As of October, Vang Vieng has welcomed over 900,000 tourists, exceeding its target of 800,000. This includes more than 400,000 foreign visitors, according to Vang Vieng district Governor Bounchan Malavong, who spoke on TV with the Lao National Radio (LNR) on 21 October.
Bounchan noted that Vang Vieng’s tourism has significantly improved compared to previous years, with increased visitor numbers this year alone. Key factors driving this growth include improved transportation options like buses, trains, and highways. Additionally, tourism plans have been adjusted to accommodate the rising number of tourists.
These developments have been supported by a nearly USD 15 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), provided through three agreements aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure.
The first agreement focused on constructing a landfill, completed on 31 May. The second project involves building the Nam Song Bridge and upgrading the road from Vong Waen to Kaeng Yui, which began last year. The third project, set to start in November, will rehabilitate 11 roads in Vang Vieng, covering a total of 5,294 meters.
These improvements aim to enhance access to key attractions and overall visitor experiences, contributing to the local economy and promoting sustainable tourism growth.
This success reflects the district authorities’ plans to improve facilities and services in preparation for Visit Laos Year 2024, including environmental adjustments and enhanced tourist experiences through various activities and upgraded infrastructure.
In the first half of 2023, Vang Vieng attracted approximately 320,000 tourists, with 116,000 being foreign visitors and 200,400 domestic tourists.
On 25 September, Laos and Russia commenced a joint military training exercise at the Sergievsky training ground in Russia’s far east region of Primorsky, with goals of boosting knowledge exchange and preparing for potential joint operations in times of need.
During the training –“The LAROS 2024” – Lao personnel along with their Russian counterparts centered their practice around the theme, “All stages of practical actions in single combat formations”.
The concept revolved around lessons on ways to prepare for and carry out a joint battle to eliminate illegal armed groups in the event that the enemy uses reconnaissance drones and attack drones.
Lao military personnel engage in a practical training session (photo credit: Pathet Lao Daily)
To ensure successful training, the drills were divided into two parts, with the first one being the knowledge exchange session between Lao and Russian militaries while the second part focused on tactics, raids, rescuing hostages, and the use of modern vehicles and weapons.
Supervising the operation were Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army and Head of the Steering Committee of the Laos-Russia joint military exercise, Major General Phanseng Bounphanh, along with the Russian Federation Army Steering Committee.
Major General Phanseng expressed his gratitude to the Russian committee in charge of all those involved in the exercise. He noted that the training is of absolute significance and praised those participated for overcoming all obstacles to complete the training as planned.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Laos-Russia-Collaborate-in-Military-Training-Exercise.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-08 11:18:002024-10-09 11:20:30Laos, Russia Collaborate in Military Training Exercise
Shasrikone ‘Lady’ Sasith, an 18-year-old beauty queen, was crowned Miss International Laos 2024 on 22 September. She is set to represent Laos on the global stage, competing in the 62nd Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo, Japan, on 12 November, alongside over 70 delegates from around the world.
The journey to the crown began with the Miss International Laos competition on 28 August, where the top 20 competitors showcased their talents through activities such as modeling, fitness training, and workshops.
The final round took place on the night of 22 September at the Amari Vangvieng hotel, where Shasrikone Sasith (MIL12) was crowned Miss International Laos 2024. The first runner-up was Mongkoutphet Hanesana (MIL04), and the second runner-up was Thipphachan Sombounthip (MIL17).
Shasrikone shared her heartfelt gratitude upon hearing her name announced as the winner in the final round of the competition. She emphasized her pride in having the invaluable opportunity to represent Laos on the international stage in Japan.
“My strengths are resilience, ambition, and bravery. These qualities describe me best. I will embody these values to represent Laos’ traditions on a global stage. I will bring out my full potential,” Shasrikone said.
Shasrikone acknowledged the challenges she faced during the competition, particularly the pressure of performing among 20 talented contestants.
“I saw their determination to win the crown; they are all unique in their own ways, so I had to consider what I can do to catch the judges’ attention,” she added.
Looking ahead, Shasrikone is focused on her preparations for Japan.
“I have a very short period of time to prepare. I am currently working on my walking and speaking skills. I also exercise very hard to keep in good shape for the upcoming competition,” she said.
Miss International is not solely a competition focused on physical beauty; it also emphasizes intelligence, personal growth, and a commitment to community service both during and after the event. The pageant promotes cultural exchange among participants, offering a platform for them to showcase their potential and forge connections across borders.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Laotian-Times-Feature-Image-Recovered.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-11-07 11:17:002024-10-09 11:18:34Miss International Laos 2024 Shasrikone Prepares for Global Stage in Japan
Vang Vieng Tourist Numbers Increases Amid Infrastructure Upgrade
As of October, Vang Vieng has welcomed over 900,000 tourists, exceeding its target of 800,000. This includes more than 400,000 foreign visitors, according to Vang Vieng district Governor Bounchan Malavong, who spoke on TV with the Lao National Radio (LNR) on 21 October.
