Attapeu has launched an ambitious plan to restore over 8,800 hectares of forest in 2026, aiming to increase forest coverage and address growing environmental challenges.
The initiative will include the restoration of 8,200 hectares of degraded land and the promotion of 630 hectares of new tree plantations. This restoration is part of a larger effort to combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, and it is set to align with the upcoming National Arbor Day on 1 June.
The provincial authorities have announced that they will prepare planting sites, seedlings, and restoration areas ahead of the national planting campaign. By 25 May, all planting sites must be identified, with land preparation and fertilizing to be completed by the end of May. In total, more than 250,000 saplings are planned for the year.
The restoration efforts will also include the establishment of 1,000 hectares of plantation areas and village-managed forests in three villages. The provinces are particularly focused on youth participation and climate change awareness, with public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging both local communities and schools to get involved in the project.
Forest Fires and Rising Environmental Pressure
This major reforestation campaign comes in response to escalating environmental concerns in Laos, particularly the increasing frequency of forest fires and air pollution linked to land burning activities.
Recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shows that Laos recorded over 16,000 fire hotspots in the first quarter of 2026 alone, largely due to slash-and-burn farming practices.
This has compounded the country’s environmental challenges, with a particularly destructive forest fire in Phou Phanang National Park that burned over 1,400 hectares in April.
The Attapeu reforestation initiative also aligns with Laos’ national forestry strategy, which aims to increase the country’s forest coverage to 70 percent by 2035. This ambitious goal is in response to the significant loss of Laos’ forests over the past two decades, primarily due to commercial farming, logging, and land conversion.
Laos has lost approximately 58 percent of its intact forest landscapes in the past 20 years, with agriculture and infrastructure development being the primary drivers of deforestation. Reforestation efforts are critical in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and securing the future of Laos’ natural resources.
Looking Ahead
The Attapeu reforestation campaign also aligns with Laos’ broader environmental goals. As the initiative progresses, it will be closely monitored to track progress toward the 70 percent forest coverage target. Officials also noted that it is essential to maintain newly planted trees and restore degraded forest areas to ensure the long-term health of the country’s forests.
The Attapeu administration’s efforts are part of a nationwide drive to combat climate change, improve forest coverage, and address the environmental challenges facing Laos. By prioritizing forest restoration, Laos aims to protect its natural resources, improve air quality, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
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
Attapeu to Restore 8,800 Hectares of Forest in 2026 Amid Rising Environmental Pressures
Attapeu has launched an ambitious plan to restore over 8,800 hectares of forest in 2026, aiming to increase forest coverage and address growing environmental challenges.
The initiative will include the restoration of 8,200 hectares of degraded land and the promotion of 630 hectares of new tree plantations. This restoration is part of a larger effort to combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, and it is set to align with the upcoming National Arbor Day on 1 June.
The provincial authorities have announced that they will prepare planting sites, seedlings, and restoration areas ahead of the national planting campaign. By 25 May, all planting sites must be identified, with land preparation and fertilizing to be completed by the end of May. In total, more than 250,000 saplings are planned for the year.
The restoration efforts will also include the establishment of 1,000 hectares of plantation areas and village-managed forests in three villages. The provinces are particularly focused on youth participation and climate change awareness, with public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging both local communities and schools to get involved in the project.
Forest Fires and Rising Environmental Pressure
This major reforestation campaign comes in response to escalating environmental concerns in Laos, particularly the increasing frequency of forest fires and air pollution linked to land burning activities.
Recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shows that Laos recorded over 16,000 fire hotspots in the first quarter of 2026 alone, largely due to slash-and-burn farming practices.
This has compounded the country’s environmental challenges, with a particularly destructive forest fire in Phou Phanang National Park that burned over 1,400 hectares in April.
The Attapeu reforestation initiative also aligns with Laos’ national forestry strategy, which aims to increase the country’s forest coverage to 70 percent by 2035. This ambitious goal is in response to the significant loss of Laos’ forests over the past two decades, primarily due to commercial farming, logging, and land conversion.
Laos has lost approximately 58 percent of its intact forest landscapes in the past 20 years, with agriculture and infrastructure development being the primary drivers of deforestation. Reforestation efforts are critical in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and securing the future of Laos’ natural resources.
Looking Ahead
The Attapeu reforestation campaign also aligns with Laos’ broader environmental goals. As the initiative progresses, it will be closely monitored to track progress toward the 70 percent forest coverage target. Officials also noted that it is essential to maintain newly planted trees and restore degraded forest areas to ensure the long-term health of the country’s forests.
The Attapeu administration’s efforts are part of a nationwide drive to combat climate change, improve forest coverage, and address the environmental challenges facing Laos. By prioritizing forest restoration, Laos aims to protect its natural resources, improve air quality, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/13/attapeu-to-restore-8800-hectares-of-forest-in-2026-amid-rising-environmental-pressures/
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/