Tour In Laos

tour in laos="tour in laos"

NORTHWEST TRAIL DISCOVERY TOUR

Code: VNTK 17 Routes: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Sapa  - Halong Bay - Trekking - homestay Duration: 15 Days

Itinerary in brief

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
DAY 2: HANOI
DAY 3: HANOI - DIEN BIEN PHU
DAY 4: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU
DAY 5: LAI CHAU - TA CO PINH
DAY 6: TA CO PINH - NAM PE
DAY 7: NAM PE - PA HA
DAY 9: PU SAM CAP - DONG PAO
DAY 9: PU SAM CAP - DONG PAO
DAY 10: DONG PAO - BAN BO
DAY 11: BANBO  - THAN THUOC  - SAPA
DAY 12: SAPA  - HANOI
DAY 13: HANOI - HALONG
DAY 14: HALONG - HANOI
DAY 15: HANOI - DEPARTURE

Detail Itinerary

DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. (If time permit ) we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.(B)

DAY  2: HANOI
The sightseeing tour of Hanoi begins with Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace , Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature well known as Vietnam's first university and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. A next stop  is the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. We also visit the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem  and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market before we enjoy a performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Hanoi. (B)

DAY 3: HANOI - DIEN BIEN PHU
An impressive way of commencing our day is a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, where hundreds of people  come to do their morning exercise (optional). After breakfast we will have free time until we board a short flight taking us over mountainous regions to Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam's struggle for independence in 1954. After checking into our central located hotel we  enjoy a walk around to see this fast growing town. Our  main stop  is Dien Bien Phu's Museum which details the event in place. We also pay a visit to the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces. O/N in Dien Bien Phu .(B,L,D)

DAY  4: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU
Upon leaving Dien Bien, the roads begins to deteriorate, but drive offer some fantastic views and interesting visit to many hill villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region. After a half day travelling we arrive in Lai Chau Town, our base for exploring the surrounding areas. As a highlight of the trip we  board a boat for a short trip on the mighty Da River, passing through the stunning mountain landscapes. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the local lifestyle close up. Afterwards we have free time to explore the town and pack for trekking days. O/N in Lai Chau. (B,L,D)

DAY  5: LAI CHAU - TA CO PINH
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Lai Chau is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. This morning we  take short drive before we set off on a full day trekking, using the local path. Along the way we  cross over several hill villages which are populated by the  Hmong  and Dao ethnic minority people, just some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic minority groups. They have settled there long time ago. O/N at Ta Co Ping village. (B,L,D)

DAY  6: TA CO PINH - NAM PE
Today we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek into this mountainous region. We walk through different villages, and are sure to attract attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places,  but views of the scenery are fantastic. We finish our walking day on arrival at Nam Pe Ping village where we are  guest of a Thai family. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at  Nam Pe village. (B,L,D)

DAY  7: NAM PE - PA HA
The exciting walk begins as we depart our village of previous night and follow the path used by local people. At the small village of Nam Trang, we change our pace while we embark on a boat for a leisurely trip down stream to Pa Ha, our final destination for this evening. On arrival we have time to take a wander around this seldom visited  village, enabling us to understand a little more about their  culture and lifestyle. O/N in Pa Ha village. (B,L,D)

DAY  8: PA HA - PUSAMCAP
An early morning start to ascend the Pu Sam Cap Mount. The trekking will be difficult at times with many steep uphill walking, but  the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for an unforgettable experience. After a full day walking we arrive at Pu Sam Cap. This remote village is conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting history and a colorful culture. O/N in Pu Sam Cap. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: PU SAM CAP - DONG PAO
The scenery of the north is unequalled although conditions are very basic. After breakfast we continue venturing into this beautiful region with the next stop being Dong Pao. The trekking is less arduous as we walk downhill. Along the way we encounter the local villagers going about their daily business such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field. They are the Lao, Lu, Hmong or Dao, who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N in Dong Pao village. (B,L,D)

DAY 10: DONG PAO - BAN BO
Heading out of Dong Pao we continue our trek, using the local track, passing the undulating terrains and some rustic villages which are home to numerous ethnic minorities. A part of the pleasure of trekking in this region is the  joy of seeing the mountain landscape and exploring the interesting culture of the people. We arrive at Ban Bo village late afternoon and spend the night, as guest of villagers. The facilities are very basic, but the experience is unique. O/N in Ban Bo village. (B,L,D)

DAY  11: BANBO  - THAN THUOC  - SAPA
The trekking expeditions finishes this morning after we spend  few more hours completing  the distance from Ban Bo to Than Thuoc. At the small village we meet up with our vehicle and drive to Sa Pa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became unbearable. Here are some remains of colonial period and many colorful ethnic minority groups. After checking into hotel, you can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending your time strolling around this charming town. O/N in SaPa. (B,L,D)

DAY 12: SAPA  - HANOI
The Phan Si Pang range boasts Vietnam's highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. After breakfast we explore the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay, Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the surrounding the mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We follow this with a walk into this mountainous region. Departing the town we get well off the beaten track and pass through many hill villages and beautiful mountain landscape. In the mid afternoon you are transferred to Laocai to board a night train back to Hanoi. O/N on board. (B)

DAY  13: HANOI - HALONG
An early morning arrival in Hanoi. We enjoy a shower before we travel by roads to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. AWe make stop en route in Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. This charming town has plenty of interesting sights, some of which are  the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du Hang Pagoda,  the Hang Kenh Carpet Factory and the vibrant Sat Market. A drive through tree lined boulevards punctuated with many striking French colonial architecture, will deliver us to some of these landmarks. We continue our journey Halong Bay and spend the remainder of the day for a well - earned rest on Bai Chay Beach. O/N in Ha Long. (B)

DAY  14: HALONG - HANOI
The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat for a four hour cruise around this wondrous bay, dotted with some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we  return to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Ha Noi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)

DAY  15: HANOI - DEPARTURE
There is free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi . The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)

source...

About the Author

www.greentrail-indochina.com
www.greentrailtourism.com

Louang Phrabang Town Tour Laos (Sept 2009)


tour in laos
tour in laos
tour in laos

Laos Vacations

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Enjoy exotic vacations and new adventures in Vietnam

Vacations are an exciting time for people. As the world becomes more and more obsessed with work and schedules become tighter, vacations have become the only way people can get away from their stress and work. This is one reason why many people plan extensively in order to spend their vacation time in luxury and comfort. Over the years, the manners in which people choose to spend their vacations and the destinations have undergone some change. Many people are now willing to explore exotic locations like Vietnam and South East Asia for their holidays. With affordable options and luxurious accommodations, the Vietnam tour has become a popular choice with many people. This is a popular choice for people who wish for some adventure, Vietnam travel offers a range of exciting and affordable options to vacationers.

Located in the south East Asia, Vietnam has become a popular exotic tourist destination in recent years. The combination of exciting nightlife, quality accommodation, and a large coastline make it perfect for people who want to get away from their dreary lives. There are a number of Vietnam tour facilities which help people enjoy the wide coastline and exotic natural scenes in the country. This is one of the main reasons behind the popularity of adventure Vietnam travel with urban citizens. Its proximity to nature and coastal serenity allows people to take a break from the mechanical pressures of urban work life and enjoy their vacation.

One of the most important concerns when planning a vacation is the accommodation. The use of a Vietnam Tour operator can help people plan their vacations and book their accommodations in advance. This is very helpful as the popularity of the destination has made it very difficult to avail of quality accommodation easily. With the help of the right Vietnam tour operator, it is possible for people to book their accommodation in locations like Saigon, Hanoi and Laos.

Among the main attractions of the country is the mui ne beach. Known for its golden sands and luxurious lifestyle, this beach has become a popular stop for many Vietnam tours.  Other than these there are a number of options for people looking for some adventure, Vietnam offers a range of adventurous sports like mountain climbing and hiking. Also, with respect to the sport of cycling, Vietnam is a great place for people to enjoy their vacations while forgetting about their work and home pressures.