Bounchan noted that Vang Vieng’s tourism has significantly improved compared to previous years, with increased visitor numbers this year alone. Key factors driving this growth include improved transportation options like buses, trains, and highways. Additionally, tourism plans have been adjusted to accommodate the rising number of tourists.
These developments have been supported by a nearly USD 15 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), provided through three agreements aimed at enhancing tourism infrastructure.
The first agreement focused on constructing a landfill, completed on 31 May. The second project involves building the Nam Song Bridge and upgrading the road from Vong Waen to Kaeng Yui, which began last year. The third project, set to start in November, will rehabilitate 11 roads in Vang Vieng, covering a total of 5,294 meters.
These improvements aim to enhance access to key attractions and overall visitor experiences, contributing to the local economy and promoting sustainable tourism growth.
This success reflects the district authorities’ plans to improve facilities and services in preparation for Visit Laos Year 2024, including environmental adjustments and enhanced tourist experiences through various activities and upgraded infrastructure.
In the first half of 2023, Vang Vieng attracted approximately 320,000 tourists, with 116,000 being foreign visitors and 200,400 domestic tourists.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/23/vang-vieng-tourist-numbers-increases-amid-infrastructure-upgrade/
Laos, Russia Collaborate in Military Training Exercise
On 25 September, Laos and Russia commenced a joint military training exercise at the Sergievsky training ground in Russia’s far east region of Primorsky, with goals of boosting knowledge exchange and preparing for potential joint operations in times of need.
During the training –“The LAROS 2024” – Lao personnel along with their Russian counterparts centered their practice around the theme, “All stages of practical actions in single combat formations”.
The concept revolved around lessons on ways to prepare for and carry out a joint battle to eliminate illegal armed groups in the event that the enemy uses reconnaissance drones and attack drones.
To ensure successful training, the drills were divided into two parts, with the first one being the knowledge exchange session between Lao and Russian militaries while the second part focused on tactics, raids, rescuing hostages, and the use of modern vehicles and weapons.
Supervising the operation were Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Lao People’s Army and Head of the Steering Committee of the Laos-Russia joint military exercise, Major General Phanseng Bounphanh, along with the Russian Federation Army Steering Committee.
Major General Phanseng expressed his gratitude to the Russian committee in charge of all those involved in the exercise. He noted that the training is of absolute significance and praised those participated for overcoming all obstacles to complete the training as planned.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/27/laos-russia-collaborate-in-military-training-exercise/
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Miss International Laos 2024 Shasrikone Prepares for Global Stage in Japan
Shasrikone ‘Lady’ Sasith, an 18-year-old beauty queen, was crowned Miss International Laos 2024 on 22 September. She is set to represent Laos on the global stage, competing in the 62nd Miss International Beauty Pageant in Tokyo, Japan, on 12 November, alongside over 70 delegates from around the world.
The journey to the crown began with the Miss International Laos competition on 28 August, where the top 20 competitors showcased their talents through activities such as modeling, fitness training, and workshops.
The final round took place on the night of 22 September at the Amari Vangvieng hotel, where Shasrikone Sasith (MIL12) was crowned Miss International Laos 2024. The first runner-up was Mongkoutphet Hanesana (MIL04), and the second runner-up was Thipphachan Sombounthip (MIL17).
Shasrikone shared her heartfelt gratitude upon hearing her name announced as the winner in the final round of the competition. She emphasized her pride in having the invaluable opportunity to represent Laos on the international stage in Japan.
“My strengths are resilience, ambition, and bravery. These qualities describe me best. I will embody these values to represent Laos’ traditions on a global stage. I will bring out my full potential,” Shasrikone said.
Shasrikone acknowledged the challenges she faced during the competition, particularly the pressure of performing among 20 talented contestants.
“I saw their determination to win the crown; they are all unique in their own ways, so I had to consider what I can do to catch the judges’ attention,” she added.
Looking ahead, Shasrikone is focused on her preparations for Japan.
“I have a very short period of time to prepare. I am currently working on my walking and speaking skills. I also exercise very hard to keep in good shape for the upcoming competition,” she said.
Miss International is not solely a competition focused on physical beauty; it also emphasizes intelligence, personal growth, and a commitment to community service both during and after the event. The pageant promotes cultural exchange among participants, offering a platform for them to showcase their potential and forge connections across borders.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/27/miss-international-laos-2024-shasrikone-prepares-for-global-stage-in-japan/