The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which officially opened on 27 December 2025, generated more than LAK 47.5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) in state revenue during its first month of operation.
This strong start comes as authorities set a revenue collection target of LAK 350 billion (around USD 16 million) for 2026.
The key goods passing through the checkpoint include fuel, consumer products, electrical appliances, and construction materials. Over the past month, the bridge recorded more than 6,800 entries into Laos and over 7,500 departures, indicating a rise in cross-border movement and trade activity.
The bridge directly connects Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating a seamless road link between the two countries. It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with an estimated distance of just 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8.
While the bridge has had a strong start, some operational challenges persist. As a newly opened international checkpoint, certain services are still being streamlined.
Despite the growing imports for domestic use, transit trade to third countries has remained largely unchanged.
Moving forward, authorities emphasized that continued improvements in logistics and road infrastructure will play a significant role in determining the bridge’s long-term contribution to Laos’ economy.
Officials in Savannakhey have recognized two historic landmarks in Champhone district as National Heritage sites, marking a key step in preserving the province’s religious and cultural history.
The town celebrated Ho Tay Pidok Library and Old Taleo Temple during a three-day ceremony held from 2–4 March, which brought together provincial and district officials, Buddhist monks, and local residents.
The event featured Champhone’s traditional Palm Leaf Manuscript Procession, a cultural ceremony that represents the district’s long connection to Buddhist learning and manuscript preservation.
Residents dressed in traditional clothing joined the procession, while cultural performances including folk dances and khene music added to the festivities.
A Library on Water
Ho Tay Pidok Library, often referred to as the Ancient Buddhist Scripts Library, is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the province. The wooden structure sits in the middle of a lake in Nong Lamchan Village and dates back to the late 14th century.
Originally built as a place where monks could study and safeguard Buddhist teachings, the library continues to hold an important collection of 219 palm-leaf manuscripts. For the local community, the site remains both a cultural treasure and a sacred place.
Visitors are normally required to dress respectfully when entering the library.
A Temple with Historic Murals
Nearby, Old Talaeo Temple is known for its striking architecture and historic mural paintings.
The temple’s main hall, built in the early 20th century, survived periods of conflict that affected the region. Inside, murals depicting scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, one of the most well-known Buddhist stories, are believed to date back to the 1930s.
Officials say the national heritage designation will help protect both sites while also encouraging cultural tourism in the province.
Strengthening Savannakhet’s Cultural Identity
Authorities believe the recognition will help highlight Champhone district as an important cultural destination in southern Laos. Visitors are increasingly drawn to sites like the “Library on Water” and Old Talaeo Temple, where history, religion, and local traditions continue to shape daily life.
The announcement also comes as part of wider efforts to preserve cultural heritage in Savannakhet. Authorities are currently working toward seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for That Ing Hang Stupa, one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist monuments.
Located near Savannakhet City, That Ing Hang was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath on the site of an earlier Khmer temple. The stupa is believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone and has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Officials say protecting historic sites while keeping local traditions alive will play an important role in strengthening Savannakhet’s identity and expanding cultural tourism in the years ahead.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LT-FB-Square-Template-e1772686092433-1920x727-1.png7271920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-03-10 11:02:472026-03-10 11:02:52Savannakhet Marks National Heritage Status for Ho Tay Pidok Library, Old Talaeo Temple
The Luang Prabang City Administrative Committee has issued a new traffic notice aimed at reducing congestion and improving road order in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Area, with fines in place for violators.
The latest measures build on steps already taken earlier this year.
In February, the Luang Prabang Department of Public Works and Transport announced restrictions around the Night Market and historic peninsula following repeated complaints from residents about tour vans blocking narrow streets and disorderly parking.
Under those rules, tour vans were banned from the main central route between the Night Market entrance and the tip of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong, and were instead redirected to designated parallel one-way streets along the riversides for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Parking along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers was reserved for local residents, and traffic police were deployed at the main Night Market intersection during peak tourist hours. Officials said at the time that further adjustments could follow as visitor numbers continued to rise.
