Laos and Thailand discussed building a new Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane Province and Thailand’s Pak Chom District, Loei Province, to boost tourism, at the 20th Lao-Thai border security meeting on Sunday in Vang Vieng.
At a meeting led by Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and his deputy Narong Jeenam, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province, the discussion centered around tourism promotion, cultural exchanges, and economic, social, and security cooperation, with a focus on attracting Chinese tourists to both countries through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom District.
The second friendship bridge project is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and investment between Laos and Thailand.
This strategic move came as a result of Thailand’s decision to implement a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors which prompted Laos to improve conditions in Muen District of Vientiane Province which is near Thailand’s Pak Chom District.
Mr. Tawee noted that Muen District could serve as a gateway to link popular attractions in both Loei and Vientiane Provinces, including a tourism route between Chiang Khan and Pak Chom districts in Loei to Vang Vieng and Feuang districts in Vientiane Province.
“We have a border checkpoint in Loei for tourists to cross from Pak Chom to Muen but Laos has only a temporary checkpoint. We will ask for cooperation from Laos to upgrade the checkpoint to be a permanent one by the end of this year,” said the Leoi District Governor.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Laos-Thailand-Discusses-Building-Second-Friendship-Bridge-in-Vientiane-to-Boost-Tourism-1.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-09-23 11:40:002023-09-23 11:30:56Laos, Thailand Discusses Building Second Friendship Bridge in Vientiane to Boost Tourism
Since ancient times, the Lao lunar calendar has celebrated traditional festivals, one per month, in a cycle called Hit Sip Song (the twelve traditions). These are celebrated in different ways in different areas of the country, with some of these rituals nearly disappearing. Get a deeper look at how Lao people honor their customs and build karma throughout the year.
Boun Khao Kam (ບຸນເຂົ້າກໍ່າ)
The calendar begins in December, which was traditionally a time for Buddhist monks to enter a period of meditation in a cave, a forest, or a remote temple, in order to make merit for the coming year.
Boun Kong Khao (ບຸນກອງເຂົ້າ)
After the harvest ends, Lao people traditionally made merit to the rice spirits, so that they could have a plentiful harvest the next year. This is still famously celebrated with large ceremonial haystacks in Phieng district, Xayaboury Province.
Boun Khao Chi (ບຸນເຂົ້າຈີ່)
In the past, locals placed mounds of sticky rice on long sticks to grill and offer to monks. This practice comes from an old Buddhist story in which a poor woman only a little amount of rice but gave it to the Buddha instead of eating it herself.
Boun Phavet (ບຸນພະເວດ)
This is a large event throughout Laos. Each temple celebrates on different days. In the ceremony, monks chant the ancient story of the generous King Vessantara, who is believed to be a previous incarnation of the Buddha. Locals celebrate with village parades to their temple to make merit, listen to the tale, and make offerings.
(Photo: Champa Meuang Lao)
Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) (ບຸນປີໃໝ່)
Lao New Year falls in the middle of April. Traditionally, everyone in Laos makes merit with family, cleans their home, and sprinkles water over Buddha images, elders, and monks to build karma. In modern times, this has devolved into a three-day water fight during the hottest month of the year. A Miss New Year pageant is held and the winner paraded through town, representing one of seven daughters of a mythical god. The best spot to observe both traditional and modern sides of this festival is in Luang Prabang.
Boun Bang Fai (ບຸນບັ້ງໄຟ)
As the rice fields are prepared for planting, the most essential ingredient for a bountiful harvest is rain. Lao people summon rain by launching homemade bamboo rockets at the heavens, so that the gods will take notice and grant their request. This is accompanied by much music and merrymaking.
Boun Xa Lang (ບຸນຊະລ້າງ)
In the past, Lao people would make merit to the protector spirits of their village, and to ask them to drive out evil and protect the happiness and prosperity of the people for the next year.
