With the Chinese New Year approaching, the Laos-China Railway has rolled out special measures at the Bohan Railway Border, including expanded counter services and a lane for travelers, to manage the surge in passenger flow.
Starting from 13 January, the Bohan Railway Border has expanded its counter services and opened a dedicated lane for “People Returning Home During the Chinese New Year.” This special crossing prioritizes elderly travelers, pregnant women, children, and others needing extra assistance.
The lane was usually reserved for emergencies and now has been opened for the holiday season to help ease congestion. Additional measures, including “classified crossings” and “peak service windows,” have also been implemented to improve efficiency for all passengers.
In Vientiane, the Chinese New Year celebrations officially began on 15 January with an opening ceremony under the theme “Drinking from the Same River, Living in Harmony as One Family.” The event highlighted the cultural bond between Laos and China, with both the Chinese New Year and the Lao Lam Vong Dance recently recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
The following day, the arrival of the D87 train from Kunming to Vientiane marked the start of the Spring Festival cultural event along the China-Laos Railway.
Passengers experienced live performances by Chinese and Lao artists, turning the train journey into a lively cultural experience including traditional songs, dances, and festive activities, such as the sampling of Pu’er tea and Yunnan coffee.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CNY1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-25 11:44:332025-01-20 11:46:19Laos-China Railway Expands Services for Chinese New Year Travelers
Houaphanh Province will officially add Pa Bum sauce and Tai Daeng traditional singing as Cultural Heritage on 30 December, said the provincial governor.
Located in the northern part of Laos, Houaphanh Province shares borders with Vietnam, Xiengkhouang Province, and Luang Prabang to the west. The province is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the Khmu, Hmong, Lao Theung, and Tai Daeng.
In Houaphanh, traditions passed down through generations remain deeply valued by the local communities. Residents actively preserve their cultural heritage as a symbol of identity, highlighting the importance of traditions like Tai Daeng singing and Pa Bum sauce, which truly represent Houaphanh to visiting tourists.
Pa Bum sauce
Pa Bum Sauce, also known as “Jeo Pa Bum Sam Neua,” is a traditional dish central to daily life in the region. The recipe, passed down through generations, includes fish, chilies, garlic, Sichuan pepper, and a variety of seasonings, all of which are combined and fermented in a jar or wrapped in a wooden stick.
The sauce is typically enjoyed with sticky rice and boiled vegetables like bamboo shoots, apple gourds, and cabbage, along with other staple Lao dishes.
Tai Daeng singing
Tai Daeng singing is a unique musical tradition of the Tai Daeng ethnic group, characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional Lao instruments such as the Khaen, flute, and pipe, alongside the human voice.
The music consists of four distinct types: Khub Oiy, Khub Aun, Khub Soy Vai, and Khub E Dou Num Nae. Each style has its own unique sound and method of performance, contributing to the region’s diverse musical heritage.
Tai Daeng singing is typically performed during important ceremonies, prayers, and traditional celebrations, such as weddings.
In a similar move to preserve cultural heritage, Houaphanh Province previously recognized the tradition of Khub Sam Neua and the knowledge of silk fabric weaving as local cultural heritage in a ceremony held on 23 November 2022.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IMG_0043.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-24 09:27:322025-01-10 09:28:42Houaphanh to Officially Recognize Tai Daeng Singing, Pa Bum Sauce as Cultural Heritage
Starting January 2025, airlines are set to increase flights to Houaphanh province to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
On 26 December, Malaythong Bounyaxay, Head of the Houaphanh Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department reported that the tourism atmosphere in Houaphan Province is “very busy”
“The accommodation facilities in the province are full almost every day,” said Malaythong, adding that the flights from Vientiane to Houaphanh province are currently full.
“Therefore, there will be more flights from to Houaphanh province provided by Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, and Lanexang Airways to accommodate and satisfy the increasing number of tourists next year.”
Although confirming the increase in flights, the provincial tourism official noted that the exact start date for operations has not yet been finalized.
According to the report provided by Malaythong, the province welcomed a total 53,232 travelers including 16,881 international travelers and 36,351 domestic visitors from January to December, building on significant growth from the previous year over 10 percent, and gained income over LAK 58 billion (USD 2.6 million).
Vietnamese tourists topped the list of visitors, largely due to Vietnam sharing a border with Houaphanh province. China and Japan followed in the rankings. Officials anticipate even greater numbers as the peak tourist season extends into the coming year.
Houaphanh’s top travel destination is nestled in Viengxay district, celebrated for its Cherry Blossoms (Sakura). Designated as Houaphanh’s provincial flower in December 2022. Earlier, the province hosted its annual Sakura Festival between 22 to 24 December.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CHERRY-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-23 09:25:192025-01-10 09:26:55Houaphanh Province to Expand Flight Services Amid Tourism Boom in 2025
Laos-China Railway Expands Services for Chinese New Year Travelers
With the Chinese New Year approaching, the Laos-China Railway has rolled out special measures at the Bohan Railway Border, including expanded counter services and a lane for travelers, to manage the surge in passenger flow.
