Abnormal Special Economic Zone in the Golden Triangle

It is currently 9 am and it is still boisterous here. What can be seen here is some overnight die – hards are making bets at the gambling tables while the exhausted ones are taking small naps nearby. This is Kings Romans, a splendid casino with a huge golden crown on the top, is located on the side of Laos along the Mekong River. The casino owned by a Chinese in Ton Pheung district is a 10,000 square meter leisure centre called ‘Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone’. The other two nations in the Golden Triangle are Thailand and Myanmar, which are just on the opposite bank of the river. These two countries have long been known for organizing illegal activities consist of human trafficking, weapons smuggling and rare animals trafficking.

The establishment of the casino is an attempt made by the Government of Laos with an aim to make profit from an activity which is considered to be illegal in China but Laotian’s favorite.

This is such great news to the Chinese who love gambling but cannot be satisfied in their country.

However, with 24 hours open per day and all days in the week, Kings Romans gains a stable number of gamblers form China. Chinese gamblers have been regarded as among the world best gamblers when always come back with suitcases full of cash.

A hostess at the casino expressed surprise when she saw Chinese gamblers stayed at the gambling table for one or two day playing nonstop.

Special Economic Zone looks like a small replica of China. All of the clocks here are set to Beijing time, yuan is the main currency and the mostly used language here is Chinese.

It is quite surprise to know that not many employees here are Laotian. Most of them are from Myanmar and China.

For the country which is landlocked and poor like Laos, the casino is such a valuable source of income. The zone is a great way for Laos to gain money from China. What a profound investment.

However, there is no such thing as a free lunch, this investment comes hand – in – hand with the serious damages on the environment and the lack of land for other projects.

Observers stated that the Special Economic Zone had now turned into the place where people used to wash dirty money from China.

The Golden Triangle has been popular for producing drugs for long times. It used to produce the drug that is the second most sought drug in the world.

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Laos Passport and Visa Requirements

Papers required	Return ticket	Visa	Passport
Australian	Yes	Yes	Yes
British	Yes	Yes	Yes
Canadian	Yes	Yes	Yes
Other EU	Yes	Yes	Yes
USA	Yes	Yes	Yes

Passports: 

If you come from the nations mentioned in the table above, you are required to have a passport which is valid for a minimum time of 6 months to enter Laos.

You may not need to show a return ticket if travelling overland. However, an itinerary from your travel agent would be useful in some cases.

Visas: 

If you are the citizen of the nations in the table above, you can be granted for a thirty – day visa. This is applicable to arriving on road, through ports of entry and also crossing river borders. Remember to bring with you two photos which are passport – sized for the visa.

You may also apply for a visa from the embassy beforehand.

Make sure that you get two stamps on your visa, an entry stamp and the exit one and remember to double – check the dates of these stamps.

Note:  If you are not from the mentioned nations in the table, it is advisable for you to contact the embassy for the visa requirements.

Price:

It would take you around US$35 for a visa on arrival (the price depends on your nationality). A visa in advance may cost you about US$50 (the price depends on your nationality).

Validity: 

A visa is normally valid for 30 days. A visa obtained from the embassy beforehand is usually valid for a stay up to 30 days within 2 months from the date of issue.

Extension of stay: 

Your 30 – day visa can be extended up to 60 days at the Department of Immigration in Vientiane with the fee of US$2 for each day. Bear in mind that overstaying means paying US$10 for each day.

Applications for:  officially recognized tour operators or the embassy’s consular section. Visas can be obtained from many travel agents on Khao San Road in Bangkok or from the Embassy of Laos in Bangkok, Thailand. Laos Embassy was reopened in UK in 2014.

Sufficient funds:

There‘s not much chance of you having to show proof of sufficient funds. However, your are advised to bring with you a salary slip, tax return or some of your last bank statements.

Entry with children: 

If you are travelling with children, you may be asked to show the proof of parental responsibility. Hence, bring with you the papers just in case.

Entry with pets: 

A veterinary certificate is required for entrance.