There are a number of websites on the internet which offer easy access to quality Vietnam tour operators.  This can be used by individuals to help plan their vacations more effectively and without any stress. Although the information available is plenty, it is important that people choose to utilize only information from reliable and trusted websites. This will help them choose the best adventure Vietnam travel services for their needs. However, it is important that people look for the quality of accommodation provided, facilities available and other features of the Vietnam tour before making their choice. This will help make their vacation far more enjoyable.

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About the Author

Mr Hung - www.asianatravelmate.com

Yahoo: dinhhung_84

Skype: tdhung1184

LAO TV NEWS_ Railway MOU Signing Between GOL & GGL


laos vacations

Vang Vieng Hotel

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Hoteloogle.com - Villa Vang Vieng Riverside Hotel


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vang vieng hotel

Laos Travel Packages

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Vietnam Has Facebook ‘Lux4Lux’ Network For Luxury Travelers For The First Time

With its most of efforts and enthusiasm to their customer interaction, Luxury Travel Company has launched its facebook ‘Lux4Lux’ network for people to exchange point of views, experiences and connect to travelers worldwide to share their travel stories, loved photos, find travel info, exciting experiences and even help planning their trips together.

Luxury Travel Vietnam Company specializes in luxury travel products and services in Indochina through their technology-based system of websites and information databases. They provide to luxury travelers a personalized travel packages with unique cultural and leisure-learning experiences in selected destinations in Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and other destinations in Asia.

Their clients seek much more than conventional travel packages and demand the highest level of service, security and style. Luxury Travel creates packages for the traveler who besides of wanting the best in luxury also desires to have a unique experience.

In a bid to enhance their customer interaction, Luxury Travel Company has launched its a Facebook, providing trends, news, advice and travel stories across its Asian destinations.

The luxury travel advisors are there to share with travelers and guests and internet surfers about the ultimate local knowledge.

A Luxury Travel’s face book will allow clientele to benefit from advice and experiences of our luxury travel advisors, as well as other customers, with regard to Indochinese Peninsula:  Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and other destinations in Asia.

“We will be able to foster relationships beyond our customers’ trips and build a lifetime relationship with our customers. We listened to their wishes, needs, and feedbacks of our customers so that we deliver a right experience for our discerning guests,” explained Tony Pham, spokesperson of Luxury Travel Company.

“People have visited our destinations remain excited about their travel experiences and wanting to share their experiences, their loved photos with their friends, co-workers, relatives and in our prospects online. They feel that they are belonging to a community, responsible and are helpful” added Tony.

Luxury Travel’s clients can find their loved package tours, talking to travel specialist with highly knowledge, having them to create an individual and unique travel packages for them on the website: www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com.

Luxury Travel definitely does not just sell but helps customers to buy.

Our Facebook Lux4Lux network aims to provide our customers with the ability to exchange point of views, experiences and connect with our prospects with our formers travelers they share stories, loved photos, find useful travel info and right experience and perhaps, plan trips together. People are free to exchange whatever they want with our prospects, talk with us and about us” Tony concludes.

About the Author

Award Winning Tour Operator

Responsible Travel - Travel Indochina


laos travel packages
laos travel packages
laos travel packages

Hostels In Laos

hostels in laos_2="hostels in laos"

Backpacking around Vietnam

The coastal road that runs all the way from Ho Chi Minh City in the far south of Vietnam right to Hanoi, the northern capital, is quite flat and ideal for mountain biking. No wonder then that so many groups of young explorers set off on mountain bikes for extended journeys across the length of Vietnam.

Places to stay along the way include the historical town of Hue with its famous cooking schools, and Hoi An, a world heritage listed place that sparkles of an evening under the glow of an infinite number of lanterns. The limestone cliffs of Halong Bay are off shore and therefore off limits to cyclists.

The streets of Hanoi however are a cyclist's dream with their slow moving traffic and interesting lakes. Once in the national capital a number of very low budget accommodations can be found, for less than US$5 per night, per person. They are not all hardcore backpacker hostels, either.

Hotel guest rooms in Vietnam are very cheap so there often isn't a strong need to take out dormitory style accommodation just to save money. On the contrary, a single or double room in an atmospheric and clean hotel will probably cost no more than one or two dollars more than a bed in a dormitory holding ten or more people.

During the wet season prices drop even further and great discounts can be arranged with simple negotiation and at all times of the year payments for food and lodgings can be made in the dong, which is the local currency, or the American dollar. Small denomination American dollar notes will go a long way in Vietnam and they are very handy for tipping.

How much does Vietnam cost per day? Lying on the beach costs nothing and there are plenty of people who are happy to stay at a heritage site like Hoi An and cycle each morning to the nearby beach, where elephants sometime swim in the water. Lunch can be had on the beach for no more than a dollar or two. Of an evening, a bowl of pho and some beers will cost no more than five dollars in total.

Accommodation in a bungalow in a town like Hoi An can be found for around US$5 but for around double that amount some very fine accommodations can be found in an air conditioned hotel with television and fridge. Most backpackers though would not be passing through Vietnam looking for those kinds of comforts. It's enough for most visitors to secure something cheap and comfortable.

A lot of backpackers choose Vietnam as their most preferred Southeast Asian destination. They recommend it for its lack of crowds and persistently low prices. Even though a boom in tourism started in the 1990s the hectic scenes of Thailand have never eventuated in Vietnam. Vietnam has a similar vibe to Laos, but is a bit larger and offers a bit more diversity of experiences.

The beaches are superb, and some of the landscapes are quite amazing. Few people venture further north out of Hanoi but those who do discover the delights of the Sapa region and its fascinating hill tribe peoples. In general, all parts of Vietnam are full of friendly and outgoing people but the northern regions are particularly laid back and welcoming.

Motorcycle tours are another popular backpacker choice. Rental are available in Ho Chi Minh City and people tend to head north quite quickly rather than exploring the Mekong Delta, which is south of the city formerly known as Saigon. Conditions are ideal for motorcycle touring with sealed roads and plenty of roadside assistance in the form of well-trained mechanics for the length of most journeys.

Chinese New Year for Vietnam travel is a very busy period in Vietnam and really marks the height of the backpacker year here. Prices can be a little more at this time but there are still more than enough beds and rooms to go around. Some backpackers prefer to come to Vietnam towards the middle of the year but this may conflict with the wild weather of the wet season.

Budget flights into Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City are readily available and most of the regional carriers offer special prices throughout the year. Bangkok Airways is one of the many airlines that fly between the two capitals and this is a good option for travellers who are short on time as well as cash.

About the Author

Caroline Whitbread is a freelance graphic designer and blogger who liked travelling around Vietnam so much that she moved to Hanoi.

 

"Island Hopping" Alasdairm's photos around Don Det, Lao Peoples Dem Rep


hostels in laos

Laos Trip

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Where should I go in Vietnam and Laos?

I am going travelling in April for 3 months. I know where I am going in Thailand as have been before and know where I want to go. But I have not been to Vietnam or Laos and unsure of where I should go. I have got guidebooks but I always find other peoples experiences much better to go on.

So I am after where is good to go, what trips I should be doing etc.
Thanks

Laos : Make sure you go tubing that is the best thing about Laos. Cant remember where you go to do it but when you are there ask it's unmissable. I do know that we got a slow boat from northern Thailand across into Laos about a 5 minute journey where you get your visa and then sail down the Mekong river through Laos , It was quite uncomfortable and took 2 day's but it was well worth it, it's a great way of seeing the country. I went to Thailand first then Laos and from there into Northern Vietnam (Hanoi). We travelled from there down South visiting all the places along the coast on the way. We travelled mostly on overnight buses which are quite hard to sleep on and a little bumpy but is was the cheapest was of travelling. You will need to have your visa sorted before you get to Vietnam they take a bit of time to get. Then the further south in Vietnam you go the nearer to Cambodia you get. I have to say out of all the places I have travelled in Asia I loved Vietnam the most, Na Trang was my favourite place there it's right on the coast Its just a lovely holiday town with nice hotels and pubs. Enjoy :)

Laos Trip


laos trip

Luang Namtha Laos

luang namtha laos_3="luang namtha laos"

Laos - Jungle-hike near Luang Namtha PART1


luang namtha laos
luang namtha laos
luang namtha laos

Laos Attractions

laos attractions_2="laos attractions"

Law of Attraction & Injustice made _In Tolerance We Are Safer [part2/2]

I remember my mother telling me, when I was a child, that if something didn't work one way, like a key not turning in a lock, I should remember to turn it the other way. Sound advice it was, indeed. And so, if the general consensus is that hatred, fear and resentment will never bring about any type of satisfying resolution to any sort conflict because these energies attract similar energies as effectively as two poles of a magnet jump at each other, then the only other way to turn ‘this' key is towards the opposite pole – towards genuine acceptance, towards making an active inner peace in regards to that ‘other', whoever that other happens to be.

