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...

Top TikTok Trends from Southeast Asia in 2024

This year, TikTok exploded across the internet like never before. As 2024 comes to a close, the social media world is also bidding farewell...

Houaphanh to Officially Recognize Tai Daeng Singing, Pa Bum Sauce as Cultural Heritage

Houaphanh Province will officially add Pa Bum sauce and Tai Daeng traditional singing as Cultural Heritage on 30 December, said the provincial governor. Located...

Seno Grilled Chicken Earns Official Recognition as Savannakhet’s New Symbol

On 12 December, Seno Grilled Chicken was officially recognized by Savannakhet authorities, becoming a new symbol of the central Lao province. It all started in...

Attapeu Celebrates Heritage at Annual Gold Panning Festival

Under the December sun, dozens of villagers gathered in the Sekamarn River for the annual Gold Panning Festival in Attapeu Province. Wading knee-deep in...

Laos Expands UNESCO Legacy with New Cultural Inscriptions

Laos has earned renewed global recognition with the recent addition of the Fonelamvong dance to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 5 December. This...