On 21 March, as the world celebrates International Forest Day, Laos stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s most natural landscapes. The country usually greets visitors with a vast green cover.
Fun fact: Laos has the highest percentage of forest area in the region, according to the Global Resource Information Database.
However, rapid economic changes and industrial deforestation present serious challenges, the National Assembly said.
The International Day of Forests is observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of trees and their role in supporting human life. The day has been celebrated annually since a UN General Assembly resolution in 2012.
Almost a decade later, in 2021, as part of the global movement toward sustainability, Laos set a target to restore its forest cover to 70 percent of the country by 2025, up from 62 percent in the previous five-year plan.
According to data from the Lao Statistics Bureau, Laos has seen significant changes in its forest cover over the years.
In 1950, forests covered 70 percent of the country’s land area, which is equivalent to 16.6 million hectares. By 2019, the forest area had decreased to 13.2 million hectares, indicating a gradual decline in forest cover.
This trend continued into 2022, when the forest area further decreased to 13.1 million hectares. Despite the reduction, forests remain a crucial part of Laos’ environmental landscape.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/WEB-6-e1743139103165-1.webp261500Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-04 08:11:002025-03-28 20:26:47International Day of Forests: Laos Tops Region in Forest Coverage
On 17 March, Salavanh Province officially recognized That Kadaothuek as a local national cultural heritage site.
Located in Na Khok village, Khongsedon district, That Kadaothuek is an ancient stupa dating back to the 17th century. While the details of its construction, including its builder and purpose, remain unknown, experts believe iIt was built alongside its rival That Hongthong, another stupa with similar features just 111 meters away.
That Kadaothuek features a rectangular base measuring 5.2 by 5.2 meters, with a height of approximately 4.4 meters.
According to website InsideLao, the recognition comes from the stupa’s popularity among both local and foreign visitors. While its origins and legends remain a mystery, some believe it was built as a place of worship, others claim it was meant to safeguard hidden treasures.
As the officials reviewed the monument’s registration process and historical background, authorities conducted detailed surveys to define the site’s boundaries, ensuring proper documentation and long-term protection.
The designated heritage area spans 72,063 square meters.
To further safeguard its integrity, the site has been divided into two distinct zones. The 27,720-square-meter Conservation Zone will focus on preserving the temple, while the Development Zone will allow for cultural and historical enhancements.
Additionally, a permanent land title has been issued to secure the site’s future and prevent encroachment.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Salavanh-Recognizes-That-Kadaothuek-as-Cultural-Heritage-Site.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-04-03 08:07:002025-03-24 08:09:30Salavanh Recognizes That Kadaothuek as Cultural Heritage Site
In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Sofitel Luang Prabang hosted the “HERitage: A Celebration of Lao Women in Handicraft exhibition,” where visitors can now purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs, supporting the work of Lao artisans.
The exhibition will be open until 31 March and marks the official launch of La Boutique. This initiative offers a retail selection of locally sourced products while supporting local craftsmanship.
For generations, Lao women have preserved the country’s rich traditions, especially in handicrafts such as weaving. These skills, passed down over time, not only aim to keep the culture alive but also contribute significantly to the local economy.
Today, these traditions continue to thrive, with modern adaptations blending seamlessly with the original styles.
The recent event in Luang Prabang was opened by Andrew Gianfranco, the new General Manager of Sofitel Luang Prabang and 3 Nagas – MGallery.
“We contributed by supporting local artisans and businesses through partnerships and procurement, offering educational programs and cultural experiences to guests, and also promoting responsible tourism practices that respect and preserve the city’s traditions,” Gianfranco said.
The exhibition featured intricate textiles, handmade jewelry, and other artisan crafts, showing off the skills and cultural contributions of Lao women artisans, including Viengkham Nanthavongdouangsy (Khang), Boutsaya Viengviseth (Boutsaya Craft), Touk Maicome (Maicome), Vanida Phimphachanh (Saneha Jewellery), and Sui Thammamonty & Petra Racz (P.S. Collective).
“We will create a tour for tourists so they can learn about Lao culture, and also partner with local artisans, historians, and cultural institutions to offer more valuable experiences for them such as the opening of our La Boutique,” Gianfranco added. “It’s not just a shop; it’s a way for guests to take a piece of the local culture home with them.”
Sofitel Luang Prabang, a historic hotel originally a French governor’s residence, is located in the Old Town area by the Mekong River.
