Several provinces in Laos have commenced trials of new public “green bus” transportation services aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion.
The buses are part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Lao government and South Korea’s Booyoung Lao Company Limited, signed in June 2023 to provide 600 buses aimed at enhancing public transportation across Laos.
Attapeu Province
The latest initiative involves launching green bus trials to improve public transportation in urban areas and local districts in Attapeu Province. The Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport signed an agreement with Khamkai Transportation Service Company on 27 June to start trial runs of 10 green buses.
The public bus service runs from the Samukkhixay district bus station to the International Border Crossing, with the first bus departing at 8:30 am and the second at 9:30 am. Return trips depart at 1:00 pm.
Other routes include service from Samukkhixay district bus station to Sivilay village, Phousafong temple, Sakhae temple, Lathsati village, Tadseng village, and urban areas of Sanxay district. The first bus departs at 8:30 am and returns at 9:30 am, with the second bus departing and returning at 1:00 pm. From Samukhixay district to Sanamxay district, two buses depart from each station at 9:00 am, with return trips at 1:00 pm.
Champasack Province
Champasack Province also introduced green bus services on 17 June to offer affordable transport options. Sixteen routes connect Pakse district urban areas with surrounding villages, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the day and improving accessibility within the province.
In Pakse district, three routes run from Km 7 North transport station to Km 8 South station, Salakham Port to Daohueang Market, and Daohueang Market to Km 8 South. All three routes start at 6:30 am, operating every two hours, with fares ranging from LAK 5,000 to LAK 20,000.
The public bus service also includes 16 additional routes connecting Pakse with nearby districts and villages. These routes run from Daohueang Market to Km 14 Market, Viengxay School, Ngouadeang village, Khampeng village in Sanasomboun District, Batiengchaleunsouk district, Paksong district, Phonthong village and district, Vang Tao Border Cross Checkpoint, Vat Phou, Soukhoumma district, Pathouphone district, Mounlapamok district, and Khong district. Most routes start at 6:00 am, with fares ranging from LAK 15,000 to LAK 110,000.
Xaysomboun Province
In central Lao’s Xaysomboun Province, the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport initiated a trial of 20 buses for public transport services on 14 May. Initially scheduled to run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the buses cover various urban areas free of charge, including Aom, Ao, Nammo, and Namyone villages.
Bolikhamxay Province
Additionally, Bolikhamxay Province also allocated a total of 20 new buses across various routes to cater to educational and community needs. Thirteen buses were distributed on key routes such as Paksan-Vientiane Capital, Paksan-Lak 20, and Paksan-Viengthong district, among others.
Meanwhile, four buses were allocated to the Department of Education and Sports for Bolikhamxay Technical-Vocational School. These buses are designated for student transportation, including trial services for student internships, study tours, and other educational activities, as well as for teachers and athletes during sports competitions. Additionally, the remaining three buses are reserved by the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport for a one-year trial period.
As many provinces launch trail public bus services, the Lao government marks these initiatives as significant steps toward improving public transport infrastructure in Laos, aiming to provide more convenient and sustainable transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ູ.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-07-08 09:19:062024-07-08 09:20:04Laos Kicks Off Green Bus Trials to Boost Public Transport in Four Provinces
To bolster tourism in the second half of Visit Laos Year 2024, the Lao government is set to introduce a new policy granting free visas to Chinese visitors, announced Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Darany Phommavongsa, on 24 June.
This policy specifically targets Chinese travelers who book their trips through accredited travel agencies. The government is also planning to offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stays from 30 days to 60 days for visitors from other countries from across the world.
According to an official document released shortly after the announcement, further visa exemptions will soon be available for travelers holding passports from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, allowing a stay of up to 15 days. These exemptions can be obtained through travel agencies accredited by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
However, travelers holding Taiwanese passports are still required to obtain a visa slip, which will be issued upon arrival and must be returned when they leave the country.
Additionally, the Lao government will offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stays from 30 days to 60 days for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, The United States, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Citizens of these countries can then request multiple-entry Lao visas through their respective Lao embassies or consulates. If a visitor obtains their visa through a Lao immigration office or online, they will be granted only one-time access to the country for a duration of up to 60 days.
