Waterfalls beckon travellers over Pi Mai Lao

The waterfalls of Champassak province in southern Laos will be among the top destinations for travellers during Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) next week.

The New Year coincides with the dry season’s high temperatures so visiting waterfalls is a good way for holiday-makers to escape the heat.“Our waterfalls are truly beautiful and no visitor should miss them,” Champassak Tourism Office Deputy Chief Sivone Vangkonevilay said on Thursday.

“As many people know, the largest of these is the Khonphapheng waterfall, but there are others dotted around the province, and all are very popular with both local and foreign visitors.”“This year we expect to see many visitors at Nheuang, Fan, Phasuam, Don Nong Luang, Champi Nang Sida, and Lakpaed waterfalls,” Mr Sivone said.

Don Nong Luang waterfall is a particularly attractive spot. There’s also the famous Don Nong Luang, the site of a thousand-year-old rose tree, which is also quite popular with international visitors, he added.

The tourism office provides facilities at some of the waterfalls, such as guesthouses, so New Year visitors can stay nearby.The province is also home to the Vat Phou temple complex, the country’s second World Heritage Site.Some travel agencies have reported that large numbers of groups have booked tours over the holiday, Mr Sivone said.

Tourism authorities have prepared for the Lao New Year by organising traditional festivals to showcase Lao culture. These include the Nang Sangkhane (Miss Pi Mai Lao) contest in Champassak and a fashion show featuring traditional styles.

Champassak province expects to receive thousands of visitors over the Lao New Year period. “We’re advising people to use water with care and consideration, in line with tradition,” Mr Sivone said.The office will manage accommodation and transport for as many tourists as possible, and hotels, restaurants and other facilities are well prepared.

Mr Sivone believes Champassak is a good choice for a New Year holiday, and those who are considering going to a waterfall somewhere in Laos during the festive season will not be disappointed with a visit to the southern province.

However, Laos has many popular tourist destinations such as Xieng Thong temple in the country’s first World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang and the remarkable Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province.According to the Lao National Tourism Administration, more than two million tourists visited Laos last year.

Source = laovoices