Good news is that we don't have to hug that other person. It is safe to agree that the power of hugs just as the healing power of making love are both hugely over-rated when it comes to conflict resolutions.

We don't even have to shake their hand, as cantankerous school children are asked to do to show a supposed heartfelt softening of attitude.

We don't have to do any of these things because an honest inner peace is also active energy.

Like attracts like, as effectively as two poles of a magnet jump at each other.

 

The way to alter the energy of envy, fear, hatred and resentment is to try very hard to not respond in kind, while dodging blows - figurative ones as well as literal ones. The key is also to not suffer anything under duress. Accepting anything under duress stands at the opposite side of accepting from a heartfelt inner calm - and duress will NEVER work.

I am not in the least interested in any ritualized religions, but I do keep an eclectic bank of quotes and on the topic of ‘duress', I found a sound byte attributed to Jesus in Matthew 5:38-42, NIV. "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,' he said. "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

Uh, what? Love your enemy? Turn the other cheek and open the flood gates to all and sundry? Go religious? Let the bad guys take over without a fight? OMG! You gotta be cra-zy!

Over two thousand years ago already, Jesus was issuing us with the warning that, because like attracts like,  responding in kind to anyone or anything ‘evil' [which for all intents and purposes includes anything we find unpleasant frightening] will keep otherwise good folks from enjoying the deep sleep of the Just.

What I think is really crazy is that even persons who see themselves as religious don't get it either.

These ‘good' people don't get that as long as they talk about the other, any other, with harsh words, with anger and hatred in their voice, they are magnetizing more of the same – separately and collectively.

Even more attractive to those who mouth canonical wisdom each time they visit their temple, church, mosque of synagogue is the much misunderstood eye for an eye that, these days, passes for restorative ... justice a.k.a. man-made retribution.

"You gouge out my eye. I gouge out your eye and then the other, if I can" – is the model we all understand and many more of us would add action to words, if we weren't law-abiding citizens - afraid of the lawful consequences.

 

Personally, I prefer to think that ‘an eye for an eye' is not about a barbaric tit for tat, but about karmic retribution – retribution tabulated by whichever entity one feels is in charge of the universe, the name and shape of this entity being totally immaterial.

‘An eye for an eye' suggests that karma is unerring.

 

Karma encapsulates all our deeds and all our thoughts and all our words for they, too, carry their own energy. Like attracts like. Though this karmic payback is often paid back in kind, it can boomerang back to the sender in a different guise but no matter, in essence, it will still be the same old an eye for eye and a tooth for a tooth. A knife attracts a bullet. A bomb somewhere attracts an explosion elsewhere. A punch attracts a counter punch. A hurtful word attracts another hurtful word. A slur attracts a bigger slur.

Approximately 150,000 people died in Hiroshima and some 75,000 died in Nagasaki – mostly all civilians.

From 1969 to 1973 the US secretly bombed Cambodia just to cut off Viet-Cong supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail from Laos, gutting deep into the populated areas of central Cambodia. The number of bombs dropped on this non-combatant country was equal to that dropped on Japan during all of WWII. More than 500,000 Cambodians died. A famine ensued as a result of the bombed-out agricultural industry of this otherwise very fertile country. More deaths - children included, of course. With the country on its knees, the scene was then set for the invasion of the Khmer Rouge and most of us know what happened then.

The United States of America was not an alien entity from out of space. The bombs were made by American people. The pilots dropping the bombs were American people. The orders were given by the American President. Congress was made up of American people. The members of the Republican Party standing by their President were American. Then the madness stopped. Peace. Handshakes. Rebuild. Easy. Injustice was perpetrated but was there any amending, any repairing from the collective American heart?

Karmically speaking, why would a country, any country, a huge collection of people, think that they can walk away from such horror and not expect a ‘justice adjustment' one day or another? When one understands the concept of karma correctly, Judgement Day is every day. The tabulation is ongoing. And which country, large or small, does not have a number of skeletons packed up to the rafters?

The problem for us humans in the most advanced of all civilizations, is that we fail to perceive the invisible link we keep creating between cause and effect. Is it amnesia, ignorance or blind self-absorption?

Be that as it might, this tendency does serve us well in the sense that it renders us unable to feel any sense of accountability for much of what eventually befalls us. And this seems to be the preferred status quo.

Another illustration of the concept of ‘an eye for an eye' in a modern political context is to consider the current festering barb in Israel's side. Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic fundamentalist group that has become the current focus for aggressive resistance was, back in the ‘90's, a welcome foil for Yitzhak Rabin's government against Yasser Araft's  PLO.

Short-sightedly, the Israeli government had no qualms subtly promoting the group, thus pitting brothers against brothers. Currently, the Hamas and its followers are planning a 3rd intifada [shake up] against Israel. Why are they, when the last 2nd intifada that spanned from 2000 to 2008 took 6000 Palestinian lives plus that of 64 foreigners plus that of1100 Israelis while wounding approximately another 6000?

When we prefer to go on believing in the randomness of life's events – and death - it must be because it suits us to do so.

 

And where am I going with this?

While I waited for the light to turn green, earlier this afternoon, the image of a little Muslim boy shooting imaginary bullets at passers-by pasted itself over that of a little blond boy simply doing boy-things on a sidewalk. And already then, I knew, knew, knew, that the only thing we can, separately and collectively, do is to - at the very least - remain healthily, positively, caringly neutral when it comes to anyone's attempts at enrolling us in their cycle of fear, envy, anger, resentment, hatred – and action.

No, we cannot roll back the snowball we have pushed down the mountain. It will go on triggering avalanches that will trigger more explosions all the long way down till it reaches the bottom. There will be many, many more casualties along the way because the mountain from which we have launched our large snowball is a very, very high mountain. But provided that, separately and collectively, we don't go preparing any more snow balls – provided we don't even go to the top of that mountain anymore, slowly, slowly the avalanches will stop and so will the explosions.

For my part, next time I find myself walking through the groups of new migrants chatting noisily in foreign languages in my suburb, instead of hurrying along, I will sit on a park bench and I will casually observe the coming and going of these exotic people. I will reflect on the reality that many of them will have survived a life I would never wish for myself, not for anyone I love, not even for the neighbors I have never met.

I will casually observe these newcomers as they go about their business with the words, in the tone and in the manner that are culturally familiar to them. I will practise thinking about them neutrally. They just are. They just are like everyone else in all the other streets of my suburb in the city where I live somewhere in Australia. They are a part of my world. I will practice feeling empathy because empathy comes from the heart and silently, imperceptibly, slowly but surely like attracts like.

Actually, why wait till I have to go to that part of town to start practicing this calm acceptance of What- Is? I can begin right now in the comfort of my own den.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

Naked Spirituality - A Soul's Quest

By day, a teacher, by night, an explorer - I began to search for life's meaning, initially through writing fiction and more recently through learning, practicing, and writing about spiritual philosophy.

A couple of years after my last set of back-to-back novels, "Far From Maddy" and "Morgan in the Mirror", my writing took an entirely different tack.

