Free!! The STeakhauS Republic. Grand Salad Bar Unlimited PREMIER CENTRE SUPREME GLORY. Available Now at. Prices from KIP 96,000++ Main Grilled Dishes

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3 a CENTRE SUPREME TREATMENTS PREMIER GLORY The STeakhauS Republic New Prices from KIP 96,++ New Main Grilled Dishes Free!! Grand Salad Bar Unlimited Choice of Side Dish Available Now at Rashmi s he Plaza Hotel on the 6 th Floor Book Your Table at Tel

4 Director's Note It will almost be one year since we started on our journey to create a new lifestyle and travel magazine for Laos. Along the way there have been many people that have helped us create this publication without those people it wouldn t be possible. From our advertising partners and travelers through this beautiful country, to the writers, graphic design artists and salespersons, everyone has pulled together, which makes us very proud. ວ ລ ວ ວ ລ ວ ວ ຊ ວ ລ ວ ລ ວ ລ ວ. ລຍ ວລ ຄ ວ ຍ ຄວ ຊ ວຍ ວ ລ - ຍ ຄວ ວ. ຄ ວ ຄ ລ ວ ວຍ,,, ລ ຍ ຍ, ຄ ລ ວ ລ ວ ຊ ວ ວ ຍ ຍ. This issue of Sabaidee focuses on the mighty Mekong River in its full glory. This lifeblood of Southeast Asia provides industries for local people right along its path, and is an intricate part of everyday life in Lao. From ishing and transportation to tourism, the Mekong River is the most important of Mother Nature s creations in this part of the world. This month s issue also includes lots of the regular categories such as dining out, spas, PR news, Lao events calendar and all those other things that have made Sabaidee-magazine compulsive viewing over 212. In the run-up to the festival season, Sabaidee Magazine would like to wish our readers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Phanhlakhone Syboonheung The Director ວ ລ ຍ ລ ວ ຊ ວ. ຍ ລ ລ ຊ ວ ຊ ວ ລ ຊ ຊ ລ, ລ ວ ຊ ຊ ຊ ວ ວ ລ ວ. ລ ວ, ຄວ ຄ ຍ ຊ ວ ລ. ວ ລ ຍ ລວ ຍ ຊ ວ,, ວ ຊ, ລ ວ ລ ໆ ຍຄວ ຍ ວ ລ ຍ., ວ ລ ຍ ວຍ ຍ ໆ ຄວ ວ ຊ ລ ຄວ ຄ ລ. ພ ລະຄອ ສ ເຮ ອງ ຜ ອຳ ວຍກາ 4

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6 6th THIS ISSUE November - December 212 Regulars 14 Lao Calendar 16 Hot Deals & Promotion 17 PR Bulletins 49 Sabaidee Club 2 Travel 2 Sabaidee Cover Discovering the Mekong River 38 Art National Institute of Fine Art 4 Lao Rooms

7 Located strategically on the New promenade of the Mekong River adjacent to the King Anouvong s park, Don Chan Palace, Hotel & Convention is the official 5-star hotel in Laos. Enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong River and Vientiane city from the tallest building in Laos while staying with us. All rooms are inclusive of complimentary unlimited high speed internet access with plush necessitiesand our new au-natural amenities for the discerning guests. Our Lao Traditional Hospitality Makes us Different... Don Chan Palace Hotel & Convention, Unit 6 Piawat Village, Sisattanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel: (856-21) Fax: (856-21) info@donchanpalacelaopdr.com

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9 6th THIS ISSUE November - December 212 Lifestyle 42 Lao Cuisine Tam Mak Houng 44 Dine Out Smile 46 Sabaidee Guest 48 Travel Companion 5 Behind the Wheel Mazda BT Sabaidee Shopping Caruso Lao 56 Sabaidee Relax 5 Directory & Map 58 Map of Lao 59 Lao s General Information 6 Vientiane Directory 64 Vang Vieng Directory 66 Luang Prabang Directory 69 Savannakhet Directory 7 Pakse & Champasak Directory

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11 sabaidee Con tri bu tors Kim Loe Originally from the UK, Kim has been based in Bangkok for the past 5 years, freelancing as a blogger, article writer and copywriter, writing on a variety of topics from ilm and comedy to sport and travel, for a number of publications and websites. Previous to his time in Bangkok, Kim was a screenwriter, playwright and comedian, writing professionally for the stage and screen, and experimenting with stand up and sketch comedy at venues around London and the UK. Alan Wass Alan Wass is a native English speaking writer who has worked for publications across Thailand that include the Phuket Gazette, Phuket Post, Day& Night Magazine, The Phuketian and Top 1 Phuket, alongside some of the biggest property websites in Thailand such as Siam Real Estate and Thailand Holiday Homes. Passionate about his job and with a quirky sense of humor, Alan is the stereotypical disillusioned writer/ editor putting words together in a certain way that resembles sentences and paragraphs. Joe Williams Joseph is determined to have tried out every profession under the sun by the age of 3. A qualiied accountant and part-time English tutor, travel writing seemed the next logical step. Joseph lives in Bangkok but has spent time enjoying the sights and sounds of Laos as well as other South East Asian countries. Also available at: For more information visit or simply scan the QR code WHO'S ຄະນະທ ປ ກສາ Consultants ພ ດທະລະພ ງ ຄ ງວ ຈ ດ Pattarapong Kongvijit ວ ສ ດ ເຊ າວະລ ດຕານ ນ Wisith Chawalitanon ມານະໄຊ ອ ນແກ ວ Manachai Inkaew ສ ມໃຈ ພ ມຜາສ ກ Somjai Pimpasouk ຜ ອຳນວຍການ Director ພ ນລະຄອນ ສ ບ ນເຮ ອງ Phanhlakhone Syboonheung ບ ນນາທ ການອຳນວຍການ Editorial Director ເກດ ພ ດທະຢາກອນສ ນ Gaid Kornsilapa ບ ນນາທ ການບ ລ ຫານ Editor in Chief ຄຳສວນ ຈ ນທະລາດ Khamsouan Chanthalat ຫ ວໜ າກ ມ ຜ ອຳນວຍການຝ າຍຂາຍ ແລະ ການຕະຫ າດ Group Director of Sales & Marketing ຣ ຊ ດາ ໂພຄະບານ Ruchuda Pokabal ບ ນນາທ ການ ພາສາອ ງກ ດ English Editor ອະລ ນ ວາດ Alan Wass ບ ນນາທ ການອອນລາຍ Online Editor ຂະນ ດຖາ ອ ດຕະເມດ Kanittha Attamate ຜ ອຳນວຍການຝ າຍຂາຍ Sales & Marketing Director ຊາຢາດາ ອະລ ຍະພ ນຈະເລ ນ Chayada Ariyaphoncharoen ປະສານງານການຕະຫ າດ Marketing Co-ordinator ສ ດທະໜອມ ໄຊຊະຫວ ນ Soutthanorm Xaysavanh ທ ມງານຂ າວ Reporter ເທບພະວ ງສອນ ບ ວພາ Thepphavongsone Bouapha ຈ ດໜ າ ແລະ ອອກແບບ Layout Design ນ ດນະລ ມາທອງ Nutnaree Mathong ເວກກະະສ ດ ເທບພ ທ ກ Ekasith Theppitak ທະນະວ ດ ຄ ງແສນຄຳ Thanawatt Khongseankhum ໄອທ Webmaster ຈ ກກ ດ ອ ດອນພ ມ Jackkrit Udornpim ຝ າຍທ ລະການ Administrative Support ສາທ ດ ຈ ນດາວ ງ Sathit Chindavong ສຳນ ກງານຂາຍວາລະສານ ສະບາຍດ 28 ຖະໜ ນສ ພານ ວ ງ, ບ ານອ ບມ ງ, ເມ ອງສ ໂຄດຕະບວງ, ນະ ຄອນ ຫລວງວຽງຈ ນ, ສ.ປ.ປ.ລາວ ໂທ / ແຟ ກ: Sabaidee Magazine Sales Office 28 Souphanouvong Road, Baan Oupmong, Sikottabong District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel / Fax: ອ ເມລ ບ ນນາທ ການ Editor editor@sabaidee-magazine.com ຝ າຍຂາຍ Sales chayada@sabaidee-magazine.com A l l m a t e r i a l a p p e a r i n g i n S a b a i d e e L ie f l e sm t ay gl e a z & i n Te r ai s v s t r i c t l y c o p y r i g h t e d a n d a l l r i g h t s a r e r e s e r v e d. N o p a r t o f t h i s py u bb e l i cr ea pt ir oo n d um c ae d i n w h o l e o r p a r t w i t h o u t t h e p r i o r w r i t t e n p e r m i s s i o n t o t h e c o p y lr l i ga hr t i ch lo e ls d e a r n. d A p h o t o g r a p h s p u b l i s h e d h e r e i n a r e c r e a t e d b y t h e a u t h o r s a n d p h o t o g irr a po hw en r s d ias t c rte h t ei o n a n d d o n o t n e c e s s a r i l y r e p r e s e n t t h e v i e w o f t h e p u b l i s h e r o. f S ta hb e a im d ae ge a Lz iifn e es t y l e & T r a v e l M a g a z i n e h o l d s n o r e s p o n s i b i l i t y o r l i a b i l i t y a r i s i n g ioc ua t i o f n toh f e s pu uc bh l a r t i c l e s a n d p h o t o g r a p h s. 1 HM LAO ເຈ າຂອງ ແລະ ຜ ຈ ດພ ມ Owner & Publisher ທ ເອ ສ ເອ ມ ລາວ THM Lao

