Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center Luang Prabang, TAEC, announces internationally curated exhibition “Seeds of Culture: From Living Plants to Handicrafts” The Luang Prabang based Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC) has opened a new exhibit entitled, “Seeds of Culture: From Living Plants to Handicrafts”. This exhibit features the Job’s tears (Coix) plant, indigenous to mainland Southeast Asia, to demonstrate the important relationship between humans and nature. It is guest curated by Dr. Yukino Ochiai, a Japanese ethnobotanist at Ryukoku University, who has researched Job’s tears for over 15 years, amassing an unparalleled collection of objects featuring the plant’s seeds. This special exhibition provides insight into the clothing and changing lifestyles of the region’s ethnic minorities, including the Akha, Chin, Karen, Jinghpaw and Palaung. On display are unusual artefacts, including a Chin headdress that uses porcupine quills, and magnificent necklaces from 14 different countries in Africa, Asia, and South America. Visitors are treated to a visually stunning display allowing them to explore the meaningful role of the environment in the daily lives of rural ethnic communities. Also, with the addition of discovery corners, an extensive activity centre, and ethnobotanical garden, the museum is perfect for children and adults. TAEC Co-Director Tara Gujadhur says, “In the past, ethnic groups gathered different kinds of natural materials from the forests and fields, including cotton, plant dyes, and the seeds of Job’s tears. Nowadays, these natural materials are being replaced by those from markets, such as machine-made textiles, chemical dyes, and synthetic fibres. This is just one indicator of the upheavals these communities are undergoing – resettlement of villages, dependence on a market economy, and erosion of cultural practices and customs. We are looking forward to shedding more light on these issues through this exhibit.” The exhibition will be open through Fall 2017. About the Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre is the only museum in Laos dedicated to cultural diversity. TAEC is engaged in a broad range of museum and community engagement activities, reflecting its commitment to supporting living ethnic minority communities to preserve and promote their cultural heritage while looking towards the future. TAEC Museum – Exhibitions and Museum Shop At the foot of Phousi Hill behind Dara Market Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9am-6pm Phone: 071 253364 Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC) Phone: 071 253364 www.taeclaos.org information@taeclaos.org...
Seeds of Culture – From Living Plants to Handicrafts at TAEC Luang Prabang...
posted by Markus Neuer
Fair Trek Eco Bungalow: Our 100th Visitor!...
posted by Kyle Wagner
The Fair Trek Eco Bungalow welcomes its 100th visitor! Today the Fair Trek team is proud to announce that the Eco Bungalow has just reached its 100th guest! With or recent listing on Airbnb, it is now easier to book the eco-bungalow than ever! We will strive to increase this number, connecting more tourists with local community members in the Hmong village of Long Lao Mai just outside of Luang Prabang. What is Fair Trek? Fair Trek operates under parent company Tiger Trail Travel, a leading destination management company based in Luang Prabang. Founded in 2000, Tiger Trail was one of the pioneers in tourism in Luang Prabang and has since proven to be a leader in sustainable travel in Laos. We at Fair Trek create authentic and educational travel experiences that directly benefit local communities in Laos. Our programs are built on the community-based tourism framework to empower local communities to use tourism, not be used by it. What is the eco-bungalow? The Eco Bungalow was built by student volunteers from Fair Trek’s partner, World Volunteer. The project’s concept was designed as a sustainable, income-generating initiative for the community. Construction was funded by the volunteers and private donors but the Eco Bungalow is fully owned and managed by the village. Since most villagers are subsistence farmers, they not recieve additional income in the form of accomodation fees from the eco-bungalow, service fees distributed to villagers directly working with the eco-bungalow, and a communal village fund from the program fee. Book now on AirBnB Book this authentic Lao experience and stay at the Fair Trek Eco Bungalow near Luang Prabang, now available for advanced booking on...
Eco-tourism Adventure in Nam Et-Phou Louey
posted by Kyle Wagner
The community-based eco-tourism project at Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area is one of the few opportunities in Laos to view rare wildlife. It is designed to support alternative livelihoods for local villages and generate community support for the conservation of tigers and other rare wildlife species. Explore Nam Et with Tiger Trail Travel.
