,

Vat Phou Featured on National Geographic as Hidden Gem in Southeast Asia

Vat Phou, an ancient temple in Laos’ Champasack Province, has been featured in a National Geographic Travel article as a hidden gem for travelers seeking serenity, history, and beauty without the crowds. 

This UNESCO-listed site was praised for its “striking resemblance to Cambodia’s Angkor Wat” but with a quieter, more intimate experience.

In the article, the National Geographic draws attention to Vat Phou’s unique architectural and spiritual qualities, describing it as a “travel dupe” for Angkor Wat. While Cambodia’s iconic temple attracts some six million tourists a year, Vat Phou remains a relatively untouched site.

Background Similarities

Both temples were constructed during the Khmer Empire, which spanned from the 9th to 15th centuries, and share distinctive elements such as carved stone pillars and religious symbolism rooted in Hindu cosmology. 

However, the National Geographic article points out that their layout sets them apart. 

Angkor Wat features concentric enclosures symbolizing Mount Meru, the mythical center of the universe, while Vat Phou is laid out in a linear design along a one-mile raised causeway, leading visitors up a hillside to a sanctuary fed by a natural spring.

This ascending pathway, broken into seven stone terraces, was highlighted as a key reason for Vat Phou’s spiritual impact. 

The design allows travelers to experience a slow climb through sacred structures, culminating in a moss-covered shrine adorned with carvings of apsaras and Hindu deities. 

Originally housing a linga symbolizing the god Shiva, the shrine later came to feature a Buddha statue after the decline of the Khmer Empire in the 13th century.

History, Myth, Solitude Intertwined

National Geographic also pointed to Vat Phou’s setting as a distinguishing feature. 

The temple complex sits at the base of Lingaparvata, or Linga Mountain, named for its phallus-shaped peak associated with Shiva. 

Just four miles from the town of Champasak, with its architecture and riverside, Vat Phou is seen as easily accessible, providing a rare laid-back feeling.

The article also touched on the site’s mysterious origins. 

While its full history is still unclear, local legend says King Kammatha built the first sanctuary after mythical ogres demanded his daughter, Nong Sida. A small pavilion and hidden library named after the princess still stand nearby.

Annual Celebration Embracing the Tradition of Vat Phou Festival

Beyond its archaeological significance, the temple continues to serve as a spiritual center and a gathering place for celebration.

Vat Phou is revered by many Lao people as a sacred site believed to possess protective powers. It continues to serve as a destination for worship and cultural tourism.

Each year, Champasack Province hosts the Vat Phou Festival to celebrate the temple’s legacy. The festival featured a wide variety of traditional and casual activities, catering to both local and international visitors.

According to the National Geographic, it’s the combination of history, mythology, and near-complete solitude that makes Vat Phou one of the region’s most underrated sacred sites.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/04/vat-phou-spotlighted-on-national-geographic-travel-for-its-angkhor-wat-resemblance/

,

Xayabouly Province Home for 220 Registered Domestic Elephants

Xayabouly Province is currently home to 220 registered domestic elephants. Of these, 143 are actively working within the province, while the others are active in different areas outside the province, Kenthao district deputy governor Somsy Saophila noted during a meeting on 3 July.

Domestic elephants are elephants raised by humans for various purposes, such as transportation, farming, or performances. They are considered the direct property of their owners and must be legally registered, which includes creating a ‘photo ticket’ that records the elephant’s details.

In addition to the domestic elephants, approximately 80 to 100 wild elephants live in Nam Pui National Park, which spans three districts in the province: Phieng, Pak Lai, and Thongmixay, Somsy added.

Registered elephants are officially counted and monitored by authorities and benefit from government and conservation programs, such as those led by the Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Xayabouly. 

The ECC provides welfare, breeding, and veterinary care, particularly for elephants handed over by government order or rescued from illegal trade.

These registered elephants also play a central role in the province’s annual elephant festival, which promotes both conservation and cultural heritage. 

