On 12 December, Seno Grilled Chicken was officially recognized by Savannakhet authorities, becoming a new symbol of the central Lao province.
It all started in the early 1990s at a bus stop in Outhoomphone district, where Sing Souliyed and his family set up a small grill to sell their marinated, smoky grilled chicken to weary travelers. Little did they know, their venture would ignite a culinary legacy.
What started as a simple venture, with just a few skewers sizzling over charcoal, gradually grew into a local sensation, attracting customers from across the district and beyond.
By the early 2000s, around 20 shops had joined the trade, and by 2015, that number had more than doubled. Seno Grilled Chicken had become a must-try dish, with its rich, smoky flavor capturing the hearts of all who tasted it.
In 2017, the Pingkaiseno Association, recognizing the product’s growing reputation and rising customer expectations, set out to secure official recognition for the dish. Their efforts paid off when Seno Grilled Chicken was granted the national ODOP trademark, an endorsement of its quality, hygiene, and market standards.
Keodavan Manivong, owner and operator of Pingkaiseno Shop in Vientiane Capital who is a member of the Seno Grilled Chicken Association, shared her thoughts on the recognition and its impact on local businesses.
“Our shop has been open for around 8 years. We use 100 percent fresh hens from Seno. These chickens are naturally raised by villagers, which give them a unique taste. Grilled chicken is the star of our menu,” she said.
“Joining the Seno Grilled Chicken Association has helped us promote our shop. This recognition also offers an opportunity for local parents to build careers and support each other in improving their businesses.”
The certificate was presented at a formal ceremony held at the district’s Association Club. Speaking at the event, Ratsami Souliyo, President of Pingkaiseno Association, highlighted the product’s growth over the decades. What began as a family operation expanded into a community effort, with more families joining the trade.
Ratsami emphasized that the ODOP certification not only boosts customer confidence but also motivates vendors to uphold consistent quality and hygiene practices.
Today, the association boasts 52 member shops, each selling at least 20 grilled chickens daily, with total sales reaching between 1,200 and 1,500 chickens per day.
With official recognition, Seno Grilled Chicken has cemented its status as a symbol of community pride and tradition in Savannakhet, bringing people together one skewer at a time.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/chicken.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-14 09:08:252025-01-10 09:09:55Seno Grilled Chicken Earns Official Recognition as Savannakhet’s New Symbol
Laos has earned renewed global recognition with the recent addition of the Fonelamvong dance to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 5 December. This honor adds to the growing list of Lao landmarks already recognized by UNESCO.
Among the listed sites are the Plain of Jars, an archaeological wonder in Xiengkhouang Province, and the town of Luang Prabang. However, Laos’ list of intangible heritage extends beyond these landmarks.
Fonelamvong
Laos’ traditional “Fonelamvong” dance was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list on 5 December.
This community dance, involving men and women forming circles and moving counterclockwise in repeated eight-step cycles, was originally a village tradition. Today, it is performed at weddings, cultural events, and taught in schools. The dance symbolizes Lao identity, culture, and unity, strengthening social bonds across generations.
Lao Naga motif
On 6 December 2023, Lao Naga motif Waving was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Lao women weave Naga designs into traditional skirts, symbolizing protection and strength.
The Naga motif tells cultural stories and reflects the identity of the Lao people.
The Plain of Jars
In addition to the cultural inscriptions, Laos’ Plain of Jars, located in Xiangkhouang Province, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in July 2019. The site, famous for its more than 2,100 megalithic stone jars believed to have been used in funerary practices, dates back to the Iron Age (500 BCE – 800 CE).
This addition marked Laos’ third World Heritage Site, following the historic town of Luang Prabang and the ancient Vat Phou temple. The announcement was made in July 2019 at the 43rd World Heritage Committee session in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Khaen
In December 2017, the traditional Khaen music of Laos, a crucial part of Lao culture, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Khaen is a traditional instrument integral to Lao music, and its inclusion highlights the importance of safeguarding cultural practices that are in need of urgent protection. This decision was made during the UNESCO 2003 Convention in Jeju, South Korea, with 24 members electing to preserve the practice.
Luang Prabang
UNESCO celebrates the town of Luang Prabang as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.” It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list on 9 December 1995.
Vat Phou
In 2001, UNESCO also added Vat Phou to its list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient temple site is located in southern Laos, Champassak Province, and was a part of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. . Designed to symbolize the relationship between humankind and nature, the temple’s construction is centered around an axis that reflects the spiritual and architectural harmony of the time.
