Luang Prabang celebrated its annual Boat Racing Festival on 23 August along the Nam Khan River, marking the ninth lunar month of 2025.
This year, 22 longboats joined the competition, with teams coming from temples, villages, nearby districts, and other provinces.
The winner was Nam Phet Charoensap Company’s boat from Vientiane Province, winning a 1,500-gram silver trophy, a 1,000-gram annual silver trophy, and LAK 20 million (USD 940).
The second place went to the Lao Development Bank (LDB) boat, receiving an 800-gram silver trophy and LAK 19 million (USD 893).
Besides the racing boats, there were also beautifully decorated ones taking part in a “boat beauty” contest.
Their bright colors and creative designs brought even more life to the festival as they floated down the Nam Khan River, drawing smiles from people watching along the banks.
First “beauty” prize went to Nang Bua Ngern longboat from Wat Xieng Thong, which received a 1,000-gram silver trophy and LAK 10 million (USD 470).
The long boat from Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram claimed second place, earning a 700-gram silver trophy and LAK 9 million (USD 423), while Wat Ban Thin Som longboat secured third place, taking home a 500-gram silver trophy and LAK 8 million (USD 376)
The race took place alongside Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, a spiritual Lao festival dedicated to honoring ancestors and feeding the souls of those who have passed away.
As part of the tradition, families gathered at temples to offer food and prayers, preparing special parcels known as khao tom for both monks and wandering spirits called Preta, or “hungry ghosts.”
In the early morning hours, offerings were placed around homes and public spaces, a gesture believed to comfort these spirits and bring harmony to the living.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Boat-Racing-in-Luang-Prabang.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-25 10:00:002025-09-02 10:48:01Vientiane Province Wins Big at Luang Prabang Traditional Boat Festival
Laos has officially recognized the Phou Luang–Ho Chi Minh Trail sites on its territory as national heritage, highlighting their role in the shared history of Laos and Vietnam.
A ceremony took place on 22 August at the General Club of the Ministry of National Defense in Vientiane. During the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Vongsone Inpanphim outlined the results of a joint Lao–Vietnamese survey carried out since late 2023.
The survey documented sections of the trail running through Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Sekong, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces.
In total, 18 locations were identified as significant sites linked to the trail and to cooperation between Laos and Vietnam during the Indochina wars.
Following the survey, Vietnam published a book on the relics in both Lao and Vietnamese. Laos also released 18 publications, including history books, photo collections, and maps showing the sites.
Vongsone noted that the trail was not only a military and supply route, but also a stronghold that supported the struggles of the Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian people.
He said its recognition as heritage reflects its role as both a battlefield route and a lasting symbol of unity between Laos and Vietnam.
The recognition follows an agreement between the two governments to set up a joint committee under their Ministries of National Defense to survey and preserve the sites.
Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, leading to the official listing of the sites as national heritage. Officials say the recognition will help preserve the trail’s legacy for future generations and strengthen historical ties between the two nations.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Laos-Recognizes-Ho-Chi-Minh-Trail-Sites-as-National-Heritage.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-23 10:42:262025-09-02 10:44:15Laos Recognizes Ho Chi Minh Trail Sites as National Heritage
Laos is on track to export 120 tons of roselle to South Korea, with plans to expand commercial cultivation to include black and white sesame, large onions, and others related for the Korean market.
On 14 August, the Lao Agricultural Business Association (LABA) officially launched the project.
LABA and the Korean company signed a key export agreement valued at LAK 16.2 billion (approximately USD 771,000). Additional crops will be introduced in the future.
LABA Vice President Khanthong Siphasert highlighted the project’s innovative “four-way” collaborative model, which strategically connects producers, processors, suppliers, government institutions, financial organizations, and international buyers.
He emphasized that the initiative not only boosts exports but also provides technical guidance, market insights, and investment opportunities for all participants.
So far 2025, LABA expanded the roselle cultivation project to cover six key areas, totaling 2.135 hectares.
According to the vice president, roselle is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ready to harvest in 110 days with high yields.
Its vitamin C-rich, ruby-red fruit is valued worldwide for jellies, teas, sauces, syrups, and wines, making it highly marketable internationally.
