Culture

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea inspired the title of his debut visual anthology, Where the Forests Have No Words, officially launched on 5 October in Vientiane*.* "People call me a conservation and nature photographer. But really, I'm just a simple person,...

Deported to Laos, US Returnees Find Their Way in an Unfamiliar Home

The men behind a barbecue grill in Vientiane speak English more easily than Lao. Some...

Khammouane Targets UNESCO Geopark Status to Boost Tourism

Khammouane is preparing a UNESCO bid for the Hinboun Geopark, hoping the international designation...

Vientiane Shuts Down KM38 Dharma Practice Center After Leader Defies Order Over Reborn Buddha Claim

On 24 September, Vientiane authorities shut down the KM38 Dharma Practice Center in Sangsai...

OP-ED: Cluster Bombs Still Threaten Lao Farmers Decades After War

By Eli Mechanic, Country Director for MAG Laos (Mines Advisory Group) In the early hours...

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...

Xayabouly Prepares for Annual Masked Ghost Festival 2026

Xayabouly Province is preparing for this year's Masked Ghost Festival, or Phi Ta Khon Festival, from 31 January to 2 February.  Traditionally this festival is...

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...

Laos Finalizes Tiger Recovery Plan After Over a Decade Without Wild Tigers

Lao authorities have completed a National Tiger Recovery Action Plan for 2026–2035, acknowledging that habitat degradation, widespread snaring, and declining prey populations continue to...

Sam Pang Stupa in Champasack Recognized as Local Cultural Heritage Site

On 1 January, Sam Pang Stupa, also known as That Sam Pang, in Soukhouma district, Champasack Province, has received official recognition as a local-level...

Three-Colored Bronze Buddha Recognized as Local National Heritage in Vientiane Province

Vientiane Province authorities formally recognized the Three-Colored Bronze Buddha as a local-level national heritage site on 26 December during a ceremony at Ban Lingsan...