Ongoing Efforts for Global Recognition
Beyond these recent additions, Laos continues its efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. In 2023, Laos submitted a proposal for the Baci ceremony, a traditional ritual that involves the “calling of the soul” using white cotton strings tied around the wrists to promote well-being. The Baci ceremony is practiced during important occasions, including weddings, housewarming events, and recoveries from illness.
Additionally, Laos is working to submit the Sao Hin Tang, a group of ancient stone pillars in Houaphanh Province, for consideration as a cultural World Heritage Site. The government has also put forward the Nakai Nam Theun National Park in Khammouan Province as a candidate for inscription as a natural World Heritage Site.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lamvong-dance-is-performed-to-welcome-Lao-New-Year.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-13 16:32:202025-01-10 09:07:56Laos Expands UNESCO Legacy with New Cultural Inscriptions
Laos has officially ended its visa exemption and extended stay policy for several countries, which were specifically introduced during Visit Laos Year 2024. Starting 1 January, tourists will need to follow standard visa regulations.
The Immigration Police Department has instructed all international immigration checkpoints, Vientiane Capital Police Headquarters, and provincial police offices to revert to pre-2024 visa rules, including 30-day visas on arrival and embassy-issued visas.
The special visa exemptions, which were in effect from 1 July to 31 December, included free visas for Chinese travelers and visa-free entry for tourists from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan for up to 15 days, provided they were booked through accredited travel agencies.
Also, other visitors from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and eight European nations were allowed to stay for up to 60 days, an increase from the usual 30 days.
Multiple-entry visas were available through Lao embassies or consulates, while single-entry visas could be obtained online or at immigration offices.
Tourists from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece could travel visa-free for up to 15 days. Thai and Vietnamese travelers with a “Border Pass” or “Temporary Border Pass” were also granted a ten-day stay, an increase from the original three days.
The government will review the policy’s outcomes and continue to explore ways to enhance tourism. Tourists planning to visit Laos in 2025 should check standard visa requirements and entry regulations in advance.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Laos-Ends-Visa-Special-Exemption-Policy-After-Visit-Laos-Year-2024.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-01-11 09:32:002025-01-10 09:33:24Laos Ends Visa Special Exemption Policy After Visit Laos Year 2024
Seno Grilled Chicken Earns Official Recognition as Savannakhet’s New Symbol
On 12 December, Seno Grilled Chicken was officially recognized by Savannakhet authorities, becoming a new symbol of the central Lao province.
It all started in the early 1990s at a bus stop in Outhoomphone district, where Sing Souliyed and his family set up a small grill to sell their marinated, smoky grilled chicken to weary travelers. Little did they know, their venture would ignite a culinary legacy.
What started as a simple venture, with just a few skewers sizzling over charcoal, gradually grew into a local sensation, attracting customers from across the district and beyond.
By the early 2000s, around 20 shops had joined the trade, and by 2015, that number had more than doubled. Seno Grilled Chicken had become a must-try dish, with its rich, smoky flavor capturing the hearts of all who tasted it.
In 2017, the Pingkaiseno Association, recognizing the product’s growing reputation and rising customer expectations, set out to secure official recognition for the dish. Their efforts paid off when Seno Grilled Chicken was granted the national ODOP trademark, an endorsement of its quality, hygiene, and market standards.
Keodavan Manivong, owner and operator of Pingkaiseno Shop in Vientiane Capital who is a member of the Seno Grilled Chicken Association, shared her thoughts on the recognition and its impact on local businesses.
“Our shop has been open for around 8 years. We use 100 percent fresh hens from Seno. These chickens are naturally raised by villagers, which give them a unique taste. Grilled chicken is the star of our menu,” she said.
“Joining the Seno Grilled Chicken Association has helped us promote our shop. This recognition also offers an opportunity for local parents to build careers and support each other in improving their businesses.”
The certificate was presented at a formal ceremony held at the district’s Association Club. Speaking at the event, Ratsami Souliyo, President of Pingkaiseno Association, highlighted the product’s growth over the decades. What began as a family operation expanded into a community effort, with more families joining the trade.
Ratsami emphasized that the ODOP certification not only boosts customer confidence but also motivates vendors to uphold consistent quality and hygiene practices.
Today, the association boasts 52 member shops, each selling at least 20 grilled chickens daily, with total sales reaching between 1,200 and 1,500 chickens per day.
