Authorities to Crack Down on the Noise From Entertainment Venues
Vientiane authorities are once again attempting to tackle the problem of noise emanating from restaurants and nightclubs…
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Festivals
2023 Pi Mai Lao Holiday Dates Announced
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced the Holiday dates for Pi Mai 2023.
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Time Magazine Calls Luang Prabang “A Hidden Paradise”
Luang Prabang is included on Time Magazine’s 50 greatest places in the world.
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Luang Prabang Plans “Pi Mai 2023” Extravaganza
Luang Prabang authorities have arranged an extensive programme of activities for the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) 2023 festival.
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Young Lao Designer to Showcase Designs at International Fashion Festival
Lao fashion designer is set to showcase sustainable Lao design on international stage.
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After 3-year Hiatus, The Lao Elephant Festival is to be Held in February
After 3-year Hiatus, The Lao Elephant Festival is to be Held in February
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Straw Hut Village Is New Tourist Attraction in Muang Fuang
A straw hut village has opened in Meuang Feuang district, Vientiane province, as a new tourist attraction in this increasingly popular bucolic riverside retreat
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That Luang Festival Honours Vientiane’s Grand Stupa
People come from all over Laos and from other countries to attend the annual That Luang festival in Vientiane and pay homage to the That Luang, also known as the Grand Stupa, with Buddhists hoping to attend the event at least once in their lifetime.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Returns in December
The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos, will once again host filmmakers, film industry professionals, and fans of Southeast Asian cinema at this annual event.
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Lao Films To Be Screened At KAEN Film Festival In Thailand
Three Lao films will be screened at the 6th KAEN Film Festival in Thailand to promote the country’s movies to international audiences.
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Happy Lao New Year 2022! Sokdee Pi Mai Lao 2565!
The entire J&C Group team wishes you abundance and joyous moments this Pi Mai 2565.
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Longer Lao New Year Holiday Announced, State Offices Banned From Celebrating
The Prime Minister’s Office on March 23 issued a notice announcing the new year holiday.
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Ministry Mulling Cancellation Of Lao New Year Festivities
The Ministry of Health is considering cancelling Lao New Year festivities because of the Omicron outbreak, with the number of new Covid cases reported each day having risen from under 200 to upwards of 800.
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‘The Long Walk’ Trailer: Mattie Do Is a First for Laos as Both Female Filmmaker and Horror Director
The critically acclaimed film by Laos’ first female filmmaker Mattie Do premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 before playing at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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PM Issues Decree On National Dress
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh has issued a decree spelling out the details of the traditional dress to be worn by men and women when attending ceremonial events
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Luang Prabang Film Festival’s Lao Filmmakers Fund Awards Funding To Eleven Local Film Projects
Lao filmmakers fund supports largest selection to date, again
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That Luang Festival Downsized Due To Covid Outbreak
The That Luang festival (November 17-19) will be limited to religious and other traditional festivities
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Annual Vientiane Boat Racing Festival Cancelled Amid Covid-19 Outbreak
Vientiane authorities have cancelled all events that are traditionally part of the annual boat racing festival, which had been planned from October 20-30.
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Lao Filmmaker Receives Award At International Film Festival Oldenburg
Lao filmmaker, Producer/Director at Lao Art Media Company Mattie Do recently received the 2021 German independence Honourary Tribute Award.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Devotes 2021 To Supporting, Celebrating Lao Filmmakers
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) announced on Friday that it will dedicate its activities in 2021 exclusively to its annual Lao Filmmakers Fund and a celebration of the Lao film industry.
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Buddhist Lent, A Time For Sobriety
Last Saturday marked the start of Buddhist Lent, when a festival known in Lao as Boun Khao Phansa sees people go to temples to make merit by giving offerings to monks.
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Police Issue 15 Ban Rules, Prohibit Drunk Driving Over Lao New Year
The General Police Department recently issued 15 banning rules in regards to the celebration of Lao New Year during April 14-16
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Pi Mai Lao Celebrations Limited To Traditional Events
Provinces across the country will organise scaled-down events to celebrate Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) from April 14-16 this year.
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Luang Prabang To Celebrate Lao New Year From April 10-25
Luang Prabang province is planning a colourful programme of activities for Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) from April from 10-25 in the hope of attracting more visitors
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Govt Bans Public Events Over Pi Mai (Lao New Year)
All public events are banned over the Lao New Year holiday from April 14-16 as part of the government’s continuing measures to keep Covid-19 in check.
