Le Trio coffee comes in a new look and offers 4 different blends of 100% Lao coffee roasted daily in their boutique cafe.

35,000 –55,000 LAK Le Trio Coffee Setthathirath Road, Vientiane facebook.com/letriocoffee

WILD GANODERMA LUCIDUM POWDER Wild Ganoderma, or Lingzhi mushrooms, make the best gift from Laos’ ancient forests.

They can improve your sleep and boost liver health.

752,000 LAK BBL (Laos) Agricultural Resources Co.Ltd. Ban Nakham, Vientiane WECHAT 微信��: BBL98666618

To list your products here, contact: advertising@champameuanglao.com

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CULTURE

Sinh City

Dress the part in Luang Prabang.

TEXT BY TARA GUJADHUR PHOTOGRAPHS BY GWENN ROSSEAU / SAO SINH / ANITA PRESTON

19

S

ao 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.

“Luang Prabang is Laos’ cultural heart, and that includes clothing. We wanted tourists to be able to experience this historical city wearing traditional Lao outfits.

Also, with the temples, old buildings, and rivers, there are lots of great photo opportunities,” says Thongkhoun Soutthivilay, who co-founded the business in August, after being inspired by similar activities in Kyoto and Seoul.

The sinh is the traditional tubular skirt worn by Laotian women and originated from the Tai ethnic groups (Tai Lao, Tao Dam, Tai Lue, for example). Sinhs come in countless colors, styles, and patterns, usually representing the region or community where the skirt was woven. Simple cotton or synthetic cloth sinh are worn every day, inside the home and out. Silk sinhs are reserved more for parties, weddings, and official functions. Sinhs are worn as part of a girl’s school uniform, and by grandmothers, who cradle their grandchildren in the skirts while perched on a stool. Skilled weavers may spend weeks on a special silk tapestry technique sinh, which will be gifted to

1 2

3

MORE INFO Ban Vat Sene, Luang Prabang (Across from Villa Santi Hotel) 030 56 61 854 saosinh.com hello@saosinh.com

4

left: A girl in traditional tribal dress looks out of the Rose Chapel at Wat Xieng Thong 1. Children dressed in sinhs pose 2. Helpful staff fit a customer in traditional garb 3. Hairpins help hold a bun in place 4. Men show off their Lao attire

a new daughter-in-law, or just a few days, on a simple skirt that will be used day-to-day. Sinhs, like people, have “heads,” “bodies,” and “feet” – and could never be worn upside-down.

3 Sao Sinh aims to provide a fun experience, but also help tourists understand the significance and work behind traditional clothing. Their walls feature colorful panels about appropriate clothing for visiting temples, explanations of textile motifs, how a sinh is put on, and archival images of Lao clothing. The charming shop staff, who speak English, Mandarin, and Thai, help visitors choose from one of their many packages and styles for women, men, and children, and add-on accessories like hairpins and parasols. They are enthusiastic and accommodating, making guests feel comfortable and confident while helping them into the vibrant silk and cotton garments.

Soutthivilay says, “we hope visitors will enjoy how elegant they feel wearing Lao traditional clothing, and that this will bring a bit of heritage back to Luang Prabang.”

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

“我们希望游客穿着老挝传

统服装时会感到自己很优雅， 希望这也会反向回馈琅勃拉

1 更多信息

Vat Sene 村，琅勃拉邦 (Santi 别墅酒店对面)

周二至周日上午10点至晚上7点 030 56 61 854 saosinh.com

hello@saosinh.com

1. 家五颜六色的商铺，一条

多彩的裙子

2. 外国游客身着老挝传

统服装

3. 身着老挝服饰自拍

邦的遗产。 ”

2

3

筒裙的城市 把琅勃拉邦风采穿在身上。 翻译 尹航 图片来源 ANITA PRESTON �/ SAO SINH

姑 娘的筒裙（SAO SINH）是琅勃拉邦这个充满活力的文化旅游胜地的最

新成员。这家商店为自己贴上的标签是镇上第一个“出租和共享”传统服装

租赁服务的商店，商店里提供数十种各种尺寸的传统裙子，女衬衫，裤子，皮 带，珠宝和配饰，供游客租用半日或全日。

“琅勃拉邦是老挝的文化中心，服饰也是其中的一部分。我们希望游客能够 穿着传统的老挝服装来体验这座历史名城。此外，在寺庙，古建筑和河流的 背景里可以找到很多拍摄机会。 ”联合创始人Thongkhoun

Soutthivilay

说。在受到京都和首尔类似活动的启发之后，其在8月与人共同创立了该公 司。

筒裙（Sihn）是老挝妇女穿着的传统筒状裙子，起源于傣族群（例如，Tai Lao，Tao Dam，Tai Lue）。筒裙有很多颜色，样式和图案，通常代表裙子编 织的区域或社区。

简单的棉布或合成纤维布筒裙每天都可以穿，室内室外都可以。丝绸筒裙更

多聚会，婚礼和公务活动是穿。筒裙是在校女生校服中的一款，一般都是由

家里祖母坐在板凳上为自己的孙女外孙女缝制。熟练的织工花费数周才能 完成一款特殊的丝绸挂毯式筒裙，将其赠送给新媳妇，而简单的筒裙往往只 需要几天。筒裙像人一样，有“头”， “身体”和“脚”-永远都不能颠倒地穿。

姑娘的筒裙旨在提供一个有趣的体验，同时又可以帮助游客了解传统服装 背后的重要意义和织女们的付出。他们的墙壁上有彩色的面板，上面有适合 参观寺庙的衣服，纺织品图案的说明，单人衣服的穿法以及老挝服装的档案

图像。友好的商店工作人员会说英语，普通话和泰语，可以帮助游客从他们 的多种套餐和风格中选择一种，以供女性，男性和儿童使用，并推荐搭配配

件，如发夹和遮阳伞等。他们热情而包容，使客人感到舒适和自信，同时帮助 他们穿上充满活力的丝绸和棉质传统服装。

Soutthivilay说： “我们希望游客穿着老挝传统服装时会感到自己很优雅，希 望这也会反向回馈琅勃拉邦的遗产。 ”

22

CLOSE-UP

SAFER

GROUND FOR

BRIGHTER

FUTURES

MAG has helped Laos overcome tragic legacies of war.

TEXT BY MINES ADVISORY GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS BY BART VERWEIJ

L

aos is the most heavily bombed country in the world, per capita. Between 1964 and 1973 over two million tons of bombs were dropped on the country – that’s one ton for every person living in Laos at the time. More than 250 million cluster bombs were dropped, but over 30 percent didn’t explode. An estimated 50,000 people have been killed by unexploded bombs, 20,000 since the war ended. Almost half have been children. This deadly legacy continues to threaten the lives of thousands of communities across Laos.

The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) – a charity that removes landmines and un-

above: A MAG employee scans land to be cleared 1. Dangerous UXO is destroyed 2. MAG Community Liaison team travel to check a report of an unexploded bomb found in the community

exploded bombs from countries affected by war – was invited to work in Laos in 1994. Since then MAG has worked with Lao authorities to find and destroy more than 250,000 unexploded bombs. At the community level, our teams also work to raise awareness of how to recognize, avoid, and report the bombs that are killing and maiming people.

The message is simple: don’t touch it, don’t move it, and call the hotline. The data gathered so far suggests that a minimum of 2,000km² of land still needs to be cleared.

Over the past 25 years, MAG has been able to check and declare safe 331km² of land, as well as clearing cluster munitions, or “bombies”, from large areas. MAG staff also find hand grenades, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and larger ordnance weighing more than an average motorbike, are still found regularly.

To make the land safe, every inch of land needs walking over with a team carrying specialized metal detectors. Sometimes machines are used to clear areas with heavy vegetation. Every piece of metal

23

as big as half a piece of bombie needs to be excavated, confirmed if dangerous then destroyed. MAG now has more than 900 staff in 54 teams in Laos working year in, year out to make land safer.

In 2008, MAG cleared the land in and around a primary school in Xieng Khouang province in the northeast of the country.

The head of a missile, three unexploded bombs, and a rocket were found in the playground as well as over 400 bombs in the forest area behind the school. Today, a new school building has been constructed and 139 children attend this primary school.

Teacher Siphandone Bounma said: “Now the area is safe, the teachers can safely take the children into the forest to learn about nature. The school also generates income from planting corn and vegetables, and we plan to plant coffee next year.”

Manixia is our most senior national staff member in Laos, who manages over 200 people. She began working at MAG in 2007 and has since progressed her career step by step, starting as a technician, then a Deputy Team Leader, then a supervisor, and now one of two Provincial Operations Managers in Xieng Khouang.

“I have often heard bomb clearance being described as a difficult job and so is not for women,” she says. “It is a difficult job, and not everyone can do it, but we have shown that men and women can do it equally. The first time I carried out a demolition, it was quite scary. But afterward, I felt like superwoman!”

