Earth tremors in Laos north have been reported, with another quake of some 4.0 felt in the early hours of January 16 in Luang Namtha Province according to Thailand’s Meteorological Agency.
Earth tremors in Laos north have been reported, with another quake of some 4.0 felt in the early hours of January 16 in Luang Namtha Province.
The data detections come via Thailand’s Meteorological Agency seismologists, with confirmations made by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Laos.
The quake was detected at 21.11 ° N, 101.58 ° E at 0:26 local time.
It followed a smaller 3.0 tremor at 18:38 local time nearby in Luang Namtha’s Ban Tintok (21.15°N , 101.64°E).
These followed a 4.9M quake was detected on January 10 in Ban Nateuy, Luang Namtha.
Another earthquake calculated at Magnitude 4.7 centered under Phongsaly province’s village of Ban Ngay Neua was detected Monday evening of January 14, an official notice confirmed.
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment notice, the tremor at 17:54 measured a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter Scale Ban Ngay Neua Village, Phongsaly Province (21.85N 101.91E) with no reports of damage.
Nature and Culture prove Timeless as Southern Laos Charms With Mekong Moments from Visit Laos Year 2018 and Beyond
Southern Laos: Could there be a more adventurous yet chilled, charming and unpretentious place in SE Asia for genuine, authentic, relaxing and inspiring #MekongMoments?
Like a rustic riverboat floating down the river around the bend into sight, the boatman and passengers sardonic smile a nod of recognition before continuing on its way, this part of multiethnic and deeply cultural Laos is at once revealing and elusive, genuine and intriguing, practical, straightforward and beguiling.
It may be just a murmur like a bubble of a brook, or a discovery waiting around the corner like a stunning waterfall.
For this writer, at least one foot has been firmly rooted in Laos’ capital Vientiane’s news media scene for the past few years.
The other? Always ready to set off on adventure north, south, east or west, of course!
On behalf of Laotian Times and my own media blog Laos Briefly, I’d be bringing our audience on a ride by joining a group of bloggers and new media to be Charmed by Nature, Southern Laos style.
So, it was with both anticipation that one prepared to take a leap of faith and flight via Lao Airlines from Vientiane’s Wattay Airport’s brand new domestic terminal to the charms of Pakse to meet the folk and reacquaint myself with the place I would be spending quality time with. Sabaideeeee!
It was already the business end of #VisitLaosYear 2018 festivities, an effort to attract more folk to experience one of South East Asia’s most authentic and allowing its chilled destinations to capture more hearts.
Now, I was back deep in Laos Simply Beautiful’s South with a smile on my face.
There was also a bit of trepidation. How would one’s musings gel with this group of funky adventurers from Australia, Canada, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, Switzerland, UK, and US and based in Bangkok and beyond?
Needless to say, there was a lot to learn and more fun to have as we all jumped in the deep end to experience the delights and adventures that await visitors to southern Laos.
Ancient and inclusive traditional VIP welcomes with garlands wandering around the ancient and historic pre-Angkorian temples of Vat Phou to trying to climb up a date palm like a sprightly 70-year-old sugar farmer.
Buddha at Vat Phu Champasak Temple Complex, UNESCO World Heritage Site #SouthernLaos #MekongMoments
Candles lit, luck wished and bonds created with gathering by proud provincial authorities.
Vice-Gubernatorial Welcome to Bloggers at in Champasak Grand Hotel
Sipping coffee to get the heart started to blowing your mind ziplining across the face of a 220-metre waterfall.
Nodding off on a relaxing riverboat ride before being awoken to see a rare living treasure in the form of an endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.
These are just some of the extraordinary experiences and adventures that visitors to Southern Laos can experience and enjoy, and so we were!
From the elevated reaches, rich volcanic soils fueling the growth of coffee, tea and cascades of the Bolaven Plateau to the slow flow of the river around the 4000 islands, mighty rapids and calm dolphin pool of the Mekong’s lowest reach in Laos, the natural attractions abound in Southern Laos.
Fresh air and unbounded beauty await those whose lives are spent more in concrete jungles than rainforest canopies and sparsely inhabited tropical islands.
Speaking of flavor, the food! “Extraordinary!”
Drawing on a rich tapestry of ingredients found at various elevations, Lao cuisine has been emerging into the spotlight in recent years alongside its more famous neighbors, the trip’s keenest foodies gushed.
