Thursday, October 7 th, 2010 Individual arrivals to Vientiane Registration Settha Palace Hotel (all day) Welcome Cocktail Settha Palace Bar Friday, October 8 th, 2010 Educational Seminar Future Industry Challenges Featured Keynote Speakers: Dr. Thomas Cullen 66, MS 81, PhD 83 and Dr. Tom Baum (University of Strathclyde) Settha Palace Hotel 8.30am 12 pm followed by lunch CHS General Assembly Meeting 1:30 pm-3 pm Walk Around Tasting Dinner Tour in leading Vientiane Restaurants Saturday, October 9 th, 2010 Treasure Hunt in Vientiane, 9.30am 1pm Lunch with awards ceremony 1pm 2.30pm CHS Leadership Orientation 3pm 6 pm Gala Dinner and Basi Ceremony at Settha Palace Hotel 7 pm Cornell Auction Sunday, October 10 th, 2010 Post Meeting Tour to Luang Prabang or Fly home 2
Vientiane, Lao People s Democratic Republic Located on a curve of the Mekong River, Vientiane has a recorded history that stretches back to around 1000 AD. The area was originally settled because of the fertility of the surrounding alluvial plains, and Vientiane became the capital city of Laos around the mid 16 th century. Vientiane is home to the most significant national monument in Laos- Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), which is the symbol of Lao sovereignty and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. Of the many beautiful vats in Vientiane, a visit to Vat Si Saket is a must; built in 1818, this is one of the oldest temples in Vientiane. Other Buddhist holy places worth visiting are Vat Ong Teu Mahavihan, known for its 16 th century bronze Buddha sheltered by a carved wooden masterpiece, and Vat Si Muang, site of the lak meuang or pillarstone of Vientiane. Vat Si Muang is home to the guardian spirit of the city. Hor Pha Kaew, across the street from Vat Si Saket houses a beautiful collection of Buddha statues, including some in the Calling for Rain and Offering Protection poses that are outstanding examples of traditional Lao style and craftsmanship. Spend a morning in the Lao National Museum, which displays an interesting mixture of revolutionary and contemporary exhibitions. The main sights in Vientiane are only a short walk or bicycle ride from most hotels. Vat Xieng Khuan, better known as the Buddha Park should not be missed: take a tuk-tuk to this unique park that includes Buddhist and Hindu-influenced sculptures. Shopping for handicrafts is easy in Vientiane; visit the talat sao (morning market) for a wide range of colourful textiles including silks, wall-hangings 3
and other decorative pieces. For very fine handicrafts, try one of the many upscale galleries in town. Keep your eyes open for traditional wood carvings, mulberry paper and a variety of basketry made from bamboo and rattan. When you get hungry try the nation s signature dish, tam maak-hung (spicy green papaya salad), or laap (spicy minced meat salad) and ping kai (fried chicken). For its size, Vientiane is surprisingly multicultural and has excellent French, Indian, Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants that serve both Lao and specialty dishes. Quench your thirst with a refreshing Beer Lao or fresh fruit shake from one of the many small restaurants found along almost every street in town. At dusk, find a spot along the Mekong promenade to enjoy an amazing view of the sunset over the river. Weather/Attire The weather in October will be quite warm and humid, with average temperature in the low 30s degree centigrade (approximately 86 degree Fahrenheit). Cool, light clothing is recommended. Most venues tend to be air-conditioned. so a jacket or shawl may be advisable. Event Dress code: Thursday: Casual chic Friday: Business casual Saturday: Casual for Bicycle Treasure Hunt Semi-Formal for Gala Dinner Traveling to Vientiane The best way to get to Vientiane is via Bangkok on THAI Airways International which offers two daily flights between Bangkok and Vientiane. Visa For most nationals a visa is required. You can attain this visa on arrival through a simple procedure. Cost of visas varies by nationality and ranges between US$25-43. Be sure and bring a passport photo, which is required with the visa application. ANNUAL CHARITY AUCTION Help raise funds for the Asia- Pacific Scholarship Fund by donating items for the charity auction which will be held on Saturday evening October 9 th. To Donate Contact: Rebecca Lee IRL4@cornell.edu US$ 260.00 / person, includes: Thursday: Transfer-in/Welcome Cocktail Friday: Meeting, Coffee Break and Lunch Friday: Walk Around Tasting Dinner Tour Saturday: Treasure Hunt w/lunch Saturday: Basi, Cocktail and Dinner Sunday: Transfer-out Not included: Accommodation and Post Meeting Tour For more information on the event contact: Peter Semone MPS 94 Email: CHS2010@LANITH.com Mobile: +856 20 5550-5986 Fax: + +856 21 260 971 For information on and to book the Post Meeting Tour to Luang Prabang contact the official event tour operator Buffalo Tours: Jason Rolan Country Manager, Laos Email: Jason@buffalotours.com Tel: +856 71 254-395 Fax: +856 71 253-194 For more information on tourism in Lao PDR visit: www.ecotourismlaos.com 4
CORNELL HOTEL SOCIETY Asia Pacific Regional Meeting, Vientiane Lao PDR 7-10 October 2010 Registration Please send following forms to: Attn: Peter Semone at fax +856 21 260 971 or email: CHS2010@LANITH.com CHS Member and Spouse/Guest (US$ 260 per person) REGISTRATION DEADLINE: September 17 th, 2010 Name: Title: Company: Address: Telephone: Mobile: Email: Graduation Year: Spouse/Guest Name Name(s): School/Year (If Cornell Alumni) Dietary Restrictions (pls state): Please send a wire transfer for US$ 260.00 (per person) to: Beneficiary Bank: Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL) Account Name: Peter Semone Account Number: 010.4.11.01.18142 SWIFT Code: COEBLALA Bank Address: #1 Pangkham Street, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR Please ensure that the amount transferred also covers all transfer fees. Upon written agreement with the organizer, the option to pay in cash (US$) in Vientiane at the time of registration can be arranged. No credit card payments for registration fees will be accepted. 5
Hotel Reservation Form Fax to: +856 21 260 971 DETAILS Name (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms): Address: City: Country: Tel: Fax: Email: HOTEL RESERVATION DETAILS Please indicate Hotel preferred occupancy (all are inclusive of daily breakfast) Settha Palace Hotel Single @ US$130 Double @ US$145 Lao Plaza Hotel Single @ US$90 Double @ US$100 Chanthapanya Hotel Single @ US$50 Double @ US$50 Arrival Date: Arrival Flight: ETA : Departure Date: Departure Flight: ETD : Transfer in and out will be arranged based on information given here. RESERVATION GUARANTEE Please guarantee my reservation to my credit card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard, Diners) as follows: Type of card: Card number: Expiry date: Card holder s name: Date: Signature of Card holder: NO SHOW/CANCELLATION In the event of a no-show/cancellation less than 48 hours before arrival, the hotel reserves the right to charge one night s room rate to your credit card. FOR OFFICIAL USE: Reservation confirmed by: Name: Confirmation Code: (Signature) 6