1

Manixia wants to use her success to inspire other women to break down stereotypes and become leaders in their field. Here is her advice: “Have confidence in your ability and be yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

MAG staff also give risk education sessions that help to raise awareness of how to recognize, avoid, and report unexploded bombs. The casualty rates have tumbled as a result, this year in Laos there have been just nine reported accidents with eleven casualties.

MAG has teams and visitor centers in Xieng Khouang and Vientiane and in late 2019, will open a third visitor center in Thakhek, Khammouane province.

MAG’s work wouldn’t be possible without the support of donors and governments from around the world who fund our work – in particular, Norway, the United States, and the UK governments – which has allowed MAG to put more teams into the field and speed up the survey and clearance.

Laos has the ambition to eliminate all possible unexploded bombs casualties by 2030. The Lao government is working on a plan to achieve this – but it is clear that a sustained increase in investment is needed to free all communities from the deadly legacy of a conflict that ended almost half a century ago.

2 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

24

CLOSE-UP

25

1

2

TAPAS COCKTAILS DINNER Daily from 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm on the 10th floor of the Capitol Residence Hotel, Vientiane

WHAT’S WHAT WAT SNAPSHOT

IN A

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA TEXT BY JASON ROLAN

B

uddhist temples in Laos are known as wat or vat, borrowed from the Pali-Sanskrit word āvāsa meaning a dwelling. These are the central part of a village and not only serve as a place of worship, but also a center for the community for education, meetings, and festivals. All temples are built differently, so some temples may not have all of these structures, or in some parts of the country they have their own variations.

To help you become more familiar with Buddhist temples, here is a guide to what’s what in a wat.

Haw Pha Bang in Luang Prabang

28

SNAPSHOT

29

2 1. The Sim of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang 2. Monks gathering to pray in a Sim 3. The ancient Sala Hong Tham of Wat Ban Lamchan in Savannakhet

1

3 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

30

SNAPSHOT

1

2

1. A pair of kutis at Wat Ban Lamchan 2. Kutis at Wat Xieng Thong 3. The unique Ho Trai at Wat Ban Lamchan 4. Racing boats stored at Wat Xieng Thong

3

4 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

32

SNAPSHOT

33

1

left: Savannakhet's most famous stupa: That Ing Hang 1. A Mene in Vientiane's downtown Wat That Foun 2. The drum tower at Wat Xieng Thong

2 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

34

EXPLORE

THE

PLAIN OF JARS World Heritage stone wonders leave a lasting impression.

TEXT BY DR. LIA GENOVESE PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has daily flights to Xieng Khouang from Vientiane.

A

ugust 13, 2009, is forever etched in my memory. A few days earlier I had arrived in Phonsavan, the modern capital of Xieng Khouang Province, intending to visit the famous stone jars as an independent traveler. After a few false starts, I overcame the tuk-tuk learning curve and made a triumphant visit to Site 1, on the edge of town, to admire several hundred jars with the kind of awe felt by a child in a candy

store. Tired but grinning, I returned to my guesthouse, only to realize that my achievement fell exactly on the 143rd birthday of Madeleine Colani, the French archaeologist born on August 13, 1866, and responsible for the first large-scale documentation of the Plain of Jars in 1931–33. This was no mere coincidence, I told myself. Confident of Colani’s blessing from beyond the grave, I enrolled for a doctorate at the University of London, to study the stone jars of Laos.

The Plain of Jars holds around 2,100 stone jars, spread over more than 100 sites, hosting from one single jar to several hundred units. Though Xieng Khouang hosts the lion’s share of the sites, Luang Prabang Province is home to around ten sites, concentrated in Phou Khoun District. Even after

35

1

centuries of exposure to the elements, hundreds of jars still bear witness to the skill of the ancient masons, expertly carved in diverse rock types, from soft sandstone and limestone to hard granite and conglomerate.

Three locations in Xieng Khouang (Sites 1, 3, and 52) hold close to 1,000 jars, almost half of the entire jar inventory.

Barrel-shape is the basic form but there are varieties in the details, like the distinctive lip rims of some jars, and a few decorated with human or animal carvings – generally static figures with arms aloft.

Out of the entire stock, three units are double-ended, carved with one aperture at each end, while dozens of others, particularly in Phoukout (Xieng Khouang) and Phou Khoun, are carved with shallow cavities and narrow apertures. There are variations in size, too, with a few miniature jars – barely one meter long – dwarfed by three-meter tall units.

Nineteenth-century visitors to Northern Laos were in awe of these magnificent stone creations. For Comte François Pierre de Barthélemy, who traveled to Xieng Khouang in March 1896 as part of a fact-finding mission on behalf of the French Ministry of Education, the jars were vestiges of a very ancient civilization and transporting them to their current location would have required “very powerful machines or thousands of coolies”. Years later, Sidney Legendre, a wealthy American who spent the Christmas festivities in Xieng Khouang in 1931 as part of a year-long tour of Indochina, could not resist the temptation to lower himself into one of the jars, finding himself “completely lost to sight”.

The stone jars have been silent witnesses to countless historical events, suffering incursions late in the 19th century at the hands of defeated Yunnanese marauders who extorted taxes and “terrorized inhab-

left: The largest jar in Site 1 1. Mysterious jars scattered on the plain 2. Tall cylindrical jars

itants”. More recently, opposing factions vied for control of the Plain of Jars during the Indochina War, resulting in a sandstone jar being flown to the USA as a gift to the American people from a general, as a testimony of his authority in briefly regaining control of Xieng Khouang in April 1970.

On July 6, 2019, the Plain of Jars was inscribed on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Monuments, in the Cultural Sites category, in recognition of their ancient creators’ genius. The Plain of Jars is the third UNESCO World Heritage listing for Laos, following the 2001 inscription for Vat Phou and the 1995 listing for the Town of Luang Prabang.

To receive this coveted accolade, sites must be of outstanding universal value (OUV) and meet one or more of 10 selection criteria. The Plain of Jars was awarded World Heritage status for representing “a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared”.

The process for this crowning achievement began in 1992 when the Plain of Jars was placed on the Tentative List of World Heritage Monuments through an application submitted by the then Department of Museums and Archaeology of the Ministry of Information and Culture. The journey has been long and fruitful, enriching our knowledge of the stone jars and enabling the discovery of dozens of new sites, from Luang Prabang Province to Nong Het, on the eastern edge of Xieng Khouang.

This listing will certainly ensure the continued preservation and study of the jars and unlock more of their mysteries in the future.

2 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Or-Laam

Sour Fish Soup

This Luang Prabang dish, exclusive for royalty in ancient times, can now be enjoyed by everyone. Accompany every bite with a sip of Deinhard Green Label Riesling. This delicious, crisp but not overly sweet white matches fresh, seasonal vegetables.

This classic Lao style dish uses fresh Mekong river catfish soaked in a sour broth. Pair this with a Chardonnay of The Cellar Selection variety, known for its citrus and nectarine flavors.

LAO FOOD

CAN BE PAIRED WITH

WINE?

Larb

For this minced meat favorite, we recommend a nice medium-bodied Main Divide Pinot Noir from the vineyards of New Zealand. Its enticing, smoky, earthy bouquet weaves through dark fruit flavors with hints of spice and mocha. This red wine’s ripe, muscular tannins provide length and vibrancy that enhance the flavor of the national dish of Laos.

Sai Oua

These tasty local pork sausages go wonderfully with Santa Ana Viognier Reserve. Embrace the alluring complexity of this Argentinian wine with its hints of toasted nuts and sweet vanilla.

open daily +856 21215777 @Kualao kualaorestaurant.com

Paksong Glory (Black Tea) is made from the rare buds of 1500-year-old tea trees. The leaves create a full golden tea with sweet and smooth flavor. It helps regulate one’s temperature and helps detoxify the body.

It is a rare ancient tea treasure.

150g (5g x 30 packs)

ປາກຊ່ອງຮຸງ່ ເຮືອງ (ຊາແດງ) ແ��ນຜະລິດຕະພ�ນທ�

巴松荣（红茶）选取1500年老挝古树茶上独一的

ຂະໜາດນ�ອຍເ��ອທຽບກ�ບຜະລິດຕະພ�ນອ�ນໆ,

小紧密，伴有饱满的金黄色的茶绒茶毫，汤色黄

ຄ�ດສ�ນຍອດຊາຈາກຕ�ນຊາທ�ມີອາຍຸ 1500 ປີ, ເ��ງມີ ເ�ັນຊາທ�ອຸດມ � ໄ�ດ�ວຍກ�ນຫອມ ແ�ະ ເ�ັນສີທອງ

ປະກາຍ, ນ�າຊາຈະເ�ັນສີທອງດ�ງທອງຄໍາຢູ�ໃ� ຈອກ, ມີລດ � ຊາດ�ານ ແ�ະ ນຸມ � ນວນ. ຊ�ວຍປ�ບອຸນ

ຫະພູມໃ�ຮ�າງກາຍ ແ�ະ ຍ�ງຊ�ວຍຂ�ບໄ��ສານພິດ ໃ�ຮ�າງກາຍ, ຮ�ກສາຄວາມສ�ມດຸນຂອງຮ�າງກາຍ

芽头制作而成，外形较其他古树红茶产品更细 金状，杯中挂金边，入口甘爽，柔滑。有助于调节

体温，并促进热量和污物的排泄，维持内的生理 平衡的功效。是难得的古树茶珍品。 150g（5gx30包）

ແ�ະ ເ�ັນຊາທ�ຫາຍາກ.

