Plastic waste at That Luang Lake has drawn renewed attention after primary school students joined a cleanup activity as part of a broader push to promote environmental responsibility.
That Luang Lake is one of Vientiane’s most visited public spaces. It serves as a popular exercise area in the early morning and transforms into a busy evening market for families and vendors. However, plastic litter has increasingly accumulated around the lake.
Recently, Year 4 students and staff from Panyathip British International School carried out a cleanup along the lake’s shore as part of their International Primary Curriculum unit, “The Nature of Life.” The activity aimed to connect classroom learning with environmental action.
“Our teaching approach shows that learning can go beyond the physical classroom environment. The children made us so proud,” sid David Dauncey, their class teachers. “By cleaning the lake area, students see the real-world impact of waste and we hope these young change-makers carry these lessons forward to help others look after nature for the benefit of everyone.”
Students filled several large bags with trash during the activity, though participants said the amount of waste in the area exceeded what the group could remove in a single session.
“We wanted to help nature and stop plastic trash getting into the lake,” said Nin, a Year 4 student. “It made me feel a bit sad to see so much trash as it was kind of disgusting. We hope people stop dropping and burning trash in our country.”
The school’s Deputy Headteacher Nuky Rodil said the school supports practical environmental education.
“We are proud to see learning come to life beyond the classroom walls,” she said. “Through hands-on experiences and real community action, our students and teachers are turning knowledge into purpose.”
Community groups in other provinces, including Luang Prabang, have also organized cleanups and awareness campaigns in recent months.
Environmental advocates say that while volunteer activities help reduce visible waste, long-term improvement depends on consistent public cooperation, stronger waste management systems, and responsible disposal practices.
Officials continue to encourage residents and businesses to support efforts to keep public spaces clean, emphasizing that environmental protection requires participation from all sectors of society.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/IMG_1471.JPG-2-scaled-e1770878173516.jpeg13871920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-13 14:37:032026-02-13 14:37:08Students Join That Luang Lake Cleanup as part of ‘Keep Lao Clean’ Campaign
Authorities in Luang Prabang have approved new traffic measures to reduce congestion around the Night Market and historic areas, following repeated complaints over traffic jams and disorderly parking.
The Luang Prabang Department of Public Works and Transport announced the decision on 2 February, citing growing pressure from residents over tour vans stopping along narrow streets in the city centre.
Under the new rules, tour vans are no longer permitted to use the main central route running from the Night Market entrance to the tip of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River. Instead, vans must use designated parallel one-way streets along the riversides to drop off or pick up passengers.
After drop-off or pick-up, vans must park in approved areas outside busy streets and are not allowed to remain in the city centre.
At the same time, parking areas along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers will be reserved for local residents.
Traffic police will continue managing vehicle flow at the main Night Market intersection, where congestion remains frequent during peak tourist hours.
Officials said the measures aim to improve traffic safety, reduce bottlenecks, and better balance tourism activity with daily life for local residents. They added that further traffic adjustments may follow as visitor numbers continue to rise.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LT-FB-Square-Template-22-e1770717931619.png7981200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-12 10:08:142026-02-17 10:16:54Luang Prabang to Restrict Tour Vans from City Centre, End Riverside Parking
Champasak Province recorded positive tourism growth in 2025, welcoming nearly 730,000 visitors and reaching 207 percent of its annual target, according to provincial authorities.
The southern Lao province recorded 286,941 domestic tourists and 441,123 international travelers, with an 11.24 percent increase compared to 2024. Tourism activities generated over USD 94 million in revenue throughout the year.
The growth was driven by strategic tourism promotion and cultural initiatives implemented throughout 2025.
Key activities included major religious and cultural festivals such as the Vat Phou Festival, participation in national and regional tourism exhibitions, and enhanced promotion of the province’s natural attractions, including Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands), Bolaven Plateau, and Tad Fane and Tad Gneuang waterfalls.
Provincial authorities emphasized ongoing improvements to tourism services, heritage site management, ecotourism areas, and community-based tourism facilities to support sustainable development.
Despite the high numbers recorded in 2025, the province set its 2026 to 633,822 tourists with projected revenue of at least USD 100 million.
Priorities include sustainable tourism development, improved service quality, and strengthened marketing to both domestic and international markets, with particular focus on Si Phan Don, Vat Phou, Bolaven Plateau, and historical and cultural tourism around Pakse City.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025, exceeding the government’s target, according to the Tourism Development Department.
