Travel

China-Laos Railway Sees 50 Percent Rise In Cross-Border Passengers

Passenger traffic on the China–Laos Railway has increased significantly this year, boosting tourism and cross-border economic links as Laos prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country status, the China State Railway Group said in a report on 9 September. The group said that the railway carried 244,000 cross-border passenger trips...

Luang Prabang Economy Grows Despite Sharp Drop in Tourists

Luang Prabang’s economy grew 3.9 percent in the first half of 2026, even as...

New Vientiane-Udon Thani Bus Route to Launch on 9 September

Thailand has just announced the launch of a new bus route connecting Laos’ Vientiane...

Flooding Disrupts Flights to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay Also Reports Flooding

Lao Airlines has suspended flights between Vientiane and Luang Namtha after after rising waters...

US Court Strikes Down 75-Country Visa Pause, but Ruling Does Not Lift Laos Travel Ban

A US federal judge has struck down a Trump administration policy that paused immigrant...

ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor Takes Center Stage at Mekong Tourism Forum 2025

Laos hosted the Mekong Tourism Forum 2025 in Luang Prabang from 24 to 27 June, spotlighting the proposed ASEAN Rail Tourism Corridor (ARTC) as...

Heritage Stupa in Savannakhet Restoration Enters Second Phase

Ing Hang Stupa, a religious monument and national heritage site in Savannakhet Province, is undergoing restoration, with the first phase already completed and the...

Laos Among Highest for US Tourist Visa Overstays, But Lowest for Student Compliance

Laos is among the top countries with the highest overstay rates for The United States tourist and business visas, according to the latest data...

Laos Sees 1.2 Million Tourist Arrivals in Q1 2025, Up 28 Percent from Previous Year

Laos welcomed over 1.2 million tourists in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 28 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024,...

China’s Aircraft Maker Seeks Majority Stake in Lao Airlines Amid Reforms

The Lao government is weighing a proposal from China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation (COMAC) to acquire a controlling stake in Lao Airlines, part of a...

Thai Airways Closes Thai Smile After THB 20.9 Billion in Losses of 12 Years of Service

Thai Airways International (THAI) has formally dissolved Thai Smile Airways—its low-cost subsidiary.  On 5 June, the company notified the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), confirming...