Air Asia Connecting Vientiane in Bangkok...
posted by Markus Neuer
New Air Asia flights are launched from Bangkok to Vientiane into Laos. Fly cheap into Laos,…now available with Air Asia. Visit Vientiane and the charming hinterland of Laos with the new connection made available through Air Asia. As recently only the connection Bangkok to Luang Prabang was opened by Air Asia, the next expansion into Laos has finally been opened for sales. Now, you can fly from Vientiane to Bangkok with all-in fares from 40 USD. Travel from 1 Jul 2016 – 30 Sep 2016. Or take even the connection from Luang Prabang to Bangkok with all-in fares from 45 USD, which applies to travel from 11 May – 30 Sep 2016. You have to book these journeys into or out of Laos from now till 15 May 2016 (which is like…day after...
Luang Prabang Documentary about Lao Ramayana Dance
posted by Markus Neuer
Phralak Phralam, Luang Prabang Documentary about Lao Ramayana Dance, published on the Cultural Media Library A film by Houmphanph Phahongchanh Aynoi is a middle-aged dancer, artist, and teacher in the Phralak Phralam tradition in Luang Prabang, Laos, who is devoted to teaching the younger generation of artists and dancers in the traditional way: they serve as apprentices, learning as they work, and Aynoi supports their education. However, the older man becomes jaded when a group of his own students breakaway to form their own competing troupe. His response is to discontinue his practice for four years. When the same students return to ask forgiveness and work, Aynoi denies, but he has now returned with a new student… and a new-found passion for Phralak Phralam. Phralak Phralam is the national epic of the Lao people, which has been adapted from an earlier Sanskrit epic poem, the Ramayana, writen by Valmiki in the second century BCE. The Ramayana is considered to be one of the four largest epics (the other three being the Mahabharata, Iliad, and Odyssey), and it is arguably the oldest tradition of storytelling in the world. Literally meaning “Rama’s Journey,” this epic played an important role in Hindu literature and Hinduism. It is a story about a disturbance of peace and order, the balance of power in the world is so broken that it requires a devine being to put it back into equilibrium. Throughout time, the Lao version of this epic lost its association with Hinduism and instead depicts the previous life of the Buddha. The epic was first brought to Laos centuries ago by Buddhist missions. In Laos, the story of the Rama is featured in many mural paintings and wood relief carvings on doors and on windows of Buddhist temples. There are two known versions of the Ramayana story in Laos: the Luang Prabang version in the Royal Capital and the Vientiane version that is painted on the walls of the Wat Pa Khe temple. Phralak Phralam became one of the most popular themes in the repertoire of the Lao Royal Ballet until 1975, but this tradition has since been revived in 2002 by the Royal Ballet Theatre in Luang Prabang. A shorter version of the Phralak Phralam national epic, Lam Pha Lam, was written on palm-leaves. This version was easy to transport to all regions in Laos and could be sung by a Mor Lum, a traditional expert singer accompanied by a Khaen, a bamboo mouth organ. The story of Phralak Phralam involves many divine characters, and retells the story of Prince Phra Ram (Rama) and his love for Princess Sida (Sita). However, this love is disturbed by Totsakhan, who kidnaps the Princess out of jealousy and takes her to Lanka Island (Niaks, Rakshasa). The vulture king, Jatayu, brings proof of this kidnapping to Phra Ram by showing him Sida’s lost ring during her journey to Lanka Island. Phra Lak’s brother, Lakshami, who is helped by Hanuman’s monkey army on this quest for Phra Ram’s lost love, kills Totsakhan and all of the giants on Lanka Island. He rescues Sida and returns her safely to Phra Ram. However, Phra Ram doubts whether Sida is actually loyal to him after being captured and staying with the enemy. Sida proves her faithfulness to Prince Phra Ram by submitting herself to self-immolation, where the story ends with a restoration of order and peace in the world. If you are interested, you can read Vo Thu Thinh’s abridged translation of Phralak Phralam taken from a manuscript from Wat Kang Tha in Vientiane, Laos in 1938. About the Filmmaker Houmphanph Phahongchagh is an emerging Lao filmmaker and entrepreneur from Luang Prabang, Laos. He attended multiple video and photography workshops in Laos and in Southeast Asia in order to develop his filmmaking skills and to share stories about his country. He has created numerous short documentary films...
