Lao Sky: October / November / December 2025 by LAO SKY

Beyond the Jars

Marching Forward: Half a Century of Lao Strength and Unity

Managing Director’s MESSAGE

Dear Passengers,

Warmest greetings from all of us at Lao Skyway! With the most comprehensive route network in the nation, we proudly serve as your gateway to discovering every corner of our magnificent homeland. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or a business trip, our streamlined booking process through our mobile platform and local branch offices makes travel planning simple and convenient.

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As we soar through the skies this year, we are especially proud to celebrate alongside our beloved nation as Laos marks its 50th National Day. This historic milestone fills us with immense pride in our heritage and our shared future. At Lao Skyway, we are honored to be part of this golden anniversary, connecting our people and visitors to experience the rich culture, natural beauty, and warm spirit that define our extraordinary country.

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Excellence in safety and passenger care defines everything we do. Each flight reflects our commitment to delivering not just transportation, but an experience marked by genuine Lao hospitality and unwavering attention to detail.

Wherever your wanderlust calls, our customer service specialists at 1441 are ready to assist you in crafting the perfect itinerary. We’re honored to serve as your trusted travel partner throughout Laos.

Wishing you safe travels and memorable journeys,

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Panthavy Sisongkham Managing Director

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COVER IMAGE

Fireworks burst over That Luang by Phoonsab Thevongsa

ADVISORY BOARD

Panthavy Sisongkham Chief Executive Officer

Sonetysack Mylakong Administration Director

Onta Phompanya Lao Skyway Industry Director

Khamla Phomsichanh Lao Skyway Director LAO SKYWAY

Head office: Asean Road, Ban Akard, Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Capital, Lao P.D.R, P.O Box 6618 (856)21 512 027 (856)21 513 022 info@laoskyway.com, service@laoskyway.com

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Dear Readers,

Welcome to Lao Sky, the in-flight magazine of Lao Skyway. Join us in celebrating Laos as the nation marks its remarkable 50th National Day, a golden jubilee showcasing half a century of unity, strength, and cultural pride.

In this issue, celebrate with the Hmong community during their vibrant New Year festivities, Noj Peb Caug, featuring traditional music, colorful costumes, and cultural games in Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang.

Escape to Phou Phanang National Park, just 40 minutes west of Vientiane, for a rewarding hike through pristine wilderness to breathtaking panoramic views that make you feel one with nature.

Journey beyond the famous Plain of Jars to discover Xieng Khouang’s deeper stories—from ancient Phouan Kingdom ruins to resilient communities that embody the true soul of this windswept province.

Thanks for being onboard,

The Lao Sky team

PUBLISHING

Group Editor-in-Chief

Contributing Editor

Creative Director

Head Photographer

Contributing Writers

Jason Rolan

Vilavanh Chanthavong

Dokfa Malaithong

Phoonsab Thevongsa

Tara Gujadhur

Endy Khamsing

FOR YOUR ADVERTISING CONTACT US

sales@rdkgroup.la (856-20) 59596621

RDK GROUP

134 Samsenthai Road, Xiengyeun Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, Laos (856-20) 55731717 | info@rdkgroup.la

To learn more about the Hmong New Year and the ethnic groups of Laos, visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Luang Prabang. www.taeclaos.org MORE INFO

Hmong women are well known for their deft embroidery and batik textiles. For Hmong batik, hemp cloth is etched with beeswax, then dyed with indigo. The beeswax is then boiled off, revealing a pattern in white. This cloth would be used to make skirts of the Mong Njua subgroup. Each group has its own traditional costume. Nowadays, traditional clothing is worn only on special occasions like wedding ceremonies and the New Year.

Left: A Hmong woman in her finery

1: Local amusements are also a fun part of the event CAPTIONS

A Tranquil Escape to Phou Phanang

Words by Endy Khamsing

Images by Vilavanh Chanthavong

Translated by Nick

Pugh

Phou Phanang is one of the National Parks of Laos. It spans an area of 70,000 hectares and is situated to the west of Vientiane. The section of the park I will be visiting today is near Ang Yai village in Sikhottabong District. Traveling out to Phou Phanang takes around 40 minutes by car, traveling westward from downtown Vientiane along the Mekong riverbank before reaching Wealth Coffee, a cafe where you can take a break from the trip before starting your hike into the forest and all the pristine scenery of Phou Phanang. Wealth Coffee also functions as a campsite and provides tents for those who need them. They have their own campsite available with advance reservation.

As dusk approaches, a campfire is lit for everyone to keep warm from the chilly breezes. After this, I enjoyed some drinks while taking in the peaceful natural atmosphere under

the shining starlit sky before turning in for a solid night’s sleep to recharge me for the journey and dazzling sights to come.