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Elephant Festival 2021 Limited To Just One Day
This year’s 15th Elephant Festival will be a scaled down affair and will take place over the course of just one day, as a result of the restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Festivals Postponed Amid Covid Fears
Authorities have ordered the postponement of many popular festivals and their related activities scheduled to take place in the provinces in a recent move to prevent a potential Covid-19 outbreak in Laos.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2020 Lineup
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has unveiled its official selections for 2020. From the mountains of Vang Vieng to Manilla shopping malls, the program spans nine countries and includes a Southeast Asian premiere.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Goes Online
Luang Prabang Film Festival returns for its 10th event with a streaming program free to audiences across Southeast Asia
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End Of Buddhist Lent Culminates In Colourful Celebrations
Buddhists across the country spent two days taking part in colourful festivities to mark the end of Buddhism lent or Ork Phan Sa which concluded the three-month traditional rain retreat observed by monks.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival’s Lao Filmmakers Fund Awards Seven Grants To Local Film Projects
A psychological thriller about a young woman experiencing trauma and two new features from first-time directors are among those to win support from the 2020 Lao Filmmakers Fund
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Happy Lao New Year 2020! Sokdee Pii Mai Lao!
This year Pi Mai takes place on 13-15 April and it marks the transition to Buddhist year 2563. Unfortunately it will be very different as none of the usual Pi Mai activities are possible. But then again, every situation offers …
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No Public Access To Pimai Water Traditions At Temples
The pouring of purified perfumed water to ceremonially shower Buddha images in temples by members of the public would typically occur across the country during next week’s Lao New Year period.
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Laos Cancels Public Events Including Lao New Year Celebrations on COVID-19 Fears
Authorities in Laos are urging the public to suspend or postpone all “unnecessary” social events including weddings and Lao New Year celebrations in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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We Wish You A New Year Of Happiness And Success !
We greatly appreciate everyone who has helped make 2019 a very special year for J&C Group. May the New Year bring you happiness, peace, and prosperity. Wishing you a joyous 2020!
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Lao Food Festival 2020, Opportunity To Taste Traditional Cuisines
A large number of Lao, foreign visitors as well as Vientiane residents are expected to attend Lao Food Festival 2020 to be held at Chao Anouvong Park on Jan 28-31.
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Boat Races To Take Place In Front of Landmark Hotel
This year’s boat races will take place on a stretch of the Mekong River near the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, in a change of plan announced on Thursday.
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Boun Hor Khaopadapdin, The festival That Feeds The Spirits
Boun Hor Khaopadapdin is an annual festival during which the people of Laos “feed” spirits with home-made parcels of food, reflecting their love, respect and gratitude for their deceased ancestors and guardians.
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Here’s How The Dead Are Remembered By The Living In Southeast Asia
This festival is commonly called the Hungry Ghost Festival. Tracing its roots all the way to China, other countries in Southeast Asia also have their own version of the festival.
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Happy Lao New Year 2019 ! Sokdee Pi Mai Lao !!!
At this festive season of the year, we would like to thank our customers ! Your support and the continued trust that you place in us is the foundation of our success.
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Pi Mai Lao: 8 Rules To Follow
Vientiane Public Security Headquarters announced eight regulations, aimed at maintaining social order during Lao New Year (April 14-16).
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Champassak Tempting Tourists For Visit Laos-China Year
Champassak is focusing on distinctive festivities and various initiatives in a bid to lure more tourists to the southern province during Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
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Time-Honoured Wax Castle Procession Pays Homage To That Luang Stupa
Thousands of Buddhists decorated their colourful pasaatpheung (wax castles) with candles, flowers, money and incense as they joined the annual procession yesterday to pay homage to the That Luang stupa.
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Traditional Merit Making Marks End Of Buddhist Lent
A bright, sunny morning yesterday saw people across the country flocking to temples to present their offerings to monks as a means of making merit on the last day of Buddhist Lent.
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Don’t Miss Vientiane’s Boat Races, End Of Lent Festivities
Tourists visiting the capital of Laos this month shouldn’t miss the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and other traditional and religious activities marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Launches Short Film Competition on Lao Tourism Industry
The Technical and Vocational Education Department of the Ministry of Education and Sports and Luang Prabang Film Festival have launched a new short film competition to celebrate the Lao tourism and hospitality sector.