12 WHERE TO FIND Vientiane Hotel: Ansara Hotel Aroon Residence Asian Pavilion Hotel AV Hotel Avalon Hotel Avilla Phasouk Hotel Be Na Cam Guesthouse Best Western Vientiane Hotel D Rose Hotel Don Chan Palace Hotel Green Park Boutique hotel ihouse-new Hotel Inter City Boutique Hotel Lao Plaza Hotel Le Leela Hotel Mercure Vientiane Hotel New Lao Paris Hotel Parkview Executive Suites Rashmi s Plaza Hotel Sabaidee@Lao Hotel Salana Boutique Hotel Settha Palace Vientiane Plaza Hotel Restaurants & Cafe: Amphone Aria Italian Blue Bananas Boutique Restaurant Chokdee cafe Common Grounds Cafe and Bakery Croissant d Or Europe Steak House French Joma Bakery Cafe Full Moon Cafe Khop Chai Deu Kongkhao Restaurant Kong View Kualao Restaurant L Adresse de Tinay La Bodega La Gondola Lao Garden Pub & Restaurant La Scala Fine Italian La Terrasse Le Banneton Le Cote D Azur Restaurant L Estaminet L Opera Italian Restaurant Makphet Restaurant Nam Phu Restaurant and Bar Nazim Restaurant Indian NOS Sushi Bar Restaurant Osaka Hac Chao Restaurant Le Provencal Scandinavian Bakery Swensen s Ice Cream Swedish Pizza & Baking House Shabu Shabu Tamnak Lao Restaurant Ty-Na Restaurant Xang Khoo The Spirit House Tex Mex Alexia Vista WiFi Cafe Via Via Restaurant and Bar Xayoh restaurant Massage & Spa: Adina Spa Champa Spa Dalah Spa Dragon Massage Happy Garden Kim Traditional Massage LV City Mandarina Body And Soul Spa Manee Spa Niyom Massage & Spa Oasis Spa Massage & Beauty Papaya Spa Shop Sabaidee Massage Shop The Spa Vientiane Thongchan Sauna and Tou White Lotus Massage & Beauty Vongdala Lao Traditional Massage Vang Vieng Hotel: Ban Sabai Bungalow Bee Bee Guest House Champa Lao Bungalow Champa Lao The Villa Chanthapanya Guest House Domon Guesthouse Grandview Guesthouse Hotel Vilayvong Inthira Vang Vieng Khampaseuth Hotel Khamphone Guesthouse Khamthavee Guesthouse Laos Haven Hotel Le Jardin Organique Malany Villa 1 Malany Villa 2 Moradok 2 Resort (Heritage) Mountain Riverview Nana Pany Hotel Phou Ang Kham 1 Hotel Phou Ang Kham 2 Hotel Popular View Guesthouse River View Bungalows Riverside Boutique Resort Santi Villa Savanh Vangvieng Hotel Silver Naga Hotel Spicylaos Backpackers Thavexok Hotel Thavikhoun Guest House Thavisouk Hotel and Resort Thavonsouk Resort The Elephant Crossing Hotel Vang Vieng Eco Lodge Vangvieng Resort Vansana Hotel Vang Vieng Villa Nam Song Villa Vang Vieng Riverside Restaurants & Cafe: Arena Restaurant and Bar Erawan Restaurant Jungle Restaurant Khan Kham Restaurant Luang Prabang Bakery Organic Mulberry Farm Cafe Sabaidee Garden Sala Pha Deng Steak House The Terrace Vanpersay Restaurant Via Via Pizza Xayoh Restaurant Massage & Spa: Linna Phar Massage Mandarina Spa Luang Prabang Hotel: 3 Nagas Alounsavath Guesthouse Ancient Luang Prabang Arissara House Elephant Lodge Hotel Amantaka Hotel de la Paix Hotel de Lyon Hotel Villa Deux Rivieres Kamu Lodge Kiridara La Residence Phou Vao Lao Spirit Resort Le Bel Air Boutique Resort Le Palais Juliana Le Parasol Blanc Luang Prabang L hotel Souvannaphoum Lotus Villa Laos Luang Prabang Oasis Luang Prabang Paradise Resort Luang Prabang Residence Luang Prabang River Lodge Luang Prabang River Lodge 2 Luang Prabang View Resort Maison Dalabua Hotel Maison Souvannaphoum Manoluck Hotel Mekong Riverview Hotel Mekong River Villa Muong Lao Riverside My Dream Boutique Resort Nam Khan Villas Resort Nam Ou Riverside Hotel & Resort Ock Pop Tok Villa Pack Luck Villa Guesthouse Phousi Hotel Philaylack Villa Rama Hotel Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa Sabaidee Guesthouse Sala Prabang Sanakeo Hotel Santi Resort & Spa Satri House Saynamkhan Hotel SAYO NAGA Guesthouse Sayo River Guest House Sokdee Residence Sunway Thatsaphone Villa The Apsara The Apsara Rive Droite The Chang Heritage Hotel The Chang Inn The Grand Luang Prabang The Luang Say Residence The View Pavilion Hotel The Xieng Mouark Bellevue Resort Villa Baan Lakkham Villa Ban Lao Hotel Villa Chitdara Villa Laodeum Villa Lao Wooden House Villa Le Tam Tam Villa Luang Sokxay Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel Villa Maly Villa Nagara Villa Santi Hotel Villa Thepsanasinh Hotel Villa Treasure Hotel Luang Prabang Xangkham Resort Xiengthong Palace Zen Namkhan Boutique Resort Restaurant & Cafe: Ancient Kili Cafe Ancient Luang Prabang Cafe Arthouse Cafe Aussie Sports Bar and Barbeque Mekong BBQ by the Bridge Big Tree Cafe Blue Lagoon Restaurant Boungnasouk Restaurant Cafe Ban Vat Sen Cafe Mekong Fish Coconut Garden Couleur Cafe and Restaurant Dara Restaurant Delilah s Place Dyen Sabai Galanga German Restaurant Hive Bar & Restaurant Huean Luang Prabang Icon Klub IndoChina Spirit Joma Bakery Cafe Kitchen by the Mekong La Belle Epoque Lao Lao Garden! La Residence Phou Vao, Phou Le Banneton Cafe le cafe ban vat sene L Elephant Restaurant Le Tam Tam Garden Martin s Pub Morning Glory Cafe Namkhong Cafe Nava Mekong Park Houay Mixay Pizza Sasa Tamarind Restaurant Roots & Leaves Safron Cafe Sala cafe Savanh Restaurant S Bar & Restaurant Sonphao Tamnak Lao Restaurant Tat Mor The Apsara The Belle Rive Terrace The House Restaurant & Bar The Old Town Restaurant The Silk Road Cafe The View Pavilion Tropical Garden Authentic Thai Cuisine Tum Tum Cheng Utopia Restaurant and Bar Un Petit Nid Massage & Spa: Angsana Spa Dhammada Massage Oasis Khmu Restaurant Spa & Massage Lao Red Cross Sauna and Massage Lemongrass Sauna and Traditional Massage Lotus Spa The Mekong Spa The Spa Garden Pakse Hotel: Arawan Riverside Hotel Athena Hotel Champassak Grand Hotel Champasak Guesthouse Champasak Palace Hotel Champa Residence Hotel Daovieng Hotel Dokkhoun Hotel Done Khong Guest House Houaygnangkham Hotel Imhoun Homestay & Restaurant Inthira Hotel Khone Pha Pheng Resort And Golf Club Kingisher Ecolodge Kongmany Hotel La Folie Lodge Lankham Hotel Mely 2 Hotel Mekong Paradise Resort Pakse Hotel Phaythavone Hotel Phonsavan Hotel Pon Arena Hotel Residence Sisouk Restaurant & Cafe: Bolaven Cafe Daolin Restaurant Cafe Jaidee Bar and Restaurant Jasmine Restaurant Lankham Pho Pakse Le Panorama Nadao Rattana s Restaurant The Kitchen Champasak Xuanmai Massage & Spa: Champasak Spa Savannakhet Hotel: Daosavanh Resort & Spa Hoong Thip Hotel Leena Guesthouse Mekong Hotel Phonepaseuth Hotel Rattanasavanh Saisouk Guesthouse Sala Savanh Savanbanhao Hotel Savan Vegas Hotel & Casino Restaurant & Cafe: Cafe Anakot Lao Lao restaurant Lin s Cafe Savan Lao Deam Savannakhet ilounge Cafe 12

13 Fly Boutique. Feel Unique. Bangkok Airways Flies Non-Stop Vientiane Bangkok Starting November 3, 212 ROUTE FLIGHT DEPARTURE ARRIVAL AIRCRAFT Vientiane - Bangkok PG 944 1:1 11:25 AIRBUS 319 Bangkok - Vientiane PG 943 8:15 9:3 AIRBUS 319 Vientiane Experience pleasant amenities that go above and beyond, including the private departure lounges* and gourmet in-flight meals that Bangkok Airways has long been famous for, whenever you fly with us to Bangkok or our other destinations. Bangkok Airways, Asia s Boutique Airline. Boutique Service Boutique Lounge Boutique Menu *Boutique Lounge: Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok) Bangkok Airways Vientiane Office Lao Plaza Hotel, 63 Samsenthai Road, Unit 1 (Shop B), Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly district, Vientiane Lao PDR Tel: (856) ,

14 Laos CaLendar ThaT Luang FesTivaL and Trade Fair NOV Venue: Vientiane Capital This religious festival is held in and around That Luang Stupa, the National Symbol of Laos. It is a three-day religious festival celebrated at full moon in November. It begins with pre-dawn gathering of ten thousands of pilgrims from Laos and Thailand at That Luang who listen to prayers and sermons chanted by hundreds of monks representing all Lao temples. The festival ends with a huge ireworks display. Luang Prabang FiLm FesTivaL Venue: Central Market Plaza, Luang Prabang 1-5 DEC Featuring titles selected by the Motion Picture Ambassadors (MPAs), the line-up for the 212 Luang Prabang Film Festival relects the best of the region s ilms from the last ive years, with ilms to represent each country in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and the Philippines. They will all be shown in nightly free open-air screenings in the central market plaza of the Unesco World Heritage city. The festival will also feature short ilms, as well as exhibitions, seminars, workshops, concerts and performances. 2 DEC Lao national day This celebrates the 1975 victory of the proletariat over the monarchy with parades, speeches, etc. Lao national and communist hammer-and-sickle lags are lown all over the country. Celebration is mandatory, hence poorer communities postpone some of the traditional Awk Phansaa activities usually practiced roughly a month earlier--until National Day, thus saving themselves considerable expense (much to the detraction of Awk Phansaa). asean Tourism Forum (atf) JAN Venue: Lao International Trade Exhibition and Convention Center (Lao ITECC), Vientiane The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) is a cooperative regional efort to promote the ASEAN region as one tourist destination where Asian hospitality and cultural diversity are at its best. The Travel Exchange (TRAVEX) component is a trade-only mart that showcases the world s largest contingent of ASEAN destination products and services, and facilitates selling, buying and promoting the region internationally. TTG Events, a business group of TTG Asia Media, is the longest-running TRAVEX secretariat for ATF. hmong new year 1-5 DEC Venue: Nationwide Hmong New Year celebrations frequently occur in November and December, traditionally at the end of the harvest season when all work is done and normally take place where large Hmong communities exist. During the New Year s celebration, Hmong dress in traditional clothing and enjoy traditional foods, dance, music, bull ights, and other forms of entertainment. This time also serves as a matchmaking occasion when young men and women meet and make marriage plans ThaT inhang FesTivaL 28 Venue: Savannakhet This festival will be held on the grounds of the splendid That Inhang Stupa, which is located just outside the city of Savannakhet. An international trade fair will include exhibitions of tourism products from Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. The fair will also include the performance of Traditional Lao music and dance, as well as sports competitions featuring football, boxing, tennis and local traditions, including a drumming competition. DEC 14

15 A sleepy little piece of paradise on the banks of the Nam Khan River. Stay for a few days. Remember them forever. /T/ /E/ infovbl@laotel.com /W/ villabanlakkham.com

16 Hot deals & promotion 6-DAY PaksE BOLavEN EXPLORER TOUR This trip to an ancient volcano site on a high plateau surrounded by natural parks, remote hill-tribes and dense jungle starts on Day 1 with a car trip from Pakse taking in Phaseum Resort. Here you learn about the ancient ways of life of local tribal people. 5-DAY LaOs HIkINg and HOMESTAY PACKAGE The trip continues to local villages, waterfalls and a cofee plantation. On Day 2 you travel by boat down the Mekong River towards Champassak and the preangkorian Vat Phu temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day 3 includes a river cruise visiting ishing villages, a hike along an old French-built railway and a long-tail boat ride to the Khone Phapeng Waterfall and a dolphin-watch area. On Day 4 there is a trip to Vat Hangkong, the oldest temple on Khong Island and on to Don Daeng for an overnight. Day 5 is spent enjoying this tranquil spot overlooking the Mekong. Day 6 returns to Pakse. The cost for the land tour is $845 for two persons. More details at A gentle balance of city and country is ofered in this ive-day package. Day 1 in Vientiane includes visits to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have survived the Siamese war of 1828; Wat Ho Prakeo, former home temple of the famous Emerald Buddha, and Patouxay (Arc de Triumph). Day 2 starts with the morning market, continues to the salt-making village of Ban Bor and goes on to scenic Nam Ngum lake and a boat ride. After a visit to a silk-weaving village, the day ends at Vangvieng. Day 3 takes in the natural caves of Tham Norn, beautiful forest and swimming or relaxing before spending the evening with a family of Lowland Lao at Ban Nathong. On Day 4 travelers take a local taxitractor to return to Viengveng. There are also visits to Ban Phone craft village and to Vang Xang archaeological site. On Day 5 you return to Vientiane where the morning is free until departure. The price for the tour starts at $35. More details at 16