The new notice follows through on that warning. Under the new rules, vans may enter the Mekong-Kamkhan road only to briefly drop off visitors, for no more than five minutes, before proceeding to designated parking at That Luang yard or other approved locations. Vehicles delivering goods are allowed a slightly longer stop of 10 to 15 minutes.
Vans, passenger vehicles and tuk-tuks are banned from the central stretch of Sisavangvong Road, unless they hold a permit. Vehicles dropping off guests at temples along the Khan-Mekong river roads for the morning almsgiving ceremony must depart before 7 am.
Motorcycles, electric motorcycles and bicycles may not park on Sisavangvong Road or its pavements between the intersection near the Royal Palace in Ban Choumkong and the last intersection Ban Xieng Muan.
Designated motorcycle parking is available along the Khan-Mekong rivers area, according to the official notice.
Fines for Violations
Fines scale by vehicle type and repeat offence.
Cyclists and electric motorcycle riders face the lightest penalties, starting at LAK 100,000 (USD 4.75) for a first offence, rising to up to LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25) for a third offence.
Motorcycle riders are held to a slightly higher standard, with fines beginning at LAK 200,000 (USD 9.50) and climbing to LAK 400,000 (USD 19) by the third strike. Larger vehicles such as three- or four-wheeled trucks start at LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25), reaching LAK 500,000 (USD 23.75) on a third offence.
The steepest penalties apply to vans, pickup trucks, jeeps and sedans, where fines jump from LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25) to LAK 1,000,000 (USD 47.50) for a third violation.
Drivers caught violating the rules more than three times face doubled fines and a driver’s licence suspension of three to six months. In serious cases, fines may be tripled, vehicles impounded for one to three months, and offenders prosecuted under the law.
The Office of Public Works and Transportation and city traffic officers have been tasked with enforcing the measures, which took effect upon signing of the notice.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Luang-Prabang-Scores-Silver-for-Sustainable-Tourism-2025–2027.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-03-09 10:52:282026-03-10 10:55:57Luang Prabang Cracks Down on Traffic in World Heritage Zone
Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Generates LAK 47.5 Billion in First Month of Operation
The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which officially opened on 27 December 2025, generated more than LAK 47.5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) in state revenue during its first month of operation.
This strong start comes as authorities set a revenue collection target of LAK 350 billion (around USD 16 million) for 2026.
The key goods passing through the checkpoint include fuel, consumer products, electrical appliances, and construction materials. Over the past month, the bridge recorded more than 6,800 entries into Laos and over 7,500 departures, indicating a rise in cross-border movement and trade activity.
The bridge directly connects Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating a seamless road link between the two countries. It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, with an estimated distance of just 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8.
While the bridge has had a strong start, some operational challenges persist. As a newly opened international checkpoint, certain services are still being streamlined.
Despite the growing imports for domestic use, transit trade to third countries has remained largely unchanged.
Moving forward, authorities emphasized that continued improvements in logistics and road infrastructure will play a significant role in determining the bridge’s long-term contribution to Laos’ economy.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/04/fifth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge-generates-lak-47-5-billion-in-first-month-of-operation/
Savannakhet Marks National Heritage Status for Ho Tay Pidok Library, Old Talaeo Temple
Officials in Savannakhey have recognized two historic landmarks in Champhone district as National Heritage sites, marking a key step in preserving the province’s religious and cultural history.
The town celebrated Ho Tay Pidok Library and Old Taleo Temple during a three-day ceremony held from 2–4 March, which brought together provincial and district officials, Buddhist monks, and local residents.
The event featured Champhone’s traditional Palm Leaf Manuscript Procession, a cultural ceremony that represents the district’s long connection to Buddhist learning and manuscript preservation.
Residents dressed in traditional clothing joined the procession, while cultural performances including folk dances and khene music added to the festivities.
A Library on Water
Ho Tay Pidok Library, often referred to as the Ancient Buddhist Scripts Library, is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the province. The wooden structure sits in the middle of a lake in Nong Lamchan Village and dates back to the late 14th century.
Originally built as a place where monks could study and safeguard Buddhist teachings, the library continues to hold an important collection of 219 palm-leaf manuscripts. For the local community, the site remains both a cultural treasure and a sacred place.
Visitors are normally required to dress respectfully when entering the library.
