Laos is set to launch its first wind farm, and the largest in Southeast Asia, by the end of the year, with all 133 turbines now fully installed.
The 600-megawatt Monsoon Wind Project, valued at USD 930 million, spans 68,000 hectares across Dak Cheung district in Sekong province and Sanxay district in Attapeu Province. It is the region’s first cross-border wind energy initiative.
Electricity generated will be exported to Vietnam under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Vietnam Electricity (EVN), delivered through a 500-kilovolt transmission line.
The project is being developed by Impact Energy Asia Development Co., Ltd., which first signed a memorandum of understanding with the Lao government in 2011 to evaluate its feasibility. It officially moved forward in 2022 after receiving a concession agreement, and now operates under Monsoon Wind Power Company Limited.
ACEN, the Ayala Group’s renewable energy platform, announced the completion of turbine installation on 19 May. The company holds a 25 percent economic interest in the joint venture, which began construction in March 2023.
The wind farm features turbines with tower heights of 140 and 110 meters, placed based on wind data collected over an eight-year period from 2015 to 2023.
Thailand is falling behind in the race for sustainable tourism, industry leaders warned at the Thailand Tourism Forum 2025, held on 7 May in Bangkok.
Alisara Sivayathorn, CEO of Sivatel Bangkok Hotel, pointed to a troubling statistic: fewer than 1 percent of hotels in Thailand currently meet international sustainability standards.
The forum, “Will Travellers Pay for a Better World? Rethinking Value in Responsible Tourism,” spotlighted the growing demand for eco-conscious travel and the need for the Thai tourism sector to catch up.
Speakers emphasized that responsible tourism is no longer a niche trend but a global expectation, especially as regulators, particularly in Europe, begin to tighten requirements.
Sustainable tourism spans four main pillars: sustainable management, socio-economic impact, cultural preservation, and environmental protection. These principles guide efforts to cut pollution, conserve biodiversity, and use resources responsibly.
But despite mounting international pressure, progress in Thailand remains slow. According to the Siam Commercial Bank Economic Intelligence Center, just 109 hotels nationwide have achieved certification aligned with global sustainability benchmarks. That represents less than 1 percent of the country’s hotel stock.
The consequences are becoming more immediate. As booking platforms and AI-driven tools increasingly prioritize certified properties, hotels that fail to meet standards risk being sidelined from lucrative segments like business travel and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions).
Public Interest Grows, but Businesses Lag Behind
Despite the lack of readiness among businesses, Thai travelers themselves are becoming more environmentally aware. Between 2024 and 2025, online conversations around plastic reduction and waste management surged, appearing in more than 6,800 social media posts with over 1.2 million engagements.
Surveys show that 65 percent of Thai tourists say they are willing to pay more for sustainable travel experiences, and 62 percent would pay extra specifically to avoid single-use plastics. Still, affordability remains a key factor. Many consumers continue to choose cheaper, less sustainable options when eco-friendly alternatives are inconvenient or unavailable.
Laos Makes Strides Toward Certification
While Thailand struggles to meet benchmarks, neighboring Laos is being recognized on the global stage.
In March, Luang Prabang won third place in the Green Destinations Top 100 Story Awards for “Destination Management” at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin. The award recognized the city’s achievements in sustainable visitor management and post-crisis recovery.
Now, Luang Prabang is taking the next step. On 15 May, officials held a consultation at the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism to prepare for Green Destination certification.
Soudaphone Khomthavong, head of the department, called on stakeholders to offer input to strengthen the application. Certification would elevate the city’s global standing and reinforce its World Heritage credentials.
Tourism remains a key pillar of the local economy. In the past year alone, more than 2.3 million domestic and international visitors traveled to Luang Prabang, generating over USD 1.2 billion in revenue. Top attractions include Kuangsi Waterfall, Mount Phousi, Wat Xieng Thong, and the popular night market.
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Luang Prabang is taking steps to further enhance its tourism sector by exploring the possibility of receiving the prestigious Tourism Destination Award from the Green Destinations Organization.
The Green Destinations Organization supports sustainable tourism by recognizing cities and countries that meet key criteria, including environmental protection, support for local communities, and responsible travel practices.
On 15 May, provincial authorities held a consultation meeting to step up efforts to make Luang Prabang a leading example of sustainable tourism. The meeting focused on finalizing key documents and ensuring that all requirements are met, particularly in demonstrating how tourism is managed in a way that protects the environment and benefits local residents.