Home, Sweet Home

Inspired by the teachings of my Spiritual Guide – and pushed along by my soul's whispers - in 2009, I embarked on a collection of spiritual articles inspired by my inner-most thoughts on all Matters of the Heart and Soul.

The series began with twelve articles complete with illustrations. It deals with what I consider uncompromising, hardcore spirituality and is an ongoing *live* project.

My next creative endeavour lead me to making my own podcasts. Each of the

These clips are conveniently set out on Magnify.net - from last to first, so work your way up from page 3 to page 1 :)

That was followed by blogs as series - some 5 to 10 blogs per topic - plenty of space and enough words through which to properly unpack each topic from a spiritual perspective.

Together and separately, these articles, blogs and podcasts amount to a *free* guide to what I have  decided to call Naked Spirituality, the only approach to spirituality that, I believe, if practised with an open heart and diligently, can truly set us on The Path of spiritual evolution.

FYI, I am not selling anything; no workshops; no massages; no seminars; no retreats; no crystals and no books on the Law of Attraction.

There is nothing here, there or anywhere that I have written on the topic of Spiritual Philosophy that seeks to be marketed, but there is plenty that can/should be/ought to be practiced ... daily :)

The " FreeMan " Lao Band for Phonhong ReUnion 2011 VDO 3


laos attractions

Vientiane Laos Hotels

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vientiane laos hotels

Travel Indochina

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Indochina Sails attends Luxury Travel Market in France and International Travel Trade in Spain

Indochina Sails announce to attend Luxury Travel Market in Cannes, France from Dec 6th to 9th 2010 and International Travel Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain from Jan 19th to 23rd, 2011 to promote the newest and biggest luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay named Indochina Sails Premium. It is grand opening in Nov 2010.

Indochina Sails is the first and biggest company to offer luxury overnight cruises on the bay. Indochina Sails is now widely known as the number one choice for discerning travelers, operating a fleet of six luxurious built wooden junks and cruises. Two of them are newest additions in 2010, named Premium Valentine with 2 deluxe cabins and Indochina Sails Premium with 24 deluxe and suite cabins. They were designed in time-honored traditional style, with contemporary and luxurious cabins and facilities.

From December 6th to 9th 2010, the Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) is going to be held in Cannes, France. Indochina Sails aims to promote Luxury Cruises in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam in the luxury segment, which is addressed to people who want to live a unique experience, with personalized service, privacy, tranquility and simplicity about World Heritage in Vietnam.

ILTM Asia is a 'by invitation only' event, offering a tailor-made diary of one-to-one meetings, exclusive insight into luxury travel trends and developments, plus an enviable business and social networking calendar of events to help you engage with your luxury travel's elite.

After this show, Indochina Sails is going to attend Fitur - the International Tourism Trade Fair, which celebrates its 31st anniversary from January 19th to 23rd 2011 in Madrid, Spain.

Fitur is a meeting point for tourism professionals, an opportunity to establish lines of action, innovating to answer the changing demands of the market and to form strategies and business alliances to energize/consolidate the tourism business.

1. The Luxury Travel Market in Cannes (ILTM)

Attendee: Le Phuong Nhi – Director of Sales and Marketing

Stand number E181 – Asia Section

Email: dosm@indochinasails.com
Website: http://www.indochinasails.com

ILTM link: www.iltm.net

2. International Travel Trade Fair in Madrid (Fitur)

Attendee: Le Phuong Nhi – Director of Sales and Marketing

Stand number E181 – Asia Section

Email: dosm@indochinasails.com
Website: http://www.indochinasails.com

Fitur link: http://www.ifema.es/ferias/fitur/default_i.html

About the Author


Why Travel with Travel Indochina?


travel indochina

Vientiane Times Laos

vientiane times laos="vientiane times laos"

Vientiane province expands road network

LAOS - Vientiane province will spend more than 25 billion kip to asphalt a 13.5km section of road between Huayphanla and Nongsan villages in Kasy district as one of the government's priority projects.

According to a local reporter, Mr Phoukhong Siduanglath, an agreement was made at the General Staff Department of the Defence Ministry on March 10, and was inked between Director of the Vientiane provincial Public Works and Transport Department, Mr Thavone Phengseng, and the owner of a road construction company, Mr Somphan Panyathilath.

Deputy Director General of the department and Chairman of the Lao-Thai Border Security Sub-committee Brigadier General Bouasieng Champaphanh attended the signing along with other officials.

"This road linking Huayphanla village to the Nongsan development area is a mountainous area and a priority project of the government because the people in the Nongsan area are mostly returning illegal migrants from Thailand who have settled here ," said Mr Thavone.

He said the road will help local people transport goods to the Phalak development area which is also home to former illegal migrants. The road will pass through Phalak to the urban area of Kasy district.

The road is set to finish in two years time and will cost more than 25 billion kip, financed by the government, he said. The asphalt road will be eight metres wide.

The purpose of the project is to help improve the living conditions of people living in the Nongsan development area.

It is also being tied to this week's 9th Party Congress and elections for the 7th Legislature of the National Assembly.

"I want the construction company to build the road quickly because it will facilitate two further projects in the Nongsan area to provide electricity and irrigation," said Brigadier General Bouasieng.

"Currently there are difficulties transporting fuel, construction materials and electricity poles to the area."

Posted by Vietnam Tours

Older news items:

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  "Bangkok stopover amazing offers" campaign launched at ITB 2011 - (14/03)


• Women in tourism spearhead global aid initiative for victims in Japan - (14/03)


• Dak Lak abuzz with coffee festival - (14/03)


• An Giang to boost tourism sector - (14/03)


• Thailand's travel industry fearing downturn in Japanese visitor numbers - (14/03)


• Malaysia gets a proper budget for MICE support - (11/03)


• Thailand closes some marine parks to protect coral reefs - (11/03)


• Two thirds of mainland Chinese pre-plan their Hong Kong purchasing - (11/03)


• Visa condition for US nationals relaxed - (11/03)


• Taiwan launches Three-pronged strategy - (11/03)


• Bali faces increasing pressure from tourism - (11/03)


• Asean set to jointly promote tourism - (11/03)


• Viet Nam more attractive for Russia tourists - (11/03)


• Taiwan climbs 6 places in global tourism competitiveness ranking - (11/03)


• Seoul Voted Asians' Top Travel Destination Again - (11/03)

 

About the Author

Asiana Travel Mate, founded in 2006, provides customized inbound travel into Vietnam, extending to Cambodia and Laos. We believe in delivering services as promised, benefiting local communities and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of Vietnam

Mr Hung

Yahoo: dinhhung_84

Skype: tdhung1184

COPY RIGHT: ASIANA TRAVEL MATE please contact us when you use the content.

 

Vientiane Time


vientiane times laos
vientiane times laos
vientiane times laos

Laos Vientiane Hotels

laos vientiane hotels_5="laos vientiane hotels"



laos vientiane hotels
laos vientiane hotels
laos vientiane hotels

Holiday Laos

holiday laos="holiday laos"
Adventure Holidays? Advice?

Hi,
I am going to Asia (Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand) on this adventure trip and it's going to be pretty hardcore trekking and stuff. I have everything sorted (i.e. Vaccines, insurance, Plane tickets, expenditure, accommodations ect) but I was just wondering about anything extra I should take or look out for?
Any advice will be much appreciated.

Passports and visas taken care of? Passport has at least 6 months remaining from your final departure? Make photocopies of your passport and put those copies in each of your bags. Have some spare passport photos available just in case they are needed.

If you are coming from a country like the US who insists on the check in bag being unlocked you can use electricians ties to keep the lock shut. You will have to secrete some small scissors or envelope opener in one of the pockets of your check in bag so you can cut that plastic tie off the lock when you get to your hotel.
http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=507844

On trains, planes, buses and taxi cabs keep cash, jewelry, electronics, passport with you at your seat or within sight and not in your checked in bag! Consider having a secret pocket sewed into your trousers, accessible from inside. I like velcro on my pocket flaps, even if there are buttons there. Get a pouch and lanyard for your passport. Pin or attach that lanyard to the inside pocket so you don't lose your pp.