The project is managed by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), serving as a coordination hub to connect producers and suppliers with government agencies, financial institutions, and international buyers.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Roselles.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-22 10:03:002025-09-02 09:55:31Laos Set to Export 120 Tons of Roselle to South Korea
Vientiane Province Wins Big at Luang Prabang Traditional Boat Festival
Luang Prabang celebrated its annual Boat Racing Festival on 23 August along the Nam Khan River, marking the ninth lunar month of 2025.
This year, 22 longboats joined the competition, with teams coming from temples, villages, nearby districts, and other provinces.
The winner was Nam Phet Charoensap Company’s boat from Vientiane Province, winning a 1,500-gram silver trophy, a 1,000-gram annual silver trophy, and LAK 20 million (USD 940).
The second place went to the Lao Development Bank (LDB) boat, receiving an 800-gram silver trophy and LAK 19 million (USD 893).
Besides the racing boats, there were also beautifully decorated ones taking part in a “boat beauty” contest.
Their bright colors and creative designs brought even more life to the festival as they floated down the Nam Khan River, drawing smiles from people watching along the banks.
First “beauty” prize went to Nang Bua Ngern longboat from Wat Xieng Thong, which received a 1,000-gram silver trophy and LAK 10 million (USD 470).
The long boat from Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram claimed second place, earning a 700-gram silver trophy and LAK 9 million (USD 423), while Wat Ban Thin Som longboat secured third place, taking home a 500-gram silver trophy and LAK 8 million (USD 376)
The race took place alongside Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, a spiritual Lao festival dedicated to honoring ancestors and feeding the souls of those who have passed away.
As part of the tradition, families gathered at temples to offer food and prayers, preparing special parcels known as khao tom for both monks and wandering spirits called Preta, or “hungry ghosts.”
In the early morning hours, offerings were placed around homes and public spaces, a gesture believed to comfort these spirits and bring harmony to the living.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/25/vientiane-province-wins-big-at-luang-prabang-traditional-boat-festival/
Laos Recognizes Ho Chi Minh Trail Sites as National Heritage
Laos has officially recognized the Phou Luang–Ho Chi Minh Trail sites on its territory as national heritage, highlighting their role in the shared history of Laos and Vietnam.
A ceremony took place on 22 August at the General Club of the Ministry of National Defense in Vientiane. During the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Vongsone Inpanphim outlined the results of a joint Lao–Vietnamese survey carried out since late 2023.
The survey documented sections of the trail running through Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Sekong, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces.
In total, 18 locations were identified as significant sites linked to the trail and to cooperation between Laos and Vietnam during the Indochina wars.
Following the survey, Vietnam published a book on the relics in both Lao and Vietnamese. Laos also released 18 publications, including history books, photo collections, and maps showing the sites.
Vongsone noted that the trail was not only a military and supply route, but also a stronghold that supported the struggles of the Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian people.
He said its recognition as heritage reflects its role as both a battlefield route and a lasting symbol of unity between Laos and Vietnam.
The recognition follows an agreement between the two governments to set up a joint committee under their Ministries of National Defense to survey and preserve the sites.
Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, leading to the official listing of the sites as national heritage. Officials say the recognition will help preserve the trail’s legacy for future generations and strengthen historical ties between the two nations.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/23/laos-recognizes-ho-chi-minh-trail-sites-as-national-heritage/
Laos Set to Export 120 Tons of Roselle to South Korea
Laos is on track to export 120 tons of roselle to South Korea, with plans to expand commercial cultivation to include black and white sesame, large onions, and others related for the Korean market.
On 14 August, the Lao Agricultural Business Association (LABA) officially launched the project.
LABA and the Korean company signed a key export agreement valued at LAK 16.2 billion (approximately USD 771,000). Additional crops will be introduced in the future.
LABA Vice President Khanthong Siphasert highlighted the project’s innovative “four-way” collaborative model, which strategically connects producers, processors, suppliers, government institutions, financial organizations, and international buyers.
He emphasized that the initiative not only boosts exports but also provides technical guidance, market insights, and investment opportunities for all participants.
So far 2025, LABA expanded the roselle cultivation project to cover six key areas, totaling 2.135 hectares.
According to the vice president, roselle is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and ready to harvest in 110 days with high yields.
Its vitamin C-rich, ruby-red fruit is valued worldwide for jellies, teas, sauces, syrups, and wines, making it highly marketable internationally.
The project is managed by the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), serving as a coordination hub to connect producers and suppliers with government agencies, financial institutions, and international buyers.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/19/laos-set-to-export-120-tons-of-roselle-to-south-korea/