Photo Site - Vientiane Times

Vientiane Times is also posting some interesting photography on their website.  Here's a couple of samples.  On the left, a funky shelter right on the boat dock.  On the right, a beautiful candlelit image of monks monks lighting candles.

Photo Site - Paul Wager

Found some interesting images of Laos taken by photographer Paul Wagner.  On the left, an old traditional Lao home in Luangprabang.  On the right, a very high/tall temple, Vat Nonglamchan, in Savannakhet province.  Click the images to go to the image source site.

Language Mistakes and Big Thanks

Hi everyone, it has come to our attention that some of our language items had mistakes in them.  We humbly apologize for any mistakes.

A big thank you to whoever sent in those corrections (as they had did so anonymously).  Many of the corrections were added and some were politely disputed.  But in the end it helps to make the website content better and for that we are most thankful.  And for someone to take the time to read, correct and send in all their comments, is a sign of great interest - and that's certainly something we appreciate.

We always appreciate hearing from our visitors whether they are comments, questions, or corrections.  Messages can be left for us here on the website in the comments or you can message us on Facebook.

ຂອບ​ໄຈເດີ້

Culture in Change - Akha People of Northern Laos

Film by:  Martin Gronemeyer, 2004.  Posted by:  LazyCaruzoe via Youtube

Lao Dream Star Project Season 1

This is essentially a Lao version of American Idol.  Young and quite talented singers!  Just a couple of clips below. We'll add more as we find them.

Press Conferences Galore!

It's become commonplace in Laos that with any new announcement or event, whether it be political, cultural, sport, religious, business, or convention that it's now accompanied with a ubiquitous must have press conference.  Press conferences are everywhere these days.

LLR (book): Mother's Beloved

Title:  Mother's Beloved - Stories From Laos
By:  Outhine Bounyavong
Edited:  Bounheng Inversin and Daniel Duffy
Introduction by:  Peter Koret
Publisher / Year:  University of Washington Press, 1999
ISBN:  0295977361
Price: $10-20USD

3rd Vientianale Short Film Contest

To all film makers, here's your chance to profile Laos and to show your skills.  The Vientianale film short film competition is open to anyone regardless of their background in film making, and they have until January 15, 2013, to submit their entries.

Lao Words of the Day - Lao (Homonym)

Miss Laos 2012 - Application Time

Miss Laos 2012 contest has begun accepting applications since September.  Checkout the link for more info or if you want to apply.  http://www.misslaos.net/

Meanwhile, here's a video of last year's contestants.

Or you can follow them on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/misslaos

November is That Luang Festival Time

November is That Luang Festival Time.  A celebration of Laos' national monument.  It's primarily a 3 day event but it seems more and more is being added each year (ie. more performances, conventions held concurrently to the main festival, etc.)

Here's some footage from previous celebrations.

Footage of New Vientiane Pillar Shrine Consecration Wrapping Up

KKTVNews - Think ASEAN Episode 5 and 6

Episode 5 - Xiengngeun Gate of Luangprabang

Episode 6 - Sabaidee

Mekong Diaries - Laos (videos)

The Mekong Diaries is a series of short films featuring Laos and other Southeast Asian countries, all of whom rely on the Mekong River.  It discusses the effects of economic changes and what it means for the river, as well as conservation, fishing, development in remote areas and Chinese investments that are changing the land and river.

The series was created by Good Morning Beautiful Films.  An Australian film company seeking inspiration, justice and adventure through film and art.

The following 3 videos are the ones featuring Laos.  For all the other videos check out there link below.

Mekong Diaries - Laos:  Battery of Asia

LLR (book): Ancient Luang Prabang

Title:  Ancient Luang Prabang
By:  Denise Heywood
Edited By:  Narisa Chakrabongse and Oraphan Chaivorarat
Publisher/Year:  River Books, 2006, 2008
ISBN:  9789749863664
Price:  $20-30 USD

Luangprabang and Forest Cooking

Nice video showing scenery of Luangprabang, waterfalls and countryside.  It was posted by Polish tourists to Laos.

But there's more!  There's also a scene in the video where some locals are making a meal in the middle of the forest using only bamboo logs, banana leaves, sticks and a machete as cooking tools yet are able to make real food with the ingredients they have!  I'd love to know how to cook like that!  I'd say it brings resourcefulness in cooking to a whole new level.  The music is also nice though it's not Lao.

