Vientiane Capital is getting a makeover starting 23 August. The Department of Industry and Commerce is rolling out new rules to clean up and organize the city. This includes revamping streets and relocating local stalls to improve safety and order.
The new initiative, originally approved by the Vientiane Administration on 20 December, 2017, focuses on restructuring disorganized stores, minimarts, and street vendors that currently use road pavements for selling goods without official permission. This unregulated use of public space has led to traffic congestion and a cluttered cityscape, the authorities said. The project will address issues such as unauthorized extensions, disorderly advertisement signs, and littering.
Under the new regulations, all local stalls and street vendors must relocate from pavements and ensure their selling practices comply with city guidelines. Managers of markets, shopping centers, and supermarkets are also required to enforce these rules, ensuring that vendors do not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. The objective is to improve pedestrian and vehicular movement, enhance the city’s aesthetic, and ensure public safety.
The Department of Industry and Commerce urges consumers to purchase only from authorized vendors to avoid contributing to the disorganization. Vendors who do not comply with the new rules may face fines or legal action.
The announcement has elicited concerns from long-standing vendors.
“I have been selling food here for over 30 years. If I have to move, I’m worried I’ll lose my customers,” said one vendor from Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane.
Pheng, another food vendor in the same street questioned the logistics of relocating and how it would impact their business.
“How will the government manage the vendors that have already moved? Where are we supposed to sell our food? Because this is where we have always been,” he said.
As the city moves forward with these changes, residents will be watching to see if the new regulations effectively improve organization and safety while addressing the concerns of local vendors.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/4-2.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-08 10:18:002024-09-16 10:20:10Vientiane Announces Major Overhaul for City Streets, Local Stalls
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has secured over USD 800,000 from the Freeman Foundation and Restoration Laos to fund UXO clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) in Khammouane Province for 2024-2025.
Khammouane, heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, remains a high-risk area due to unexploded ordnance. This funding will enable MAG to clear more than 500,000 square meters of contaminated land and support an EOD team in the region.
On 30 August, MAG and the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Vientiane to formalize this effort. The event was attended by Acting Director-General of the NRA, Bounpheng Sisawath, and MAG Country Director Eli Mechanic, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authorities from Khammouane Province.
MAG country director Eli Mechanic emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering safety in Laos, allowing communities to pursue everyday activities like farming and building without the fear of UXO. He highlighted that through ongoing clearance efforts and risk education, MAG is working towards a future where Laos is no longer threatened by unexploded bombs.
Since its inception, MAG has cleared over 127 million square meters of land in Laos, conducted more than 35,000 EOD tasks, and removed over 326,000 UXO items, benefiting nearly 1.1 million people. MAG has also provided more than 4,360 risk education sessions, reaching close to 150,000 individuals.
The contributions from the Freeman Foundation and Restoration Laos will play a vital role in continuing MAG’s mission to clear UXO and provide risk education in rural areas of Khammouane Province, empowering communities to use their land safely.
Laos has emerged as one of the top three destinations for Thai travelers, according to the latest Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking. The survey highlighted that Laos, alongside Japan and Taiwan, has won the hearts of Thai tourists, who are drawn back by its local cuisine, cultural richness, and convenient accessibility.
This survey, conducted earlier this month, revealed that 74 percent of Thai tourists chose Japan, Taiwan, and Laos as their preferred destinations for return visits, with Hong Kong and Vietnam following closely behind.
A closer look at the motivations behind these choices shows that 32 percent of respondents are drawn to adventure, while 23 percent are enticed by the prospect of savoring local cuisine. Additionally, 20 percent of travelers are attracted to the arts and cultural heritage of these destinations. Reuniting with family and friends is another important factor for some travelers.
Over half of the Thai respondents have visited their preferred destinations between one and three times in the past decade. Factors such as ease of travel, safety, and cleanliness contribute to Laos’s growing appeal, according to the survey.
This popularity is further validated by international recognition, with CNN Travel naming Laos one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023. Luang Prabang also earned a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 50 greatest places to visit, highlighting its unique charm and natural beauty.
As Laos continues to draw repeat visitors, it solidifies its reputation as a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and peace.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/LP-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-10-04 09:37:002024-09-03 09:38:56Laos Ranks Among Top Three Travel Spots for Thai Tourists, New Survey Shows
Vientiane Announces Major Overhaul for City Streets, Local Stalls
Vientiane Capital is getting a makeover starting 23 August. The Department of Industry and Commerce is rolling out new rules to clean up and organize the city. This includes revamping streets and relocating local stalls to improve safety and order.