Make sure you can lock all of your bags. Anytime you leave your hotel room lock your bags. It is not always the hotel staff you have to be wary of - your fellow tourist next door may also rip you off too! Use the hotel safe or safety box for your spare cash and valuables. Don't trust anyone you meet on the road, especially any tourists who are dopers! Dopers might store their dope in your bags and you take the fall for it if found. If you bring a "guest" up to your room make sure your wallet, passport, watch and cell phone are locked up, especially if you leave that "guest" alone in the room while you take a shower. Guest and valuables could be gone when you are finished with your shower!

Notify your banks or credit unions that you will be using their debit or credit cards overseas. If you do not notify your banks ahead of time your ATM withdrawals may not be approved because of suspected fraud.

You don't have to take a laptop with you. Internet shops are available in most places, especially Thailand. I have a flash drive with Firefox on it (free download) that has the same home page as my home computers. When I am in an internet shop I plug that FD in and the monitor looks just like my home computer. You can lock up a FD in a hotel safe or safety box but most of those boxes won't take a laptop! Password protect that FD if you take one and especially password protect your laptop if you bring one.

Before you leave home - stop your mail and newspapers! A whole bunch of mail and newspapers means no one is home and your house is ripe for someone to break in!

Empty your trash too! Nothing stinks more than old meat wrappers and especially fish remnants left for a month in your kitchen trash can. Double check your house to see if you are leaving any lights on. You can put a few lights on a timer to mimic someone being home to maybe fool some crooks into thinking the house is occupied.

If you do not have bank or credit union accounts that have Bill Pay set them up now! This way you can schedule payments ahead of time or make them on the road. You can set your telephone, electricity, gas and credit card payments ahead of time. Some credit unions pay for your ATM fees even overseas, or at least some of the fees. These credit unions also provide travelers checks free of commission.

Need to know telephone numbers, addresses, etc. can be written in email form, you send that email to yourself and then save it into memory. You can even write your travelers checks serial numbers in email form and even the serial numbers of your large currency (like $100 bills.) This way if you need any of this info you can pull it up in an internet shop and have it available. You can also put your flight itineraries and hotel booking info in email form and save that too for easy recall. Download a copy of your passport info page and any visas you have and save that in email form as an enclosure or something.

Try these travel forums for more ideas:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g293916-i3687-o20-Bangkok.html
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=51
http://forum.virtualtourist.com/forum-1943-1-Travel-Thailand-1-forum.html

Good luck.

Vietnam - Laos holiday in photo's


holiday laos
holiday laos
holiday laos

Laos Development

laos development="laos development"
How much would it cost to build a school or library?

I am asking mainly about Laos, but some information about Thailand would be helpful too.

It looks like I am going back to SE Asia soon....if not this October, then next April. I would love to do something to help in the economic development of Laos.

I was thinking of doing some fundraising to get the funds to build a school or library in Laos; and if the fundraising isn't enough, I or my family will cover the rest.

So......how much would it cost to build a 2500 sq foot library or 10 000 sq feet school?
Oh....would I be able to get help from the local government like tax relief, etc?
I have asked certain people in Lao construction...they told me $40 000 for a 3000-4000 sq building...to me that seems low...but asking others before committing more would be helpful.

I do not know about the construction costs in Laos, but I would not bother about a library. Go for a school building or teaching equipment/materials.

Do not expect any help from the government in Lao PDR. From my discussions with the Swedish Aid Agency and the (now former) British Consul in Vientiane, I heard that Lao government officials frequently have the audacity to demand bribes in order to approve aid projects.

Instead, you should consider finding and approaching a NGO or a corporation that may be willing to help co-sponsor your project. The link will give you an idea of some that are active in Thailand.

Lao Development - Buakeo


laos development

Laos Location

laos location_2="laos location"

10 Nice Locations to Go to in Alabama

When touring on a budget it's best to bear in mind the following factors:


Travel in the off-peak seasons. It can save you up to as much as fifty per cent off air flights and accommodation costs for those who plan to journey in off-season times.

Avoid common vacationer spots (except they are on your 'should-see' listing). In case you can go off the crushed track along with your locations, things will be cheaper to see and do and your cultural experiences will likely be richer.


Try camping. Not only is it the most affordable form of lodging it is a great way to rise up shut and personal to nature. It is the best way to see Nationwide Parks and Heritage listed areas.


Look for particular travel presents (or packages). But be sure you test every thing that they embrace - and don't include.

Put money into a journey pass where you might be able. Most developed countries have a rail or bus transport system the place you can get hold of day, week or monthly passes that can get you around cheaply.Get a piece permit if you purpose to gain employment whereas touring overseas. Working can assist subsidize locations that are not so low cost, akin to Europe and Australia.


Search for good exchange rates on the dollar. This will likely provide help to resolve which nation to journey to Think about shortening your go to to destinations that are costly and rising your length of keep in cheaper places.The place possible use your credit card. The change charge is better.

When staying in a lodge, avoid paying for 'extras'. Do not touch anything from the glory bar. Don't watch the in-home films and do not use the hotel phone. And take a look at to not use room service an excessive amount of!


On the world scene there are some great locations to travel on a funds for under thirty dollars a day. In Asia you can attempt India, Laos, China, Cambodia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Thailand, Sumatra and Burma. In Central and South America you possibly can visit El Salvador, Bolivia and Ecuador. If you are after a budget experience within the Pacific, strive Fiji or New Zealand. Over in Africa there are some nice funds locations reminiscent of Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Malawi, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Ghana. Don't forget the Middle East the place locations like Iran, Syria and Turkey present wonderful value for cash and wonderful experiences for the price range traveler.


There isn't any 'finest place' to travel on a budget. Just be ready to go searching, keep away from the pitfalls of unwanted prices in package deal deals or resort bookings. If you wish to travel and your funds does not meet your expectations, be flexible and see if there may be someplace cheaper you may wish to experience. You would be pleasantly stunned along with your stay in India or Iran, whenever you thought you wished to go to Tahiti.
About the Author

There's nothing like occurring an adventure, and now you possibly can uncover essentially the most wonderful journey journey packages without cost! Go to
vietnam travel map
and
Hanoi Hotels vietnam travel
to find adventures which are so amazing to experience!

Martial Arts Odyssey: Muay Lao Part 2


laos location

Holiday Laos

holiday laos_4="holiday laos"

Sapa adventure holiday,Sapa tours with traditional market

2-DAY SAPA HOLIDAY TO CAN CAU & BAC HA MARKET - SATURDAY & SUNDAY(2 Days / 1 Night)

Itinerary

Day 1 Saturday: SAPA ADVENTURE HOLIDAY: Lao Cai – Bac Ha – Can Cau – Bac Ha (L,D)

After having breakfast, you will travel by car to Bac Ha, which is 70 km Northeast of Lao Cai. The ride is relatively flat from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai, where you will be taken through rural area. Situated in the mountains in border area, 20 km from Bac Ha, Can Cau is a small, but very colorful market. Opening only on Saturdays, it always delivers a very photogenic display of Flower Hmong, Black Zao, Phu La ethnic costumes. Chinese people also come for trading. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, you will leave the market for Bac Ha town for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will take a walk to Ban Pho village of Nung and Flower Hmong, which is located in a small valley. The villagers grow vegetables and fruit trees. One of the most famous fruits of the area is plum. You will be able to visit a local house, where you might have the chance to taste a cup of corn wine, another famous product of the village. You will go back to the hotel late in the afternoon and then have dinner in a local restaurant.
Approx: 3 hour driving/ 1.5 hours walking.

Day 2 Sunday: SAPA ADVENTURE HOLIDAY : Bac Ha – Trung Do – boat trip to Coc Ly – Lao Cai (L)

After having a morning coffee, you take a short walk to visit the old castle of the former Hmong King. From there you can have a view over the town. You will then visit the huge market of Bac Ha with its colorful array of ethnic minority people such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung who gather to buy and sell. After spending the whole morning exploring the market, your lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch, you drive downhill for about half an hour. You will then start a short walk to Trung Do village, which belongs to the Tay minority. Here you can visit a traditional Tay house, before getting on a boat. You will have a cruise upstream the Chay River to experience the picturesque scenes on the river banks. You will then cruise down stream to the Bao Nhai Bridge, where you get on the car for the journey back.

