On 9 February, Amari Vientiane officially welcomed its first guests with a grand opening ceremony attended by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and other government officials. 

The event highlighted the hotel’s promise to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in Laos, offering guests a taste of its upscale facilities, attentive service, and curated dining and entertainment experiences.  

“With Amari Vientiane, we are setting a new benchmark for hospitality in Laos,” said Hua Seng Aloun, Chairman of Tang Chareon Group, the hotel’s major investor. “Our vision is to offer a seamless blend of contemporary comfort and heartfelt service, ensuring that every guest experience is memorable.”  

Pheutsapha Phoummasak, Chairman of Asia Investment, Development, and Construction Group, added, “With its strategic location and comprehensive facilities, I am confident that Amari Vientiane will become a central hub and key driver in elevating and expanding tourism in Laos.”  

Representative from ONYX Hospitality Group said, “Amari Vientiane represents a significant step in ONYX Hospitality Group’s strategic growth across Southeast Asia. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on delivering world-class hospitality while embracing the unique heritage and charm of each destination.”  

Located in the heart of Vientiane, just 15 minutes from Wattay International Airport, Amari Vientiane combines city-center convenience with peaceful riverfront views. The hotel’s 248 rooms and suites offer either panoramic cityscapes or serene Mekong River vistas. Each room is equipped with modern technology, high-speed internet, and locally inspired design elements to ensure a comfortable and seamless stay for both business and leisure travelers.  

For relaxation, guests can enjoy a rooftop infinity pool, a fitness center, and a tranquil spa. Club Nava, the executive lounge, provides a more personalized and exclusive experience for discerning travelers.  

Dining at Amari Vientiane is a highlight, with the signature Amaya Food Gallery offering global cuisine infused with regional flavors in a vibrant setting. MaiTree Café serves artisanal coffee and fresh pastries in a casual atmosphere, while Aqua Pool Bar offers refreshing beverages and light bites by the pool. Stellar Rooftop Bar is the perfect spot for evening cocktails and gourmet dishes with panoramic views of the Mekong River.  

The hotel’s event facilities include a grand ballroom with a capacity of up to 600 guests, ideal for conferences, weddings, and gala events. Three versatile meeting rooms, a VIP room for high-profile gatherings, and a fully equipped boardroom cater to a range of business and social needs. All event spaces are supported by modern audiovisual technology, high-speed internet, and premium catering services to ensure a seamless experience for organizers and attendees.  

With online bookings now open for stays from 1 March, Amari Vientiane is offering special promotions to mark its debut. The hotel is expected to play a key role in boosting tourism in Vientiane by providing a new level of luxury hospitality.  

To learn more about Amari Vientiane and explore exclusive opening offers, visit the website or follow the official Facebook page for the latest updates.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/02/10/amari-vientiane-celebrates-grand-opening/

The Lao government has announced plans to boost tourism in Vientiane Capital with the theme “Vientiane’s Sustainable Tourism,” The initiative aims to incorporate innovative technologies into tourism management and create new attractions for visitors.

This project is a collaboration between the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital and Packon Company Limited from Thailand. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed on 28 January to formalize the partnership and pave the way for tourism development in the capital.

A key focus will be conducting research to explore opportunities for expanding activities at existing and potential new attractions within the city. This includes studying the feasibility of sustainable tourism practices and developing a viable business model.

In addition to tourism, the project will address infrastructure improvements. Plans include enhancing water and clean energy management to support the growing needs of the tourism industry. Efforts will focus on reliable electricity and oil supplies, as well as efficient water management systems for drinking water, drainage, and wastewater treatment.

The initiative will also advance communication technologies, such as the implementation of 5G networks and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, to improve data management for city services. This will contribute to safer urban areas and better health standards for residents.

Further improvements will target key aspects of city infrastructure, including road construction, traffic management, transportation systems, waste management, and flood control measures.

In addition, the project aims to enhance tourist satisfaction by integrating technology to create a more seamless experience. Mobile applications will be developed to assist tourists, service providers, and business owners in areas such as entry and exit systems, tour guides, transportation, restaurants, shopping, and accommodations. These innovations are intended to meet international quality standards while preserving the unique aspects of Vientiane’s tourism offerings.

The initiative will also focus on developing new attractions along the Mekong River and at That Luang Lake, including upgrading the night market along the river, creating pedestrian-friendly walking streets, and enhancing other popular tourist sites. Electric tour buses will be introduced as a new symbol of Vientiane Capital, contributing to a greener, more sustainable tourism experience.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/31/vientiane-launches-sustainable-tourism-initiative-with-innovative-technology-for-growth/

As 2025 kicks off, Khammouane Province is setting its sights on boosting tourism and drawing in more visitors this year.

The province is ready to become a top spot for both local and international travelers, according to Somsackda Keomany, Deputy Head of the Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department. 

In 2024, Khammouane welcomed over 800,000 tourists, generating LAK 1,000 billion (USD 46 million) in revenue. 

This year, local authorities are rolling out a range of new initiatives to improve the visitor experience and make travel more seamless for everyone. With this goal in mind, the province aims to build on this success and further establish itself as a top travel destination in Laos.