During the meeting, authorities evaluated the implementation of an elephant management and conservation agreement, emphasizing the important role elephants have in local communities and the need for their ongoing protection.

The Thursday gathering aimed  to encourage collaboration and gather insights to ensure the agreement’s effective enforcement.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Laos, the country, once known as “Lane Xang” or “Land of a Million Elephants”, now has only between 500 and 1,000 elephants left, about one-third of the population recorded two decades ago. 

WWF also warned that around 10 elephants die each year for every one to two born, placing the species at risk of disappearing entirely from Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/04/xayabouly-province-home-for-220-registered-domestic-elephants/

,

Doi Ka Noi’s Final Dish: How a Lao Chef’s Cookbook Became Her Greatest Legacy

Doi Ka Noi, a renowned Lao restaurant in Vientiane Capital known for its ever-changing seasonal menu and commitment to authentic Lao recipes, closed permanently on 13 May. 

The decision followed the unexpected passing of its chef and owner, Ponpailin ‘Noi’ Kaewduangdee, aged 45.

The closure came just months after Asia’s 50 Best named Doi Ka Noi, the 86th best restaurant on the continent – the first Lao restaurant ever to be featured. Noi had recently attended the glittering awards ceremony in Seoul, Korea.

A Lasting Legacy in Print

photo credit: Mick Shippen

Before her passing, Chef Noi collaborated with her husband, British writer and photographer Mick Shippen, to publish a deeply personal cookbook, A Child of the Rice Fields: Recipes from Noi’s Lao Kitchen, in late 2024. The 500-page volume not only showcases traditional Lao recipes but also tells the story of a chef devoted to preserving her culinary heritage.

In June, the cookbook was honored at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Lisbon, Portugal, an event often described as the Olympics of food publishing. 

Every year, the awards honor the best food and wine culture books, printed or digital, as well as food television. A Child of the Rice Fields: Recipes from Noi’s Lao Kitchen took first place for “Best Asian Cookbook”, competing against hundreds of entries from around the globe. 

The book was also named runner-up in the “Best Cookbook in the World” category and fourth in the “Food Heroes” category, which celebrates individuals who safeguard culinary traditions.

“Thank you, Noi and Mick, for this 500-page tribute to the heart and soul of Lao cuisine,” said Edouard Cointreau, President and Founder of the Gourmand Awards. 

“The world truly needed this passionate, generous, and beautifully illustrated guide that welcomes readers into Lao food with authenticity and elegance. From beloved everyday dishes to bold and adventurous recipes, your book shares Noi’s exceptional knowledge with clarity, depth, and heartfelt care. The fact that such an impressive work is self-published makes this achievement all the more extraordinary in the world of cookbooks.”

Food as Cultural Memory

Noi’s culinary philosophy was rooted in family, seasonality, and discovery. 

Many of her dishes were inspired by authentic Lao recipes passed down from her grandmother or gathered during her travels to remote Lao villages. At Doi Ka Noi, her constantly evolving menus reflected this philosophy, celebrating whatever seasonal ingredients were freshest at local markets.

photo credit: Mick Shippen

She was also the first and only Lao member of the Slow Food movement, which is dedicated to preventing the disappearance of local food cultures and traditions. Noi had also been involved in projects creating nutritious recipes to help improve the health of children in Laos.

Mick told the Gourmand Awards audience in Lisbon, “I am so proud, but heartbroken she was not with me to hear the praise and adoration for our work.”

He also vowed to continue her legacy and complete two other books they had begun together, one on the ethnic foods of Northern Laos and another on the fruits, vegetables, and foraged foods found in markets in Laos. 

“We have completed more than half of the recipes for the Northern Laos book, and although finishing it without Noi will be a difficult and emotional task, I need to do it for her. Noi’s unexpected death at such an early age is a tragedy. When she passed away, a huge amount of knowledge was lost. We had so much more planned over the coming years to ensure Lao culinary culture was preserved and promoted.”

