For a cultural experience you can learn about art, culture, and the way of life for Lao people. In Luang Prabang you can visit Xientong Temple, Visun Temple, the National Museum, the Lao textile villages of Ban Phanom, and Ban Xienglex.  Across the Mekong River you can visit Ban Jan, where locals produce jars and vases using traditional methods. 

If you are looking for a panoramic view of the city and a romantic sunset over the Mekong River, climb the 228 steps to the top of Phousi Mountain.  It is well worth the climb!  After that browse the night market and indulge home traditional Lao handicrafts for family and friends.

   Family Production                              

How do you get to Luangprabang ?

You can get to Luangprabang by airplane, boat or bus.  There are very good highways crossing from the north to south, and east to west.  If you are looking for more adventure, you can take a slow boat or speed boat from North Thailand to Luangprabang. This journey is guaranteed to provide you with unforgettable memories.

Next

At Don Chan Palace 26 to 29 July 2007

The 2007 Lao Ecotourism Forum, organized by the Lao National Tourism Administration, will bring together and display the highest quality and most innovative ecotourism products and services on offer in the Mekong Region, Under the theme “ Bridging the Mekong Region ”  tour operators, travel agents, accommodation providers, development agencies, government authorities and indigenous communities from throughout the Mekong Region will gather under the same roof to network and expand ecotourism opportunities in their respective countries. This event is a must for anyone interested in shaping the course of ecotourism development in Mekong Region.

Objectives of the Forum

1.         To promote high quality ecotourism-related products and services that showcase the natural and cultural heritage of Laos and the Mekong Region,

2.         Increase business opportunities and networking between ecotourism providers and consumers, with an aim to increase knowledge of the Mekong Region around the world,

3.         To facilitate discussion and an exchange of ideas about the successes and potential for developing ecotourism programs that support poverty alleviation and the protection of the natural and cultural heritage in the Mekong Region.

For more Information please open the www.ecotourismlaos.com/forum 2007.htm

Programs

Wednesday 25 July 2007

      Booth and exhibition set-up at the Don Chan Palace Hotel in Vietiane

Thursday 26 July 2007

8:30 – 15:00           +Opening Ceremony

+Keynote speakers, Networking, expert presentations and panel discussion ( from Lao P.D.R., MTCO and GMS countries )

+Question and Answers

15:00-17:00           +Buyers meet sellers in the Mekong Ecotourism Mart,

19:00-22:00           +Welcoming Dinner ( Mekong Food) at Don Chan Palace with

cultural performances of the Mekong countries,

Friday 27 July 2007

8:30 – 17:00           +National Tourism Workshop ( Lao P.D.R. ),

9:00 - 17:00           +Buyers meet sellers in the Mekong Ecotourism Mart ( con’t)

18:30 – 22:30         +Exhibit of the largest “ baci Pakuan ” in the World and Lao food

festival at National Cultural Hall,

Saturday 28 July 2007

6:30 – 8:30 +Anousavaly – Don Chan Palace Marathon

9:00 – 17:00           +Buyers meet sellers in the Mekong Ecotourism Mart ( con’t)

9:00 – 10:00           +Welcoming and Award Ceremony for Marathon Participants,

10:00                     +Opening Ceremony of Lao Tourism Exhibition

10:00 – 22:00         +Exhibit opens for public, Concert of Lao popular singers, Faison show and Games & Prizes,

Sunday 29 July 2007

9:00 – 16:00           +Exhibit opens for public

+Familiarization tours and excursions for buyers

+Concert of Lao popular singers, Faison show and Games & Prizes,