Luang Prabang and Vangvieng are among Asia’s top eight destinations for solo backpackers in 2025, according to The Times of India, one of the country’s leading English-language publications.
In a social media story, the publication described Laos as “slower-paced than its neighbors” and “more offbeat,” positioning it as an ideal escape for travelers seeking to avoid crowded hotspots.
Luang Prabang was highlighted for its deep Buddhist heritage, offering a glimpse into centuries-old spiritual traditions.
Meanwhile, Vang Vieng earned praise as Laos’ adventure hub, where visitors can enjoy cave explorations and take in panoramic views on hot-air balloon rides.
Other destinations included in The Times of India’s top eight list are Siem Reap in Cambodia, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi and the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Rishikesh in India, Kyoto in Japan, and Ella in Sri Lanka.
The newspaper noted that Asia remains a backpacker’s dream, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and affordability that makes it perfect for solo travelers.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Luang-Prabang-and-Vang-Vieng.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-22 12:16:402025-09-24 12:26:54Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Ranked in Asia’s Top 8 by Times of India
The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.
The project, valued at JPY 4.171 billion (approximately USD 29 million), is funded through grant aid provided by the Government of Japan and is being implemented by Japanese contractors Hazama Ando – Toa Road JV, who won the contract through a competitive bidding process.
The grant agreement was originally signed in December 2023, and followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on 26 March this year.
Upon completion, the stadium is expected to become the first inclusive sports facility in Laos, designed to support multiple athletic activities.
While specific details have not been officially confirmed, prototype visuals suggest that the stadium will accommodate football, rugby, running tracks, and other field-based sports suitable for both training and recreational use.
The stadium will be entirely accessible to persons with disabilities, according to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
It is also envisioned as a central hub for community engagement, fostering opportunities for exercise, sports, and public gatherings in the Lao capital.
First built in 1950 in the center of Vientiane capital, Chao Anouvong Stadium has long served as a venue for national sports such as football, rugby, and para-athletics, as well as community events.
The stadium is named after Chao Anouvong (King Anouvong), the King of Vientiane during the early 19th century.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vientianes-Chao-Anouvong-Stadium.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-20 08:23:002025-09-17 12:33:02Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion
Laos is urging ASEAN member states to ramp up investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), calling them powerful tools for protecting forests, strengthening communities, and tackling climate change head-on.
Delivering the message at the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry in Luang Prabang on 6 July, Somwang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry, warned of mounting threats to the region’s forests, including deforestation, ecological degradation, illegal logging, and land use change.
He stressed that without sustainable financing, efforts to implement NbS and EbA will fall short.
To illustrate Laos’ own approach, Somwang pointed to the country’s promotion of Payments for Forest Ecosystem Services (PfES), which help preserve forest areas while boosting local livelihoods. He also highlighted sustainable tourism as a practical way to balance income generation with biodiversity protection.
Building on this, he urged ASEAN countries to share proven financing models—such as PfES, carbon markets, pooled funds, and multi-sector partnerships – to drive greater investment in nature-based climate and conservation efforts.
With roughly 70 percent of Laos’ land classified as state forest and home to around 3,000 villages, the country stands among the world’s top ten in biodiversity richness.
Somwang concluded by calling for stronger institutional capacity and deeper regional knowledge-sharing to accelerate the rollout of effective NbS initiatives across ASEAN.
Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Ranked in Asia’s Top 8 by Times of India
Luang Prabang and Vangvieng are among Asia’s top eight destinations for solo backpackers in 2025, according to The Times of India, one of the country’s leading English-language publications.
In a social media story, the publication described Laos as “slower-paced than its neighbors” and “more offbeat,” positioning it as an ideal escape for travelers seeking to avoid crowded hotspots.
Luang Prabang was highlighted for its deep Buddhist heritage, offering a glimpse into centuries-old spiritual traditions.
Meanwhile, Vang Vieng earned praise as Laos’ adventure hub, where visitors can enjoy cave explorations and take in panoramic views on hot-air balloon rides.
Other destinations included in The Times of India’s top eight list are Siem Reap in Cambodia, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi and the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Rishikesh in India, Kyoto in Japan, and Ella in Sri Lanka.
The newspaper noted that Asia remains a backpacker’s dream, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and affordability that makes it perfect for solo travelers.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/17/luang-prabang-vang-vieng-ranked-in-asias-top-8-by-times-of-india/
Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion
The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.
The project, valued at JPY 4.171 billion (approximately USD 29 million), is funded through grant aid provided by the Government of Japan and is being implemented by Japanese contractors Hazama Ando – Toa Road JV, who won the contract through a competitive bidding process.
The grant agreement was originally signed in December 2023, and followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on 26 March this year.
Upon completion, the stadium is expected to become the first inclusive sports facility in Laos, designed to support multiple athletic activities.
While specific details have not been officially confirmed, prototype visuals suggest that the stadium will accommodate football, rugby, running tracks, and other field-based sports suitable for both training and recreational use.
The stadium will be entirely accessible to persons with disabilities, according to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
It is also envisioned as a central hub for community engagement, fostering opportunities for exercise, sports, and public gatherings in the Lao capital.
First built in 1950 in the center of Vientiane capital, Chao Anouvong Stadium has long served as a venue for national sports such as football, rugby, and para-athletics, as well as community events.
The stadium is named after Chao Anouvong (King Anouvong), the King of Vientiane during the early 19th century.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/16/chao-anouvong-stadium-renovation-on-track-for-late-2026-completion/
Laos Calls for Increased ASEAN Investment in Nature-Based Solutions
Laos is urging ASEAN member states to ramp up investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), calling them powerful tools for protecting forests, strengthening communities, and tackling climate change head-on.
Delivering the message at the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry in Luang Prabang on 6 July, Somwang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry, warned of mounting threats to the region’s forests, including deforestation, ecological degradation, illegal logging, and land use change.
He stressed that without sustainable financing, efforts to implement NbS and EbA will fall short.
To illustrate Laos’ own approach, Somwang pointed to the country’s promotion of Payments for Forest Ecosystem Services (PfES), which help preserve forest areas while boosting local livelihoods. He also highlighted sustainable tourism as a practical way to balance income generation with biodiversity protection.
Building on this, he urged ASEAN countries to share proven financing models—such as PfES, carbon markets, pooled funds, and multi-sector partnerships – to drive greater investment in nature-based climate and conservation efforts.
With roughly 70 percent of Laos’ land classified as state forest and home to around 3,000 villages, the country stands among the world’s top ten in biodiversity richness.
Somwang concluded by calling for stronger institutional capacity and deeper regional knowledge-sharing to accelerate the rollout of effective NbS initiatives across ASEAN.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/12/laos-calls-for-increased-asean-investment-in-nature-based-solutions/