Laos is increasing efforts to involve young people in tackling unexploded ordnance (UXO), placing youth at the center of awareness and long-term risk reduction.
A ceremony on 1 April in Vientiane marked the International Day for Mine Awareness, bringing together officials, development partners, and students from five secondary schools.
The event highlighted a growing push to engage the next generation in addressing UXO challenges.
Students took part in supervised demonstrations of survey and clearance work, alongside sessions on UXO history, international conventions, and ongoing risk education efforts.
Officials said early engagement helps build awareness and safer communities.
The event also launched a nationwide art campaign, inviting participants aged 9 to 35 to reflect on Laos’ UXO legacy. Submissions are open until 19 July, with scholarships worth LAK 10 million (USD 455) awarded to winners.
Laos will also host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions from 13 to 18 September in Vientiane, reinforcing its role in global mine action efforts.
Laos remains one of the most heavily affected countries by UXO, a legacy of heavy bombing during the Indochina War from 1964 to 1973.
Millions of tonnes of bombs were dropped, and many failed to explode, leaving dangerous remnants scattered across rural areas. Today, UXO continues to pose risks to communities, especially in farming areas where people rely on land for their livelihoods.
The United Nations designated 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness in 2005 to highlight these dangers and encourage global support for clearance efforts.
In Laos, the issue remains closely linked to development, as clearing contaminated land allows safer farming, infrastructure, and long-term economic growth.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/662336017_969563782314157_6351540526648536791_n-1-e1775115716431.jpg10271800Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-04 10:08:322026-04-03 10:12:47Laos Puts Youth at the Center of UXO Awareness Efforts
A group of ancient standing stones in Houaphanh Province has been officially recognised as a national cultural heritage site, drawing attention to one of Laos’ most puzzling historical locations.
Known as Hintang Archeological Park (Standing Stones), the site is located in Houameuang District, about 64 kilometers from the provincial center. The area contains more than 1,500 stone pillars and over 150 large stone discs spread across hills and forest.
The stones are believed to date back around 2,500 to 3,000 years, possibly to the Iron Age. However, experts still do not know who built them or why.
The stones are tall and narrow, often placed in groups with larger stones at the centre. There is no clear pattern in how they are arranged, which adds to the mystery.
The Secrets Beneath the Surface
Beneath some of the stones, archeologists have discovered underground chambers. These chambers are large and covered with heavy stone slabs, some over 2 metres wide.
Inside, the chambers are divided into smaller sections and may have been used for burials. However, very few human remains have been found, leaving many questions unanswered.
The site was first studied in 1931 by French archeologist Madeleine Colani, who uncovered clay jars and bronze bracelets during early excavations.
Despite decades of research, the true purpose of the stones remains unclear. Some believe they were linked to burial practices, while others suggest they may have spiritual or ceremonial meaning.
In recent years, authorities have carried out surveys and mapping of the area to better understand and protect the site. Key groups of stones have been identified in 2 villages, where conservation zones have now been established.
To Achieve Global Recognition
Officials say the new national heritage status will help protect the site and support further research. It may also help promote tourism in the future.
The government has also indicated plans to propose the site for UNESCO World Heritage status in the coming years. The push is part of a broader 2026-2030 national strategy, aimed at protecting Lao landmarks alongside cultural staples like ‘Laap’ and the ‘Baci’ ceremony.
For now, Hintang could become the second National Heritage site in Houaphanh, following the recognition of Viengxay’s historic caves, while remaining the most puzzling historical site, raising questions about the people who once lived there.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/fd_lao-hintang-e1774603451357.avif11461800Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-03 09:34:292026-04-03 09:34:54Standing Stones in Houaphanh Recognized as National Heritage
Laos has kicked off a new chapter in sports with its first Baseball5 Friendly Cup in Vientiane, introducing a simpler and faster version of baseball for young players.
The event, organised by the Lao Baseball Softball Federation (LBSF) and Lao Youth Baseball (LYB), brought together nearly 100 participants, including players, volunteers, and spectators. It marked the country’s first official step into Baseball5.
Four teams, featuring mixed-gender squads, competed in the one-day tournament.
The event showed strong interest from young people aged between 15 to 25 years old, with organisers saying the energy and turnout point to real potential for the sport in Laos.
Baseball5 is played without bats or gloves, using only a rubber ball and a small space. This makes it easy to set up in schools and local communities, especially where full baseball fields are not available.
The game also helps players build basic skills like throwing, catching, and running.
Supporting Future Talent
The launch comes as Laos looks to grow its baseball talent. The men’s national team is currently ranked 47th in the world, and building a larger player base, especially young players, is a key goal.
Following the event, LBSF and LYB plan to bring Baseball5 into schools across Vientiane. There are also plans to create a school league to give students more chances to compete and help identify future players.
With strong early interest, organisers plan to make the tournament an annual event and expand it in the coming years. They also hope to build a national Baseball5 team to compete at regional and international level.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/660487474_122253316436167492_2990690000253653140_n-e1775123904802-1920x861-1.jpg8611920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-04-02 10:02:092026-04-03 10:07:12Laos Kicks Off Baseball5 with Growing Interest Among Youth
Laos Puts Youth at the Center of UXO Awareness Efforts
Laos is increasing efforts to involve young people in tackling unexploded ordnance (UXO), placing youth at the center of awareness and long-term risk reduction.
