Culture

Laos Bans Money Bouquets, Crafts Made From Kip Banknotes

Laos has banned the production, sale, and advertising of crafts made from kip banknotes, including money bouquets and decorative money trees, under a new directive issued by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce on 22 October. The directive targets products made by folding, gluing, stapling, or otherwise incorporating banknotes into...

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...

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...

Three Cultural Treasures of Savannakhet Earn National Heritage Status

On 30 March, the governor of Savannakhet Province officially recognized three cultural treasures in the province as national heritage sites: Hor Tai Pee Dok...

Vientiane Authorities Announce Regulations for Lao New Year Celebrations

The Ministry of Public Security has released regulations for the upcoming Lao New Year, which will be celebrated from April 14 to 16. These...

HERitage: Women Artisans Exhibition Launches in Luang Prabang

In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Sofitel Luang Prabang hosted the “HERitage: A Celebration of Lao Women in Handicraft exhibition,” where...

Burns Night: Celebrating Scottish Heritage in Laos

Burns Night 2025, an annual celebration organized by the British Business Group in Laos (BBGL) to honor the life and works of renowned Scottish...

Traditionally-crafted Bamboo Brooms Earn National Recognition

Broom-making is more than just a craft in Bokeo’s Kang village, it’s a long standing tradition that has been passed down for generations.  On 24...

Tanu Vannasin: From School Competitions to Laos’ National Music Stage

Tanu has been singing his whole life. Born and raised in Vientiane, this popular Lao singer-songwriter started performing as a child and never stopped....