150g (5gx30ຊອງ)

Paksong Ruby (Black Tea) is made from the tips and leaves of one of the ancient 300 year old trees. When brewed, the clear tea has golden tints of red and orange, as well as a rich aroma. It can be brewed over 20 times without losing its flavor. This tea is good for enhancing blood circulation, warming the abdomen and stomach, and digestion. It helps those with weak stomachs and spleens.

ທັບທີມແດງປາກຊ່ອງ (ຊາແດງ) ແ��ນໄ��ເ�ືອກ

巴松红（红茶）采自300年老挝古树茶中一芽二

ທ�ມີອາຍຸ 300 ປີ ມາເ�ັນວ�ດຖ�ດິບ, ນ�າຊາເ�ັນ

俗，清澈明亮，可连续冲泡20道以上，香气依旧

ເ�ົາຍອດຊາ 1ຍອດພ�ອມໃ�ຊາ1ໃ�ຂອງຕ�ນຊາ

ສີແ�ງທອງໜ�າປະທ�ບໃ�, ນ�າຊາມີຄວາມໃ�,

ສາມາດຊ� ງ ໄ�� � າຍກ� ວ າ 20 ຄ� ງແ�� ລ� ດ ຊາດ ກ� ຍ� ງ ຄ� ງ ກ� ນຫອມໄ�� , ຊ� ວ ຍເ�� ມການໄ� ວຽນ

ຂອງເ�ື ອ ດໃ�ຮ� າ ງກາຍ, ສ� າ ງຄວາມອ� ບ ອຸ� ນ ,

ບໍາລຸງກະເ�າະ ແ�ະ ຊ�ວຍໃ�ການຍ�ອຍອາຫານ

叶的古树大叶为原料，汤色红橙金黄，艳而不

芳馥，有增强心脏血液循环，生热暖腹、温胃驱 寒、消食开胃的功效，适宜脾胃虚弱、体质偏寒 者长期饮用。

120g（5gx24包）

ເ�າະແ��ຄ�ນທ�ກະເ�າະ, ມ�າມອ�ອນເ�ຍ ແ�ະ ອຸນຫະພູມໃ�ຮ�າງກາຍຕ�າ.

120g (5gx24ຊອງ)

120g (5g x 24 packs)

Paksong Ruby (Black Tea) is made from the diphyllous and triphyllous buds of ancient 300 year old trees.

When brewed, the clear tea has golden tints of red and orange, as well as a rich aroma. The taste is soft, mellow, and uniquely fragrant.

150g (150g x 1 bag)

ທັ ບ ທີ ມ ແດງປາກຊ່ ອ ງ (ຊາແດງ) ແ�� ນ ໄ��

巴松红旅游款（红茶）采自300年老挝古树茶中

ຂອງຍອດຊາທ�ມີອາຍຸ 300 ປີ ມາເ�ັນວ�ດຖ�ດບ ິ ,

汤色红橙金黄，艳而不俗，入口浓强鲜爽，滋味

ເ�ືອກເ�ົາ 1 ຍອດສອງໃ� ແ�ະ 1 ຍອດສາມໃ�

ນ�າຊາເ�ັນສີແ�ງທອງປະກາຍ ແ�ະ ໜ�າປະ ທ�ບໃ�, ມີລດ � ຊາດທ�ສ�ດໄ��ມ, ມີຄວາມນຸມ � ນວນ, ກ�ມກ�ອມ, ມີຄວາມຫອມທ�ເ�ັນເ�ກະລ�ກ.

150g (150gx1ຖົງ)

一芽二叶，一芽三叶的古树大叶为原料，性温， 醇厚顺滑，生津速度快，香气融合度高，适宜体 质偏寒者长期饮用。 150g（150gx1包）

The perfect encounter between primitive and pure

Same day delivery in the city ຮັບ-ສົ່ງ ສິນຄ້າອອນລາຍ

Delivery of online products

ຮັບ-ສົ່ງ ສິນຄ້າທົ່ວໄປ Delivery of goods

ຮັບ-ສົ່ງ ຜູ້ໂດຍສານ (Taxi) Taxi service

ເກັບເງິນປາຍທາງ ແລ້ວໂອນພ້ອມ COD and funds transfer service

ບໍລິການ ສົ່ງບັດເຊີນຕ່າງໆ Invitation delivery service

Phontong Chommany Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR

020 9899-9542 020 5587-8985

40 NIGHTLIFE

chinchin!

Belle J keeps tongues wagging with their ingenious cocktails.

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BELLE J

41

E

clectic bar and restaurant, Belle J, has outdone themselves again. No stranger to innovation, their bartender, Mr. Oat, keeps the vibe fresh and funky with his outstanding seasonal menu of cocktails perfect for every taste. On a recent visit, Oat served up some of Belle J’s current line of tipples.

“I think that it is easier to begin light, that way you ease yourself into harder drinks,” said Oat. On his advice, I began sampling from lighter cocktails down the menu to more stalwart drinks.

亲亲（干杯）结酒吧和餐厅为一体，贝利J又一次挑战了自我。他们的调酒师

Oat先生对创新并不陌生，保持新鲜和时尚，他出色的季节性鸡尾酒菜单满足各种 口味的需求。在最近的一次访问中，Oat先生呈上了贝利 J一列酒单。Oat说：

“我认为从轻浓度的开始比较好，这样您就可以渐渐的适应烈酒。 ”在他的建议 下，我开始从酒单中的清淡鸡尾酒开始，一路喝到浓烈的酒品。

MAKE ME BLIND

Thankfully it did not perform as its title implied. But this was still a delicious and beautifully presented drink. A blend of red berry vodka, vermouth, citrus, and the surprising addition of bubblegum syrup, the Make Me Blind is served in a black wine glass and garnished with a fragrant rose petal. The bubblegum flavor was balanced enough by the berry and citrus so that it almost tasted floral.

失明

值得庆幸的是，我并没有真的失明。但这仍然一美味 而精心设计的饮料。 “失明”混合了红浆果伏特加，

苦艾酒，柑橘和泡泡糖糖浆，用黑色酒杯承装，并饰有

芬芳的玫瑰花瓣。 浆果和柑橘使泡泡糖的味道足够平 衡，因此几乎是满嘴花的味道。

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

42 NIGHTLIFE

ROSEMARY

Contrary to its name, the Rosemary contains no rosemary, but plenty of rose flavor. A floral concoction of rose-tea-infused gin, rose liqueur, pink grapefruit, apple juice, and egg white, this aromatic beverage is a pleasant blend of floral and citrus notes, so not too sweet. Served in a round cocktail glass and garnished with a rose petal, you could easily have a few of these in one sitting. 迷迭香

与它的名字相反，这款饮品里不含任何迷迭香，但有

很多玫瑰味。花香混合玫瑰花茶杜松子酒，玫瑰利口 酒，粉红葡萄柚，苹果汁和蛋清，这种芳香饮料是花

香和柑橘香气的愉快结合，因此不太甜。盛装在圆形

鸡尾酒杯中，并点缀着玫瑰花瓣，您可以很轻松地一 次喝完几杯。

GOLDRUSH

Moving into drinks for more seasoned aficionados, the Goldrush is a classic around the world. Made of bourbon, honey, egg white, and lemon, it turns out a beautiful cloudy yellow drink. At first, you taste the lemon and honey, but in the aftertaste, the bourbon flavors come out. This is quite a pleasure for your mouth when sipped all evening. 淘金热

接下来是一些受经验丰富的饮酒爱好者的几款饮

品， “淘金热”是世界各地的经典之作。由波旁威士忌， 蜂蜜，蛋清和柠檬制成的是一款美丽的混浊黄色饮

料。您先会尝到柠檬和蜂蜜，但回味中会出现波旁威 士忌的味道。整夜饮，满嘴愉悦。

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COOLVIEW NEGRONI

DEVIOLETTA

This signature cocktail uses a number of unusual ingredients not found in most bars: homemade butterfly-pea-infused gin, violet liqueur, lavender liqueur, lemon, and sparkling wine. Served in a long-stemmed cocktail glass and garnished with lemon peel and a sprig of baby’s breath, this aromatic drink has definite floral fragrances that intermingle with the more bitter bubbles from the sparkling wine, creating a pleasant and refreshing drink good for day or night.

