Vang Vieng, one of Laos’ most popular tourist destinations, is under evaluation for the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026.
Officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism recently visited the town to assess its cleanliness, safety, and overall organization for visitors.
From 23 to 24 October, the Department of Tourism Development conducted inspections across Vang Vieng, visiting tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, handicraft shops, bus stations, public toilets, roads, and green spaces. The evaluation also covered waste management practices and environmental protection efforts.
According to Phonemany Soukhathammavong, Director of the Tourism Development and Planning Department, ASEAN launched its tourism awards program in 2008, initially recognizing hotels through the Green Hotel Award. The initiative has since expanded to include seven categories: Clean Tourist City, Homestay, Public Toilet, Spa, Sustainable Tourism, Green Hotel, and Community-Based Tourism.
Since its inception, Laos has earned more than 100 ASEAN tourism awards. For the 2026 awards cycle, four categories will be presented, including the Clean Tourist City Award.
Both Pakse and Vang Vieng have completed their evaluations, with Vang Vieng achieving a 70 percent score. Further assessments will determine the top three cities to receive the award next year.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award honors cities that maintain clean streets and public spaces, manage waste effectively, uphold environmental protection standards, ensure visitor safety, and provide quality facilities.
The program aims to inspire towns across the region to create healthier, more sustainable, and welcoming environments for both residents and tourists.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Vang-Vieng.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-10-27 11:27:462025-10-27 11:27:54Vang Vieng Under Review for ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award
Luang Prabang International Airport is set for a major upgrade through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) led by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation.
The project includes the construction of a new international terminal, expansion of the existing terminal for domestic flights, and the addition of aircraft parking bays.
It will also improve airport operations by widening access roads, upgrading facilities to international standards, and possibly extending operating hours to 24/7 to support tourism and boost regional connectivity.
A pre-bid conference was held in Vientiane on 21 October, chaired by Director-General of Civil Aviation Khamla Phommavanh.
The meeting brought together four shortlisted bidders, including Yunnan Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd from China, Limak from Turkey, China Road and Bridge Corporation, and Korea Airports Corporation from South Korea.
These companies were selected from eight initial applicants who submitted expressions of interest in June 2025.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026, taking a major step toward enhancing Laos’ aviation infrastructure and positioning Luang Prabang as a key regional travel hub.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LT-Website-Size-1920x1003-1.jpg10031920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-10-26 08:37:002025-10-27 11:40:14Luang Prabang International Airport Set for Major Upgrade Under Public–Private Partnership
On 21 October, Kalamoungkhoune Souphanouvong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Laos to France, presented his credentials to Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Following the presentation, Kalamoungkhoune will officially serve as the Personal Representative of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith to the organization, headquartered in Paris.
During the ceremony, the Lao ambassador expressed gratitude for the organization’s past assistance and cooperation with Laos, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateral relations.
In response, Secretary-General Mushikiwabo thanked Thongloun for leading the Lao delegation to the 2024 Francophonie Summit in France.
She commended Laos for its active participation in the organization and pledged ongoing support, particularly in initiatives to improve French language education in Laos and in other collaborative projects.
Established in 1970, the International Organization of La Francophonie now includes 90 member states, comprising 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observer states.
The organization promotes the French language while encouraging cooperation in politics, education, economics, and culture, and convenes summit meetings for heads of state and government every two years.
Laos has been a full member since 1991, actively contributing to its initiatives and programs.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lao-Ambassador-Appointed-as-Personal-Representative-of-President-Thongloun-to-Francophonie.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-10-25 10:19:002025-10-27 11:22:20Lao Ambassador Appointed as Personal Representative of President Thongloun to Francophonie
Vang Vieng Under Review for ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award
Vang Vieng, one of Laos’ most popular tourist destinations, is under evaluation for the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026.
Officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism recently visited the town to assess its cleanliness, safety, and overall organization for visitors.
From 23 to 24 October, the Department of Tourism Development conducted inspections across Vang Vieng, visiting tourist attractions, hotels, restaurants, handicraft shops, bus stations, public toilets, roads, and green spaces. The evaluation also covered waste management practices and environmental protection efforts.
According to Phonemany Soukhathammavong, Director of the Tourism Development and Planning Department, ASEAN launched its tourism awards program in 2008, initially recognizing hotels through the Green Hotel Award. The initiative has since expanded to include seven categories: Clean Tourist City, Homestay, Public Toilet, Spa, Sustainable Tourism, Green Hotel, and Community-Based Tourism.
Since its inception, Laos has earned more than 100 ASEAN tourism awards. For the 2026 awards cycle, four categories will be presented, including the Clean Tourist City Award.
Both Pakse and Vang Vieng have completed their evaluations, with Vang Vieng achieving a 70 percent score. Further assessments will determine the top three cities to receive the award next year.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award honors cities that maintain clean streets and public spaces, manage waste effectively, uphold environmental protection standards, ensure visitor safety, and provide quality facilities.
The program aims to inspire towns across the region to create healthier, more sustainable, and welcoming environments for both residents and tourists.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/27/vang-vieng-under-review-for-asean-clean-tourist-city-award/
Luang Prabang International Airport Set for Major Upgrade Under Public–Private Partnership
Luang Prabang International Airport is set for a major upgrade through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) led by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation.
The project includes the construction of a new international terminal, expansion of the existing terminal for domestic flights, and the addition of aircraft parking bays.
It will also improve airport operations by widening access roads, upgrading facilities to international standards, and possibly extending operating hours to 24/7 to support tourism and boost regional connectivity.
A pre-bid conference was held in Vientiane on 21 October, chaired by Director-General of Civil Aviation Khamla Phommavanh.
The meeting brought together four shortlisted bidders, including Yunnan Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd from China, Limak from Turkey, China Road and Bridge Corporation, and Korea Airports Corporation from South Korea.
These companies were selected from eight initial applicants who submitted expressions of interest in June 2025.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of January 2026, taking a major step toward enhancing Laos’ aviation infrastructure and positioning Luang Prabang as a key regional travel hub.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/22/luang-prabang-international-airport-set-for-major-upgrade-under-public-private-partnership/
Lao Ambassador Appointed as Personal Representative of President Thongloun to Francophonie
On 21 October, Kalamoungkhoune Souphanouvong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Laos to France, presented his credentials to Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie.
Following the presentation, Kalamoungkhoune will officially serve as the Personal Representative of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith to the organization, headquartered in Paris.
During the ceremony, the Lao ambassador expressed gratitude for the organization’s past assistance and cooperation with Laos, and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateral relations.
In response, Secretary-General Mushikiwabo thanked Thongloun for leading the Lao delegation to the 2024 Francophonie Summit in France.
She commended Laos for its active participation in the organization and pledged ongoing support, particularly in initiatives to improve French language education in Laos and in other collaborative projects.
Established in 1970, the International Organization of La Francophonie now includes 90 member states, comprising 53 full members, five associate members, and 32 observer states.
The organization promotes the French language while encouraging cooperation in politics, education, economics, and culture, and convenes summit meetings for heads of state and government every two years.
Laos has been a full member since 1991, actively contributing to its initiatives and programs.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/24/lao-ambassador-appointed-as-personal-representative-of-president-thongloun-to-francophonie/