17 Lao TeLecom PROVIDES 4G DURING ASEM 9 As the host country for ASEM 9 in Vientiane recently, Lao Telecom introduced and provided 4G, which is the latest information technology, to be used during the international meeting. Thongsai Sansaya, Director General of Lao Telecom said that 4G is the newest system used at the moment with a capacity of 1 Mbps data transfer, so that people can talk face to face via mobile phone, watch television, and surf the internet on smart phones with fastest speed as ever. pr BuLLetins ParTnershiP BETWEEN BCEL AND LAO AIRLINES Lao Airlines recently signed an MOU between Lao Airlines and BCEL. Lao Airlines is one of the state enterprises that are taking steps to develop its business. They are working on improving safety and customer service to reach international standards. Therefore, this partnership between Lao Airlines and BCEL is another step to achieve some solid goals. This includes activities such as Cobrand union Pay card, and developing modern, eicient, and reliable customer service. By signing the MOU, both organizations will collaborate to develop a clear strategic plan to achieve these goals. Lao TeLecom HANDED OVER TOYOTA FORTUNER FOR LUCKY WINNER Lao Telecom Director General, Thongsai Sansaya, recently gave dummy car keys to Sita Doungmany, the lucky winner who scooped the irst Toyota Fortuner from the Scratch for Luck campaign from his 25,-Kip prepaid card to top-up his mobile phone. The handover ceremony was held during Boun Ok Phansa Festival in Vientiane at Lao Telecom s booth for the irst jackpot prize since the campaign starts in 4 July 212. There is another Toyota Fortuner and two Hyundai Accent Blue still waiting for the lucky winners-to-be. 17

18 pr BuLLetins SightSeeing tours from Above by LAo Air Recently, marking its 1th anniversary, Lao air has invited those who love Laos to see the characteristic beauty of the city of vientiane, via the top notch as35 B2 helicopter for a very affordable airfare. Mr. Bounma Chanthavongsa, the managing director of Lao air, said that the city sightseeing lyby will take the country by storm since Laos has some of the most beautiful scenery. Consequently, the company was recently granted, by the government, to open four lying routes for those who want to obtain new experience of sightseeing with reasonable prices. Mr. Bounma says that Lao air is also offering special routes for charter lights for those investors and companies for surveying mines or offering exclusive excursion. In the near future, there will be new routes such as Those four routes operating through November are as follows; visiting National Forest Conservation area, karst areas in khammuan, which can be exclusively viewed via helicopter. One of Lao air s concrete marketing plans is to ind our advantages in marketing while encouraging the government to promote our tourism, by means of enhancing our charter lights including reinforcing our helicopter s charter light service and connecting all those domestic lights, said Mr. Bounma. He also pointed out that safety is something that Lao air also takes seriously as all staff are well trained. In the meantime, all aircrafts are thoroughly maintained. all passengers safety is guaranteed when lying with Lao Air. For those who are interested in this amazing offer, you can ind more information at: www. lao-air.com or call (856-21) NO. ROUTE DETAILS PRICE / PERSON PRICE / CHARTER FLIGHT ລາວ ເດ ນ ອາກາດ ເຊ ນ ບ ນ ທ ຽວຊ ມນະຄອນ ວງ ວຽງ ຈ ນ ບ ລ ສ ດ ລາວ ເ ນ ອາກາດ ເຊ ງສະ ອງ ຄ ບຮອບ 1 ປ ໄປ ເມ ອ ໄວໆ ນ ຂ ເຊ ນຊວນ ນ ກ ທ ອງ ທ ຽວ ທ ງ ຊາວ ລາວ ແລະ ຕ າງປະ ເທດ ບ ນທ ຽວ ຊ ມຄວາມ ສວຍ ງາມ ຂອງ ນະຄອນ ວງ ວຽງ ຈ ນ ທາງ ອາກາດ ດ ວຍ ເຄ ອງ ບ ນ ເ ລ ຄອບ ເ ລ ນ AS35 B2 ໃນ 4 ເ ນທາງ ໄ ແກ : 1. ສະໜາມ ບ ນສາກ ນວ ດ ໄ -ສວນ ເຈ າອະນ ວ ງ- ໂ ງ ແ ມ ດອນ ຈ ນ ພາ ເລ ສ- ສ ນ ການ ຄ າ ລາວໄ ເ ກ-ໂ ງ ແ ມ ດອນ ຈ ນ ພາ ເລ ສ-ສະໜາມ ບ ນ ສາກ ນວ ດ ໄ, ລາຄາ 399. ກ ບ/ຄ ນ ເໝ າ ກ ບ/ລຳ. 2. ສະໜາມ ບ ນ ສາກ ນວ ດ ໄ -ສວນ ເຈ າອະນ ວ ງ-ໂ ງ ແ ມ ດອນ ຈ ນ ພາ ເລ ສ-ຂ ວ ມ ດຕະພາບ ລາວ ໄທ-ສະ ໜາມບ ນສາກ ນ ວ ດ ໄ, ລາຄາ 599. ກ ບ/ຄ ນ ເໝ າ ກ ບ/ລຳ. 3. ສະໜາມ ບ ນ ວ ດ ໄ ສາກ ນ -ສວນ ເຈ າອະນ ວ ງ- ໂ ງ ແ ມ ດອນ ຈ ນ ພາ ເລ ສ- ມະຫາວ ທະຍາ ໄລ ແ ງ ຊາດ -ສ ນ ການ ຄ າ ລາວໄ ເ ກ-ສະໜາມ ບ ນ ສາກ ນວ ດ ໄ, ລາຄາ 599. ກ ບ/ຄ ນ ເໝ າ ກ ບ/ລຳ Wattay International Airport the Chao Anouvong Park Don Chan Palace Hotel Lao ITECC Don Chan Palace Hotel Wattay International Airport Wattay International Airport the Chao Anouvong Park Don Chan Palace Hotel Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Wattay International Airport Wattay International Airport the Chao Anouvong Park Don Chan Palace Hotel Lao ITECC National University Wattay International Airport 399, KIP 1,995, KIP 599, KIP 2,995, KIP 599, KIP 2,995, KIP 4. ສະໜາມ ບ ນ ວ ດໄ ສາກ ນ -ສວນ ເຈ າອະນ ວ ງ- ຂ ວ ມ ດຕະພາບ ລາວ ໄທ- ວ ດ ຊຽງ ຄວນ-ສ ນ ການ ຄ າ ລາວໄ ເ ກ-ສະໜາມກ ລາ ແ ງ ຊາດ-ມະຫາວ ທະຍາ ໄລ ແ ງ ຊາດ- ສະໜາມ ບ ນ ສາກ ນວ ດ ໄ, ລາຄາ ກ ບ/ຄ ນ ເໝ າ ກ ບ/ລຳ. ສຳ ລ ບ ຜ ສ ນ ໃຈ ສອບ ຖາມ ລາຍ ລະອຽດ ເພ ມ ຕ ມ ໄ ທ Wattay International Airport the Chao Anouvong Park Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge-Buddha Park-Lao ITECC-National University-Wattay International Airport 1,199, KIP 5,995, KIP 18

19

20 sabaidee CoVer DISCOVERING the Mekong River Story & Photos : Kim Loe 2

21 THE MEKONG RIVER IS ONE OF THE MAIN ARTERIES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA AND ONE OF THE GREAT RIVERS OF THE WORLD. THIS MEANDERING PASSAGE OF WATER CUTS THROUGH LARGE PARTS OF CHINA, CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM, AND WINDS ALONG THE BORDERS OF MYANMAR AND THAILAND, BUT THE HEART OF THE RIVER CAN BE FOUND RUNNING THROUGH THE LENGTH OF LAOS. FROM THE STUNNING TEMPLES AND ARCHITECTURE OF MUANG SING, DOWN TO THE TRANQUIL RIVER ISLANDS OF PAKSE, THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO EXPLORE THE PEOPLE, HISTORY, CUISINE AND MANY COLOURFUL CULTURES OF LAOS THAN BY FOLLOWING THE PATH OF THE MEKONG RIVER. ALONG THE WAY YOU'LL EXPERIENCE A VAST NUMBER OF AWE INSPIRING ECOSYSTEMS AND INDIGENOUS CULTURES, LARGE CITY'S STREWN WITH FRENCH COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE AND GOLD SHIMMERING TEMPLES, BUSY MARKET PLACES, REMOTE VILLAGES, AND LOTS AND LOTS OF PRISTINE NATURAL SCENES. ວ ຄ ຄວ ຄ ຄວ ຈ ຄວ ຳ ຊ ຍ ຳ ຊ ວ, ຊ ວຍ ຄ : ລ ວ,,, ຳ ຈ ຍ ລ ຫ. ລ ລ ວ ຍ ຄ ຍ ລ ລ ຊ ວ. ລ ວ ຄວ ຍ ຄ, ລ ວ ລ ລ ຍ ວ ຍ ລ ຊ ລ ວ ວ ຍ ວ. 21

22 Muang Sing LuANg NAMTHA I n the Luang Namtha Province in Northwest Laos, close to the borders of Myanmar and China, Muang Sing has gained a reputation for its charming architecture, picturesque surroundings and a wealth of Buddhist temples. A relatively small town, even by Laotian standards, Muang Sing is home to a colourful mixed community of Tai Dam, Tai Lue, Hmong and Yao people, many of whom travel and trade around the town in traditional dress, making for lots of interesting street scenes and photo opportunities. Adding further to the aesthetic attraction of Muang Sing are the many beautiful wooden houses built in traditional Ti Lue style, while the immediate lat surrounding land of Muang Sing is surrounded by a panorama of distant mountains. The biggest attraction of the town is the Morning Market known and loved for its food stalls. At the market you'll ind a selection of food items both dried and ready to eat, including lots of imported produce and products from across the Chinese border. Despite being known as the morning market, this busy bazaar runs throughout the day. Not far from the Morning Market, the Muang Sing Museum is set in a large wood and brick structure with a distinct red tiled roof. Here you'll uncover all you need to know about Muang Sing's rich history and culture. Muang Sing also has 27 temples (known as Wats), the oldest being Wat Xieng Chai, also located close to the museum. Many tourists choose to rent bikes and head towards the distant mountain ranges, or explore the many surrounding villages. you'll also discover many guided tours, ofering to take you around a collection of village communities, and to visit the breathtaking caves, canyons and waterfalls of the Xieng Kheang Mountain Range and upper region of the Mekong River. - ວ ວ ຍ ລ ວ ລ ວ ຍໆ, ຊ ຊ ວ ຊ ຳ, ລ, ລ ວ, ຍ ໆຄ ລ ຄ ຍ ໆ ຊ, ຈ ຍ ລ ຍ. ຄວ ຊ ຍ ລ, ຊ ຍ ວຍ ຍ. 22