With official recognition, Seno Grilled Chicken has cemented its status as a symbol of community pride and tradition in Savannakhet, bringing people together one skewer at a time.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/19/seno-grilled-chicken-earns-official-recognition-as-savannakhets-new-symbol/
Laos Expands UNESCO Legacy with New Cultural Inscriptions
Laos has earned renewed global recognition with the recent addition of the Fonelamvong dance to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on 5 December. This honor adds to the growing list of Lao landmarks already recognized by UNESCO.
Among the listed sites are the Plain of Jars, an archaeological wonder in Xiengkhouang Province, and the town of Luang Prabang. However, Laos’ list of intangible heritage extends beyond these landmarks.
Fonelamvong
Laos’ traditional “Fonelamvong” dance was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list on 5 December.
This community dance, involving men and women forming circles and moving counterclockwise in repeated eight-step cycles, was originally a village tradition. Today, it is performed at weddings, cultural events, and taught in schools. The dance symbolizes Lao identity, culture, and unity, strengthening social bonds across generations.
Lao Naga motif
On 6 December 2023, Lao Naga motif Waving was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Lao women weave Naga designs into traditional skirts, symbolizing protection and strength.
The Naga motif tells cultural stories and reflects the identity of the Lao people.
The Plain of Jars
In addition to the cultural inscriptions, Laos’ Plain of Jars, located in Xiangkhouang Province, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list in July 2019. The site, famous for its more than 2,100 megalithic stone jars believed to have been used in funerary practices, dates back to the Iron Age (500 BCE – 800 CE).
This addition marked Laos’ third World Heritage Site, following the historic town of Luang Prabang and the ancient Vat Phou temple. The announcement was made in July 2019 at the 43rd World Heritage Committee session in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Khaen
In December 2017, the traditional Khaen music of Laos, a crucial part of Lao culture, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The Khaen is a traditional instrument integral to Lao music, and its inclusion highlights the importance of safeguarding cultural practices that are in need of urgent protection. This decision was made during the UNESCO 2003 Convention in Jeju, South Korea, with 24 members electing to preserve the practice.
Luang Prabang
UNESCO celebrates the town of Luang Prabang as “an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries.” It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list on 9 December 1995.
Vat Phou
In 2001, UNESCO also added Vat Phou to its list of World Heritage Sites. This ancient temple site is located in southern Laos, Champassak Province, and was a part of the Khmer Empire in the 10th century. . Designed to symbolize the relationship between humankind and nature, the temple’s construction is centered around an axis that reflects the spiritual and architectural harmony of the time.
Ongoing Efforts for Global Recognition
Beyond these recent additions, Laos continues its efforts to preserve and promote its cultural heritage. In 2023, Laos submitted a proposal for the Baci ceremony, a traditional ritual that involves the “calling of the soul” using white cotton strings tied around the wrists to promote well-being. The Baci ceremony is practiced during important occasions, including weddings, housewarming events, and recoveries from illness.
Additionally, Laos is working to submit the Sao Hin Tang, a group of ancient stone pillars in Houaphanh Province, for consideration as a cultural World Heritage Site. The government has also put forward the Nakai Nam Theun National Park in Khammouan Province as a candidate for inscription as a natural World Heritage Site.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/12/16/laos-expands-unesco-legacy-with-new-cultural-inscriptions/
Laos Ends Visa Special Exemption Policy After Visit Laos Year 2024
Laos has officially ended its visa exemption and extended stay policy for several countries, which were specifically introduced during Visit Laos Year 2024. Starting 1 January, tourists will need to follow standard visa regulations.
The Immigration Police Department has instructed all international immigration checkpoints, Vientiane Capital Police Headquarters, and provincial police offices to revert to pre-2024 visa rules, including 30-day visas on arrival and embassy-issued visas.
The special visa exemptions, which were in effect from 1 July to 31 December, included free visas for Chinese travelers and visa-free entry for tourists from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan for up to 15 days, provided they were booked through accredited travel agencies.
Also, other visitors from countries like Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and eight European nations were allowed to stay for up to 60 days, an increase from the usual 30 days.
Multiple-entry visas were available through Lao embassies or consulates, while single-entry visas could be obtained online or at immigration offices.
Tourists from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece could travel visa-free for up to 15 days. Thai and Vietnamese travelers with a “Border Pass” or “Temporary Border Pass” were also granted a ten-day stay, an increase from the original three days.
The government will review the policy’s outcomes and continue to explore ways to enhance tourism. Tourists planning to visit Laos in 2025 should check standard visa requirements and entry regulations in advance.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/06/laos-ends-visa-special-exemption-policy-after-visit-laos-year-2024/