Oscar Winner – Lord Puttnam Tackles Lao Tourism Challenges...
posted by Markus Neuer
Lord Puttnam Tackles Lao Tourism Challenges Oscar-winning producer Lord Puttnam was recently walking along Luang Prabang’s streets. He notices a fine-looking four-storey hotel topped with a terrace. He hikes up the stairs and takes in the view. He then asks the staff if he can order a drink. The smiling worker replies, “Yes sir, on the first floor.” Lord Puttnam’s anecdote kicked off his keynote address at the 18th Lanith Symposium on the challenges and barriers in growing Lao tourism. Lord Puttnam has been coming to Laos for 30 years, and considers himself, “A real friend of Laos,” but also a “critical friend.” He is currently the UK Prime Minister’s Trade & Cultural Envoy to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. He ended his Luang Prabang story to the 70-plus attendees at the event, held at the British Embassy in Vientiane, saying the experience shows the “half-shaked attitude” of many Lao tourism and hospitality staff. Lord Puttnam’s ensuing observations covered an array of challenges facing Lao tourism. He confronted the confusing arrival experience. “It’s like entering the Third Word,” compared to its neighbors, said the producer of the classic film, “Midnight Express”. “The visa process in Laos is cumbersome. It’s the reverse of nice.” He referred to the well-worn “Thai smile”, and asked, “Can we develop Lao tourism without losing its charm?” In Laos, Lord Puttnam sees a “discontinuity in development”. He warned about Lao tourism’s reliance on donor funding. “Laos needs to unhook itself from donors… Donor dollars are stretched in favor of crisis areas. It’s a struggle to make a case for the tourism and hospitality industry.” Lord Puttnam addressed Laos’ tendency to place too much weight on arrival figures. “Arrival numbers are only half the story…Laos needs to add value to this...
Air Asia flying to Luang Prabang
posted by Markus Neuer
Breaking News on : Air Asia flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Laos has finally opened its restricted skies to Thai AirAsia (TAA), which has relentlessly pursued this sky route for eight years. The no-frills carrier will operate its inauguration flight commencing from Thailand on March 24… Until recently, Luang Prabang flight connections have been doomed expensive, unaffordable and not well connected. Many people from the tourism industry as well as low-income locals and expats alike have been waiting to see a competitive air link to Bangkok become reality When the news went out, it created a vast social media outburst that has made this topic an almost fairy-tale like story…people simply wouldn’t believe that this dream was now to become a reality. Over the last years, open sky policies have been discussed, and each time they seem to be delayed by various influential institutions, companies or even politics in the ASEAN region or here in Laos. But now, the stunning temples, colorful markets and natural diversity of northern Laos are finally more accessible to travellers. Thai Air Asia is launching direct flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. Really, Air Asia to Luang Prabang…this is big news indeed. There is an existing route into Laos from Kuala Lumpur to Vientiane, which has been mostly used to enter KLIA as a travel hub,…but the most famous route has been spared … The new Thai Air Asia service will commence on 24 March 2016, operating daily from the Thai capital’s Don Mueang Airport. With this, Thai AirAsia will become the fourth airline to operate the route, after Lao Airlines, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, but the significant factor is this will be the first low-cost carrier to fly into Luang Prabang. The launch will also mark the airline’s entry into Laos. Thai AirAsia was finally given permission by the Laotian government to fly to the country after applying for the license EIGHT years ago. “This latest route is one that AirAsia and its passengers have been waiting for and is also Thai AirAsia’s first doorway to Lao PDR,” said Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of Thai AirAsia. “By starting daily direct flights from Don Mueang to Luang Prabang, the airline is offering an economical way to quickly travel between the two locations which are just over one hour from each other by plane.” Services will depart Don Mueang daily at 1410 and arrive in Luang Prabang in northern Laos, at 1530. The return services will then leave at 1645 and arrive back in Bangkok at 1805. All flights will be operated using Airbus A320 aircrafts. Perfectly connect Bangkok with Luang Prabang with Air Asia and enjoy our short package tours such as this 4 day Culture and Culinary Highlight Tour....
