In an event held on 3 November, the National College of Arts, the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MOI) of the Lao PDR, and the Asian Cultural Exchange Association of the Republic of Korea came together to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering cooperation and cultural exchange between the two nations, especially through collaborative efforts in the performing arts.

A highlight of the collaboration is the establishment of the “Lao Youth Orchestra,” with active support from the Korean side. The Republic of Korea has pledged to provide assistance in the form of training, equipment, musical instruments, and performance experts to ensure the success and growth of the orchestra. Moreover, both parties will collaborate on recording and producing programs featuring the Lao Youth Orchestra, which will be broadcast on television channels in both countries.

The MOU was co-signed by Viengphone Soukkhavong, the director of the National College of Arts, and Ko Do-on, the president of the Asian Cultural Exchange Association.

Ko Do-on expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This cooperation is the first and very important step in joining hands in the field of music art. After the signing, the two sides will engage in detailed discussions to ensure the successful implementation of the joint plan.” She further explained that the South Korean side would be responsible for the project’s implementation budget, while the Lao side would facilitate the necessary documentation and seek approval for the participation of experts and technicians from Korea.

The collaborative effort signifies a shared commitment to promoting cultural exchange and artistic development between Laos and the Republic of Korea. The signing of the MOU opens the door to a new chapter in bilateral relations, where the universal language of music becomes a bridge connecting the two nations.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/11/06/laos-south-korea-build-cultural-bridge-through-art-music/

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos quietly emerges as a tranquil alternative to bustling tourism destinations that often steal the spotlight. 

As travelers seek a more authentic travel experience, the new concept of “dispersed tourism” is growing more and more popular across the region. 

This new trend involves traveling to less popular sites, particularly in rural areas, where the beauty of nature becomes the main selling point. In southern Laos, for instance, the archipelago of Four Thousand Islands, nestled in the Mekong River, lures visitors with its relaxed ambiance, breathtaking landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. 

Moving north, the Nam Ou River winds its way through the mountains of Luang Prabang Province, meandering past picturesque traditional villages and offering a captivating view of the natural wonders. By further venturing into the heart of northern Laos, unconventional tourists can discover the mesmerizing tapestry of mountain vistas, lush forests, and the timeless charm of traditional villages in Phongsaly Province.

Dispersed tourism is gaining momentum in the region, and has quickly turned Laos into a hidden gem for curious tourists, as emphasized by an American tourism expert based in Laos, Jason Rolan.

Laos holds a unique charm that distinguishes it from its busy neighbors, such as Thailand and Vietnam. This laid-back environment demands patience and an open mind as it creates an opportunity for travelers to fully immerse themselves in a different culture and pace of life.

American tourism expert Jason Rolan, who has been in Laos for nearly two decades, echoes this sentiment. He emphasized Laos’ distinction as a hidden gem and a salve for the fast-paced world. 

“Dispersed tourism allows travelers to access cultural experiences and genuinely interact with people in a way that isn’t possible in areas of mass tourism,” said Rolan. “It offers the opportunity to go beyond the surface and truly appreciate the authenticity and beauty of this place. However, it’s absolutely essential for travelers to approach dispersed tourism with respect for local traditions and ecosystems to help ensure its sustainability.”

Speaking with The Laotian Times, Rolan also highlighted the importance of one positive travel experience that can snowball into beneficial results for both travelers and local communities.

“Laos has a great deal of natural beauty, authentic culture, a tranquil pace of life, and unique cuisine. On top of that, there has been a push in the tourism industry to shift toward more sustainable practices, which will help preserve all of these things for the future,” added Rolan

As dispersal tourism gains popularity, more travelers are seeking meaningful experiences in off-the-beaten-track destinations. Willem Niemeijer, CEO of YAANA Ventures, a Venture capital company in Nonthaburi, Thailand, noted that while he was a “trendsetter” in this approach, it took a couple of decades for the concept to gain wider recognition. The increasing demand, environmental awareness, lower investment costs, and improved infrastructure, such as the high-speed railway in Laos, are driving this trend.

“Infrastructure is key to tourism development,” said Niemeijer, explaining what he thinks are the key factors that contributed to the rise of dispersed tourism in Laos over the past two decades.

“As Laos improved its [land] access by building bridges over the Mekong to replace bucolic ferries and dirt roads became sealed, areas became fertile for tourism pioneers. The newly built train will be another paradigm shift for the industry. “

Niemeijer emphasized that dispersed tourism not only benefits local communities but also helps reduce disparities. 

“I see a bright future for Laos as infrastructure improves and expands. With the right economic incentives and solid regulations. Large parts of Laos can benefit from tourism as a sustainable form of income while preserving its unique culture and natural resources. “

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/10/18/laos-becomes-top-destination-for-dispersed-tourism-as-authentic-alternative-to-overpopular-neighbors/

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has met with operators of the Boten Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in northern Laos’ Luang Namtha province to discuss tourism-related preparations for Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN and Visit Laos Year 2024.

PM Sonexay visited Boten last week where he inspected the management of the Boten International Checkpoint between China and Laos and learned about the zone’s overall development.