A twist on a classic cocktail that is being rediscovered around the world; this one is composed of coffee-infused gin, Campari, and port, instead of vermouth.

Garnished with orange peel, the citrus and coffee flavors playfully battle for dominance, but the real winner is your mouth. 克罗尼亚风光

这是一款被世界重新认识的鸡尾酒。由咖啡杜松

子酒，金巴利和取代苦艾酒的波特酒组成。柑桔皮 装饰，咖啡和橙子的味道争相凸显，最后的赢家却 是您的味觉。

音乐情人

这款招牌鸡尾酒使用了大多数酒吧不常用的成分： 自制的蝴蝶豌豆杜松子酒，紫罗兰色利口酒，薰衣草 利口酒，柠檬和起泡酒。 这款香气饮品装在长梗鸡尾 酒杯中，并饰以柠檬。 花香与苦涩气泡混合在一起， 是一款日夜均怡的清爽饮品。

MORE INFO Belle J’s upstairs lounge is located on Souphanouvong Road in Vientiane’s Khounta Tha Village and opens from 7 pm until late. facebook.com/ bellejvientiane

更多信息

贝利 J位于万象Oupmoung 村的Souphanouvong路，

营业时间为晚上7点至深夜。

facebook.com/ bellejvientiane

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

44

FLAVORS

ANYONE FOR

CRICKET?

Chef Manoi leaps to a win with her innovative cuisine.

TEXT BY MELODY KEMP PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA / GIZ

W

hat an invitation. Could I head to the Crowne Plaza hotel to help choose a winning chef as part of the Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo?

Well, of course. I love food and cooking.

When I arrived, the four finalists were checking out their tables. They were given some basic equipment and a collection of ingredients featuring the staples of any Asian meal: rice, chilies, fermented fish, onions, a whole fish, and garlic, plus herbs, sauces, and fruits. Some had brought tool kits, like any good mechanic.

But a surprise emerged: a bowl containing some very angry crabs, along with crickets, and bowls of gorgeous Lao honey. These were the secret ingredients and chefs using one or all would be awarded extra points.

One of the five judges looked a bit uncer-

MORE INFO Kitchen Lounge can be pre-booked a day or two in advance, for your own personalised menu and more details you can contact via: mwophaso@gmail.com facebook.com/manoi. ophaso +85620 55183311 kitchenlounge_vte (instagram) The cooking competition was a part of the Sustainable Tourism Solutions Expo held in Vientiane from 27–28 September.

To learn more about this event, visit: stse.la

tain. Crickets are not a staple in the US. As the sweating red sun disappeared over the city, the four chefs took their places, and suddenly, it was on. A flurry of chopping, mixing, slicing, pin-boning, and blending along with looks of intense concentration. The clock ran for 45 minutes, then it was knives and whisks down.

And our turn to try each creation.

I admit it was a hard choice. They all did very well. But it was Manoi Wong Ophaso who owns and cooks at Kitchen Lounge who emerged the winner with her tasty fried fish fillets and cricket flavored fried rice.

Later I talked to Manoi who spent 18 years in New York, “I always loved food and was raised in a family who had restaurants along with construction.” I learn that Manoi comes from a strong cooking heritage.

“In New York, I worked all over the place from Thai fusion to Chinese, to French and Mediterranean. I had to learn enough Chinese, Spanish, and French to work with the other chefs and kitchen staff. I am grateful for what I learned,” said Manoi.

From NY, Manoi brought her energy and humor.

45

She works with a permanent smile and ease of movement in the kitchen. “When I returned to Laos, it was clear I wanted to cook. I tried baking bread then we opened the restaurant Pintoh, until I realized Asian food is not my thing.”

As she talks, Manoi is replicating the meal she made for us. She is content to chat while preparing the lunch telling me that’s she is sad at the current trend of takeaway food. I had mentioned that few people I know cooked these days. “I want people to know what a home-cooked meal tastes like; to be in control of the ingredients. Cooking gives you an awareness of the environment as you are always watching the effects of weather on food plants, and watching the seasons. And besides, there are so many markets around Vientiane with organic seasonal food.”

“I am a savory person. My great love is pasta, and I often make my own pappardelle. That fits with my love of simplicity. But when it's all over, success depends on the clientele and what they find fabulous.” And with that, she serves us lunch – which is fabulous!

Fish on Cricket Fried Rice with Shrimp Paste Aioli Note this dish requires you to be adventurous as there are no set quantities. Cooks are encouraged to be guided by taste.

Filet the fish, making sure you pin-bone all the hidden ones along the fin line.

Sprinkle with salt. Take one stick of lemongrass and pound with the back of a cook’s chopper to release the fragrance. Chop into several pieces and put in a pan with the fish, some fish sauce and lemon/lime juice. Remove from pan when cooked through and let sit.

Deep fry the crickets until crispy. Pound in mortar and pestle until well broken up. In the same pan as you fried the fish, add finely chopped galangal, lemongrass, a spot of fermented fish, and garlic with some finely cut green chili. Add the crushed crickets and toss with lime juice. Add the cooked rice and toss it again. Add salt and other flavors you feel would fit, like fish sauce. Toss until the rice is also slightly browned.

Serve with an Aioli made from olive oil, garlic, egg yolk, lemon juice, plus a bit of shrimp paste, and a spoon of honey.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

46

STYLE

SILKEN STYLE With the luxe looks of Lao artisanal silk, you can cut a fine figure even when travelling with the most pared-down of wardrobes.

LAO SILK SAMPLES BY OUDONE PRECIOUS SILK KIMONO DESIGN BY ALEXANDRA BARTER MODELLING BY NOUTNAPA SOYDALA (DANCER AND CHOREOGRAPHER AT FANGLAO DANCE COMPANY) PHOTOGRAPHS BY VAN HAI TEXT BY VANIDA PHIMPHRACHANH & DOMINIQUE LE ROUX

T

he slow life... Laos is admired for its authentic, inthe-moment lifestyle now so lacking in much of the rest of the world. While citizens of the fastest First World cities dream of easing the pace, and fashion and style tastes are now celebrating individually crafted, artisanal products, Laos has not yet lost these. Premier among them is silk weaving – the patient art of collecting worm-spun silk, hand dyeing it, and then interlacing it into careful, precise patterns.

Lao weavers understand that the essence of artisanal excellence is conscious repetition – there are no shortcuts.

The luxury of time is what Laos can still offer: sumptuous fabric made with time and local know-how. Once-off pieces.

Unique. Crafted slowly.

While in Renaissance times, rich gold-threaded fabrics were reserved for the aristocracy, you can now add a look of luxurious quality to a simple travel wardrobe without breaking the bank by investing in a single statement piece that can be worn in a myriad of ways. The value and beauty are all in the one-of-a-kind details: a handmade piece offers unique colors and traditional pattern combinations that the industrial economic scale cannot emulate, and an item as simple as a scarf can enrich so many otherwise-plain outfits.

And, as if you needed further incentive for a dash of shopping: today’s conscious fashion trend reminds us that it is our duty as consumers to support this kind of handcrafting, not only because of its enduring quality and style, rather than the planet-destroying fast-fashion of the masses, but also because here in Laos this handicraft empowers women when we value the transmission of their special know-how, and it helps to safeguard Lao cultural heritage and identity.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

48

STYLE

SILKEN IDEAS FOR SIMPLE WARDROBES

NO-SEW HI-SO Show your creativity by reinventing a simple piece of cloth for form and function. Knot an eye-catching scarf over your torso and who will notice that old stretch-fit black dress underneath? Or dress up leggings and the plainest of blouses with glam silk worn over the shoulders, either looped at the neck or clasped at the waist with knotted thread over a smaller silk offcut.

MIX IT UP Opt for a travel mash-up as the most stylish of souvenirs. Silk of Laos with style of Japan? Why not?

Get a local seamstress to use your Laos-bought silk for a kimono-inspired jacket that’ll take you from a high society dinner to a gathering of the New Cool in the trendiest of places – hide your plain leggings and t-shirt underneath with a silken pop of color casually draped around your neck.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

50

STYLE

GO CLASSIC Fine silk is the classiest of classic accessories: complement a plain black vest or simple white shirt with casually draped silk for a look that’s synonymous with elegance and timelessness.