BMW Motorcycle tour through Laos
posted by Markus Neuer
Singapore GS Trophy Rider Visit Laos A BMW Motorcycle adventure tour through Laos I was excited to get the call from Tommy and his friends, they were taking part in the BMW GS Trophy Cup in Thailand representing Singapore, and Tommy qualified, well done. His plan was to enter Laos and wanted 3 days off road with a visit to Long Cheng LS20A. It was a simple collective decision on which way to go, so I arranged to meet them in Vientiane as they rode up from Bangkok arriving tired after the long ride. I had arranged dinner with some ex US service men who also were in town, it’s always an interesting evening when you meet people who served during the War. Many stories to be told and we all proved good listeners, we would meet them again in Long Cheng in a few days time, great to meet you. Tommy and the boys turned in early as did I, an early start in the morning was on the cards, it would be an easy ride up with Tarmac, graded and dirt roads up to Long Cheng. We arrived around 3pm and checked into the hotel, cleaned up and went for a quick look around, the attention from the locals was big, 3 huge BMW1200 machines brimming with technology and shiny things. After our wander around we went for dinner and a few beers before retiring for the evening. Once gain we rose early so we could take the ride up to Skyline Ridge and walked along it enjoying the views over the famous air base, we also managed to get up above the kings palace, we got turned back from the Palace itself, we did some more poking around before an early lunch with our friends from Vientiane who were there for the day, one of them was a Raven. We said our goodbyes and headed West to Vang Vieng, it’s about 140ks off road through some of the most beautiful countryside in Laos, around Nam Ngum reservoir is stunning. All the guys had a blast on their big machines and all could ride at a high level, I was impressed with how they handled their bikes, we arrived in Vang Vieng absolutely buzzing, the ride is fantastic. We enjoyed the delights of Vang Vieng with a few cold beers and stories of the day, it had been great indeed, we set our alarms for 7am and hit the road south towards Vientiane turning onto the dirt and Headed for Xanakham, fast wide open graded roads, huge amounts of dust seemed endless, we arrived at our final destination were we said our good byes and went our separate ways, me back to Vang Vieng and them Vientiane, I was looking forward to the ride back, it didn’t disappoint. I had a great time and look forward to seeing you gain soon, it’s so easy to do…..Enjoy the ride....
“Mark Community” Greets Elephants to UNESCO World Heritage...
posted by Markus Neuer
The Luang Prabang “Mark Community”, Greets Elephants to UNESCO World Heritage festivities in Dec ember 2015 LUANG PRABANG, LAO PDR; “The Mark Community” led Luang Prabang’s public and private sector tourism stakeholders in sponsoring an Elephant Baci Ceremony during the city’s 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event welcomed a 20-strong Elephant Caravan, which spent 53 days trekking the 630-km route from Sayabouly Province’s Elephant Conservation Center to Luang Prabang. Led by Luang Prabang’s revered white elephant, the caravan arrived at the Elephant Baci Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, 10 December, with a crowd of thousands welcoming them to the outdoor arena. Luang Prabang View hotel owner, Mr. Bounthieng Deuangprasurth, donated the land for the event, which took place on the proposed site for the new Night Market. The Luang Prabang View hotel recently received “The Mark” for clean and safe dining, and joins the city’s Mark Community, a growing group of local hotels and restaurants certified by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) for following global food production guidelines. The Mark Community supported the ceremony, with nine hotels, along with LANITH (Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality), signing up to back the event. The Mark Community members co-sponsoring the ceremony included Kiridara, Maison Dalabua, Maison Souvannaphoum, Satri House, Victoria Xiengthong Palace, Villa Maly, Villa Santi, and 3 Nagas. The sizable venue for the Elephant Baci Ceremony featured a massive lotus-shaped flower centerpiece, made with more than 200 kg of marigolds pinned to a banana-skin frame. Luang Prabang View contributed LAK 15 million (US$1,850) for the floral statue as well as the ceremony’s stage, scaffolding, and lights, with The Mark Community and partnering tourism stakeholders adding a combined US$1,500. Luang Prabang View Hotel also arranged the US$1,000...
