Laos has seen a surge in tourism during the first six months of Visit Laos Year 2024, with over 2.1 million tourists visiting the country, marking a 26 percent increase in visitors compared to the same period in 2023.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) show the primary source markets for Lao tourism remain consistent with previous years.
Thailand leads the way, contributing 680,153 visitors, or 32.25 percent of the total. Vietnam follows with 512,042 visitors, making up 24.28 percent, and China is close behind with 510,083 tourists, accounting for 24.18 percent of all arrivals. South Korea also made a significant contribution, with 134,246 visitors representing 6.36 percent of the total. These four countries together comprise an overwhelming 87 percent of all tourists to Laos.
On the Western front, the United States sent 37,752 tourists, accounting for 1.79 percent of the total, while France contributed 28,814 tourists (1.37 percent), and the United Kingdom sent 24,430 visitors (1.11 percent).
Other notable sources include Russia, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, and Australia, each contributing less than 1 percent of the total. Collectively, these eight nationalities make up just 7.53 percent of all tourist arrivals.
To support continued growth in tourism for the second half of the year, MICT organized an intensive two-month training course, from 6 May to 19 July, to raise the standards of Lao tour guides to meet ASEAN benchmarks. The course combined theoretical and practical sessions to enhance their qualifications, insights, and skills, with a focus on multilingualism and professionalism to better serve tourists.
In July, the UK-based travel guide website Lonely Planet named Luang Prabang Province as one of the seven best places to visit in Southeast Asia for 2024. The recognition came due to the city’s dedication to preserving its ancient temples and spiritual heritage.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Laos-Welcome-Over-2-Million-Visitors-in-First-Half-of-2024.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-03 05:04:002024-08-09 17:07:51Laos Welcomes Over 2 Million Visitors in First Half of 2024
To boost tourism, Savannakhet Province’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (DICT) has partnered with APA Incorporate, a multidisciplinary architectural and engineering consultancy firm in Laos, to launch a major museum survey and design project to revitalize the provincial museum.
This was formalized during a signing ceremony on 1 August at the DICT office in Savannakhet Province. Mongkhounephet Vongpachan, Deputy Head of the DICT of Savannakhet, signed the agreement with Vongxay Bounmany, Director of APA Incorporate, expanding the current museum renovation project, which originally focused only on the main building.
The survey and design project aims to establish a large, fully-equipped museum that incorporates the surrounding areas of the current museum. The new museum is expected to become a major tourist attraction, highlighting the beauty and historical significance of the colonial-era architecture in Savannakhet Province.
According to Mongkounephet, the project will proceed in two distinct phases. The first phase, estimated to take between 8 to 12 months, will involve a detailed survey and design process. This phase will culminate in the selection of a construction company. The second phase, which is expected to last 24 months, will oversee and inspect the construction process, with a total budget of USD 215,000 allocated to the entire project.
This collaboration is anticipated to result in a museum that not only preserves the cultural heritage of the region but also boosts tourism in the old town area of Savannakhet Province.
The Savannakhet Museum currently offers visitors a rich experience through its diverse collection of indigenous artifacts, including ancient finds, traditional crafts, and religious items. It provides insights into the area’s historical struggles and triumphs, offering a unique glimpse into Laos’ cultural heritage.
Beyond the museum, Savannakhet is known for its unique travel experiences, including ancient temples, home staying with host families to learn more about local culture and history, as well as trekking through the district’s scenic outskirts.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Savannakhet-Museum-to-Undergo-Major-Renovation.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-09-02 05:00:002024-08-09 17:04:03Savannakhet Museum to Undergo Major Renovation
Laos and Vietnam have formalized agreements to enhance disaster management capabilities by establishing data and communication centers.
This initiative was solidified during a meeting on 5 August between the Lao Minister of Technology and Communications (MTC) and the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).
During the meeting, both sides reviewed proposals for setting up a data and communication center aimed at monitoring natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, and establishing a national center for data storage and cloud computing in Laos.
To fast-track these initiatives, a joint laboratory specializing in earthquake data and communication has been set up by the Institute of Geophysics under VAST and the Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) under MTC. VAST has also provided essential equipment and training to 15 ARIST officers in data analysis.
Additionally, the two agencies have pledged to continue their cooperation in human resource development, capacity building in technology and innovation, and sharing expertise in digital technology.
According to Vietnamese media, this collaboration is intended to strengthen the technological capabilities of both nations, ensuring they are better prepared to manage and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/vn-LA.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-08-31 04:57:002024-08-09 17:00:10Laos, Vietnam to Enhance Disaster Preparedness with Digital Innovation
Laos Welcomes Over 2 Million Visitors in First Half of 2024
Laos has seen a surge in tourism during the first six months of Visit Laos Year 2024, with over 2.1 million tourists visiting the country, marking a 26 percent increase in visitors compared to the same period in 2023.