Vanida Phimphrachanh brings a Parisian eye and Asian soul to her work in style and design at Birds Follow Spring, the family artisanal design boutique in Vientiane, where she collaborates with goldsmiths, silk producers and seamstresses to interweave contemporary perspective with Lao tradition. vanida@birdsfollowspring.com

VIENTIANE’S FIRST NEXT GENERATION WORKING SPACE

toong.asia 856 (20)5503 2400

Travel by taxi? Just give this address to your driver: 3rd Floor, Royal Square Vientiane (same complex with Crowne Plaza) 20 Samsenthai Road, Nongduang Nua Village, Vientiane, Laos. ເລກທີ 20 ຖະຫນົນສາມແສນໄທ, ບ້ານຫນອງດ້ວງເຫນືອ, ເມືອງສີໂຄດຕະບອງ, ນະຄອນຫລວງວຽງຈັນ, ລາວ

YOUR SERENITY AT WORK

52

STAY

STYLE & SUBSTANCE

THE SOUPHATTRA HOTEL

Raising the bar on Luang Prabang’s artistic sensibilities.

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA / SOUPHATTRA HOTEL

above: Souphattra's oasis-like pool 1. The hotel's entrance 2. One of the chic, comfortable guest rooms 3. A traditional Lao dipping paste 4. The Lao Derm Restaurant

L

uang Prabang has a chic new address for affordable luxury: Souphattra Hotel. Lovingly decorated with just the right amount of stylistic Lao touches, it is subdued enough not to be distracting but contributes to a unique artistic space for quiet contemplation.

The layout and design of Souphattra is the brainchild of noted Thai architect, Sarayut Fongvanaluck. Occupying a space just outside the downtown area, he con-

ceived of fashioning modern French colonial buildings, but with all of the modern conveniences, all the while keeping with UNESCO’s strict building regulations.

On entering the hotel from the bustling street, you are greeted by welcoming staff and ushered into the lobby, decked out in white walls and black wood furniture, with elements of design in gray and blue, lending a clean cooling feel from the tropical heat. The ebony chairs resemble howdahs, or elephant saddles, a throwback to when Laos was known as the Land of a Million Elephants. A comfortable sitting area to reflect on days past as the palm leaf fan spins overhead, circulating air from the lobby’s vaulted ceiling.

Just behind the lobby is Lao Derm Restaurant, a branch of one of Vientiane’s most famous Lao food restaurants. Hotel

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breakfasts are served here, but you should also try the lunch and dinner menus. The chefs here incorporate the freshest of local ingredients to bring the most savory traditional Lao dishes to your table, depending on the season, such as an organic catfish stew with pickled bamboo shoots, or a special minced beef laap salad recipe from distant Houaphan province, accompanied by purple sticky rice.

Meals and snacks may also be taken around Souphattra’s impressive 25-meter swimming pool, tiled in beautiful turquoise.

Loungers and umbrellas provide a spot to rest and enjoy the placid ambiance in between dips. The nearby pool bar also serves an array of cocktails and refreshments to keep you cool in the warm sun.

Souphattra also offers spa services for those who really want some deep relaxation. A variety of treatments are on offer including massages and scrubs to help you maintain holistic wellness on your journey.

Last, but certainly not least, the hotel’s 37 guest rooms sit in three colonial-style buildings, each with uniquely Lao accents fitting in the hotel’s artistic timeline where each building’s décor hearkens back to various eras of Lao history. The Historic House is decorated with touches reminiscent of Laos’ golden age of prosperity in the 14th17th centuries showcasing ancient Lao motifs. The Colonial House represents the era when Laos was a part of French Indochina and has elements from the time French explorers first ventured to this region, such as artistic sketches of houses from that time period. Lastly, overlooking the pool is the

1 2 MORE INFO Souphattra Hotel is located in Naviengkham Village in Luang Prabang. souphattra.com +856 071 211 222

GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has daily flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Pakse, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Hanoi, and Chiang Mai.

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Artisan House, showcasing some of the modern ethnic diversity that exists in the country, with highlights such as Hmong skirts splayed out into eye-catching circular wall hangings.

Divided into Deluxe Rooms, Pool View Rooms, Junior Suites, and the large Souphattra Suite, the rooms exude contemporary elegance and the comfortable beds ensure the most restful sleep. Rooms also have their own verandas with seating, so you can enjoy the views over the pool or the city. Some rooms even have connecting doors, adding ease for families traveling together.

Souphattra Hotel brings a new level of artistic flair to Luang Prabang without sacrificing any comfort. Its historic charm will keep you coming back again and again.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

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STAY

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

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WINE & DINE

A

MILLION DOLLAR VIEW

The ideal location at the confluence of hospitality and charm.

TEXT BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA / VIEWPOINT RESTAURANT AND CAFE

S

itting on the terrace of the Viewpoint Restaurant and Café, gazing at local boats silently skimming across the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers, you would almost forget that you are in a city. This restaurant, a part of Mekong Riverview Hotel, is a testament of love for the UNESCO World Heritage town and a welcoming retreat for

guests. Its outstanding location is totally unique and makes it the sort of place you could come for a meal and end up staying all day!

This charming alfresco restaurant boasts an incredible panoramic view. The waiters are well-trained and offer helpful assistance for those new to the delights of Lao cuisine. The crispy Fried Riverweed served with traditional spicy dipping sauce and the fragrant Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves are favorites. They also offer other delicious Asian food and French Chef Jean-Baptiste Legrand has even created a new selection of international cuisine. It is truly a relaxing spot to enjoy the view of the rivers and watch local life crossing back and forth on the local bamboo bridge. In the evenings,

57

the area is lit up offering an even more romantic atmosphere to this charming and quiet spot.

The restaurant is flanked by a public park that was disused land until the owner recognized the beauty here and offered to renovate it for the city. Now it is visited by hundreds of people per day who come to admire the view and natural landscape.

It perches above the boat landing, where the hotel’s own boat is moored. Guests can even take this boat out for romantic cruises, along with some wine and canapes to enjoy the Mekong during the golden hours of sunset.

One recent addition to the restaurant’s family is a spa, swimming pool, and badminton court, located across the Khan River in a beautiful garden. Guests can take the hotel’s boat across the river and a short walk up some steps to a waiting electric buggy to ferry the rest of the way. Here, they can enjoy lounging by the turquoise pool in between relaxing spa treatments.

The traditional Lao massage is highly recommended. In this treatment, the massage therapist gently kneads out tension from all over your body. There are also massage pavilions near the pool, so you can enjoy the outdoors as you destress.

With a variety of food available, magnificent views, and an ideal location, no visit to Luang Prabang can be complete without a relaxing meal at Viewpoint Restaurant and Café.

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left: Stunning view of the confluence of two rivers 1. Mekong Riverview Hotel 2. A therapist giving an oil massage 3. Herbal treatments 4. The inviting pool at the spa

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MORE INFO Viewpoint Restaurant and Café is located in Xiengthong Village in Luang Prabang.

For more info, visit mekongriverview.com GETTING THERE Lao Airlines has daily flights to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Pakse, Bangkok, Siem Reap, Hanoi, and Chiang Mai.

