Free Lao language classes for Lao-American deportees

If you or someone you know might need to know about this, please be sure to share and pass it on. 

He's a fierce battling Lao snail - Get into him

In the epic Lao story of Sang Sinxay ສັງສິນໄຊ, there's a lesser known character.  He was a snail (also known as a conch).  Let's shine a light on him today.

Western interior design meets Lao cultural heritage

If someone asked me to say I'm Lao without saying I'm Lao, I'd show them a picture of the interior of my home.  For many Lao expats living abroad, many of us have often thought of ways of expressing our culture without it being tacky.

The future of Lao men's fashion

Here at Laoconnection.com, we're putting forward our point of view of how we see the future of Lao men's fashion with these editorial designs.  Take a look.

How to showcase your Lao souvenirs

If you've returned from a visit to Laos and have souvenirs that you're not quite sure how to showcase, here's an idea that could work for you.

The best re-imagining of Sinxay we've seen so far

And it comes on a t-shirt from a Lao owned Etsy store called Funkyboo.com.  Couldn't resist buying one and it's perfect for the summer or to wear to the next Lao festival.

Unique 3D Lao pop-up cards

Image:  Lao themed 3D pop-up cards

Lao themed quilts

 

Image: A uniquely Lao themed quilt featuring national symbols of Laos,

including the famous Tat Luang Stupa and Dok Champa flower

along with quilted patchwork and beautiful bordering all around.

Take a delicious bite from this new Lao cook book

Title:  The Lao Kitchen - Lao flavors and stories told through family recipes
By:  Saengthong Douangdala
Publisher, Year:  Ten Speed Press / Penguin Random House, 2026
ISBN:  9780593836170
Price:  CAD$44 / USD$32

Happy Lao New Year 2569!

 

May all past occurrences be laid to rest.

May you take on the New Year with renewed strength and wisdom.

May you have many blessings in happiness and love.

ໂຊກດີປີໃໝ່ລາວເດີທຸກຂົນ

Happy Lao New Year everyone!

Looking for gas in Laos?

Screenshot from March 23, 2026 (am)

If you're looking for gas or diesel in Laos, be sure to check out this website.

Gas prices soar in Laos amid US/Israel conflict with Iran

The US/Israel war with Iran has caused fuel prices around the world to increase, including in Laos.  Coupled with Iran's response to the war by a partial closure of the Straight of Hormuz, saw frenzied fuel buying throughout Laos when news broke that Thailand said it would ban fuel exports that was to become effective March 1.

Talented Lao sketch artist

Vat Sisaket in Vientiane.  Credit: TravellersLog

A Youtuber whose channel name goes simply by @TravellersLog, is an incredible talented Lao artist.  Take a look at these videos as he sketches the beautiful sites around Laos.

Is the economic crisis in Laos coming to an end?

Written By:  James Guild
Publisher, Date:  The Diplomat, December 4, 2025

The kip has stabilized and inflation is dropping, but the issue of the government’s heavy external debt remains unresolved.

New mapping reveals hidden mining boom in Laos that threatens the Mekong

Written by: Any Ball, Gerald Flynn, and Konlaphat Siri
Edited by: Philip Jacobson
Publisher, Date:  Mongabay, December 10, 2025

Key points

• Satellite analysis has identified 517 suspected riverbank mines in Laos, many likely illegal, with clusters along key Mekong tributaries, raising fears of widespread, unmonitored contamination.
• Officials in Attapeu province confirmed illegal mining remains pervasive despite crackdowns, with most operations missing from official records and many linked to Vietnamese or Chinese supply chains.
• The mining surge, including gold and rare earth extraction, poses major risks to ecosystems and communities in the Mekong Basin, where water testing capacity is weak and signs of declining fish populations and polluted rivers are emerging.
• Researchers say Mekong countries must coordinate regionally and engage China, the main importer of the region’s mining output, while strengthening enforcement and environmental oversight to address a rapidly expanding, largely unregulated mining sector.

Full video of the boat that sank near Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang

On December 18, 2025, a slowboat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang hit underwater rocks near Pak Ou Caves, known locally in Lao as Tum Ting.  From that point it began to slowly take on water and eventually broke in half and sank. 

Here's the full video.

Lao-Canadian writer becomes two-time winner of the Giller Literary Prize

Source:  Giller Prize

In an amazing second time win, Ms. Souvankham Thammavongsa has won the Giller Prize - a coveted Canadian Literary prize that was awarded on November 17, 2025.

Laos won the National Costume at the Mister Global 2025

 

Youphalat Phethany representing Laos.

Source:  Mister Global, October 2025

Learn Khmu language

Source: Greetings in Khmu,  Khmu Language Channel

Loving this Youtube Channel that's helping to shine a spotlight on the Khmu language.  

Lao Art Week 2025

Source:  Dork Ya Studio, 2025.

For the past 3 years, Vientiane has hosted the Lao Art Week event and each year it continues to grow.  This year it ran from October 10-19, 2025 and featured artwork by more than 100 artists across 12 different venues.