23 Houay Sai BOKEO H ouay Sai is the proud capital of the Bokeo province in Lao, sat irmly on the banks of the Mekong River and the Thailand border. Houay Sai has become a popular border crossing, running regular ferries to Chiang Khong, and with a bridge to Thailand getting close to completion. The town also has a small domestic airport with regular lights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and is popular river port for slow boats and cruisers running down the Mekong Rover to Pakbeng, Luang Prubang and beyond. Though it is best known as a transport hub, with the vast majority of tourists only passing through to change vehicle or get a visa stamp, some do choose to stay and explore this intriguing, exotic little town. There are plenty of guest houses to lay your head, and no real shortage of eating or drinking options in Houay Sai, but you'll have to head just outside the town to ind the real attractions. On a nearby hillside you'll ind the striking ruins of Fort Carnot, an ancient French fort which ofers great views of Houay Sai and the lowing Mekong River. A short distance further along the Mekong, in the suburb of Ban Muangkeo, there is the local Morning Market, while those willing to travel further still will discover the Bokeo Nature Reserve. ວຍ ຊ ຍ- ວ ວຍ ຊ ຍ ວ ວ ວ ລ ວ, ຳ ຄ ລ ຄ ລ ຊ ຍ. ວຍ ຊ ຍ ຍ ຊ ຍ ຍ, ລ ວ ຊ ຍ ຊ, ລ ຊ ວ ຍ ຳ ລ ລ ວ. ວ ຍ ຍ ຍ ວ ຳ ວ ລ ວ ລ ຍ ຳລ ຍ ຳ ລ ລ ວ ລ, ວ ລ. 23

24 Pak Beng OuDOMxAy 24 - ຊ ຄ, ຄ ລ ຫ ວຍ ຊ ຍ ລ ວ, ຍ ລ ຫ ຍ ຳລ ວ ລ ວ ຍ ຍ ຳ ວ ລ ວ. ຊ ວ ຍ ຄວ ວ ວ ວ ຍ ລ ຍ ຳ ຄ ຍໆ ລ ງ. S at high up on the banks of the Makong River, half way between Houay Sai and Luang Prabang, Pak Beng has become a popular stop-over point for tourists and backpackers exploring the northern regions of Laos. Its fortunate position on the Mekong means the vast majority of passing slow boats stop here for the night in this very small, sleepy town. Though the town is very underdeveloped with little major construction beyond the collection of small hotels and guest houses, there are still enough eating and drinking options to keep visiting travellers happy for the night. With that said, Pak Beng has only recently received 24 hour electricity and the town begins to swiftly shut down soon after 1 pm. Few tourists choose to spend much longer than one night in Pak Beng, most are happy to receive a taste of local cuisine and good night's sleep, with few streets to explore and the majority of guest houses and restaurants situated within site of the boat moorings. For those looking for a true local experience, try the 'lao lao bong', a potent local drink made from fermented rice. Those intrigued enough by this quiet rural town to want to explore it further will ind a few local temples which may be of interests (Wat Khok Koh and Wat Sin Jong Jeang), while for those more adventurous, elephant treks can be organised from Pak Beng, which take place at the Mekong Elephant Camp on the opposite side of the Mekong River.

25 Luang Prabang LuANg PRABANg L uang Prubang, which translates to mean 'Royal Buddha Image', is a stunning city found in North Central Laos. Located on a remote peninsular between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers and the capital of the region of the same name, Laung Prabang is irmly on the Southeast Asia tourist map, and a well visited UNESCOO Word Heritage Site. Despite being a small city with a population of around 5,, tourists and travellers are well looked after with plenty of hotels, guest houses restaurants, bars, massage shops and markets aiming to keep visitors relaxed and entertained. Luang Prabang is best known for its wealth of active monasteries and attractive temples, home to hundreds of local and visiting monks who pour out into the streets every morning to collect alms in exchange for blessings. Tourists are welcome to partake in this local custom and ceremony, with local shops and stalls selling rice and other food gifts, packaged for the monks. There are many tourist attractions of note in Luang Prabang. Once known as the Royal Palace, Haw Kham is now the national museum and a place to learn more about the customs, traditions and history of the Laos nation. Wat Xieng Toung is the city's oldest monastery and without doubt one of the most beautiful, while the Vipassana temple and park is another must see Wat. This distinct golden temple is home to Buddhists practicing Vipassana meditation. ວ ວ ຊ ຄວ ຍວ ຊ ຈ ວຍ ລ ວ. ລ ຫ ຄ ລ ລ ວ ຊ ວ, ວ ຄ ວ ຊ ວ ລ ຍ ລ ລ UຜEຢງຝຝ ວຍ. 25

26 Vientiane VIENTIANE V ientiane, the capital, economic centre, and largest city of Laos, is situated on the Mekong River near the Nong Khai border of Thailand. With a population of around 21,, Vientiane has been the nation's capital since 1563, after fears of a Burmese invasion in the north. Vientiane has a very laidback and friendly atmosphere, in stark contrast to the chaotic, bustling capitals of countries elsewhere in Southeast Asia, more akin to a large town than a major city. With lots of French inluences from colonial days gone by, Vientiane is best enjoyed by the riverside, taking in the French colonial architecture and gold shimmering temples, stopping of to enjoy the views with some local cofee or a cold glass of Beerlao. A popular tourist city, there is no shortage of sights and attractions to keep you entertained and interested in Vientiane. The Lao National Museum can be found next to Lao Plaza Hotel. Formerly known as the Lao Revolutionary Museum, here you'll discover artefacts and exhibits plotting the history of Laos from ancient times to modern day. Patuxai, also known as Victory Gate, is a proud national monument, fashioned on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This unmistakable structure on the low Vientiane skyline is also where you'll ind the attractive Musical Fountain and World Peace Gong. As you'd expect, Vientiane has many temples to explore. Wat Si Saket, also known as the Sisaket museum, is one of the oldest temples in the country, and without doubt the most well visited. ຄ ວ ວ - ວ ວ ຊ ວ,, ລ ຍ ລ ວ, ຊ ລ ຄ ຊ ຍ ຄ ຍ. ວ ຍ ຈ ຍ ລ, ຍ ຊ ຊ ຄວ, ວ ຄ ຄ ໆ ຊ ວ, ຄ ຍຄ ຍ ຍ ວ. 26

27 Paklai SAyABOuLy S at high up on the banks of the Makong River, half way between Houay Sai and Luang Prabang, Pak Beng has become a popular stop-over point for tourists and backpackers exploring the northern regions of Laos. Its fortunate position on the Mekong means the vast majority of passing slow boats stop here for the night in this very small, sleepy town. Though the town is very underdeveloped with little major construction beyond the collection of small hotels and guest houses, there are still enough eating and drinking options to keep visiting travellers happy for the night. With that said, Pak Beng has only recently received 24 hour electricity and the town begins to swiftly shut down soon after 1 pm. Few tourists choose to spend much longer than one night in Pak Beng, most are happy to receive a taste of local cuisine and good night's sleep, with few streets to explore and the majority of guest houses and restaurants situated within site of the boat moorings. For those looking for a true local experience, try the 'lao lao bong', a potent local drink made from fermented rice. Those intrigued enough by this quiet rural town to want to explore it further will ind a few local temples which may be of interests (Wat Khok Koh and Wat Sin Jong Jeang), while for those more adventurous, elephant treks can be organised from Pak Beng, which take place at the Mekong Elephant Camp on the opposite side of the Mekong River. ລ ຍ- ຊ ຍ ລ ລ ຍ ຄ ວ ຊ ຍ ລ ວ ລ ວ. ຊ ລ ວ ວຍ ລ ຍ ຄວ, ຊ ຍ ວ, ວຍ ວ ງ, ຍ ລ ຍ ຄວ. 27

28 Pakxan BOLIKHAMSAI I n west central Laos, in the Bolikhamsai province, the once sleepy town of Pakxan has now become a busy transport hub and stop over point on the Mekong River and Highway 13 (busy by Laos standards at least). On a conluence of the Nam San and Mekong rivers, Pakxan is opposite Bung Kan across the Thai border, and has grown in popularity as an international border crossing point. In terms of tourism, Pakxan is best known as a rest stop; a place to enjoy a local meal and get a good sleep before continuing on your journey. There are a few sleepy local bars and restaurants where you'll ind friendly Laotians, including English speaking NGO workers who are more than happy to chat and laugh with travellers. There are also some romantic views to be had walking along the banks of the Mekong, particularly around sunset, as well as a small selection of local temples and a reclining Buddha. Further opportunities to mix with the locals include playing snooker at the Pakxan Snooker Hall, located close to the bus station, or cooling of and taking a dip at the local swimming hole found under a collapsed bridge over the Nam Kading River. ຊ - ລ ຄຳ ຊ ວ ລ ຄຳ ຊ ວ ລ ວ, ງ ຊ ຍ ຄ ຄ ລ ລ ຫ ຄ ລ ລ 13 (ຄວ ຄ ຄ ຍ ລ ວ ຍ). ຍ ຍ ຍ ວ ຄ ຊ ລ, ຊ ຍ, ລ ຍ ຍ ຊ. 28

29 Thakhak KHAMMOuANE I n the Khammouane Province, once only considered a thoroughfare and stop over point for travellers moving between Thailand and Vietnam, or exploring the charming towns and cities of the Mekong River, Thakhak is now a popular location for backpackers and tourists for its many treks and village tours. Thakhak lies across the Mekong River, opposite the Thai city of Nakhon Phanom, and it's name literally translates to mean 'guest landing', named due to the towns past life as a busy river trading outpost, but a name which still holds weight as Thakhak has become an international border crossing. Although many Laotians use Thakhak as a crossing point to reach the large Nakhon Phanom market, the town does have a small, somewhat hidden market of interest to passing tourists. Found behind a row of shops on the main roundabout, this market is illed with narrow alleys of stalls, leading towards a large open market area, best known for selling food, including exotic meats such as snake, squirrel and bat. Thakhak is best enjoyed either walking along the riverbank, taking in picturesque views of Thailand across the Mekong, or by hiring a bicycle or moped and heading out along Route 12. Out on Route 12 you'll ind a number of caves to explore, including the Tham Pha Fa, also known as Buddha cave. This only recently discovered cave is home to Buddha images dating back hundreds of years, and has become a popular site of local worship and devotion. - ຄຳ ວ ວ ຄຳ ວ, ລ ລ ລ ຫ ຳ ລ ວ ຄ ຍ ຍ ລ ຫ ລ ຫ, ວ ຳ ວ ຄ, ຍ ຳລ ວ ລ ວ ວ ຳລ ຍ ລຍ ລ ວ ຊ. 29

30 Savannakhet SAVANNAKHET S avannakhet, capital of the Savannakhet Province, commonly known as Savan, is situated on the banks of the Mekong River in the south west of Laos. Savan is the second largest city in Laos and it has become a popular travel hub between the North and South of the country. Savan is a lively border crossing point with the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connecting the city to Thai province of Mukdahan. Savannakhet is also often known as Kaysone Phomvihane, named after the former president of Laos who was born in the city. 3 The local population is a colourful mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese, as well as home to lots of indigenous people who can be spotted around the city wearing their traditional garments and headgear. The fascinating mix of ethnicities and cultures can be witnessed further with a number of religious buildings around the city which include a Chinese temple, Catholic Church, mosque, and a mesmerizing 15th century Buddhist temple, known as Wat Sainyaphum. Other notable temples and religious sites in the city include the That Ing Hang, a 16th century stupa, and one of the most iconic images of Laos, home to the annual 'Boun Pha' ceremony, and Wat Xayaphoum, a 16th century temple sat on the banks of the Mekong River, now a prestigious school for young and trainee monks. Wandering around the city you'll discover many old French colonial buildings, especially close to the central plaza. Here you'll also ind the Tourist Information oice where you can book a number of walking tours, treks and eco tours. ຫ ຫ, ວ ວ ຫ, ວ ວ ວ ຊ ຄ ວ ລ ວ ວ ຍ ລ ວ ລ ຍ ວ ຍ ລ ຫ ລ. ຫ ຊ ຍ ຊ ວ ຊ ວ ຄ ວ ລ ວ- 2 ຊ ຊ ວ ຫ ລ,.

