Luang Prabang runway faces delays

VIENTIANE, 14 September 2011 – Opening of a new runway at Luang Prabang airport has been delayed to October after officials conceded construction of important facilities was running behind schedule.

Lao News Agency quoted Luang Prabang Airport’s project manager, Sackda Soulisack, saying construction was 63% complete, but work on a flight control upgrade and a perimeter fence had fallen behind schedule.

Work started in April 2010 and should now be ready by 20 October, just before the main tourist season kicks in. A new passenger terminal will be finished by mid 2013. Read more

Nan the hard way to Laos

BANGKOK, 1 September 2011 – Nan province in North Thailand aims to promote travel to neighbouring Laos and even to Vietnam as part of a long-term strategy to build gateway tourism.

But officials insist they are not interested in turning the mountainous province, bordering Laos, into a transit zone with little or no benefits for local communities.

“We need to focus on gaining a two-night stay from tourists before they move on,” explains Nan Tourism Business Association president, Utai Tantrakul, who acknowledges the highway link to Luang Prabang is going to be a big draw card for Nan in the future. Read more

Lao Airlines will fly to U-Tapao

BANGKOK, 21 October 2010 –Lao Airlines announced Wednesday it will start a circular route, 29 October, linking the Lao capital, Vientiane, the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang and Pattaya resort, on Thailand’s eastern seaboard.

Lao Airlines will operate a twice weekly service on Friday and Sunday using a 70-seat ATR72-500. Fares were not available at press time.

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Exotissimo adds LP join-in tour

BANGKOK, 12 October 2010 – Exotissimo Travel launched a classic tour of Luang Prabang, Monday, that offers travellers a four-day,  join-in tour with no minimum booking requirement .

The new tour is designed for travellers who want to explore facet of Laotian culture both “spiritual and scenic” aspects of the famous world heritage town.

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Luang Prabang airport upgrade

Work on upgrading Luang Prabang Airport, announced last year,  will start this month and should be ready by 2013.

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