Students Join That Luang Lake Cleanup as part of ‘Keep Lao Clean’ Campaign
Plastic waste at That Luang Lake has drawn renewed attention after primary school students joined a cleanup activity as part of a broader push to promote environmental responsibility.
That Luang Lake is one of Vientiane’s most visited public spaces. It serves as a popular exercise area in the early morning and transforms into a busy evening market for families and vendors. However, plastic litter has increasingly accumulated around the lake.
Recently, Year 4 students and staff from Panyathip British International School carried out a cleanup along the lake’s shore as part of their International Primary Curriculum unit, “The Nature of Life.” The activity aimed to connect classroom learning with environmental action.
“Our teaching approach shows that learning can go beyond the physical classroom environment. The children made us so proud,” sid David Dauncey, their class teachers. “By cleaning the lake area, students see the real-world impact of waste and we hope these young change-makers carry these lessons forward to help others look after nature for the benefit of everyone.”
Students filled several large bags with trash during the activity, though participants said the amount of waste in the area exceeded what the group could remove in a single session.
“We wanted to help nature and stop plastic trash getting into the lake,” said Nin, a Year 4 student. “It made me feel a bit sad to see so much trash as it was kind of disgusting. We hope people stop dropping and burning trash in our country.”
The school’s Deputy Headteacher Nuky Rodil said the school supports practical environmental education.
“We are proud to see learning come to life beyond the classroom walls,” she said. “Through hands-on experiences and real community action, our students and teachers are turning knowledge into purpose.”
Community groups in other provinces, including Luang Prabang, have also organized cleanups and awareness campaigns in recent months.
Environmental advocates say that while volunteer activities help reduce visible waste, long-term improvement depends on consistent public cooperation, stronger waste management systems, and responsible disposal practices.
Officials continue to encourage residents and businesses to support efforts to keep public spaces clean, emphasizing that environmental protection requires participation from all sectors of society.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/12/students-join-that-luang-lake-cleanup-as-part-of-keep-lao-clean-campaign/
Luang Prabang to Restrict Tour Vans from City Centre, End Riverside Parking
Authorities in Luang Prabang have approved new traffic measures to reduce congestion around the Night Market and historic areas, following repeated complaints over traffic jams and disorderly parking.
The Luang Prabang Department of Public Works and Transport announced the decision on 2 February, citing growing pressure from residents over tour vans stopping along narrow streets in the city centre.
Under the new rules, tour vans are no longer permitted to use the main central route running from the Night Market entrance to the tip of the peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong River. Instead, vans must use designated parallel one-way streets along the riversides to drop off or pick up passengers.
After drop-off or pick-up, vans must park in approved areas outside busy streets and are not allowed to remain in the city centre.
At the same time, parking areas along the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers will be reserved for local residents.
Traffic police will continue managing vehicle flow at the main Night Market intersection, where congestion remains frequent during peak tourist hours.
Officials said the measures aim to improve traffic safety, reduce bottlenecks, and better balance tourism activity with daily life for local residents. They added that further traffic adjustments may follow as visitor numbers continue to rise.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/10/luang-prabang-to-restrict-tour-vans-from-city-centre-end-riverside-parking/
Champasak Welcomes Nearly 730,000 Tourists, Exceeds Annual Target
Champasak Province recorded positive tourism growth in 2025, welcoming nearly 730,000 visitors and reaching 207 percent of its annual target, according to provincial authorities.
The southern Lao province recorded 286,941 domestic tourists and 441,123 international travelers, with an 11.24 percent increase compared to 2024. Tourism activities generated over USD 94 million in revenue throughout the year.
The growth was driven by strategic tourism promotion and cultural initiatives implemented throughout 2025.
Key activities included major religious and cultural festivals such as the Vat Phou Festival, participation in national and regional tourism exhibitions, and enhanced promotion of the province’s natural attractions, including Khone Phapheng Waterfalls, Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands), Bolaven Plateau, and Tad Fane and Tad Gneuang waterfalls.
Provincial authorities emphasized ongoing improvements to tourism services, heritage site management, ecotourism areas, and community-based tourism facilities to support sustainable development.
Despite the high numbers recorded in 2025, the province set its 2026 to 633,822 tourists with projected revenue of at least USD 100 million.
Priorities include sustainable tourism development, improved service quality, and strengthened marketing to both domestic and international markets, with particular focus on Si Phan Don, Vat Phou, Bolaven Plateau, and historical and cultural tourism around Pakse City.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025, exceeding the government’s target, according to the Tourism Development Department.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/06/champasak-welcomes-nearly-730000-tourists-exceeds-annual-target/