A splashing good time in Laos
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Luang Prabang fully booked for Lao New Year
Luang Prabang hoteliers are advising tourists considering visiting the town for Pi Mai Lao or New Year, which kicks off tomorrow and runs until Sunday, not to go without first booking accommodation.
Almost all hotels and guesthouses in Laos’ first world heritage city are fully booked, president of the Luang Prabang Hotel and Guesthouse Association Kounchanthaboupha Vongsaravanh told the Vientiane Times last week.
It is already very difficult to find a room for this period and about 99 per cent of rooms in hotels and guesthouses, which can accommodate 6,000 people a day, are booked out from tomorrow through Sunday.
Kounchanthaboupha suggested that people who have not yet booked accommodation should not travel to Luang Prabang for the Lao New Year, as expecting to find a room the re upon arrival is now unrealistic.
“I could not even find rooms for my relatives. Those who have not made a reservation already should not come as they might be unable to find a place to sleep,” he said.
Some 40 per cent more tourists compared to last year are expected to visit Laos’s top tourist destination for the festival.
Tour operators said there were several reasons to explain this year’s remarkable increase. They cited the “Visit Laos Year 2012” campaign and said instability and unrest in other countries in the region have been significant in diverting tourism traffic to Laos.
During the festival, visitors can enjoy several events including a trade fair that opened Monday at the That Luang stadium.
The highlight of the festival – the Nang Sangkhan contest – takes place along with traditional and modern stage performances today and tomorrow. Sand stupa building and baci ceremonies are scheduled for Friday, together with cultural performances and traditional sports competitions.
On Saturday, visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Leu ethnic group at the cultural village of Phanom. On the same day, the Vor parade will give visitors a comprehensive picture of the former capital of Laos and its special culture.
On Sunday, visitors can join Party and state leaders in giving alms to monks at the former Royal Palace, among many other events slated until April 18.
Many towns throughout Laos are preparing to hold celebratory activities over Lao New Year.
The southern province of Champassak is holding traditional performances and boat racing today and tomorrow Pakxong district, as well as a Nang Sangkhan parade on Saturday.
