After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new wave of returning international tourists.
According to official data, Laos welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year of 2025. The surge in visitors is giving a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality sector, which struggled during and for years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From boutique hotels in Luang Prabang to riverside restaurants in Vientiane, businesses are reopening, restaffing, and reimagining the experience for today’s traveler.
Laos is also gaining international attention. In its annual ranking, Lonely Planet placed the country fourth on its list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025.
The guide highlights the country’s affordability and accessibility, particularly with the introduction of a sustainable high-speed rail, as well as must-see destinations such as VangVieng, Vientiane’s Pha That Luang, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.
But beyond easier access and affordability, visitors say what keeps them coming back is something more personal: the peaceful vibe, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences.
Local Businesses Stepping Up
Hotels and restaurants are rising to meet renewed demand.
“There are not many tourists this year, but more than last year. Some return because our hotel is located in town, and they said they were impressed with our service,” said Vone Vilayvanh, an assistant hotel manager in Luang Prabang.
Vone says part of the charm comes from staying true to the local culture.
“Most hotels here are designed to reflect the town’s historic atmosphere. Guests can truly experience the uniqueness of how local people live,” Vone said.
Many hotels in Luang Prabang offer more than comfort, they create an environment where history and daily Lao life come together.
Vone believes this cultural touch makes the town stand out and remain memorable among travellers.
Despite positive signs of recovery, challenges remain. Many hoteliers recognize the need to keep evolving.
With competition rising, there’s a push to offer more immersive experiences, such as Lao cooking classes, handicraft workshops, and guided cultural tours.
“The numbers alone cannot guarantee sustainability. We need to improve further, and increasing our online presence is one of our main goals,” Vone said.
With more hotels, both local and international, competing for visitors, many are looking to step up their game. That means adding new kinds of experiences, from cooking classes to handicraft workshops
“We don’t provide these activities yet, but they will be added in the future,” she noted.
Restaurants are also adapting. In Luang Prabang, riverside eateries are creating cultural tasting menus and hosting Lao-themed evenings to attract and engage international guests.
Yet, tourists are also supporting local street vendors and artisans by buying Lao specialties like Sai Oua (herbal sausage), Kai Pen (dried riverweed), and homemade chili paste.
“Local people can earn an income from selling their goods, and tourists love the products they buy,” Vone said.
Tourists Leave Impressed, Return for More
A 35-year-old Swiss visitor, Jack, who is visiting Vientiane for the second time, said he finds the city peaceful compared to other Southeast Asian capitals such as Bangkok or Hanoi.
“I love it here. It’s not noisy like other cities. After this, I plan to go to Vang Vieng. My friend recommended trying the fire balloon,” Jack said.
He added that Laos is an affordable country with a wide variety of delicious foods
“My favorite is papaya salad. It’s a little spicy, but I can handle it,” he said.
First-time visitors also praised the country’s calm and friendly atmosphere. An Italian couple from Rome, Nicolas and Alexandra, who are spending two weeks in Vientiane and have been to Luang Prabang before, said the country feels completely different from their homeland.
“In Italy, people honk a lot and shout in the streets. It’s very noisy, different from here which is quiet, and we’d love to come back if we have the chance,” Nicolas said.
The couple also complimented service in Lao hotels but suggested improvements in areas such as garden landscaping and swimming pool decoration.
“Everything is good, but it would be better if they could enhance the outdoor environment for tourists,” Alexandra added.
With more than 5 million visitors in 2024, and even higher numbers projected for this year, Laos is on the path to a sustainable tourism revival. The challenge now is to build on that momentum, with better infrastructure, more diverse offerings, and strong digital outreach.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/12/back-in-business-how-tourists-are-reviving-laos-hotels-restaurants-communities/
Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities
After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new wave of returning international tourists.
According to official data, Laos welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year of 2025. The surge in visitors is giving a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality sector, which struggled during and for years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From boutique hotels in Luang Prabang to riverside restaurants in Vientiane, businesses are reopening, restaffing, and reimagining the experience for today’s traveler.
Laos is also gaining international attention. In its annual ranking, Lonely Planet placed the country fourth on its list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025.
The guide highlights the country’s affordability and accessibility, particularly with the introduction of a sustainable high-speed rail, as well as must-see destinations such as VangVieng, Vientiane’s Pha That Luang, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.
But beyond easier access and affordability, visitors say what keeps them coming back is something more personal: the peaceful vibe, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences.
Local Businesses Stepping Up
Hotels and restaurants are rising to meet renewed demand.
