Travel

Thailand, China and Vietnam Fuel Laos’ Tourism Growth in 2026

Laos welcomed nearly 2.6 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, up 9.9 percent from the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Tourism Development Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. Thailand remained the country's biggest source of visitors, with 833,738...

Laos Launches Cultural Association to Preserve Heritage, Build Soft Power

On 16 July, Laos established a new cultural association tasked with preserving national heritage...

Vietnam Rolls Out Digital Pre-Arrival System

Vietnam has launched the Pre-Arrival Information (PAI) system, replacing the paper arrival card that...

Laos, Japan Launch Major Upgrade of Wattay International Airport

Laos and Japan launched a major upgrade of Wattay International Airport in Vientiane on...

Remains of 37 People Discovered in Giant Stone Jar in Xieng Khouang

A new excavation on Laos’ mysterious Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang has uncovered...

Thailand to Raise International Departure Tax by 53 Percent from 20 June

Thailand is set to increase the international departure Passenger Service Charge from 20 June.  The move will be implemented across six major airports, which include...

Japan to Introduce Pre-Travel Authorization System by 2028

Japan is set to launch the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) by fiscal year 2028, a mandatory online pre-screening system targeting visa-exempt...

January Trade Surplus Marks Sharp Rebound from Year-Earlier Deficit

Laos began 2026 on stronger footing, with exports rising to USD 886.7 million in January, up 36 percent from the same month last year....

Thailand Considers Cutting Visa-Free Stay from 60 to 30 Days

Thailand is considering reducing its visa-free stay period from 60 days to 30 days, following reports that the extended entry scheme has been misused...

Laos Targets 6 Million Visitors in 2026 as Chinese Arrivals Projected at 2 Million

Laos expects to welcome between 5 and 6 million international tourists in 2026, with Chinese visitors projected to account for around 2 million of...

Luang Prabang to Restrict Tour Vans from City Centre, End Riverside Parking

Authorities in Luang Prabang have approved new traffic measures to reduce congestion around the Night Market and historic areas, following repeated complaints over traffic...