This approach not only aims to enhance the visitor experience but also focuses on sustainability and responsible tourism practices, state media reported.

The province is now offering a wider range of activities, including zip-lining, rock climbing, camping, kayaking, homestays, and hiking. In the past, Khammouane hosted events like boxing, football, and cycling competitions involving participants from Laos and Thailand.

Other tourist attractions also include environmentally friendly experiences that connect with the local communities. 

But the province is also home to significant historical and natural sites such as That Sikhottabong, Buddha Cave (Tham Pa Fa), and Paseuam Cave. Other popular destinations include Khoun Kong Leng Blue Lagoon, Xe Bang Fai River Cave, and Tat Sieng Lue Waterfall, a newly developed eco-tourism site. 

Among the most visited attractions is The Rock Viewpoint, which has quickly become a favorite for both domestic and international tourists since its opening in late 2019.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/30/khammouane-sets-sights-on-tourism-boom-in-2025-with-new-attractions-eco-friendly-initiatives/

Tanu has been singing his whole life. Born and raised in Vientiane, this popular Lao singer-songwriter started performing as a child and never stopped. From school competitions to late-night gigs, music has always been a part of his life. 

Now, after years of honing his craft, he’s become one of the most recognizable voices in Laos’s indie music scene.

“I never expected to come this far—to be well-known or make a living from music,” said the 27-year-old artist. 

Genuine passion can sometimes lead to success beyond one’s imagination, or at least, it is what Tanu has proven. 

“I started singing when I was in sixth grade and always participated in school competitions,” Tanu recalls. “By the time I was in tenth grade, I had already begun performing as a night singer, and I’ve continued ever since.”

His soaring popularity has granted him a stage at the National Cultural Hall on 15 February, where “The Song Beyond Borders” is set to take place, celebrating 70 years of Laos-Japan diplomatic relations

There, the young artist would share the stage with “Krage”, a Japanese hip hop singer, in a night of musical exchange.

For Tanu, this moment is not just about performing but it’s a milestone in a journey that began when he was just a schoolboy with a dream.

Music has always been a part of his life. From competing in school events to singing in bars at night, Tanu’s voice became his identity. But as he grew as a performer, he felt the urge to create something of his own. That’s when he started writing his own songs.

Not Just One Sound

Today, after years of practice, Tanu enjoys experimenting with different styles. In his early years, he focused on creating songs that would appeal to a wide audience. But as he grew as an artist, his approach shifted.

“My music style isn’t fixed—I experiment with different genres,” he said.

His earlier songs, for instance Tear and Pure, were composed with listeners in mind. But in recent years, he has focused on making music that reflects his personal taste, even if it’s less commercially successful. Now, he hopes to find a balance between both approaches.

A Rainy Breakthrough 

While Tanu’s first composition, Only Tears Remain, was released in 2019, it was “ Fon“ (Rain),  which was released in 2022 that truly put him on the map.

“One of my most well-known songs is ຝົນ (Fon). I was really happy to see it become popular,” he shares.

Originally, Rain was supposed to be his third release, but delays—including a key collaborator being out of the country—pushed it back. Looking back, he believes that waiting allowed the song to reach its full potential.

A Milestone: His latest Solo Concert

Tanu’s solo concert in November 2024 was a defining moment in his career. Unlike his previous performances as an invited artist to perform with other artists, but this time he was involved in every aspect of the production.

“My solo concert in November 2024 was a huge challenge. We had to manage everything ourselves—from designing the event concept to organizing the entire show.”

From conceptualizing the event to securing sponsors, every detail required careful planning. He and his team wanted to create something fresh for the audience—something rarely seen in Laos’ music industry.

The overwhelming response to the concert proved that Lao audiences are eager to support local artists when presented with something authentic and meaningful.

However, breaking into the Lao music industry comes with its own challenges, especially when local artists compete with the influence of foreign music.

“The music industry in our country is very small,” Tanu admitted.

“There’s a belief that Lao people overlook local artists, so we wanted to see how they would respond to our concert. The turnout was overwhelming, proving that there is strong support for Lao musicians.”

Advice for Aspiring Artists

For those hoping to enter the music industry, Tanu emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process.

“It doesn’t hurt to try. Many people set high expectations for their work, but it’s also important to enjoy the small moments along the way,” he advised.

“Music should be fun. If you truly love making music, it will reward you in unexpected ways”.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tanu’s Music

Though music has been a major part of his life, Tanu is considering stepping away from the industry in the near future.

“In the next five years, I plan to step back from the music industry in Laos,” he revealed.

While he still enjoys performing, he admits that the demands of the industry can be exhausting.

“But I will probably continue performing at night venues since that’s my main source of income. In five years ahead, I don’t have any definite plans, I may work behind the artist’s performance or production rather than doing it by myself,” he added.

Despite the uncertainties ahead, one thing remains clear, music will always be part of Tanu’s life. Whether he’s on stage, writing behind the scenes, or simply playing for himself. His journey with music isn’t over. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/30/tanu-vannasin-from-school-competitions-to-laos-national-music-stage/