“There are not many tourists this year, but more than last year. Some return because our hotel is located in town, and they said they were impressed with our service,” said Vone Vilayvanh, an assistant hotel manager in Luang Prabang.
Vone says part of the charm comes from staying true to the local culture.
“Most hotels here are designed to reflect the town’s historic atmosphere. Guests can truly experience the uniqueness of how local people live,” Vone said.
Many hotels in Luang Prabang offer more than comfort, they create an environment where history and daily Lao life come together.
Vone believes this cultural touch makes the town stand out and remain memorable among travellers.
Despite positive signs of recovery, challenges remain. Many hoteliers recognize the need to keep evolving.
With competition rising, there’s a push to offer more immersive experiences, such as Lao cooking classes, handicraft workshops, and guided cultural tours.
“The numbers alone cannot guarantee sustainability. We need to improve further, and increasing our online presence is one of our main goals,” Vone said.
With more hotels, both local and international, competing for visitors, many are looking to step up their game. That means adding new kinds of experiences, from cooking classes to handicraft workshops
“We don’t provide these activities yet, but they will be added in the future,” she noted.
Restaurants are also adapting. In Luang Prabang, riverside eateries are creating cultural tasting menus and hosting Lao-themed evenings to attract and engage international guests.
Yet, tourists are also supporting local street vendors and artisans by buying Lao specialties like Sai Oua (herbal sausage), Kai Pen (dried riverweed), and homemade chili paste.
“Local people can earn an income from selling their goods, and tourists love the products they buy,” Vone said.
Tourists Leave Impressed, Return for More
A 35-year-old Swiss visitor, Jack, who is visiting Vientiane for the second time, said he finds the city peaceful compared to other Southeast Asian capitals such as Bangkok or Hanoi.
“I love it here. It’s not noisy like other cities. After this, I plan to go to Vang Vieng. My friend recommended trying the fire balloon,” Jack said.
He added that Laos is an affordable country with a wide variety of delicious foods
“My favorite is papaya salad. It’s a little spicy, but I can handle it,” he said.
First-time visitors also praised the country’s calm and friendly atmosphere. An Italian couple from Rome, Nicolas and Alexandra, who are spending two weeks in Vientiane and have been to Luang Prabang before, said the country feels completely different from their homeland.
“In Italy, people honk a lot and shout in the streets. It’s very noisy, different from here which is quiet, and we’d love to come back if we have the chance,” Nicolas said.
The couple also complimented service in Lao hotels but suggested improvements in areas such as garden landscaping and swimming pool decoration.
“Everything is good, but it would be better if they could enhance the outdoor environment for tourists,” Alexandra added.
With more than 5 million visitors in 2024, and even higher numbers projected for this year, Laos is on the path to a sustainable tourism revival. The challenge now is to build on that momentum, with better infrastructure, more diverse offerings, and strong digital outreach.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/12/back-in-business-how-tourists-are-reviving-laos-hotels-restaurants-communities/
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos
Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, concluded a two-day state visit to Laos from 6 to 7 September, during which he held high-level talks and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Leaders Reaffirm Historic Friendship
On the first day, President Díaz-Canel was welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane by the Lao President and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Thongloun Sisoulith.
Thongloun said the visit marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, while Díaz-Canel highlighted the “close, historical, and indestructible bonds of friendship” between Cuba and Laos.
As part of the official program, Díaz-Canel laid a floral wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Vientiane, paying tribute to the heroes and martyrs of Laos.
The following day, the Cuban President held talks with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Sonexay warmly welcomed him on what was his third visit to Laos and expressed gratitude for Cuba’s assistance in education, sports, and healthcare.
He reaffirmed Laos’ readiness to continue building on the relationship of trust and solidarity between the two countries.
Cuba and Laos Commit to Stronger Cooperation
Both sides reviewed socio-economic developments in their respective nations and agreed to expand cooperation in existing fields such as health, education, sports, and agriculture, while also exploring new areas of collaboration to bring mutual benefits.
On this occasion, Díaz-Canel invited Prime Minister Sonexay to pay an official visit to Cuba, an invitation he accepted.
The Lao and Cuban leaders also acknowledged the significance of Party-to-Party and State-to-State relations in advancing their shared goal of building socialism, according to state media.
Díaz-Canel’s visit to Laos was the final stop of an Asian tour that also included Vietnam and China, held in the context of the 65th anniversary of Cuba’s diplomatic relations with those countries.
Cuba and Laos officially established diplomatic ties in 1974, though cooperation dates back to the late 1960s, when the first Cuban medical brigade provided services in Viengxay, Houaphanh Province.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/08/cuban-president-miguel-diaz-canel-concludes-state-visit-to-laos/
Vientiane Prepares for BRT Launch with New Parking Rules
Vientiane authorities implemented new no-parking regulations along sections of the capital’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor ahead of its September debut.
