On 19 August, an investment handover ceremony was held at the Pan-Asia International Laos’ headquarters in the Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone in Vientiane.
The ceremony marked the successful completion of the first phase of a USD-400-million investment between Laos Pan-Asia International (Forest City Project) and International Holding Hamdaoui Capital Trading Group.
International Holding Hamdaoui Capital Trading Group, a global financial services provider, brings extensive expertise in financial marketing, market research, portfolio management, and corporate expansion, among other economic services. This cooperation aims to leverage their capabilities to drive forward real estate, infrastructure, and green energy projects in Laos.
The collaboration between Laos Pan-Asia International (Forest City Project) and International Holding Hamdaoui Capital Trading Group is expected to launch new market opportunities and drive sustainable growth through new approaches.
Construction of the Pan Asia International and Forest City projects commenced on 5 November, 2019. In just under five years, the Pan Asia International Office Building 8, Residential Buildings 9 and 10, and Apartment Building 6 have reached their final heights. Similarly, Forest City Apartment Building 5 and Residential Buildings 6 and 7 have also been topped out.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Image-2024-08-20-at-10.36.30_d6d610b6.jpg11631600Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-16 08:59:532024-09-03 09:01:15Investment Milestone Celebrated in Vientiane’s Thatluang Lake Zone
Laos might not be the first name that comes to mind when planning a Southeast Asian adventure, but Lonely Planet’s latest roundup proves it’s a country brimming with hidden treasures.
Often overlooked, Laos offers a variety of natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From ancient archaeological sites to peaceful river journeys, Lonely Planet’s latest list of the top ten places to visit highlighted some of the best spots to explore across Laos. According to the tourism magazine:
1. Luang Namtha: Ideal for adventures and outdoor activities. The Nam Ha National Protected Area provides opportunities for trekking, kayaking, and cultural experiences with local ethnic groups.
2. Vang Vieng: Known for its natural landscapes, Vang Vieng is perfect for tubing along the river, rock climbing, or taking in the views from a hot air balloon.
3. Plain of Jars: This archaeological site in Xieng Khouang features hundreds of large stone jars scattered across a plateau. Their origin remains a mystery, making it a fascinating place for history buffs.
Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang Province, Laos. (Photo: Remote Lands)
4. Phongsali: Located in northern Laos, Phongsali is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination. Here, tourists can enjoy mountain views and see traditional life among local ethnic groups. The area is also known for its tea plantations, making it a peaceful escape from more crowded spots.
5. Luang Prabang: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mix of traditional temples and colonial architecture.
6. The Mekong River: Tourists can experience local life and scenic views on a slow boat journey down the Mekong. The trip can be a relaxed way to see rural Laos and visit small riverside villages.
Mekong River in Laos’ Luang Prabang (photo: iStock)
7. Si Phan Don: Also known as the “Four Thousand Islands,” this area in southern Laos boasts a laid-back atmosphere and several local waterfalls.
8. Elephant Conservation Center: Located near Nam Tien Lake in Xayabouly Province, this center focuses on protecting Laos’ elephants. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts and observe the elephants in a natural setting.
Elephants in their natural habitat at the Elephant Conservation Center in Xayaboury. (Photo: ECC)
9. Nong Khiaw: A small town surrounded by mountains and the Nam Ou River. It’s a typical spot for hiking and kayaking while exploring local villages.
10. Vieng Xai: These caves, used as a refuge during the “Secret War,” offer a look into Laos’ wartime history. Touring the caves provides insight into this period and the challenges faced by those who lived there.
Lonely Planet’s list brings Laos into focus. Each listed location offers a unique experience, from adventure and relaxation to cultural discovery.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Lao-Tourism-2023-Highlights-A-Year-of-Recovery-Growth.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-13 08:56:392024-09-03 08:59:09The Best of Laos: Must-Visit Spots According to Lonely Planet
The Lao government has announced the 2025-2035 National Tiger Recovery Action Plan, a major initiative developed in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and WWF-Laos. This plan aims to restore and protect tiger populations in Laos.
The first meeting to discuss the plan took place in Vientiane on 15-16 August. The gathering included provincial forestry officials, law enforcement agencies, and international conservation organizations. Participants reviewed strategies for managing and monitoring tiger populations and explored the feasibility of reintroducing tigers to their natural habitats.
Oupakone Alounsavath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry, highlighted that the plan aligns with Laos’ Wildlife Law. He emphasized that the initiative will address habitat destruction from development and strengthen Laos’ commitment to biodiversity conservation.
According to WWF-Laos, the action plan will provide a comprehensive conservation strategy focused on recovering wild tiger populations, regulating tiger farms, and combating illegal tiger trade. The plan aims to improve management practices in national protected areas and parks, with the goal of revitalizing Laos’ tiger populations.
Despite being one of 13 countries with tiger habitats, Laos has seen a significant decline in tiger numbers, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.
In a 2019 study, researchers claimed that tigers might now be extinct in Laos, reporting that snares have been devastating for Laos’ wildlife. These snares, often set by poachers, kill a wide range of animals, including tigers. The last confirmed sighting of tigers in Laos was in 2016, when only two individuals were recorded. These tigers have since been lost, the researchers believe.
The decline in Laos mirrors the broader struggles of the Indochinese tiger, with healthy populations now limited to Thailand, and very few remaining in China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Despite global tiger populations showing an increase of about 40 percent since 2015, Laos has seen no such recovery, according to the study.
The research also identified the local extinction of leopards and declining populations of other predators and prey species.
