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 …..
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 …..
In Laos, food is the most important activity throughout the day. In the local language, it is quite common for people to greet each other by immediately asking, “Have you eaten food?” (“Kin khao laeo bor?”). Food is often the topic of many conversations, especially when eating and sharing dishes between friends and family. Additionally, Lao people take great passion in sharing traditional dishes with curious travelers.
Lao people were originally ……
Entering the country of 7 million people through its partner Platinum Cineplex, Thailand’s largest movie-theatre operator Major Cineplex Group formed a 60:40 joint venture to open its first five movie screens in Vientiane, for a total investment of about Bt75 million.
“We expect at least 500,000 movie tickets will be sold in the ……
Less than one week, after months of rumours, on August 6, 2015, the Major Platinum Cineplex Theater finally opened its doors to the public at Vientiane Center. I was very excited to see how the whole experience would compare. Nonetheless, I set my expectations low. After all, Vientiane is already equipped with two ….
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On 23 April 2014 – the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (London) embarked upon a two-year global tour, to present Hamlet to every country in the world. The ‘Globe to Globe Hamlet’, directed by the Globe’s Artistic Director Dominic Dromgoole, is a completely unprecedented theatrical adventure. On July 10 they will play in Vientiane! Their stay in Vientiane is supported by ….
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The American Arts Incubator program is sponsoring a visual artist and muralist, David Burke to collaborate with local artists, community members, and create public art or small art projects for groups in Laos.
There will be a number of grants available, $500 each, given to small organizations who will work with David on an art project for their organization.
There will be an introductory talk and tuning in to the program on Monday 18 May at 6:00 pm at i:cat gallery. This will be followed by a four day art and ideas …..
The ongoing exhibition ‘Bylines’, staged by the i:cat gallery in Vientiane, features intriguing drawings and paintings by four artists and depicts the lifestyles of Lao people.The intricate pieces have been created by Ms Ji Hyun Lim, Ms Jenny Thorncraft, Ms Elizabeth (Lizz) Card, and Lao artist Mr Khomsavath Aphayavong.
Ms Ji Hyun Lim, an artist originally from the Republic of Korea, has lived in Vientiane for two years with her family. She has supplied 25 artworks for the ……
Lao frangipani collector Dr Outhaki Chounlamany-Khamphoui will officially open her impressive garden tomorrow to visitors after spending many years collecting different frangipani species from around the world.
The Amazing Champa Blooming 2015 will feature 5,000 beautiful frangipani trees with more than 200 species from around the world, along with singing and dance performances, poetry readings plus stalls and other activities during the …..
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 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 …..
HANDMADE is a “fair” that aims to promote handmade and homemade art and craft to the Vientiane community.
This exciting art and craft fair will have a range of handmade products, artworks, live art, film, art installations, handicrafts and interactive, creative activities. It is an opportunity to experience the creativity in Vientiane as well as meet makers and ….
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 ….
I’ll be moving out of Laos in a week or two (or three…) and I have grown to love this country more than I ever imagined. It surprised me how quickly Luang Prabang has come to feel like home. Here are some of the characteristics, quirks, and sights that I have come to love the most:
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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 …..
Rock band ULUVUS will release the best song ever written, Ma Dort Ma Ten Ma Man this week and plan to have concerts in October.
“It is without a doubt the best song ever written,” said Chris Crash, the band’s front man. “By an international rock band singing in Lao language, I mean.”
The song is an uplifting call to set aside your worries, slam on some cheap shades and celebrate life. The accompanying music video depicts a heartbroken girl who is ….
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 ….
Major Cineplex Group Plc, Thailand’s largest cinema operator, is looking to expand further in Indochina as the region’s entertainment industry develops.
“Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos are fresh entertainment markets, and we should take this opportunity to establish our presence in these countries before our rivals,” said Major Cineplex chairman Vicha Poolvaraluck.
Its first cinema with five screens would open by the end of this year at the ……
No concrete solution has been determined to save Laos’ colonial and traditional buildings, which are disappearing due to urbanisation.
Officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism’s Heritage Department expressed concern that if there were no coordinated preservation efforts or proper town planning the historical architecture would disappear.
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia are rich in colonial French architecture.
Tourists and foreign expatriates told Vientiane Times that Vientiane used to have the potential to become one of the most attractive and charming cities in Southeast Asia, but a lack of good planning and proper zoning has gradually eroded the city’s ….
The adventures of coroner-sleuth Dr Siri have attracted an army of readers in the West, but he remains a stranger back home
Colin Cotterill is without doubt the best-known author of murder mysteries set in Laos, a communist country where crimes are rarely even reported in the state-run press.
In fact, Cotterill, 61, may well be the only author of murder mysteries with Laos as their setting. The protagonist of the British author’s award-winning series is Dr Siri Paiboun, fictionally appointed the first and only coroner in Vientiane in …..
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….
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 ….
The world record “Pasalob dance”, a Lao traditional culture, ever held in the Lao PDR took place at That Luang square on Saturday drawing more than 4,200 students.
Participants in yellow t-shirts danced and stepped simultaneously according to four hit Lao songs Euay Kor Ngarm Nong Kor Ngarm, Ying Lao Yuk Mai, Oh Duang Cham Pa and Sao Tane Piao. The objective of the event is not only to promote the preservation of Lao traditional culture and dance but also to make the Lao PDR and its customs internationally known.
Pasalop dance is popular to social parties, traditional festivals and …..
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 …..
If you’re seeking an authentic local experience in a new city, sometimes you have to be willing to get your hands dirty – but when it’s all in the name of good food, the pleasure is all ours. Sabaidee Magazine joined a market tour and cooking class run by Lao cook Nouk through Lao Experiences Vientiane.
“Smells bad, looks bad, but tastes amazing!” declares Nouk Keoaloun, the owner of Lao Experiences Vientiane, and our guide for today’s market tour and cooking class, as she motions for me to sniff the bunch of greens …..
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 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:
Corruption remains a threat to Laos, and global development, despite the government making progress to tackle the problem, officials noted at an International Anti-Corruption Day event.
According to the annual Corruption Perceptions Index prepared by global anti-corruption body Transparency International, Laos is currently ranked at 140 out of the 177 countries surveyed for the index, which scores countries on how corrupt their public sectors are seen to be. Last year Laos was ranked 160.
“Corruption is one of many negative phenomena having a large effect on ….
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF), which screens Southeast Asian films of all genres, opens tomorrow and runs until Dec 11. Now in its fourth year, LPFF celebrates the growth of the regional film industry and aims to make film more accessible to the public. Because there is no cinema in Luang Prabang, screenings are held outdoors at the Handicrafts Night Market, as well as at the Amantaka Hotel and the nearby visitor’s centre.
LPFF operates year-round, running workshops and educational activities, and working to support local filmmakers through ……
Officials have warned those who plan to marry foreigners to follow legal marriage procedures, especially women who choose to leave Laos and reside in their fiancé’s country.
The warning came after reports emerged that many Lao women who got engaged to foreigners have left Laos and gone to live in their intended’s country without undergoing the correct procedure – several of whom have been reported as suffering from unexpected ill treatment from unfaithful partners.
Some of the women from this group are believed to have fallen victim to human trafficking as they were reported as having lost contact with their families at home since their …..
Sabaidee Magazine, one of Laos’ most popular travel and lifestyle publications, has revamped its design and content to incorporate a new 22-page listings section that can be used as a country guide by locals, expatriates and those passing through on holidays or business.
The new listings detail the best places to eat, drink, shop, sleep and relax in the main cities and visitor hotspots throughout Laos. Sabaidee also outlines a host of activities in their See & Do section that families, couples or friends can get up to.
Another desirable facet of the magazine is the extensive section reviews. Sabaidee’s writers regularly venture out to discover the newest, trendiest and most standout spas, eateries, entertainment venues, shops and ……
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….