Opening of MGallery 3 Nagas by Sofital in Luang Prabang...
posted by Markus Neuer
We are excited to announce the 3 Nagas, MGallery by Sofitel’ opening in Luang Prabang MGallery dedicates its collection of unique hotels to all lovers of secret locations, unusual destinations and hidden havens. And Laos, especially Luang Prabang perfectly suits into this promise. Each hotel from the MGallery collection is inspired by a story, ancient or contemporary, and all visitors are invited to experience this story through their stay. With MGallery hotels you can discover beautiful locations, go behind the scenes, and meet our talents and stories from travellers such as yourself. Let yourself be inspired by the collection now opening here in Luang Prabang, Laos. The MGallery team is delighted and very excited about welcoming guests to experience the new 3 Nagas in Luang Prabang. On 21 December 2015, 3 Nagas will join the MGallery Heritage collection as ‘3 Nagas, MGallery by Sofitel’. With the restoration and enhancements completed, the hotel is now ready to mark the 20th anniversary of Luang Prabang’s UNESCO World Heritage status this December, and also be part of the festive celebrations over Christmas and the New Year. We are exceptionally thrilled with the heritage conservation works that perfectly complement the MGallery by Sofitel’s brand, service offering and cultural location within the Indochina region here in Laos. 3 Nagas will feature a completely new living room area for guests to socialize, refurbished rooms with Indochina explorer touches, upscale Lao food served from the refurbished restaurant with our award winning dishes, and the re‐opening of Luang Prabang’s first historical Ice Cream Shop, serving homemade cakes, pastries, tea and coffee, which even many expats living in Luang Prabang will be delighted about. Guests will enjoy an extensive range of facilities at the sister property,...
Weaving Classes in Luang Prabang...
posted by Markus Neuer
Weaving in Luang Prabang & Textiles in Luang Prabang Join us and enjoy some of the finest handicraft experiences in Luang Prabang, Laos. Living Craft Center is offering weaving presentations, weaving courses, natural dyes, Lao batic and more… Visit the Living Crafts Center, an interactive weaving center in Luang Prabang, and learn about silk worms, how silk is made, the natural dying process and weaving techniques. You can also meet our Hmong batik artist and learn about Hmong culture while taking part in one of our courses offered for our visitors. The center is in a beautiful garden setting, overlooking the Mekong River, only 2km from the center of Luang Prabang. The majority of the textiles are made by the weavers working daily at the Living Crafts Centre (weaving center), so you can experience their work environment and enjoy learning Lao traditions Classes in Natural Dyes, Weaving class, and Hmong Batik Drawing in Luang Prabang right on the banks of the beautiful Mekong river… This is an exclusive opportunity to work with a Lao artisan in Luang Prabang, Laos. English speaking guides are the link between you and your Lao teacher. Classes run for half days, full days or over several days. You are invited to study, learn actually produce some hand made pieces made by yourself in our weaving center just outside of Luang Prabang. The Silk Road: From Silkworms to Nagas Hosted by Ock Pop Tok’s cofounders, Veomanee Duangdala & Joanna Smith. This is a 1.5 hour presentation illustrating the journey of a Lao textiles from the creation of silk to the weaving process and the meaning of motifs. With co-directors: Prices start from 2,080,000 LAK ($260) per group (up to 10 people) Seminar Structure: Introduction to...
Mountain Bike Tours in Luang Prabang...
posted by Markus Neuer
Riding a mountain bike is certainly the best way to go out and explore real Laos while visiting Luang Prabang. High class Mountain Bike Tours in Luang Prabang are made available by a truly passionate and professional team of cyclists and mechanics who run the best maintained bike shop in town. Numerous world cycling travelers, local residents, expats and biking enthusiast have come to visit and enjoy our services and support. The New fleet of Scott Aspect 740, and Bianchi Kuma mountain bikes have arrived and are ready to tackle the country roads of Luang Prabang! New Scott bikes have the 27.5” wheels, which are growing in popularity in the mountain biking world, and all new bikes have very reliable Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. We also have twelve Specialized Hardrock bikes that have gotten a complete makeover for the upcoming season and are riding like new, if not better. Five more Specialized Rockhopper 29ers will also be added to our fleet in the next few months, so all in all we have 30 of the highest quality, trail worthy bikes in Luang Prabang, and of course all of our bikes are maintained daily and are kept in top notch condition. Our bike shop services include rentals, and repairs, so if your bike (or fleet of bikes) needs some attention, please bring it by and we will get it spinning like new for you. Rentals are 50,000 kip/day, longer overland trips are 70,000 kip/day and if you are with another tour company that is need of reliable bikes we charge a very fair 80,000 kip/day. Sample tours and tailor made biking itineraries can be arranged Tiger Trail Travel...
