Along the Mythical Mekong Facts & Highlights Departure Dates & Price
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National Geographic Traveler
an APPETITE for LAOS The complexity, grace, and taste of Luang Prabang unfurl one delicious bite at a time The Nam Ou river was once a major transport route, bringing people and produce from northern Laos to Luang Prabang. By Andrew Nelson Photographs by Ewen Bell 54 NATGEOTRAVEL.COM SOMETIMES Raise a spoonful of tom kha kai, a traditional Laotian coconut chicken A PORTAL soup, to your lips, and a tantalizing perfume of lemongrass, lime, and galangal wafts upward. Its scent is ISN’T A DOOR. sublime and earthy, hot and sour. The fragrant plume comes with a peppery kick. The sensation is vivid, somehow poignant, and utterly transporting. IT’S A BOWL The memory brings a smile as I stand in a line of passengers at Luang Prabang airport, in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. I’ve traveled OF SOUP. 9,000 miles to Southeast Asia inspired by Van Nolintha, a charismatic 32-year- old Laotian-American restaurateur in Raleigh, North Carolina, whose inventive renditions of his child- hood dishes from his native land have earned the acclaim of diners and food critics alike. Now I’ve come for a taste of the real thing. Upon leaving the airport, my first views of Laos are the Phou Thao and Phou Nang mountain ranges, which surround the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang like an embrace. The slopes are lush with trees that comb and catch the low-lying clouds. As I enter the city, a cluster of motorbikes overtakes my taxi, trailing fumes and impatience. A teenage girl, sitting sidesaddle in a Laotian silk tube skirt called a sinh, flashes past. -
View Full Activity Guide
Activities Guide Experiences are personal journeys. Our goal at Amantaka is to introduce you to Luang Prabang’s deeply-rooted cultural heritage, natural wonders and contemporary attractions, and help you establish a personal connection with its warm and friendly people. As part of UNESCO, Luang Prabang has 32 temples and 111 historic Lao-French buildings throughout the town, citing Luang Prabang as the best-preserved traditional town in Southeast Asia. New construction is limited, and development must be in keeping with the spirit of the town. Luang Prabang is small in scale and easily explored either on foot or by bicycle, ideal for discovering notable architectural landmarks and other distinctive attractions in town. At Amantaka, tailor-made itineraries can be made to embrace passions and interests. From a traditional Lao cooking class on our organic farm to a sunset cruise on the majestic Mekong, or from a tour of the most sacred temples to a walk-through surrounding villages, our team at Amantaka are here to help you create your own journey into the heart of this fascinating town. Luang Prabang – a UNESCO town Luang Prabang city tour Temple and village walk Half-day excursion Half-day excursion Begin the tour at Amantaka, with the first stop at Wat This adventure begins with a short river-crossing from the Visoun and Wat Aham. Within their precincts stands the boat jetty behind the Palace Museum. After disembarking gigantic That Makmo (Watermelon), originally known as at Xieng Mene’s makeshift boat landing, walk through an That Patum or Lotus Stupa, built in 1503 A. -
Regional Tour Planner.Pdf
ICS TRAVEL GROUP is one of the first international DMCs to open offices in our destinations and has since become a market leader throughout the Mekong region, Indonesia and India. As such, we can offer you the following advantages: Global Network Rapid Response With a centralised reservations centre/head All quotation and booking requests are answered office in Bangkok and 7 sales offices. promptly and accurately, with no exceptions. Local Knowledge and Network Innovative Online Booking Engine We have operations offices on the ground at every Our booking and feedback systems are unrivalled major destination - making us your in-country expert in the industry. for your every need. Creative MICE team Quality Experience Our team of experienced travel professionals in Our goal is to provide a seamless travel experience each country is accustomed to handling multi- for your clients. national incentives. Competitive Hotel Rates International Standards / Financial Stability We have contract rates with over 1000 hotels and All our operational offices are fully licensed pride ourselves on having the most attractive pricing and financially stable. All guides and drivers are strategies in the region. thoroughly trained and licensed. Full Range of Services and Products Whether you request balloon rides in Myanmar or kayaking in Halong Bay, we can do it. Our portfolio includes the complete range of products for leisure and niche travellers alike. i | Regional | ICS TRAVEL ICSGROUPTRAVEL GROUP Contents Introduction 3 Tours 4 Regional | Contents | 1 -
14 Architecture