I just can't get over cooking soup in a bamboo log...love it!  I wish this video showed more of that.

French Military Cemetary in Vientiane

A site many people don't know about is the French Military Cemetery in the outskirts of Vientiane near the airport, more precisely in Ban Phonthong.

(Youtube video posted by Nigel Fowler Sutton.)

Water and Fish - From Perspective of Lao Villagers

Video Credits: Directed by Khamphet Thapekaisone, 

Written and Produced by Phouvong Phetphayvanh, 

With support from Mekong Watch and KNCF.

Via Youtube.

Sayaburi Dam to Move Ahead

As reported by several online news outlets, Laos will be moving ahead with its Sayaburi dam, amidst contentious times.

Read more at:

• http://www.internationalrivers.org/blogs/267/days-after-xayaburi-gets-green-light-p%C3%B6yry-flaunts-project-s-corruption
• http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/rights/laos-hydrodam-mekong-river-vietnam-cambodia
• AFP (Google hosted news)

3D Maps to Aid in Village Land Planning

Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) has created a new tool for villagers and towns people to use while discussing land plans in the village.  The 3D maps provides a visual tool that allows for all sides to show what is being planned for the land (whether their own land or village land), discuss or dispute, or make suggestions.

New Pillar Shrine to be Consecrated in Vientiane

Vientiane Times reports that a new city Pillar Shrine will be consecrated on Setthathirath Rd. in Phiavat village, Sisattaknak district, November 15-17 2012.  Ceremony and celebration will include prayers lead by 99 monks from across the country as well as photos and artefacts exhibit, music performances and film screenings.  The location was chosen as the spot where hundreds of pillar fragments and other artefacts dating back from the 4th and 5th centuries were found.  Some high ranking officials will also be in attendance.

Read more at:  http://www.vientianetimes.org.la/sub-new/Previous_263/FreeContent/FreeConten_City.htm

Sayabouri Province Through Tourist Eyes

Found a great video featuring Sayunbuli as it's pronounced (or however you decide to spell it Sayaboury, Sainyabuli, Xaignabouli, Xayaburi, Sayaburi).  It's a wonderful look at this province through a tourist's eyes.  Wonderfully showing scenery, people and festivities.

Sam Neua and Vieng Xay in Houaphanh Province Through Tourist Eyes

Here's one tourist's video of his visit to Sam Neua and Vieng Xay, two primary cities in Houaphanh province.  Houaphanh is located in northwest Laos sharing its border with Vietnam.  The province has a lot of caves and eye-catching terrain.  The province's place in national history is quite important as it was there that the leaders of the revolution had their headquarters.

Uncovering Ancient Mysteries of Laos' Plain of Jars (In Lao)

Sam Neua Ingenuity - Using Water Power to Pound Rice

LLR (book): Lao Folktales

Title:  Lao Folktales
By:  Wajuppa Tossa with Kongdeuane Nettavong
Edited by:  Margaret Read MacDonald
Publisher / Year:  Libraries Unlimited, 2008
ISBN:  9781591583455
Price:  $20-40USD

Lao Word of the Day: The Weather

SNV Bamboo Work Programme in Houaphan Province

SNV, a Dutch iNGO that operates in a number of countries including Laos, made a video last year to show and report on the bamboo work programme in Houaphanh province (alt. Huaphanh).  Houaphanh is also another province that doesn't get much coverage so it's very interesting to watch and it's great to see positive results that help the locals.

Story to Share: The Broader Perspective

I had an interesting conversation recently where I was telling someone I was buying Lao books.  As the conversation continued, one of the questions I was asked was "Do you ever buy books about other cultures?".  To which I answered an undeniable yes.  But it got me thinking about a time when I felt that buying anything other than Lao books was blasphemy.  I'll explain...

Lao Language: Expressions of Time

SEASite Laos From Northern Illinois University

SEASite Laos from the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Northern Illinois University has been around for ages.  The site may appear at times a bit dated but the info is timeless.  It contains an incredible amount of useful and educational info on Laos and Lao culture.  Notable sections include Lao language, literature, folklore, art and culture, history, gallery and a variety of other items.

This site is highly recommended.

Check them out at:  http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Lao/

Huge Collection of Lao Postcards

There's a French website (though there is some English on there too) that focuses exclusively on postcards from Laos, old and new.  The website is simply called Les Cartes Postales Anciennes et Modernes Du Laos.

