Kaysone Phomvihane City has earned a place among Laos’s top travel destinations, becoming one of four Lao cities to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026-2028.
The announcement took place in early January in Cebu, the Philippines, alongside fellow Lao winners Luang Prabang City, Viengxay district in Houaphanh, and Pakse City in Champasak.
The award recognizes the city’s excellence across several key criteria, including effective waste disposal and hygiene standards, community-led initiatives for cleanliness and preservation, well-maintained green spaces, strong tourism infrastructure, and a peaceful and healthy environment for visitors.
As the capital of Savannakhet, Laos’ largest province, the city holds a strategic position as a regional transit hub, connecting travelers between Thailand and Vietnam, and facilitating travel southward from Vientiane.
Originally called Khanthabouly, the city was renamed in 2005 in honor of Kaysone Phomvihane, the nation’s first Prime Minister and revolutionary leader, and in 2018, it officially gained city status, joining Luang Prabang and Pakse in this distinction.
Savannakhet holds a strategic position as a regional transit hub, connecting travelers between Thailand and Vietnam and those heading from Vientiane southward.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is widely regarded as a vital benchmark for raising service standards across Laos, bolstering international marketing efforts and giving travelers greater confidence in the quality, safety, and cleanliness of their visit.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dinosaur-Park-In-Savannakhet-Province-Laos.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-03-02 08:52:002026-02-27 14:57:01Kaysone Phomvihane City Named Among ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026-2028
The Embassy of Japan in Laos hosted a National Day reception on 26 February at the Ambassador’s residence in Vientiane Capital, marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito, celebrated annually on 23 February.
The event drew diplomats, senior Lao officials, performers, and members of the Lao–Japanese community to honor the strong ties between the two nations.
The evening began with the national anthems of Laos and Japan, performed by representatives from both countries, followed by a group photo and the traditional Kagami-biraki sake barrel-opening ceremony, symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu reflected on the broader context of the celebration, noting that the past year marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, alongside Laos’ 50th anniversary of nationhood. He highlighted high-level exchanges and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Guests toasted to the Emperor and the enduring friendship between Japan and Laos.
Culture Performance
Cultural performances shaped the atmosphere of the evening. A koto performance inside the residence introduced guests to the traditional Japanese string instrument, setting a calm tone for the event.
Two young kendo practitioners showcased their martial art, explaining how the loud shouts during practice help unify the spirit and body, reflecting discipline and respect.
A live calligraphy demonstration captured attention as the artist wrote the character for “horse” and later “love” in both Japanese and Lao, demonstrating the cultural exchange between the two nations.
The evening concluded with musical and dance performances.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_8435-scaled-e1772168692745-1920x791-1.jpg7911920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-28 08:49:002026-02-27 14:51:21Japan Marks Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday with Cultural Reception
Thailand is set to increase the international departure Passenger Service Charge from 20 June.
The move will be implemented across six major airports, which include at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports.
The new rate raises the fee from THB 700 to THB 1,120 (approximately USD 36), a 53 percent increase, and will apply to international departing passengers.
Meanwhile, the domestic rates remain unchanged at THB 130 (about USD 4.1) per passenger.
Airports of Thailand in a statement on their website stressed that the passenger service charge is not a tax or profit-generating measure, but is reserved exclusively for airport operations and infrastructure development, subject to ministerial approval.
Revenue will fund upgrades including the satellite terminal project at Suvarnabhumi, terminal improvements at Don Mueang, and the rollout of the Common Use Passenger Processing System to reduce waiting times and improve check-in efficiency.
This move puts Thailand second only to Singapore for exit charge prices, with other countries in the region remaining cheaper.
Thailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign tourists in 2025, with Suvarnabhumi alone handling nearly 60 million passengers, including arriving and transit travellers, that year.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LT-Website-Size-43-1-1.png6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-26 21:34:002026-02-27 14:47:16Thailand to Raise International Departure Tax by 53 Percent from 20 June
Kaysone Phomvihane City Named Among ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026-2028
Kaysone Phomvihane City has earned a place among Laos’s top travel destinations, becoming one of four Lao cities to receive the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026-2028.
