DOCSLIB.ORG

LAOS D T L Y 237 T P S N O I T a C I L B U Dong Phu P Vieng NPA T E N a L P Y L E N O L

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
LAOS D T L Y 237 T P S N O I T a C I L B U Dong Phu P Vieng NPA T E N a L P Y L E N O L © Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd 237 Central Laos The area at the waist of the country has traditionally been skipped over by most travellers. But improved roads and several sustainable tourism initiatives, which give you a full-flavoured taste of the ‘real Laos’, mean central Laos is more open to exploration than ever. You might not be the first person to trek into the medieval limestone karsts of the Phu Hin Bun National Protected Area (NPA), but it will probably feel like you are and there won’t be a banana pancake or happy shake for miles. Instead, you’ll find a diverse mix of ecology, environment and ethnicity that is very differ- ent to the north – and as much tough and memorable travel as you like. The Mekong River towns of Tha Khaek and Savannakhet, with their Lowland Lao communities, slowly crumbling French histories and lethargic lifestyles, will be your bases. This part of the country claims the most forest cover and the highest concentrations of wildlife, including some species CENTRAL LAOS that have disappeared elsewhere in Southeast Asia. To find them, you could do ‘The Loop’ through Khammuan and Bolikhamsai Provinces by motorbike, detouring via the incredible 7km-long cave Tham Kong Lo in the process. Or trek into far-off Dong Phu Vieng NPA in Savannakhet Province to sleep with the spirits in a Katang village. Branches of the Ho Chi Minh Trail await the most intrepid, or just go forth and create your own trail… HIGHLIGHTS Trek amid the gothic limestone karsts, subterranean caves and meandering rivers of the Phu Hin Bun NPA (p 242 ) Do The Loop (boxed text, p 252 ) and Phu Hin experience upcountry Laos; good roads, Bun NPA Tham bad roads, stunning scenery, a big dam and Kong Lo unexpected challenges Tha Khaek Soak up the colonial atmosphere of the historical districts of Tha Khaek (p 244 ) and Savannakhet (p 254 ) Savannakhet Stay in the remote villages of Dong Phu Dong Phu Vieng NPA (p 262 ) and experience life in the Vieng NPA spirit forests Go off the beaten track to Tham Kong Lo (p 242 ) for a boat trip through this astonish- ing 7km-long limestone cave 238 CENTRAL LAOS lonelyplanet.com Climate (p 242 ) is accessible either on your own or The Mekong River valley is always pretty on a community-based or commercial trek. warm and from March to May Savannakhet Similar treks lead to the sacred forests and is positively steaming. It gets cooler as you animist villages of Dong Phu Vieng (p 262 ) head east towards the Annamite Chain and in Savannakhet Province. Lak Sao, and the villages along Rte 8B can be Treks into the Nam Kading NPA in close to freezing during winter nights. The Bolikhamsai Province can be arranged at the southwestern monsoon brings bucket-loads Nam Kading Research and Training Centre of rain from June to October. Far-eastern (see p 240 ). areas around the Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA) also Getting There & Around receive rain from the South China Sea that Gone are the days when travelling anywhere lasts longer, thus supplying enough water to south of Vientiane involved inordinately maintain the thicker vegetation. large amounts of time and incredible forti- tude. These days Rte 13 is sealed and, some- National Protected Areas what surprisingly after nearly two decades, Central Laos is the most protected part of the still pretty smooth; congratulations to the country with eight National Protected Areas road maintenance teams. Other roads have (NPAs) accounting for vast swathes of the graduated from ‘bone-jarring nightmare’ region. Access to Nakai-Nam Theun NBCA, status to ‘smooth as silk’, including Rte 9 and Hin Namno and Se Ban Nuan NPAs, is from Savannakhet to the Vietnamese bor- limited to those with decent Lao language der at Lao Bao, Rte 8 between Rte 13 and skills and plenty of time and money, but oth- the Vietnamese border at Nam Phao, Rte ers are easy to get to. 12 between Tha Khaek and the Vietnamese In Khammuan the labyrinth of limestone border, and most recently, the road to Tham karsts, caves and rivers in Phu Hin Bun NPA Kong Lo. 0 100 km CENTRAL LAOS 0 60 miles Nam CENTRAL LAOS 6 Seek Advice Before BOLIKHAMSAI Using This Road Kaew Nuea Vinh Mu Vieng Bolikham Nam uang Pass Thong Border Tat an Kading NPA Ny Wang Crossing Hotsprings and Cau Treo Paksan ὈὈὈὈὈFong Tat NamsanamLimestone Caves Border Crossing Pak Kading Nam Nam Phao A n n a m i t e R a n g e Gulf of Tonkin Beung Kan Kham 8 Ban Nape Ban Phon Kham Tha Bak Keut Ban Khoun Kham Nam Lak Sao (Ban Na Hin) Kading (Xao) Vieng Kham Sala Ban Na Phuak (Thang Beng) Viewpoint Nam Phon Nam Hin Nyaeng Theun