(KPL) The Houm Kin Lao Deum: “Scent of Ancient Laos 2025” event officially opened on October 27, 2025, at the Friendship Mall Shopping Center in Pakse District, Champasak Province. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Alounxay Sounnalath, Governor of Champasak Province, along with members of the provincial leadership and a large number of local residents.

Mr. Sakxay Seng-aloun, Director of the Friendship Mall Shopping Center, stated that the Houm Kin Lao Deum “Scent of Ancient Laos” event has become an important annual festival for the mall, which has now been organized for five consecutive years. The purpose of the event is to preserve and promote Lao customs, traditions, and culture, while also encouraging domestic tourism under the “Lao Thiao Lao” (Laos Travels Laos) campaign.

He noted that the activity has received strong support and positive feedback from youth, families, and both domestic and international tourists. Many visitors have expressed admiration for how the event reflects the diverse ways of life of the Lao ethnic groups.

The festival features a wide variety of cultural and artistic activities. These include an art exhibition by the Intermediate Fine Arts School of Champasak Province in collaboration with the Architecture Department of Champasak University. The entrance gate of the festival has been designed by university students and inspired by the traditional architecture of Lao ethnic houses.

Other attractions include models of original Lao ethnic houses and a replica of the Vat Phou Champasak temple, which were created by former students of the Intermediate Fine Arts School. The event also features shops exhibiting and selling products from the Provincial Handicrafts Association, as well as clothing and food stalls located within the Friendship Mall to serve families and tourists.

Visitors can enjoy Lao cultural and artistic performances, such as Khap Lam (folk singing), a presentation on the Palat Teu film by a master performer, and a live Palat Leu performance. The program also includes an ethnic costume contest to promote traditional dress, a photography contest, artistic dance performances, and an ethnic costume fashion show. In addition, the event offers rental services for traditional Lao and vintage costumes so that visitors can take photos in traditional attire as souvenirs of the occasion.

On this occasion, Mr. Vannasay Xadthakoun, Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Champasak Province, highlighted that the Party Committee and the leadership of the Department of Culture and Tourism have closely coordinated with the management of the Friendship Mall to promote and support this event.

He stated that the “Scent of Ancient Laos” event is an important cultural activity that contributes to the protection, preservation, and promotion of Laos’ rich cultural traditions and heritage. He emphasized that such activities help ensure that the country’s beautiful customs and cultural identity will continue to thrive and be passed down to future generations.

Mr. Vannasay also explained that the event contributes to creating a lively tourism atmosphere in Champasak Province and encourages the Lao Thiao Lao campaign. It serves as a platform to display the way of life, customs, and traditions of the Lao people that have been inherited from ancient times. Furthermore, the festival promotes local and indigenous products, handicrafts, and souvenirs that reflect the creativity and wisdom of the Lao people.

He expressed his hope that activities like this will continue to receive support and be organized regularly every year to strengthen Lao culture and tourism

KPL