A ceremony on 1 April in Vientiane marked the International Day for Mine Awareness, bringing together officials, development partners, and students from five secondary schools.
The event highlighted a growing push to engage the next generation in addressing UXO challenges.
Students took part in supervised demonstrations of survey and clearance work, alongside sessions on UXO history, international conventions, and ongoing risk education efforts.
Officials said early engagement helps build awareness and safer communities.
The event also launched a nationwide art campaign, inviting participants aged 9 to 35 to reflect on Laos’ UXO legacy. Submissions are open until 19 July, with scholarships worth LAK 10 million (USD 455) awarded to winners.
Laos will also host the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions from 13 to 18 September in Vientiane, reinforcing its role in global mine action efforts.
Laos remains one of the most heavily affected countries by UXO, a legacy of heavy bombing during the Indochina War from 1964 to 1973.
Millions of tonnes of bombs were dropped, and many failed to explode, leaving dangerous remnants scattered across rural areas. Today, UXO continues to pose risks to communities, especially in farming areas where people rely on land for their livelihoods.
The United Nations designated 4 April as the International Day for Mine Awareness in 2005 to highlight these dangers and encourage global support for clearance efforts.
In Laos, the issue remains closely linked to development, as clearing contaminated land allows safer farming, infrastructure, and long-term economic growth.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/02/laos-puts-youth-at-the-center-of-uxo-awareness-efforts/
Standing Stones in Houaphanh Recognized as National Heritage
A group of ancient standing stones in Houaphanh Province has been officially recognised as a national cultural heritage site, drawing attention to one of Laos’ most puzzling historical locations.
Known as Hintang Archeological Park (Standing Stones), the site is located in Houameuang District, about 64 kilometers from the provincial center. The area contains more than 1,500 stone pillars and over 150 large stone discs spread across hills and forest.
The stones are believed to date back around 2,500 to 3,000 years, possibly to the Iron Age. However, experts still do not know who built them or why.
The stones are tall and narrow, often placed in groups with larger stones at the centre. There is no clear pattern in how they are arranged, which adds to the mystery.
The Secrets Beneath the Surface
Beneath some of the stones, archeologists have discovered underground chambers. These chambers are large and covered with heavy stone slabs, some over 2 metres wide.
Inside, the chambers are divided into smaller sections and may have been used for burials. However, very few human remains have been found, leaving many questions unanswered.
The site was first studied in 1931 by French archeologist Madeleine Colani, who uncovered clay jars and bronze bracelets during early excavations.
Despite decades of research, the true purpose of the stones remains unclear. Some believe they were linked to burial practices, while others suggest they may have spiritual or ceremonial meaning.
In recent years, authorities have carried out surveys and mapping of the area to better understand and protect the site. Key groups of stones have been identified in 2 villages, where conservation zones have now been established.
To Achieve Global Recognition
Officials say the new national heritage status will help protect the site and support further research. It may also help promote tourism in the future.
The government has also indicated plans to propose the site for UNESCO World Heritage status in the coming years. The push is part of a broader 2026-2030 national strategy, aimed at protecting Lao landmarks alongside cultural staples like ‘Laap’ and the ‘Baci’ ceremony.
For now, Hintang could become the second National Heritage site in Houaphanh, following the recognition of Viengxay’s historic caves, while remaining the most puzzling historical site, raising questions about the people who once lived there.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/03/27/standing-stones-in-houaphanh-recognized-as-national-heritage/
Laos Kicks Off Baseball5 with Growing Interest Among Youth
Laos has kicked off a new chapter in sports with its first Baseball5 Friendly Cup in Vientiane, introducing a simpler and faster version of baseball for young players.
The event, organised by the Lao Baseball Softball Federation (LBSF) and Lao Youth Baseball (LYB), brought together nearly 100 participants, including players, volunteers, and spectators. It marked the country’s first official step into Baseball5.
Four teams, featuring mixed-gender squads, competed in the one-day tournament.
The event showed strong interest from young people aged between 15 to 25 years old, with organisers saying the energy and turnout point to real potential for the sport in Laos.
Baseball5 is played without bats or gloves, using only a rubber ball and a small space. This makes it easy to set up in schools and local communities, especially where full baseball fields are not available.
The game also helps players build basic skills like throwing, catching, and running.
Supporting Future Talent
The launch comes as Laos looks to grow its baseball talent. The men’s national team is currently ranked 47th in the world, and building a larger player base, especially young players, is a key goal.
Following the event, LBSF and LYB plan to bring Baseball5 into schools across Vientiane. There are also plans to create a school league to give students more chances to compete and help identify future players.
With strong early interest, organisers plan to make the tournament an annual event and expand it in the coming years. They also hope to build a national Baseball5 team to compete at regional and international level.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/02/laos-kicks-off-baseball5-with-growing-interest-among-youth/