International Restaurants in Vientiane Capital
🇩🇪 German & Central European Cuisine In Vientiane, German and Central European food is especially popular among expats and long-term visitors. You will often find hearty dishes such as sausages with sauerkraut, schnitzel, roasted meats, fresh bread, pretzels, and pastries. These meals are filling and comforting, making them a good choice for people who miss
Learn how to play the khaen
If travelers or long-term visitors would like to learn how to play the khaen, there are a few realistic and culturally appropriate ways to do so in Laos. Learning the khaen is usually informal and relationship-based, rather than through fixed commercial classes, which makes the experience more personal and meaningful. In Vientiane, formal learning is
Where to Hear (and Try) the Khaen in Laos
The khaen is one of the most recognisable sounds of Laos. Made from bamboo pipes joined together with a wooden wind chest, this traditional mouth organ has been played for generations and remains deeply connected to Lao identity, daily life, and celebrations. For many Lao people, hearing the khaen immediately brings a sense of home,
Don Det: A Laid-Back Island Experience in Southern Laos
Don Det continues to attract travelers looking for a slow, simple, and meaningful travel experience in southern Laos. Located in the Si Phan Don area, also known as the Four Thousand Islands, Don Det is one of the most popular islands for visitors who want to step away from busy cities and reconnect with river
Don Phakam: A Quiet Natural Wonder Shaped by the Mekong
Don Phakam is a small island on the Mekong River in southern Laos that continues to draw quiet interest from travelers seeking natural beauty away from crowded destinations. Known for its striking rock formations and flowing water channels, Don Phakam offers a landscape that feels both ancient and untouched. The island’s defining feature is the
Chinese New Year 2026 in Laos: Dates, Traditions, and What to Expect
Chinese New Year in 2026 will be celebrated on 29 January 2026, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. In Laos, this festival is widely observed, especially among Lao–Chinese, Lao–Vietnamese, and families with Chinese heritage who have lived in the country for generations. While it is not an official public holiday nationwide, the celebration
Hor Phakeo Museum Remains a Must-Visit Cultural Site in Vientiane
VIENTIANE — The Hor Phakeo Museum continues to attract visitors interested in Laos’ history, religion, and traditional art, offering a quiet cultural stop in the heart of the capital. Originally built in the 16th century as a royal temple to house the Emerald Buddha, Hor Phakeo no longer functions as a place of worship. Today,
Elephant Festival Set to Return to Xayabouly in February
XAYABOULY, LAOS — Xayabouly province is preparing to host its annual Elephant Festival next month, with around 50 elephants expected to take part in the week-long event celebrating Laos’ long-standing relationship with its national animal. The festival will be held in Xayabouly district from February 9 to 16, bringing together elephant handlers, local communities, and
Masked Ghost Festival to Return to Pak Lai in Early 2026
PAK LAI, LAOS — The Phi Ta Khon Festival, also known as the Masked Ghost Festival, is scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 2, 2026, in Paklai district, offering residents and visitors a vivid display of local tradition at the start of the year. The festival, held annually in parts of Xayabouly
Things I Wish My Friends Knew Before Visiting Laos
I always love when friends tell me they are coming to Laos. It is a beautiful country, warm in both climate and people, and full of moments that stay with you long after you leave. But Laos is also different from many places people are used to. Knowing a few things in advance can make