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

58

WINE & DINE

ビューポイント レストラン&カフェ

おもてなしと魅力が融合した理想的な場所。 翻訳者 PHOTTHAPHONE

ビ

写真提供 PHOONSAB THEVONGSA / VIEWPOINT RESTAURANT

AND CAFE

ューポイント レストラン＆カフェのテラスに

詳細情報

ビューポイント レストラン＆

ると、 市内にいることをすっかり忘れてしまう。

トーン村にあります。詳細につい

メコンリバービューホテルの一部にあるこのレストランは、 ユネスコ世界遺産に登録された町への愛の証であり、 ゲスト

を迎える隠れ家レストランです。 その抜群のロケーションは

間違いなく格別であり、食事に来ただけなのに、ついつい 一日中居座ってしまうような場所になっています！

この魅力的な屋外レストランでは、素晴らしいパノラマ

の景色を眺 めることができます。ウェイターは十分な

トレーニングを受けており、 ラオス料理初心者にもアドバイ スをしてくれます。伝統的な辛みそとセットの川のりや、バナ

ナの葉に包まれた香ばしい蒸し魚が人気メニューです。 そ

のほかにも、美味しいアジア料理がそろっており、 フランス 人シェフのジャン・バプティスト・ルグランは、国際色豊かな

リラックスしていきます。夕方には店内がライトアップされ、魅力的で

静かなレストランには、 さらにロマンチックな雰囲気がもたらされます。 このレストランは、オーナーがその美しさをみつけだし、町のた

めに改修することを決めるまでは、公園に挟まれたただの空き地

座り、 メコン河とカーン川の合流点を静か に通り抜ける地元のボートを見つめてい

料理の新しいセレクションを生み出しています。川の景色を楽しみ、

ローカルな竹橋を渡る地元住民の生活を垣間見、気持ちがどんどん

カフェは、 ルアンパバーンのシェン

ては、mekongriverview.comを

ご覧ください。 行き方

ラオス航空は、 ビエンチャン、

パクセ、 バンコク、 シェムリアップ、

ハノイ、 チェンマイからルアン

パバーンへの直行便を毎日運航

しています。

でした。 今では、 景色や自然の景観を賞賛するために毎日何百人もの

人々が訪れています。 レストランは、ホテル所有のボートが係留して いる船着き場の上に設置されています。夕方、 メコン河の夕日を眺

めながら、 ワインやカナッペを片手にロマンチックなボートクルージング

も可能です。

最近、新しくできたのは、 カーン川の対岸に作られた美しい庭

園内にあるスパ、 スイミングプール、バドミントンコートです。宿泊客は

ホテルのボートで川を渡り、対岸にある電気のバギーまで歩いて、 後は施設まで乗るだけ。 ここでは、癒しのスパトリートメントを受けた

り、 ターコイズブルーのプールでのんびりと楽しむことができます。 是非、伝統的なラオスマッサージを体験してみてください。 このマッサ

ージでは、セラピストが全身の緊張を優しくほぐしてくれます。 プール

の近くにもマッサージ用の離れがあり、 ストレス解消しながらアウトドア の雰囲気を楽しむこともできます。

バラエティー豊かな料理、壮大な景色、素敵な場所を一度に楽し

めるビューポイント レストラン＆カフェへ出向いて、ルアンパバーン旅

行を完璧なものにしてください。

左: 魅力的なスパの

プール

1. 上から見たスパと

プール

2. フレンドリーなスパ

のセラピスト

3. ビューポイントカフェ

での楽しいランチ

1 2

3

www.laoplazahotel.com Tel/Fax:(856-21) 218 800 Email:lph@laoplazahotel.com

First Official 5-Star Hotel In Lao PDR Pride of Laos, where else... in Vientiane

60

BUSINESS

WORLD CLASS STEEL FABRICATION IN

LAOS

When it comes to steel fabrication, Whessoe is world class.

TEXT BY FRANCIS SAVANHKHAM PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA / WHESSOE

L

ocated on the outskirts of Vientiane at km16, Whessoe Lao’s workshop is a hive of activity. It is here that hydro mechanical equipment and design of items such as gates, penstocks, and stoplogs for the hydropower industry, as well as general steel fabrication for the mining and construction industries, are being made at the only factory of its kind in Laos.

Whessoe, established in the UK over 230 years ago, and headquartered in Malaysia since 1999, has a long history of working in Laos, beginning more than 12 years ago at the Nam Ngum 2 hydropower project and continuing to today with the Xayaburi and Nam Kong 3 hydropower projects. In 2013

MORE INFO For all enquiries or further information please contact Michael Simcock, General Manager – michaelsimcock@ whessoe.com.my

WHESSOE

above: Experts weld custom steel parts 1. Whessoe's workshop 2. A closeup shows the huge scale of the radial gates 3. Spillway on the Xayaburi Hydro Power Project

the owners of Whessoe saw an opportunity in Laos, investing in a permanent workshop in Vientiane.

Fitted out with state of the art, heavy-duty steel fabrication equipment, Whessoe’s workshop can manufacture in-country steel components to the highest international standards that would otherwise be imported from neighboring countries.

Whessoe prides themselves on the quality and workmanship of their products following their ISO Quality Management System accreditation. The company has established themselves as the first choice for steel fabrication including machining, refurbishment, and maintenance for hydro-mechanical equipment on operating hydropower plants, earning repeat business and qualified supplier status for a number of customers in hydropower and mining including Ch Karnchang, Chaleun Sekong Energy (CSE), Nam Theun 2 Power Company (NTPC), Phu Bia Mining, and Lane Xang Minerals.

Apart from Vientiane’s impressive permanent facility, Whessoe’s other strengths include onsite fabrication, such as at the Xayaburi Hydropower Project. At Xayaburi, backed by their experts in offices in Malaysia, the UK, and the Philippines, Whessoe has designed, fabricated and installed

61

1

“WE WANT TO SPREAD THE WORD IN THE HEAVY INDUSTRIES HERE THAT ‘MADE IN LAOS’ IS AN OPTION”

the world’s largest radial gates (among many other components such as stoplogs, trash racks, and penstocks for the auxiliary turbines) that are used to control the water flow for the large turbines as part of Laos’s biggest hydropower project, which contains over 33,000 tons of steel.

The mining industry is now fully supportive of using the expertise of Whessoe, as it allows them to use a local company, saving time and money.

Whessoe has provided a number of services to the mining industry including excavator bucket and grader blade modifications, stainless steel mixing blades, manpower, and general structural steel fabrication.

“For Whessoe, quality comes first. Customers choose to work with us because they know that Whessoe will deliver on their requirements,” says Director Wallace Ross. “Our reputation is built on our unique culture and attitude. Our flexibility and ‘can do’ attitude are key ingredients for successful projects and sets us apart from the competition” Looking to the future, General Manager Michael Simcock states, “We are extremely proud of the business we have built in Laos and we are only just getting started. We want to spread the word in the heavy industries here that ‘made in Laos’ is an option and Whessoe is your trusted partner in Laos for steel fabrication to the highest of international standards.”

Administration Manager, Khamsing Davong says, “It is extremely encouraging to see a large international company established in Laos bringing their high international standards and expertise, not only to help boost the economy, but more importantly giving the opportunity to a large number of Lao Nationals to develop their skills in a new industry.”

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

62

BUSINESS

1

WHESSOE

63

2

Artisan Designer (Reclaimed Wood Furniture, Inetrior Design) Vientiane, Lao PDR (Shop is behind Wat Ong Teu)

64

CAFE CULTURE

LIKE

ONE OF THE

family

Tea House Luang Prabang brews their own recipe for success.

TRANSLATED BY JASON ROLAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY DUANGTAVANH OUDOMCHITH

MORE INFO Tea House Luang Prabang is located in Xang Khong Village, Luang Prabang. facebook.com/teahouse. luangprabang, or contact 0305258411 to learn more about soapmaking and papermaking classes

“A

t our tea shop, we want our customers to enjoy the same cuisine that our family eats every  day,'' says the Duangdala family, who created The Tea House Luang Prabang in order to serve food and beverages, especially healthy and organic teas.

Tea House Luang Prabang is a cafe located only about two kilometers away from the city center in the famous handicraft village, Ban Xang Khong. The shop is decked out in wooden furniture and surrounded by a lush green garden, which makes it a refreshing place to visit. Inside the shop are locally made items for demonstration and for

sale. Herb gardens and 1 trees located behind the shop offer shady respite and relaxation.

This family loves drinking tea and eating healthy food, and hope to spread their message by offering the best service to their customers. The shop collects the best teas from many places in Laos, including 400-year-old tea from Phongsaly, a white tea from Paksong, and a home-grown mulberry tea.

The shop grows, roasts, and then dries the mulberry tea leaves themselves. Mulberry tea has a gentle sweetness, and when you drink it, you feel calm and relaxed. The shop offers various cold teas to try, such as rosella tea, which is sweet, tangy, and refreshing after a day of exploring the city.

Another popular tea at the shop is a roasted lemongrass and pandan leaf tea, which is

65

left: Tea House Luang Prabang 1. A pot of freshly brewed tea 2. Guests learning to make soap 3. Learn to make soap and take it home as a souvenir 4. Family members tend the garden 5. Enjoy tea, snacks, and fresh air

2 3

fragrant and herbal, but also cooling and invigorating.

The snack menu was mostly created by Fai, Tea House Luang Prabang’s manager, who is the third generation in this family business. Fai likes to try and innovate new recipes with Lao ingredients but prepared in an international way. The bestseller is one created by Fai which mixes a special wild nut, which is found in the forest and has a nice nutty aroma that comes out when mixed with chocolate and sprinkled with almonds, creating a unique and delicious brownie.

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5

This month, the shop will begin teaching soapmaking classes from natural ingredients, in collaboration with local soap manufacturer Lao Natural.

This will be an activity perfect for families, as adults and children of all ages will enjoy a hands-on activity where they can get creative and artistic, and spend time together.

At the end of this year, the shop will also begin mulberry papermaking classes, along with the artisans of Xang Khong Village, which are renowned for their skill in handicrafts. Participants will be able to select owers and vegetation from the garden in order to create their own handmade paper.

At Tea House Luang Prabang, the Duangdalas are happy to welcome you into their family with their fragrant teas, delicious food, and interesting activities!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

66

CAFE CULTURE

1

ດ້ານເທິງ:ໂ�ນວາງສະແ�ງ ຜະລິດຕະພ�ນຈາກສີມືຄ�ນລາວ 1. ຍໍາສະລ�ດສຸຂະພາບ 2. ພະນ�ກງານກຳລ�ງຂ�ວ ໃ�ມ�ອນເ��ອເ�ັດຊາ

2

PAKSE THE ESSENTIALS TEXT BY JOËL RIEDO & THOUY PHETSAVANH PHOTOGRAPHS BY SWISSCONTACT / BART VERWEIJ

69

P

akse town is the major trade and transportation hub of Southern Laos. This capital city of Champasak Province sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Sedone Rivers.