Global Recognition for Lao Cuisine

The impact of A Child of the Rice Fields continues to grow. British celebrity chef Nigella Lawson said, “It’s a big, beautiful, lovingly created book: a feast for the curious cook and a comprehensive and intimately authoritative primer on a fascinating culinary culture.”

A Child of the Rice Fields is the most comprehensive cookery book that captures the depth and diversity of Lao flavors, significantly contributing to the safeguarding of the nation’s culinary heritage. 

“Noi, through her restaurant and book, did more than anyone to promote Lao food internationally. Over the last few weeks, I have received hundreds of messages from people around the world expressing their sadness and recalling fond memories of her and dining at Doi Ka Noi. The book has been sent to countries as diverse as Australia, Poland, Switzerland, Mexico, Taiwan, Japan, and Belgium. The recognition and accolades at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards are also a huge validation of her impact. If interest in Lao food continues to grow around the world, it will be largely due to Noi. That fills me with pride, but also breaks my heart that she is not here to see how important she was,” Mick said.

Her work continues to reach new audiences worldwide. The cookbook is available for purchase in Laos through Doi Ka Noi’s Facebook page and in the US through the specialist bookshop Kitchen Arts & Letters, ensuring that Noi’s life’s work, sharing the stories and spirit of Lao cuisine, continues to reach kitchens and hearts around the world, one dish, one story, and one reader at a time.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/01/doi-ka-nois-final-dish-how-a-lao-chefs-cookbook-became-her-greatest-legacy/

,

Tourism Fuels Revenue Surge in Luang Prabang in Five Months of 2025

Luang Prabang earned nearly LAK 700 billion (USD 32 million) in the first five months of 2025, with tourism playing a significant role, said Khammouane Khambounme, Head of the Provincial Tax Department.

The province now aims to attract more visitors throughout the remainder of the year through improved tax management strategies. 

According to Khammouane, most of the revenue came from the tourism sector, including attractions, hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants.

Due to these factors, the province exceeded its revenue target by reaching 60.2 percent of the annual goal, equivalent to LAK 691 billion. This amount includes both tax and asset-related income, which will be reinvested into further developing the tourism sector. 

Authorities are now promoting digital tax systems such as TaxRis, an online tax administration platform, by encouraging businesses to register, submit reports online, and adopt the value-added tax (VAT) system. Legal awareness and tax regulations are being actively shared with both public and private sectors to ensure compliance.

To reach the goal of collecting an additional LAK 466 billion (USD 21,49 million) in the remaining months of the year, the province has developed new measures and strategies to expand tax and asset revenue. The focus will be on increasing transparency and accountability.

In 2024, Luang Prabang welcomed over 2,3 million tourists more than double its original target, boosting GDP to LAK 3,989 billion (approximately USD 183 million).

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/07/01/tourism-fuels-revenue-surge-in-luang-prabang-in-five-months-of-2025/

,

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as a key initiative to boost regional travel and connectivity.

Held under the theme “United Journey – Stronger Together,” the forum brought together tourism officials and business leaders from Laos, Cambodia, China, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam to discuss ways to improve cross-border travel.

A key session was the first Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Private Sector Workshop on 25 June, which focused on strengthening regional connectivity through initiatives such as the ARTC.

The ARTC aims to link major cities, including  Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Nong Khai, Vientiane, and Boten, through upgraded rail systems and streamlined immigration processes to make travel across Southeast Asia more efficient.

Phase 1 of the project (2024–2029) will focus on infrastructure readiness, border coordination, and intergovernmental collaboration. It builds on existing networks like the Laos–China Railway and the Laos–Thailand rail link, which have already enhanced mobility in the region.

By expanding these connections, the ARTC is expected to drive tourism growth and support more sustainable, inclusive development across the Greater Mekong Subregion.

The forum also introduced the GMS Tourism Strategy 2030, a regional framework designed to encourage high-quality, sustainable tourism and help the region recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The strategy prioritizes development in lesser-known destinations and aims to distribute tourism benefits more evenly.

