Airline news

Thai Airways International (THAI) has started operations between Bangkok and Luang Prabang on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays and offers an alternative to the daily Bangkok Airways flights. The new Lao Airlines (QV) timetable effective from 27th October 2003 to 28th March 2004 is available upon request. For more information, please contact deric@exotissimo.com.

Trekking around Luang Prabang

Trekking in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, mostly known for its charming temples and sleepy pace of life, has also some unique walking and trekking options to offer. The area surrounding Luang Prabang is not only very scenic, it is also home to a variety of minority ethnic tribes which can be visited fairly easily. The farther you go (and generally the longer you walk), the more authentic the villages you reach will be. Trips range from half-day trips with a two and a half hour walk to a Hmong village to 3 days/2 nights with 5-6 hours trekking per day and overnights in the houses of villagers. On overnight trips the sleeping facilities are very basic (but authentic) and require a fair amount of flexibility but provide a unique insight into the hilltribe life. A half-day Hmong village + Kuang Si Falls or Hmong Village + Pak Ou Caves including guide, lunch and transport starts from 30 USD/pax for a group of 2 pax to 20 USD/pax for 4 up to maximum of 8 pax. A two day/one night trip including all meals, transport and porters ranges from 75 USD/pax to 45 USD/pax. Please contact george@exotissimo.com for more details and pictures.

Expanding tourism on Road 8A

Tourism officials from Laos, Vietnam and Thailand met in the Ha Tinh, Vietnam recently to discuss the development of tourism and trade on Road 8A, which connects ten provinces in central Vietnam, central Laos and north-eastern Thailand. At the meeting, the group discussed how to ease travelling down Road 8A and at border crossings for locals and foreign visitors, as well as simplify visa procedures. The three countries agreed to provide professional training for their tour guides and market each other’s tourist sites. Vietnam’s members also agreed to promote travel to Laos and Thailand at this year’s SEA Games in December.

Foot reflexology massages

A new feature that can be included as option for tours in Laos is a one-hour foot reflexology massage in Vientiane. As most the city’s sites close their doors at 17:00 a massage for weary feet can easily be added to a city tour before returning to the hotel. Recommended establishments would be the White Lotus Massage near Nam Phou Fountain at 5 USD/pax for one hour or at Papaya Spa not too far from the Novotel at 7 USD/pax/hour. Both places are comfortable and clean. Foot reflexology is a pressure therapy that involves applying focused pressure to certain known reflex points located on the sole of the foot, which correspond to certain areas/parts of the body. Its origins date back to Ancient Egypt and China. A chart of the pressure areas for feet is available at http://www.reflexology-research.com/Images/foot.jpeg.