Bun Ban Tiou Dam Nam Yo 13 Phu Hin Ban Kong Lo Nakai-Nam Bun NPA Ban Tha Lang Theun NPA Mekong Tham ὈὈὈὈὈHin Bun Kong Lo 8B Cha Lo Gnommalath Nam Khoun Theun Border Crossing Ban Na Kheu Kong Leng River Nyommalat Na Phao Tham Lang Khang Pa Fa Se Bang Hin Nakhon Tha Tha Falang Mahaxai 12 Fai Namno Phanom Khaek Mai NPA Dong Hoi See The Tham Border KHAMMUAN Loop Map Nang Aen Ban Nong Ping (p252) Crossing Tham Lot Pha That Si Bualapha Khotabong Se Bang Fai 23B Sai Bua Thong ὈὈὈὈSe Bang Fai VIETNAM Nong Bok Se Noi 13 23 Phu Dong Ha Saibuli Xang Hae NPA Sepon Seno (Xepon) Atsaphangthong Ban Border (Xeno) Dong Crossing That Ing Hang Dong Natad Phalan 9 Khe Sanh Savannakhet Dansavanh Lao Bao Ban 9 Mukdahan phon ὈὈὈMuangὈὈ Phin Dong Phu Lak 35 Border Crossing Samouy Keng Kok Jam Sonbuli Vieng NPA See Spin Through That Phon Se SAVANNAKHET THAILAND Savannakhet Map (p261) Songkhon Prince Souphanouvong's Paksong Se Pon Bridge (Destroyed & Heuan Impassable) Hin 23 Se Xap NPA ὈὈBan Muang ὈὈTahoy lonelyplanet.com BOLIKHAMSAI & KHAMMUAN PROVINCES •• Paksan 239 TREKKING IN CENTRAL LAOS Underrated central Laos is a great place to combine a cultural and environmental experience. Most treks in central Laos are run by either the state-run Eco-Guide Units in Tha Khaek and Savannakhet or the private company Green Discovery, and range in cost from approximately US$40 to US$500 per person (prices drop significantly the greater the number of people in the group). Following are some particularly recommended trekking destinations in the region: Phu Hin Bun NPA (p 242 ) From Tha Khaek. For beauty, it’s hard to beat these trekking and boating trips through the monolithic limestone karsts. Two- and three-day options are available at Tha Khaek’s Tourism Information Centre (p 246 ), or four days with Green Discovery (p 246 ). Tham Lot Se Bang Fai/Hin Namno NPA (p 251 ) From Tha Khaek. Although trekking here is still in its infancy and mostly revolves around the eponymous Nam Lot cave, it is also possible to combine a homestay with walks in the spectacular Hin Namno NPA. Enquire at Tha Khaek’s Tourism Information Centre or with Green Discovery. Dong Natad Provincial Protected Area (PPA) (p 261 ) From Savannakhet. One- and two-day trips to the provincial protected area near Savannakhet are cheap and popular for their homestays and explanations of how villagers use the sacred forest. Contact Savannakhet’s Eco-Guide Unit (p 254 ) for details. Dong Phu Vieng NPA (p 262 ) From Savannakhet. This three-day trek (with a fair bit of road time at either end) takes you to two Katang villages where animist beliefs come with a host of taboos. It’s a real head-bending cultural experience, but the transport makes prices a bit steep. Organised by Savannakhet’s Eco-Guide Unit (p 254 ). Apart from on the Nam Kading and Nam been declared National Protected Areas Hin Bun rivers, arranging boat transport is (p 238 ). These areas have become a major more difficult and you’ll need a fat wad of battleground between those wishing to ex- CENTRAL LAOS persuasion if you want a boatman to take you ploit Laos’s largely untapped hydroelectricity more than an hour or two in any direction. capacity and those wishing to preserve some of the most pristine wilderness areas in Asia. BOLIKHAMSAI & For now, the developers are winning. PAKSAN KHAMMUAN ¯¾¡§ ×$ %054 / pop 43,700 PROVINCES Located at the confluence of the Nam San (San River) and the Mekong River, Paksan Bolikhamsai and Khammuan straddle (Pakxan or Pakxanh) is the capital of the narrow, central ‘waist’ of the country. Bolikhamsai Province. Its position on Rte 13 Physically the land climbs steadily from the between Vientiane and the nearest border Mekong River valley towards the north and with Vietnam makes it an increasingly busy east, eventually reaching the Annamite Chain highway town, and the traffic is expected bordering Vietnam, via an area of moderately to increase in the next five years when Rte high but often spectacular mountains. Laid- 10 linking Phonsavan and Paksan is finally back and well-connected Tha Khaek (p 244 ) paved. But as it stands now there’s really not is the logical base. a whole lot to do or see in Paksan. It’s possible Lowland Lao, who speak a dialect peculiar to cross into Thailand, though hardly anyone to these two provinces, dominate the popula- ever does. tion and, with smaller groups of tribal Thais, There’s a Lao Development Bank just east are the people you’ll mostly meet. In remoter of the market, which is also where buses stop. areas the Mon-Khmer-speaking Makong peo- It’s a short walk from here east to the bridge ple (commonly known as Bru) make up more over the Nam San and the hotels listed here.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Resettlement and Ethnic Development Plan Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower
