beacause i've been tryin 2 translate something on google from english to LAOS but idk which language they speak
Lao or Laotian is a tonal language of the Kradai language family. It is the official language of Laos, and also spoken in the northeast of Thailand, where it is usually referred to as the Isan language. .
Angkor Wat
Travel can be wearing when that much-vaunted heritage tour ‘treasure trove cave’ proves to house one shabby Buddha and a few burnt-out joss sticks. Likewise, even the Giza pyramids can seem hyped when seen in context, squashed up against Cairo’s filth. Disappointment abounds.
Few tourists, however, report feeling let down or jaded when they witness Angkor Wat: the Cambodian temple complex built at Angkor on modern Vietnam's fringes for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. Angkor Wat (‘Mountain Temple’) is one of the largest monuments to religion ever built and is a magnet for superlatives. Lonely Planet calls it ‘one of the most inspired and spectacular monuments ever conceived by the human mind’.
The scale of the monument makes it hard to grasp: it features the five towers shown on the Cambodian flag, covered galleries, chambers and courtyards on different levels, all linked by stairways. The whole stands for the cosmic world with the central tower symbolising Mount Meru: the mythical, sacred mountain at the core of the universe.
Nothing about the structure of the world's biggest temple is mundane, not even the moat. Symbolic of the world's seas, the moat makes the one that rings the Tower of London, built at about the same time, resemble a rut. No army ever made it across its gaping expanse. The temple’s restrained monumentality and precise proportions amply justify its status as one of the seven wonders of the world. No words are up to the task of adequately describing its sublime power, unity and style. Language fails, the reader must see Angkor with his own eyes.
Smothered by jungle, Angkor Wat only became known to the west in 1861. Thank the French botanist Henri Mouhot, who ‘discovered’ the architectural marvel while hunting orchids in North West Cambodia’s jungles. Like many who would follow in his footsteps, Mouhot was blown away.
Here we relate the ecstatic reactions of Mouhot, of a medieval monk and of two more recent visitors, all of whom attempt to dig beyond the superlatives and explain what the supreme masterpiece of Khmer architecture means to them.
Henri Mouhot, 19th-century explorer One of these temples — a rival to that of Solomon, and erected by some ancient Michaelangelo — might take an honourable place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome, and presents a sad contrast to the state of barbarism in which the nation is now plunged. At Angkor, there are ruins of such grandeur that, at the first view, one is filled with profound admiration, and cannot but ask what has become of this powerful race, so civilised, so enlightened, the authors of these gigantic works?
The temple is of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of.
Antonio da Magdalena, Portuguese monk who visited in 1586
Michael Di Giovine, author: ‘The Heritage-scape: UNESCO, World Heritage and Tourism’.
I first fell for Angkor in 2002, when I was directing group tours to Cambodia and Vietnam. Cambodia was really just coming into the mass cultural tourism market, and many of my travellers simply did not know what to expect.
They came for many different reasons and had divergent expectations. Yet, like me, all were struck by the sheer vastness of the place, the beauty and exquisite artistry of the monuments, and the uniquely Khmer melding of Hindu and Buddhist depictions.
I remember being particularly struck by an Angkor Wat sunrise where I felt like a spectator to the melding of man and nature. Unlike the sunsets that are greeted rowdily at the Angkor mountain temple Phnom Bakheng, this was a solemn and transcendent occasion, imbuing me with a strong sense of the enormity of life and the sublimity of creation. At 4 am, I recall, the mist hung heavy and wisps of steam rising from Angkor’s moat made the long causeway I was crossing almost imperceptible. Despite the crush of people, most were silent, and I felt as if I were the only person entering the immense temple complex.
I sat in the courtyard just inside the outer wall, gazing like the others at the thick blankness before me, wondering where exactly the telltale pine-coned towers would appear. When daylight finally threw its first streaks of colour across the sky, Angkor emerged – at first a silhouette, an almost two-dimensional rendering of this crowning achievement of humanity – and then gradually became clearer, fuller. When the world awoke in a soft blue-gray wash, so too did my understanding of the power and diversity of mankind and the variety of its symbols, motivations and achievements.
