Following China’s lifting of international border restrictions last month after the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Laos has been on the rise, especially in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang where hotel room reservations are at an all-time high.
According to Vientiane Times, Vice President of the Hotel and Guesthouse Association in Luang Prabang province, Mr. Daophet Bouphaphanh, many Chinese visitors are entering Laos traveling in tempo travelers or private vehicles.
Some tourists have also been visiting and staying in Luang Prabang in motorhomes or campers causing concerns among residents of the peaceful town.
However, Mr. Daophet said that the provincial tourism authority is now working with other stakeholders to improve accommodation and hospitality services to handle a huge visitor influx while assuring that tourists have a great experience during their stay in the popular northern town.
Additionally, several hotels and restaurants in popular areas have started hiring staff who speak English and Chinese to communicate effectively with tourists as well.
Officials at Boten International Checkpoint in Luang Namtha also recently confirmed that many Chinese nationals have been entering Laos for tourism purposes since the reopening of the borders.
Last month, The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism chaired by the Deputy Minister of Information of Culture, Mr. Ounthouang Khaophan hosted a forum to discuss Laos’ readiness for a prospective inflow of Chinese tourists, with input from various private sector and government authorities.
Laos expects about 368,000 Chinese tourists to visit the country this year.