The latest figures from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) show the primary source markets for Lao tourism remain consistent with previous years.
Thailand leads the way, contributing 680,153 visitors, or 32.25 percent of the total. Vietnam follows with 512,042 visitors, making up 24.28 percent, and China is close behind with 510,083 tourists, accounting for 24.18 percent of all arrivals. South Korea also made a significant contribution, with 134,246 visitors representing 6.36 percent of the total. These four countries together comprise an overwhelming 87 percent of all tourists to Laos.
On the Western front, the United States sent 37,752 tourists, accounting for 1.79 percent of the total, while France contributed 28,814 tourists (1.37 percent), and the United Kingdom sent 24,430 visitors (1.11 percent).
Other notable sources include Russia, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, and Australia, each contributing less than 1 percent of the total. Collectively, these eight nationalities make up just 7.53 percent of all tourist arrivals.
To support continued growth in tourism for the second half of the year, MICT organized an intensive two-month training course, from 6 May to 19 July, to raise the standards of Lao tour guides to meet ASEAN benchmarks. The course combined theoretical and practical sessions to enhance their qualifications, insights, and skills, with a focus on multilingualism and professionalism to better serve tourists.
In July, the UK-based travel guide website Lonely Planet named Luang Prabang Province as one of the seven best places to visit in Southeast Asia for 2024. The recognition came due to the city’s dedication to preserving its ancient temples and spiritual heritage.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/08/laos-welcomes-over-2-million-visitors-in-first-half-of-2024/
Savannakhet Museum to Undergo Major Renovation
To boost tourism, Savannakhet Province’s Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (DICT) has partnered with APA Incorporate, a multidisciplinary architectural and engineering consultancy firm in Laos, to launch a major museum survey and design project to revitalize the provincial museum.
This was formalized during a signing ceremony on 1 August at the DICT office in Savannakhet Province. Mongkhounephet Vongpachan, Deputy Head of the DICT of Savannakhet, signed the agreement with Vongxay Bounmany, Director of APA Incorporate, expanding the current museum renovation project, which originally focused only on the main building.
The survey and design project aims to establish a large, fully-equipped museum that incorporates the surrounding areas of the current museum. The new museum is expected to become a major tourist attraction, highlighting the beauty and historical significance of the colonial-era architecture in Savannakhet Province.
According to Mongkounephet, the project will proceed in two distinct phases. The first phase, estimated to take between 8 to 12 months, will involve a detailed survey and design process. This phase will culminate in the selection of a construction company. The second phase, which is expected to last 24 months, will oversee and inspect the construction process, with a total budget of USD 215,000 allocated to the entire project.
This collaboration is anticipated to result in a museum that not only preserves the cultural heritage of the region but also boosts tourism in the old town area of Savannakhet Province.
The Savannakhet Museum currently offers visitors a rich experience through its diverse collection of indigenous artifacts, including ancient finds, traditional crafts, and religious items. It provides insights into the area’s historical struggles and triumphs, offering a unique glimpse into Laos’ cultural heritage.
Beyond the museum, Savannakhet is known for its unique travel experiences, including ancient temples, home staying with host families to learn more about local culture and history, as well as trekking through the district’s scenic outskirts.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/07/savannakhet-museum-to-undergo-major-renovation/
Laos, Vietnam to Enhance Disaster Preparedness with Digital Innovation
Laos and Vietnam have formalized agreements to enhance disaster management capabilities by establishing data and communication centers.
This initiative was solidified during a meeting on 5 August between the Lao Minister of Technology and Communications (MTC) and the Vietnamese Academy of Science and Technology (VAST).
During the meeting, both sides reviewed proposals for setting up a data and communication center aimed at monitoring natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, and establishing a national center for data storage and cloud computing in Laos.
To fast-track these initiatives, a joint laboratory specializing in earthquake data and communication has been set up by the Institute of Geophysics under VAST and the Research Institute for Smart Technology (ARIST) under MTC. VAST has also provided essential equipment and training to 15 ARIST officers in data analysis.
Additionally, the two agencies have pledged to continue their cooperation in human resource development, capacity building in technology and innovation, and sharing expertise in digital technology.
According to Vietnamese media, this collaboration is intended to strengthen the technological capabilities of both nations, ensuring they are better prepared to manage and mitigate the effects of natural disasters.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/08/06/laos-vietnam-to-enhance-disaster-preparedness-with-digital-innovation/