MTF 2025 concluded with the announcement that Myanmar as the next host of the forum in 2026.

Local Experiences and Regional Recovery in Focus

Alongside the main sessions, a tourism exhibition showcased cultural products, local food, and community-based travel experiences, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing Department at Laos’s Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, emphasized the importance of visitors from neighboring countries and said he hopes the forum will help increase tourist arrivals and strengthen regional ties.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/27/asean-rail-tourism-corridor-takes-center-stage-at-mekong-tourism-forum-2025/

,

Heritage Stupa in Savannakhet Restoration Enters Second Phase

Ing Hang Stupa, a religious monument and national heritage site in Savannakhet Province, is undergoing restoration, with the first phase already completed and the second phase about to begin.

The Department of Information, Culture and Tourism of Savannakhet Province is leading the restoration. The team completed the first phase on 16 June, having started on 11. Their survey revealed several cracks and holes in the stupa’s structure.

During this period, repair crews sealed the damaged areas and cleaned off long-accumulated dirt to prevent water seepage during the rainy season.

The second phase will focus on fixing larger cracks.

Restoration teams plan to follow conservation standards by preserving the stupa’s original materials and design. Before moving forward, experts will collect and analyze material samples to guide the next stage of repairs.

Funding for the project comes from the temple’s own budget, public donations, and contributions from the community. The team also plans to add decorative lighting around the temple grounds to enhance its appearance.

To improve the visitor experience, the Provincial Tourism Department has organized dedicated shop spaces and parking areas.

Although a plan for the second phase is already in place, the start and end dates remain uncertain.

The project, which aims to preserve the site’s cultural value and improve tourism infrastructure, will continue in multiple stages.

Dating back to the 16th century and standing about nine meters tall, Ing Hang Stupa remains one of Savannakhet’s most important cultural and spiritual landmarks.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/20/heritage-stupa-in-savannakhet-restoration-enters-second-phase/

,

LOCA Launches Green Bond to Boost EV Use in Laos

LOCA, the Lao-grown ride-hailing and electric mobility startup, has announced the extension of its current fundraising round through the issuance of a USD 2.5 million Green Bond. 

This new funding is expected to accelerate LOCA’s vision to transform urban transportation in Laos through the adoption of electric mobility and sustainable infrastructure. 

The Green Bond issuance and sale will be facilitated by the three securities companies including BCEL-KT Securities Company Limited, LDB Securities Sole Company Limited and Lao-China Securities Public Company.

Proceeds from the Green Bond will be used to expand LOCA’s nationwide EV charging infrastructure, including an innovative program to revive defunct gas stations into EV-friendly charging and community hubs 

In addition, part of the funding will go toward the rapid expansion of LOCA MINI, an affordable, 100 percent electric taxi fleet aimed at delivering safe, low-cost, and efficient on-demand transportation for city dwellers.

Soulisak Thamnuvong, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Laos said that this represents a significant milestone for the Lao capital market, particularly the issuance of green bonds. 

He emphasized that it plays a vital role in fundraising for various entities and provides diverse investment opportunities linked to environmental business practices. This development is important for the country’s economic growth and for reducing emissions. 

“We’ve already secured a committed investment in our earlier round, but we’re extending this round to push our 2035 vision forward—now targeting success by 2030,” said Souliyo Vongdala, Co-Founder and CEO of LOCA.

“There isn’t yet a serious player who truly believes EV vision for Laos, so we have no choice but to move forward and commit ourselves to pioneering this transition. We’ve done it before with ride-hailing—helping grow an entire market—and we’re ready to do it again for electric mobility. Our hope is that by leading the way, others will follow, creating a thriving industry and more opportunities for the people of Laos”

Since its inception in 2018, LOCA has grown into the first and largest ride-hailing platform in Laos, with over 1,000 active drivers, 90 percent of whom now operate EVs. Originally aiming to become a 100 percent EV fleet by 2030, LOCA is now on track to reach that goal five years early.