The Luang Prabang Artisan’s Cafe...
posted by Kyle Wagner
We would like to introduce you to the Luang Prabang Artisans’ Cafe where we serve fresh, organic meals and drinks set in a garden of a 100-year-old house.
Royal Enfield Tours in Laos
posted by Markus Neuer
– NEW, Royal Enfield Tours in Laos – 1Day Enfield Motorcycle t our in Luang Prabang After a few days in Luang Prabang I’m ready for some excitement, not sure what I wanted to do but some adventure in this mythical land of Laos was top of my list, I stopped by the Tiger Trail sales Office in the High street were they offered a host of trips, Cycles, Kayaks, Trekking, Homestays and Motorbike Trips. The Motorbike trips caught my eye: a one day classic style Roayl Enfield tour was the one for me. Booked and briefed within 30 mins my trip was set for the next day, I was Excited to say the least, the thought of riding a classic Motorcycle in such a beautiful place of Laos was mouthwatering. The next morning I arrive at the Motolao Café were I’m met by the Motolao Manager and my guide for the day, also another member of the Motolao Team Rob would accompany us the trip, Rob was in Charge of the bikes, their Mechanic and Enfield Guru, I was happy to have him along, his enthusiasm for the bikes was comforting and essential to help me learn my way around the bike, after a small test ride we were good to go…OMG. We set of out of town towards Sayabouri, the pace was in keeping with a Classic Bike, a slow meander was the order of day taking it all in, Drink breaks and Lunch time conversation was all about the bikes, its truly nostalgic to take this trip, the whole thing is an experience much more than riding a bike from A to B, it’s too hard to explain how much you connect with people and machinery on such a trip. We rode all Tarmac at my pace, the guys were great and gave me all the time I needed to enjoy my trip, we turned for home at the Mighty Mekong, the bike was performing great, I had got the hang of it, a trip back through time in a Land where Time seems to have stood still, the fact the trip was coming to an end was no bother, these are memories money can buy in Laos……. Motolao enjoy the...
Laos presents country on ITB Asia...
posted by Markus Neuer
Laos showcases the strengths of its tourism potential at ITB Asia in Singapore. In a private and public effort, Laos successfully showcased the strengths of its tourism potential at this year’s ITB Asia in Singapore. The yearly trade show for the Asian travel market took place from October 21-23 in the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Laos presented an assortment of interesting tour options reflecting the fascinating ethnic, natural and cultural diversity of the country stretching from scenic southern Laos to timeless Luang Prabang in the north. This year’s ITB Asia attracted close to 760 exhibitors from 73 countries, as well as almost 880 buyers including a significant increase in participation from Asia. The show is now in its eighth year and sees for the first time a strong presence from Laos. The Lao Pavilion gained great attention thanks to its unique natural design made from bamboo, and embroidery hailing from ethnic villages, which was designed and managed by Cyril Eberle, Tiger Trail Travel and Mr. Troy Matusow, Hive Bar. Laos’ dynamic economy and friendly people provide a pleasant and amiable environment for foreign visitors. Laos is an eye-opening destination for first-time visitors and jaded travelers alike. During the event new and updated websites from Luang Prabang (www.tourismluangprabang.org) and Southern Laos (www.southern-laos.com) were introduced in addition to the existing official tourism promotion website (www.tourismlaos.org). The Lao pavilion was represented by the Tourism Promotion Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and supported by provincial departments from Luang Prabang and Champassak. Luang Prabang View Hotel, Mekong Cruises, Tiger Trail Travel, Nakarath Travel, EXO Travel, Lao Vieng Travel, Satri House and Lao Airlines showcased their respective products and services in Laos. ...
One Day Motorcycle Adventure with MOTOLAO...
posted by Markus Neuer
– Luang Prabang Motorcycle Adventure with MOTOLAO – “A One Day Motorbike Tour in northern Laos” Traveling to Luang Prabang for a week didn’t give me much time to see everything I wanted so I scrapped a lot of my plans and took a one day Motorcycle tour with Motolao to see more of the countryside around Luang Prabang by motorcycle. Making a booking in the Tiger Trail office in the high street couldn’t have been easier. Next day I’m picked up by their guide and taken to a cool looking place called Motolao cafe, some kind of food garage with an industrial vibe to it. We, a group of three got fitted up with all the riding gear, cleared the paperwork, got shown around the bike and hit the road… I was wondering how much fun you can have in one day on bikes around Luang Prabang, well within 15 minutes of leaving town we were on a nice trail, passing small villages along route, surprised about how rural things had become so quickly, nice. We finish the first part of the trail and get on a Tarmac section for about 20 kilometers; we came across two huge Elephants, amazing animals. A drink stop and a few snacks later we are on another dirt road. This one takes us up through the mountains where it is cool, the views are amazing with a few small villages scattered around, Lao children playing, animals wandering around, unreal we are only an hour or so from such a big city and tourism center like Luang Prabang. The trail wound around the Lao countryside, it seemed endless, the decent started and got really technical riding with large rocks and potholes made it...
