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...

Asian Development Bank Approves Funds for Forestry Restoration Project in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 10 million in funding for the Responsible Forestry Project Phase I in Laos. The package includes...

Champasack Authorities Survey Phou Salao for Conservation, Tourism Development

Champasack provincial authorities on 21 December conducted a field survey of Phou Salao as part of plans to develop the area into a provincial-level...

Authorities Agree on Rehabilitation, Toll Collection Plan on Road 13 North

On 19 December, Lao authorities agreed to study, survey and design a rehabilitation and maintenance project for a section of National Road 13 North,...

Slow Boat Sinks in Mekong River Near Pak Ou Cave in Luang Prabang

Authorities released a report on the Luang Prabang slow boat sinking. The report was dated 19 December but made public on 22 December. According to...

Trump Expands US Travel Ban, Laos Among New Seven Countries Fully Restricted

Laos is now among seven countries newly subjected to a full U.S. travel ban, following an announcement by President Donald Trump expanding entry restrictions.  The...

Thailand Tightens Airport Security Amid Cambodia Border Tensions

Thailand has stepped up airport security measures for visa-free foreign nationals, particularly Cambodian citizens and individuals suspected of mercenary activity, as border tensions with...