President of Laos and Party Secretary, Thongloun Sisoulith, gave a speech wishing prosperity and happiness to Lao citizens, expatriates, and foreign nationals living in the country for the upcoming Lao New Year on 14-16 April.
The President began his speech by pointing out the many challenges that Lao people have faced in the past year and the numerous achievements the country has seen as a whole.
He said in his speech, “The past year saw many great things for our country, as Lao people of all ethnicities came together and supported one another through challenges and difficulties. Last year was also a time that our country continued to have political stability and social peace.”
He added, “Economic development continues to grow at a good pace, people’s lives have been improved due to improving cooperation with neighboring countries, and open borders have allowed tourists to come and enjoy our country,” Lao Security News reports.
The President praised all government agencies for their efforts in helping the country move forward over the past year and expressed hope that they will be able to successfully deal with challenges that will arise in the coming year.
He said, “We must simultaneously maintain and enhance the good heritage of our nation, increase our unity, concentrate all our strength, encouragement and intelligence in the mission of protecting and developing our nation, push the implementation of the two national agendas into a more formal form in order to strengthen ourselves, and create a strong foundation in all fields of work in the coming year.”
“On this auspicious occasion to welcome the Lao New Year (the year 2566), I would like to send my best wishes to my compatriots, to the Lao people who live abroad as well as foreigners who live and work in Laos. May you all be happy, free from illness, and see prosperity and progress in all aspects throughout the new year 2566, Happy New Year!”, said the President at the end of his speech.
The Lao New Year is a celebration held annually in Laos on 14-16 April. The first day is the last day of the old year. Houses and villages are properly cleaned on the first day. Perfume, water, and flowers are also prepared for the Lao New Year. The second day of the festival is the “day of no year”, a day that falls in neither the old year nor the new year. The last day of the festival marks the start of the new year. In Laos, Lao New Year is a government holiday, with state offices closed during these three days.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Feature-Pics-2023-04-13T111431.084.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-04-14 14:36:522023-04-14 14:36:57President of Laos Wishes Everyone a Happy New Year!
Just a stone’s throw from the mysterious and monolithic That Dam in downtown Vientiane Capital sits Kualao Restaurant, one of the finest Lao restaurants in the country.
A casual visitor to Vientiane Capital might be forgiven for assuming that the local cuisine consists entirely of common street foods, simply grilled meats, noodles, and the odd bit of larb, or papaya salad. However, nothing could be further from the truth—Kualao, located in a tastefully restored historic French colonial building, offers a truly extensive menu of Lao delicacies.
The menu has a number of highlights, including the outstanding or lam, which is one of northern Lao cuisine’s most famous and iconic dishes. This thick stew is cooked from a sticky rice base and served with meat (although a vegetarian version is available), sliced long beans, and wood ear mushrooms. Flavoring the stew are some rare and exotic ingredients, such as chewy bits of buffalo skin and aromatic peppertree bark. While the flavor is subtly spiced and the dish is pleasantly hearty, the variously chewy, crunchy, and soft ingredients are also a textural treat.
Or lam is a thick stew cooked from a sticky rice base and served with various meat or vegetable.
Kualao also has an admirable commitment to producing its own homemade ingredients. The delectable Luang Prabang-style sausages are grilled such that the skins have that perfect combination of chewiness and crispiness, and they’re served with a savoury jaew paste for dipping. What’s more, the sausages are made in-house, as is the traditional padaek fermented fish sauce used for flavoring a great many of the dishes.
Indeed, there is an entire section of the menu devoted to seasonally available delicacies. Of course, the seasonality means that much of that menu may be unavailable at any given time—presently, the only offering which is ‘in season’ is khai mot, or ant eggs. Diners can choose between an ant egg soup and a koi style dish, which is a kind of Lao salad featuring meat, usually raw, with sliced shallots and other flavorful bits, all tossed in a thin, acidic sauce, not unlike a ceviche. The koi khai mot is a must-have, with the delicious and mild ant eggs popping in one’s mouth, releasing a slightly tangy and nutty flavor. The acidic sauce dressing the dish is also nicely balanced between sour, salty, and savory, prominently featuring the restaurant’s homemade padaek.
Koi khai mot or ant egg salad features a seasonal menu at Kualao.
Mushroom connoisseurs may wish to make a trip to Kualao especially during the rainy season, when matsutake mushrooms are in season in Xieng Khouang, as the menu also features an entire section of preparations of wild-gathered matsutake, known as hed wai in Lao. However, for those of us not fortunate enough in our timing, there is also a house special matsutake-infused lao kao whiskey available year-round. While the drink is reputed to have some health benefits, it is also quite powerful, yet the flavor is subtle and excellent, with a very dry and earthy aroma which recalls the superb flavor of the matsutake. For those who shy away from hard liquor, the restaurant also offers a full wine list.
Seasonal matsutake mushrooms are found in Xieng Khoung and served as food or whisky at Kualao Restaurant.