Adventure in Northern Laos Udomxay
posted by Markus Neuer
Laos Travel Tip – Untapped Laos. Adventure Travel in Northern Laos – to Udomxay and the Nam Kat Yola Pa Protected Area, surprisingly “fantastic”… DAY 1 of our northern Laos Adventure Trip to “Nam Kat Yola Pa”: Here I am sat in the Tiger Trail Local Sales shop in Lung Prabang, Laos, feeling frustrated…, The Green Season is an amazing time of year to get out into the luscious jungles and see the Waterfalls in their full glory… I love selling these tours in Laos, but I always want to join with our lovely guests and be out there in the Lao nature and beauty. So imagine my excitement when my boss sends me a msg about going on a product survey, But to Udomxai?? Hmmm what the heck is there? Most Guide books have only a page dedicated to Udomxay, with the mention of a few temples…. Not the Fresh Jungle Air I was really craving, but then, I was sent the web link to Nam Kat Yola Pa – http://namkatyolapa.com/ Excitement levels went into Overdrive!! A bunch of our team met in Tiger Trail Travel Head Office ready for an adventure into northern Laos, we jumped in a small minivan and headed off. The First part of the journey into northern Laos was relaxed, normal roads, the standard potholes and the always stunning views of Jungles and the Nam Ou River. It took about 2 hours to get to Pak Mong. Here we stopped at a local restaurant and filled up on tasty noodle soups while one Colleague chowed down on a plate of grilled Vole and sticky rice. Having a look around, I noticed that one of the stalls had some Bee Larvae… I remember eating some of these when I lived in a local village but these were huge! Constantly hatching into gigantic Bee, Wasp Monster type things!! As soon as one of the larvae hatched into a buzzing monster the ladies would use chopsticks to catch the Bee and put it in a bottle of water, for safe keeping. For the record these are not beautiful endangered honey bees, these are the beasts that one sting and your arm could swell to the size of a small 12 year old child!! A very expensive and slightly hazardous delicacy in Laos. Second part of the journey was heading directly to Udomxai. This is where the journey provides, free bottom massages and complimentary Whip lash! The road snakes around the mountains, and cuts through beautiful Jungle scenery and gorgeous green fields. The main road, is a work in progress, meaning lots and lots of mud and rocks and more mud, and locals working to prepare the foundations for a new super road which will improve the journey from Luang Prabang drastically. It was fun; sitting in the car swaying from side to side and up and down, I was beginning to wish I was wearing my sports bra for the minivan journey instead of saving it for jungle adventures! We arrived to Udomxai about 5 hours after leaving Luang Prabang. There is a super new Chinese Built International Bus station for buses heading to Kunming and the regular bus station a few minutes down the road. We did not need to stop for any arranged transfer this time around so we headed out through Udomxai town into Valleys of Green towards Nam Kat Yola Pa… WOW the scenery was out of this world…. We finally arrived… Whilst there is a lot of construction still taking place in the resort, I couldn’t stop listening to the sounds of the babbling stream that seems to weave its way throughout the entire resort, Already a beautiful water feature, which I since learnt comes from the Nam Kat River and once it has flowed through the resort it goes out to the neighboring rice paddies to help...