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Lao Fashion Week 2018 Kicks Off With Night Party
A Night Party to kick off Lao Fashion Week 2018 and celebrate the fifth anniversary of the sparkling event attracted a glitzy crowd of people involved in the world of fashion.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Opens Call for 2018 Talent Lab
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that it is accepting applications for its 2018 Talent Lab, led by Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI). The Lab, which will train Southeast Asian filmmakers on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the ninth annual festival, which will take place 7-12 December 2018.
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Don’t Forget France in Laos
France, once a colonial power in mainland Southeast Asia, left Laos decades ago. But its traces as a foreign actor are still easily found in many parts of the landlocked nation and the country still retains some influence in the Southeast Asian state.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2018 Dates
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that its ninth annual event will take place on 7-12 December 2018.
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Khaen Music Of The Lao People Celebrated As Humanity’s Heritage
Hundreds of officials, foreign guests, musicians, performers and Vientiane residents gathered last night in Vientiane celebrating the international recognition of Khaen music of the Lao people as humanity’s heritage.
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Vientiane Police Gear Up For Pi Mai Lao Security
The Vientiane Traffic Police Department has rostered almost 600 police for security detail around the capital in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and road accidents during the Pi Mai Lao holiday from April 14-16.
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European Food Festival – March 24
More than 30 restaurants and cafés will participate in European Food Festival 2018 presenting signature dishes of many European countries such as Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Russia and Spain in Vientiane on Mar 24.
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MICAT Publicises Law on Performing Arts
Source: Vientiane Times The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT) last Friday publicised a law on Performing Arts to
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Redha Wins Audience Choice Award: Luang Prabang Film Festival
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) concluded its eighth annual event this week in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos, with the Audience Choice Award going to the Malaysian film, Redha.
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That Luang Festival
The That Luang Festival is extra special this year as it anticipates Visit Laos Year 2018, aiming to spotlight Lao culture, tourist attractions and the local lifestyle to the eyes of the world.
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Annual WIG Bazaar November 11
WIG Laos has announced the Annual WIG Bazaar 2017 will be held on November 11 on the grounds of the Faculty of Engineering of the National University of Laos at Sokpaluang Road, Vientiane.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2017 Lineup
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced the lineup for its eighth annual event, which will run 8-13 December 2017.
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“Dearest Sister” – First Foreign-Language Oscar Entry
In the country’s first-ever Oscars submission, Lao PDR has selected Mattie Do’s film Dearest Sister as its official entry for best foreign-language film at the 90th Academy Awards.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2017 Talent Lab
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that it is looking for applicants for its 2017 Talent Lab for Southeast Asian filmmakers, to be led by Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI). The Lab, which will focus on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the eighth annual festival, which will take place 8-13 December 2017.
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Better Facilities Needed For Visit Laos Year 2018
Authorities are preparing to promote “Visit Laos Year 2018” with the aim of making this sector a key pillar for economic growth.
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In Historic First, Laos To Submit Film To Oscars
In a historic first for the small Southeast Asian country, Laos will submit a film to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for consideration in the 90th Academy Awards, to be held on 4 March 2018.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2017 Dates, Releases Design
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that its eighth annual event will take place on 8-13 December 2017. The festival, which celebrates Southeast Asian cinema every December in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos, will feature a range of feature film screenings, short film programs, panel discussions, and events.
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Five Bans to be Strictly Enforced During Lao New Year
The Government issued five public bans for Lao New Year celebration last week, in an effort to maintain social order and promote and preserve Lao traditions and culture.
Firstly, state offices and the general public nationwide have been asked to organise a farewell party to BE 2560 in accordance with the longstanding traditional culture of Laos and the government’s policies throughout the five-day celebration from 13 to 17 April.
Luang Prabang Film Festival Goes From Strength To Strength
Luang Prabang, the well-preserved northern capital of Laos, doesn’t have a single working cinema. But over the first week of December, the streets of its Unesco-sanctioned historic district filled with cinephiles hailing from all over the region and beyond for the latest edition of Luang Prabang Film Festival, or LPFF.
Thirty-two feature films were screened, which ended on Dec 7, all of them from the Asean nations of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, ……
Elephant Festival In Laos
The Elephant Festival 2017, in Sayaboury province, will run from 13 to 19 February, with around 70 elephants joining activities during the festival.
The festival is the major event of the province and reminds visitors and residents that Laos once had a vast elephant population, ….
FMK International Dance Festival – ຟັງແມ່ຂອງ
Visit the Fang Mae Khong international dance festival from Dec 9 to 17 at FANGLAO Black Box Vientiane.