31 Pakse CHAMPASAK S at on the conluence of the Mekong and Se Don rivers, Pakse is the capital of the Champasak Province and was founded in 195 by French colonialists, originally used as an administrative outpost. Since the opening of the Lao-Japanese Bridge in 22, linking it to the east of Thailand, Pakse has quickly grown as a popular trade point and travel hub, often known as the gateway to Southern Laos. Many of the French colonial buildings that once decorated Pakse no longer remain, though there are still several striking structures to spot, including the Chinese Society building, a ine example of Franco-Chinese architecture. The city is also home to a number of attractive temples, such as Wat Luang, the grandest temple of the city and where you'll ind the Buddhist Monk School; it's also a great spot to watch monks collecting their early morning alms, and Wat Phabad, the oldest temple of Pakse, named after what is believe to be a Buddha Footprint, which is guarded within. Across the Mekong you'll also ind the Big Buddha, a large religious shrine and a great spot to view the city and river from. Talat Dao Heung is one of the largest markets in the country and can be found near the foot of the Lao-Japanese ridge. Here you'll ind lots of fresh food products and locally produced cofee. Pakse has gained a reputation for having the best street food in Laos, not just for the wealth of tasty snacks and dishes that can be found Dao Heuang Market but also for the array of street food and hawkers spread around the city. ຊ- ຳ ຍ ຍ ຍ ວ ຄ ລ ຊ, ຊ ວ ວ ລ 195 ຍ ລ ວ, ຳ ຊ ລ. ວ ລ ຫ ລ ວ- ຍ 22, ຊ ຍ ຍ ວ, ຊ ຍ ຍ ຍ ວ ວວ ຄ ລ ວ ຍ, ຊ ລ ວ. 31

32 Sipan Don CHAMPASAK S ipan Don is a stunning collection of small river islands in the Mekong River. Found in the Champasak Province in Southern Laos, Sipan Don was once best known for its timber and logging, though today it is known and loved for its archipelago and eco tourism, seen as one of the most peaceful and picturesque regions of Laos. Sipan Don literally translates to mean 4 islands, and while it is characterized by its mass of river islands, many of them spend a large part of the year submersed under the high tides of the Mekong. The largest of the islands is Don Khong, with the other major islands being Don Det and Don Khon. Sipan is a bit of a nature photographer's paradise, with lots of snap-worthy spots and natural scenes of interest. It was once home to the Don Det-Don Khon narrow gauge railways, the irst railway in Laos, built by French colonialists to bypass the Khone Phapheng Falls. Though the railway has largely been demolished, sections of the old track still remain. If you are lucky you can also watch the Irrawaddy dolphins, a bread of highly endangered fresh water dolphins which can be best seen by boat, just of the Don Khon island. It's also possible to take a Pink Dolphin Tour, a day trip to the border of Cambodia, including a stop of at the nearby waterfall, the largest in Southeast Asia. - ຳ ຍ ລ ລ. ຄ ວ ຳ ລ ວ, ຄ ຄ ຍ ຳລ, ລ ຳລ ວ ລ ວ ວ, ຍ ລ ງ ລ ວ. 32

33 33

34 34

35 Khone Phapheng, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia 35

36 B Ban Don Kho CHAMPASAK Text & photos: Mr. Maxman aan Don Kho is located on Sanasomboun district, Champasak that is a 17 kilometers on Highway 13 away from Pakse. The site is consistently campaigned by the tourism of Laos as major manufacturer and exporter of silk and other fabrics. Baan Don Kho is in fact a 8 meter-wide x 3, meterlong island situated in the middle of the Mekong River, with the population of approximately 4 people who mainly earn their living by rice harvesting, local ishery and certainly weaving that is considered to be the original of all in the southern part of Laos. In 18 when the French put Laos under siege, they (French) decided to raise Baan Don Kho as their irst headquarters considering to safety and security as well as the accessibility by river, before they headed to be later based in Pakse. Consequently, the remains of old style houses and other characteristic buildings is seen through nowadays, which those are such as Wat Hor Tripidok (temple), a group of mixed-architectural houses. The way of their life is in accordance of simplicity and sustainability, relying on local natural resources ranging from rice, ish and vegetables. There s no cars on the island as the locals are more than happy to travel by bicycle. The only way to reach the island is by boat. There s also no doubt that there s no shadow of a bar, pub, karaoke or even fresh market as they (locals) are impressively sustainable,, living by sharing and prolonging their tradition. Consequently, there s no crime rate or prosecution and pilferage on the island. Geographically, Baan Don Kho is an island in the river, the north of island featuring over 16 square kilometers sand and stone lat becomes the habitat and breeding site for water creatures while the southern part is the deep channel where locals comes for ishing. For those who are interested can visit Baan Don Kho at any time of the year particularly from January to June. Its golden sand beaches and all-year-round fresh climate are some of the island s attractions. Taking a boat trip around the island during the sunset behind the mountain is a somewhat majestic moment. It also recommends to experience in staying at a home stay and try local foods. ຄ ຄ ຊ 4 ຄ, ວ ຍ ຊ, ລ ຍ ພ ລ ວ ຊ ວ ລ ວ ຍ ຍ ລ ວ. ຄ 18 ຊ ວ ລຍ ຄ ລ ວ ລ ຄ ຊ ຳ ວຍ ຄວ ພ ລ ຄວ ວ ຍ ຍ ຊ ຍ. ລ ຳຄ ຊ ວ ຍ ຊ ວ ຍ ຳ, ວ ຄ ວ ຍ ພ ຊ ວ ຊ ຍ ຍ, ວ ຊ ໆ ລ ຊ ວ, ຊ ຄ (ຕ ໄ ຢt y) ລ ຊ ລ ຊ. 36

37 Tropical Garden Restaurant The Authentic Thai Cuisine in Town

38 art 38 O National Institute of Fine Arts The Pride of Laos IT S FAIR TO SAy THAT ART IS AN INDICATOR OF A THRIVINg CIVILIzATION SINCE ART IS EVERyWHERE AND A PAST-DOWN HERITAgE FROM generation TO generation. IN LAOS, ART IS ANOTHER PRIDE OF LAO PEOPLE AS IT REPRESENTS THEIR ORIgIN AND CuLTuRE. IN THIS ISSuE OF SABAIDEE, you LL FIND THE STORy OF THE NATIONAL INSTITuTE OF FINE ARTS, OR NIFA, WHICH IS A PRESTIgIOuS NATIONAL ART ACADEMy SPONSORED By THE MINISTRy OF INFORMATION, CuLTuRE AND TOuRISM OF LAOS. ver a half-century NIFA has been running art classes; in the meantime, the institute has strived to produce and develop a number of local artists to worldwide-acclaim. Some of them have become international artists now residing in foreign countries while the others are honored as national artists and/ or appointed as tutors to teach arts to the younger generations. These days NIFA is running three major faculties in arts, such as Fine Arts, Sculpturing and Printing. Each features various majors such as traditional arts, general ine arts, pottery, carving and blacksmith welding and various kinds of printing. Recently, NIFA has decided to add a course in graphic design to be relevant to younger generations of modern arts. Viphakone Soukpathoumvant, a tutor at the faculty of ine arts, revealed that there s approximately 2 students in each year while each of them is required to have an impressive-estimated grade for a vocational degree in arts from the Fine Art School of Laos which consists of three campuses: Luang Prabang, Sawannakhet and Champasak. Meanwhile, those who inish their high

39 school are required to take an examination to enter, which is only 1 percent of the overall students. In all, NIFA s students are talented in arts. He also said that the favorite course is oil painting and traditional arts, respectively. Those who are engaged in arts might ind exhibiting their works is an ideal destination. Thus, NIFA s students are not only studying and training in arts but also having the opportunity to show their works at the institute s exhibition and also exhibitions in neighboring countries, including becoming an exchange student within the regional countries due to the collaboration between NIFA and other art institutions in neighboring countries. It s certain to point out that NIFA is deinitely a major pride of Laos since the institute achieves to pursue, maintain and prolong the country s national heritage. On the auspicious occasion of Laos hosting the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) held in November, 212, NIFA is graciously decorating the whole venue of the meeting, including beautifying the whole city of Vientiane. ວ ຳ ລ ວ ຄຳ ວ ວ ລ ວ ຊ ວ ຄວ ລ ຊ ຄ ຄຳ ວ ວ ລ ຍ ຄວ ລ ຄ ລ ວ ຄ ວ ຳ ລ ວ ຊ ຳ ລ ໆ ວລ ຄ ວ ລ ວ ວ ຳ ລ ວ ລ 3 ຍ ຳ, ຳ ລ ລ ວ ຊ ຍ ຍ ຍ ລ ວ ຍ ຊ ວ ລ ລ ວ ຳ ວ, ຄ, ລ ລ ລ ລ ໆ ລ ຊ 2 ຄ ຊ ວ ລ ວ ຄ ວ ວ ຄ ລ ຊ 1% ຄ ລ. ລ ລ ລ ລ ວ ຍ ລ ວ ຄ ລ ຍ ວ ຄ ວ ພ, ລວ ຄ ລ ລ ຫ ວ ຍ ລ ລ ວຍ. ລ 212 ຊ ລ ວ ຈ ຊ ຍ ຍ ຊ ຄ 9 (ຂຢEປ9) ວ ວ ລວ ວ ຄ ວ ວ ວຍ ວຍ. 39

40 Lao rooms MAISON SOUVannaPHOUM Found within a short 1 minute stroll of the very heart of Luang Prabang is the Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel, which as its name suggests is a former residence of the late Prince Souvannaphouma, former Prime Minister of Laos. Opened to guests in 25 and featuring a wonderful blend of colonial French architecture and Laotian design are 22 irst class rooms and suites in a resort with a very old world traditional and spiritual feeling. MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM rue chao Fa ngum banthatluang, Po box 741 Luang Prabang, Laos. Tel Fax maison@angsana.com There are 5 distinct room types here, each designed in a very traditional Laotian cum Indo Chinese fashion, in warm and welcoming colours. The old residence wing features four room types, La residence rooms, Champa room, The Laos room and the Maison room, with the ifth and inal room type being in the garden wing and aptly named the garden Wing room. Facilities at this Banyan Tree Managed Resort include a irst class Spa, a poolside restaurant with cuisine themed on French/Laos Indo-Chinese inluences and a wonderful resort swimming pool. Mekong ri DON CHAN PALACE Vientiane Stunningly situated along the new promenade of the Mekong River adjacent to the King Anouvong monument in the historic Si Muang area. Only 12 minutes away from the International Wattay Airport, within easy reach to the Embassies, main business district, major cultural sites and ancient temples. This leading 5-star hotel in Laos provides impeccable services and facilities whether for your business or leisure needs. Don Chan Palace has stunning views from each of its rooms starting from the Classics to the Presidential Suites. Designed for comfort and convenience each room welcomes its guests with plush beds, luxurious bathtubs, quality amenities, and spacious living courters. Don Chan Palace also ofers spacious meeting areas with various packages, swimming pool, itness center, lobby bar and spa all within the proximity of Don Chan Palace. DON CHAN PAlACe Unit 6 Piawat Village, Sisatanak District, Vientiane, Lao PDR Tel : (856)(21) Fax : (856) (21) info@donchan palacelaopdr.com 4

