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...

Luang Prabang Limits Lunar New Year Decorations to Protect World Heritage Status

Luang Prabang authorities have approved limited Lunar New Year decorations from 15 to 22 February, imposing strict conditions to safeguard the city’s UNESCO World...

Champasak Welcomes Nearly 730,000 Tourists, Exceeds Annual Target

Champasak Province recorded positive tourism growth in 2025, welcoming nearly 730,000 visitors and reaching 207 percent of its annual target, according to provincial authorities. The...

That Phon Stupa, Heuan Hin Recognized as National Heritage Sites in Savannakhet

Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong...

Vientiane Tourism Exceeds 2025 Targets, Generating Over USD 621 Million

Vientiane welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in 2025, exceeding its annual tourism target and generating over USD 621 million in revenue, Lao authorities...

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...