Long Cheng – Motolao Motorcycle Riding Report Laos...
posted by Markus Neuer
Motorcycle Adventure Tour in Laos – Motolao riding report to Long Cheng, formerly known as “the most secret place on earth”, a motorcycle diary from Laos – It’s hard to surprise those of us who regularly ride motorcycles through Laos. We’ve seen the karst rising in the early-morning mist, faced the roughest terrain, and visited many a quiet and practically unknown village. Life off-the-map is a daily routine when you explore this country on two wheels. Every year, Motolao travels enough miles in Laos alone to circle the entire planet. Every year. So if we haven’t seen or tried it yet, we’re probably on the way right now. Long Cheng is a great example. This site has long been hidden from public view, tucked behind a mountain fortress and guarded by security for the last 50 years. Now that’s changing, and we’ve already been up to take a look around what has been known for decades as The Most Secret Place On Earth. Once the busiest airport in the world, Long Cheng was the headquarters for a CIA covert operation supporting the Hmong forces of General Vang Pao against the communist forces of North Vietnam. Most of the world knew nothing about this – not even Congress, back the USA – so it has since become known as The Secret War In Laos. This effort comprised a massive network Of “Lima” sites (LS Landing Sites) dotting the mountains of Northern Laos that enabled the delivery of supplies into this rugged terrain. These supplies included both aid for the displaced people of Laos and munitions for the war effort. (Southern Laos also had its share of Lima sites, as the war effort was expanded in an attempt to disrupt the Ho Chi...
I’ll tell you a secret – Hidden Waterfall Adventure in Luang Prabang...
posted by Pauline
I’LL TELL YOU A SECRET LUANG PRABANG HIDDEN WATERFALL ADVENTURE My team and I joined our local operations team and went on an adventure just outside of Luang Prabang! All we really knew was there is a Hidden Waterfall in Luang Prabang that Rival’s, or is at least equal to, the awesomeness of the 100 Waterfalls in Nong Khiaw, which Tiger Trail Travel discovered back in 2009. 10 of us jumped in a Tuk Tuk with our good friend Holger from Hill Side Lodge and headed out of the main center of Luang Prabang through local villages, luscious jungle settings and bumpy roads. Nothing like a ride in a Tuk Tuk over mud, rocks and potholes to get all your bones clanging together for that morning wakeup call! 10 of us jumped in a Tuk Tuk with our good friend Holger from Hillside Lodge and headed out of the main center through local villages, luscious jungle settings and bumpy roads. Nothing like a ride in a Tuk Tuk over mud, rocks and potholes to get all your bones clanging together for that morning wakeup call! We arrived at the starting point. We were advised beforehand to wear shoes that could get wet and good for hiking as we would be trekking through the waterfalls… This turned out to be the Understatement of the month! We put a few key items in Waterproof bags, and stripped out of most of our waterproof clothing seeing as it was now being mentioned via whispers throughout the Tuk Tuk that we would be trekking in water waist deep at times… I must admit I was super excited as I have wanted to experience something new here in Luang Prabang Province, but I was also nervous. I am the kind of person that has ended up in an ankle Cast just for not walking properly on a flat pavement! Of we went, started off with a donation to the local village to provide support to them for allowing us access via their roads and then we were in thick beautiful Lao Jungle, If this was not beautiful enough… we came across the first pools of the many, many, many, cascades of this wondrous “Hidden Waterfall”. My Heart was beating with excitement, this was starting out as one of my best Asian Adventure Tours, and I’ve been a tour Guide in Asia for over 8years! It was a double bonus for me, not only was this Adventure already creeping onto my Top Tour list, I got to spend the day with my team. I must say, it was a god send. I do not have what I call my “jungle eyes” in place yet, so a few helping hands for me along the way was vital to my survival and would of course help in their next review ha ha ha. We were walking in water, and then the next minute I was actually climbing up the waterfall. Have you ever seen those epic adventure programs with people like Bear Grylls? Well that was me! I was gripping onto rocks with water cascading down, on me, around me and over me. I was honestly awestruck at what I was getting to do. Well of course after comparing myself to the mighty Bear Grylls, I had my boys shoving at my bottom and pulling me up by the hands to help me up! Not so glamorous after all, but was such fun filled adrenalin. A little way up we came across a cove with a deep pool area. Well I was already wet so why not indulge in a little Recuperation I plunged in for a swim! Whoa! It was certainly refreshing. We carried on our adventure, I had No idea how many pools and cascades we were traversing and climbing, I honestly felt like I was in a...
Boat Racing Festival in Luang Prabang...
posted by Kyle Wagner
The annual Boat Racing Festival is a widely celebrated event in Luang Prabang where long boats race one another down the Mekong River. It is also a celebration of the spiritual Nagas (dragons) that help protect the country.