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Lao Skyway Inflight Magazine JUL AUG SEP 2025 I

Meuang

Feuang

JULY ∙ AUGUST ∙ SEPTEMBER 2025

SPORT

Luang Prabang Half

Marathon 2025

DISCOVERY

The View at Kuang Si

ESCAPE A Nature Retreat at Nam Kat Yorla Pa

EXPLORE

Meuang Feuang

Managing Director’s MESSAGE

Dear Passengers,

Warmest greetings from all of us at Lao Skyway! With the most comprehensive route network in the nation, we proudly serve as your gateway to discovering every corner of our magnificent homeland. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or a business trip, our streamlined booking process through our mobile platform and local branch offices makes travel planning simple and convenient.

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Excellence in safety and passenger care defines everything we do. Each flight reflects our commitment to delivering not just transportation, but an experience marked by genuine Lao hospitality and unwavering attention to detail.

Wherever your wanderlust calls, our customer service specialists at 1441 are ready to assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary. We’re honored to serve as your trusted travel partner throughout Laos.

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Wishing you safe travels and memorable journeys,

Panthavy Sisongkham Managing Director

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COVER IMAGE

Idyllic landscape near Meuang Feuang by Phoonsab Thevongsa

ADVISORY BOARD

Panthavy Sisongkham Chief Executive Officer

Sonetysack Mylakong Administration Director

Onta Phompanya Lao Skyway Industry Director

Khamla Phomsichanh Lao Skyway Director LAO SKYWAY

Head office: Asean Road, Ban Akard, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R, P.O Box 6618 (856)21 512 027 (856)21 513 022 info@laoskyway.com, service@laoskyway.com

www.facebook.com/laoskyway

Dear Readers,

Welcome to Lao Sky, the inflight magazine of Lao Skyway. The country is green and at its most peaceful during this season.

In this issue, get out into nature at Nam Kat Yorla Pa in Oudomxay with ziplines and treks.

See Luang Prabang on foot with thousands of others during the Luang Prabang Half Marathon and benefit local children!

Escape the hustle and bustle of Vientiane to Meuang Feuang for a relaxing stay at this up-andcoming getaway.

Above Kuang Si Falls sits The View, a treehouse cafe and optional zipline with striking views of the area.

Thanks for being onboard, The Lao Sky team

PUBLISHING

Group Editor-in-Chief

Editor

Contributing Editors

Creative Director

Head Photographer

Jason Rolan

Vannaleth Phimphachanh

Vilavanh Chanthavong

Dokfa Malaithong

Phoonsab Thevongsa

FOR YOUR ADVERTISING CONTACT US

sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 59596621

RDK GROUP

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

‘Run for Children’ Every Step Saves a Life

Luang Prabang Half Marathon 2025

As the sun rises over the golden temples of the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, once a year, thousands of feet hit the streets not just in pursuit of running for personal best but in support of something far more significant.

Returning on October 25, 2025, the annual scenic ‘Run for Children Luang Prabang Half Marathon’ invites runners of all ages from around the world to take part in one of Laos’ most important fundraising events.

The vital purpose is to raise much needed money for Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC), the only 100% free pediatric hospital in Laos.

With distances of 7km, 14km, and 21km, it’s an event for everyone, from first-time joggers to seasoned athletes, set in one of the region’s most iconic and spiritually rich cities. Last year’s race marked the 10th anniver-

sary of LFHC and saw over 2,400 participants from 53 countries gather in Luang Prabang, united by one goal: running to give every child in Laos a fighting chance.

This year, the stakes are even higher. “2025 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging years yet for non-profits worldwide,” says Dr Robert Winokur, LFHC Hospital Director. As many non-profits face increasing financial strain, the need to support LFHC is more urgent than ever. “Children don’t stop needing care when funding gets tight,” adds Dr. Winokur.

Every penny raised by runners goes straight to the hospital, which treated more than 44,000 children in 2024 alone, with the number growing yearly. To highlight the impact of this support, some of the children who’ve received care will be joining the starting line this year. They are a living, breathing reminder of what this race is all about.

This marathon remains a hopeful and joyful way to give back.

This year, every step counts more than ever.

Run for yourself. Run for the spectacular view.

But most of all, run for the children.

Ready to run?

Registration is now open on the official Run For Children website: luangprabangmarathon.com, or you can scan the QR code to sign up.

Facebook: fb.com/TheViewatKuangSiFalls

The View at Kuang Si

Words by Jason Rolan

Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa

The jade pools of Kuang Si tumble down limestone terraces like a staircase for the gods. Hidden in the emerald embrace of jungle-clad hills outside Luang Prabang, these mesmerizing aquamarine cascades have long been the crown jewel of Laos’ natural wonders.