Boun Khao Phansa (ບຸນເຂົ້າພັນສາ)
The three-month Buddhist Lent begins in July, which also coincides with the rainy season in Laos. Monks are required to stay in one temple for the duration, which comes from an old practice of wandering monks inadvertently trampling farmers’ crops during the growing season. Lao people make certain to give alms on this morning.
Boun Hor Khao Padap Din (ບຸນຫໍ່ເຂົ້າປະດັບດິນ)
On this holiday, hungry and forgotten spirits come out to wander the Earth. Banana leaf containers are made and filled with sweets and offerings to be left around fences, gates, and houses for the hungry ghosts. This holiday is also marked with boat racing on the Khan River in Luang Prabang.
Boun Khao Salak (ບຸນເຂົ້າສະຫຼາກ)
Lao people gather baskets full of food and household items and offer at temples to make merit for family members and ancestors who have already passed away.
Boun Ork Phansa (ບຸນອອກພັນສາ)
At the end of Buddhist Lent, Lao people make merit to the spirit of the river. Small floats are constructed out of banana trunks and decorated with banana leaves and flowers, as well as candles and small offerings. In the evening, these are set afloat in the river. Luang Prabang celebrates with a large decorated fireboat parade through town, while Vientiane Capital celebrates with boat racing.
Boun Kathin (ບຸນກະຖິນ)
The final holiday in the calendar is marked with a large merit making where people donate new robes and other offerings to monks. In Vientiane Capital, a huge week-long festival is held at That Luang stupa where people from all over the country come to participate and build karma.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Ork-Phan-Sa-696x423-1.jpg423696Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-09-21 08:00:002023-09-20 09:50:39Twelve Annual Festival Highlights that Showcase the Rich Heritage of Laos
The Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital is expediting its preparations to welcome a higher influx of foreign visitors during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship and as part of Visit Laos Year 2024.
The Director of the Vientiane Capital Information, Culture, and Tourism Department, Mrs. Vilayvone Chanthalaty, said that the department is monitoring the improvement of hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions as part of preparations to host important meetings during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship next year.
According to Mrs. Vilayvone, Vientiane Capital has allowed tourism operators to open 288 hotels with over 10,000 rooms to accommodate official guests and tourists visiting the country. The city currently also has over 270 guesthouses with over 6,000 rooms for visitors.
Mrs. Vilayvone added that the city has nine five-star hotels at the moment and there are plans to open three more by the end of 2023. Four-star and three-star hotels have also been inspected and certified by relevant ministries for the coming year.
Moreover, Vientiane Capital’s Tourism Department has been working with other departments to inspect and ensure that hotels have enough water and electricity, and measures are also in place to keep the city clean.
“We have been collaborating with other government agencies to ensure that hotels have adequate water and electricity and that the city, particularly parks and other public areas, are kept clean,” said Mrs. Vilayvone.
Mrs. Vilayvone further mentioned that the department is also focusing on renovating important tourist attractions in Vientiane Capital, such as Pha That Luang Stupa, Ho Phrakeo Museum, Sisaket Temple, Patuxai Monument, and other attractions.
Tourism companies have also been roped in by the government to develop tour plans that will be available at hotels for tourists to look at and plan their visits to other provinces from Vientiane Capital.
“We are dedicated to offering the highest quality services to all visitors so that they can appreciate the country’s distinctive culture and attractions, and have a lasting positive impression about Laos,” said Mrs. Vilayvone.
However, recently, many social media users in Vientiane Capital have expressed anger and frustration over the poor state of the city’s roads, urging the government to make road repairs a top priority.
A National Assembly member from Vientiane Capital has also urged tourism police to be more prompt in assisting tourists visiting Laos so that they can have a positive and safe experience in the country.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/6-4.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2023-09-20 09:30:002023-09-20 09:24:23Vientiane Capital Speeds Up Preparations for ASEAN Chairmanship and Visit Laos Year 2024
Laos, Thailand Discusses Building Second Friendship Bridge in Vientiane to Boost Tourism
Laos and Thailand discussed building a new Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane Province and Thailand’s Pak Chom District, Loei Province, to boost tourism, at the 20th Lao-Thai border security meeting on Sunday in Vang Vieng.