The announcement took place in early January in Cebu, the Philippines, alongside fellow Lao winners Luang Prabang City, Viengxay district in Houaphanh, and Pakse City in Champasak.
The award recognizes the city’s excellence across several key criteria, including effective waste disposal and hygiene standards, community-led initiatives for cleanliness and preservation, well-maintained green spaces, strong tourism infrastructure, and a peaceful and healthy environment for visitors.
As the capital of Savannakhet, Laos’ largest province, the city holds a strategic position as a regional transit hub, connecting travelers between Thailand and Vietnam, and facilitating travel southward from Vientiane.
Originally called Khanthabouly, the city was renamed in 2005 in honor of Kaysone Phomvihane, the nation’s first Prime Minister and revolutionary leader, and in 2018, it officially gained city status, joining Luang Prabang and Pakse in this distinction.
Savannakhet holds a strategic position as a regional transit hub, connecting travelers between Thailand and Vietnam and those heading from Vientiane southward.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is widely regarded as a vital benchmark for raising service standards across Laos, bolstering international marketing efforts and giving travelers greater confidence in the quality, safety, and cleanliness of their visit.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/27/kaysone-phomvihane-city-named-among-asean-clean-tourist-city-award-2026-2028/
Japan Marks Emperor Naruhito’s 66th Birthday with Cultural Reception
The Embassy of Japan in Laos hosted a National Day reception on 26 February at the Ambassador’s residence in Vientiane Capital, marking the 66th birthday of Emperor Naruhito, celebrated annually on 23 February.
The event drew diplomats, senior Lao officials, performers, and members of the Lao–Japanese community to honor the strong ties between the two nations.
The evening began with the national anthems of Laos and Japan, performed by representatives from both countries, followed by a group photo and the traditional Kagami-biraki sake barrel-opening ceremony, symbolizing good fortune and new beginnings.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu reflected on the broader context of the celebration, noting that the past year marked 70 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos, alongside Laos’ 50th anniversary of nationhood. He highlighted high-level exchanges and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Guests toasted to the Emperor and the enduring friendship between Japan and Laos.
Culture Performance
Cultural performances shaped the atmosphere of the evening. A koto performance inside the residence introduced guests to the traditional Japanese string instrument, setting a calm tone for the event.
Two young kendo practitioners showcased their martial art, explaining how the loud shouts during practice help unify the spirit and body, reflecting discipline and respect.
A live calligraphy demonstration captured attention as the artist wrote the character for “horse” and later “love” in both Japanese and Lao, demonstrating the cultural exchange between the two nations.
The evening concluded with musical and dance performances.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/27/japan-marks-emperor-naruhitos-66th-birthday-with-cultural-reception/
Thailand to Raise International Departure Tax by 53 Percent from 20 June
Thailand is set to increase the international departure Passenger Service Charge from 20 June.
The move will be implemented across six major airports, which include at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai, Phuket, and Hat Yai airports.
The new rate raises the fee from THB 700 to THB 1,120 (approximately USD 36), a 53 percent increase, and will apply to international departing passengers.
Meanwhile, the domestic rates remain unchanged at THB 130 (about USD 4.1) per passenger.
Airports of Thailand in a statement on their website stressed that the passenger service charge is not a tax or profit-generating measure, but is reserved exclusively for airport operations and infrastructure development, subject to ministerial approval.
Revenue will fund upgrades including the satellite terminal project at Suvarnabhumi, terminal improvements at Don Mueang, and the rollout of the Common Use Passenger Processing System to reduce waiting times and improve check-in efficiency.
This move puts Thailand second only to Singapore for exit charge prices, with other countries in the region remaining cheaper.
Thailand welcomed 32.9 million foreign tourists in 2025, with Suvarnabhumi alone handling nearly 60 million passengers, including arriving and transit travellers, that year.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/26/thailand-to-raise-international-departure-tax-by-53-percent-from-20-june/