Like the cuisine, dance and music added flavor and color and sound to the experiences that are now fond memories.
Watching participants been drawn up and into the dance as full participants was another reminder of the inclusive strengths of Lao culture that adds another layer to the country’s experience on offer to travelers.
Picture wise, Southern Laos is also a photographer and videographers dream.
Early light Alms Giving to Monks and Bustle of the Markets.
Golden Buddhas.
Shimmering sunrises and sunsets.
Ever-evolving cloud formations over the Mekong.
All create scenes that make the heart flutter and prove a snappers dream come true.
Checking out blogs of aforementioned fellow adventurers and I have been transported way back to southern Laos once again!
#VisitLaosYear2018 #MekongMoments #SouthernLaos #CharmingByNatureOnline and in person, I would encourage you, dear reader, to do the very same whenever you get the chance in Southern Laos!
Nature and Culture prove Timeless as Southern Laos Charms With Mekong Moments from Visit Laos Year 2018 and Beyond
Laos has long been a favored destination for Russian-produced military hardware, yet now some tanks are rolling back in the other direction.
Recently retired from “active service” in the Lao Armed Forces, some 30 Soviet WW II-era T-34 battle tanks have made the journey back from Laos to Russia, according to press organizations, including news agency Associated Press.
“The equipment transferred by the Lao side is planned to be used during the Victory Parades in various cities of Russia, for updating museum exhibits, as well as for making historical films about the Great Patriotic War,” The National Interest magazine reported the Russian defense ministry as saying.
According to the report, the ministry said Wednesday the tanks are “fully combat-ready and will be used in military parades and for making World War II movies”.
“More than 58,000 T-34s were built between 1940 and 1946, making it the world’s most widely produced tank, but only several of them have remained in working condition in Russia,” the AP report stated.
The T-34’s key role in defeating Nazi-aligned forces has seen them emerge as a widely revered symbol of the Russian nation’s heroism and wartime suffering.
The move comes as Laos takes delivery of some more up to date Russian kit in the form of T-72B ‘White Eagle’ MBTs tanks YAK 130 fighter jet aircraft as reported in the Diplomat.
The two governments agreed to the transfer while also working out a broader arms deal, with reports in December of Russian-made arms deliveries ahead of Laos’ Army Day on January 20.
From Hotels to Bakehouses and more beyond, representatives the very best of the city’s patissiers were on show as the Ambassade de France au Laos hosted annual feast La Galette des Rois for Epiphany / 3 Kings Festival in Vientiane on January 10.
The nation’s Ambassadrice Mme Florence Jeanblanc-Risler, was there to offer words of welcome to guests in which she reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the deep historical, longlasting and evolving links to Laos.
The Laotian Times was there to sample the feast for all senses & Laos Briefly joined the fun to capture a few pics, each putting on a few extra kilos just to fully round out the festive season once and for all…
La Galette des Rois in Vientiane, Laos
Words via The Laotian Times Images via Laos Briefly
Mercure Hotel chain has announced the closure of its Vientiane property from March 1, 2019.
Mercure Closes Doors on Vientiane Property
The Mercure is set to continue trading until February 28 shutting its doors for the final time March 1, the letter signed by general manager Christopher Yeo and dated December 26, 2018, announced.
Boasting 172 well-designed guestrooms, the four-story hotel long benefited from its site conveniently situated on the airport end of Vientiane’s downtown.
More recently the highly competitive market for higher end hotel accommodation and proximity to the larger Crowne Plaza Hotel were doubtless among the factors driving demand and affecting considerations on the viability of the business in Vientiane for the Mercure Chain, part of the Accor group.
Laotian Times like other denizens of the city and beyond will be tuned in to learn what’s next for this prime spot located opposite the Park Honouring the legendary monarch King Fa Ngum.
Paralympic Gold Medallist Pia Lao Phakdee Among Awardees on Road-to Tokyo2020
Asian Para Games gold medal-winning powerlifter Pia Laophakdee among those to get recognition via Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on road to Tokyo2020.
Well, the festive season in the rearview mirror and like it or not, 2019 is now well and truly with us.
Those of us fortunate enough to get a break are heading back to work and regular activities and sporting pursuits with various levels of enthusiasm.