For travelers from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece, the visa requirement will be waived for the first visit for up to 15 days if they travel for tourism purposes.
Meanwhile, Thai visitors with a “Border Pass” or “Temporary Border Pass”, an identification document that is used in place of a passport or an ID as agreed between two countries, can now stay in Laos for up to ten days, an increase from the previous three days. Travelers from Vietnam holding similar identification documents are allowed to stay in Laos for up to 15 days.
Thai and Vietnamese visitors who enter Laos using a travel-accredited agency may travel to three neighboring provinces close to the province they first arrive in. However, they must exit the country through the same entry point.
This policy will be effective from 1 July until the end of this year.
Government Efforts to Boost Tourism During Visit Laos Year 2024
During an interview with ASEAN and Chinese media in Vientiane on 24 June, Darany emphasized that the government is currently enhancing road infrastructure in transit areas and improving access roads to popular attractions such as Vang Vieng in Vientiane Province, Kong in Champasack Province, and other areas across Laos.
As part of the plan, Darany also mentioned that the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) is working closely with local authorities and the tourism sector along the railway. The goal is to upgrade current tourist sites to international standards, highlighting the significant role of the Laos-China railway in attracting visitors from China. This also involves installing directional signs both in Lao and foreign languages along transit routes to assist self-driving visitors arriving from the China border.
This initiative by the Lao government aims to increase the number of visitors from China to Laos, as Chinese tourists already rank among the top visitors to the country. In the first three months of this year, Laos welcomed over 242,000 Chinese tourists, making China the third largest source of foreign tourist arrivals after Thailand and Vietnam. Throughout 2023, Laos saw a total of more than 641,000 Chinese tourists visiting the country.
The plan follows a proposal by members of the Lao National Assembly during their 7th Ordinary Session on 10 June to introduce visa waivers for more countries. Saithong Xaiyaong, a member from Champasak Province, emphasized the economic advantages of these waivers and called for careful consideration of which countries and visitors would benefit the most.
Currently, Laos provides visa exemptions to nationals from 36 countries. The specifics of these exemptions depend on whether they hold diplomatic, service, or regular passports.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Social-Media-Users-Call-for-Boost-in-Safety-Measures-Amidst-Tourism-Growth.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-06-28 13:47:512024-06-28 13:47:54Laos Extends Visa Exemptions to Boost Visit Laos Year 2024
Laos and Vietnam will launch a cross-border QR payment service to enhance tourism and economic exchanges between the two nations. The service is expected to commence in early August this year.
Bounluea Sinxayvoravong, the Governor of the Bank of Laos, revealed this plan during the 7th session of the National Assembly.
The initiative, a cooperation between the Bank of Laos and the State Bank of Vietnam, seeks to streamline financial transactions for tourists visiting the two countries, as well as to facilitate businesses across borders.
Thousands of Vietnamese tourists travel to Laos annually. Earlier this year, Vietnam ranked second among the top foreign arrivals in Laos, with more than 263,000 visitors out of the over 1.1 million foreign tourists visiting Laos.
The QR code cross-border payment system is part of Laos’ broader plan to improve regional money transfers and payments with its neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Recently, Laos launched a similar QR code payment system with Thailand, initially allowing Lao visitors and workers to make QR payments between Laos and Thailand through participating banks, while plans are in place for Thai tourists to utilize the service in Laos from July onwards, according to Bounluea.
The bank’s governor also mentioned that this payment system could positively impact the Lao economy. Particularly, if a high number of tourists uses it, a significant amount of foreign currency will flow directly to the Bank of Laos, helping to stabilize the exchange rate set by the central bank.
In August 2023, Laos and Cambodia also launched a cross-border payment system, enabling visitors to use their local currencies, Lao kip and Khmer riel, via QR codes while traveling.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/7-1-1.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-06-24 08:32:272024-06-20 12:01:02Laos, Vietnam to Launch Cross-Border QR Payment Service in August
Laos Kicks Off Green Bus Trials to Boost Public Transport in Four Provinces
Several provinces in Laos have commenced trials of new public “green bus” transportation services aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and reducing traffic congestion.
