Latest news with #Lao
The Star
13 hours ago
- Climate
- The Star
Laos warns of flood risk amid ongoing rainfall
VIENTIANE: (Bernama-Xinhua) The weather bureau of Laos has warned that continued rainfall in many parts of the country may cause floods and landslides, while water levels in rivers keep rising, Xinhua reported. Heavy and light rains are forecast across Laos from June 16 to 22. Residents, especially in the northern and central provinces, are advised to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures, as persistent rainfall over several days could trigger severe weather-related hazards. According to a report from the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Wednesday (June 18), the river level in southern Laos' Savannakhet province reached 15.70 metres on Tuesday (June 17), surpassing the danger level of 15 metres. Lao authorities are advising people in low-lying areas to prepare to move their belongings to a safer place. In northern Laos' Phongsaly province, heavy rain over the past few days caused rivers to burst their banks and flood houses and farmland on June 16. The weather bureau has urged the public to stay prepared for extreme weather conditions and to closely monitor official forecasts. - Bernama-Xinhua
Barnama
2 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 19, 2025
The Indonesian government has confirmed that 580 of its citizens remain in Iran and Israel amid intensifying conflict in the region, with no evacuation conducted as of yet. According to Judha Nugraha, Director for the Protection of Indonesian Citizens at the Foreign Ministry, 386 Indonesians -- mostly students -- are still in Iran, primarily in the city of Qom. The government's proposal to develop compact, subsidised housing for urban youth is facing growing criticism from both experts and potential occupants, who say the poor design and cramped living conditions of these 'mini houses' could jeopardise their inhabitants' physical and psychological well-being. The Bank of the Lao discovered 21 corruption cases involving bank staff last year. Two cases were exposed at the central bank, 10 at commercial banks, five at savings banks and one at the Agricultural Promotion Bank. 2. LAO WORKERS REMITTANCE FUELLING ECONOMY -- VIENTIANE TIMES Lao nationals working abroad continue to send home a sizeable amount of remittances, estimated at RM19 million (US$4.5 million) a month. Remittance is vital to drive the Lao economy as the money is spent on goods and services. MYANMAR 1. NEW HIGHWAYS, BRIDGES IN THE PIPELINE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government announced it will build 187 kilometres of highways and 305 bridges in the 2025-2026 financial year that will cut across 115 villages. Repairs of highways, village roads and six bridges damaged by the Mandalay earthquake will also be completed soon. 2. MYANMAR-VIETNAM BUILDERS EXPLORE MARKETS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar-Vietnam Construction Business meeting will be held at the on 23 June to promote networking among builders from the two countries. Twenty-two companies from Vietnam Business Club and Myanmar's construction companies, engineers, producers and importers will participate in the event. SINGAPORE 1. NUS RETAINS 8TH SPOT, NTU CLIMBS TO 12TH IN LATEST GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS -- THE STRAITS TIMES The National University of Singapore (NUS) has retained its spot in the top 10 in a global ranking of institutions, with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) hot on its heels. 2. TRUMP WEIGHS IRAN STRIKE PLANS AS CONFLICT ESCALATES: WSJ -- CNA/AGENCIES US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 18) declined to answer reporters' questions on whether the US was planning to join Israel to strike Iran or its nuclear facilities, shortly before a Wall Street Journal report emerged saying he had told senior aides that he had approved plans for such an attack. VIETNAM 1. TRANSFORMING HO CHI MINH INTO MEGACITY -- VIETNAMPLUS The merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Ba Ria, Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces will create a megacity of finance, industry and seaports. These areas will focus on developing an eco-city, improving living standards and promoting social equity. 1. CONSUMER REWARD MODEL TO PROMOTE RECYCLING -- VIETNAMPLUS The proposed Deposit Return System, if implemented effectively, could prevent 77,000 metric tonnes of packaging waste from reaching landfills and reduce CO2 emissions by 265,000 tonnes. Additionally, this model could create approximately 16,000 jobs in the informal waste sector. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Ten Reasons To Visit Luang Prabang In 2025
Aerial photograph of UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang in Laos, South-East Asia. Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-listed town in northern Laos, has attracted intrepid travelers for decades with its blend of traditional Lao and French colonial architecture, myriad temples, and slow pace of life. Part of its appeal: Laos is home to more than 50 ethnic groups and boasts a cuisine (and heritage crafts!) that reflects such diversity. While often mischaracterized as a spicier cousin of Thai food, particularly the cuisine of northeastern Thailand (Isan), Lao food is distinct: it's centered around grilled meats, sticky rice, and robust, smoky flavors. Techniques like charring shallots and garlic over charcoal stoves are foundational, and key ingredients include fermented fish paste (pa daek), bamboo, lemongrass, and galangal. Dishes such as laab, tam mak hung (green papaya salad), and or lam (a peppery stew) have roots that stretch across borders, but in Luang Prabang, they feel entirely their own. Even in modern kitchens, most cooking still happens over the traditional tao lo charcoal stove — a reminder that in Laos, the method matters just as much as the meal. Wat Xieng thong temple,Luang Pra bang, Laos But change is afoot. The Laos government has made it a mission to triple or even quadruple tourism numbers, and so far, it's working. Travelers heading to Thailand, one of 2025's buzziest destinations, can now add Luang Prabang to their itinerary with a quick one-hour flight or slow boat from Chiang Mai. For travelers coming from China, the new semi-high-speed train, operational since 2021, makes stops in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. And a new boutique cruise ship plying the Mekong River allows travelers to drift in slowly, in style. At the same time, development has ramped up. On a visit in February, I spoke with several shop owners worried about the government's sale of local buildings—including a recently shuttered public school—to Chinese investors. Developers are putting up hotels and banks, which, locals say, Chinese tourists often prefer to Lao-owned businesses. 'The money doesn't come to us, the Lao people,' more than one resident told me. And yet, the relaxed spirit that first drew backpackers and retired expats still lingers. Here's why 2025 is the year to go and ten experiences in Luang Prabang to prioritize when you do. (You'll notice temples are missing—trust me, you'll find those on your own.)done right. A French style cafe on the main street of Luang Prabang. Bike or Wander the UNESCO Old Town Luang Prabang earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1995 for its singular architecture. a blend of traditional Lao design and 19th- and 20th-century European colonial influences. The designation helped preserve the city's historic core, where Buddhist temples, French villas, and teakwood houses coexist along palm-lined streets. Wander aimlessly through the old quarter. Bike along the river. Check out Wat Xieng Thong's glittering mosaics or simply stroll past wooden colonial-era homes. Recharge at local favorites like Le Banneton for buttery croissants and crusty baguettes or Joma Bakery for delicious pastries, bread, and Lao coffee. LUANG PRABANG, LAOS - JANUARY 6: Food seller on the Night Market on Jan 6, 2006 in Luang Prabang, Laos. (Photo) Eat Your Way Through the Streets of Luang Prabang Luang Prabang's food scene is flavorful, unfussy, and shockingly affordable (to Westerner travelers). Relative newcomer Little Lao serves up dishes like spicy noodle curry, lemongrass chicken, and steamed river fish in a setting that feels modern without being trendy. For something more hands-on, Tamarind offers casual cooking classes where you'll learn to wrap fish in banana leaves, mix jeow (a Lao dipping sauce), and prepare sticky rice like a local. You'll eat what you make while sitting by a lily pond — not bad for an afternoon that costs less than dinner back home. For a more upmarket experience, The Main Street Bar & Grill at Avani+ Luang Prabang serves excellent Laotian dishes, despite its Western name. Other spots to bookmark include Le Calao and Manda de Laos. Or, do as the locals do, and graze the abundance of snacks, meat sticks, and grilled vegetables at the daily night market. A large red mural in Sahai Coffee. Get Caffeinated Across Town For coffee lovers, the coffee culture in Luang Prabang will come as a delightful surprise. While cafes line the streets, offering easy access to a cup of Laotian coffee at practically every block, dedicated coffee shops, including third wave pour over spots devoted to the country's best beans, have proliferated. One of my favorites, both for minimalist Asian design and a range of origins and processing styles (washed versus natural), was LuLaLao Coffee. I went every morning for a languorous cup in the window. Another excellent option is Saffron Coffee. Though a bit more rustic in ambiance, its riverside location and high-quality brews including cortados and cappuccinos, make it a nice afternoon stop. Finally, check out Sahai Lao for sustainably-grown Lao coffee that supports reforestation and fair wages. Cotton scarves at Saoban, a fair trade organization that works with more than 300 hill-tribe artisans to preserve Lao village textiles and handicrafts. Shop for Handmade Crafts, Textiles, and Gifts While this may sound like an exaggeration, it's not: Luang Prabang has some of the best shopping in all of SE Asia. Period. In fact, Lao textiles are considered some of the finest in the world. After opening my eyes to the beauty of heritage silk weaving on a trip to Uzbekistan, I arrived in Luang Prabang dialed into the artisan scene. What I found was refreshing: nearly every shop sold handmade goods, often from the villages of ethnic hill tribes, sent to town for sale to travelers. Having lamented the loss of handmade goods around the world in favor of cheap trinkets made (often) in China, it was refreshing to shop in stores that supported nearby communities, using sustainable or organic materials, while preserving weaving and design traditions. You'll find cotton napkins dyed in local indigo, raw silk scarves in rich hues of emerald and marigold, clothing evocative of customary dress but with modern cuts, plus home decor, photography, art, and other goods. In fact, my pro tip: arrive with a second suitcase (or buy a giant overflow tote from one of the