No-parking rules are now in effect along Nongbone Road, from the French Embassy-Mahosot Hospital intersection to the three-way junction in front of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, near the Vientiane Cabinet Office.
To accommodate commuters and nearby businesses, the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport advised on 29 August that motorists use designated car parks at Khuadin Market, Talatsao (Morning Market), and other authorized parking areas.
Officials say this marks the first phase of broader enforcement, with further no-parking zones to be introduced gradually along the corridor.
The BRT system is scheduled for partial operations in early September 2025, with a three-month free trial period. Although initially announced for late August, Mayor Athsaphangthong Siphandone confirmed in July that additional preparations were needed before the launch.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport has not responded to The Laotian Times’ request for clarification, and has yet to confirm an official launch date.
The system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses, each with 40 seats, operating on dedicated lanes to ensure speed and safety. Of the 55 buses ordered, 28 arrived in Laos in November 2024, with the remainder expected soon.
Services will run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, fully integrated with the city’s existing bus network.
The BRT line includes six major stations: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and the National University of Laos. By using exclusive lanes, the system aims to cut travel times, ease congestion, and provide a cleaner alternative to the city’s outdated bus fleet.
Construction began in mid-2024, with full operations targeted for early 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/03/vientiane-prepares-for-brt-launch-with-new-parking-rules/
Lao President Thongloun Wraps Up China Visit with Focus on Friendship, Future Cooperation
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith concluded a four-day visit to China from 3 to 6 September, during which he attended key commemorative events and held high-level talks aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
On the first day, Thongloun attended a parade at Tiananmen Gate in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Heads of state and senior representatives from more than 26 countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, joined the ceremony.
The following day, Thongloun held official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
During the talks, Thongloun stressed that Laos-China relations are at their strongest in history and pledged to advance the newly adopted five-year action plan on building a Laos-China community with a shared future. He reaffirmed Laos’ support for Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative and expressed readiness to enhance coordination with China on the international stage.
Both leaders noted tangible progress under the Second Action Plan, with cooperation expanding in transport, energy, technology, agriculture, education, and poverty reduction.
Recent deals include “Juxtaposed Border Control” arrangements for the Laos-China Railway, support for large-scale development projects in Laos, and joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, satellite navigation, healthcare, and quarantine measures.
Xi stressed the need to strengthen political trust and expand practical cooperation.
Both sides also agreed to designate 2026 as the “Year of Laos-China Friendship” to mark the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Thongloun continued his official visit to China in Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, until 6 September, where he met with Wang Ning, Secretary of the Yunnan Provincial Party Committee. During the visit, he observed rural development and poverty alleviation initiatives, as well as several economic and trade facilities in the region and at the China-Laos Mohan-Boten border, before returning to the Laos.
During Thongloun’s latest China visit, Xi welcomed Laos’ recognition as a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and emphasized the need for closer collaboration in governance, Party building, security, and economic development.
Laos officially became the 15th dialogue partner of the SCO during its summit held in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September. The SCO, founded in 2001, is a regional body for political, economic, and security cooperation, comprising ten member states, two observers, and 15 dialogue partners.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/07/lao-president-wraps-up-china-visit-with-focus-on-friendship-future-cooperation/
President’s Son Thongly Sisoulith Appointed Youth Union Secretary
Thongly Sisoulith, son of Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, became Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union (LPRYU) on 26 August.
The Union announced the appointment at its meeting, where Vice President Bounthong Chitmany attended. Thongly succeeds Monexay Laomouaxiong, who previously held the post.
Suliya Keophilavong, Meena Sivilay, and Pany Kindavong also joined the team as deputy secretaries of the Central Committee.
During the meeting, the participants endorsed the 2026-2030 youth development plan, which sets a framework for young people to engage more actively in national initiatives and contribute to Laos’s social and economic development. The plan builds on the achievements and lessons of the past five years.
Thongly has previously served as Deputy Secretary of the LPRYU. His father, Thongloun, has led Laos as President and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party as General Secretary since 2021, after serving as Prime Minister for the previous five years, and he continues to play a central role in government and diplomacy.
The appointment comes amid major political shifts in Laos.
In June, the National Assembly approved constitutional amendments aimed at modernizing governance by decentralizing power to local committees and revising administrative roles.
The reforms, effective in July 2025, were accompanied by a sweeping government reshuffle that reduced ministries from 17 to 13, reassigned or replaced nine ministers, and merged key portfolios such as Planning and Investment with Finance.