To support this plan, provincial leaders are encouraging various sectors to provide relevant data and ideas to strengthen the application. The province also hopes to welcome around 2.3 million visitors in 2025.
Officials aim to transform Luang Prabang into a modern, high-quality tourist destination that is well-connected regionally and globally by 2029, according to Soudaphone Khomthavong, Head of the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
In March, Luang Prabang was honored with the 2025 Green Destinations Top 100 Story Award in the category of “Destination Management,” securing third place. The award was presented at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_0014.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-30 10:46:312025-05-26 10:48:05Luang Prabang Pushes for Green Destination Certification to Boost Sustainable Tourism
Every year on 21 May, tea lovers across the globe raise their cups in celebration of International Tea Day, a nod to one of the oldest and most loved drinks in the world.
From Asia to Africa and the Americas, tea is more than just a beverage. It’s a tradition, comfort, and a shared experience across cultures.
Tea’s history stretches back thousands of years, beginning in ancient China. Over time, it spread across continents, shaping rituals in Japan, sparking revolutions in the West, and becoming a daily comfort for millions.
While the world often hears about the big tea players like China, India, and Sri Lanka, there’s a quieter, lesser-known tea story brewing in the mountains of the north Laos.
In Phongsaly Province, tea has grown for hundreds of years. The world’s oldest plantation, now 400 years old, reaches up to six meters in height, is located about 18km from Phongsaly Town, and carefully harvested by the Phunoy ethnic group, who have passed down their traditional techniques through generations.
The cool, misty mountains of northern Laos create ideal conditions for growing rich, organic tea. Handpicked and traditionally processed, Lao teas are popular across the region for their bold, earthy flavors and smooth finish.
In recent years, tea cultivation in Laos has expanded significantly. The majority, over 85 percent, is grown in northern provinces such as Phongsaly, Xiengkhouang, Oudomxay, Bokeo, Xayabouly, and Houaphanh. Southern provinces like Champasak and Xekong have also joined the movement.
Fresh tea leaves are primarily sold to local traders, around 80 percent of whom are Chinese, before being exported mainly to China’s Yunnan Province.
Smaller quantities also reach regional and European markets, including France and Germany.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/DID-YOU-KNOW.-that-the-worlds-oldest-tea-plantation-is-in-Laos-Can-you-guess-where-1-2048x1070-1.jpg10702048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-29 10:43:272025-05-26 10:45:59Laos Celebrates Its Ancient Tea Legacy on International Tea Day
Lao Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) Promotion Agency has initiated a project to enhance the productivity of local manufacturers to meet Halal certification standards for exports.
The project, titled “Development of Demonstration Companies Project for Enhancing Productivity for Halal Certification,” was officially launched by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaithong Kommasith, on 12 May.
During the ceremony, Minister Kommasith emphasized that improved productivity strengthens production capacity, enhances competitiveness, and promotes business sustainability while creating jobs and fostering innovation across sectors.
The project has selected three manufacturers with export potential targeting Muslim markets: Veunkham Salt Company, Somxay Coffee Company, and Dao Heuang Group.
In recent years, the Lao government has been making efforts to support potential MSMEs in obtaining certification for international standards, including Halal, to enhance their competitiveness in global markets.
Halal certification is crucial for products targeting Muslim consumers, ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws and practices. The certification process involves rigorous standards for cleanliness, sourcing of raw materials, and ethical production practices.
The Lao government’s commitment to Halal certification aligns with broader regional efforts to tap into the growing demand for Halal products.
For instance, during a bilateral meeting in June 2023, Laos expressed interest in forging cooperation with Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) to obtain Halal certification for its products, aiming to develop the Halal industry in Laos.
Laos has taken a new step toward becoming a regional trade hub by leasing land for a new dry port next to the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
On 9 May, the Lao government signed an agreement to lease the land of 383,311 cubic meters to the local private company to build a new storage space.
This storage will be built in a village called Kuayoudom in the Paksan district. It will be right next to a new bridge between Laos’ Bolikhamxay province and Thailand’s Bueng Kan province, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
The warehouse, places for trucks to unload, offices, and a shop have been built since 2023, now they are making it much bigger with more space for storing and moving goods.
The port is also located alongside Road No. 13, which has the highway project in the future, and a key route to connect Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam to the planned dry port in Laksao, Khamkeut district, as well as to the proposed Vientiane–Vietnam highway project.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Laos-new-dryport-Bolikhamaxay.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-27 09:15:152025-05-15 09:16:36Laos Approves New Dry Port Project in Bolikhamxay
Laos has launched a renewed effort to transform its energy sector as part of its broader commitment to tackling climate change.