At a meeting led by Tawee Sermpakdeekul, the governor of Loei, and his deputy Narong Jeenam, and Khamphan Sithidampha, the governor of Laos’ Vientiane province, the discussion centered around tourism promotion, cultural exchanges, and economic, social, and security cooperation, with a focus on attracting Chinese tourists to both countries through the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Pak Chom District.
The second friendship bridge project is expected to enhance tourism, trade, and investment between Laos and Thailand.
This strategic move came as a result of Thailand’s decision to implement a visa-free policy for Chinese visitors which prompted Laos to improve conditions in Muen District of Vientiane Province which is near Thailand’s Pak Chom District.
Mr. Tawee noted that Muen District could serve as a gateway to link popular attractions in both Loei and Vientiane Provinces, including a tourism route between Chiang Khan and Pak Chom districts in Loei to Vang Vieng and Feuang districts in Vientiane Province.
“We have a border checkpoint in Loei for tourists to cross from Pak Chom to Muen but Laos has only a temporary checkpoint. We will ask for cooperation from Laos to upgrade the checkpoint to be a permanent one by the end of this year,” said the Leoi District Governor.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/18/laos-thailand-discusses-building-second-friendship-bridge-in-vientiane-to-boost-tourism/
Twelve Annual Festival Highlights that Showcase the Rich Heritage of Laos
Since ancient times, the Lao lunar calendar has celebrated traditional festivals, one per month, in a cycle called Hit Sip Song (the twelve traditions). These are celebrated in different ways in different areas of the country, with some of these rituals nearly disappearing. Get a deeper look at how Lao people honor their customs and build karma throughout the year.
Boun Khao Kam
(ບຸນເຂົ້າກໍ່າ)
The calendar begins in December, which was traditionally a time for Buddhist monks to enter a period of meditation in a cave, a forest, or a remote temple, in order to make merit for the coming year.
Boun Kong Khao
(ບຸນກອງເຂົ້າ)
After the harvest ends, Lao people traditionally made merit to the rice spirits, so that they could have a plentiful harvest the next year. This is still famously celebrated with large ceremonial haystacks in Phieng district, Xayaboury Province.
Boun Khao Chi
(ບຸນເຂົ້າຈີ່)
In the past, locals placed mounds of sticky rice on long sticks to grill and offer to monks. This practice comes from an old Buddhist story in which a poor woman only a little amount of rice but gave it to the Buddha instead of eating it herself.
Boun Phavet
(ບຸນພະເວດ)
This is a large event throughout Laos. Each temple celebrates on different days. In the ceremony, monks chant the ancient story of the generous King Vessantara, who is believed to be a previous incarnation of the Buddha. Locals celebrate with village parades to their temple to make merit, listen to the tale, and make offerings.
Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
(ບຸນປີໃໝ່)
Lao New Year falls in the middle of April. Traditionally, everyone in Laos makes merit with family, cleans their home, and sprinkles water over Buddha images, elders, and monks to build karma. In modern times, this has devolved into a three-day water fight during the hottest month of the year. A Miss New Year pageant is held and the winner paraded through town, representing one of seven daughters of a mythical god. The best spot to observe both traditional and modern sides of this festival is in Luang Prabang.
Boun Bang Fai
(ບຸນບັ້ງໄຟ)
As the rice fields are prepared for planting, the most essential ingredient for a bountiful harvest is rain. Lao people summon rain by launching homemade bamboo rockets at the heavens, so that the gods will take notice and grant their request. This is accompanied by much music and merrymaking.
Boun Xa Lang
(ບຸນຊະລ້າງ)
In the past, Lao people would make merit to the protector spirits of their village, and to ask them to drive out evil and protect the happiness and prosperity of the people for the next year.
