Laos recorded economic growth of 4.8 percent in 2025, signalling a steady recovery across major sectors, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau.
The report and economic indicators posted show information about economic sectors and growth. (Graphic by Ministry of Finance)
Services, manufacturing, and agriculture remained the main pillars supporting overall economic performance.
Services accounted for 36.3 percent of the economy, supported by growth in tourism-related activities, transport, and trade.
Manufacturing followed at 32 percent, indicating sustained industrial activity, while agriculture contributed 20.3 percent, remaining vital to rural livelihoods and food security.
Income indicators also showed gradual improvement. GDP per capita reached USD 2,176 in 2025, while gross national income (GNI) per capita stood at USD 2,029, pointing to rising average income levels.
Focus Turns to 2026 Growth Targets
Looking ahead, the government aims to accelerate economic growth to at least 5.5 percent in 2026, exceeding the current estimate of 5.1 percent based on recent trends. The target builds on direction from the 2025 recovery.
Tourism, energy, logistics, agriculture, and agro-processing industries have been identified as key drivers for the year ahead.
Authorities are also aiming to raise income levels further, with GDP per capita projected at USD 2,238 and gross national income per capita at USD 2,101.
Overall, the Laos economic growth 2025 figures point to a stabilising economy led by services, with steady support from manufacturing and agriculture. With higher targets set for 2026, the focus remains on strengthening core sectors to sustain growth and improve household incomes.
Attapeu Province recorded tourism growth in 2025, welcoming 160,067 visitors and achieving nearly 114 percent of annual targets.
According to provincial authorities, the southern Lao province’s tourism sector achieved 113.84 percent of its planned objectives, with visitors comprising 31,217 domestic tourists and 128,850 international travelers. Tourism activities generated LAK 74 billion (approximately USD 3.4 million) in revenue.
The success was driven by strategic initiatives throughout the year. Key activities included major cultural and tourism events such as the King Xayasetthathirat Festival, celebrations for Lao Tourism Year, and participation in regional tourism product exhibitions to promote provincial attractions.
Provincial authorities noted that infrastructure development proceeded on schedule, with 90 tourist sites developed to meet 100 percent of planned targets. Key projects included surveys of Xe Kaman 1 Dam, Phu Daeng Cave (Red Mountain), and the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail to develop as tourism sites in the future.
For 2026, the province has adopted the tourism slogan “Modern, Preserved, Impressive,” aiming to attract more domestic and international tourists.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025, an 11 percent increase year-on-year that surpassed the government’s target of 4.3 million visitors, according to the Tourism Development Department.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WORDPRESS-PHOTO-FORMAT-1.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-05 10:20:002026-02-03 15:26:55Attapeu Province Attracts Over 160,000 Tourists in 2025, Exceeds Annual Target
Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong district on 30 January.
Both sites received national-level status following earlier local designation, marking a new step toward stronger protection and wider promotion of the province’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
That Phon Stupa ranks among the most revered Buddhist sites in southern Laos. Local legend traces its construction to 118 BE, when builders used laterite stone to form a lotus-bud-shaped stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Located in Phonthat Village, about 65 kilometres from Kaysone Phomvihane City and 12 kilometres from National Road 13 South, the stupa has long served as a spiritual center for surrounding communities. Its annual festival takes place in February, usually on the full moon of the third lunar month.
The other site, Heuan Hin, meaning “Stone House,” lies in the same district near the Mekong River, around 30 kilometres from That Phon.
The unfinished structure is believed to be one of 121 rest houses built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 and 1218, linking major routes across the Khmer Empire.
The site shows architectural similarities to Vat Phou in Champasak and Thailand’s Phimai temple, and hosts its annual festival in March, on the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
Provincial authorities said elevating the two sites to national heritage status will support long-term conservation while helping to promote cultural tourism in Xayphouthong district and across Savannakhet Province.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/LT-Website-Size-35.png6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-02-04 09:14:002026-02-03 15:19:55That Phon Stupa, Heuan Hin Recognized as National Heritage Sites in Savannakhet
Laos Records 4.8 Percent Growth in 2025, Sets Higher Economic Targets for 2026
Laos recorded economic growth of 4.8 percent in 2025, signalling a steady recovery across major sectors, according to the Lao Statistics Bureau.