Once you are here, wander around a little and you’ll soon discover why Pakse is something of a melting pot of the different tastes, cultures, and heritages of Southern Laos.

If you are curious about local food, Ms. Ngoc’s cooking class is the best place to dive into the culinary traditions of Southern Laos. Ms. Ngoc will teach you how to prepare typical local food such as chicken soup, papaya salad, sticky rice, and much more. The cooking class consists of three main courses and a dessert. Enjoy your self-cooked meal on her terrace, overlooking a lovely pond at Xuanmai Garden Resort.

You can also stay overnight at her guesthouse, which is located 5 kilometers outside of town. Tourists don’t need to worry about getting there though, Ms. Ngoc offers a pick-up at their Xuanmai restaurant in town.

After mastering your Lao cooking skills, you can still come back and learn more, as Ms. Ngoc also offers Thai and Vietnamese cooking courses.

Wandering around in the center of town, you’ll soon discover old French colonial buildings, a Vietnamese quarter, Buddhist and Chinese temples, and a Catholic church. One structure with quite an interesting history is the Champasak Palace Hotel, which was originally constructed to be a palace for Chao Boun Oum, the last Prince of Champasak. The palace began construction in 1969 and has six main floors in a combination of French colonial and Lao style, with a total of 1,900 doors and windows sculpted in astonishing southern Laotian style. The palace was nicknamed the “Thousand-room Pavilion.” In 2013, Champasak Palace was renovated with its former charms intact and is still open for business as a downtown hotel.

Located conveniently next to the Sedone River, the magnificent Wat Luang Buddhist temple stuns its visitors with beautiful paintings and is considered one of the top attractions in Pakse. Inside are valuable artifacts and several funerary reliquaries, the largest one holding the ashes of a former Prime Minister from

A French colonial building in Pakse

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

70

SOUTHERN LAOS

1 1

pre-revolutionary times. You will also get the chance to see many monks, who are studying at the school next to the temple.

Beat the heat with some ice-blended drinks at 124 Thaluang Coffee. The rustic ambiance is unlike any other coffee house in town. A local favorite for Lao specialty coffee, be sure to get your caffeine fix here, plus some handmade souvenirs as well.

Just a short walk from 124 Thaluang is Vida Bakery Café. They offer a smorgasbord of delicious pastries from fresh croissants to tasty cakes and even doughnuts! Their menu is also the reason why a lot of expats and tourists alike flock to their restaurant during lunchtime. The best part about eating here is that you are supporting the Vida language and vocational school, which aims to improve the education of locals in Pakse as well as in rural regions in Laos.

MORE INFO To book Ms. Ngoc's cooking class at Xuanmai Garden Resort, e-mail her at: phetmany.90@live.com

1. Tourists chat with monks at Wat Luang Temple 2. Champasak Palace Hotel 3. A banana vendor in the local market 4. Learn to cook at Xuanmai Garden Resort 5. Sop Se Temple

After a hearty snack, walk it off towards Sop Se Temple. According to a local legend, the spirit of Grandfather Sop Se resides in the Chinese Sop Se Temple, where he grants the wishes of people who visit him. Situated at the point where the two rivers merge, the temple is an ideal place to watch the sunset.

Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated! It is a good thing that there are a number of water refill stations scattered in Pakse. A collaboration of local businesses and the Southern Laos Marketing Taskforce, this initiative was started as a way to tackle the plastic problem in the south.

To find these stations and learn more about the RNL initiative, scan the QR code and contribute to an environmentally friendly future for Southern Laos.

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在124塔銮咖啡喝些冰融的饮料来消暑。其乡村氛围不同于镇上任 何其他咖啡馆。是当地人最喜爱的老挝精品咖啡馆，一定要在这里 补充您的咖啡因，顺便采购一些手工纪念品。

Vida 烘焙距离124 塔銮咖啡馆仅几步之遥。他们提供各种各样的 美味糕点，从新鲜的牛角面包到美味的蛋糕，甚至甜甜圈，一应俱 全！他们的菜单也是许多外籍人士和游客在午餐时间蜂拥而至的

原因。在这里吃饭最有意义的原因是，您的消费可以支持Vida语言 和职业学校，该学校旨在改善巴色居民和老挝农村地区的当地人 的教育。

享用了丰盛的小吃后，步行前往索普寺。据当地传说，许多人认为 祖父索普的灵魂停息在中国索普寺庙中，在那里他可以满足来访

2

巴色：本质之美

首府位于湄公河和塞多内河的交汇处。一旦来到这里，稍

微转转您就会发现为什么巴色会成为老挝南部饮食，文 化和传统的大熔炉。

如果您对当地美食好奇，Ngoc女士的烹饪课是探究老挝

南部传统美食的最佳场所。Ngoc女士将教您如何准备典

落在两条河流汇合处，也是观赏日落的理想场所。

不要忘记让自己保持水分充足！值得高兴的是，在巴色有多个免费

注水站。该计划是由当地企业和老挝南部市场营销工作队共同发

起的，旨在解决南部地区的塑料使用问题。找到这些加水点并了解

翻译 : 尹航 图片来源：SWISSCONTACT / BART VERWEIJ

巴色镇是老挝南部的主要贸易和交通枢纽。占巴塞省的

者的愿望，这也是为什么许多当地人参观该寺庙的原因。该寺庙坐

有关计划的更多信息，请扫描本文中的二维码，为南老挝的环保未

1. 游客在寺庙内和僧人交流 2. 占巴色宫殿酒店 3. 嗦塞庙 4. 在轩麦花园度假村学习烹饪课 5. 当地市场内的香蕉小贩

来做出贡献。

更多信息：了解更多预定Ngoc女士在轩麦度假村烹饪班的信息，请发送邮件 至phetmany.90@live.com

型的当地美食，例如鸡汤，木瓜沙拉，糯米饭等等。烹饪班

包括三道主菜和一个甜点。您可以在她的露台上享用自 己烹饪的美食，俯瞰轩麦花园度假村的美丽池塘。您也可 以在她的小旅馆过夜，该旅馆位于镇外5公里处。不过，不

必担心如何到达那里，Ngoc女士会安排车辆到轩麦餐厅

接您到旅店。掌握了老挝的烹饪技能之后，如果您想学习 更多，您Ngoc女士还提供泰国和越南烹饪课程哦。

在镇中心闲游，您很快就会发现古老的法国殖民时期建 筑，越南人居住地，佛教和中式寺庙，以及天主教教堂。占

巴皇宫酒店有个有趣的历史故事，最初是做为占巴色最 后一位亲王Cha Boun Oum的宫殿而建设。宫殿始建于

1969年， 6层法国殖民建筑和老式建筑风格， 1,900扇门 窗以老挝南部的风格嵌入建筑，十分壮观。。这座宫殿也

被称作“千室亭”。2013年，占巴色宫殿经过翻新但保留了 其原有的风韵，正式作为酒店开门营业。

宏伟的Wat Luang佛教寺庙位于塞多内河旁，交通便利， 其美丽的墙体画吸引着游客，被认为是巴色最著名的景 点之一。寺庙内珍藏着价值不菲的文物和陪葬品，其中最

著名的是革命前时期前总理的骨灰。您还有机会看到许 多和尚，他们就在寺庙旁边的学校中接受培训。

3

Photo: Sommith Punyathone

4

5

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019

Lao Airlines Updates

LAO AIRLINES NEWS | TIMETABLES | AIRLINE PARTNERS FLIGHT ROUTES | OFFICES

74

WINTER TIMETABLE 2019

75

>

SAVANNAKHET

LUANGPRABANG

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FLIGHT ROUTES

WIN INTERNATIONAL ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງລະຫວ�າງປະເທດ DAY

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ

LUANGPRABANG > JINGHONG Th Su

10:30

-

12:30

QV811

07:40

-

Transit (VTE) Arr. 08:25

PAKSE

13:25

QV535

09:25

09:45

1

ບາງກອກ -

10:55

QV223

AT7

0

ໂຮຈີມິນ -

11:20

QV515

DOMESTIC AT7 0 ROUTES

ສຽມຣຽບ

> SIEMREAP

SAVANNAKHET

A320

DAY

D

ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ Th Su

1

ສິງກະໂປ W F Su

14

Transit (VTE) Arr

> HO CHI MINH T Th S

0

Dep. 09:30

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

AT7

ສິງກະໂປ

> SINGAPORE W F Su

S.

