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/

Xayaboury authorities have confirmed the 2025 Elephant Festival on 18 to 24 February, celebrating Laos’ culture with parades of elephants, traditional rituals, and vibrant performances.

The decision aims to avoid overlapping with Lunar New Year celebrations and the Bokeo Province Kapok Flower Festival.

Marking its 18th edition, the festival will feature 50 elephants, representing the number of years since Lao National Day was established. 

The festivities will begin on 18 February with a mini-marathon, a traditional ritual to notify spirits, and elephant rides, which will culminate in an evening literary performance.

Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy rehearsals of the grand elephant parades, cultural showcases by ethnic groups, and the opening of a market offering local and international goods.

The official opening ceremony on 22 February will feature a paramotor flight show, hot air balloon rides, and visits to landmarks including Khy Min Cliffs, Xang Cliffs, and the Xayaboury Hydroelectric Power Plant.

Other key attractions include the Miss Elephant Festival Contest, a merit-making ceremony for the elephants, and an array of cultural performances and concerts.

The festival will close on 24 February with a ceremony honoring elephants and awarding prizes for each city’s parade.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/29/xayaboury-reschedules-elephant-festival-to-18-24-february/

Traditional silk tapestries from Xam Tai district in Houaphanh Province will soon be recognized as official One District One Product (ODOP), aiming to preserve and promote local craftsmanship.

On 15 January, the Houaphanh provincial committee for the ODOP initiative, in collaboration with the Xam Tai district committee, met to support the local silk weaving group as part of the program. The ODOP initiative seeks to boost the local economy by highlighting unique products that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Artisans in Xam Tai have long been known for their unique silk weaving traditions. These practices, maintained by the Lao Loum and Tai Daeng ethnic groups, have been passed down through generations, deeply rooted in both Buddhist and animist beliefs.

silk tapestries, which are often used as wall hangings or table coverings. These decorative textiles are more than just a craft because it holds spiritual significance, believed to promote healing and the well-being of both individuals and the community. While the process is intricate and collaborative, involving careful raising of silkworms, meticulous extraction and dyeing of silk threads using natural materials, and the creation of complex patterns and vibrant colors.

Each piece of silk often features traditional motifs, such as Nagas –river serpents– symbolizing female power, elephants representing political strength, and ancestor spirits believed to offer protection. 

Weaving these complicated patterns requires months of dedication, mostly from women who craft each piece to support their families and contribute to the local economy. Their efforts also help preserve the cultural identity of their community.

Larsouk, a silk tapestry merchant from Xam Tai district, shared her insights on the craft saying, “Silk tapestries require more than three months to create a piece. My customers always prefer traditional patterns over modern ones. Due to the detailed and time-consuming process, the price in the Lao market starts at LAK 5 million and can go up to LAK 50 million.” 

“I hope the Lao textile market expands, with more cultural events like fairs to promote Lao weaving domestically and internationally. I would love to see the beauty of Lao silk showcased to foreigners, so they can appreciate how beautiful it is,” she said.

Despite modern influences, the silk artists of Xam Tai remain committed to their traditional practices, finding ways to bring their creations to broader markets while safeguarding their heritage. This dedication ensures that the legacy of Xam Tai’s silk weaving will endure for future generations.

To sustain this program, the committee is also exploring ways to enhance visibility and sales, further integrating these traditional arts into modern markets and ensuring their continued growth and appreciation.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/17/xam-tai-districts-silk-tapestries-set-to-achieve-odop-status/

On 20 January, Laos received 29 ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards during the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Johor, Malaysia. These accolades celebrate the country’s efforts in enhancing tourism quality, sustainability, and cultural preservation.  

Among the awards, Laos earned four under the ASEAN Homestay Standard category, recognizing efforts to promote sustainable tourism. The honored homestays include one located in Vang Vieng district, Vientiane Province, and three in Champasak.

In addition, Laos secured five awards for the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Standards, with notable recognition for wildlife viewing experiences at Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park in Houaphan Province. The remaining four awards went to community-based tourism initiatives in villages across Khammouane, Luang Namtha, and Luang Prabang provinces.

The country’s spa services also stood out, garnering five awards in the ASEAN Spa Services Standard category. Three awards were presented to spas in Luang Prabang: Amantaka Hotel, Ban Lao Spa of My Ban Lao, and Mekong Spa at Phou Vao Hotel. The Senses Spa at Crown Plaza Vientiane and Dalah Spa in Vientiane Capital also received recognition.

Furthermore, Laos excelled in the ASEAN Public Toilet Standard category, with five public facilities being awarded. These included toilets at Nong Sa Phang Lenh Park in Vientiane Capital, Xieng Thong Temple in Luang Prabang, Mountain View Restaurant in Luang Namtha, Tat Yeuang Waterfall in Champasak, and None-Nangfa Cave in Vang Vieng.

On top of receiving awards, Laos also achieved a milestone of tourist arrivals. In 2024, Luang Prabang welcomed over 2 million visitors, far exceeding its initial target of 900,000. This growth is credited to the country’s heightened visibility on international travel platforms and the success of the 2024 Visit Laos Year campaign.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/22/laos-wins-29-asean-tourism-standards-awards/