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...

Vientiane Re-Launches BRT Service with Two Months of Free Rides

Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system relaunched its trial operations today, 10 March, offering free rides to encourage residents to embrace the capital's revamped...

Savannakhet Marks National Heritage Status for Ho Tay Pidok Library, Old Talaeo Temple

Officials in Savannakhey have recognized two historic landmarks in Champhone district as National Heritage sites, marking a key step in preserving the province’s religious...

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Generates LAK 47.5 Billion in First Month of Operation

The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, which officially opened on 27 December 2025, generated more than LAK 47.5 billion (approximately USD 2.2 million) in state...

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....