Guests with a sweet tooth won’t be let down, either, due to the selection of homemade traditional Lao dessert items. The house special dessert is a take on nam wan bua loi, a common market snack that typically features an assortment of balls of rice starch, nuts, and legumes in a cool, sweetened coconut milk soup. The twist here is the addition of fresh fruit which, paired with the less-than-usual sweetness of the coconut milk, makes for a refreshing and healthy dessert.
Homemade Nam wan bua loi in a coconut shell and fresh fruits.
Kualao’s extensive menu offers a wide variety of excellent homemade Lao food, while the beautifully restored historic environs of the building and the tastefully coiffed wait staff add an upscale flair. Lastly, on weekdays from 7:00 pm, a house band, which features two professors of music from the National University of Laos, plays relaxing and melodious traditional Lao music. Additionally, dancers clad in a variety of ethnic garb periodically appear to accompany the musicians, performing the graceful and entrancing movements of traditional Lao dance.
Kualao Restaurant on 134 Rue Samsenthai in Vientiane Capital.
Kualao Restaurant is located at 134 Rue Samsenthai, and opens daily for lunch from 11:00 until 2:00, and again for dinner from 6:00 until 10:00. While walk-ins are certainly welcome, reservations are recommended, particularly during the peak dinner hours when the music and dance performance is ongoing. Private dining rooms are also available.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Phakhao-Kualao2.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-04-06 01:13:002023-04-04 13:15:09Experience the Authentic Flavors of Laos at Historic Kualao Restaurant
The Laos-China Railway is set to open for cross-border service between the two countries on April 13, according to the governor of Luang Namtha province.
The announcement was made during a visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, and other officials to oversee preparations for the railway’s opening.
The first cross-border passenger train between Laos and China is expected to run the day before the Lao New Year holiday on April 13. After welcoming the delegation, Mr. Viengsavath updated the Deputy PM on the service readiness, including checkpoints for people entering and exiting the country, and personnel and service equipment required to facilitate passenger travel through the international checkpoint of the Laos-China Railway.
DPM Saleumxay talks to the authorities during his visit to the Boten station (photo: Pathedlao)
Upon being briefed, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith instructed all relevant central and local parties, including the Laos-China Railway Company and the Special Economic Zone in the region, to work together and ensure the successful completion of preparations for the official opening ceremony of the Laos-China Railway International Crossing.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, ordered the establishment of immigration booths at train stations along the Laos-China Railway to manage the rising demand for rail travel. The booths will cater to inbound and outbound travelers and be set up by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Laos-China-Railway-Expects-to-Begin-Cross-Border-Service-on-13-April.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-04-05 03:11:002023-04-03 15:14:45Laos-China Railway to Begin Cross-Border Service on 13 April
President of Laos Wishes Everyone a Happy New Year!
President of Laos and Party Secretary, Thongloun Sisoulith, gave a speech wishing prosperity and happiness to Lao citizens, expatriates, and foreign nationals living in the country for the upcoming Lao New Year on 14-16 April.
The President began his speech by pointing out the many challenges that Lao people have faced in the past year and the numerous achievements the country has seen as a whole.
He said in his speech, “The past year saw many great things for our country, as Lao people of all ethnicities came together and supported one another through challenges and difficulties. Last year was also a time that our country continued to have political stability and social peace.”
He added, “Economic development continues to grow at a good pace, people’s lives have been improved due to improving cooperation with neighboring countries, and open borders have allowed tourists to come and enjoy our country,” Lao Security News reports.
The President praised all government agencies for their efforts in helping the country move forward over the past year and expressed hope that they will be able to successfully deal with challenges that will arise in the coming year.
He said, “We must simultaneously maintain and enhance the good heritage of our nation, increase our unity, concentrate all our strength, encouragement and intelligence in the mission of protecting and developing our nation, push the implementation of the two national agendas into a more formal form in order to strengthen ourselves, and create a strong foundation in all fields of work in the coming year.”
“On this auspicious occasion to welcome the Lao New Year (the year 2566), I would like to send my best wishes to my compatriots, to the Lao people who live abroad as well as foreigners who live and work in Laos. May you all be happy, free from illness, and see prosperity and progress in all aspects throughout the new year 2566, Happy New Year!”, said the President at the end of his speech.
The Lao New Year is a celebration held annually in Laos on 14-16 April. The first day is the last day of the old year. Houses and villages are properly cleaned on the first day. Perfume, water, and flowers are also prepared for the Lao New Year. The second day of the festival is the “day of no year”, a day that falls in neither the old year nor the new year. The last day of the festival marks the start of the new year. In Laos, Lao New Year is a government holiday, with state offices closed during these three days.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/04/13/president-of-laos-wishes-everyone-a-happy-new-year/
Experience the Authentic Flavors of Laos at Historic Kualao Restaurant
Just a stone’s throw from the mysterious and monolithic That Dam in downtown Vientiane Capital sits Kualao Restaurant, one of the finest Lao restaurants in the country.