The Lao leader said that the zone, which covers three land border crossings between Luang Namtha Province, Laos, and Yunnan Province, China, is a key part of the rapidly growing economic cooperation between the two countries, according to Lao Security News.

While monitoring existing facilities, PM Sonexay stressed that the zone should improve its infrastructure, including tourism-related activities, to attract more tourists.

He specifically mentioned the need for improved facilities at the border crossing, such as an immigration building and booths, a section for the entry of trucks and privately owned cars, a goods checkpoint, and immigration facilities for passengers on the Laos-China Railway.

The number of Chinese tourists visiting Laos has been growing steadily since the start of the year, due to the Lao government’s prioritization of boosting the tourism sector and the Laos-China Railway, which has become a vital piece of tourism infrastructure.

Lao authorities estimate that around 368,000 Chinese travelers will visit Laos in 2023, a 21 percent increase from last year.

Additionally, the Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion campaign is expected to be launched in November, with the goal of attracting at least 4.6 million foreign and Lao tourists in 2024.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/09/28/lao-pm-urges-boten-sez-to-improve-infrastructure-and-attract-more-tourists/

Southern provinces showcase tourist drawcards
Four southern provinces in cooperation with local businesses are staging a programme of events to promote tourism and attract more visitors from around Laos and other countries.

The promotional activities are taking place on February 16-17 in Xekong province.

Head of the Xekong provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Mr Bouxay Xaysasane, told the Vientiane Times that the activities comprise sports contests between the provinces of Attapeu, Champassak, Xekong and Saravan, and market fairs to sell agricultural produce and handicrafts from the four provinces.

Provincial authorities are also organising a food festival selling food items made by local ethnic groups and producers accredited to the One District, One Product scheme, which is taking place from February 14-18.

Following a meeting, representatives from Attapeu, Champassak, Xekong and Saravan provinces visited popular tourist attractions and local villages.

The events mark the first time these provinces have combined forces to actively shared lessons learned in the development of tourism.

The aim is to strengthen provincial connectivity and draw more tourists to the southern provinces and the plateau region, using the area’s scenic splendours as the main drawcard.

Attapeu takes pride in its waterfalls, especially Tad Xepha, Tad Samongphak, Tad Xeponglay and Tad Phapong, and Nong Fa Lake, which is famous for its deep blue water.

Saravan province boasts scenic wonders such as Loc, Mayhia, Soung, Saen and Kaengkou waterfalls, as well as Phouphasouk Park with its waterfalls, nine caves and Pha Taem Phou Lahit hill.

Visitors to Champassak can make good use of adventure activities such as trekking and zip-lining, as well as enjoy organic produce from the Bolaven Plateau, including coffee.

Xekong province is famed for the Nokkhao, Faek and Huakhon waterfalls, and for its local food including cucumber salad and products made from Indian gooseberries.
By Vientiane Times Reporters
(Latest Update February 17, 2023)

source: https://wearelao.com/blog/create-blog-entry-612

A total of 94 athletes from Laos competed in 17 different disciplines in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, from 23 September to 8 October.

The Asian Games is a continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia and is the second largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. 

Sepaktakraw, a team sport played with a ball made of rattan or synthetic plastic, saw the most representation from Lao athletes. Coincidentally, the sport currently boasts Laos’ only medals at the event. 

The Lao Sepaktakraw teams won three bronze medals, one for the Men’s Sepaktakraw Team Regulation (three people per side), the Women’s Sepaktakraw Team Regulation, and the Women’s Team Quadrant (four people per side). The Sepaktakraw Federation in Laos has secured a total of 13 medals from the Asian Games since 1974, including three silver medals from the 2006 and 2018 games.

While Laos has never been on the top step of the podium in the history of Asian Games, the event remains a chance for the athletes to represent their home nation at an international sport competition.

“To have the opportunity to represent your country at any stage or event is a great honor.  Knowing that you’re playing for something much more than yourself, that’s very special, I’m very grateful for it,” Lao professional golfer Bouahom “Bebe” Thammasack said.

Bebe managed to tie for 34th in the overall Golf Men’s Individuals standings, scoring par over the course of four days. Golf tournament scores are reported by totalling scores relative to the number of shots recommended in each round (there are usually four rounds in professional tournaments). If each of the four rounds has a par of 72, the tournament par would be 288.

Although some athletes have gone on to complete their duties at the games, Laos awaits to see if 2022 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games medalists will be able to secure more medals for their home country.

Lao-American silver medalist at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Jedidiah Phomsavath Slayman (20), and his younger brother Timothy Boonxay Slayman (16), will also be representing Laos at the Asian Games, competing in the Men’s 62 kg Jiu-jitsu on Thursday. 

SEA Games double-medalist Dawson Stephen Sihavong (22), who won silver in the Men’s 70 kg Freestyle Wrestling and bronze at the Men’s 67 kg Greco Roman Wrestling will also be competing in this year’s games.

Currently, Laos is tied for 24th out of 40 with Jordan and Kyrgyzstan.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/10/05/lao-athletes-showcase-performance-at-hangzhou-asian-games/