International Day of Forests: Laos Tops Region in Forest Coverage
On 21 March, as the world celebrates International Forest Day, Laos stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s most natural landscapes. The country usually greets visitors with a vast green cover.
Fun fact: Laos has the highest percentage of forest area in the region, according to the Global Resource Information Database.
However, rapid economic changes and industrial deforestation present serious challenges, the National Assembly said.
The International Day of Forests is observed globally to raise awareness about the importance of trees and their role in supporting human life. The day has been celebrated annually since a UN General Assembly resolution in 2012.
Almost a decade later, in 2021, as part of the global movement toward sustainability, Laos set a target to restore its forest cover to 70 percent of the country by 2025, up from 62 percent in the previous five-year plan.
According to data from the Lao Statistics Bureau, Laos has seen significant changes in its forest cover over the years.
In 1950, forests covered 70 percent of the country’s land area, which is equivalent to 16.6 million hectares. By 2019, the forest area had decreased to 13.2 million hectares, indicating a gradual decline in forest cover.
This trend continued into 2022, when the forest area further decreased to 13.1 million hectares. Despite the reduction, forests remain a crucial part of Laos’ environmental landscape.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/21/international-day-of-forests-laos-tops-region-in-forest-coverage/
Salavanh Recognizes That Kadaothuek as Cultural Heritage Site
On 17 March, Salavanh Province officially recognized That Kadaothuek as a local national cultural heritage site.
Located in Na Khok village, Khongsedon district, That Kadaothuek is an ancient stupa dating back to the 17th century. While the details of its construction, including its builder and purpose, remain unknown, experts believe iIt was built alongside its rival That Hongthong, another stupa with similar features just 111 meters away.
That Kadaothuek features a rectangular base measuring 5.2 by 5.2 meters, with a height of approximately 4.4 meters.
According to website InsideLao, the recognition comes from the stupa’s popularity among both local and foreign visitors. While its origins and legends remain a mystery, some believe it was built as a place of worship, others claim it was meant to safeguard hidden treasures.
As the officials reviewed the monument’s registration process and historical background, authorities conducted detailed surveys to define the site’s boundaries, ensuring proper documentation and long-term protection.
The designated heritage area spans 72,063 square meters.
To further safeguard its integrity, the site has been divided into two distinct zones. The 27,720-square-meter Conservation Zone will focus on preserving the temple, while the Development Zone will allow for cultural and historical enhancements.
Additionally, a permanent land title has been issued to secure the site’s future and prevent encroachment.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/20/salavanh-recognizes-that-kadaothuek-as-cultural-heritage-site/
HERitage: Women Artisans Exhibition Launches in Luang Prabang
In celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, Sofitel Luang Prabang hosted the “HERitage: A Celebration of Lao Women in Handicraft exhibition,” where visitors can now purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs, supporting the work of Lao artisans.
The exhibition will be open until 31 March and marks the official launch of La Boutique. This initiative offers a retail selection of locally sourced products while supporting local craftsmanship.
For generations, Lao women have preserved the country’s rich traditions, especially in handicrafts such as weaving. These skills, passed down over time, not only aim to keep the culture alive but also contribute significantly to the local economy.
Today, these traditions continue to thrive, with modern adaptations blending seamlessly with the original styles.
The recent event in Luang Prabang was opened by Andrew Gianfranco, the new General Manager of Sofitel Luang Prabang and 3 Nagas – MGallery.
“We contributed by supporting local artisans and businesses through partnerships and procurement, offering educational programs and cultural experiences to guests, and also promoting responsible tourism practices that respect and preserve the city’s traditions,” Gianfranco said.
The exhibition featured intricate textiles, handmade jewelry, and other artisan crafts, showing off the skills and cultural contributions of Lao women artisans, including Viengkham Nanthavongdouangsy (Khang), Boutsaya Viengviseth (Boutsaya Craft), Touk Maicome (Maicome), Vanida Phimphachanh (Saneha Jewellery), and Sui Thammamonty & Petra Racz (P.S. Collective).
“We will create a tour for tourists so they can learn about Lao culture, and also partner with local artisans, historians, and cultural institutions to offer more valuable experiences for them such as the opening of our La Boutique,” Gianfranco added. “It’s not just a shop; it’s a way for guests to take a piece of the local culture home with them.”
Sofitel Luang Prabang, a historic hotel originally a French governor’s residence, is located in the Old Town area by the Mekong River.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/03/17/heritage-women-artisans-exhibition-launches-in-luang-prabang/