The buses are part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Lao government and South Korea’s Booyoung Lao Company Limited, signed in June 2023 to provide 600 buses aimed at enhancing public transportation across Laos.
Attapeu Province
The latest initiative involves launching green bus trials to improve public transportation in urban areas and local districts in Attapeu Province. The Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport signed an agreement with Khamkai Transportation Service Company on 27 June to start trial runs of 10 green buses.
The public bus service runs from the Samukkhixay district bus station to the International Border Crossing, with the first bus departing at 8:30 am and the second at 9:30 am. Return trips depart at 1:00 pm.
Other routes include service from Samukkhixay district bus station to Sivilay village, Phousafong temple, Sakhae temple, Lathsati village, Tadseng village, and urban areas of Sanxay district. The first bus departs at 8:30 am and returns at 9:30 am, with the second bus departing and returning at 1:00 pm. From Samukhixay district to Sanamxay district, two buses depart from each station at 9:00 am, with return trips at 1:00 pm.
Champasack Province
Champasack Province also introduced green bus services on 17 June to offer affordable transport options. Sixteen routes connect Pakse district urban areas with surrounding villages, providing comprehensive coverage throughout the day and improving accessibility within the province.
In Pakse district, three routes run from Km 7 North transport station to Km 8 South station, Salakham Port to Daohueang Market, and Daohueang Market to Km 8 South. All three routes start at 6:30 am, operating every two hours, with fares ranging from LAK 5,000 to LAK 20,000.
The public bus service also includes 16 additional routes connecting Pakse with nearby districts and villages. These routes run from Daohueang Market to Km 14 Market, Viengxay School, Ngouadeang village, Khampeng village in Sanasomboun District, Batiengchaleunsouk district, Paksong district, Phonthong village and district, Vang Tao Border Cross Checkpoint, Vat Phou, Soukhoumma district, Pathouphone district, Mounlapamok district, and Khong district. Most routes start at 6:00 am, with fares ranging from LAK 15,000 to LAK 110,000.
Xaysomboun Province
In central Lao’s Xaysomboun Province, the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport initiated a trial of 20 buses for public transport services on 14 May. Initially scheduled to run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the buses cover various urban areas free of charge, including Aom, Ao, Nammo, and Namyone villages.
Bolikhamxay Province
Additionally, Bolikhamxay Province also allocated a total of 20 new buses across various routes to cater to educational and community needs. Thirteen buses were distributed on key routes such as Paksan-Vientiane Capital, Paksan-Lak 20, and Paksan-Viengthong district, among others.
Meanwhile, four buses were allocated to the Department of Education and Sports for Bolikhamxay Technical-Vocational School. These buses are designated for student transportation, including trial services for student internships, study tours, and other educational activities, as well as for teachers and athletes during sports competitions. Additionally, the remaining three buses are reserved by the Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport for a one-year trial period.
As many provinces launch trail public bus services, the Lao government marks these initiatives as significant steps toward improving public transport infrastructure in Laos, aiming to provide more convenient and sustainable transportation options for residents and visitors alike.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/07/01/laos-kicks-off-green-bus-trials-to-boost-public-transport-in-four-provinces/
Laos Extends Visa Exemptions to Boost Visit Laos Year 2024
ARTICLE UPDATED ON 27 JUNE, 2024 AT 4:04 PM
To bolster tourism in the second half of Visit Laos Year 2024, the Lao government is set to introduce a new policy granting free visas to Chinese visitors, announced Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Darany Phommavongsa, on 24 June.
This policy specifically targets Chinese travelers who book their trips through accredited travel agencies. The government is also planning to offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stays from 30 days to 60 days for visitors from other countries from across the world.
According to an official document released shortly after the announcement, further visa exemptions will soon be available for travelers holding passports from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, allowing a stay of up to 15 days. These exemptions can be obtained through travel agencies accredited by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.
However, travelers holding Taiwanese passports are still required to obtain a visa slip, which will be issued upon arrival and must be returned when they leave the country.