A casual visitor to Vientiane Capital might be forgiven for assuming that the local cuisine consists entirely of common street foods, simply grilled meats, noodles, and the odd bit of larb, or papaya salad. However, nothing could be further from the truth—Kualao, located in a tastefully restored historic French colonial building, offers a truly extensive menu of Lao delicacies.
The menu has a number of highlights, including the outstanding or lam, which is one of northern Lao cuisine’s most famous and iconic dishes. This thick stew is cooked from a sticky rice base and served with meat (although a vegetarian version is available), sliced long beans, and wood ear mushrooms. Flavoring the stew are some rare and exotic ingredients, such as chewy bits of buffalo skin and aromatic peppertree bark. While the flavor is subtly spiced and the dish is pleasantly hearty, the variously chewy, crunchy, and soft ingredients are also a textural treat.
Kualao also has an admirable commitment to producing its own homemade ingredients. The delectable Luang Prabang-style sausages are grilled such that the skins have that perfect combination of chewiness and crispiness, and they’re served with a savoury jaew paste for dipping. What’s more, the sausages are made in-house, as is the traditional padaek fermented fish sauce used for flavoring a great many of the dishes.
Indeed, there is an entire section of the menu devoted to seasonally available delicacies. Of course, the seasonality means that much of that menu may be unavailable at any given time—presently, the only offering which is ‘in season’ is khai mot, or ant eggs. Diners can choose between an ant egg soup and a koi style dish, which is a kind of Lao salad featuring meat, usually raw, with sliced shallots and other flavorful bits, all tossed in a thin, acidic sauce, not unlike a ceviche. The koi khai mot is a must-have, with the delicious and mild ant eggs popping in one’s mouth, releasing a slightly tangy and nutty flavor. The acidic sauce dressing the dish is also nicely balanced between sour, salty, and savory, prominently featuring the restaurant’s homemade padaek.
Mushroom connoisseurs may wish to make a trip to Kualao especially during the rainy season, when matsutake mushrooms are in season in Xieng Khouang, as the menu also features an entire section of preparations of wild-gathered matsutake, known as hed wai in Lao. However, for those of us not fortunate enough in our timing, there is also a house special matsutake-infused lao kao whiskey available year-round. While the drink is reputed to have some health benefits, it is also quite powerful, yet the flavor is subtle and excellent, with a very dry and earthy aroma which recalls the superb flavor of the matsutake. For those who shy away from hard liquor, the restaurant also offers a full wine list.
Guests with a sweet tooth won’t be let down, either, due to the selection of homemade traditional Lao dessert items. The house special dessert is a take on nam wan bua loi, a common market snack that typically features an assortment of balls of rice starch, nuts, and legumes in a cool, sweetened coconut milk soup. The twist here is the addition of fresh fruit which, paired with the less-than-usual sweetness of the coconut milk, makes for a refreshing and healthy dessert.
Kualao’s extensive menu offers a wide variety of excellent homemade Lao food, while the beautifully restored historic environs of the building and the tastefully coiffed wait staff add an upscale flair. Lastly, on weekdays from 7:00 pm, a house band, which features two professors of music from the National University of Laos, plays relaxing and melodious traditional Lao music. Additionally, dancers clad in a variety of ethnic garb periodically appear to accompany the musicians, performing the graceful and entrancing movements of traditional Lao dance.
Kualao Restaurant is located at 134 Rue Samsenthai, and opens daily for lunch from 11:00 until 2:00, and again for dinner from 6:00 until 10:00. While walk-ins are certainly welcome, reservations are recommended, particularly during the peak dinner hours when the music and dance performance is ongoing. Private dining rooms are also available.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/04/02/experience-the-authentic-flavors-of-laos-at-historic-kualao-restaurant/
Laos-China Railway to Begin Cross-Border Service on 13 April
The Laos-China Railway is set to open for cross-border service between the two countries on April 13, according to the governor of Luang Namtha province.
The announcement was made during a visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, and other officials to oversee preparations for the railway’s opening.
The first cross-border passenger train between Laos and China is expected to run the day before the Lao New Year holiday on April 13. After welcoming the delegation, Mr. Viengsavath updated the Deputy PM on the service readiness, including checkpoints for people entering and exiting the country, and personnel and service equipment required to facilitate passenger travel through the international checkpoint of the Laos-China Railway.
Upon being briefed, Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith instructed all relevant central and local parties, including the Laos-China Railway Company and the Special Economic Zone in the region, to work together and ensure the successful completion of preparations for the official opening ceremony of the Laos-China Railway International Crossing.
Earlier this month, the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone, ordered the establishment of immigration booths at train stations along the Laos-China Railway to manage the rising demand for rail travel. The booths will cater to inbound and outbound travelers and be set up by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/03/29/laos-china-railway-to-begin-cross-border-service-on-13-april/