    Resettlement and Ethnic Development Plan Project Number: 41924 June 2014 Document Stage: Final Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project (Lao People’s Democratic Republic) Annex A Part 6 Prepared by Nam Ngiep 1 Power Company Ltd. for the Asian Development Bank The final report is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “Terms of Use” section of this website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Provincial level: Lao People’s Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity ***************** Minutes of meeting Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project dated 28 April 2008 at Vientiane Province - Based on the announcement of the Head of the Office of the Ministry of Energy and 1 Mines number 453 / EM dated 19 April 2007 regarding to the survey to collect information on socioeconomic and environmental issues of Nam Ngiep 1 Hydropower Project. - Based on the proposal of the company (NCC) who is the person who surveyed the socio and environment of the project. At 8:00am on the morning of 28 April 2008 a meeting was held at the meeting room of the Thamphoxay Guest House, Viengkham District, Vientiane Province, co- chaired by Mr. Bounmee Phouthavong, Deputy Governor of Vientiane Province, and Mr.
    [Show full text]
  • Initial Environmental Examination
    Initial Environmental Examination Project No.: 50099-003 June 2018 REG: Fourth Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Pakxan Subproject Prepared by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport for the Asian Development Bank. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 18 June 2018) Currency unit – Kip (LAK) LAK1.00 = $0.000119 $1.00 = LAK 8,412 ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank AP – affected person CEMP – contractor environmental management plan CSO – combined sewer overflow DHUP – Department of Housing and Urban Planning DONRE – Department of Natural Resources and Environment DPWT – Department of Public Works and Transport EIA – environmental impact assessment EIAR – environmental impact assessment report EHS – environmental, health, and safety guidelines EMP – environmental management plan EMR – environmental monitoring report ERT – emergency response team ESO – environmental safeguard officer (of executing agency) ES – environmental specialist GHG – greenhouse gas GMS – Greater Mekong Subregion GMS-CTDP-4 – Fourth Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project GRM – grievance redress mechanism HDPE – high-density polyethylene IEC – information, education and communication IEE – initial environmental examination IEER – initial environmental examination report Lao PDR – Lao People’s Democratic Republic MONRE – Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment MPWT – Ministry of Public Works and Transport PIU – project implementation unit PIC – project implementation consultant PMU – project management unit PPE – personal
    [Show full text]
  • Typhoon Haima in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
    TYPHOON HAIMA IN THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC Joint Damage, Losses and Needs Assessment – August, 2011 A Report prepared by the Government of the Lao PDR with support from the ADB , ADPC, FAO , GFDRR, Save the Children, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-HABITAT, WFP, WHO, World Bank, World Vision, and WSP Lao People's Democratic Republic Peace Independence Democracy Unity Prosperity TYPHOON HAIMA JOINT DAMAGE, LOSSES AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT (JDLNA) *** October 2011 A Report prepared by the Government of the Lao PDR With support from the ADB, ADPC, FAO, GFDRR , Save the Children, UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN- HABITAT, WFP ,WHO, World Bank, World Vision, AND WSP Vientiane, August 29, 2011 Page i Foreword On June 24-25, 2011, Typhoon Haima hit the Northern and Central parts of the Lao PDR causing heavy rain, widespread flooding and serious erosion in the provinces of Xiengkhouang, Xayaboury, Vientiane and Bolikhamxay. The typhoon caused severe damage and losses to the basic infrastructure, especially to productive areas, the irrigation system, roads and bridges, hospitals, and schools. Further, the typhoon disrupted the local people’s livelihoods, assets and properties. The poor and vulnerable groups of people are most affected by the typhoon. Without immediate recovery efforts, its consequences will gravely compromise the development efforts undertaken so far by the government, seriously set back economic dynamism, and further jeopardise the already very precarious situation in some of the provinces that were hard hit by the typhoon. A Joint Damage, Losses and Needs Assessment (JDLNA) was undertaken, with field visit to the four most affected provinces from 25th July to 5th August 2011.