This year there are 3 different programs with artists from Laos, France, Germany, Singapore, Cambodia, and Japan.
Stunning Wax Castle Procession Reflects Rich Lao Culture
Thousands of people gathered yesterday for the grand wax castle procession, one of the main features of the annual That Luang festival and among the country’s cultural highlights.
The festival has become more widely known over the years and more and more foreigners make a point of coming to Vientiane for this very special and uniquely Lao event.
This year’s festival holds greater significance than usual as it marks the 450th anniversary of the …..
Vientiane Rescue Prepares For Boat Racing Festival
Over 20 volunteers from Vientiane Rescue 1623 are performing drills to assist anyone in the water in preparation for this year’s boat racing festival in the capital next month.
Vat Chan Festival is the largest boat racing competition in Laos and takes place annually the day after Buddhist Lent ends. This year’s festival falls on October 17.
A senior officer with Vientiane Rescue 1623 under ….
Lao Fashion Week Gets Underway In Vientiane
Lao Fashion Week 2016 kicked off on Monday with the launch of a popup store displaying fashion pieces from participating designers to support the Lao Young Designer project.
A red carpet fashion show featuring local models promoting the latest trends and pieces from …..
Join The International Women’s Boat Racing Team !
The International Women’s Boat Racing Team is calling for people interested in joining their team to participate in the boat racing festival, planned for Monday Oct. 17 this year.
The International Women’s Team is a joint team comprised of international and Lao women, and women from Saifongneua Village.
People joining the team should be prepared to …
“Wonderful Indonesia in Laos”
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia presents “Wonderful Indonesia in Laos”
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Where: Vientiane Center
When: 27 – 29 May 2016 (9:00am onwards)
What: Indonesian products & services exhibition, workshops, fashion show
Four-Day Lao New Year Holiday Announced
The government has announced four consecutive public holidays for Lao New Year or Pi Mai Lao from April 13-16 bringing the total break to six days including Saturday and Sunday, the longest in years.
As April 16 falls on Saturday, therefore April 12 (Tuesday) will be a ……
MINI VIENTIANALE SHORT FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS
The Mini Vientianale International Short Film Festival returns to the silver screen from March 11-13 2016. The festival showcases an exciting line-up of national and international short films to the Vientiane community both indoors for daytime screenings and under the stars in the evenings at the Cinema Department, off Khouvieng Road.
The final evening of the festival will be……
Vat Phou Festival: Plenty Of Accommodation Available
Visitors to the Vat Phou festival in Champassak province need not worry about accommodation as hotels and guesthouses are not yet fully booked, an official has confirmed.
Hotels and guesthouses are not fully booked due to a reduction in the number of foreign tourists visiting Vat Phou at present.
This year, Vat Phou festival will take place from …..
Comic Strip Festival For The Environment Drawing Interest
The third edition of the Comic Strip Festival for the Environment is underway with the official launch held at Institut Français du Laos in Vientiane on Monday.
The festival aims to highlight environmental issues under the theme “Clean water, clean Mekong,” through various …..
WIG Bazaar 2015
We are happy to announce that the WIG Bazaar will be held on 7 November, 2015 at the National University of Laos Faculty of Engineering grounds (near Sokpaluang Road), from 10:00 to 17:00.
Stalls will be available on a first-come, first-served basis on four separate stall sale dates during the second and third weeks of October 2015. Details about the cost of stalls and stall sale dates/times will be …..
Vientianale International Film Festival: Full Screening Programme
Vientianale International Film Festival returns to the silver screen from March 12 to 15, 2015. The festival will showcase an exciting line-up of Lao and international feature-length and short films to the Vientiane community under the stars outside the Cultural Hall in the evenings, and at the Cinema Department’s movie theatre during the daytime.
The annual film festival celebrates the art of film and the diversity of Lao culture, and has emerged as an important platform for local filmmakers to screen their works: …..
Vientianale International Film Festival Returns 12-15 March 2015
Vientianale International Film Festival returns to the silver screen from March 12 to 15 2015. The festival will showcase an exciting line-up of Lao and international feature-length and short films to the Vientiane community under the stars at the Cultural Hall outdoor event space in the evenings. Daytime screenings will be held at the Cinema Department, Vientianale’s long-term partner.
The annual film festival celebrates the art of film and the diversity of Lao culture, and has emerged as an important platform for local filmmakers to screen their works. This year’s festival will showcase recent films from …..