The following morning, I set off with a group of other tourists moving off in the same direction, being led by a small dog named Deng, which had the duty of leading visitors to the scenic spots. The trail leading up covered around five kilometers and took an hour or more, depending on the speed of the hikers. The trail led us up some challenging slopes and across some barren landscapes, but remained within the capability of the novice hikers. However, they were careful to follow the routes taken by Deng and the group leaders to ensure they did not lose their way.

As we approached a scenic viewpoint, we came across a merit-making spot situated under a large stone slab, where there were two Buddha images and one gong. Not far from the stone slab area, the Phou Phanang scenic spot could finally be found, and once beheld, the picture turned out to be well worth the two-hour laborious struggle up the mountain. It is the very epitome of picturesque nature and was adorned by a glorious panorama of lesser summits pasted against a pure white background. The Mekong riverbank can be seen reflect

ing our country’s abundance in all its grandeur. Speaking for myself, I could easily sit here all day without a shred of boredom. Each time I visit, I feel one with the splendor of nature, and this relieves me of that which denies my mind peace by allowing myself to be cleansed from all such troubles from my being.

Phou Phanang could be considered the lungs of Sikhottabong District, where both domestic and foreign tourists go to visit its serenity and superlative magnificence. If in need of a lungful of fresh air and peaceful natural relaxation in addition to a challenging but rewarding hike without venturing too far out of the capital, Phou Phanang would be a fantastic option for this weekend.

GETTING

THERE

The trailhead for this hike begins about 30km west of Vientiane at Wealth Coffee

Left: A trail marker along the path

1: Hikers take a break

2: The breathtaking view from the top over the Mekong 3: Trekkers make merit at a holy spot en route CAPTIONS

Left: Plain of Jars Site 3 in Paek District

1: From bomb casings to a village fence in Kham District

2: Ruins of a French colonial building in Khoun District CAPTIONS

Perched on a windswept plateau in northeastern Laos, Xieng Khouang has always felt a little apart from the rest of the country. The mornings here arrive wrapped in fog, the air is cool even in the hot season, and the wide-open landscapes carry a quiet that lingers. Most visitors know it for the Plain of Jars, those enigmatic stone vessels scattered across grassy fields—now officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But there’s more to Xieng Khouang than just its most famous mystery.

This province has seen empires rise and fall. It was once the seat of the Phuan Kingdom, a crossroads of culture, trade, and religion. Later, it became a front line during decades

theBeyond Jars

Words by Jason Rolan

Images by Jason Rolan

of war, its hills and valleys deeply scarred by bombing campaigns and conflict. And yet, the people here have endured—with quiet strength, a gentle sense of humor, and an unshakable connection to their land.

For those willing to look beyond the jars, Xieng Khouang offers stories carved into temple ruins, whispered through war-era caves, and shared over cups of warm tea in remote Hmong and Khmu villages. It’s a place where history isn’t kept behind glass— it’s lived, remembered, and sometimes still being unearthed. So yes, come for the jars—but stay for the depth, the stories, and the soul of this resilient province.

Lao Skyway has daily flights to Xieng Khouang from Vientiane GETTING THERE

Na Ou Village, Khoun District, is famous for its handmade noodles

Veterans celebrate the anniversary and their contributions to the revolution

Marching Forward:

Half a Century of Lao Strength and Unity

Words by Jason Rolan Images by Phoonsab Thevongsa

As the Lao People’s Democratic Republic marks its 50th National Day on December 2nd, the spirit of unity, pride, and progress radiates through every corner of the capital. This year’s celebrations hold even deeper meaning—not just as a commemorative event, but as a powerful reminder of a half-century journey shaped by resilience, cultural richness, and a shared national vision. Though the 50th anniversary is still to come, these images—captured during the 40th—offer a glimpse into the soul of the celebration.

At dawn, the capital comes alive with a grand military parade. Rows of uniformed soldiers march with precision and purpose, representing the strength and steadfastness of the Lao nation. Their synchronized steps echo the country’s ongoing commitment to sovereignty, peace, and unity. Following close behind are vibrant processions of stu-

dents, youth groups, and ethnic communities in traditional dress, waving the national flag with unwavering pride. These scenes embody the country’s diversity and harmony: many voices, one Laos.

At the heart of the festivities, the golden stupa of That Luang glows brighter than ever, crowned by a magnificent display of fireworks that lights up the Vientiane night. It’s a moment that transcends spectacle—a sacred landmark illuminating the dreams of a proud nation, watched by citizens and visitors alike in reverent awe.

At Lao Skyway, we are honored to fly through the skies of this remarkable country. From the misty peaks of the north to the lush plains of the south, we carry with us not just passengers, but the spirit of Lao identity. As we rise with the nation into this golden jubilee, we invite you to join us in celebration—of land, of legacy, and of love for Laos.