The 2025-2035 National Tiger Recovery Action Plan represents a key step towards rewilding and restoring tiger populations to the forests of Laos, with hopes of witnessing tigers roam the country once more.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/a-tiger.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-12 08:54:592024-09-03 08:56:11Laos Launches Plan to Bring Tigers Back by 2035
Investment Milestone Celebrated in Vientiane’s Thatluang Lake Zone
On 19 August, an investment handover ceremony was held at the Pan-Asia International Laos’ headquarters in the Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone in Vientiane.
The ceremony marked the successful completion of the first phase of a USD-400-million investment between Laos Pan-Asia International (Forest City Project) and International Holding Hamdaoui Capital Trading Group.
International Holding Hamdaoui Capital Trading Group, a global financial services provider, brings extensive expertise in financial marketing, market research, portfolio management, and corporate expansion, among other economic services. This cooperation aims to leverage their capabilities to drive forward real estate, infrastructure, and green energy projects in Laos.
The collaboration between Laos Pan-Asia International (Forest City Project) and International Holding Hamdaoui Capital Trading Group is expected to launch new market opportunities and drive sustainable growth through new approaches.
Construction of the Pan Asia International and Forest City projects commenced on 5 November, 2019. In just under five years, the Pan Asia International Office Building 8, Residential Buildings 9 and 10, and Apartment Building 6 have reached their final heights. Similarly, Forest City Apartment Building 5 and Residential Buildings 6 and 7 have also been topped out.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/21/investment-milestone-celebrated-in-vientianes-thatluang-lake-zone/
The Best of Laos: Must-Visit Spots According to Lonely Planet
Laos might not be the first name that comes to mind when planning a Southeast Asian adventure, but Lonely Planet’s latest roundup proves it’s a country brimming with hidden treasures.
Often overlooked, Laos offers a variety of natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From ancient archaeological sites to peaceful river journeys, Lonely Planet’s latest list of the top ten places to visit highlighted some of the best spots to explore across Laos. According to the tourism magazine:
1. Luang Namtha: Ideal for adventures and outdoor activities. The Nam Ha National Protected Area provides opportunities for trekking, kayaking, and cultural experiences with local ethnic groups.
2. Vang Vieng: Known for its natural landscapes, Vang Vieng is perfect for tubing along the river, rock climbing, or taking in the views from a hot air balloon.
3. Plain of Jars: This archaeological site in Xieng Khouang features hundreds of large stone jars scattered across a plateau. Their origin remains a mystery, making it a fascinating place for history buffs.
4. Phongsali: Located in northern Laos, Phongsali is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination. Here, tourists can enjoy mountain views and see traditional life among local ethnic groups. The area is also known for its tea plantations, making it a peaceful escape from more crowded spots.
5. Luang Prabang: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its mix of traditional temples and colonial architecture.
6. The Mekong River: Tourists can experience local life and scenic views on a slow boat journey down the Mekong. The trip can be a relaxed way to see rural Laos and visit small riverside villages.
7. Si Phan Don: Also known as the “Four Thousand Islands,” this area in southern Laos boasts a laid-back atmosphere and several local waterfalls.
8. Elephant Conservation Center: Located near Nam Tien Lake in Xayabouly Province, this center focuses on protecting Laos’ elephants. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts and observe the elephants in a natural setting.
9. Nong Khiaw: A small town surrounded by mountains and the Nam Ou River. It’s a typical spot for hiking and kayaking while exploring local villages.
10. Vieng Xai: These caves, used as a refuge during the “Secret War,” offer a look into Laos’ wartime history. Touring the caves provides insight into this period and the challenges faced by those who lived there.
Lonely Planet’s list brings Laos into focus. Each listed location offers a unique experience, from adventure and relaxation to cultural discovery.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/21/the-best-of-laos-must-visit-spots-according-to-lonely-planet/
Laos Launches Plan to Bring Tigers Back by 2035
The Lao government has announced the 2025-2035 National Tiger Recovery Action Plan, a major initiative developed in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and WWF-Laos. This plan aims to restore and protect tiger populations in Laos.
The first meeting to discuss the plan took place in Vientiane on 15-16 August. The gathering included provincial forestry officials, law enforcement agencies, and international conservation organizations. Participants reviewed strategies for managing and monitoring tiger populations and explored the feasibility of reintroducing tigers to their natural habitats.
Oupakone Alounsavath, Deputy Director General of the Department of Forestry, highlighted that the plan aligns with Laos’ Wildlife Law. He emphasized that the initiative will address habitat destruction from development and strengthen Laos’ commitment to biodiversity conservation.
According to WWF-Laos, the action plan will provide a comprehensive conservation strategy focused on recovering wild tiger populations, regulating tiger farms, and combating illegal tiger trade. The plan aims to improve management practices in national protected areas and parks, with the goal of revitalizing Laos’ tiger populations.
Despite being one of 13 countries with tiger habitats, Laos has seen a significant decline in tiger numbers, primarily due to poaching and habitat loss.
In a 2019 study, researchers claimed that tigers might now be extinct in Laos, reporting that snares have been devastating for Laos’ wildlife. These snares, often set by poachers, kill a wide range of animals, including tigers. The last confirmed sighting of tigers in Laos was in 2016, when only two individuals were recorded. These tigers have since been lost, the researchers believe.
The decline in Laos mirrors the broader struggles of the Indochinese tiger, with healthy populations now limited to Thailand, and very few remaining in China, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Despite global tiger populations showing an increase of about 40 percent since 2015, Laos has seen no such recovery, according to the study.
The research also identified the local extinction of leopards and declining populations of other predators and prey species.
While experts suggest that tigers could potentially repopulate Laos if snaring is controlled, current conditions remain dire.
The 2025-2035 National Tiger Recovery Action Plan represents a key step towards rewilding and restoring tiger populations to the forests of Laos, with hopes of witnessing tigers roam the country once more.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/19/laos-launches-plan-to-bring-tigers-back-by-2035/