A Temple with Historic Murals
Nearby, Old Talaeo Temple is known for its striking architecture and historic mural paintings.
The temple’s main hall, built in the early 20th century, survived periods of conflict that affected the region. Inside, murals depicting scenes from the Vessantara Jataka, one of the most well-known Buddhist stories, are believed to date back to the 1930s.
Officials say the national heritage designation will help protect both sites while also encouraging cultural tourism in the province.
Strengthening Savannakhet’s Cultural Identity
Authorities believe the recognition will help highlight Champhone district as an important cultural destination in southern Laos. Visitors are increasingly drawn to sites like the “Library on Water” and Old Talaeo Temple, where history, religion, and local traditions continue to shape daily life.
The announcement also comes as part of wider efforts to preserve cultural heritage in Savannakhet. Authorities are currently working toward seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for That Ing Hang Stupa, one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist monuments.
Located near Savannakhet City, That Ing Hang was built in 1560 by King Setthathirath on the site of an earlier Khmer temple. The stupa is believed to house a relic of the Buddha’s collarbone and has attracted pilgrims for centuries.
Officials say protecting historic sites while keeping local traditions alive will play an important role in strengthening Savannakhet’s identity and expanding cultural tourism in the years ahead.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/05/savannakhet-marks-national-heritage-status-for-ho-tay-pidok-library-kao-talaew-temple/
Luang Prabang Cracks Down on Traffic in World Heritage Zone
The Luang Prabang City Administrative Committee has issued a new traffic notice aimed at reducing congestion and improving road order in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Area, with fines in place for violators.
The latest measures build on steps already taken earlier this year.
In February, the Luang Prabang Department of Public Works and Transport announced restrictions around the Night Market and historic peninsula following repeated complaints from residents about tour vans blocking narrow streets and disorderly parking.
Under those rules, tour vans were banned from the main central route between the Night Market entrance and the tip of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong, and were instead redirected to designated parallel one-way streets along the riversides for drop-offs and pick-ups.
Parking along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers was reserved for local residents, and traffic police were deployed at the main Night Market intersection during peak tourist hours. Officials said at the time that further adjustments could follow as visitor numbers continued to rise.
The new notice follows through on that warning. Under the new rules, vans may enter the Mekong-Kamkhan road only to briefly drop off visitors, for no more than five minutes, before proceeding to designated parking at That Luang yard or other approved locations. Vehicles delivering goods are allowed a slightly longer stop of 10 to 15 minutes.
Vans, passenger vehicles and tuk-tuks are banned from the central stretch of Sisavangvong Road, unless they hold a permit. Vehicles dropping off guests at temples along the Khan-Mekong river roads for the morning almsgiving ceremony must depart before 7 am.
Motorcycles, electric motorcycles and bicycles may not park on Sisavangvong Road or its pavements between the intersection near the Royal Palace in Ban Choumkong and the last intersection Ban Xieng Muan.
Designated motorcycle parking is available along the Khan-Mekong rivers area, according to the official notice.
Fines for Violations
Fines scale by vehicle type and repeat offence.
Cyclists and electric motorcycle riders face the lightest penalties, starting at LAK 100,000 (USD 4.75) for a first offence, rising to up to LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25) for a third offence.
Motorcycle riders are held to a slightly higher standard, with fines beginning at LAK 200,000 (USD 9.50) and climbing to LAK 400,000 (USD 19) by the third strike. Larger vehicles such as three- or four-wheeled trucks start at LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25), reaching LAK 500,000 (USD 23.75) on a third offence.
The steepest penalties apply to vans, pickup trucks, jeeps and sedans, where fines jump from LAK 300,000 (USD 14.25) to LAK 1,000,000 (USD 47.50) for a third violation.
Drivers caught violating the rules more than three times face doubled fines and a driver’s licence suspension of three to six months. In serious cases, fines may be tripled, vehicles impounded for one to three months, and offenders prosecuted under the law.
The Office of Public Works and Transportation and city traffic officers have been tasked with enforcing the measures, which took effect upon signing of the notice.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/07/luang-prabang-cracks-down-on-traffic-in-world-heritage-zone/