Additionally, the Lao government will offer multiple-entry visas and extend the duration of stays from 30 days to 60 days for visitors from Australia, New Zealand, The United States, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Citizens of these countries can then request multiple-entry Lao visas through their respective Lao embassies or consulates. If a visitor obtains their visa through a Lao immigration office or online, they will be granted only one-time access to the country for a duration of up to 60 days.
For travelers from Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Spain, and Greece, the visa requirement will be waived for the first visit for up to 15 days if they travel for tourism purposes.
Meanwhile, Thai visitors with a “Border Pass” or “Temporary Border Pass”, an identification document that is used in place of a passport or an ID as agreed between two countries, can now stay in Laos for up to ten days, an increase from the previous three days. Travelers from Vietnam holding similar identification documents are allowed to stay in Laos for up to 15 days.
Thai and Vietnamese visitors who enter Laos using a travel-accredited agency may travel to three neighboring provinces close to the province they first arrive in. However, they must exit the country through the same entry point.
This policy will be effective from 1 July until the end of this year.
Government Efforts to Boost Tourism During Visit Laos Year 2024
During an interview with ASEAN and Chinese media in Vientiane on 24 June, Darany emphasized that the government is currently enhancing road infrastructure in transit areas and improving access roads to popular attractions such as Vang Vieng in Vientiane Province, Kong in Champasack Province, and other areas across Laos.
As part of the plan, Darany also mentioned that the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT) is working closely with local authorities and the tourism sector along the railway. The goal is to upgrade current tourist sites to international standards, highlighting the significant role of the Laos-China railway in attracting visitors from China. This also involves installing directional signs both in Lao and foreign languages along transit routes to assist self-driving visitors arriving from the China border.
This initiative by the Lao government aims to increase the number of visitors from China to Laos, as Chinese tourists already rank among the top visitors to the country. In the first three months of this year, Laos welcomed over 242,000 Chinese tourists, making China the third largest source of foreign tourist arrivals after Thailand and Vietnam. Throughout 2023, Laos saw a total of more than 641,000 Chinese tourists visiting the country.
The plan follows a proposal by members of the Lao National Assembly during their 7th Ordinary Session on 10 June to introduce visa waivers for more countries. Saithong Xaiyaong, a member from Champasak Province, emphasized the economic advantages of these waivers and called for careful consideration of which countries and visitors would benefit the most.
Currently, Laos provides visa exemptions to nationals from 36 countries. The specifics of these exemptions depend on whether they hold diplomatic, service, or regular passports.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/06/25/laos-extends-visa-exemptions-to-boost-visit-laos-year-2024/
Laos, Vietnam to Launch Cross-Border QR Payment Service in August
Laos and Vietnam will launch a cross-border QR payment service to enhance tourism and economic exchanges between the two nations. The service is expected to commence in early August this year.
Bounluea Sinxayvoravong, the Governor of the Bank of Laos, revealed this plan during the 7th session of the National Assembly.
The initiative, a cooperation between the Bank of Laos and the State Bank of Vietnam, seeks to streamline financial transactions for tourists visiting the two countries, as well as to facilitate businesses across borders.
Thousands of Vietnamese tourists travel to Laos annually. Earlier this year, Vietnam ranked second among the top foreign arrivals in Laos, with more than 263,000 visitors out of the over 1.1 million foreign tourists visiting Laos.
The QR code cross-border payment system is part of Laos’ broader plan to improve regional money transfers and payments with its neighboring countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Recently, Laos launched a similar QR code payment system with Thailand, initially allowing Lao visitors and workers to make QR payments between Laos and Thailand through participating banks, while plans are in place for Thai tourists to utilize the service in Laos from July onwards, according to Bounluea.
The bank’s governor also mentioned that this payment system could positively impact the Lao economy. Particularly, if a high number of tourists uses it, a significant amount of foreign currency will flow directly to the Bank of Laos, helping to stabilize the exchange rate set by the central bank.
In August 2023, Laos and Cambodia also launched a cross-border payment system, enabling visitors to use their local currencies, Lao kip and Khmer riel, via QR codes while traveling.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/06/18/laos-vietnam-to-launch-cross-border-qr-payment-service-in-august/