Travelling to enrich life

ASIA - In the modern era it seems that more and more Lao people are taking the opportunity to holiday abroad compared to times past.

This might be down to it being more convenient to travel nowadays, with better transportation and easier documentation, people having more disposable income or simply the allure created by the heavy tourism promotion being carried out by countries in the region. Most likely it's a combination of all of these.

The countries seeing most of the tourists from Laos are our neighbours Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia and some others like Malaysia and Singapore. No visas are required between ASEAN countries, just a passport.

When I first visited Cambodia some years ago, I didn't meet any Lao tourists on my travels whether in Angkor Wat or at any other tourist sites and our tuk-tuk driver, who acted as guide for our tour, told us that he rarely heard of tourists coming from Laos. We were the first he had met.

However, when visiting Cambodia again last week, I met with a number of Lao tour groups, especially at Angkor Wat, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is usually easy to spot a fellow traveller from one's own country when abroad. Hearing them speak readily identifies them and sometimes they can be detected by their manner of dress. Quite often Lao women will wear a traditional skirt when travelling.

Some join tour groups while others prefer to go individually. Our guide also said that recently there seemed to be more visitors generally coming to Cambodia.

Tourism promotion has undoubtedly had a major effect on the numbers travelling as many tourism companies have been set up to provide services to those making trips abroad. As there is greater competition, these tour companies have to try and make the prices as affordable as possible to attract clients. It is the tour company's job to make travelling convenient and trouble-free, most especially for those who have never been abroad before, so using a tour service is, for them, probably the best way.

The simple fact that more Lao people are holidaying abroad shows they are now enjoying better incomes and can afford to go away for a few days. There are many things encouraging Lao people to travel abroad more, but whatever the reason, visiting other countries and experiencing different places and cultures can expand our knowledge and enrich our lives.

We travelled by bus to Cambodia through Champassak province to the border and on to Phnom Phenh, then to Siem Reap and back to Vientiane through Thailand.

Sourced: Cambodia News