41 LA FOLIE LOdge Located on Done Daeng Island, on the banks of the Mekong River in southern Laos, where exceptional natural beauty and un-spoilt charm combine with areas of signiicant cultural interest, La Folie Lodge sits on a secluded beach facing the ruined Khmer temples of Wat Phou. In this idyllic spot, we provide a reined, welcoming atmosphere with international-class facilities. La Folie lodge has been designed to ofer you magniicent views of the Mekong every moment and from everywhere in the resort (rooms, restaurant, bar or swimming pool). The lodge is also surrounded by lush landscape and exotic gardens ideal for peace and relaxation. The 24 large, comfortable bedrooms, luxuriously decorated and exquisitely furnished with local materials, are housed in 12 bungalows set in a magniicently landscaped tropical garden. Each room has its own balcony with stunning views over the Mekong and the sacred hills of Wat Phou. vistas of superb sunsets and traditional scenes of ishermen in pirogues greet the eye. la FOlIe lodge, Done Daeng, Pathoumphone District, PO Box 668 Pakse, Lao PDR For more information: reservation@lafolie-laos.com ver retreat ReSIDeNCe SISOUk Tel: +856 () () contact@residence-sisouk.com ReSidence SISOUK Overlooking the Sedone River, hotel Residence Sisouk basks enjoys a warm, charming and traditional atmosphere ofering guests a unique view of the mouth of the river lowing into the Mekong. The hotel was constructed in the 195s by Sisouk Sisombat, former President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Member of Parliament for Pakse, Champasak Province. The hotel ofers 16 personalized rooms designed to bestow its guests a comfortable and relaxing break while absorbing the colonial furniture, parquet looring and Lao textiles that combine to create the ultimate Lao experience. Unwind with a drink or two in the Lounge Bar, situated at the top of the hotel overlooking the scenic ambiance of the Sedone and Mekong Rivers and mountain-laden backdrop of the Pakse surroundings. Located downtown, close to Wat Luang, this old family house has been renovated, but still retains its old-world charm full of history and memories. 41

42 Lao Cuisine Tam Mak Houng the DIsH of a HuNDRED names By Alan Wass Spicy SaladS Are the cornerstone of SoutheASt asian cuisine culture, especially in thailand And LAoS. there is Something explosive About this concoction, which is certainly An Acquired taste, ALthough it can become extremely Addictive when your taste buds have aligned to handle the SpicineSS. 42

43 T am Mak Houng, also known as Papaya Salad, Som Tam, Papaya Bok Bok or Tam Mak Hoong (in Thailand) might go by many names and slight regional variations, but the spicy taste remains the same! This is a traditional Lao and Thai Salad made from shredded un-ripened papaya that you can find at any local Asian market. Tam Mak Houng is often served with sticky rice and Ping Gai (BBQ chicken wings). The dish is made according to your taste such as spicy, salty, and sweet so there are no specific measurements, you will have to taste the variations to figure out how you like your Tam Mak Houng prepared. This Southeast Asian specialty is very easy to make, and there is no cooking involve. All you need to do is to have a mortar and pestle to pound all the ingredients together. Many people seem to assume this dish is fundamentally from Thailand, but in reality, you would be wrong. Tam Mak Houng is claimed to originate from Laos. The main ingredient, Papaya, was brought from Latin America to the Philippines by the Spanish in 155, and spread into Thailand from Laos and Cambodia in the northeast, by way of Vietnam, and from Malaysia in the south. The dish combines the four main tastes of the local cuisine: sour lime, hot chili, salty, savory fish sauce, and sweetness added by palm sugar. The ingredients are mixed and pounded in a mortar. Tam Mak Houng, translates as pounded papaya in English. Despite the use of papaya, which one may think of as sweet, this salad is actually savory. When not yet ripe, papaya has a slightly tangy flavor. The texture is crisp and firm, sometimes to the point of crunchiness. It is this that allows the fruit to withstand being beaten in the mortar. Wherever you might be across Laos or Thailand, you will routinely see street-side vendors who specialize in creating Tam Mak Hung right before your eyes. Please remember before sampling the dish that it might well blow your mind, however, if you want to sample local Laos cuisine in its purest form, you have to try Tam Mak Houng at least once in your lifetime. 14 Ban Phonsavanh Tai Hom 3 khouvieng Rd. sisattanak District, vientiane Capital Tel: Fax: dalahspa@gmail.com Relax and pamper yourself with our luxurious body massage & spa treatments: Aromatherapy Four Hands Massage Hot Stone Massage Body, Facial & Waxing Treatments Lao Traditional Massage Foot Massage Body Scrub Many Other Spa Services

44 dine out Smile VIENTIANE thai food in A taste of LAoS The weather is getting colder once again signaling The perfect season for al fresco dining with an exclusive range of foods within a chilled-out ambiance. and one place that ticks all the right boxes is in the capital at smile Vientiane restaurant situated by the mekong river. 44

45 Roy Virawong Owner The restaurant is located at the foot of the Mekong River in a 5 year-old yellow colonial style house, which is beautifully renovated and gleams during the last light of the day. Roy Virawong, the owner of the restaurant, who used to live in America for over two decades, said that he found the building that was later to become the restaurant when he was out jogging one day. He decided to rent it before renovating it into a restaurant in the theme of an outdoor chill-out bar, which was an idea suggested by his Thai friends. Roy subsequently wants to ofer his clients an extensive range of Thai food cooked by his chef who was sent to Thailand to learn more about Thai cuisine. Nevertheless, the food at Smile Vientiane is slightly adapted in terms of taste that is milder and not too sweet, suitable for Lao people s taste buds. There re plenty of signature dishes which include Smile Dee Spring Roll, Spicy Salad with Snake-head Fish with Thai Herbs and a range of diferent Spicy Thai Style Soups (Tomyum). For this coming winter, the restaurant is launching a savory Lao food selection such as grilled chicken, spicy bamboo salad and soup, Lao style curry, which merges perfectly together with live bands that will enhance the whole ambiance of the restaurant As Roy pointed out, he wanted to pioneer the theme of a live music venue in Vientiane. For those who look for savory food within a relaxing atmosphere, you should visit Smile Vientiane located nearby Vansana hotel by the Mekong River. To book a table and for further information, call Tel; + (856) ຢໄເໃ ຈ ກVເ ntເ n ລ ຊ ລ ວ ຢໄເໃ ຈ ກ Vເ ntເ n ຄ ວຍ ຄ ລ ຍ ວ 5, ຍ ຍ ວ ໆ. ຊ ວ ລ ວ ຍ ລ ຍ ຊ ຢໄເໃ ຈ ຢ rເn r ໃໃ ຄ ລ ຍ ວ ລ ຍ ໆ ລວ ລ ວ ໆ ຊ ວ, ຊ ລ. ຍ ໆ ລ ຊ ຊ ໆ ຊ ຢໄເໃ ຈ ກ Vເ ntເ n ວ ຊ ຄ

46 sabaidee Guest Thanongsinh KanLagna Perfect Balance of Life in the World of IT Regarding the IT industry, there s always something new happening thus, you daren t stop or you will lose out Founding the Datacom Company Limited over 15 years ago, Thanongsinh Kanlagna, also the CEO of the company, insists he has never stopped developing and learning since he found the world of IT because the environment is always changing and fast-moving. In the meantime, he strives to find the balance of sharing his time for his work and his family including his three kids. 46

47 For instance, there re a number of state-of-the-art technologies including smartphones, tablets and data storage, which the latter is generating from hard disk into Cloud which help ind any information at any time and any place, said Thanongsinh. This young and dynamic CEO of Datacom, which is one of the leading IT companies in Laos, started to run his own business after graduating from the former USSR at the Baku National Polytechnic Institute and pursued his study with a Masters in computers at the Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok. His conidence to run the business with only 5 computers and 5 servers was a good choice until he collected more clients including those in governmental and private sectors. These days, Lao people pay more attention to IT, starting from their study in primary school through to university. In the meantime, oicers working for the government, including soldiers and police, are interested to learn more about IT since they ve found it beneicial to their lives, Thanongsinh pointed out. Nowadays our clients are spoiled for the choice of our exclusive range of products. We re not only running the business for proit but also for our client s appreciation. In the meantime, our workforce will be well treated in order that they can work with pleasure, which I believe will be beneicial to our clients when they re served by our happy staf, He added. There is now 5 staf working together. Each of them is well educated from institutes in diferent countries such as Australia, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Nevertheless, they will be trained to make sure that they won t be out of date in terms of the changing IT world. Thanongsinh is an extremely hard working man; nevertheless, he feels relaxed at home and inds some time to do many activities such as soccer, golf and swimming. One crucial thing that he always keeps in mind is taking heed of everyone in his family, particularly his three children who are among those new generation kids of the IT world. Kids these days are lucky to easily access any information. At home, there s deinitely an internet connection for my kids to use for their education since I believe they can ind the information by themselves, part from their teachers and the books they read, he said. Thanongsinh has to keep an eye on how his kids manage to use the computer since there re a lot of children getting addicted to computer games at the moment. During the weekend, he d rather take his family out for little trip or eating out so that they can do other activities together. Last but not least, Thanongsinh Kanlagna is a role model in many ways in his country and one sure thing is that he thoroughly knows how to balance his career and family. ລ ຍ ຄວ ຊ ວ ຍ ວ ລ ຍ ວ 15 ລ ວ, ລ ຍ, ວ ລ ລ ຄ (ຈ t ໄ) ຍ ວ ລ ລ ຊ ລ ວ ວລ ວ ລ ວວ ລ ວ ລ ວ ຄວ ວ ຍ ຄ ຄ ວ ລ ລ ໆ ຄ. ວ ວ ລ ລ ລ ວລ ໆ ລ ຍ ວວ ຊ ຍ ຄ ໆ ຊ ຊ ວ ລ ໆ ລວ t st r ຊ ລ ງໃ u ລ ລ ຍ ຊ ວລ. ລ ຈ t ໄ, ລ ລ ວ, ລ ລ ລ ວ ລ ວ ວ ຄ ວ ຊ ວ ລ ລ ຍ ຄ ວ ລ ຊຍ (ຂຖຣ) ວຍ 5 ຄ. 15 ວ ວ ຈ t ໄ ຄ ວ ຍ ລ ວ ລ ລ ຄ ວຍ ຊ ລ ລ. ຄວ ວ ຄ ລ ວ ຄວ ລ ຍ ຍ ຊ ລ ວ ຍ ລ, ຊ, ລ, ວ ຄວ ລ ວ ຍ ຄວ ຄ ວ ລ ຍ ຄວ ວ ຍ. ຄ ວ ຍ ຄວ ລ ຄ ຄ ລ ຄ ວຍ ຍ ຄ ວ ລ ລ ຄ ລ ຍ ລ, ຍ ວ ວ ລ ລ ວ ວ ຄວ ລ ຄວ ວ ລ ວ ວ ລ ລ ຄ ລ ວ ວ. ຈ t ໄ ຍ ວ 5 ຄ ຊ ຍ ລ ຍ ຍ, ວ ລ ວ ວ ລ, ຍ, ວ, ຍ ລ ວ ຄ ວ ລ ວວ. ວ ລ ວ ລ ລ ວ ລ ລ ລ ຄ, ລ ວ ຊ ລ ຍ,, ລ ຍ ລ ລ ຄ ລ ລ ວ ຄ ຍ ລ ຄ ຄ ວ ຍ ລ ໆ ຄ ຊ ຍ ຍ ຍ. ຊ ໆ ວ ຍ ຍ ລ ຄ ຄວ ລ ວ ວ ຄ ວ ລ ວ ໆ ລ ວ ວ. ຊ ຍ ລ ວ ລ ຄ ລ ຊ ຊ ວຊ ໆ ຍ ລ ວ ຍ. ວ ລ ຍ ຄ ວ ຄ ຄວ ຊ ວ ວ ລ ຊ ວ ຄ ຄ ວ ຄວ. 47