Starting from 13 January, the Bohan Railway Border has expanded its counter services and opened a dedicated lane for “People Returning Home During the Chinese New Year.” This special crossing prioritizes elderly travelers, pregnant women, children, and others needing extra assistance.
The lane was usually reserved for emergencies and now has been opened for the holiday season to help ease congestion. Additional measures, including “classified crossings” and “peak service windows,” have also been implemented to improve efficiency for all passengers.
In Vientiane, the Chinese New Year celebrations officially began on 15 January with an opening ceremony under the theme “Drinking from the Same River, Living in Harmony as One Family.” The event highlighted the cultural bond between Laos and China, with both the Chinese New Year and the Lao Lam Vong Dance recently recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
The following day, the arrival of the D87 train from Kunming to Vientiane marked the start of the Spring Festival cultural event along the China-Laos Railway.
Passengers experienced live performances by Chinese and Lao artists, turning the train journey into a lively cultural experience including traditional songs, dances, and festive activities, such as the sampling of Pu’er tea and Yunnan coffee.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/18/laos-china-railway-expands-services-for-chinese-new-year-travelers/
Houaphanh to Officially Recognize Tai Daeng Singing, Pa Bum Sauce as Cultural Heritage
Houaphanh Province will officially add Pa Bum sauce and Tai Daeng traditional singing as Cultural Heritage on 30 December, said the provincial governor.
Located in the northern part of Laos, Houaphanh Province shares borders with Vietnam, Xiengkhouang Province, and Luang Prabang to the west. The province is home to a wide variety of ethnic groups, including the Khmu, Hmong, Lao Theung, and Tai Daeng.
In Houaphanh, traditions passed down through generations remain deeply valued by the local communities. Residents actively preserve their cultural heritage as a symbol of identity, highlighting the importance of traditions like Tai Daeng singing and Pa Bum sauce, which truly represent Houaphanh to visiting tourists.
Pa Bum sauce
Pa Bum Sauce, also known as “Jeo Pa Bum Sam Neua,” is a traditional dish central to daily life in the region. The recipe, passed down through generations, includes fish, chilies, garlic, Sichuan pepper, and a variety of seasonings, all of which are combined and fermented in a jar or wrapped in a wooden stick.
The sauce is typically enjoyed with sticky rice and boiled vegetables like bamboo shoots, apple gourds, and cabbage, along with other staple Lao dishes.
Tai Daeng singing
Tai Daeng singing is a unique musical tradition of the Tai Daeng ethnic group, characterized by a harmonious blend of traditional Lao instruments such as the Khaen, flute, and pipe, alongside the human voice.
The music consists of four distinct types: Khub Oiy, Khub Aun, Khub Soy Vai, and Khub E Dou Num Nae. Each style has its own unique sound and method of performance, contributing to the region’s diverse musical heritage.
Tai Daeng singing is typically performed during important ceremonies, prayers, and traditional celebrations, such as weddings.
In a similar move to preserve cultural heritage, Houaphanh Province previously recognized the tradition of Khub Sam Neua and the knowledge of silk fabric weaving as local cultural heritage in a ceremony held on 23 November 2022.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/27/houaphanh-to-officially-recognize-tai-daeng-singing-pa-bum-sauce-as-cultural-heritage/
Houaphanh Province to Expand Flight Services Amid Tourism Boom in 2025
Starting January 2025, airlines are set to increase flights to Houaphanh province to accommodate the growing number of tourists.
On 26 December, Malaythong Bounyaxay, Head of the Houaphanh Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department reported that the tourism atmosphere in Houaphan Province is “very busy”
“The accommodation facilities in the province are full almost every day,” said Malaythong, adding that the flights from Vientiane to Houaphanh province are currently full.
“Therefore, there will be more flights from to Houaphanh province provided by Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, and Lanexang Airways to accommodate and satisfy the increasing number of tourists next year.”
Although confirming the increase in flights, the provincial tourism official noted that the exact start date for operations has not yet been finalized.
According to the report provided by Malaythong, the province welcomed a total 53,232 travelers including 16,881 international travelers and 36,351 domestic visitors from January to December, building on significant growth from the previous year over 10 percent, and gained income over LAK 58 billion (USD 2.6 million).
Vietnamese tourists topped the list of visitors, largely due to Vietnam sharing a border with Houaphanh province. China and Japan followed in the rankings. Officials anticipate even greater numbers as the peak tourist season extends into the coming year.
Houaphanh’s top travel destination is nestled in Viengxay district, celebrated for its Cherry Blossoms (Sakura). Designated as Houaphanh’s provincial flower in December 2022. Earlier, the province hosted its annual Sakura Festival between 22 to 24 December.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/26/houaphanh-province-to-expand-flight-services-amid-tourism-boom-in-2025/