Global Travel Writers: Articles

Sacred Forests of Savannakhet

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 02:55:00 -0400

Dong Natad, the Sacred Forest revered by the people of the sleepy Lao city of Savannakhet, is not exactly the heart of darkness, but there are wondrous things to see � or to avoid � with the help of forest-wise guides, employed through a newly-established �eco-trek� program. We falang (foreigners) are escorted into the forest by the petite Ms Sinakhone Sengphalichanh � �you can call me Nicky� � from the provincial tourism bureau, and Mr Soda Chanla, a member of one of the local forest-dwelling minority peoples. Before long, the seemingly monotonous forest stretching either side of a puddled track resolves into a medley of individual specks of life. To prove the point, Soda grabs a passing scorpion and eats it � live � with gusto. But, he warns us, never let a beetle piss in your eye!

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Tracks across the Kingdom

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:13:00 -0400

Across the length and breadth of Thailand then all the way down the Malay Peninsula to Singapore, a network of railways stitches together the Thai Kingdom and connects it with its near neighbours. Sometimes charmingly old-fashioned, the State Railway of Thailand nonetheless has reached across the Mekong with a new international line terminating on the outskirts of the Lao capital, Vientiane. The SRT now also offers a falang-friendly online booking facility.

Here's how to make the best of this eminently civilised and companionable mode of transport in the twenty-first century. More images

The Saffron Army

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 01:48:00 -0500

by Philip Game

The day begins early for those saffron-robed legionaries, the Buddhist monks of South East Asia, as they glide through the morning mists, alms bowls at the ready. Glimpses inside a Burmese monastery reveal the domestic life of the Sangha or community of ordained believers.

Fairways through Laos

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:59:00 -0500

While Laos is emerging as a prime cultural and eco tourism destination, golf is slowing gaining a devout following. The garden-accented Vientiane is home to a trio of excellent courses including the surprising Dansavanh which offers a classy golf experience in rural surroundings.

This illustrated feature can be written from 1000 to 2000 words, depending upon editorial requirements.

A separate story on Vientiane and/or the old cultural capital of Luang Prabang can also be provided as a sidebar or a secondary feature.

Luang Prabang, capital of a vanished kingdom, returns to life

Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:52:00 -0500

Slumbering beside the Mekong amidst the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang must be the only Asian city in which one hardly need look before crossing the street.

With its 32 Buddhist temples the former royal capital of Laos is the best-preserved historic city in South-East Asia, according to UNESCO. Every block or so, another brightly tiled, many-tiered roof sweeps low to the ground. Whitewashed French colonial villas, even the former townhouse of a princess, convert readily to chic yet eminently affordable boutique accommodations.

Until a few short years ago, Luang Prabang was linked to an unsuspecting world only by rutted tracks - and by the Mekong. But as the flow of tourists swells to a torrent, change is gathering pace in one of Asia�s most delightful backwaters.

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