14 Architecture Wat Xieng Thong roof edge showing the cho faa now painted in turquoise A view of Wat Xieng Thong taken from within the compound Many of the stencils are repaired by monks. © All photos by Denise Heywood By DENISE HEYWOOD THE 35 BUDDHIST temples of Luang Prabang are delicate structures in need of frequent renovation. Damage caused by neglect, tropical Luang Prabang rain, humidity and heat, together with the impact of increasing numbers of tourists, all erode the buildings. This year Wat Xieng Thong, the most important and magnificent wat in Luang Prabang, and Wat Pak Khan, one of the smallest but oldest in the city, have both undergone restoration Temple Renovation and further enhance the cultural and aesthetic value of the former royal created it in memory of the legendary capital of Laos. present, this denotes a temple built by King Chanthaphanith, whose stories Luang Prabang became a a king. The dok so faa symbolises are depicted in golden stencilled UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mount Meru, abode of the gods, the imagery inside the main sim. 1993. Maintaining and conserving axis mundi, centre of the world, Traditionally wats were grouped sacred monuments is the highest surrounded by the seven mythical around royal residences, built with priority, along with preserving the chain of mountains of Hindu royal patronage or by affluent secular buildings as well, but funding mythology. In Laos, religion is individuals, as funding the building of is always needed. For Wat Xieng syncretic, incorporating Hindu, a wat gains merit in Buddhism. The Thong, a contribution of some Buddhist and animistic references. -
Chapter Iii a Comparison on Lan Xang and Early
CHAPTER III A COMPARISON ON LAN XANG AND EARLY RATTANAKOSIN BUDDHIST ART AND ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNS As a Buddhist kingdom, both Lan Xang and Rattanakosin cherished their temples by put every effort to build one and decorate it with the most beautiful artwork they could create at that moment. Those architectures and artworks not just express how luxury each kingdom was, but also represent the thought and circumstance in the meantime. Even though Lan Xang and Rattanakosin had a same religion and were neighbor, their arts and architectural designs are different as follow: 3.1 Lan Xang Buddhist Art and Architectural Design Lan Xang was a kingdom with diversity; even in the Lao race itself. Since the end of the reign of King Suryawongsa Thammikkarat, Lan Xang was divided into three separated kingdom; Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak. Even though they were split up, they still shared their art and architectural designs. Each kingdom had been influenced by the neighbor surround and outsider as described below: 3.1.1 Lan Xang Architecture Developed through centuries, Lan Xang architectures may contain a lot of outsider influence, but at some point, they have their own unique style of architecture. Lan Xang temples can be divided into two part; Buddhawat and Sangkhawat. This chapter will discusses only on the Buddhawat area which cantains of That (ธาตุ), sim (สิม), Ho Wai (หอไหว), Oob Mung (อูบมุง), Hotrai or a library (หอไตร) and Ho Klong or a drum tower (หอกลอง), 3.1.1.1 That (Pagoda or Stupa) That (ธาตุ) in Lan Xang architecture is a Buddhist monument which can refer as a Chedi or pagoda (in Thai Architecture). -
Luang Prabang: the Spiritual Heart of Laos
Destination Inspiration: The Colorful Laos LUANG PRABANG: ThE SpIRITUAL HEART OF LAOS Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, and and international authorities, a real motivation Luang Prabang is situated in the centre of is known as the seat of Lao culture, with mon- to preserve this wonderfully serene city. The northern Laos. The province has a total popu- asteries, monuments traditional costumes and title is justified not only by the many beauti- lation of just over 400,000 that includes 12 dis- surrounded by many types of nature's beauty. ful temples, but also by its traditional wooden tinct ethnic groups. The Khmu are the largest In 1995 unESCO declared Luang Prabang a dwellings, the old colonial style houses and the ethnic group in the province and make up the world Heritage Site. This distinction confirms, natural environment that encases it in a per- majority (about 44%) of the provincial popula- through the concerted action of local, national fect harmony of plant and stone. tion. They are a Mon-Khmer speaking people February, 2011 — 56 — Destination Inspiration: The Colorful Laos known for their knowledge of the forest, and to Muang xieng Dong xieng Thong by local xang broke up into three separate Kingdoms; they are believed to be the original inhabitants inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, King Fa ngum Vientiane, Champasack and Luang Prabang. of Laos. The Hmong are the second most popu- accepted a golden buddha image called the by the late 19th century Luang Prabang was lous ethnic minority. Pha bang as a gift from the Khmer monarchy under attack by marauding black Flag bandits archaeological evidence suggests that Luang and the thriving city-state became known as who destroyed many sacred buddha images, Prabang has been inhabited since at least Luang Prabang. -
Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1. Background of the Study
Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1. Background of the study Luangprabang used to be the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang Kingdom (the Kingdom of a Million Elephants), and established since 1,200 years ago. Sirisack (2014), In the 14th century, the King Chao Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom of Lane Xang, Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane by King Setthathirath (although Luangprabang remained the country's main religious centre). And it used to be the center of cultural, architectural, historical and political activities. According to Tourism Department in Luangprabang (2014), stated that Luangprabang as the tourism sightseeing and located in the northern central part of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, surrounded by numerous mountains and green forests. Luangprabang situated in the centre of northern Laos, the province shares border with Oudomxay, Phongsaly and Houaphanh to the north, Vientiane and Sayabouly to the south and southwest and Xiengkhouang to the east. It consists of 12 districts such as Luang Prabang, Xieng Ngeun, Nan, Pak Ou, Nambak, Ngoi, Pakxeng, Phonxay, Chomphet, Viengkham, Phounkhone and Phonthong with Luangprabang occupies of 16, 8755 square kilometers, the estimated population 447,541 people. By UNESCO Websites (2015), Luangprabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct culture traditions. TDD, (2012).Visitors to Luang Prabang is charmed by the friendly atmosphere of this small town. -
Research at Megalithic Jar Site 52 and the Discovery of New Jar Sites in Xiang Khouang Province, Laos
Research at Megalithic Jar Site 52 and the Discovery of New Jar Sites in Xiang Khouang Province, Laos Dougald O’Reilly1✝, Louise Shewan2✝, Mailo Khamphouvong3, and Amphai Butphachit3 1School of Archaeology and Anthropology. The Australian National University, Canberra, 2601, Australia. [email protected], +61261250622 2School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia. 3Department of Heritage, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Lao P.D.R. Government ✝ These authors equally contributed to this work. Abstract: Ban Phakeo is a village in central Laos near which 415 megalithic jars and other associated lithic objects were discovered. There are over 80 such sites known in central Laos and this site was assigned the number 52 in the Lao National Inventory. Site 52 was excavated in eight discrete locations. Prospection was undertaken in the surrounds of Site 52 leading to the discovery of several previously undocumented sites which appear to be quarries or transport sites. The present paper focuses on the archaeological excavations undertaken at Site 52 and the newly discovered sites presenting the results of this research. Keywords: Laos; megaliths; archaeology; Plain of Jars Running Title Research at Megalithic Jar Sites in Laos 1.1 Introduction Site 52, located in Paek District, Xieng Khouang Province, near the village of Ban Phakeo, was first recorded in 2005 by the Department of Heritage of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MoICT) (Figure 1). The site comprises a collection of 415 megalithic stone jars, 219 discs, lids, and hundreds of boulders in six discrete groups located in elevated terrain (Figures 2 & 3). -
Widening the Geographical Reach of the Plain of Jars, Laos
Widening the Geographical Reach of the Plain of Jars, Laos Lia Genovese Abstract This research report summarises ongoing fieldwork at the Plain of Jars in Laos and details megalithic artefacts in newly-discovered sites populated with jars fashioned from a variety of rocks. With two exceptions, the jars at these remote sites are in single digits and are not accompanied by plain or decorated stone discs, used as burial markers or for commemorative purposes. The sites’ isolated location bears implications for the geographical reach of the Plain of Jars by widening our understanding of this megalithic tradition in Mainland Southeast Asia. Introduction The Plain of Jars is spread over the provinces of Xieng Khouang and Luang Prabang (Map 1). All the sites are located at latitude 19°N, while the longitude starts at 102°E for sites in Luang Prabang and progresses to 103°E for locations in Xieng Khouang. As the leader of the first large-scale survey in 1931- 1933, the French archaeologist Madeleine Colani (1866-1943) documented 26 sites (Genovese 2015a: 58-59). Sites can include a group of jars, a quarry, a stone outcrop like a rock formation protruding through the soil level, or a manufacturing site, and can hold from one single jar to several hundred units.1 Dozens of new sites have since been discovered, Map 1. Contoured in red: Xieng Khouang province. The contour taking the total to just over in dark green delineates Phou Khoun district in Luang Prabang 100, with the quantity of province (adapted from d-maps). documented stone artefacts now exceeding 2,100 jars and The Journal of Lao Studies, Volume 7, Issue 1, pps 55-74. -