“LOCA is not only growing rapidly but doing so profitably and responsibly,” said Phonepasong Mixab, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of LOCA.

“With a strong team, innovative technology, and a proven business model, we’re confident that this round will bring excellent returns to investors—while also creating real, lasting impact for the Lao people.”

The Lao EV market has seen exponential growth, with four-wheel BEV registrations rising from 1,414 in 2022 to over 5,100 in 2024, and projections showing 8,000+ by 2025 and 15,000 per year by 2030. LOCA’s EV charging infrastructure has already served more than 8,000 unique vehicles, effectively supporting nearly 100 percent of Laos’ BEV drivers, both taxi operators and private owners.

EV drivers in Laos are now saving over 70 percent in fuel costs compared to gasoline, making the switch not only environmentally responsible but also economically smart. Combined with falling EV prices, the adoption rate is only expected to accelerate.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/12/loca-launches-green-bond-to-boost-ev-use-in-laos/

,

Laos Sees 1.2 Million Tourist Arrivals in Q1 2025, Up 28 Percent from Previous Year

Laos welcomed over 1.2 million tourists in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 28 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw around 1.1 million visitors. 

According to the government’s Tourist Arrivals to Laos by Month report, domestic tourism also rose by 4.8 percent, with more than 774,000 local travellers recorded from January to March 2025.

Thailand led the list of international source markets with 364,474 visitors, a 5 percent rise over last year. China followed with 330,531 visitors, reflecting a strong 36 percent increase, while Vietnam contributed 281,911 tourists, up 7 percent year-on-year.

Other ASEAN and Asia-Pacific countries made up 9 percent of total arrivals. South Korea recorded a decline, sending 75,512 visitors, a drop of 29 percent. In contrast, Japan and Australia saw increases, with 10,176 visitors (up 8 percent) and 7,554 visitors (up 19 percent), respectively.

Visitor numbers from Europe grew by 20 percent to reach 104,270. France topped the European list with 22,907 tourists (up 13 percent), followed by Russia with 19,754 (a significant 67 percent rise), and the United Kingdom with 16,360 (up 15 percent).

Tourists from the Americas also rose by 11 percent, totalling 39,772 visitors. The United States led the region, contributing 28,975 travellers, an increase of 14 percent compared to the previous year.

In comparison, Laos saw 1,131,902 international arrivals during the first quarter of 2024. 

Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and the United States were the top five sources of visitors. Europe contributed 84,788 tourists, the Americas 35,191, and Africa and the Middle East a combined total of 2,539.

From other regions, Europe contributed 84,788 tourists, the Americas 35,191, and Africa and the Middle East a combined 2,539. 

Last year’s tourism success was supported by the “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign, which showcased the nation’s culture, traditions, and travel experiences, attracting a strong backpacker market.

To build on this momentum, the Lao government plans to expand tourism offerings in 2025 by developing new attractions in Xieng Khouang and Vang Vieng provinces.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/11/laos-sees-1-2-million-tourist-arrivals-in-q1-2025-up-28-percent-from-previous-year/

,

Eight Companies Vie to Renovate Luang Prabang International Airport

On 3 June, seven international and one local company submitted preliminary qualification documents for the Luang Prabang International Airport Improvement and Development Project, a public-private partnership (PPP) initiative to operate, upgrade, and expand the airport. 

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will evaluate the submissions according to the criteria set out in the Request for Qualification (RFQ). It will soon announce which companies have passed the full qualification assessment. 

RFQ is a pre-screening document used to evaluate the capabilities and experience of potential vendors or suppliers before inviting them to submit a full proposal or bid. It emphasizes qualifications and past performance rather than pricing, helping to identify those best suited for the project.

This initiative aims to renovate Laos’s second busiest international airport, enhancing regional connectivity and supporting the growth of the tourism industry both locally and regionally.