These changes reflect broader efforts to streamline governance and prepare the country for parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/27/presidents-son-thongli-sisoulith-appointed-youth-union-secretary/
Laos Moves Toward Large-Scale Rice Fortification to Fight Malnutrition
The Lao government has partnered with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Indian Government to prepare for the large-scale fortification of rice in a bid to reduce high rates of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
The initiative was introduced during the National Workshop on Fortification: Advancing Sustainable Nutrition Security in Laos, held in Vientiane on 28 August. Health officials and development partners discussed establishing national standards and a regulatory framework to guide the production of fortified rice.
Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, remain a major health concern in Laos.
Government data shows that about 40 percent of women of reproductive age and 44 percent of children under five are affected, resulting in fatigue, stunted growth, and poor learning outcomes.
In 2020, the economic impact of anemia-related health issues was estimated at more than USD 241 million.
Officials at the workshop said rice fortification offered a cost-effective and practical solution, pointing out that rice is consumed daily by almost every household in the country, making it an effective vehicle for delivering essential vitamins and minerals.
The Indian Government, which operates the world’s largest rice fortification program benefiting over 400 million people, is contributing both technical expertise and funding to support Laos. With Indian backing, the Lao government launched its own rice fortification project earlier this year.
The Ministry of Health is spearheading the national effort through its Nutrition Center and Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, while WFP serves as the implementing partner. WFP brings more than 30 years of global experience in food fortification and has supported similar initiatives in over a dozen Asian countries.
Representatives from WFP stressed that clear standards and strong regulation would be crucial to ensure that fortified rice remains safe, high-quality, and trusted by the public.
The Vientiane workshop marked the beginning of a consultation process to develop a national framework. Once completed, the framework is expected to help Laos integrate fortified rice into its food system and improve nutrition across the country.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/29/laos-moves-toward-large-scale-rice-fortification-to-fight-malnutrition/
Lao Sets September Priorities to Strengthen Economy, Infrastructure
The Lao government has outlined its key priorities for September, focusing on stabilizing the economy, improving infrastructure, and maintaining national stability.
These decisions came during the two-day monthly meeting of the cabinet and provincial governors on 25–26 August, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Economic Measures, Workforce Support
To strengthen the economy, the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of the Lao PDR will work to stabilize exchange rates and maintain foreign reserves.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has been tasked with lowering production costs for essential goods such as rice, pork, eggs, and fish, balancing supply and demand, and curbing non-essential imports.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry will tackle shortages of animal feed to support livestock farmers.
Education and workforce development are also priorities. The Ministry of Education and Sports will ensure the new school year begins smoothly and address teacher shortages by appointing volunteer teachers as civil servants, particularly in rural areas. Once appointed, these teachers will receive a regular salary.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare will focus on returning migrant workers, collecting data, providing training, and creating jobs to support their reintegration.
Infrastructure, Legislation
Infrastructure improvements remain a key priority. The Ministry of Public Works and Transport will speed up road construction and repair flood-damaged infrastructure to improve connectivity between provinces.
With the rainy season ongoing, provincial authorities have also been instructed to monitor water levels in reservoirs and dams and issue timely warnings to reduce storm risks.
Meanwhile, draft legislation on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, asset seizure, health impact assessments, and railway law penalties is under revision.
Economic, Social Progress
The government also reported positive economic and social progress in August. Inflation fell to five percent, foreign reserves covered nearly five months of imports, and budget revenue reached almost LAK 47 trillion (USD 2.1 billion), or 69 percent of the annual target.
Rice cultivation reached 97 percent of the seasonal goal, cash crop exports earned over USD 88 million, and livestock exports brought in USD 1.16 million.
Tourism also grew, with 2.35 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of 2025, up 12 percent from the same period in 2024, while domestic trips rose 46 percent to 2.46 million.
Looking ahead, the government called on all sectors to prepare for upcoming central and provincial Party congresses, as well as official visits abroad by Party and state leaders.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/28/lao-sets-september-priorities-to-strengthen-economy-infrastructure/
Laos Starts New Academic Year Amid Worsening Teacher Shortage
As schools across Laos reopened on 1 September for the new academic year, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone urged the public to embrace the new semester with optimism while acknowledging the challenges still facing the nation’s schools.
In his message, the prime minister described the first day of school as “an important event for the education, science, and sports sector”.
He reaffirmed the government’s long-standing pledge to put education “before other tasks” and at the center of national development.
Sonexay praised progress achieved over the past year, including improvements in school infrastructure, expanded school meal programs, and measures to reduce dropout rates.