Embassies and tourist offices

Embassy of the Lao PDR in the USA

Opening times: Monday –Friday : 09:00am – 04:30 pm.

Phone: (202) 332 6416. Web: www.laoEmbassy.com.

Embassy of the Lao PDR in the UK

Opening times: Monday –Friday : 09:00am – 06:00 pm.

Phone: 0207 307 5454. Web: asiahouse.org

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Higher revenue with more barcode systems

The barcode systems in Luang Prabang are about to be extended to more destinations in order to make it easier for tourists to pay permission fee at famous tourist sites.

As reported by Lao News, there have already been barcode systems in Kuang Si Waterfall and The National Museum (Old Palace). Incomes have been increased significantly, may be because of the elimination of pilfering.

Finance Department of Luang Prabang claimed that there had been an increase of 32% in the income thanks to the installation of the barcode system at Luang Prabang’s museum (Old Palace).

The report also added that the installation of the barcode system at Kuang Si Waterfall had made the revenue double over the last year.

The system is under the control of the Finance Department of Luang Prabang and the National Treasury via the internet.

There has been a request from The Finance Department for a purchasing budget to open more barcode systems at Tham Ting cave, Phou Si Mountain, international airport and Wat Xiengthong temple.

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Laos and Myanmar Friendship bridge

LUANG NAMTHA : As the Lao News Agency reported, the first Friendship Bridge between Laos and Myanmar connecting the North of Laos with Myanmar over the Mekong river has been opened Last Saturday.

The bridge which is funded through the investment by the two nation governments is 10.9 metres in width and 691.6 metres in length.

The USD 26 million bridge was under construction for 30 months and was finished 5 months earlier than planned.

The bridge has a sidewalk which is 1,2 meters wide. The bridge can also carry up to 75 tons and withstand an earthquake of magnitude 7. Ships of no more than 500 tons can easily cross underneath the bridge.

The governments of the two countries agreed on the construction of the bridge in March 2012 in a visit to Laos by the President of Myanmar – Mr. Thein Sein.

The bridge connects National Road No.17 in Laos with National Road No. 4 in Myanmar and is sure to boost the tourism and trade between the two nations.

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Laos got a high score from ICAO

VIENTIANE: Laos has been given a high score of 73% after an audit conducted last month by The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Coordinated Validation Mission (ICVM) team.

According to Mr.Yakua Lorpangkao, the director of the Lao Civil Aviation Department, it was a ‘historic milestone’ to receive such a high score from ICAO.

The ICVM team inspected personnel licensing, civil aviation legislation and regulations, aircraft operations, civil aviation organisation, air navigation services and airports.

The director also added that according to the audit, there were no significant safety issues regarding the country’s aviation management. This shows a striking contrast with the poor evaluation of Thailand earlier this year, which led to Japan prohibiting the new flight by Thai registered airlines.

“This means Lao Airlines as well as Lao Skyway and Lao Central Air can fly anywhere in the world, based on the audit’s evaluation,” he declared.

No further details about the audit recommendations or the scores have been revealed.

Laos was first evaluated by ICAO in April 1999, followed by the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme in March 2002 aimed to access the capacity and capability of DCA, especially those related to regulations and legislation in the aviation sector. Huge improvements have been made after this event. The first Lao Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) has been established in 2003 and the Law on Civil Aviation in 2005.

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Laos extends more shopping malls

Vientiane Centre is one of The high-end shopping mall that opened with its owners claiming on last week. It will add a brand shopping experience to the list of city’s attractions that should appeal to Asian visitors.

Lao News Agency informed the ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Somsavat Lengsavad and the Chinese Ambassador to Laos and Guan Hua Bing.

Chen Wen Shan- the president of Yunnan Construction Engineering Group told local media that the centre will offer the best shopping experience in Lao as well as support tourism by giving visitors an additional reason to visit Vientiane. It was built by the Chinese company. So, Chinese traveller will be the main target audience

The Vientiane Centre is a four-storey shopping complex that was developed on 5.3 ha.