Week-Long Annual Fair Kicks Off At That Luang
Vientiane authorities expect that the annual That Luang trade fair will generate over 36 billion kip in revenue for vendors and organisers during the week-long event.
The trade fair was officially opened last Friday at the That Luang esplanade. It takes place on two sites – the esplanade and Lao-ITECC.
This year’s That Luang festival marks the 448th anniversary of the construction of the grand stupa. The celebration has become a long-time practice handed down from generation to ….
Boun Suang Heua, Boat Racing Festival
In Luang Prabang, Boun Suang Heua, or the Boat Racing Festival is held on Khao Padapdin, the Day of the Commemoration of the Dead (in August). In Vientiane Capital it is held the day after the End of Buddhist Lent.
Both are important social and sports events witnessed by huge crowds. One week before the race, Fa Ngum Quai (along Fa Ngum Road) is taken over by stalls selling all kinds of …..
Love in Luang Prabang: Film Festival
The world premiere of “Vientiane in Love”, an omnibus romance by four Lao directors, will open the fifth edition of the Luang Prabang Film Festival, set for December 6 to 10.
Screening in the festival’s 800-seat outdoor main venue, “Vientiane in Love” is by Lao New Wave Cinema and four directors – Vannaphone Sitthirath, Xaisongkham Induangchanthy, Phanumad Disattha and Anysay Keola, who made his debut in 2012 with the thriller “At the Horizon”.
Three other features from Laos’ newly emergent film industry will ….
With Parades And Water, Laos Welcomes Year Of The Horse
Leaders, government officials and Lao people around the country celebrated the Lao New Year festival from April 14-16, taking part in a range of activities to preserve the fine traditions and culture of the country.
The highlight in Vientiane was the Nang Sang Khan (Miss Lao New Year) procession, which started early in the afternoon on April 14 and was attended by several thousand Vientiane residents.
There were also smaller processions of monks with Buddha images, accompanied by traditional performing arts performances….
Govt Pulls Plug On Pi Mai Parties To Save Money
The government has instructed state organisations not to spend any of the state budget on Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) parties over the three-day festival from April 14-16.
Officials are also banned from using state vehicles for personal use over the course of the festival, according to the two-page announcement issued by the Government Office.
The announcement comes amid budget tension that has resulted in the government being more restrained with its spending and the suspension of ….
Largest Lao Dance: World Record Attempt
The Largest Lao Dance record breaking attempt are inviting people of Vientiane to support the first record breaking attempt in Laos this coming Saturday 5th, April, 2014! The event aims to bring people together as a whole community of Vientiane to promote Lao Culture. Top eight Universities and Schools in Vientiane are practicing Lao dance called Baslop. The Baslop dance is consider as Lao traditional dance you see in weddings, parties and ceremonies.
The event will be held at …..
Mini-Vientianale: First Short Film Festival In Lao
On 8th and 9th March, Vientianale International Film Festival will hold “Mini-Vientianale”, the first Short Film Festival in Lao PDR in the garden of the Lao Cinema Department. Entry is free. This two day festival will premiere 16 new seven- minute short films by emerging Lao filmmakers on this year’s competition theme “you + me”. The audience will be able to vote for their favourite film about love, friendship and family on the night of the screening on 9th March from 6:30 pm onwards and bear witness to the award ceremony for the ….
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Vienstock Rock Festival 2014: Rock For Education
Vienstock is an independent charity rock Concert, it was created by Pierre Bourlard, a.k.a DJ Pierre, and featured last year 5 international bands, 3 Lao bands and a DJ play. The Festival’s slogan is “Rock for education”.
In 2013 Vienstock was held on Vientiane International School sport field. All profits from the entrance fees and T shirt sale proceeded to Ban Sapphanthongtai school. For the first edition 2700 USD were raised for some urgent sanitation work.
In 2014 we organize the second version of Vienstock in Ban Simeuang, the French school (Hoffet school) let us use their sport field. 11 lao and international rock bands will participate:
That Luang Festival Trade Fair Kicks Off
The That Luang festival trade fair officially kicked off on the esplanade yesterday, featuring a tempting display of domestic and imported products that will delight shoppers until November 17.
This year the fair at the That Luang esplanade comprises 510 stalls and stages displaying performances, food items, and industrial and handicraft products from Vientiane, foreign embassies in the capital, international organisations and other bodies.
But religion is at the heart of the festival and on November 15 colourful wax castle processions will take place at Vat Simeuang, Vat Inpeng, Vat Ongteu and at That Luang itself. On November 16 the grand wax castle procession will depart from….