Education Gains Overshadowed by Teacher Shortages
However, the prime minister warned that pressing issues remain: high dropout levels, teacher shortages, and the urgent need to expand vocational and higher education enrollment.
The teacher shortage in particular has become a defining challenge for Laos as the new semester begins.
During the government’s monthly cabinet meeting in late August, ministers prioritized education alongside measures to stabilize the economy and repair infrastructure.
The Ministry of Education and Sports was instructed to ensure a smooth start to the school year by addressing staff shortages.
One immediate step is the appointment of long-serving volunteer teachers as civil servants, especially in rural areas, enabling them to receive a steady salary.
Soldiers Sent to Ease Severe Rural Teacher Shortfalls
In many provinces, schools are severely understaffed, leaving classrooms without qualified teachers. To provide an immediate stopgap, authorities have turned to an unusual solution: enlisting soldiers to serve as substitute teachers.
The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Education and Sports announced in June that 2,000 soldiers will be trained and deployed to schools in hard-to-reach villages.
The program includes specialized teacher training and offers rank promotions and financial incentives to participating military personnel.
Several provinces have already begun implementing the initiative.
In April, Phongsaly and Luang Prabang launched programs to collect data on the worst-affected schools and prepare officers for training. Those who complete the course will receive an additional 70 percent of their basic salary as motivation.
Despite these efforts, the scale of the crisis remains stark. In Savannakhet’s Xepon district alone, only nine of 109 schools are fully staffed, leaving more than 500 teaching posts vacant.
Elsewhere, rural families continue to pull their children out of school due to long travel distances, lack of dormitories, and worsening economic pressures.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/01/laos-starts-new-academic-year-amid-worsening-teacher-shortage/
Laos to Launch Digital Immigration System for Foreign Travelers Starting 1 September
Beginning 1 September, Laos will launch a trial version of its new Digital Arrival Registration system, marking a shift away from the traditional paper-based immigration forms for all foreign passport holders.
The system is designed to streamline border procedures by requiring travelers to submit their information online within three days before both arrival and departure.
Through the online platform, travelers will need to provide key details such as passport information, visa data, travel plans, and their intended address while staying in Laos.
The new system applies to all foreign nationals entering the country by air or land.
However, Thai citizens who enter Laos using a Border Pass rather than a passport will be exempt from the online registration requirement during the trial period.
Lao citizens, as well as foreigners who have been granted permanent residency in Laos, are not required to register through the new platform. They can continue to pass through immigration checkpoints using the existing procedures.
The digital registration system will be available in Lao, English, and Chinese, and will initially be piloted at four key international entry points: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province.
The Lao government plans to monitor and evaluate the system over a two-year trial period, with full nationwide implementation targeted for 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/26/laos-to-launch-digital-immigration-system-for-foreign-travelers-starting-1-september/
Vientiane Province Wins Big at Luang Prabang Traditional Boat Festival
Luang Prabang celebrated its annual Boat Racing Festival on 23 August along the Nam Khan River, marking the ninth lunar month of 2025.
This year, 22 longboats joined the competition, with teams coming from temples, villages, nearby districts, and other provinces.
The winner was Nam Phet Charoensap Company’s boat from Vientiane Province, winning a 1,500-gram silver trophy, a 1,000-gram annual silver trophy, and LAK 20 million (USD 940).
The second place went to the Lao Development Bank (LDB) boat, receiving an 800-gram silver trophy and LAK 19 million (USD 893).
Besides the racing boats, there were also beautifully decorated ones taking part in a “boat beauty” contest.
Their bright colors and creative designs brought even more life to the festival as they floated down the Nam Khan River, drawing smiles from people watching along the banks.
First “beauty” prize went to Nang Bua Ngern longboat from Wat Xieng Thong, which received a 1,000-gram silver trophy and LAK 10 million (USD 470).
The long boat from Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram claimed second place, earning a 700-gram silver trophy and LAK 9 million (USD 423), while Wat Ban Thin Som longboat secured third place, taking home a 500-gram silver trophy and LAK 8 million (USD 376)
The race took place alongside Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, a spiritual Lao festival dedicated to honoring ancestors and feeding the souls of those who have passed away.
As part of the tradition, families gathered at temples to offer food and prayers, preparing special parcels known as khao tom for both monks and wandering spirits called Preta, or “hungry ghosts.”
In the early morning hours, offerings were placed around homes and public spaces, a gesture believed to comfort these spirits and bring harmony to the living.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/25/vientiane-province-wins-big-at-luang-prabang-traditional-boat-festival/