History

Vat Phou Champasak Returns to State Management After Concession Expiry

Champasak authorities assumed full management and preservation of the Vat Phou UNESCO World Heritage site on 1 September. This transition follows the expiration of private company Ying Sokxay’s 15-year tourism development concession, which concluded on 22 June. Provincial authorities denied the company’s request for an extension, citing the 2021 National Heritage...

New DNA Study May Reveal Who is Buried in Laos’ Plain of Jars

Scientists may soon solve one of Laos’ biggest mysteries: who buried their dead inside...

The Red Prince: How Souphanouvong Traded Royal Privilege for Revolution

Born into one of Laos' most powerful royal families, former President Souphanouvong could have...

Lao President’s Book Donated to 22 Lao Schools Across Vientiane

More than 22 schools across Vientiane Capital received copies of President Thongloun Sisoulith’s memoir...

‘Hidden Hands’ Cave Opens as New Tourism Site in Khammouane

On 8 June, authorities in Khammouane Province have officially opened Hidden Hands Cave (Tham...

Laos Partners with European Union for New Forest Conservation Project

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Laos, and the European Union have launched a EUR 1.6 million (nearly USD...

World’s Oldest Cave Art Discovered in Indonesia

By Frédéric Bourigault/AFP - A red stencil of a hand pressed against the wall of an Indonesian cave is the oldest rock art ever...

Khammouane to Host Annual Sikhottabong Stupa Festival 2026

Khammouane Province is set to host the annual Sikhottabong Stupa Festival from 29 January to 2 February, celebrating one of the province’s most sacred...

Champasak Gears Up for Vat Phou Festival 2026

Champasak Province is gearing up to host the Vat Phou Festival 2026 from 31 January to 2 February, welcoming visitors to one of the...

Laos, India Partner to Preserve Traditional Phralak–Phralam Dance

The Phralak–Phralam dance will be preserved and passed on to a new generation under a joint project signed by the Ministry of Culture and...

Former Ban Keun Zoo Reopens as Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre Near Nam Pien Yorlapa

The former Ban Keun Zoo in Vientiane is set to begin a new chapter as a wildlife rehabilitation centre, with operations relocating near the...