news-events

  A French aid organisation aims to help Laos protect heritage sites and infrastructure in Savannakhet and Champasak provinces, with discussions of a €6 million-project ongoing. Director General of the National Heritage Department Thongbay Phothisane told the Vientiane Times that the project’s main focus is restoring and maintaining temples, houses, and French colonial buildings of … Read more

  The annual Sikhottabong Stupa Festival in Thakaek, Khammouane Province will be held on 19 February. Sikhottabong Stupa The Sikhottabong Empire originally built Thakaek’s iconic 29-meter-high, golden-tipped That Sikhottabong Stupa in the 6th century. Lane Xang Kingdom’s King Phothisarat and King Saysethathirath refurbished it in the 1500s to its present form. A sizeable statue of … Read more

  The Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) nailed Laos’ slot on the 2019 Experience Mekong Collection (EMC) Showcase at January’s ASEAN Tourism Forum in Halong Bay, Vietnam, by taking top honours in the “Do” category. The ECCTeam The ECC captured the “Do” class for Laos by offering learning experiences with elephants led by a dedicated team … Read more

  Lao Airlines announced Chinese inbound passenger bookings could soar to more than 240,000 in 2019, a 42% jump over last year’s 170,500 flight reservations. China is now the Lao national carrier’s top market. Lao Airline’s site shows 21 direct weekly flights to China. From Vientiane, seven flights head to Kunming, three to Guangzhou, two … Read more

  The Lao government remains optimistic that UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee will grant the Plain of Jars full listing status when it meets in July. The Plain of Jars “All the necessary documents were submitted last year,” said Director General of the Heritage Department, Thongbay Phothisan. “At the end of last year the World Heritage … Read more

  The 2019 Sayabouly Elephant Festival will take place from 20-27 February, according to TourismLaos.com. The parade of pachyderms In Vientiane Province, the Meuang Feuang Festival will run from 9-10 February, and feature a street fair selling ODOP products and traditional performances. Feuang District is about 130km from Vientiane and visitors can easily reach it … Read more

  The Luang Prabang Cultural Office is holding the second Luang Prabang Folk Song Festival on Saturday, 30 March, in which school children from each of the province’s districts compete in a traditional showdown at the Cultural Office’s grounds. Traditional instruments in kids’ hands. According to event organizer Somboun Keoduangchit, “Last year was a great … Read more

  Lao Airlines has launched a weekly Shanghai-Vientiane service aimed ate the expected influx of Chinese tourists and other passengers during Visit Laos-China Year 2019, according to a Vientiane Times report. Lao Airlines takes off to Shangai The flight takes about 3.5 hours, and is the best option for passengers wanting to avoid transiting through … Read more

  Bangkok Airways is planning to commence three weekly Chiang Mai-Luang Prabang flights on 2 April. According to the airline’s website, flights are scheduled for Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday on board a turboprop, most likely an ATR 72 500/600. PG983 will depart Chiang Mai at 16:30 and arrive at 17:45 in Luang Prabang. The return … Read more

  Lao festival and event schedules and details for February and March are starting to take shape. Boun Kabongyay Festival procession Kabongyay Festival Savannakhet will hold the Boun Kabongyay Festival from 5-7 February, Ban Phonngam, Atsaphon District to join the Brou people, who were recently recognized by the government as Laos’ 50 ethnic group, in … Read more