Champasak province is seeking major tourism investment from Vietnam’s Sun Group, the developer behind Da Nang’s Ba Na Hills resort and cable car system, as local authorities push to transform southern Laos into a larger regional tourism destination.
On 9 May, Champasak Provincial Party Secretary Alounxay Sounnalath led a delegation to Da Nang to meet Sun Group executives and present several potential investment sites across the province.
The proposal focused on three locations: the Phu Sa Lao–Phu Malong highland area in Phonthong district, known for panoramic Mekong River views; the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse district, where cooler year-round temperatures of around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius support premium resort development; and the Si Phan Don area in Khong district, home to the 4,000 Islands and some of the region’s best-known natural attractions.
According to provincial authorities, Sun Group representatives expressed strong interest in the proposals and confirmed the company plans to visit Champasak in June to conduct feasibility surveys at all three sites.
Founded in 2007, Sun Group is one of Vietnam’s largest tourism and infrastructure developers and is best known for projects such as Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, the Golden Bridge, Fansipan cable cars in Sa Pa, and multiple large-scale resort and entertainment complexes across Vietnam.
The company has become particularly known for developing mountain tourism destinations connected by large-scale cable car systems and integrated resort projects.
Officials in Champasak said the province’s location along the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, gives it strong potential for regional tourism growth. Authorities also highlighted Vat Phou World Heritage Site, ecotourism opportunities, waterfalls, and highland agricultural products including coffee, macadamia nuts, blueberries, and blackberries as key advantages.
The discussions form part of a broader effort to deepen economic and tourism cooperation between Champasak and Da Nang.
Earlier this week, officials from both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, clean agriculture, processing industries, and education. Businesses from Laos and Vietnam also signed partnership agreements, while both cities agreed to study the development of Vietnamese restaurants and hotels in Pakse to support rising visitor numbers.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Vat-Phou-Champasak-Laos.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-05-13 10:43:322026-05-13 10:43:47Vietnam’s Sun Group Explores Tourism Projects in Champasak
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone arrived in Cebu, Philippines on 7 May to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, where regional leaders are discussing the economic impact of the Middle East crisis alongside ASEAN’s long-term priorities.
Ahead of the summit, ASEAN foreign and economic ministers held a joint meeting focused on concerns over energy supplies, food security, and regional economic stability linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The ministers agreed on the text of an ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration responding to the Middle East situation, which leaders are expected to endorse during the summit.
Lao, Malaysian PMs Meet
On the sidelines of the meetings, Sonexay held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders reaffirmed longstanding ties and agreed to expand cooperation across politics, trade, investment, energy, finance, tourism, education, and human resource development.
The two sides also discussed preparations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Malaysia in 2026, with plans for joint commemorative activities.
Sonexay thanked Malaysia for its continued support for Laos and encouraged greater Malaysian investment in the country. He also invited Anwar Ibrahim to visit Laos in 2026 to mark the anniversary and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Foreign Ministers’ Meetings
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also joined a series of ministerial meetings on 7 May, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 38th ASEAN Coordinating Council.
Officials reviewed preparations for the summit and discussed issues including transnational crime, implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus on Myanmar, and preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia later this year.
The summit takes place under the theme “Governing the Future of ASEAN Together” and marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
Laos, which currently serves as ASEAN’s coordinating country for relations with Canada, also reported progress in negotiations for a new ASEAN–Canada Action Plan covering 2026–2030.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/693148909_1318518897128569_960980979285232985_n-1920x1280-1.jpg12801920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-05-11 10:55:472026-05-11 10:55:58Lao PM Arrives in Cebu as ASEAN Leaders Discuss Middle East Crisis and Regional Economy
Laos is intensifying its regional diplomacy efforts ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, with senior officials engaging partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation and coordination.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visited Indonesia from 4 to 5 May, where he met Indonesian Foreign Minister Sukiyono to review bilateral relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.
Both sides highlighted nearly 70 years of diplomatic ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and human resource development. They also discussed preparations for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The visit also included meetings with business leaders and friendship associations to promote investment and strengthen people-to-people ties, alongside a visit to PT Pupuk Indonesia to explore potential economic cooperation.
ASEAN Engagement Expands
During the trip, Thongsavanh also met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat. Discussions focused on ASEAN priorities, regional developments, and ongoing community-building efforts.
He also held talks with the Committee of Permanent Representatives and presented a rosewood carving of Laos’ iconic landmarks to the ASEAN Secretariat, stressing Laos’ cultural and diplomatic engagement within the bloc.
Focus Shifts to Cebu Summit
The diplomatic outreach comes as Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone prepares to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings on 7–8 May in Cebu, Philippines.
The summit, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of ASEAN Together,” will bring together regional leaders to discuss cooperation, economic integration, and shared challenges.
Sonexay is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines, as Laos continues to strengthen its role within the regional grouping.
Officials say the recent engagements reflect Laos’ continued focus on building stronger partnerships within ASEAN while advancing both bilateral and regional cooperation.