    [Show full text]
  • Payments for Environmental Services Schemes
    Effective Implementation of Payments for Environmental Services in Lao PDR Research Reports ISSN 2202-7432 THE ENVIRONMENTAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONDITION OF THE NAM MOUANE – NAM GNOUANG CATCHMENT Research Report No. 5 October 2014 Xiong Tsechalicha1, Yiakhang Pangxang2, Saysamone Phoyduangsy3 & Phouphet Kyophilavong4 The project ‘Effective Implementation of Payments for Environmental Services in Lao PDR’ is funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). The reports produced within this project are published by the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra, 0200 Australia. The reports present work in progress being undertaken by the project team. The views and interpretations expressed in these reports are those of the author(s) and should not be attributed to any organization associated with the project. Because these reports present the results of work in progress, they should not be reproduced in part or in whole without the authorization of the Australian Project Leader, Professor Jeff Bennett ([email protected]). 1Centre for Environmental Economics & Policy, University of Western Australia 2,3,4Faculty of Economics and Business Management, National University of Laos Abstract The main objective of this Research Report is to overview the environmental, economic and social condition of the Nam Mouane – Nam Gnouang catchment. This Research Report identifies threats to forest wildlife and forest cover arising from current management practices and suggests possible management actions to achieve environmental improvements. These include reducing the expansion of shifting cultivation into undisturbed forests by improving agricultural productivity of slash-and- burned; reducing poaching/ hunting of forest wildlife through increased patrolling and the collection of snares.
    [Show full text]
  • Simulation of Supply/Demand Balance
    The Study on Power Network System Master Plan in Lao PDR Draft Final Report (Stage 3) Simulation of Supply/Demand Balance 17.1. Options for Power Development Plan up to 2030 In order to examine supply reliability and supply-demand balance based on the Lao PDR’s development situation, and considering the development status of the country’s power supply facilities and transmission facilities, a simulation is conducted for 2030. Laos’s power system is examined up to 2030 considering the demand situation in the domestic system and the expansion plans for transmission lines. The northern and central 1 areas are put together to form a Laos NC system, the central 2 a Laos C system, and the southern part an S system. Based on the results of the supply/demand balance simulations, we make recommendations for power plant expansion plans and transmission lines, and for interconnections with neighboring countries. Power Development Plan for Laos’ domestic system up to 2030 1. Power plants for analysis of supply/demand balance in Laos In examining the supply/demand balance for domestic demand in Laos up to 2030, we use the power plan approved by the MEM Minister (see Table 17.1-1). Table 17.1-1 Power Development Plan approved by minister of MEM, including existing plants No Power Plant MW Type COD Province Region 1 Nam Dong 1.00 Run of river 1970 Luangprabang NC 2 Nam Ngum 1 155.00 Reservoir 1971 Vientiane Pro NC 3 Nam Ko 1.50 Run of river 1996 Oudomxay NC 4 Nam Luek 60.00 Reservoir 2000 Saysomboun NC 5 Nam Mang 3 40.00 Reservoir 2004 Vientiane Pro
    [Show full text]
  • Movement Pathways and Market Chains of Large Ruminants in the Greater Mekong Sub-Region
    Movement pathways and market chains of large ruminants in the Greater Mekong Sub-region FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF PR CHINA AND AUSTRALIAN STANDZ INITIATIVE | downloaded: 4.11.2019 Polly Smith, Nancy Bourgeois Lüthi, Li Huachun, Kyaw Naing Oo, Aloun Phonvisay, Sith Premashthira, Ronello Abila, Phillip Widders, Karan Kukreja and Corissa Miller https://doi.org/10.24451/arbor.6560 source: 0 Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................. 1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 2 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 2 Methodology ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Snowball sampling .............................................................................................................................. 4 Interview technique ............................................................................................................................ 5 Constraints .......................................................................................................................................... 6 Results ....................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Feasibility Study Report
    LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC PAKLAY HYDROPOWER PROJECT Feasibility Study Report FINAL (Chapter 2 - 4) DEVELOPER: CONSULTANT: March, 2017 Contents NO. CHAPTER 1 Executive Summary 2 Hydrology 3 Engineering Geology 4 Project Planning 5 Project Layout and Main Structures 6 M&E Equipment and Hydraulic Steel Structures 7 Construction Organization Design 8 Project Management Plan 9 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment 10 Project Cost Estimation 11 Economic Evaluation 2 Hydrology Contents 2 Hydrology ...................................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1 Catchment Overview .............................................................................................................................. 2-1 2.2 Hydrometric Station and Basic Data .................................................................................................... 2-5 2.3 Runoff .................................................................................................................................................... 2-10 2.4 Flood ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-23 2.5 Stage-Discharge Relation ..................................................................................................................... 2-44 2.6 Sediment ...............................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Lao People's Democratic Republic: Sustainable Growth and Integration
    ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK Independent Evaluation Department COUNTRY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM EVALUATION FOR LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC: SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND INTEGRATION In this electronic file, the report is followed by Management’s response and the Board of Directors’ Development Effectiveness Committee (DEC) Chair’s summary of a discussion of the report by DEC. Evaluation Study Reference Number: CAP: LAO 2010-43 Country Assistance Program Evaluation October 2010 Lao People's Democratic Republic: Sustainable Growth and Integration Independent Evaluation Department CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 30 June 2010) Currency Unit – kip (KN) KN1.00 = $0.000121 $1.00 = KN8,262.0 ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank ADF – Asian Development Fund ADTA – advisory technical assistance ARD – agriculture and rural development ASEAN – Association of Southeast Asian Nations BEGP – Basic Education (Girls) Project BESDP – Basic Education Sector Development Program BOL – Bank of the Lao PDR CAPE – country assistance program evaluation CDC – communicable disease control CDTA – capacity and development technical assistance COBP – country operations business plan COS – country operational strategy CPA – country performance assessment CPRM – country portfolio review mission CPS – country partnership strategy CSP – country strategy and program CSPU – country strategy and program update DOE – Department of Electricity E&S – environmental and social EdL – Electricité du Laos EIA – environment impact assessment EIRR – economic internal rate of return EPL – Environmental
    [Show full text]
  • Preliminary Gibbon Status Review for Lao PDR 2008
    Preliminary Gibbon Status Review for Lao PDR 2008 J.W. Duckworth December 2008 This work was carried out with funding from the Arcus Foundation. Preliminary gibbon status review for Lao PDR 2008 This review is a work in progress for the conservation of gibbons in Lao PDR. It is intended to be updated periodically. Any comment on this document, including further records, would be gratefully received by the author and by Fauna & Flora International, at the addresses below. Citation: J. W. Duckworth, 2008, Preliminary gibbon status review for Lao PDR 2008, Fauna & Flora International, Unpublished report. Author: J. W. Duckworth, PO Box 5773, Vientiane, Lao PDR Email: [email protected] Date: December 2008 For more information or to send further comments contact: Paul Insua-Cao Fauna & Flora Asia-Pacific Programme, 340 Nghi Tam, Hanoi, Vietnam Tel: +84-(0)43-719 4117 Fax: +84-(0)43-719 4119 Email: [email protected] Front cover photo of a captive young yellow-cheeked crested gibbon by Monty Sly. All views expressed within are the author’s alone unless attributed otherwise and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Fauna & Flora International. While the authors and editors strive for rigour and accuracy in presenting this report, Fauna & Flora International make no representations as to completeness, suitability or validity of any information contained, and will not be liable for any errors or omissions. The editors and Fauna & Flora International take no responsibility for any misrepresentation of material resulting from translation of this report into any other language. Reproduction of any part of this report for educational, conservation and other non-profit purposes is authorised without prior permission from the copyright holder, provided that the source is fully acknowledged.