Laos ranks top out of the 10 Asean countries for alcohol beverage/beer consumption, with an average of 7 litres consumed per person per year, according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The survey also found that Lao women drink more alcohol than women in other Indochina countries.
Laos has many ethnic groups and each has its own traditions and culture but alcohol plays an important role throughout Lao society, the survey found.
Unsurprisingly the survey found that the high consumption of alcohol is a frequent cause of ….
Countries with a less developed film industry such as Laos usually have a stronger documentary scene. Producing documentaries costs less than producing movies. But is not the only reason for this interest in real life storytelling.
There were twelve Lao filmmakers eager to be trained and learn more about the art of documentary filmmaking. The workshop held from September 14th to September 22nd was organized by the LuangPrabang Film Festival and instructed by the Humanitarian Media Agency (HUMA). It was all about this topic: giving the participants the tools to produce a good documentary film…..
A 21st anniversary party is nothing to shy away from in the West. When done right, it can become one of the most memorable nights of your life. Having attended more than a few parties and anniversaries in the past, I will review Wind West’s 21st anniversary by comparing the key features a party needs to be unforgettable.
The music was the centerpiece of the night. Although Wind West is already known for its great live band, the 21st anniversary performances were very entertaining and diverse. A total of seven bands played during the course of the night, including one foreigner band, Sugar Mouth. The other six bands are Boulenium,……
A boy who is believed to bring bad luck to everyone around him leads his family and two new friends through Laos to find a new home. After a calamity-filled journey through a land scarred by the legacy of war, to prove he’s not bad luck he builds a giant rocket to enter the most exciting and dangerous competition of the year: the Rocket Festival.
Australia has submitted The Rocket as its official entry in the Best Foreign Language Film category for the Oscars. The recognition for the Australian film The Rocket keeps coming as the low-budget drama set in Laos has become Australia’s official selection for the best foreign-language Oscar next year.
After winning awards at two major international festivals then the audience prize at ….
Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam are trying to save dogs, supposedly man’s best friend, from restaurants in Vietnam, where they have most favoured meat status.
The four governments agreed in principle to put an end to the trade in dogs for human consumption at a recent meeting in Hanoi, with a pledge to interdict the trafficking of canines from one country to another for the next five years.
The move, if successful, could save an estimate five million dogs from being slaughtered and eaten each year, according to …..
On a research trip along the Laos-China border recently, I was struck by the number of Mandarin schools that have popped up in the small towns and villages that lead to the border, and the number of Laotian families that have chosen to send their children there to study Mandarin.
The reason for this shift in attitudes is simple enough: China is the biggest investor in Laos at present, and the might of China’s economy is keenly felt among the small population of Laos, who see hundreds of Chinese lorries and boats go down the highways and the Mekong river.
Entire communities have sprung up as a result, and along the border, new Special Economic Zones have emerged where Chinese businessmen and tourists flock…..
Heritage officials have expressed concern over the number of French colonial buildings that have disappeared from the capital due to urbanisation in recent years.
There are growing concerns that much of the colonial architecture in Vientiane, which is part of the national heritage of Laos, is being demolished without permission in order to develop the land, particularly in the city.
The French colonial architecture that has remained in the country since France left Laos is one of the unique attractions of the nation, which continues to attract many tourists to ……
It is 6.30am and a bright orange sun is rising behind the mountains. The twin hulls of our boat cut through water that shimmers like glass. Fish jump and buffalo swim. Villagers brush their teeth at the waters edge.
It’s another world, from another era, and I feel like Katherine Hepburn, except that my vessel is a raft strapped on top of two wooden canoes, on top of which, perching like thrones, sit two rattan chairs. It is a rather comical, Heath Robinson contraption, but that can’t detract from the beauty of the scenery and the empty, peaceful atmosphere.
It would be nice to spend the day just sitting and floating, but my destination materialises into view. Don Daeng is one of the many islands in the middle of the Mekong River, here in southern Laos where the river starts to ….
The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a two day consultative workshop on the management of religions recently.
About 70 representatives from relevant line ministries and agencies, mass organisations, social organisations and religious groups participating in the consultation process attended the workshop.