Approx: 2 hour driving/ 1 hours walking/ 1.5 hours boat cruise.
Note: The trip is based on the day of arrival/ departure of the night train to/ from Hanoi. Departure time from Sapa should be no later than 8.00. To get more details on the price of this tour, please visit at http://vietlongtravel.com/viet-nam-tours/sapa-adventure-tours/2-day-sapa-holiday-to-can-cau-bac-ha-market-saturday.html and to get more information about other adventure tours in Sapa, please take a look at http://vietlongtravel.com/viet-nam-tours/sapa-adventure-tours.html

About the Author

Doan Quynh Anh

Sales Consultant
Cellphone: +841665285529
YM: medusa1592
======================================
VIETLONG TRAVEL – HEAD OFFICE IN HANOI
32 B / Le Ngoc Han Str, Hai Ba Trung Dis; Hanoi - VIETNAM
Tel: (84 4) 04 39766534 & Fax: 04 39766533
Email: sales@vietlongtravel.com or quynhanh@vietlongtravel.com

Website: http://www.vietlongtravel.com

"Lao New Year is the craziest holiday ever invented" Kbreeze's photos around Vientiane


holiday laos

Flag Laos

flag laos="flag laos"
For those who traveled to the WTC towers pre-9/11?

For those who traveled to the WTC (World Trade Center) towers pre-9/11, I have a question.

In the South Tower lobby, hung all the flags of the world. I recently discovered some photos of these flags, but the photos only show L-Z (countries), and so does all the other pictures I found. My question is, where in the lobby were A-K (countries) located?

Here's a pic, for example:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=36917991&context=photostream&size=o
Pic courtesy of Flickr, and is only being used as an example.



As you can see, it shows L (Laos or Latvia) through Z (Zimbabwe). There seems to be a wall (elevators?) at Laos or Latvia, so where is K-A? Thanks for any help. I'd like to find a picture of K-A.

The elevator column was in the center of the lobby and the flags continued around the walkway above the lobby. A to K would have been on the other side of the walkway from what you see in your photo. Sorry I cannot come up with a photo of that side of the lobby, maybe someone else has one.
It was an impressive sight, all those flags in the lobby.

Lao Freedom Flag 2009 - "Lowell City Hall " Vice Mayor Rita Marcia 1 (LaoGN)


flag laos

Villa Maly Luang Prabang

villa maly luang prabang="villa maly luang prabang"

You'Ve Scaled The Great Wall, Wandered The Temples Of Angkor Wat And Partied On The Beaches Of Goa. What'S Next?

That decision is being faced by a lot of travelers these days, particularly those who see themselves as cultural trendsetters, the kind of people who will cut cocktail party chatter short by casually asking a new acquaintance, "Oh, but you haven't been to Laos yet?"

That's because Asia has emerged as one of the fastest growing tourist markets in the world, both for the hard-core adventurer and the upscale vacationer just looking for a nice place to relax. According to the World Tourism Organization, India and Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia had double-digit increases in international tourist arrivals last year.

For those who want to stay ahead of the crowds, here are a few emerging destinations with the makings of the next Asian hot spots.

Hainan Island, China
Floating off the southern tip of China, the tropical island of Hainan has drawn vacationers from mainland China for years with palm-fringed beaches and warm temperatures year round.

Now, major resorts including Starwood's Le Méridien, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons are adding hotels along its shores that will most likely attract a broader base of tourists.

Most of the high-end developments are clustered in Sanya, on the island's southern coast. A 450-room Ritz-Carlton opened there in April with 33 pool villas, each with a private butler. Also new is a Banyan Tree, with 61 villas in nearby Luhuitou Bay. Mandarin Oriental is expected to open a resort with more than 290 rooms next year, while Fairmont has plans for a 702-room resort in 2011.

Concierge.com, the travel Web site of Condé Nast Traveler, put Hainan Island on its 2008 "It" list, naming it one of the 10 must-see destinations of the year and even comparing it with Hawaii, without the Honolulu high-rises and crowds.

Kerala, India

Goa, the former hippie enclave on India's west coast, is often cited as the hot spot for travelers seeking spiritual enlightenment and all-night beach parties.

Kerala, about 400 miles south of Goa along India's southwestern tip, is emerging as a quieter alternative with its long shorelines, sprawling plantations and soothing spas that specialize in the healing practice of ayurveda, the traditional Hindu medicine of India.

"As the spa business globally has exploded, Kerala as the center of this treatment style has been able to take advantage of that," said Scott Woroch, executive vice president, worldwide development of Four Seasons, which is developing a small resort there.

There are dozens of ayurvedic spas and health centers to choose from. One of the newest is at The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach Hotel, which opened an 8,000-square-foot spa ayurvedic wellness center last year called Divya with 18 therapists, 4 physicians trained in ayurvedic medicine and an open-air meditation hall.

So far, foreigners make up a small fraction of the visitors to Kerala. For example, 515,808 foreign tourists visited Kerala last year, compared with about 6.64 million domestic tourists. Yet, foreign visitors are growing fast, up 20 percent from the year before, according to Keralatourism.org, the official Web site of the Kerala Department of Tourism.

Indeed, Western tour companies have started adding Kerala to their standard India itineraries. "Kerala is an up-and-coming destination but still relatively unknown," said Manuela Khoury, director of hotel relations for Butterfield & Robinson, a biking and walking tour company based in Toronto. The company plans to add Kerala to its repertory of active travel trips this spring.

Vietnam

For some time now, Vietnam has been popular with budget travelers for its cheap eats, low-priced lodging and shops that count on travelers to bargain for souvenirs. But that isn't stopping luxury hotels like the Four Seasons and Banyan Tree from trying to turn Vietnam into a posh getaway. After all, the country offers beautiful beaches, exotic cuisine and a burgeoning art scene. It also has Unesco World Heritage Sites like the ancient town of Hoi An, a well-preserved example of a traditional Southeast Asian trading port, and Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, with some 1,600 limestone islands and islets jutting out of the water.

Some upscale hotel chains, like Park Hyatt, have already raised their flags in Ho Chi Minh City, the country's largest city. But others are seeking out lesser known regions. Six Senses, based in Bangkok, is planning to open a high-end resort next summer on the remote island of Con Dao in southeast Vietnam. The resort will have 51 villas with private infinity pools (some villas have two) and a private plane to shuttle guests from Ho Chi Minh City, 45 minutes away. It would be the company's fourth resort in Vietnam; others are in Nha Trang on the south-central coast and Dalat in the central highlands.

Banyan Tree is developing a $270 million complex with hotels, spas and an 18-hole golf course, along a pristine stretch of the famed China Beach on the south central coast. And Four Seasons plans to open a 75-room resort by 2011 on Cham Island, a 15-minute boat ride from historic Hoi An.

Laos

Waves of travelers are being lured to Laos by the promise of extreme luxury and the Southeast Asian government's embrace of eco-tourism. The picturesque town of Luang Prabang, named a Unesco World Heritage Site for its unique blend of Laotian and European architecture, is going upscale. Villa Maly opens Oct. 1 with 33 rooms and a central building that was once the residence of a Laotian prince and princess. And Amanresorts, the luxury hotelier, is opening a new resort by early next year.

Elsewhere in the country, eco-tourism is gaining ground. The Laotian government is developing eco-tourism projects in Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Khammouane and Champassak provinces, according to Ecotourismlaos.com, an official site of the Lao National Tourism Administration.

Journeys Within, a tour company based in Truckee, Calif., that specializes in Southeast Asia, recently began offering tours of the Plain of Jars, an area in northern Laos known for its ancient stone urns. "For people that are excited by archaeology and unsolved mysteries it's a perfect match," said Andrea Ross, director of tours. "There are also many hill tribes in the area that allow for more cultural exploration."