One group of people who need little additional motivation but could do well with all the support they can get are Laos’ elite athletes like Asian Para Games gold medalist Pia Laophakdee who will be striving towards their sporting goals.
Recogizing these efforts recently was no less than Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith, who presented recognition and encouragement to the countries medal-winning athletes at an award ceremony held in Vientiane.
Paralympic Gold Medallist Pia Lao Phakdee Among Awardees on Road-to Tokyo2020
The Prime Minister also awarded the efforts of those who have helped the athletes achieve success, including coaches and administrators.
M Point Mart gives way to Mini Big C amid convenience store joint venture, rebranding.
Laos’ capital’s convenience store chain M Point Mart is set for an overhaul as Vientiane’s Phontan store staff confirm joint venture set see the city’s ubiquitous late night shopping outlets rebranded as Mini Big C with 24 hour shopping hours expected.
Setting up in Vientiane’s old town before expanding over the past decade to become ubiquitous upon many a street corner in Vientiane, the Point brand has become synonymous with convenience shopping in the capital.
Now the M Point Mart trade name appears to be making way for brand Big C, with the first Phontan store is already fully decked out in Mini Big C livery and staff dressed in uniform.
Well known local and international brands Beerlao Lao Brewing Company, Beer Leo and Coca-Cola beverages had promotional representatives to welcome customers to the suburban outlet on the last Saturday in December.
Already familiar to Laos’ many cross-border shoppers, it appears Thai retailer Big C’s foray on the Lao side of the river could mark a wider range of choice for the consumer living in the capital and beyond.
It comes after a long-awaited yet never realized outlet opening once planned for Vientiane’s Talat Sao Shopping Mall, the current status of which remains unconfirmed.
According to the company’s Thai website English page, “Mini Big C is a 24-hour convenience store.”
“Under management of Big C, we serve you with convenience, conciseness of only 80-100 sq.m. store size in community central area (sic), friendly services and variety of over 3,500 daily used products including not only leading brands but also Big C Brand for best value of money.
“Small sized products are our focus. Finally, what make us different from other convenience stores is fresh meat, fruit, and vegetables we offer.”
M Point Mart gives way to Mini Big C amid convenience store joint venture, rebranding.
Once more with Luv: ULUVUS for one night only Saturday 22 December 2018 at WINd-WEST
What can you say about ULUVUS? A few years less ancient than Vat Phu (Wat Phou) Champassak;
Probably not as well preserved as the olde towne of Luang Prabang,
Mysterious and curious though somewhat less so than the Plain of Jars;
Beguiling like a tune from a secret admirer, yet not quite a Khaen.
Such aims, like a UNESCO World Heritage Listing, may lie somewhere between old news, overdue recognition, aspirational daydreams and due any moment, but in any case, how could you fault the ambition of these relative titans of the (admittedly diminutive) Falang Lao musical landscape, known collectively as ULUVUS.
Like Seasoned BBQ Hands Back From A Distant Char Grill, ULUVUS Ready to Rock!
What can be said with relative certainty is few more pallid a phalanx of menfolk have flown as true in the worthy attempt to give the invisible bamboo ceiling of popular culture success in Laos a real shake.
Performing in the Lao language inspired by the wit and guile of troubadours past, the oft uniformed gents gathered a following among local and international fans alike.
Now, they are back from distant points of the globe to the epicenter of Vientiane evening amusement known and loved by generations; WINd-WEST Pub.
Inscribed on the Indee Records imprint, the lads spent a few well-spent years of the late 00’s and early to mid 10’s in Laos, lighting up the stage more than a fair few times and put out more than a couple of music videos if Youtube is anything to go by.
Gone but hardly forgotten and with a facebook page boasting no less than 36,000 likers (FB existed back then?!) they and their legions of aficionados call on fellow diehard fans and newbies alike, particularly those that fulfill the following criteria:
a) still alive in the physical sense;
b) of sound mind and body;
c) geographically proximate to WINd West Pub
to come out of the woodwork forthwith for this fully renovated if not reincarnated performance.
ULUVUS perform boat racing festival way back in 2011
Like a flashback to another lifetime, you will be boasting old-time reminiscences with tall tales and rock hand signs to be to be hoist anew at the endless metaphorical BBQ of rock and roll.