shops.) This is retail therapy you can feel good about. The must-shop list includes Passa Paa, Ock Pop Tok, Anakha The Blue House, ma te sai, and Yaimaii for eco-friendly fashion from natural fibers. For beautiful wooden bowls, don't miss Caruso. They ship, but it's pricey. Paper making in Luang Prabang, Laos Learn a Craft: Mulberry Paper in Ban Xang Khong A quick 15-minute tuk-tuk or bike ride east of town takes you to Ban Xang Khong, a riverside village known for its paper and textile artisans. Here, traditional saa paper is made by hand from the bark of mulberry trees: soaked, pulped, and pressed into delicate sheets embedded with local flowers and leaves. Visitors can watch artisans at work or take part in a short, hands-on workshop where you'll make your own paper creation to take home. Paper-making has been practiced in the region for generations, and spending time with these artisans gives you a tactile connection to the craft and the people preserving it. Tangor, one of several coctkail bars and cafes along the main street in Luang Prabang. Take a Sip: Luang Prabang Has a Surprising Cocktail Scene Luang Prabang may be a temple town, but it doesn't shy away from a good drink. You'll find cocktail bars scattered all over, often tucked into French colonial buildings or down side alleys lit by lanterns. At Little Lao Culture Bar, the menu plays with ingredients like sticky rice–washed gin, jackfruit syrup, and tamarind. Over at speakeasy-style Artisan Bar, bartenders mix toasted rice and Lao bitters with the same care you'd find in any big-city drinking den but with better ambiance and lower prices. Other spots include The Tangor, with its colorful interior and front-row seats for people-watching in the street. Whether you're in the mood for a floral highball or a craft Laotian beer, the drinking scene skews far more interesting than the size of the town suggests. Turquoise water of Kuang Si waterfall, Luang Prabang. Laos Book a Day Trip to Kuang Si Falls About 45 minutes by tuk-tuk from town, Kuang Si Falls lives up to the hype. I usually roll my eyes at the suggestion of a waterfall excursion, but instead, I gasped and took over 50 photos at Kuang Si. The falls cascade in tiers down limestone formations into turquoise pools perfect for swimming, wading, or just soaking tired feet. A network of shaded walking trails winds through the surrounding forest, leading to higher viewpoints and quieter pools that somehow get more beautiful with each ascent. At the base of the falls, you'll find the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, home to dozens of Asiatic black bears rescued from poaching and illegal trade. Pack a swimsuit, wear comfortable shoes, and plan to spend a few hours. There are food stalls near the entrance, plus changing rooms and picnic spots. Lai Heua Fai festival or the festival of the fire boat is celebrated on the night of the End of Lent. It is held all over Laos, especially where there is a river. Visit Luang Prabang During the Festival of Lights Each October, Luang Prabang glows from within during Boun Lai Heua Fai, the Festival of Lights that marks the end of Buddhist Lent. The celebration blends sacred ritual and community spectacle: locals craft candlelit boats and set them afloat on the Mekong to honor the water spirits and bid farewell to the rainy season. Elaborate lanterns light up temples, alleyways, and balconies. Children parade through the streets with glowing floats, and monks chant late into the night. The effect is transportive: for one night, the entire town flickers with reflection and release. If you're lucky enough to be in Luang Prabang in October, it's an unforgettable way to see the city in a new light — literally. One of the cabins on the new Bohème ship. Slow Cruise, Mekong-Style The New York Times recently asked if 2025 is the breakout year for Laos. Travelers booked aboard the new boutique ship Bohème already know the answer. Launched in December 2024 by Mekong Kingdoms, this 13-suite wooden cruiser offers a deeply relaxing way to experience life along the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Each suite features wooden floors, balconies, and king beds dressed in handwoven local textiles. Meals lean heavily on regional ingredients, from tilapia wrapped in banana leaves and beef curry made with herbs sourced from nearby farms to cocktails garnished with local fruit and spices. During the day, you will float past villages and dramatic limestone outcroppings while stopping for excursions to milky blue waterfalls, visiting the Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with thousands of Buddha statues, and exploring craft villages that make silk, ceramics, and handmade paper. It's slow travel. done right. The exterior of the Avani+ Luang Prabang property. Stay Central, Sleep Stylishly Located near Luang Prabang's buzzing night market, the new Avani+ Luang Prabang keeps things sleek but local. The rooms are comfortable and modern, some with small balconies or terraces. While the hotel offers amenities such as a fitness room, spa, and a pool, you'll likely spend most of your time wandering around town. The property sits just outside of the night market, where dozens of food stalls set up, hawking everything from grilled meats and banana pancakes to spicy noodle soups and freshly pressed sugarcane juice. If you're cruising with Mekong Kingdoms, look for package deals that combine Avani+ with your multi-day sail on Bohème. Other great hotels in the city include Rosewood and Aman, though Avani+ offers a good blend of affordability, location, and style.