About the Author

Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts

Hotel Villa Maly, Luang Prabang, Laos, Laos

villa maly luang prabang
villa maly luang prabang
villa maly luang prabang

Pakse Hotel Laos

pakse hotel laos="pakse hotel laos"

"Pakse, Laos" Bowtie's photos around Pakse, Laos, Lao Peoples Dem Rep (mother and child relaxing)


pakse hotel laos
pakse hotel laos

Vientiane In Laos

vientiane in laos="vientiane in laos"

Things to do in Vientiane

I recently visited Vientiane which is the capital city of Laos and I was definitely positively surprised by the charming and somewhat unique destination.

There is a heavy French influence in this city and together with the Asian atmosphere it creates a lovely environment. It is a relatively small city and cannot be compared in size to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur but it does have a lot of historic and cultural sights which tourists can visit.

Buddha Park

The Buddha Park is located just outside of the city and it is filled with Buddhist images and art pieces. Some of the older items date back over five hundred years ago. This attraction is open daily from 09:00 until 16:00.

Lao National Museum

The premier place to learn more about the history and culture of Laos is at the excellent Lao National Museum. A lot of attention is also paid to the general Mekong region and the Hmong which are the local tribe’s people. You will also find a lot of information about the various different wars in which the country has been involved. The Lao National Museum is open to the public daily from 08:00 until 12:00 and from 13:00 until 16:00.

Hin Khana Waterfalls

The Hin Khana Waterfalls is a very popular destination for both local residents as well as tourists. Many local citizens visit this attraction with their family for picnics and lots of activities. There is a wonderful area for swimming and you will find plenty of stands and other hawkers selling a wide range of food items and beverages. You can enter the area daily from 09:00 until 18:00.

Ho Phra Keo

One of the most impressive temples in Vientiane is the Ho Phra Keo temple. It was constructed nearly five hundred years ago by King Xaisetathirat. A wonderful museum is housed inside Ho Phra Keo which displays a lot of historic religious and cultural Lao artifacts.

Golf Courses

If you enjoy playing golf then there are a number of well maintained and rather inexpensive golf courses which you can visit during your vacation. One of the most popular golf courses in Vientiane is the KM6 course which is visited by many of the local expats.

About the Author

James is travel consultant living on Phuket and is working on a number of projects. If you are looking for information about Phuket then be sure to visit his Phuket guide which includes an excellent section on Phuket Nightlife.

Vientiane,Laos 450 yrs. new road 2011


vientiane in laos

Laos Holiday Packages

laos holiday packages="laos holiday packages"

Thailand Vacation Packages For Lifetime Experince

Welcome to thailandgreattours.com - the Internets leading resource for people looking for Thailand travel information. We are a dynamic tour company based in Chiang Mai Thailand specializing in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Everyone at Thailand Great Tours is dedicated to providing you unique experiences that will ensure your holiday is the best holiday ever. Thailand is one of the most popular Asian holiday destinations for every person and occasions ranging from kids summer vocations to Adventurous hill tribe trekking.

Facing cut throat competition thailandgreattours.com has designed Thailand vacation packages in such an attractive way, so as to benefit our clients to enjoy their trip in most convenient way at best affordable prices. Our Thailand Holiday packages includes Hill Tribe Trekking, Family Holidays, Chaing Mai Package, Sukhotai Package, Phuket Package, Bangkok Package, Motorcycle Tour, Off Road Adventure, Golf Holiday I.e variety of packages have been tailored keeping in view different taste and liking of people, so that we can cater all of our client's desires. Our vehicles are always in new condition and our Luxury Tour Buses, and BMW Motorcycles are always ready and eager to show you Thailand in the style of your choice.

The four foundation pillars of Thailand I.e the 4 main destinations: Bangkok, Sukhotai, chiang Mai and Phuket. We are offering with individual destination packages for those who want to explore Thailand geographical ,even we provide day trips in various places I.e day trip in chiang Mai or Puckett etc. so that our client can explore and enjoy main attractions of the Thailand even if they have shortage of time I.e. Wat Doi Suthep Temple Tour, Phang Nga Whitewater Rafting, Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show, Whitewater Rafting Mae Taeng River, Trekking Chiangdao Hill Tribe Village etc. Our professional guides, fluent in English, Italian, French, German Russian and Japanese are trained to take care of your every need on tour.

thailandgreattours.com also have Thailand special offers like 2 Nights Furama Chiang Mai with City Tour, 6 Nights Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort & Spa, 3 Nights Furama Chiangmai with Chiang Mai Zoo etc. these packages also include some exclusive services and offerings those one can be charged very high individually I.e Spa, Thai Massage, Zoo Trip, Khnatoke dinner With Shows, Airport Transfer and Phi-Phi Island Tour.

We promise that our client will receive a unique cultural and natural experience. We have an excellent selection of over 160 hotels throughout Thailand to suit all levels of luxury and taste. So take advantage of our special offers as they are for limited periods only. To experience a memorable tour to Thailand just drop us a mail or call us once.

About the Author

Thailand Holiday Packages. Thailand travel packages offer most beautiful and fascinating holidaying destination. Explore Thailand's Cultural, Nature and Adventures places with us at ThailandGreatTours.com

Laos Holiday

laos holiday packages
laos holiday packages
laos holiday packages

Sejour Laos

sejour laos_2="sejour laos"

Luang Prabang au Laos ( Tour du monde voyage voyages vacances sejour )


sejour laos

Vientiane Laos

vientiane laos="vientiane laos"

How to Get Vietnam Visa in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore

 

There are two main ways to get a visa to Vietnam is applying online for a Visa on Arrival through a travel agent. You will get your Visa Approval Letter (or Visa Pre-approved Letter) after 2-3 working days (normal) or 1 working day (urgent).

The first way, All you have to do is just to fill in

this secure online form

The second way, go to Vietnam Embassies, Consulates. in Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore

Getting a Vietnamese visa from Vientiane, Laos.

Visit Vietnamese embassy in Vientiane, Laos

It is pretty easy to get a Vietnamese visa in Vientiane, Laos through Vietnamese embassy. As many comments from travelers, the Vietnam embassy in Vientiane is pretty good. However, the fee is quite expensive, the price is around USD 50 (~477,455 Lao Kip), and it may take 3 days to process.

Address: Thatluang Rd., Vientiane, LAO PDR
Phone: (856) 2141 3409; 2141 3409; 2141 4602;
Consular Section:2141 3400
+ Fax (856) 2141 3379; 2141 4601
+ Email dsqvn@laotel.com & lao.dsqvn@mofa.gov.vn

You can also get visa to Vietnam through travel agencies, and the price is much cheaper ranging..

Vietnam visa in Bangkok, Thailand

Visit Vietnamese embassy in Bang Kok

83/1 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
+ Tel. 66 (0) 2 251 5836-8
+ Fax. 66 (0) 2 251 7203
E-mail: vnemb.th@mofa.gov.vn
Office hours: Monday – Friday: 08.00-11.30 Hrs. and 13.30-16.30 Hrs.

You are required to provide 1-2 passport size photos and the cost was about 1500 Baht. Normal process takes around 2-3 days, if you need an express one (1 working day), then you have to pay a little bit more.

Vietnam visa in Cambodia

It is easy to get your visa to Vietnam in Cambodia at hostels, travel agencies, or Vietnamese consulates.

Visit Vietnamese embassy in Cambodia:

Embassy of Vietnam
436 Monivong Blvrd, Phnom Penh
Tel:                         +855-23 362741 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +855-23 362741 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Fax: +855-23 427 385, 362 314

Tips from other travelers

 

From many travelers' experience, it is much more convenient to obtain your visa in Vietnamese consulate in Sihanoukville, because visa will be issued in Sihanoukville. The process takes only 5 minutes and costs around 30USD.

