Kaysone Phomvihane City has been officially recognised as one of the region’s premier travel destinations, receiving the prestigious ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026–2028.

The announcement, made last month in Cebu, the Philippines, places the city among an elite group of four Lao winners, alongside Luang Prabang, Viengxay district in Huaphan, and Pakse City in Champassak.

The award recognises the city's excellence across several key criteria, including effective waste disposal and hygiene standards, community-led initiatives for cleanliness and preservation and ensuring a peaceful and healthy environment for visitors.

The Gateway of the Four Directions

Mr Lamphoun Voravong, Director of the Savannakhet Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the city's strategic importance as a regional hub.

"Tourism today relies on connectivity," Mr Lamphoun noted. "Savannakhet serves as a vital transit point for travellers journeying from Thailand to Vietnam or from Vientiane to the south. Because Outhoumphone district sits at a 'four-way crossroads,' it is a natural stopover for anyone exploring the region."

To capitalise on this, local authorities are promoting regional specialities, most notably the famous Xeno grilled chicken, encouraging tourists to pause and sample the local flavours.

A Journey of Faith and Discovery: ‘3 Worships, 4 Sights, 5 Wonders’

To provide a structured experience for visitors, the province has launched the "3 Worships, 4 Sights, 5 Wonders" initiative—a tourism ring designed to showcase the best of Savannakhet:

3 Worships -  That Ing Hang Stupa, That Phon Stupa, and the Hor Tai Pidok (ancient palm-leaf manuscript repository); 

4 Sights - Savannakhet Provincial Museum, the Dinosaur Museum, the Laos-Vietnam Victory Monument, and the Nong Heua Thong heritage site; and

5 Wonders - The historic Old Town and Dong Natad Protected Area; the Xe Champhone dam and wildlife; the Xonnabouly dinosaur remains; the Heuan Hine stone house; and the sacred sites of Vilabouly.

To further distinguish the province's identity, authorities have integrated local arts into the campaign, commissioning traditional songs in four distinct styles: Lam Ban Xok, Lam Khon Savan, Lam Tangway, and Lam Phutai.

Boosting Global Confidence

The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is viewed as a vital tool for raising service standards across the Lao PDR. By securing this certification, local businesses and authorities can bolster international marketing efforts, giving tourists greater confidence in the quality, safety, and cleanliness of their stay.

KPL