July 29, 2013

Lao Banks Grow - New Commercials Emerge

When I visited Laos 10 years ago I never saw a single bank commercial on television and would only sometimes see their billboards or signs.  Fast forward to today, 2013, and Lao banks both private and public have fully taken on the idea of advertising.  Competition among them is fierce. 

A burgeoning middle class, a large proportion of young workers with money, and banking rules that have become more open to competition that has allowed for incredible growth in the banking sector.  The days where people hid money in their homes are quickly vanishing.  The new norm is to open a bank account.

July 23, 2013

Lao National TV Clip - Regarding Laos Being Chosen World's Best Tourist Destination 2013

Source: Lao National TV - https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10200490926749069

Lao PDR Awarded World's Best Tourist Destination 2013

Lao People’s Democratic Republic was recognized as the World's Best Tourist Destination for 2013 by the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT). Tourist arrivals are surging—up 22% on a per annum basis—with last year's estimate at 3.3 million. At present, the tourism sector is the second largest income earner in Lao PDR.

July 20, 2013

Luangprabang Food Market Browsing

Here's a couple of fun videos from Youtube user Enniocol24 for all you foodies out there.  The first video is the morning food market and the second is the evening or night food market - both in Luangprabang.  Video was taken in April 2013 and we love the music selection playing in the background.




July 17, 2013

Majestic Buddha With an Entourage

Have you ever seen the Buddha in an image like this? I've never quite seen him depicted like this.  I'm calling it Majestic Buddha With an Entourage.

Majestic Buddha With an Entourage
 Source Credit: Found on the front page BuddhistDoor.com website, artist unknown.

July 15, 2013

BBC's Roads Less Travelled: Laos

BBC's show Roads Less Travelled (season 1, episode 3) visits Laos starring the founder of the Lonely Planet travel series, Tony Wheeler.  Watch as he re-visits Laos and also some lesser known spots including a cascading waterfall not known to tourists yet.

July 12, 2013

Lao Food Festival 2013 - A Look at Provincial Foods

Sao Darly J visited the Lao Food Festival back in February 2013.  There were certain sections and stalls that were devoted to regional and provincial food.  Here's a few clips from her visit to the Xiengkhuang, Savannakhet, Champassak and Luangprabang food stalls on Youtube.  She's got a bigger obsession with Lao food than we do!  And that's saying a lot. :)


July 08, 2013

Lao Artist Profile: Thep Thavansouk

Today we're featuring the following wonderful paintings from Lao artist, Calgary, Alberta, Canada based, Mr. Thep Thavansouk (below is our random selections of his works).

Lao artist profile - paintings by Thep ThavansoukLao artist profile - paintings by Thep Thavansouk