Address: 310 Ekreach- Khan Mittapheap – Sihanouk City
Phone : 349 33 669
Fax :349 33 669
Email:TLSQSIHA@camintel.com

Vietnam visa in Singapore

Visit Vietnamese embassy in Singapore:

Singapore: 10 Leedon Park • Phone: (65)462-5938

You just complete the forms and return them to the Embassy in Singapore for processing. It will take about 4/5 days to get it processed and the fee is around £24. If you want an urgent one, you have to pay slightly more e.g £30 for 3/4 days etc.

About the Author

www.vietnamvisacheap.com

www.vietnamvisacheap.com

Amazing Laos / Vientiane Trip


vientiane laos
vientiane laos
vientiane laos

Trips To Laos

trips to laos_2="trips to laos"
Can you share me some tips regarding my Chang Mai-Laos-Bangkok trip?

I'm planning to go backpacking this July to Chang Mai then to Laos and back to Bangkok. Can anyone share me some tips on what transportation to take from Chang Mai to Laos and from Laos to Bangkok. Also cheap hotels and restaurant tips. Thanks!

This route is well-trodden so you'll have no problems. There are very cheap places to stay at every stop along the way.

From Chiang to Laos, most people take a bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khorng. From here they cross the river border to Huay Xai (pronounced "Sigh"). From Huay Xai, you can buy a 'slow boat' ticket to Luang Prabang. The boat takes 1 and a half days. From Luang Prabang to anywhere, there are buses. I can speak good Thai and ok Laos so I sussed out that the tourist buses are better quality but double the price of the locals' buses. So take your pick. You'll have to look a bit harder to find the local buses.

Most people leave Laos at Vientiane, the capital and cross to the small Thai city of Nong Khai. From here to Bangkok, it's nice to catch the train. It's not expensive, about 600 Baht in second class.

Accommodation is available everywhere on your trip. You'll never need to pay more than $5 in Laos or 300 Baht in Thailand unless you want a bit of luxury.

Restaurants are no problem. If you want to avoid spending too much, avoid the obviously Western restaurants. Try "laap pa" in Laos. Its a fish dish. As for Thailand, well, there are people selling food literally everywhere. Avoid meat that's been sitting exposed.

Have a good time.

"A Taste of Home" Kyleandchanny's photos around Luang Prabang, Lao Peoples Dem Rep (travel pics)


trips to laos

Cope Laos

cope laos="cope laos"

Book Chiang Mai Hotels in Just A Few Clicks!

Are you planning your next vacation to the beautiful country of Thailand? You can be assured of a great stay only when you plan your vacation well ahead of time. There are a number of factors that you must take care of if you are planning to visit the ‘golden land'. Chiang Mai is one of the largest city in Thailand and is the most culturally rich too. If you are visiting Thailand, you must make it a point to explore Chiang Mai as well.

Realize the significance of cultural prominence of Chiang Mai, like every other travel-enthusiast! Did you know, according to THA, Chiang Mai hotels recorded a 70%, as on the last week of March, 2011? Songkran is approaching and travelers are not willing to miss out the fun of being present at the city during the festival.

Chiang Mai is a striking fusion of cultures and ideas of people from Laos, China and native Thailand. One of the most wonderful things here is that the cultural effect is absolutely unadulterated. It is a vibrant city of Thailand that is hemmed by mountains. The city has several spiritual attributes too. While coping up with the fast pace of the modern world, the city has not failed to preserve its historical heritage.

Visitors are sure to get mesmerized with the serenity and cultural assets that Chiang Mai has to offer. There are shops selling incredible handicrafts items, sumptuous food hubs and loads of tourist spots to keep travelers busy in this city.

As for the Chiang Mai hotels are concerned, there are plenty of them, designed in typical Thai-style. Most of the hotels are well connected with the main tourist attractions. Let us take a look at some of the famous tourist spots in Chiang Mai.

Bo Sang

This is also known the Umbrella Village, because of the fact that the place has many umbrella manufacturers. You can collect some of the finest umbrellas from this place.

Chiang Dao

This is a popular place for people who love activities like bird-watching and trekking. This spot is known for its untainted, scenic beauty.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon is Thailand's highest peak and the three waterfalls cascading down the slopes make this spot a must-visit for the visitors of Chiang Mai.

If you are planning for an enthralling vacation, you must plan on exploring Chiang Mai. Make sure to book your accommodations and travel tickets well ahead of time to rule out chances of any issues. There are several reliable online websites where you can book Chiang Mai hotels in a just a few clicks.

About the Author

Booking Chiang Mai hotels is so much easy with Fargo Travel. It takes just a few minutes!

COPE - National Rehabilitation Centre, Vientiane, Laos


cope laos

Cheap Hotels Deals

cheap hotels deals="cheap hotels deals"

How to find cheap hotel deals

We all want to find the best deal for anything we buy and hotel accommodation is no exception. There are hundreds of booking services for hotel rooms that sell on behalf of individual hotels and hotel chains, usually at a discounted rate.

These services receive a room allocation to sell at each of the hotels they work with. The individual hotel will give the service a number of rooms with availability and a price for each room. The number of rooms and the price for each room given to each service vary depending on how good the service is at selling the rooms. The more successful the service is, the more availability a hotel is likely to give out and perhaps at a cheaper price than to a different less successful service.

A hotel price comparison service can take the hassle out of searching through multiple booking sites one by one to find the best rate and of course availability for the date you require. If one of the booking services has no availability for a particular date another might have.

The hotel price comparison service checks multiple booking services for availability and returns you a list of results from each with the price they have allowing you to choose either the cheapest rate or your preferred booking service. You can also view full details for each hotel, accommodation photographs, a map of the location and read user reviews. The service then links you through to the booking page of the booking service or individual hotel allowing you to book direct.

There are many of these services out there. One such hotel price comparison service searches an amazing 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants including big names like Expedia, Hotels.com and Booking.com.

So, how to find cheap hotel deals? Easy, use a hotel price comparison service.

About the Author

Best Hotels in Paris - Budget Paris Hotels - Hotels Deals Europe Summer 2011 YouTube


cheap hotels deals
cheap hotels deals

Online Hotels

online hotels="online hotels"

The Many Advantages of Online Hotel Booking

In today's situation when technology has taken over almost all areas of application of travel and tourism, it would be difficult come across anyone who has not booked a hotel room online. Online hotel booking provides you all the information that you need to know even before embarking on a journey. You can have a complete list of the best hotels of the place you intend to visit, information about the various rooms and their tariffs and even about the offers and discounts being offered.

Star hotels have their own websites that allows you to take a virtual tour of the hotels and view the rooms from the comfort of your homes before you make your next move. Before you make your online hotel bookings, there a few important things that must be considered.

Choosing the best hotel from a large listing can be challenging, especially when the features and tariffs do not differ much. The thumb rule to follow in such cases is to book with reputable hotels that offer you a wider choice of listings and options for reservations on the designated date. At the same time, you must also know about their cancellation and refunds policy, just in case there are some unavoidable last minute changes.

Another reliable way to choose a good hotel is to look for reviews about your short-listed hotels on travel portals and forums. Customers usually post their experiences online when they have experienced the services –good or bad. Testimonials of customers on independent travel portals can be trusted for authenticity.

As a rule, hotel rooms are always packed to capacity on weekends and holidays, making them the most expensive during these periods. If it is possible, you can try and book for weekdays when the tariffs are at their lowest and availability of rooms are assured. Hotels also announce attractive discounts on rooms and food on weekdays to entice more guests, so keep your eyes peeled for such offers. They can make a huge difference to the overall savings on the trip.

Booking hotel rooms online is definitely a huge money saver.  Customers are encouraged by hotels to take the online route so that they can have assured bookings for their rooms and also get paid before you actually reach there. All you have to do is remember to use a reliable travel portal to book hotels online.

About the Author

Welcome to vbooking, offering Secured booking with Lowest Rate up to 80% saving. In order to complete and improve the tourist offer our team came the idea to make the service with double benefit.

Northwest Airlines - Boeing 787 Dreamliner Introduction


online hotels
online hotels