There are two phases with the first one consisting of a shopping mall and business offices. And, the other phase will include a hotel for business travellers and entertainment facilities.

The Vientiane Centre has already contract with several well-known companies including the Bank of China, Gucci, Longines, Tissot, Estee Launder, Lancome, Dior, Shiseido, Chanel, CK, Coach, Zara, Pierre Cardin, Giordano, Belle, Nike, and Adidas.

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No cars day in Vientiane

With the aim to promote tourism in Vientiane, the authorities here present tourists with numerous walking streets. This idea has proved to be successful in the early of this year.

The car – free streets take place from January 31th to February 1st and February 7th to 8th along the roads skirting Mekong river.

After making trial, the authorities have proposed to turn Chao Anou and Francois Ngin into permanent car – free streets on Saturdays and public holidays. This idea of walking streets has been widely welcomed by both tourists and local residents.

The proposal is still under consideration and if granted, the activity will be organised in the same place again.

According to Mr Chanthasack, the trial attracted 7,200 local and foreign visitors during 31 January to 1 February and almost 20,000 during 7 to 8 February.

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Luang Prabang celebrates World heritage

At Luang Prabang, on 12 March 2015: A Luang Prabang gives plan is outlined to celebrate its 20th anniversary of its World Heritage Site listing by UNESCO this December.

Vientiane Times informed an official celebration will take place in Luang Prabang 7 to 9 December to mark the anniversary.

Activities in event will include seminars on the protection, conservation and development of the town as a World Heritage Site, as well as meetings and a public parade, photo exhibition, and drawing contest for young people.

These events will concerntrate on Luang Prabang and its role as the country’s top tourist destination while supporting handicraft sales, as well as cultural performances and sports.

The highlights of the event will be an elephant parade led by a white elephant. According to Khampheng Xaysompheng- Luang Prabang provincial governor, the event will showcase the achievements of Luang Prabang in protecting, preserving as well as developing the town to ensure its value is maintained since it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

The economy of province is growing at an average of 8.2% per year, and average income per person per year is USD 1, 450.

The town authorities realize the worth of tourism in terms of revenue and job creation, but they need to recognise that a very high level of stewardship is required to ensure the next generation can enjoy Luang Prabang’s heritage.

Luang Prabang capital is located on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and mountain ranges, namely the Phou Thao and Phou Nang ranges that encircle the city.

It was known as Meuang Xua, then Xieng Thong and from the 14th to 16th centuries the town became the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Lane Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants). Probably, it dates back more than 1,200 years.

But Luang Prabang attracted the imagination of travellers because of the fusion of traditional and French colonial architecture during the 19th and 20th centuries and its chill-out ambience that still survives despite a tourism boom. In Asia, it is one of the few remaining towns that reflect a blending of two distinct cultural traditions.

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Finishing touches to airport

At ATTAPEU, on 3 march 2015: The Attapeu International Airport construction is completed 90% now and is expected to open for the the first flight soon.

Followed to the earlier report the airport was supposed to be ready for flights by May.Construction was reported that it would be began in 2013 by Laos News Agency and once completed the airport should contribute to socio-economic & tourism development in Attapeu province.

With a cost of USD36 million through a loan from Hoang Anh Gia Lai Joint Stock Company of Vietnam, the airport was constructed. The group has invested around USD1 billion in rubber tree plantations in Attapeu province.

The airport will be able to fill with 70-100 seat planes such as Fokker 70, Fokker 100, the ATR 72 and MA-60. It will become the 4th gatewway of country for international travel. Firstly is Vientiane’s Wattay International followed by Luang Prabang and Pakse airports. At present Pakse International Airport is the nearest airport.

It's about 200km in the Northwest of Attapeu. Laos Airlines provide couple of regional services to Cambodia and Thailand. Attapeu boders Vietnam and Cambodia, destinations attract tourists included three waterfalls on the Xepain River, the 16th-century Saysetthatthirath pagoda and Attapeu pottery vases used to store rice wine.It is about 600 km southeast of Vientiane.

Read more: Laos travel information

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