At a national workshop held in Vientiane on 9 May, officials announced the development of a new greenhouse gas emissions inventory focused on the energy sector, with projections extending to 2035. This inventory will provide policymakers with clearer insights into where emissions are highest and where reductions are most urgently needed.
A group photo from the workshop (photo supplied)
The workshop marked the official start of a project to update Laos’s climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
As part of this effort, Laos also plans to review a lessons-learned report beginning in 2025. The report will take a critical look at past climate actions to identify what has worked, what hasn’t, and how future strategies can be improved.
The country is also committed to drafting an updated energy-sector climate plan, known as NDC 3.0, which will lay out specific goals and actions to cut emissions and boost clean energy.
It will form a key part of Laos’s national climate pledge under the Paris Agreement and be submitted ahead of the COP30 climate summit in Brazil in November 2025.
The event on 9 May, led by the Department of Energy Efficiency and Promotion (DEEP) under the Ministry of Energy and Mines, marked the official launch of work on Laos’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). The initiative is supported by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Australian Embassy.
In his opening remarks, Khammanh Sopraseurth, Deputy Director General at DEEP, outlined several key challenges facing the energy sector, including rising electricity demand during the dry season, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and the urgent need to cut greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic growth.
The workshop brought together 48 participants from government ministries, NGOs, academic institutions, development partners, and the media to begin shaping the updated plan.
In the months ahead, GGGI and its partners will carry out further research, hold consultations, and conduct technical assessments.
Their aim is to complete the revised energy sector plan by September 2025, in time for inclusion in Laos’s full NDC 3.0 submission to the United Nations the following month.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Laos-to-Launch-New-Greenhouse-Gas-Emissions-Inventory-Ahead-of-COP30.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-26 09:13:262025-05-15 09:14:53Laos to Launch New Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Ahead of COP30
Authorities in Luang Namtha Province are reviewing plans to restore the Tad Nam Dee Waterfall, a popular natural tourist site, following significant damage caused by last year’s floods from Typhoon Yagi.
The popular eco-tourism site, located just 6 kilometers from Luang Namtha town in Ban Nam Dee village, had attracted over 35,000 visitors in the six months after its official opening in February 2024. However, heavy rainfall in September forced a temporary closure, prompting local officials and stakeholders to discuss rehabilitation efforts.
The Tad Nam Dee Development Company reported that while the site had seen strong interest from both domestic and international tourists, issues such as limited parking and service disruptions were noted even before the weather-related damage.
The restoration plan includes not only repairing the site but also improving nearby infrastructure, including canals, markets, and school facilities. Materials will be provided by the company, with local residents contributing labor.
A timeline for the reopening of Tad Nam Dee has not been finalized, but authorities say restoration is a priority ahead of the next peak tourist season.
Severe Flooding from Typhoon Yagi Devastates Luang Namtha
Typhoon Yagi brought intense rainfall to Luang Namtha Province on 9 September 2024, triggering severe flooding that damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life.
The storm overwhelmed roads, homes, and public services, prompting the military to launch large-scale evacuations and relief operations.
Floodwaters inundated key facilities, including the provincial hospital and airport, forcing airlines to cancel all flights and leaving many residents displaced.
One man lost his life after returning to assist others and being swept away by strong currents.
Military and rescue teams continued to assist those trapped by the floodwaters for days, while medical teams provided emergency aid at Vieng Nuea village and the Provincial Public Security Office.
Across the country, public and private organizations mobilized to support flood victims, with businesses offering donations and logistics firms delivering relief supplies free of charge.
Typhoon Yagi caused widespread destruction across the region, including parts of Vietnam, southern China, and the Philippines.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Luang-Namtha-Plans-Restoration-of-Tad-Nam-Dee-Waterfall-After-Storm-Damage.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-05-23 09:11:252025-05-15 09:13:04Luang Namtha Plans Restoration of Tad Nam Dee Waterfall After Storm Damage
Xieng Khouang Airport, also known as Thong Hai Hin Airport, is expected to reopen in June 2025 after a year of renovation, as its scheduled renovation period concludes.
According to the Ministry of National Defense, the airport has been closed from 1 October 2024 to 31 May 2025, a period of 243 days, with operations anticipated to resume in June.
