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Lao National Television Wins Silk Road Global News Award for ‘Beautiful Laos’

Lao National Television, in collaboration with Yunnan Provincial Television, has received the Silk Road Global News Award (SRGNA) for its documentary Beautiful Laos. The award was presented at the 2nd Silk Road Global News Award ceremony held in Kunming, China, on 16 September. This year’s awards attracted nearly 5,000 submissions from 110 countries and regions. A total of 58 works from 37 countries were recognized, including four grand prizes, 16 nominations, and 38 finalist awards. Malayvieng Vongchandy, Deputy Director General of Lao National Television, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.  Beautiful Laos is a five-episode documentary featuring themes such as Land of a Million Elephants, Diversity of Civilizations, Traces of...

Economy

Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion

The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.  The project, valued at...

New Cross-Border Infrastructure Project to Strengthen Connectivity in Southern Laos

Authorities in Attapeu have officially launched construction of a major infrastructure project designed to improve cross-border transport and stimulate regional economic growth. The initiative includes the construction of a...

Asian Development Bank Funds USD 41M for Primary Healthcare in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 41 million financing package to strengthen primary health care in Laos. According to ADB, the Green Primary Care Project will improve...

Laos Calls for Increased ASEAN Investment in Nature-Based Solutions

Laos is urging ASEAN member states to ramp up investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), calling them powerful tools for protecting forests, strengthening communities, and tackling...

New Incentives for Nature-Based Tourism Investment in Lao Forests

World Bank Laos - A decision announced today by the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will promote nature-based tourism in forested areas of Laos. The regulation provides incentives for...

Laos Signs Agreement to Develop Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project in Sekong

On 1 September, Électricité du Laos Generation Public Company (EDL-Gen) signed an agreement with private firms from Singapore to develop the pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) project. According to EDL-Gen, the partnership...

Travel

Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Ranked in Asia’s Top 8 by Times of India

Luang Prabang and Vangvieng are among Asia’s top eight destinations for solo backpackers in 2025, according to The Times of India, one of the country’s leading English-language publications. In a social media story, the publication described Laos as “slower-paced than its neighbors” and “more offbeat,” positioning it as an ideal escape for travelers seeking to avoid crowded hotspots. Luang Prabang was highlighted for its deep Buddhist heritage, offering a glimpse into centuries-old spiritual traditions.  Meanwhile, Vang Vieng earned praise as Laos’ adventure hub, where visitors can enjoy cave explorations and take in panoramic views on hot-air balloon rides. Other destinations included in The Times of India’s top eight list are Siem Reap in...

Vientiane Launches Sustainable Tourism Initiative with Innovative Technology for Growth

The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme "Vientiane's Sustainable Tourism," The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for...

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity. Held...

Health & Environment

Lao Civil Servants Eligible for Up to 6.5 Months of Maternity Leave

Female civil servants in Laos are entitled to maternity leave ranging from four to six and a half months, depending on circumstances, under the newly amended Civil Servants Law. Standard maternity leave lasts four months and can be taken before or after childbirth. For cesarean deliveries, leave is four and a half months, while mothers expecting twins receive an additional two months, totaling six and a half months.  In the event of a miscarriage, one month of leave is granted, with...

Sport

Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion

The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.  The project, valued at JPY 4.171 billion (approximately...

Laos Announces 33 Sports for 12th National Games

The Ministry of Education and Sports has confirmed that 33 sports will be contested at the 12th National Games, set to take place in Vientiane Capital from 15 to 25 November. Minister of Education...

Politics

Laos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphadone has reaffirmed Laos’ interest in joining BRICS, a key alliance of emerging economies, stating...

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos

Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, concluded...

Lao President Thongloun Wraps Up China Visit with Focus on Friendship, Future Cooperation

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith concluded a four-day visit to China from  3 to 6 September, during which he attended...

Türkiye Rolls Out Cold Storage, Vocational Training Initiatives in Laos

On 27–28 August, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) launched two key initiatives in Vientiane Capital, including two...

Feature

Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities

After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new wave of returning international tourists. According to official data, Laos welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year of 2025. The surge in visitors is giving a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality sector, which struggled during and for years after the COVID-19 pandemic.  From boutique hotels in Luang Prabang to riverside restaurants in Vientiane, businesses are reopening, restaffing, and reimagining the experience for today’s traveler. Laos is also gaining international attention. In its annual ranking, Lonely Planet placed the country fourth on its list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025.  The guide highlights the country’s affordability and accessibility, particularly with the introduction of a sustainable high-speed rail, as well as must-see destinations such as VangVieng, Vientiane’s Pha That Luang, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. But beyond easier access and affordability, visitors say what keeps them coming back is something more personal: the peaceful vibe, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences. Local Businesses Stepping Up Hotels and restaurants are...

Laos Reaffirms Interest in Joining BRICS, Deepens Ties with Russia

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphadone has reaffirmed Laos’ interest...

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos

Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee...

Lao President Thongloun Wraps Up China Visit with Focus on Friendship, Future Cooperation

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith concluded a four-day visit to...

Türkiye Rolls Out Cold Storage, Vocational Training Initiatives in Laos

On 27–28 August, the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency...

Acting Thai Government Moves to Dissolve Parliament

By Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI/AFP - Thailand’s acting prime minister has...