Culture

Miss Universe Laos 2026 Told to Stop Activities Over Brand Rights

Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI) has demanded that organizers of Miss Universe Laos 2026 immediately stop all activities, saying they lack permission to hold the pageant or use the Miss Universe trademarks. In a statement, MGI and Miss Universe Eastern Pte. Ltd. said they had not authorized the...

Laos Bans Money Bouquets, Crafts Made From Kip Banknotes

Laos has banned the production, sale, and advertising of crafts made from kip banknotes,...

The Photographer Who Speaks for Laos’ Forests

In the forests of Laos, observation comes before words for Souksamlan “Toun” Laladeth. That idea...

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...

Three Calendars, One Celebration: Luang Prabang Enters New Year with Sacred Prabang Buddha Procession

This morning, Luang Prabang awoke to the sounds of drums, chanting monks, and crowds of locals and visitors dressed in their finest traditional Lao...

“Liquor Shop by the Cemetery”: Nong’s Bold Return as Voice for the Voiceless

An author holds the power to drive societal reform through fictional characters, raising awareness for those who cannot speak for themselves, becoming a voice...

Lao-American Rapper Hopii Turns Blessings into Bars

When “Sa Tu”, or "Sathu," is not only heard in the temple but echoed through pop rap music, it takes on new meaning. For Hope...

Splashing into the New Year: A Brief Story Behind Pi Mai Lao

Every April, when the weather hits its peak and the heat sets in, the streets of Laos fill with people, celebration, and plenty of...

Built with Heart: The Team Behind Luang Prabang’s Pi Mai Parade Tiger

Luang Prabang celebrated Pi Mai Lao, or Lao New Year, with its traditional Nang Sangkhan Procession. Central to the event is Miss Lao New...

No Ong Luang Buddha Procession for Lao New Year 2025 in Vientiane, Governor Confirms

The Governor of Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, has announced that the traditional Ong Luang Buddha statue procession along Setthathilath Road will not take place during...