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

11

ໂຮຈີມິນ T Th S

12

ສຽມຣຽບ

Daily

13:00

-

14:00

QV513

AT7

0

Daily

14

T Th

08:55

-

09:55

QV511

AT7

0

T Th

10

ບາງກອກ

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

08:25

-

Transit (PKZ) Arr. 08:55

10:55

QV223

AT7

1

Dep. 09:25

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

1

Transit (PKZ) Arr

DOMESTIC ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງພາຍໃນປະເທດ DAY

VIENTIANE FLIGHT ROUTES

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

S.

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

> LUANGPRABANG

DAY

D

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

Daily

09:10

-

10:00

QV111

AT7

0

M T Th S

07

Daily

11:30

-

12:15

QV101

A320

0

W F Su

07

T W Th S Su 13:00

-

13:45

QV105

A320

0

Daily

13

T W Th S Su

14

M T Th S

17:00

-

17:45

QV103

A320

0

M W F Su

18

W F Su

17:00

-

17:45

QV536

A320

0

T Th S

18

> LUANGNAMTHA

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

LAO AIRLINES OFFICES

INTERNATIONAL OFFICES

DOMESTIC OFFICES

Bangkok

Vientiane (VTE)

Town Office 491/17 ground Fl, Silom Plaza, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand Tel: (66-2) 236 9822 / (66-2) 236 9823 / (66-2) 237 8044 Fax: (66-2) 236 9821 Email: bkkrrqv@ksc.th.com Suvarnabhumi Airport 2nd Floor of AOB building, Room No. Z010 Tel: (66-2) 134 2006 to 2008 Fax: (66-2) 134 2009

Chiangmai

2/107 Ratchaphruek, Huaykaew Road, Amphoe Muang, Chiangmai 50300, Thailand Tel: (66-53) 223 401, Fax: (66-53) 223 400 Email: qvcnx@loxinfo.co.th

Hanoi

03 Lieu Giai Str, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: (84-4) 394 25362, Fax: (84-4) 394 25363 Email: laoairlines.han@fpt.vn / qvhan@laoairlines.com

Hochiminh

11A Song Da, Dist Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: (84) 912 070 045 Email: qvsgn@laoairlines.com

Ticketing and Reservation Office Tel: (856-21) 212051-54 or 1626 Email: vtersqv@laoairlines.com / vtessqv@laoairlines.com onlinebooking@laoairlines.com Airport Offices Tel: (856-21) 513032

Luang Prabang (LPQ)

Town Office Tel: (856-71) 212172, Fax: (856-71) 212406 Email: lpqssqv@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-71) 212173, Fax: (856-71) 252264 Email: lpa@laoairlines.com

Xiengkhouang (XKH)

Town Office Tel: (856-61) 312027, Fax: (856-61) 312487 Email: xkh@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-61) 312177

Luang Namtha (LXG)

Phnompenh

58 B Sihanouk Avenue, Phnompenh, Cambodia Tel: (855-23) 222956 / (855-23) 216 563, Fax: (855-23) 216 563 Email: laoairlines.qvpnh@online.com.kh

Town Office Luangnamtha rd., Nongbouavieng Village, Luangnamtha Province Tel: (856-86) 212072 / 212186, Fax: (856-86) 212073 Email: lxg@laoairlines.com Airport Office Tel: (856-86) 312180, 312053

Siem Reap

Oudomsay (ODY)

N.C10,C12, Angkor Shopping Acade National Road 6, Kruos Village, Svay Dangkum Commune, Siem Reap Province, Cambodia Tel: (855-63) 963169, Fax: (855-63) 963 283 | Skype ID: helpdesk_qvrep Email: qvreptkt@laoairlines.com

Kunming

No52 East Dong Feng Road, Kunming Yunnan, China Tel: (86-871) 63125748 / (86)-13987182913 Email: Kunming@laoairlines.com

Guangzhou

Room 1208,12 floor, Main tower, Guangdong International Building, 339 Huanshi Dong Road, Guangzhou, China P.C: 510098 Tel: (8620) 838 840 85, Fax: (8620) 838 840 95 Email: canqv@laoairlines.com

Jing Hong

Ground Floor King Land Hotel, 6 Jing De Road, Jing Hong Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China Tel: (86-692) 12199515 / (0086) 13988136962 Fax: (86-692) 12199515 Email: qvjhg@laoairlines.com

Seoul

Gwang Hwa Mun Centre Point Building 5F31SaeMunAn-Ro 5-gil (Doryum-dong 65) Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea Tel: (82-2) 6262-0808,0809,0810 / (82-2) 6262-0800,0811,0822 / (82-2) 6262-0819 Fax: (82-2) 6262-0844 Email: ticketing.sel@laoairlines.com

Tel: (856-81) 312047, 312146, Fax: (856-81) 212229 Email: ody@laoairlines.com

Savannakhet (ZVK)

Dongdamdouan Village, Khaysonephomvihane District, Savannakhet Province Tel: (856-41) 212140, 252198, Fax: (856-41) 251060 Email: zvk@laoairlines.com

Pakse (PKZ)

11 Road, Phatthana Lakmueng Village, Pakse District, Champasak Province Tel: (856-31) 212252, Fax: (856-31) 212751 Email: pkz@laoairlines.com

79

CONTACT INFORMATION Domestic Office

DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL AIR CARGO SERVICE

· Luangprabang, Cargo Office

071 254158

· Pakse, Cargo Office

031 251410

· Savannakhet, Cargo Office

041 212140

· Luangnumtha, Cargo Office

086 312053

· Oudomxay , Cargo Office

081 212739

· Xiengkhouang, Cargo Office

061 312177

International Branch Thailand P. T. Air Cargo Tel: +6621849600 E-mail: ptabkk@ptacargo.com Vietnam Indo-Trans Logistic Corporation

·

Office hours Monday - Sunday

·

8:00 –17:00 (Out-Bound)

·

8:00 –20:00 (Delivery)

TEL: +84 24 3850 1336,+848948 6888 E-mail: cindy.hang@itlavs.com China Hongda, Guangzhou Tel: +86 20 86273652 E-mail: gzzhhd@vip.163.com On Time Express, Guangzhou

Wattay International Airport

Tel: +86 20 87320492

Lao Airlines

E-mail: stephen.mak@chq.ontime-express.com

Cargo Department

Yunnan Jet International logistic, Kunming

TEL:

Tel: +86 871-6146655/2211 Email: janetliu@jetget.com.cn

+85621 513 250 +85621 512 010 E-Mail: cargo@laoairlines.com vteffqv@laoairlines.com Facebook : CARGO Lao airlines

Korea Anam Air Service, Seoul, Korea Tel: +82-2-757-9181 E-mail: jrseo@wbas.co.kr

Lao Airlines

HOT LINE

84

LAO AIRLINES PARTNERS

WIN INTERNATIONAL ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງລະຫວ�າງປະເທດ DAY

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ

LUANGPRABANG > JINGHONG Th Su

10:30

-

12:30

QV811

07:40

-

Transit (VTE) Arr. 08:25

PAKSE

13:25

QV535

09:25

09:45

1

ບາງກອກ -

10:55

QV223

AT7

0

ໂຮຈີມິນ -

11:20

QV515

AT7

0

ສຽມຣຽບ

> SIEMREAP

SAVANNAKHET

A320

DAY

D

ຊຽງຮຸ�ງ Th Su

1

ສິງກະໂປ W F Su

14

Transit (VTE) Arr

> HO CHI MINH T Th S

0

Dep. 09:30

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

AT7

ສິງກະໂປ

> SINGAPORE W F Su

S.

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

11

ໂຮຈີມິນ T Th S

12

ສຽມຣຽບ

Daily

13:00

-

14:00

QV513

AT7

0

Daily

14

T Th

08:55

-

09:55

QV511

AT7

0

T Th

10

ບາງກອກ

> BANGKOK M W F S Su

08:25

-

Transit (PKZ) Arr. 08:55

10:55

QV223

AT7

1

Dep. 09:25

ບາງກອກ M W F S Su

1

Transit (PKZ) Arr

DOMESTIC ROUTE / ເສັ້ນທາງພາຍໃນປະເທດ DAY

VIENTIANE

DEP.

ARR.

FLIGHT NO.

A/C

S.

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

> LUANGPRABANG

DAY

D

ຫຼວງພະບາງ

Daily

09:10

-

10:00

QV111

AT7

0

M T Th S

07

Daily

11:30

-

12:15

QV101

A320

0

W F Su

07

T W Th S Su 13:00

-

13:45

QV105

A320

0

Daily

13

T W Th S Su

14

M T Th S

17:00

-

17:45

QV103

A320

0

M W F Su

18

W F Su

17:00

-

17:45

QV536

A320

0

T Th S

18

> LUANGNAMTHA

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

ຫຼວງນ�້າທາ

ຍງ່ິບນ ິ ຫາຼຍ, ຍງ່ິມສ ີ ດ ິ ທພ ິ ເິສດຫາຼຍ

*:

*

6

*

Official Lao Airlines Inflight Magazine

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2019