Martin Gray, author: Sacred SitesFor my visit to Angkor, which lasted more than a week, I had decided to arrive before the time of the rising sun. Sitting to the west of the great temple, alongside its wide moat of water, I watched as the sky changed from black to purple to pink. The water mirrored the sky and thus born from the night’s darkness was the most sublime temple of all southeast Asia.
Constructed by the Kings of the Khmer civilisation between 802 and 1220 CE, the temple complex of Angkor is exceeded in size only by that of Bagan in Burma. There are more than 100 stone temples at Angkor, of which Angkor Wat is the largest, and altogether they represent one of humankind's most astonishing architectural achievements.
During the half-millennia of Khmer occupation, the city of Angkor became a pilgrimage destination of importance throughout southeastern Asia. As such a pilgrim I had also come. Wandering about Asia for several years I had explored the temples of both Hinduism and Buddhism. There is a sense of holiness and power to these places that reaches to the very heart of every visitor. Pilgrims speak of miracles of healing and mystic visions, of spiritual insights and enhancement of personal creativity.
I experienced such wonders myself and was also amazed at the magnificent beauty of the site. The temple of Angkor Wat is itself only a part of a vaster complex, which includes such jewels of sacred art as the Bayon, Ta Prohm and Bantai Serai. Take your time when visiting this ancient holy place, let it work its magic on your heart and mind. It is an experience you will never forget.
If visiting Thailand, why not visit one of the country’s currently best three beach destinations:
Koh Lao Liang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/kohlaoliang.shtml
Ao Nang: http://www.andamanadventures.com/ao_nang.shtml
Railay/Tonsai: http://www.andamanadventures.com/railay-tonsai.shtml
The author runs Andaman Sky Co., Ltd, specialising in climbing and diving trips to Thailand’s best beach destinations.
Overview:
Start at 8.00 am from your hotel to Cau Da port. Before embarking on boat, you are invited to visit Oceanographic Institute, where you can see the whole selection of sea creatures in Nhatrang bay. Then you take shuttle speed boat on the site of the institute & be transferred to Mun island, where glass bottom boat standby takes you around this island.
Day 1: Glass - Bottom Boat Trip On Nha Trang Bay ( Lunch )
Unforgetable boat tour with glass-bottom boat !
Start at 8.00 am from your hotel to Cau Da port. Before embarking on boat, you are invited to visit Oceanographic Institute, where you can see the whole selection of sea creatures in Nhatrang bay. Then you take shuttle speed boat on the site of the institute & be transferred to Mun island, where glass bottom boat standby takes you around this island. You can see the beauty of the live coral reefs, sea plants & creatures of Nhatrang bay by looking through the glass bottom of the boat whilst cruising around Mun island.
At 11.00 am the glass-bottom boat will call at Dam Bay, the south east bay of Tre Island with a clean, quite beach & crystal clear water. There seafood lunch will be ready for your hungry belly. Relaxing or doing water sports after lunch such as jetski, parasailing, snorkelling, kayaking, swimming….is available for your choice. Shuttle speed boat then transfers you back for a short visit to Tri Nguyen Aquarium around 2.00 pm before being back to the shore. Tour ends at 3.00 pm
Timing: 8.00 am – 3.00 pm (Seat-in-coat boat tour. No private guide)
About Us
Asiana Travel Mate focusses on individual, inbound travel into Vietnam, extending to Cambodia and Laos. Our tours differ from most other operators in the Indochina region with our services geared towards customization for the individual, families and small groups although we also offer regular, scheduled tours. From the very first contact via the internet, or face to face over the counter, our consultants assist you in planning and budgeting your travel, paying special attention to your personal needs and preferences.
Considering the possible routes and modes of travel options between Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as available flights, overland terminal points, border crossings and comparative costs, Asiana Travel Mate makes it easier to understand the logistics of traveling through Indochina, to plan and customize your tour, saving time, money and redundant backtracking. The basic options are organized into several modules to cover the northern, central and southern zones of Indochina, allowing for combinations and detailed customization according to the timeframe, budget, activities and destinations preferred.