The aim of the workshop was to collect the views and opinions of various stakeholders in order to improve the legal framework of Laos that promotes and protects religious freedom….
Why is cross-cultural awareness training important? When working with colleagues from other countries and cultures have you ever been frustrated by the fact that they do things in ways that are fundamentally different to your own? That their priorities in the workplace may differ to yours? That they seem to be sending you mixed messages—and that their body language is confusing?
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Some 2,500 to 3,000 people from across the country are expected to attend the official consecration ceremony of the Vientiane City Pillar Shrine this November 15 to 17.
“The idea behind consecration is to make something sacred and respected. During the ceremony, monks will pray day and night, concentrating on the spirit and teachings of the Buddha, dharma, and the respect of monks and lay-people for this special place.”
The activities will include religious ceremonies and traditional celebrations. Items of value will be placed on …..
Boun Ork Phansa is the last day of Buddhist Lent. Taking place three lunar months after Khao Phansa, the day is one steeped in tradition and brought alive by celebrations which begin at dawn and continue on way past dusk.
As morning breaks, people across the country flock to temples to present offerings of money and food to resident monks. The morning offering ceremony is quiet and reflective – the calm before the storm of festivities to come.
On the evening of Boun Ork Phansa, candlelight processions are held around temples in celebration of Lay Heua Fai. The river becomes illuminated as people send small boats made of banana leaves, decorated with flowers and carrying candles down the Mekong. The boats serve as a mark of respect to Buddha and to thank ……
“Mother, please help my son to pass the entrance exam and study in a good school. If he succeeds, I promise to give you two bunches of bananas, two coconuts, a wax castle and five pairs of lighted candles and flowers.”
This is a typical example of the prayers offered up at Vat Simeuang temple in Vientiane every day – a prayer to Nha Mae Simeuang, believed to be the city’s protector. People come here to make their heart’s desires known, and will return with offerings if their prayers are answered. Usually they bring coconuts, candles or money, all of which are laid in abundance at the main altar.
The temple was built in 1563 and houses the much venerated city pillar. Legend has it that the king at that time asked that a hole be dug to install the pillar and it must be large enough for …..
The death penalty is necessary for brutal crimes, but the punishment should be implemented fairly and humanely, National Assembly (NA) members have said.
This was the consensus among NA members when they met on Tuesday to debate the amendment of the Law on Criminal Procedure. “The use of the death penalty is unavoidable, but in some cases it should not be done by firing squad,” NA member for Vientiane Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoun said.
“If the international community is interested in why Laos is serious on this matter, we can tell the world that it’s because of our determination to fight crimes like drug trafficking,” Dr Duangsavat said.
ULUVUS, an expatriate rock band, will unveil their new album entitled “55555”, a play on the Lao sense of humour that shows the band are well in tune with Lao culture.
ULUVUS released their first album in 2009, after the band members had been living in Laos for some time, and have been immersing themselves further in the culture ever since.
“55555” is a post that Lao youngsters like to make on Facebook or send as a text message. Vocalised as “ha, ha, ha” this means something is considered to be funny and the new Lao language album is meant to be exactly that, fun for foreigners and Lao people alike.
Forget eating the worm after downing your tequila – with these bottles of unusual wine produced in Laos, a tasty tipple comes with a far more potent bite. This potion, known as lao bong ya, is believed to ward off evil spirits and cure the sick.
Because snake venoms are protein-based, they are inactivated by the denaturing effects of ethanol, and thus are no more dangerous, meaning you’ll avoid a pounding hangover.
Wat Si Muang is not as well known as Wat Phra Kaew or Wat Sisaket but Wat Si Muang nevertheless has a special attraction.
Founded in 1563 under the reign of King Setthathirath it was destroyed by the Siamese in 1828, like most other temples in Vientiane, rebuilt in 1915 and renovated in 1960. Wat Si Muang is currently in good condition and well maintained. The temple is situated at the junction of Samsenthai and Setthathirath road. A statue of King Sisavangvong is in a nearby park just next to the main entrance.
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