On 2 March, Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project, which began in March 2024.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Vongkham Phommakone and senior military officials inspected the airport’s ongoing expansion project. 12 March 2025. (Photo credit: Lao National Radio)
Key components of the current renovation phase include the refurbishment of the existing runway, a 550-meter extension to accommodate larger aircraft, and the construction of a new taxiway, all set for completion by the end of 2025.
The Russian-funded renovation has included installing electronic scanners and runway lighting, enhancing the radar facility, and upgrading the passenger terminal.
Since 12 June 2020, the administration and operation of the airport have been under the Lao People’s Liberation Army Air Force, having previously been managed by the Civil Aviation Department under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. While it now functions primarily as an airbase for the military, the airport continues to support public aviation activities
The improvement initiative began in 2019 when the Lao government first launched plans to upgrade Xieng Khouang Airport.
Once fully completed, this would enhance the airport’s capacity to accommodate increasing passenger numbers while supporting national defense requirements.
Across the provinces of northern and central Laos, Lao Tobacco Limited (LTL) is working on developing rural livelihoods through its LEAF Department, a division focused not only on producing quality tobacco but by supporting farmers, their families, and their communities.
LTL, under the Imperial Tobacco Group, has built a dominant presence in Laos’ tobacco industry.
Since 2001, through a joint venture with the Lao government under the Investment License Agreement (ILA), the company has expanded its operations. By managing its entire supply chain, from tobacco leaf procurement to cigarette sales, LTL has been able to increase production capacity and maintain low prices for its popular A Deng brand.
The LEAF Department sits at the core of this model.
“We are involved from the moment a farmer plants a seed until the cigarette is manufactured,” said Lynch Carlos, LEAF Manager at LTL.
The department manages every step: providing farmers with agricultural inputs, technical guidance, and purchasing their harvest under pre-agreed contracts, the Ecuadorian manager explained.
Today, more than 1,400 farmers work under contract with LTL in provinces such as Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane. This marks a sharp rise from 900 contracts last year.
Carlos explained that the number of contracted farmers had increased by about 40 percent compared to the previous year. He noted that this growth translated not only into more farmers but also into more jobs in the local economy.
In provinces like Phongsaly, where the company had recently expanded, tobacco farming was now creating new opportunities in areas that previously saw little economic activity.
Supporting Farmers and Safeguarding Health
Supporting this growth is a team of around 30 Lao field technicians who advise farmers daily. Each technician works with about 50 farmers, providing training and monitoring compliance with quality and safety standards.
“Our technicians are the link between the farmers and the company. They ensure that best practices are followed in the field,” Carlos said.
The LEAF Department emphasizes sustainability in every stage of production. One of its key initiatives is supplying traceable, sustainable wood for tobacco curing to reduce pressure on forests.
“We’ve been buying sustainable timber from local companies like Acacia mangium plantations. This wood is distributed to farmers for use in their curing barns,” the LEAF manager noted.
Health and safety remain a constant focus. LTL requires farmers to use personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide application and harvesting, including gloves, hats, and other necessary farming gears.
LTL also enforces a strict ban on child labor. The company profiles each contracted farmer, recording household details to identify risks.
“We track how many children they have and their ages. If there’s a higher risk of child labor, we monitor more closely,” Carlos said. “This year, thankfully, we haven’t found any cases.”
Building Stronger Communities Beyond Tobacco
Beyond production, LTL invests in community development. The company has funded school refurbishments, built sanitation facilities, and supplied educational materials in the tobacco-growing communities of Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane provinces.
More recently, it has piloted a waste management project to reduce harmful garbage burning in schools.
“We noticed that in many schools, kids were burning trash. So we’re testing small waste burners with filtration systems to minimize pollution,” Carlos explained.
The company is also promoting alternative income sources for farmers, such as fish and frog farming.
“Diversification is important. We want farmers to have food security and extra income,” Carlos said.
Mechanization pilots, including the introduction of small tractors, aim to ease labor demands and improve efficiency.
LTL is currently expanding production, targeting the procurement of 2,000 tons of tobacco this season, a clear sign of growing demand. However, the company’s deep integration with the government and its influence over national policy have drawn criticism.
While the tobacco industry is seen by officials as a contributor to economic growth, health advocates point to rising tobacco consumption and an estimated USD 144 million in lost government revenue over the past decade, despite Laos’ obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Still, for the farmers working with the LEAF Department, the benefits are tangible, according to Carlos. Steady income, technical support, community projects, and access to safer agricultural practices have improved lives in many areas.