CONTACT:
SAIGON HEAD OFFICE: 113C Bui Vien Str., Dist. 1. - Phone: +84-8 38 38 6678
HANOI TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER: 7 Dinh Tien Hoang Str. , Hoan Kiem Dist. - Phone: +84-4 39263370
HUE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER: 45 - 47 Le Loi Str., Hue City. - Phone: +84-54 3942 233
SAIGON TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER: 92-94-96 Nguyen Hue str,, Ho Chi Minh city - Phone: +84-838250615
TRULY HALONG CENTER: 21 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan Kiem Hanoi - Phone: +84 4 39263449
CAMBODIA OFFICE: 117, St 6 Salakanseng, Svay Dangkum, Siem Reap, Cambodia - Phone: + 855 (0) 63 963320
LAOS OFFICE: 03/Ban Viengxay-Kithsarath RD, Luang Prabang Province-Lao PDR - Phone: +856-71 260 567
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
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I don't mind stopovers, but hopefully the total journey time is less than the 2-3days bus trip from Hanoi to Luang Prabang. Is £115.60 the cheapest direct flight from Hanoi to Luang Prabang?
How about non-direct flights? Will it be cheaper?
Non-direct will probably be cheaper... To find the cheapest, check out BookMe dot com. You can compare ALL the reputable travel sites, and save money. Good luck!
Often forgotten or dismissed, the Northwestern region of Thailand provides ideal territory for those looking at alternative destinations away from the madding crowd. Partially due to relative inaccessibility and partially due to lack of marketing, the area certainly does have worthwhile tourist sites and offers much for the more adventurous traveller. This lack of exposure is to the advantage of all those making that little extra effort it takes to visit Mae Sot, Tak, Kampaeng Phet and the gateway to the region, Sukhothai.
The former capital is well-mapped and accredited, yet it is the position it holds as a starting point for the diversionary trip to the Northwest that captures interest. Historically, Sukothai boasts an integral position in the country's progress both socially and physically and is the geographical and administrative divide between the North and Central plains of the country. It is nowadays located on an Asian Highway from Myanmar at Mae Sot (Tak province) in the west to Chong Mek, (Laos) in the east and along with nearby Pitsanulok, still dominates as a center of commerce, transportation and communication. The importance of its geographical position has been emphasized by Bangkok Airways' choice of it as a major hub, connecting the ancient cities of the region: Siem Reap, Luang Prabang, Mandalay and Chiangmai.
However, most visitor's reason for choosing Sukhothai as a stop is its well-preserved ruins and its historical position as the first Kingdom of Thais within the peninsula. Sukhothai was established in 1238, to decline some 140 years later with the establishment of Ayutthaya as the new capital of Thailand. The Thai alphabet, almost intact today, was invented here by King Ramkamhaeng.
None of this is visible on any visit to Sukhothai but what one can visualize is the establishment of a large focal city for the region and the number of sites are vast in number. The Sukhothai Historical Park and Si Satchanali National Park are the major attractions and if you are "templed out" or "ruined," head for RamKanhaeng National Park, a superb alternative of high hills and steep cliffs with a host of diverse flora and fauna and many waterfalls within its 340 sq km.
There is plenty of information available upon arrival in Sukhothai, yet for those in search of something different special reference should be made to the two preserved celadon kiln centers. The Thuriang kiln in the north of the Sukhothai site and the Ban Ko Noi Celadon Kiln study centre, five km north of Si Satchanalai, depict celadon wares in perfect condition. The latter center has now excavated over 500 kilns.
The annual Loi Krathong festival in November is an awesome sight amongst the ruins, but book early.
Flights to Sukhothai with Bangkok Airways depart daily or Thai flights to Phitsanulok have regular departures. By rail, the recommended route is by Sprinter train to Phitsanulok, departing Bangkok at 0810 and arriving at 1300. Sukhothai is a 40-60 min transfer depending on your chosen mode of transport. Onward trains to the North can be taken at 1300, arriving at Chiangmai at 1900, or the overnight sleeper leaving around midnight to Chiangmai. Many see this as a cheap alternative to flying while enjoying the countryside en route and making a Sukhothai stop with little hassle or backtracking. The real bonus comes with making more than a Sukhothai stop and taking the side trip to Mae Sot and Kampaengphet, before continuing the journey to the north.