Services, manufacturing, and agriculture remained the main pillars supporting overall economic performance.
Services accounted for 36.3 percent of the economy, supported by growth in tourism-related activities, transport, and trade.
Manufacturing followed at 32 percent, indicating sustained industrial activity, while agriculture contributed 20.3 percent, remaining vital to rural livelihoods and food security.
Income indicators also showed gradual improvement. GDP per capita reached USD 2,176 in 2025, while gross national income (GNI) per capita stood at USD 2,029, pointing to rising average income levels.
Focus Turns to 2026 Growth Targets
Looking ahead, the government aims to accelerate economic growth to at least 5.5 percent in 2026, exceeding the current estimate of 5.1 percent based on recent trends. The target builds on direction from the 2025 recovery.
Tourism, energy, logistics, agriculture, and agro-processing industries have been identified as key drivers for the year ahead.
Authorities are also aiming to raise income levels further, with GDP per capita projected at USD 2,238 and gross national income per capita at USD 2,101.
Overall, the Laos economic growth 2025 figures point to a stabilising economy led by services, with steady support from manufacturing and agriculture. With higher targets set for 2026, the focus remains on strengthening core sectors to sustain growth and improve household incomes.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/04/laos-records-4-8-percent-growth-in-2025-sets-higher-economic-targets-for-2026/
Attapeu Province Attracts Over 160,000 Tourists in 2025, Exceeds Annual Target
Attapeu Province recorded tourism growth in 2025, welcoming 160,067 visitors and achieving nearly 114 percent of annual targets.
According to provincial authorities, the southern Lao province’s tourism sector achieved 113.84 percent of its planned objectives, with visitors comprising 31,217 domestic tourists and 128,850 international travelers. Tourism activities generated LAK 74 billion (approximately USD 3.4 million) in revenue.
The success was driven by strategic initiatives throughout the year. Key activities included major cultural and tourism events such as the King Xayasetthathirat Festival, celebrations for Lao Tourism Year, and participation in regional tourism product exhibitions to promote provincial attractions.
Provincial authorities noted that infrastructure development proceeded on schedule, with 90 tourist sites developed to meet 100 percent of planned targets. Key projects included surveys of Xe Kaman 1 Dam, Phu Daeng Cave (Red Mountain), and the historic Ho Chi Minh Trail to develop as tourism sites in the future.
For 2026, the province has adopted the tourism slogan “Modern, Preserved, Impressive,” aiming to attract more domestic and international tourists.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025, an 11 percent increase year-on-year that surpassed the government’s target of 4.3 million visitors, according to the Tourism Development Department.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/03/attapeu-province-attracts-over-160000-tourists-in-2025-exceeds-annual-target/
That Phon Stupa, Heuan Hin Recognized as National Heritage Sites in Savannakhet
Savannakhet Province has added two sites to its national cultural heritage list, with authorities formally recognising That Phon Stupa and Heuan Hin in Xayphouthong district on 30 January.
Both sites received national-level status following earlier local designation, marking a new step toward stronger protection and wider promotion of the province’s historical and spiritual landmarks.
That Phon Stupa ranks among the most revered Buddhist sites in southern Laos. Local legend traces its construction to 118 BE, when builders used laterite stone to form a lotus-bud-shaped stupa believed to be around 2,500 years old.
Located in Phonthat Village, about 65 kilometres from Kaysone Phomvihane City and 12 kilometres from National Road 13 South, the stupa has long served as a spiritual center for surrounding communities. Its annual festival takes place in February, usually on the full moon of the third lunar month.
The other site, Heuan Hin, meaning “Stone House,” lies in the same district near the Mekong River, around 30 kilometres from That Phon.
The unfinished structure is believed to be one of 121 rest houses built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII between 1181 and 1218, linking major routes across the Khmer Empire.
The site shows architectural similarities to Vat Phou in Champasak and Thailand’s Phimai temple, and hosts its annual festival in March, on the full moon of the fourth lunar month.
Provincial authorities said elevating the two sites to national heritage status will support long-term conservation while helping to promote cultural tourism in Xayphouthong district and across Savannakhet Province.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/02/02/that-phon-stupa-heuan-hinh-recognized-as-national-heritage-sites-in-savannakhet/