The companies submitting documents include China National Aerospace Engineering Technology Corporation (CAIEC) from China, Jalux Inc from Japan, Yunnan Infrastructure Investment Co., Ltd from China, Limak from Turkey, China Road and Bridge Corporation from China, Korea Airports Corporation from South Korea, Muhiban Engineering (M) BHD from Malaysia, and Phongsavanh Group from Laos.

Van Dilaphan, Director General of the Department of Planning and Finance at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, said the ministry will carefully review all pre-qualification documents and then announce the qualified bidders who will proceed to the next stage, submitting detailed technical and financial proposals. 

She emphasized that this step brings the project closer to transforming Luang Prabang International Airport into a modern gateway that will drive national infrastructure development and boost the country’s tourism sector.

The submission of preliminary qualification documents is the second phase following the Expression of Interest (EOI) stage. The ministry plans to invite qualified companies to submit their full proposals by the end of June 2025, with the open competitive bidding process expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

The project is a government priority focused on upgrading airport operations to foster tourism growth and improve regional connectivity in Laos and the broader region. 

Luang Prabang International Airport serves as the main gateway to the city of Luang Prabang in northern Laos. 

The airport underwent major upgrades in 2013 with the opening of a new terminal to accommodate growing tourism and rising international traffic. Located just 4 kilometers from the city center, it remains easily accessible for travelers.

It features a single asphalt runway and a terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. With a capacity of around 1.5 million passengers per year, the airport offers essential amenities such as restaurants, shops, and visa-on-arrival services.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/07/eight-companies-vie-to-renovate-luang-prabang-international-airport/

,

LOCA Drives Change: Ride with Safety, Sustainability, and Smart Mobility

LOCA, a homegrown ride-hailing startup from Laos, is raising the bar for safety, sustainability, and digital convenience in the country’s transport sector.

Built with a strong focus on passenger protection, LOCA ensures that every driver on the platform passes a mandatory in-person exam and training session, along with a comprehensive background check. 

To further protect its users, LOCA includes insurance coverage for every ride, offering up to LAK 500 million (around USD 53,000) in case of any unforeseen accidents, covering both customers and drivers.

Founded in 2018, LOCA has quickly grown to become a trusted mobility platform, setting itself apart through a strict driver onboard process, compliance, innovation, and a deep commitment to user safety and service quality.

With a growing reputation among international visitors, LOCA has become the most trusted transportation platform for more than 400,000 tourists traveling in Laos. One of the key reasons for this trust is the company’s 24/7 human call center, providing real-time support and peace of mind to riders.

Additionally, LOCA remains the only ride-hailing service in the market that allows direct credit card payments for bookings, eliminating the need for cash and creating a smooth, hassle-free travel experience.

According to LOCA CEO Souliyo Vongdala, the company places a strong priority on safety and tax compliance, ensuring that all stakeholders—from drivers to government agencies—can benefit from the platform’s growth. 

To promote transparency, LOCA clearly states how each trip supports national development: drivers on the platform pay a 5 percent income tax, while the company pays 10 percent value-added tax (VAT) and 20 percent profit tax. This ensures that every ride not only supports the driver and company but also contributes to public revenue and national infrastructure.

Beyond safety and compliance, LOCA is leading the way in the country’s electric vehicle transition. The company currently has over 1,000 active drivers, with approximately 90% of them operating fully electric vehicles. This shift aligns with LOCA’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility and reducing the nation’s reliance on fossil fuels.

LOCA’s efforts are further backed by heavy investment in EV infrastructure. As of today, LOCA has built and operates 47 fast-charging stations across Laos, making it the country’s largest EV charging network. These stations are not limited to Vientiane Capital but extend nationwide, supporting the growing number of EV drivers and helping pave the way toward a cleaner, greener Laos. 

Every ride with LOCA is more than just a trip—it’s a contribution to safer transport, fair economic participation, and the national transition toward green mobility. By choosing LOCA, customers are directly supporting local drivers, a responsible Lao company, and the government through tax contributions, while also playing an active role in building a more sustainable future for Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/06/06/loca-drives-change-ride-with-safety-sustainability-and-smart-mobility/