THE IVORY TRADE of LAOS: NOW the FASTEST GROWING in the WORLD LUCY VIGNE and ESMOND MARTIN
THE IVORY TRADE OF LAOS: NOW THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE WORLD LUCY VIGNE and ESMOND MARTIN THE IVORY TRADE OF LAOS: NOW THE FASTEST GROWING IN THE WORLD LUCY VIGNE and ESMOND MARTIN SAVE THE ELEPHANTS PO Box 54667 Nairobi 00200 သࠥ ⦄ Kenya 2017 © Lucy Vigne and Esmond Martin, 2017 All rights reserved ISBN 978-9966-107-83-1 Front cover: In Laos, the capital Vientiane had the largest number of ivory items for sale. Title page: These pendants are typical of items preferred by Chinese buyers of ivory in Laos. Back cover: Vendors selling ivory in Laos usually did not appreciate the displays in their shops being photographed. Photographs: Lucy Vigne: Front cover, title page, pages 6, 8–23, 26–54, 56–68, 71–77, 80, back cover Esmond Martin: Page 24 Anonymous: Page 25 Published by: Save the Elephants, PO Box 54667, Nairobi 00200, Kenya Contents 07 Executive summary 09 Introduction to the ivory trade in Laos 09 History 11 Background 13 Legislation 15 Economy 17 Past studies 19 Methodology for fieldwork in late 2016 21 Results of the survey 21 Sources and wholesale prices of raw ivory in 2016 27 Ivory carving in 2016 33 Retail outlets selling worked ivory in late 2016 33 Vientiane 33 History and background 34 Retail outlets, ivory items for sale and prices 37 Customers and vendors 41 Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort 41 History and background 42 Retail outlets, ivory items for sale and prices 43 Customers and vendors 44 Savannakhet 45 Ivory in Pakse 47 Luang Prabang 47 History and background 48 Retail outlets, ivory items for sale and prices 50 Customers -
Day Trips in Laos
DAY TRIPS IN LAOS TOURS ESCAPE FROM LUANG PRABANG OVERVIEW Situated in northern Laos at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, the ancient town of Luang Prabang was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The small city is an outstanding example of the fusion between traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities. Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until 1545 when Vientiane was chosen the capital. The myriad temples, saffron-robbed monks, sacred caves and colonial buildings, hill tribes, the well-recognized hand-woven silk and cotton textiles with local patterns which deeply reflect century-old tradition, cozy atmosphere and laid-back pace of life, all become the undeniable trademarks of this ancient town. Cascading waterfalls and the mighty Mekong River with plenty of opportunities to unwind and sail your way through the town are some of other highlights the town has on offer. Luang Prabang is simply a must for any first-time visitors to the country. LUANG PRABANG – CITY TOUR – PAK OU CAVES Tour code: LPQ-L06 Tour type: Historical & Cultural City: Luang Prabang Time: 8:30-17:30 Overview: Enjoy the beauty of Lao’s culture and natural wonders with a full day exploration around Luang Prabang, then travel up the Mekong River to the Buddha-filled caves of Pak Ou. Learn more about the diverse ethnic groups living in Laos at Traditional Arts & Ethnology Center. Visit the gilded halls of temples such as Wat Xieng Thong and a local rice-wine making village. -
Indochina War Refugee Movements in Laos, 1954-1975
Indochina War Refugee Movements in Laos, 1954–1975: A Chronological Overview Citing New Primary Sources Frederic C. Benson1 Abstract This paper outlines the history of the relief and resettlement assistance program established by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to assist civilians displaced during the Second Indochina War in Laos. Many of the primary source materials cited in this paper can be found in a digitized collection of reports and documents that was recently made available in the University of Wisconsin’s Southeast Asian Images & Texts (SEAiT) digital collection. A fundamentally humanitarian undertaking, the USAID refugee program ultimately became a significant part of a larger, integrated political-military engagement, in which the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) played a significant role. The objective of this paper is to summarize the complexities of the USAID refugee program as it developed from January 1955, when the American embassy was opened in Vientiane, until the Second Indochina War came to an end and USAID was evicted from Laos in June 1975, the year in which the Lao Democratic People’s Republic (Lao PDR) was established. Viewed in historical and geographical contexts, population shifts within the hinterlands of Laos, which peaked during the war, continue into the present post-conflict period. This has been due in part to more recent interactions and struggles prompted by “political memories” of the Second Indochina War alignments, which have led, to an extent, to post-1975, anti-Lao PDR insurgencies and land (re)allocations that address security concerns and accommodate both foreign land-based investments and cross- border migrations.