Now, a thrilling new perspective awaits. Tucked into the forest canopy, The View – a treehouse café – offers an intoxicating panorama across the Lao wilderness. The brainchild of local pioneer Inthira Group, this elevated sanctuary rewards those who tackle the metal staircase ascent with Lao coffee and cool water (included in your entry fee) served amidst the whispers of ancient trees.

For the truly adventurous, five heart-stopping ziplines catapult you through the verdant canopy. As you whizz above the cascades, the azure pools glimmer below like scattered sapphires, granting an exhilarating bird’s-eye perspective of this natural masterpiece.

MORE INFO

For more information, visit their Facebook: fb.com/TheViewatKuangSiFalls

The View is located 30 km outside Luang Prabang at Kuang Si Waterfall. Lao Skyway flies to Luang Prabang from Vientiane. GETTING THERE

Right: The View is a set of treehouses connected by hanging walkways

1: Guests enjoy refreshments while admiring the view CAPTIONS

Admire the forest canopy above you

The ticket office at the top of Kuang Si Falls. Tickets include a beverage in the cafe.

A

Nature Retreat

at Nam Kat Yorla Pa

Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa

Words by Vilavanh Chanthavong

Translated by Nick Pugh

A cozy room at Nam Kat Yorla Pa at night

A wooden walkway leads to secluded guest rooms

udomxay is an unmissable destination for many travelers thanks to its rich, evergreen natural scenery, which can be thoroughly enjoyed at Nam Kat Yorla Pa.

Nam Kat Yorla Pa is situated approximately 45 minutes outside the city. On arrival, one is hit by a sudden sense of calm from the heavenly nature quintessential to the area. Surrounded by around 6,000 hectares of forest-covered mountains and jagged precipices, combined with an atmosphere of absolute peace and cool fresh weather all year round, one finds oneself caught up in a magical rush of tranquility in which to wind down. Captivated by the dreamy and perpetual sound of water flowing, those needing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life can find precisely the kind of wellness they need to let go and recharge.

In addition to this unparalleled paradise, this resort has no shortage of exhilarating activities and fun adventures. These allow visitors to come into direct contact with the nature surrounding them, such as forest trekking, exploring waterfalls, ziplining, can-

1: The restaurant in the evening

2: Rooms are surrounded by nature

3: The hotel lobby is grand, yet rustic

4: Experience rope bridges through the jungle canopy

5: Swim with the stars overhead

Right: Nam Kat Yorla Pa from the sky

opy walking, and cycling. There is also the Nam Kat Yorla Pa Biodiversity Museum, which boasts a wide variety of flora and fauna accompanied by information on local ecosystems.

Accommodation options include a range of tastefully designed villas and bungalows, each offering modern comforts and spectacular views of the surrounding forest, mountains, and waterfalls. Styled with traditional northern Lao décor, the rooms reflect the cultural heritage of the region. The resort’s restaurant serves up both authentic local cuisine made with fresh, organic ingredients and a selection of international dishes—allowing guests to enjoy both the flavors

and scenery of Laos in one unforgettable experience.

Cultural immersion is also at the heart of a stay at Nam Kat Yorla Pa. Guests can explore traditional handicrafts, enjoy live music and dance performances, and experience the warm hospitality of the local community. The graciousness and sincerity of the staff and villagers leave a lasting impression, offering a genuine glimpse into northern Lao life. A strong commitment to sustainability is woven into every aspect of the resort. Nam Kat Yorla Pa actively conserves the environment and supports local communities by creating jobs and promoting local products, ensuring that the area’s natural and cultural heritage can be passed on to future generations.

Nam Kat Yorla Pa is a destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, adventure, unique culture, and sustainability.

Whether seeking peace, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Nam Kat Yorla Pa offers it all. Let the beauty of nature, the warmth of the people, and the resort’s sustainable values come together to create an experience that will stay with you long after you leave—and will have you longing to return.

For bookings and more information, visit namkatyorlapa.com

Lao Skyway has regular flights from Vientiane to Oudomxay.

Meuang

Feuang

Words by Jason Rolan

Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa

Aerial photo of Meuang Feuang’s landscape

The road curves, and suddenly it emerges from the mist—a limestone spire thrust skyward like a shark’s fin breaking the surface of an ancient sea. Here in landlocked Laos, millions of years from any ocean, Meuang Feuang rises as if conjured from myth itself.

The Nam Lik River winds through this karst landscape, its jade waters reflecting the impossible angles of stone that have captivated travelers and inspired generations of local storytellers. Each peak tells a tale, each formation holds a legend passed down through centuries of pilgrims who have journeyed here seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Along the riverbank, adventure seekers slip their kayaks into crystalline currents while swimmers find refuge in natural pools carved by time itself. But Meuang Feuang offers more than outdoor thrills—it serves as a spiritual crossroads where ornate temples burst with color and gold, drawing devotees from across Thailand and Laos to worship beneath these ancient guardians of stone.

This is where geology becomes mythology, where the sacred and sublime converge in one of Laos’ hidden corners.