48 travel Companion IPAD MINI Full ipad experience with FaceTime and isight camera. Comes equipped with these features: 1 hour battery life, 7.9 inch display, 7.2 mm, 18p HD video recording, Tap to focus while recording, Video stabilization, Face detection and Backside illumination. For more details, visit: ຍ ລ ວ ຍ ໆ, ວ ລ ວ ວຍ ຍໆ ຊ ວ ຄ, ວຍ 7.9 ວ, 7.2 ລ ຄວ ຄ ຄ ວ ຊ ວ ລ ຍ ວຍ ຍ ເຢເ ຽt ວ 18 ຕຈ. ຊ www. ໃ. ໄ/ເ -ໄເnເ/ v rvເ w/ GRIPPY PAD Just like a tree frog s amazing feet, the Grippy Pad will hold all sorts of things in place, all without a single magnet, velcro strip, or sticky adhesive in sight. The advanced silicone material grips everything from ipads to Sat Navs. Just slap it on your dashboard and place your items on top. Like magic, they ll be held in place! Product Features: Anti-slip mat for ipads, smartphones and other gadgets Suitable for a horizontal and vertical surface, Resistant to water, high temperatures and sunlight. For more details, visit: ຊ ວຍ ວ ວ ໆ ວ ລ ລ. ດrເ y ພ ລ ຊ ລ ຄ ຄ, ລ ຄວ ຍ. ລ ຍ ຊ www. ເr x. ໄ/ r u t/578/ດrເ y-ພ BIKE SPOKELIT If you re heading out on your bike at night, it pays to be as visible as possible. But unless you start mounting extra lamps along your handlebars you re bound to be pretty short on space. Well that s where the Bike SpokeLit comes in. Despite being a relatively titchy lamp, the SpokeLit has a dramatic efect on your visibility from the side. Fit it simply and easily to the spokes of your wheel. Once you re pedaling at a steady speed it will blur into a seemingly solid ring of light. What s more, it ll even cycle slowly through the color spectrum as you ride. Trippy! For more details, visit: ຍ ຊ ວຍ ລ ຍ ຄ ລຍ 1 ລ, ຄວ ລ ລ ຍ ລ www. ເr x. ໄ/ r u t/484/bເໂ -ຢ ໂ ບເt CAMERA LENS MUG Take a few tasty shots of espresso with the Camera Lens Mug. Designed to look and feel just like a regular camera lens, this detailed mug is great for the oice or bringing the world into focus irst thing in the morning. The lared lens-cap lid will stop any dust and luf from falling into your cuppa and will keep the contents hot while it s sitting on your desk. It even doubles as a coaster. For more details, visit: ລ ຍ ຄ ວ ຍ. ລ ວ ຊ, ຄ ວ ວຍ, ຊ : ຽ t ແ ແ. ໄ/st r / w s ໄ n ss/ ໄ r -ໃ ns-ໄu / 48

49 do you love the Mekong river and beautification? club Welcome to Sabaidee Club! Do you love the Mekong River and beautification? If so, you can scoop this month s Sabaidee Club prize, which is an Yves Rocher voucher worths 2, Kip that can be used as cash on products and spa treatments! All you need to do is send us your favorite photograph of the Mekong River to claim this amazing prize what are you waiting for? Submit your answer to: club@sabaidee-magazine.com Want to subscribe to sabaidee Magazine? Call us at for details of subscription plan ສ ນ ໃຈ ເປ ນ ຊະ ມາ ຊ ກ ວາລະສານ ສະບາ ຍດ ຕ ດ ຕ ພ ວພ ນ ໂທ ຫ subscribe@sabaidee-magazine.com Stay connected and follow our most recent news activities and win some free vouchers at our Facebook page at

50 BeHind the wheel Mazda BT-5 Pro ExPERIENCE THE FuTuRE THE NEW MAzDA BT-5 PRO 212 LOOKS EVEN BETTER WITH A NEW FACE THAT IS MORE MuSCuLAR AND STyLISH THAN THE PREVIOuS generation. NOT ONLy THAT, BuT CHANgES HAVE ALSO BEEN APPLIED TO ITS ENgINE. MAzDA HAS ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE CONSuMERS NEED OF ENTERTAINMENT FEATuRES DuRINg RIDES. 5

51 This latest pick-up from Mazda comes in three models (single cab, freestyle cab and double cab) and is expected to sell more than 1,5 units by the end of the year. Seeing its exterior and interior, as well as the features embedded in the New BT-5 Pro, that target feels entirely possible to achieve, said Keizo Okue, President Director of PT. Mazda Motor Indonesia during the New Mazda BT-5 Pro launch at the Central Park, West Jakarta (2/7). Claiming to carry a more economic yet powerful engine, the New BT-5 Pro sports a new 2,2cc turbo-diesel engine (compared to its predecessor s 2,5cc diesel unit) with common rail fuel injection technology that is mated to a new transmission system. While the previous comes with a ive-speed manual transmission, the BT-5 Pro arrives with two choices of transmissions, namely a ive-speed manual and a six-speed automatic transmission. All BT- 5 Pro 4WD (Wheel Drive) variants are equipped with a transfer case (4L, 4H and 2H) with shift-on-the-ly technology for 2WD to 4WD shifting convenience, and electric locking rear diferential for a better of-road performance. Other reinements have also been applied in addition to the now tougher and more modern-looking exterior with huge headlamps, and separate combination stop lamps. Still on the exterior, the cargo box design now adopts a wavy design, whereas the previous version was a latbed. Meanwhile, passenger comfort inside the cabin has also been heightened with the ofering of Bluetooth Voice Command, for the driver s convenience in controlling the audio system (radio, CD, MP3), and other external devices that can be connected to a USB port, such as an ipod, and the automatic climate control, without having to lose focus while driving. Competitors beware! Mazda BT-5 ຄ ປ z Bຣ-5 ລ ຍ 212 ວຍ ຄວ ຍ ຄວ ວ ລ., ຍ ຊ ຄ. ຍ ລ ຄວ ລ ຊ ຊ ຄ ລ ຄວ ວລ ວຍ. ລ ( ວ, ລ ຄ ) ລ ຄ ວ ຍ ຍ ວ 1.5 ຄ ຍ ຍ. ຍ ລ ຍ, ຊ ວ ຄ ປ z Bຣ-5 ລ ຍ, ວ ຍ ລ ຊ, ລ ພຣ ຊຍ ວວ, ລຍ ປ z Bຣ-5 ລ ຍ ວ ຊ, ວ (2/7). ວ ວຍ ຄ ຍ, ປ z Bຣ-5 ລ ຍ ວຍ 2.2 ຄ ຊ ວ ( 2.5 ຊ ວ ວ ) ວ ລ ຊ ວ ຄ ລ ຍ. ຄວ ວ 5 ຍ, ປ z Bຣ-5 ລ ຍ ລ ຍ ຄ 5 ຍ ລ 6 ຍ. ຍ Bຣ-5 ພr 4ສຈ ( ຄ ລ ) ຍ ຍ (4ບ, 4ຕ ລ 2ຕ) ວຍ ລ ຍ ຍ ວໆ ລ 2ສຈ ລ 4ສຈ ວຍ ຄວ ວ ຍ ຍ, ລ ວຍ ຄວ ຄ ຄ ວ ວ. ຄວ ໆ ຍ ຊ ຄວ ລ ຍ ວຍ ຍ, ຍ ວ. ຍ ຄ, ຄ ຄ ຄ ຍ, ລ ລ. ວລ ວ, ຄວ ຍ ຍ ຍ ຍ ຍ ວຍ ຄ Bໃu t tຽ, ລ ຄວ ວ ຄວ ຄ ລ (ວ ຍ, ຊ, ປພ3) ລ ຍ ໆ ຊ ຊ ວ UຢB, ຊ ວ ເພ, ລ ຄວ ຄ ຍ ຍ ລວ ຄວ. ຄ ຄວ ລ ວ! 51

52 sabaidee shopping Sandra Yuck Handcrafted aesthetics at Caruso Lao It was 15 years ago when Sandra Yuck, a fashion designer and specialist in product development and quality control, from Hong Kong, decided to move to Laos to work on a collection of local handwoven textiles, but discovered that Laos has much more to offer in handmade products than just textiles. 52

53 She looked around very carefully, following up every concievable lead, and found during her research, a pair of chopsticks made of black and white ebony wood which was very interesting to her. So she tracked down the chopstick maker and started her very irst collection of handmade wooden products which culminated in the creation of a complete collection of home accessories focused on silk textiles, wood, and silver dining & living accessories, wood art pieces and gifts. Over the years, as the collection continually expanded, the worldclass works of Caruso Lao gradually made an impact on the high end of the Lao handicraft sector. Wood products at Caruso Lao are exceptional and unique consisting of four diferent types of wood - only top of the line, hard to get, rare qualities such as Ebony black and white, Ebony black and red, Lao black ebony, and the Burl of Rose wood. Since the beginning, Sandra has put forth her eforts to encourage local people to do something diferent from the standard and normal ways. She nurtured local, talented, craftspeople to be skillful aesthetes, who make a lot of one-of-a-kind masterpieces that have attracted some 6, customers from all over the world to her shop and branches in Laos. I would like to welcome the readers of Sabaidee Magazine to see our newly renovated beautiful showroom in Vientiane, which is located in a French-Lao colonial house built in 195. If you want to bring something back home from Laos that s not just a souvenir, but rather something special that can be proudly displayed at home, something that you will want to keep and use for many years, or just a very special gift for somebody, we invite you to please come visit us. Caruso Lao has showrooms in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, and some shops & corners in 5-star hotels & restaurants in both cities including a brand new boutique at the Settha Palace Hotel in Vientiane. ຄ ຊ ລ ວ ວ ຊ ລ ວ 15 ຢ n r ອu ໂ ລ ຊ ຍ ຍ ລ ວ ວ ລ ວ ລ ວ ລ ວ ລ ວ ວ ລ ວ ລ ວ ຍ ວ ຍໆ ລ ວ ລ ວ ລ ຄ ຄວ ລ ລ, ລ ຍ ຄວ ຍ ລ ຄ ລ ຄ ຊ ລ ວ ຊ ລ ຄ ວ ລ ຄ ຍ ລ ຊ ວ ລ ວ ລ ລ ຍ ຊ ຊ ວ ລ ວ. ຢ n r ວ ລ ຄ ລ ວ ຄ ຄ ຊ ລ ວ ວ ລ ວ ວ ຊ ລ ຍ ຊ ລ ວ ລ ຊ ຍໆ ຄ ວ ຊ ຄ ວ ລ ຊ ຄ ລ ວ. ຄ ຊ ລ ວ ວ ຄ ວ ວ ລ ວ ວ ລ ຍ ລ ວ ຍ. ລ ຍ ລ : CARuSO LAO LuANg PRABANg SHOWROOM : #6 SAKALINE ROAD LUANG PRABANG, LAO, PDR TEL: CARuSO LAO VIENTIANE SHOWROOM : #8 BAN PHIAVATH P.O. BOX 7866 VIENTIANE, LAO, PDR TEL:

54 A Place Of Memorable Experiences In Luang Prabang Tropical Garden Restaurant The Authentic Thai Cuisine in Town The Chill Out Escape A Stylish Budget Accommodation Option in Luang Prabang The Ultimate Relaxation Hideaway FOr reservations, please CONtACt: 125 Unit 7, Bane Vixoun, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR Tel: +856 () , +856 ()

55 Get Your Live Digitalized Sabaidee Magazine E-version Available for free download in ios and Android versions at Read online at Get the latest news and activities at: For more information, visit or simply scan the QR code

56 sabaidee relax a verdant garden retreat is the delightful setting for angsana spa, the perfect spot to revive and be revitalized in Luang Prabang. The generous range of pampering options here includes massage, body treatments and facials with classic asian touches, all under the expert hands of specially-trained therapists. A Angsana Spa Luang Prabang ngsana s exclusively-created Signature body massage works on the body s key pressure points to strengthen inner qi or energy. It blends Thai and Swedish techniques to unblock stifness, smooth away all aches and enhance lexibility. The Classic body massage starts with a gentle stretching of the body to improve lexibility and uses oils and the ancient Thai techniques of palming and thumbing, to work on the meridian lines. This improves blood circulation and restores lexibility and low. For something truly special, the spa ofers two- and three-hour Essence of Angsana experiences. With the Bliss package, you receive a full body massage, followed by a 3-minute body polish and a 6-minute facial to complete the experience of total pampering and rejuvenation. The Glow package combines a onehour body massage and one-hour body polish to leave you feeling relaxed and radiant. The Warmth package featuring a Sandalwood heat treatment and fusion massage is a sensuous herbal delight. Angsana ofers a wide range of facials that draw on both ancient and modern expertise. The Javanese facial is inspired by traditions from the Indonesian island that uses deep tissue massage and Harmony Oils to promote blood circulation, relieve tension and aid sleep. The Pure Radiance facial works to purify the skin. The clay mask with Kaolin and marine extracts provides a really deep cleanse, helps regulate sebum production and leaves the face utterly refreshed. Your hands and feet do a lot of work they deserve a treat too. Angsana s Hand Parain treatment softens and soothes, and skilled therapists complete the experience with a special nail treatment, leaving the hands looking as good as they feel. The Tender Feet treatment starts by beautifying the nails and goes on to exfoliate and provide a conditioning mask to soften the soles, followed by a soothing foot massage. After this, you can really put your best foot forward. Angsana s full body polishes provide the ultimate restoration of your best physical self with the aid of treatments that really replenish the skin. From yoghurts mixed with Thai oils, to a blend of oatmeal, lime and honey, a sesame ginger treatment and the special rice and soya buf, there is something to delight all kinds of skin and leave you feeling radiant all over. And all the more ready to enjoy the loveliness of Luang Prabang. Angsana Spa Luang Prabang Maison souvannaphoum Hotel Rue Chao Fa Ngum, Banthatluang, PO Box 741, Luang Prabang, Laos Tel:

57 HM BANGKOK OFFICE 8, Soi Pahonyothin 29, Pahonyothin Rd, Jatujak, Bangkok, Thailand 19 Tel: 66 () , Fax: 66 () VIENtIANE OFFICE 28 Unit 15, Bane Oupmung, Sikhottabong, Vienttiane, Lao PDR Tel:

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72 Seoul, Korea Guangzhou, China Jinghong, China Kunming, China Hanoi, Vietnam Houeisay Luangnamtha Oudomxay Xiengkhouang Chiangmai, Thailand Luang Prabang Vienetiane Udonthani Danang, Vietnam Savannakhet Pakse Bangkok, Thailand Siemreap, Cambodia Phnompenh, Cambodia Internation Route Future Route Domestic Route Code Sharc Route Airport Singapore Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

73 international routes winter schedule Valid from 28 Oct 212 to 2 Dec 212 FLt no Days Routing Dep arr ac RMK Vientiane - BanGKOK - Vientiane QV441 QV415 QV4571 QV4575 QV442 QV425 QV457 QV4574 VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE BKK VTE 7:3 18:45 13:5 21:5 9:35 21:1 11:45 19:55 8:35 19:5 14:55 22:55 1:45 22:15 12:55 21: Vientiane - HanOi - Vientiane QV312 QV92 QV322 QV921 VTE HAN VTE HAN HAN VTE HAN VTE 14:4 2:5 16:5 9:55 15:5 21:5 18: 11: Vientiane - HOCHiMinH - Vientiane QV515 QV VTE SGN SGN VTE 7:2 11:5 1:5 15:2 PKZ PKZ Vientiane - DananG - Vientiane QV211 QV VTE DAD DAD VTE 7: 11:4 1:4 15:2 ZVK,PKZ ZVK,PKZ Vientiane - PHnOMPenH - Vientiane QV921 QV92 VTE PNH PNH VTE 11:45 17:5 13:15 19: Vientiane - SieMReaP - Vientiane QV512 QV522 VTE REP REP VTE 6:3 1:5 9:25 13: PKZ PKZ Vientiane - SinGaPORe - Vientiane QV535 QV VTE SIN SIN VTE 15:4 2:4 19:4 22: Vientiane - KUnMinG - Vientiane QV817 QV827 VTE KMG KMG VTE 8: 11:35 1:35 12: Vientiane - GUanGZHOU - Vientiane QV881 QV VTE CAN CAN VTE 13:1 17:1 16:1 18: LUanGPRaBanG- CHianGMai - LUanGPRaBanG QV635 QV645 LPQ CNX CNX LPQ 13:1 15:1 14:1 16:1 LUanGPRaBanG - JinGHOnG - LUanGPRaBanG QV811 QV LPQ JHG JHG LPQ 11:2 14: 13:2 14: LUanGPRaBanG - BanGKOK - LUanGPRaBanG QV633 QV643 LPQ BKK BKK LPQ 7:35 1:4 9:15 12:2 LUanGPRaBanG- SieMReaP - LUanGPRaBanG QV513 QV513 QV931 QV514 QV514 QV LPQ REP LPQ REP LPQ REP REP LPQ REP LPQ REP LPQ 1:55 1:55 11:55 15: 15: 14:3 14:2 14:2 13:5 18:2 18:2 16:25 MA6 MA6 PKZ PKZ PKZ PKZ LUanGPRaBanG - HanOi - LUanGPRaBanG QV93 QV313 QV315 QV931 QV323 QV LPQ HAN LPQ HAN LPQ HAN HAN LPQ HAN LPQ HAN LPQ 17:5 17:1 15: 9:5 18:5 17: 18:2 18:1 16: 11:15 19:5 18: PaKSe - SieM ReaP - PaKSe QV512 QV513 QV513 QV522 QV514 QV PKZ REP PKZ REP PKZ REP REP PKZ REP PKZ REP PKZ 8:25 13:2 13:2 1:5 15: 15: 9:25 14:2 14:2 11:5 16: 16: MA6 MA6 PaKSe - DananG - PaKSe QV211 QV PKZ DAD DAD PKZ 9:5 11:4 1:4 12:3 PaKSe - HOCHiMinH - PaKSe QV515 QV PKZ SGN SGN PKZ 9:15 11:5 1:5 13:25 PaKSe - BanGKOK - PaKSe QV223 QV PKZ BKK BKK PKZ 9:2 13: 12: 15:4 MA6 MA6 ZVK ZVK SaVannaKHet - BanGKOK - SaVannaKHet QV223 QV ZVK BKK BKK ZVK 1:3 13:5 12: 14:35 MA6 MA6 SaVannaKHet - DananG - SaVannaKHet QV211 QV ZVK DAD DAD ZVK 8:4 11:4 1:4 13:4 PKZ PKZ

74 domestic routes winter schedule Valid from 28 Oct 212 to 2 Dec 212 FLt no Days Routing Dep arr ac RMK Vientiane - LUanGPRaBanG - Vientiane QV19 QV111 QV11 QV15 QV13 QV112 QV12 QV16 QV14 QV VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE LPQ VTE 9: 9:15 11:35 15:4 16:3 7:4 13:5 17:5 18:5 19: 9:55 1:1 12:2 16:35 17:25 8:35 13:5 18: 19: 19:55 MA MA6 LUanGPRaBanG - PaKSe - LUanGPRaBanG QV513 QV513 QV514 QV LPQ PKZ LPQ PKZ PKZ LPQ PKZ LPQ 1:55 1:55 16:3 16:3 12:35 12:35 18:1 18:1 MA6 MA6 Vientiane - OUDOMXaY - Vientiane QV51 QV VTE ODY ODY VTE 1:3 11:5 11:2 12:4 MA6 MA6 Vientiane- HOUeiSaY - Vientiane QV91 QV VTE HOE HOE VTE 11: 12:5 11:55 13:2 MA6 MA6 Vientiane - LUanGnaMtHa-Vientiane QV61 QV VTE LXG LXG VTE 13:1 14:4 14:1 15:4 MA6 MA6 Vientiane - XienGKHUanG-Vientiane QV41 QV42 VTE XKH XKH VTE 13:4 14:4 14:1 15:1 Vientiane- PaKSe - Vientianet QV512 QV211 QV515 QV21 QV522 QV212 QV525 QV VTE PKZ VTE PKZ VTE PKZ VTE PKZ PKZ VTE PKZ VTE PKZ VTE PKZ VTE 6:3 7: 7:2 7:35 11:45 13:1 14:5 16:2 7:45 9:1 8:35 8:5 13: 15:2 15:2 17:35 MA6 MA6 VVK ZVK Vientiane - SaVannaKHet-Vientiane QV211 QV21 QV212 QV VTE ZVK VTE ZVK ZVK VTE ZVK VTE 7: 7:35 14:2 15:15 8: 9:5 15:2 17:4 MA6 MA6 PKZ PKZ PaKSe - SaVannaKHet - PaKSe QV21 QV212 QV211 QV PKZ ZVK PKZ ZVK ZVK VTE ZVK VTE 9:2 13:1 8:4 15:15 9:5 13:4 9:1 15:45 MA6 MA6 Remarks : all times are local times 1 = Monday 5 = Friday 2 = Tuesday 6 = Saturday 3 = Wednesday 7 = Sunday 4 = Thursday * QV457/ QV4571/ QV4574/ QV4575 Operated by THAI AIRWAYS * QV92/ QV921/ QV93/ QV931 Operated by VIETNAM AIRLINES * QV211/QV212 E ective from 4DEC12 * QV881/QV882 E ectibe from 29NOV12 IMPORTANT NOTICE All schedules/types of aircraft and information are subject to change without notice and to government approval. For more information, please contact any Lao Airlines reservation o ce. Contact us: Tel: (856 21) 21216, Fax: (856 21)

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76 Toyota Authorized Dealers Lao Toyota Service Co., Ltd (Vientiane Head Office) : Toyota Lao Thani Co., Ltd (Vientiane Head Office) : Toyota Lao Savan Co., Ltd (Savannakhet Head Office) : Toyota Lao Thani Co., Ltd (Nakornluang Branch) : Toyota Champa Co., Ltd (Pakse Head Office) :