    [Show full text]
  • Laos Chapter
    Pha That Luang Buddhist temple in Vientiane, Laos L aos 133 The Commission removed Laos from its Watch List in 2005. built in the former Saisomboun Special Zone and Bolikham- In taking this action, the Commission cited the positive sai Province. Vientiane Province authorities also permitted steps taken by the Lao government to address the religious the Lao Evangelical Church to rebuild a destroyed church in freedom concerns expressed by the Commission and the Phone Ngam Village. international community. Most of these steps were taken in The government remains wary, however, of religious advance of Laos being granted Permanent Normal Trade traditions other than Theravada Buddhism, particularly Relations (PNTR) with the United States in October 2005. of various forms of Protestantism popular among ethnic Religious freedom conditions are improved relative to the minority groups. Theravada Buddhism, which is closely past and some positive developments continue, particularly associated with Lao culture, is generally exempt from the in urban areas and among the majority Buddhist population. restrictions and oversight experienced by other religious However, Laos’ respect for religious freedom continues to groups. Increasingly, Buddhist rituals and ceremony are be marred by problems at the provincial level, especially for being incorporated into state functions and Buddhism is ethnic and religious minorities. The Commission remains sometimes promoted by government officials. The rapid concerned that the Lao government appears unable or growth of Protestantism in the last decade and contacts unwilling to curtail the actions of provincial authorities. In between its adherents and co-religionists abroad have view of the Lao government’s continued poor overall human made many Communist government officials suspicious.
    [Show full text]
  • Microfinance in the Lao Pdr, 2009
    MICROFINANCE IN THE LAO PDR, 2009 EDITORIAL BOARD Mr. Souphith DARACHANTHARA Deputy Director General, National Economic Research Institute Survey Team Leader ‐ Analyst, Editor Mr. Phokhong THEPKAYSONE Director, Development Research Division Survey Team Leader Assistant ‐ Analyst Mr. Thanongsai SOUKKHAMTHAT Deputy Director, Development Research Division Project Coordinator ‐ Analyst Ms. Phoutthasone SINTHAVONG Ms. Dorkfa SIYOTHA Ms. Viengsavanh SOULIYA Mr. Bounmy SOUTPILA Survey and Research Team Members Prof. (em.) Dr. Hans Dieter Seibel Mr. Klaus Prochaska GIZ Project Director Editors CONTENTS Page FOREWORD………………………………………………………………………………………………………i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ....................................................................................... iii Chapter 1: Microfinance in the Lao PDR ............................................................. 1 1.1. Background and History of Microfinance in the Lao PDR ............................................................ 1 1.2. From Microcredit to Microfinance: the Terminology of an Emerging Sector .............................. 2 1.3. The Emergence of Village Fund Networks ................................................................................... 3 1.4. The Microfinance Working Group for Lao P.D.R……………………………………………………………………….4 1.5. The Regulatory Framework of Microfinance ............................................................................... 4 Chapter 2: Governmental and International Support Programs .................... 6 2.1. Government Programs and Projects…………………………………………………………………………………………6
    [Show full text]
  • Laos, August 2004
    Description of document: US Department of State Self Study Guide for Laos, August 2004 Requested date: 11-March-2007 Released date: 25-Mar-2010 Posted date: 19-April-2010 Source of document: Freedom of Information Act Office of Information Programs and Services A/GIS/IPS/RL U. S. Department of State Washington, D. C. 20522-8100 Fax: 202-261-8579 Note: This is one of a series of self-study guides for a country or area, prepared for the use of USAID staff assigned to temporary duty in those countries. The guides are designed to allow individuals to familiarize themselves with the country or area in which they will be posted. The governmentattic.org web site (“the site”) is noncommercial and free to the public. The site and materials made available on the site, such as this file, are for reference only. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals have made every effort to make this information as complete and as accurate as possible, however, there may be mistakes and omissions, both typographical and in content. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided on the governmentattic.org web site or in this file. The public records published on the site were obtained from government agencies using proper legal channels. Each document is identified as to the source. Any concerns about the contents of the site should be directed to the agency originating the document in question.
    [Show full text]