Suntara Showcases Singapore Chefs

Suntara Restaurant hosted an exclusive Singapore Embassy dinner party on 9 June, featuring the island nation’s award-winning chefs Vincent Bio, Fabian Teo and Ronnie Seng Who Lee, who dazzled Lao guests with their culinary skills. The award-winning chefs, who have intensive experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore and overseas, spoiled diners with their nouvelle cuisine, which … Read more

Sanakeo Weighs In on LAOFOOD ‘18

Sanakeo Boutique Hotel & Spa in Luang Prabang attended last week’s LAOFOOD ’18 in Vientiane, and offers interesting insight into the exhibition and culinary/hospitality competitions. The hotel’s General Manager Paul Burnett said, “The organisers did a pretty good job in attempting an event of this type for the first time. I’ve been to similar expos … Read more

Lao Bears Getting Bigger Playground

Free the Bears has announced its 2018 updates and plans, with its new Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary (LPWS) near Kuang Si Waterfall taking centre stage.  The giant Enclosure 2, which surrounds a large lake where the bears can romp and fish, is nearing completion. A new Cub Nursery and Quarantine House are partially finished.   Also … Read more

Inthira Sticks Up LAOFOOD 2018

Inthira Hotels & Restaurants presented Laos’ biggest ever basket of sticky rice at the opening of LAOFOOD 2018 Exhibition, held at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane from 7-9 July, while also taking home honours at the event’s hospitality and culinary competitions. The massive basket of sticky rice, a Lao staple, took centre stage at … Read more

New Orchid Species found in Lao Market

The most recent publication of Orchideen Journal documented the discovery of a new orchid species in Laos, Paphiopedilum papilio-laoticus.  According to to Vientiane Times, Sulivong Luangaphay, a long-time plant lover and orchid aficionado, said a new orchid was seen in a street market in Vientiane after being taken from a nearby protected area in May. Coincidentally, the … Read more

Lao Tourism Minister Vows to Remove Tourism Barriers

With various barriers hindering the development of the tourism industry, authorities in charge will work closely with the relevant sectors to remove these obstacles, a minister told parliament yesterday. Responding to questions raised by National Assembly (NA) members at the ongoing 5th ordinary session of parliament, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr Bosengkham … Read more

New & Cool @ Mekong Riverview

The Mekong Riverview Hotel in Luang Prabang is currently developing the offsite Palm Tree Health Spa with a swimming pool, and the Viewpoint Organic Garden to grow their own produce. Both projects are well underway, and are scheduled to be up and running in 2018. Palm Tree Health Spa The Mekong Riverview team has been … Read more

New & Cool: Le Grand Pakbeng

The 5-star Le Grand Pakbeng Resort recently opened the doors to its 45 villas and suites nestled in the jungle on the Mekong in Pakbeng, the traditional overnight stop on the Luang Prabang-Houay Xay cruise. The sizeable, elegant rooms present tranquil spaces decked out in teak with Lao carvings and a variety of amenities guaranteeing … Read more

Houaphanh to Develop Lid Rapids as Tourist Site

Houaphanh signed an MOU with a Lao company on Friday, 1 June, to develop Lid Rapids on the Nam Et River as a tourist attraction, while adding to the province’s other popular sites including “Cave City”. Deputy Director of the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Phouvanh Phetmixay, told the Vientiane Times that the … Read more

Pakse Tourism Eyes Hilltop Buddha

Pakse seems branded as a gateway to Vat Phou, the 4,000 Islands, and the Bolaven Plateau. While it recently received full city status, Pakse is generally viewed as a 1-day tourism destination. However, Champasak provincial authorities are looking to turn this trend around, and sees potential in the hilltop Vat Phou Salao and its giant … Read more