KKTVNews - Think ASEAN Episode 3 and 4

Episode 3 - Battery of Asia

Episode 4 - Phoukoon T-Junction of Change

LLR (book): Lao for Beginners: An Introduction to the Written and Spoken Language of Laos

Title:  Lao for Beginners: An Introduction to the Written and Spoken Language of Laos
By:  Tatsuo Hoshino and Russell Marcus
Publisher / Year:  Tuttle Publishing, 1981 onwards (multiple years and editions)
ISBN:  9780804816298
Price:  $15+-

(covers from over the years)

Lao Song - For Those Who Miss Bahn Gow

For those who miss home - this song is for you.  Wherever you are, Lao will forever be in your heart.  Enjoy!

Song: keet hawt bahn gow (roughly translates into to miss the old home)
Singer:  Tou Vilayphone

9th Annual ASEM 2012 in Vientiane Nov 5-6

The 9th annual Asia-Europe Summit was held in Vientiane, Laos, November 5-6.  Asian and European leaders convened to discuss a variety of issues ranging from greater cooperation, territorial and security concerns, economics and investments, human rights issues, among others.

Quick Facts about ASEM

ASEM Villa

• "ASEM Villa" project covers an area of 84,000 square meters and is worth around $100 million USD
• 52 projects built by China CAMC Engineering Co., Ltd to accommodate Asian and European leaders and their entourage.

Countries

• 37 countries from Asia and Europe
• 81% of ASEM countries represented
• 21 countries from Europe
• 16 countries from Asia
• 3 newest members who officially just joined as November 5 2012 are Bangladesh, Norway and Switzerland

Universities

• 76 universities participating (41 Asian, 35 European)
• 16 Universities in the World Top 200 of Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012
• 29 Universities in the World Top 400 of Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012

Links:
http://www.asem9.la/
http://www.aseminfoboard.org/

The 3rd Annual Lao Music Awards 2012!

Mark you calendars for the 3rd Annual Lao Music Awards 2012!
Press Conference:  November 13 2012 at Dok Champa Hotel
Awards Date:  December 14-15 2012

Khammouane Province (TVThai)

TVThai channel has a show called Spirit of Asia.  In this episode they they cover the province of Khammoune.  This province is small but it has lots to offer by way of fascinating caves, variety of ethnic groups, its mix of Lao and French buildings.  It's great to see this province get some media coverage.  Video is in Thai and Lao.

Parts 1 and 2 shown below.

 

Bokeo, Khmu People and Sustainable Forests

This documentary is a fascinating look at the Khmu (alt. kumu, khumu, khamu) ethnic group and their way of life.  It shows their resourcefulness, food, language, and their use of the forest.  It's great to see a documentary focusing on them and on Bokeo province, in north western Laos.  It also discusses sustainable forest practices.

Documentary by Rachel Clarke with support from The Canada Fund (Canada), CAMID (Brazil), and  German Development Service (Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst - DED).

LLR (book): Simple Laotian Cooking

Title:  Simple Laotian Cooking
By:  Penn Hongthong
Publisher / Year:  Hippocrene Books, 2003
ISBN:  0781809630
Price:  $20-30USD

Lao Word of the Day: To Chew

Fashion Show From Lao Handicraft Festival 2012

A short video of one of the Grand Fashion Show that occurred at the most recent Lao Handicraft Festival 2012, November 1.  Very nice!

Posted by Youtube user Jetsada Saenudomchok.

Adorable Children's Performance to Yen Sabai Sow Na

You know you're Lao if you can remember your parents playing this song when you were young.  Even now people still play this song.  It's considered a classic.   It has a great intro sequence and a catchy beat and everyone always remembers the chorus.

Lao Handicraft Festival 2012 - Lao Commercial

National Library of Laos Moving into New Building at New Location

National Library Moving to New Home
As reported by the Vientiane Times on September 27 2012

 

KKTVNews - Think ASEAN Episode 1 and 2

There's a KKTVNews (Thai) show called Think ASEAN.  It's in Thai and Lao.  It focuses on Laos from a Thai business and tourist perspective.  It's done quite well and very informative to watch.  We'll be posting 2 videos at a time from their series.  Beginning with...

Episode 1 - The New Silk Road

Episode 2 - New Day of Laos