Boun Khao Phansa
(ບຸນເຂົ້າພັນສາ)
The three-month Buddhist Lent begins in July, which also coincides with the rainy season in Laos. Monks are required to stay in one temple for the duration, which comes from an old practice of wandering monks inadvertently trampling farmers’ crops during the growing season. Lao people make certain to give alms on this morning.
Boun Hor Khao Padap Din
(ບຸນຫໍ່ເຂົ້າປະດັບດິນ)
On this holiday, hungry and forgotten spirits come out to wander the Earth. Banana leaf containers are made and filled with sweets and offerings to be left around fences, gates, and houses for the hungry ghosts. This holiday is also marked with boat racing on the Khan River in Luang Prabang.
Boun Khao Salak
(ບຸນເຂົ້າສະຫຼາກ)
Lao people gather baskets full of food and household items and offer at temples to make merit for family members and ancestors who have already passed away.
Boun Ork Phansa
(ບຸນອອກພັນສາ)
At the end of Buddhist Lent, Lao people make merit to the spirit of the river. Small floats are constructed out of banana trunks and decorated with banana leaves and flowers, as well as candles and small offerings. In the evening, these are set afloat in the river. Luang Prabang celebrates with a large decorated fireboat parade through town, while Vientiane Capital celebrates with boat racing.
Boun Kathin
(ບຸນກະຖິນ)
The final holiday in the calendar is marked with a large merit making where people donate new robes and other offerings to monks. In Vientiane Capital, a huge week-long festival is held at That Luang stupa where people from all over the country come to participate and build karma.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/14/twelve-annual-festival-highlights-that-showcase-the-rich-heritage-of-laos/
Vientiane Capital Speeds Up Preparations for ASEAN Chairmanship and Visit Laos Year 2024
The Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital is expediting its preparations to welcome a higher influx of foreign visitors during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship and as part of Visit Laos Year 2024.
The Director of the Vientiane Capital Information, Culture, and Tourism Department, Mrs. Vilayvone Chanthalaty, said that the department is monitoring the improvement of hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions as part of preparations to host important meetings during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship next year.
According to Mrs. Vilayvone, Vientiane Capital has allowed tourism operators to open 288 hotels with over 10,000 rooms to accommodate official guests and tourists visiting the country. The city currently also has over 270 guesthouses with over 6,000 rooms for visitors.
Mrs. Vilayvone added that the city has nine five-star hotels at the moment and there are plans to open three more by the end of 2023. Four-star and three-star hotels have also been inspected and certified by relevant ministries for the coming year.
Moreover, Vientiane Capital’s Tourism Department has been working with other departments to inspect and ensure that hotels have enough water and electricity, and measures are also in place to keep the city clean.
“We have been collaborating with other government agencies to ensure that hotels have adequate water and electricity and that the city, particularly parks and other public areas, are kept clean,” said Mrs. Vilayvone.
Mrs. Vilayvone further mentioned that the department is also focusing on renovating important tourist attractions in Vientiane Capital, such as Pha That Luang Stupa, Ho Phrakeo Museum, Sisaket Temple, Patuxai Monument, and other attractions.
Tourism companies have also been roped in by the government to develop tour plans that will be available at hotels for tourists to look at and plan their visits to other provinces from Vientiane Capital.
“We are dedicated to offering the highest quality services to all visitors so that they can appreciate the country’s distinctive culture and attractions, and have a lasting positive impression about Laos,” said Mrs. Vilayvone.
However, recently, many social media users in Vientiane Capital have expressed anger and frustration over the poor state of the city’s roads, urging the government to make road repairs a top priority.
A National Assembly member from Vientiane Capital has also urged tourism police to be more prompt in assisting tourists visiting Laos so that they can have a positive and safe experience in the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/15/vientiane-capital-speeds-up-preparations-for-asean-chairmanship-and-visit-laos-year-2024/