Young vendor guides festival revellers toward eco options
Young vendor guides festival revellers toward eco options
Youthful online vendor, Malisa Phengta, aged 16, is making vanishing Kathong (floating candlelit boats) using recycled paper and other environmentally friendly materials that are harmless, especially to aquatic life.
“Nowadays people everywhere have become more aware of environmental protection needs,” Malisa told Vientiane Times reporters yesterday.
At the moment she is the first dealer offering more than 300 candlelit boats made out of recycled paper and ice cream cones in different colourful designs.
A number of her Heua fai have gone to other provinces in Laos, such as Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury and Attapeu.
Savannakhet province will also be moving towards eco-friendly Heua fai in the near future following the recognition and approval of customers via the social media network, Malisa said.
The floating boats are sold from 15,000 kip to 25,000 kip. The variation is dependent upon the of the Heua fai itself.
When comparisons of products made from banana trees, recycled paper and foam are made, the price is almost the same but boats made from foam have been prohibited by the authorities because of concerns over environmental damage.
“Frankly, environmental issues and cultural preservation are both essential subjects for us, therefore everyone should be aware of this matter,” Malisa said.
As an active young thinker, Malisa is expected to create her own products by next year, as she intends to design a range of different boats using environmentally friendly materials, especially recycled paper and other items harmless to the environment.
During the annual Boat Racing Festival from October 6 to 9 at the Mekong River in Chanthabouly district, Malisa is planning to take the opportunity to learn about the possibilities of market expansion.
The actual boat races will take place on October 9 following the last day of Buddhist Lent but the festival will get underway on October 6 as market stalls and makeshift snack stands fill the riverside streets.
Hundreds of food stalls will line the streets along the Mekong River offering something simple to a full meal with dining tables set up for customers.
The most popular items for the festival attendees are Lao favourites Khao Laam (sticky rice in bamboo) and Ping Kai (grilled chicken on a stick.)
It is the biggest and the most significant boat racing festival in Laos. Held on the Mekong River the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival is held every year, starting from the fifth day of the eleventh month according to the lunar calendar.
vientiane times