Kampaengphet could really be treated as an extension to a Sukhothai visit for its major attraction is again its ruins. Yet it also has parks that provide recreational relief, similar to the Ramkamhaeng park. The site is smaller than Sukhothai yet certainly more convenient being just five kms from town. A further bonus is that most of the preserved wats feature decor from both the Sukhothai and Ayuthhaya periods, something rarely seen. Annually in February, the town celebrates its World Heritage site status with the Nop Phra Len Phleng festival, featuring exhibitions, cultural and artistic performances.
The Khao Sanam wildlife sanctuary on the Tak highway and the year round waterfalls at Khlong Nam Lai and Khlong Lan are not only popular for their lack of visitors but also for a rare view of some not-so infiltrated hill tribe villages.
Mae Wong National Park is 79 kms north on the Umpang Road, but a great getaway with hotsprings, waterfalls and high-point lookouts across to Myanmar. Umpang itself has become the new destination for the soft adventure types. Trekking and rafting are the main attractions but there are numerous caves, waterfalls and nature trails to keep everyone happy. Photographers head for the Mae Sot-Tak-Mae Ramhat border route and on to Mae Sariang. Early morning mists and the mountainous topography provide great nature shots. Mon Krathing resort on the Mae Sariang Road is the best stopover point with glimpses of early morning deer amongst the mists quite a common occurrence. If you're not venturing that far, then Doi Hua Mot just outside Umpang town is reasonable enough for lookout shots but get up early.
The city of Tak is located on the shores of the Bumhibol Dam, the largest in Thailand. Apart from its water source there are numerous recreational activities on the reservoir. The cruises to Amphoe Hot are popular and the upper reaches of the dammed Mae Ping River provide a scenic boat cruise, some 140 kms to Doi Tao in Chiangmai province. The scenic waterfalls in this hill region are too numerous to count but all have their own special attraction, not least of which is the 97-tiered Phra Charoen waterfall on the Mae Sot route 1090.
By modern vacation standards the areas mentioned and especially those closer to the border country are quite rural and almost off the beaten track.
Mae Sot now has good air connections with both Bangkok and Changmai and it is becoming a weekend retreat for the white water rafting adventurers as well as those in search of some clean forest air along the reaches of Mae Sot Hill.
Its border market with Myanmar makes it a focal point for bargain hunters and it is certainly more authentic than that found at the Mae Sai border crossing in Chiangrai province. For the short trippers, Mae Sot makes a good weekend getaway and the Imperial Mae Sot Hill Resort offers packages which include white water rafting excursions.
If all of this rural splendor seems unreachable, it almost is, but only by the standards set by such resorts as Phuket and Chiangmai. In today's Thailand there are still unspoiled areas - there should be with 63 National Parks - but they take a little bit of effort to reach. Private or hire car is the most flexible, but combine a one way air ticket to/from Mae Sot and Pitsanulok or Sukhothai and the overland sectors of the trip do not look so daunting as at first they might. Overland bus routes between Tak/Mae Sot and Sukhothai are frequent and quite acceptable and a cheap way to travel from A to B. Outside of Mae Sot and Sukhothai (noticeably where the airports are), hotels only tend to reach 3 star standards, but for one night stopovers and short stays that is sufficient.
The Northwest, as we may loosely refer to the area, offers what Chiangmai was offering 20 years ago.
It is rural, there are hilltribes and some splendid hill country and a lack of insurgents, at least of the tourist variety. Sounds like an alternative traveller's destination.
Tom Aikins is a Bangkok-based consultant specializing in search engine optimization and internet marketing. He regularly presents seminars on these subjects and his websites, http://www.seosoutheastasia.com and http://www.seonorthamerica.com contain a comprehensive, video-based training course for all aspects of SEO and online marketing.