The new initiative, originally approved by the Vientiane Administration on 20 December, 2017, focuses on restructuring disorganized stores, minimarts, and street vendors that currently use road pavements for selling goods without official permission. This unregulated use of public space has led to traffic congestion and a cluttered cityscape, the authorities said. The project will address issues such as unauthorized extensions, disorderly advertisement signs, and littering.
Under the new regulations, all local stalls and street vendors must relocate from pavements and ensure their selling practices comply with city guidelines. Managers of markets, shopping centers, and supermarkets are also required to enforce these rules, ensuring that vendors do not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. The objective is to improve pedestrian and vehicular movement, enhance the city’s aesthetic, and ensure public safety.
The Department of Industry and Commerce urges consumers to purchase only from authorized vendors to avoid contributing to the disorganization. Vendors who do not comply with the new rules may face fines or legal action.
The announcement has elicited concerns from long-standing vendors.
“I have been selling food here for over 30 years. If I have to move, I’m worried I’ll lose my customers,” said one vendor from Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane.
Pheng, another food vendor in the same street questioned the logistics of relocating and how it would impact their business.
“How will the government manage the vendors that have already moved? Where are we supposed to sell our food? Because this is where we have always been,” he said.
As the city moves forward with these changes, residents will be watching to see if the new regulations effectively improve organization and safety while addressing the concerns of local vendors.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/03/vientiane-announces-major-overhaul-for-city-streets-local-stalls/
MAG Receives Funding to Expand UXO Clearance in Khammouane, Laos
The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) has secured over USD 800,000 from the Freeman Foundation and Restoration Laos to fund UXO clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) in Khammouane Province for 2024-2025.
Khammouane, heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, remains a high-risk area due to unexploded ordnance. This funding will enable MAG to clear more than 500,000 square meters of contaminated land and support an EOD team in the region.
On 30 August, MAG and the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Vientiane to formalize this effort. The event was attended by Acting Director-General of the NRA, Bounpheng Sisawath, and MAG Country Director Eli Mechanic, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and authorities from Khammouane Province.
MAG country director Eli Mechanic emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering safety in Laos, allowing communities to pursue everyday activities like farming and building without the fear of UXO. He highlighted that through ongoing clearance efforts and risk education, MAG is working towards a future where Laos is no longer threatened by unexploded bombs.
Since its inception, MAG has cleared over 127 million square meters of land in Laos, conducted more than 35,000 EOD tasks, and removed over 326,000 UXO items, benefiting nearly 1.1 million people. MAG has also provided more than 4,360 risk education sessions, reaching close to 150,000 individuals.
The contributions from the Freeman Foundation and Restoration Laos will play a vital role in continuing MAG’s mission to clear UXO and provide risk education in rural areas of Khammouane Province, empowering communities to use their land safely.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/09/02/mag-receives-funding-to-expand-uxo-clearance-in-khammouane-laos/
Laos Ranks Among Top Three Travel Spots for Thai Tourists, New Survey Shows
Laos has emerged as one of the top three destinations for Thai travelers, according to the latest Agoda’s Return Visitor Ranking. The survey highlighted that Laos, alongside Japan and Taiwan, has won the hearts of Thai tourists, who are drawn back by its local cuisine, cultural richness, and convenient accessibility.
This survey, conducted earlier this month, revealed that 74 percent of Thai tourists chose Japan, Taiwan, and Laos as their preferred destinations for return visits, with Hong Kong and Vietnam following closely behind.
A closer look at the motivations behind these choices shows that 32 percent of respondents are drawn to adventure, while 23 percent are enticed by the prospect of savoring local cuisine. Additionally, 20 percent of travelers are attracted to the arts and cultural heritage of these destinations. Reuniting with family and friends is another important factor for some travelers.
Over half of the Thai respondents have visited their preferred destinations between one and three times in the past decade. Factors such as ease of travel, safety, and cleanliness contribute to Laos’s growing appeal, according to the survey.
This popularity is further validated by international recognition, with CNN Travel naming Laos one of the 23 best places to visit in 2023. Luang Prabang also earned a spot on Time magazine’s list of the 50 greatest places to visit, highlighting its unique charm and natural beauty.
As Laos continues to draw repeat visitors, it solidifies its reputation as a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and peace.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/30/laos-ranks-among-top-three-travel-spots-for-thai-tourists-new-survey-shows/