The Star
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Laos boosts agricultural development as key to combatting poverty
VIENTIANE: Laos continues its efforts to combat poverty by improving rural living conditions and lifting communities out of hardship, with a strong emphasis on agricultural development. In an interview with Xinhua, Anosack Phengthimmavong, deputy director general of the Department of Rural Development and Cooperatives under the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, emphasised that the majority of Laos' population is farmers, forming the backbone of the nation, which makes agricultural development crucial for improving their livelihoods. "Laos remains a country facing many challenges, with many people still living in poverty," said Anosack. "Farmers struggle with production due to insufficient knowledge, inadequate skills and scattered farming practices. These issues contribute to the ongoing poverty in rural communities," he added. Anosack highlighted that agricultural development is crucial for improving livelihoods and reducing poverty. By boosting and sustaining agricultural productivity, farmers can earn better incomes, ultimately lifting their families out of poverty. Khemma Vongkhamphanh, deputy village chief of Tha Dok Kham village in Lao capital Vientiane, said villagers are now growing more vegetables alongside their rice crops and are focused on developing clean, sustainable agricultural practices to boost their income and improve living conditions. Several projects focused on infrastructure development and boosting agricultural production in rural areas were launched, supporting the Lao government's poverty reduction efforts by improving living standards, promoting diverse agricultural production and increasing farmers' incomes, contributing to long-term poverty alleviation. Thidalat, a resident of the Lao capital Vientiane, expressed her support for the Lao government's efforts to reduce poverty. She believes it is important to continue working with development partners and to implement more projects focused on sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare. Thidalat remains hopeful that people's living standards will improve and that the country will grow stronger in the future. Laos has successfully lifted 31,232 families out of poverty, reaching 89.23 per cent of its target for 2024. The Lao government is seeking to graduate from least developed country status by 2026. - Xinhua
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: June 17, 2025
Indonesian officials and activists have pushed back against recent remarks by Culture Minister Fadli Zon suggesting the mass rapes during the May 1998 riots were merely 'rumors', saying such comments risk erasing painful historical truths and marginalising victims. The government currently sees no need to send another delegation to the United States for the negotiations on tariffs as it believes it has made its case for open bilateral trade and says the ball is now in the US' court. 2. RI SEES NO NEED TO SEND TEAM FOR US TRADE TALKS -- THE JAKARTA POST The Lao media industry has undergone a rapid transformation, from analogue to digital broadcasting. Online media platforms have changed the way content is disseminated and consumed among the public. Laos has 86 radio stations, 49 television stations and 116 print media outlets. 2. HARNESSING PRIVATE INVESTMENT FOR GROWTH -- VIENTIANE TIMES The International Finance Corporation and the government is working to enhance the Public-Private Partnerships legal framework to make the business environment attractive. This will help in welcoming private sector investment to promote sustainable economic growth and job creation. MYANMAR 1. APRIL-MAY FISH EXPORTS HIT RM200 MILLION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR About 43,600 metric tonnes of fish worth RM200 million (US$48 million) were exported in April-May this year. Myanmar earned over RM1.8 billion (U$421 million) from about 400,000 metric tonnes of fish exports in the 2024-2025 financial year. 2. MODERNISING FOOTWEAR PRODUCTION FOR EXPORTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR Myanmar's footwear manufacturers are striving to transform the sector into an export-oriented business. Producers are exploring modernising production, expanding domestic and foreign markets and utilising local raw materials. Nearly 85 per cent of inputs are locally produced. SINGAPORE 1. SINGAPORE AIMS TO RAMP UP AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE USE TO BOOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT NETWORK -- THE STRAITS TIMES Singapore is poised to make a big push for self-driving vehicles to be deployed across the island in the next five years, to strengthen the public transport network. 2. SINGAPORE TO HAVE 'MANY' AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN FIVE YEARS: ACTING TRANSPORT MINISTER JEFFREY SIOW -- CNA Singaporeans can expect to see "many" autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the roads in five years, said Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow. VIETNAM 1. DRIVING TOWARDS ZERO EMISSIONS ON ROADS BY 2050 -- VIETNAM NEWS A new draft regulation on car emissions standards has been introduced by the government to reduce carbon pollution and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The goal is for clean fuel distribution to achieve the nation's environmental goals. 2. ANIMAL VACCINATION YET TO MEET NATIONAL TARGET -- VIETNAM NEWS Animal disease vaccination funded by the state budget fell short in the first half of this year. Vaccination coverage for African swine fever, avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease failed to reach the mandated national targets. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