Vietnam’s Sun Group Explores Tourism Projects in Champasak
Champasak province is seeking major tourism investment from Vietnam’s Sun Group, the developer behind Da Nang’s Ba Na Hills resort and cable car system, as local authorities push to transform southern Laos into a larger regional tourism destination.
On 9 May, Champasak Provincial Party Secretary Alounxay Sounnalath led a delegation to Da Nang to meet Sun Group executives and present several potential investment sites across the province.
The proposal focused on three locations: the Phu Sa Lao–Phu Malong highland area in Phonthong district, known for panoramic Mekong River views; the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse district, where cooler year-round temperatures of around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius support premium resort development; and the Si Phan Don area in Khong district, home to the 4,000 Islands and some of the region’s best-known natural attractions.
According to provincial authorities, Sun Group representatives expressed strong interest in the proposals and confirmed the company plans to visit Champasak in June to conduct feasibility surveys at all three sites.
Founded in 2007, Sun Group is one of Vietnam’s largest tourism and infrastructure developers and is best known for projects such as Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, the Golden Bridge, Fansipan cable cars in Sa Pa, and multiple large-scale resort and entertainment complexes across Vietnam.
The company has become particularly known for developing mountain tourism destinations connected by large-scale cable car systems and integrated resort projects.
Officials in Champasak said the province’s location along the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, gives it strong potential for regional tourism growth. Authorities also highlighted Vat Phou World Heritage Site, ecotourism opportunities, waterfalls, and highland agricultural products including coffee, macadamia nuts, blueberries, and blackberries as key advantages.
The discussions form part of a broader effort to deepen economic and tourism cooperation between Champasak and Da Nang.
Earlier this week, officials from both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, clean agriculture, processing industries, and education. Businesses from Laos and Vietnam also signed partnership agreements, while both cities agreed to study the development of Vietnamese restaurants and hotels in Pakse to support rising visitor numbers.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/12/vietnams-sun-group-explores-tourism-projects-in-champasak/
Lao PM Arrives in Cebu as ASEAN Leaders Discuss Middle East Crisis and Regional Economy
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone arrived in Cebu, Philippines on 7 May to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, where regional leaders are discussing the economic impact of the Middle East crisis alongside ASEAN’s long-term priorities.
Ahead of the summit, ASEAN foreign and economic ministers held a joint meeting focused on concerns over energy supplies, food security, and regional economic stability linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The ministers agreed on the text of an ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration responding to the Middle East situation, which leaders are expected to endorse during the summit.
Lao, Malaysian PMs Meet
On the sidelines of the meetings, Sonexay held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders reaffirmed longstanding ties and agreed to expand cooperation across politics, trade, investment, energy, finance, tourism, education, and human resource development.
The two sides also discussed preparations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Malaysia in 2026, with plans for joint commemorative activities.
Sonexay thanked Malaysia for its continued support for Laos and encouraged greater Malaysian investment in the country. He also invited Anwar Ibrahim to visit Laos in 2026 to mark the anniversary and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Foreign Ministers’ Meetings
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also joined a series of ministerial meetings on 7 May, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 38th ASEAN Coordinating Council.
Officials reviewed preparations for the summit and discussed issues including transnational crime, implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus on Myanmar, and preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia later this year.
The summit takes place under the theme “Governing the Future of ASEAN Together” and marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.
Laos, which currently serves as ASEAN’s coordinating country for relations with Canada, also reported progress in negotiations for a new ASEAN–Canada Action Plan covering 2026–2030.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/08/lao-pm-arrives-in-cebu-as-asean-leaders-discuss-middle-east-crisis-and-regional-economy/
Laos Steps Up ASEAN Diplomacy Ahead of Regional Summit
Laos is intensifying its regional diplomacy efforts ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, with senior officials engaging partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation and coordination.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visited Indonesia from 4 to 5 May, where he met Indonesian Foreign Minister Sukiyono to review bilateral relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.
Both sides highlighted nearly 70 years of diplomatic ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and human resource development. They also discussed preparations for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
The visit also included meetings with business leaders and friendship associations to promote investment and strengthen people-to-people ties, alongside a visit to PT Pupuk Indonesia to explore potential economic cooperation.
ASEAN Engagement Expands
During the trip, Thongsavanh also met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat. Discussions focused on ASEAN priorities, regional developments, and ongoing community-building efforts.
He also held talks with the Committee of Permanent Representatives and presented a rosewood carving of Laos’ iconic landmarks to the ASEAN Secretariat, stressing Laos’ cultural and diplomatic engagement within the bloc.
Focus Shifts to Cebu Summit
The diplomatic outreach comes as Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone prepares to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings on 7–8 May in Cebu, Philippines.
The summit, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of ASEAN Together,” will bring together regional leaders to discuss cooperation, economic integration, and shared challenges.
Sonexay is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines, as Laos continues to strengthen its role within the regional grouping.
Officials say the recent engagements reflect Laos’ continued focus on building stronger partnerships within ASEAN while advancing both bilateral and regional cooperation.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/05/laos-steps-up-asean-diplomacy-ahead-of-regional-summit/