If you’re planning a trip to Laos, it’s important to check the visa requirements before you go. Some visitors may be pleased to learn that Laos offers visa exemptions for tourists from certain countries.
The most notable visa exemption is for citizens of ASEAN member countries, which include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These citizens are granted visa-free entry for up to 30 days, provided that they meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport and return ticket.
Other countries that enjoy visa exemptions to Laos include Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Russia, and Mongolia, each of which allows for visa-free stays of up to 15 or 21 days, depending on the country.
In addition, Belarus, China, North Korea, and Cuba have specific exemptions for certain types of passport holders, such as diplomatic or official passports.
It’s important to note that visa exemptions can vary based on the purpose of travel and the length of stay, so it’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before planning your trip. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Laos.
So, if you’re a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you may be able to enjoy a visa-free trip to Laos.
However, it’s important to remember that immigration policies can change at any time, so do double-check the requirements before traveling.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Vientianes-Feuang-District-Expects-Over-100000-Tourists-in-2023.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-03-27 01:14:002023-03-20 13:20:14Laos Offers Visa-Free Entry to Tourists from 16 Countries
The acclaimed American news magazine called Luang Prabang a ‘hidden paradise’ and recommended it as one of the 50 greatest places in the world in 2023.
Luang Prabang features alongside Phuket and the Isan region of Thailand, as the only three places in Southeast Asia to make it on the list of destinations.
The publisher praised Luang Prabang for its magnificent nature-rich surroundings, citing turquoise waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and sunset boat rides on the Mekong as highlights of the old capital. It points out, “Despite its remote location in the jungled mountains of Laos, the former royal capital is not just for backpackers.”
According to Time, the town is home to a number of exquisite boutique hotels situated in French colonial buildings, like the Amantaka and Sofitel Luang Prabang, which could be an ideal way to stay and experience the UNESCO World Heritage town.
The magazine also recommends visits to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a museum devoted to the country’s 50 ethnic groupings and 160 ethnic subgroups, and Free the Bears wildlife sanctuaries, where over one hundred moons and sun bears saved from poaching reside.
The Laos-China railway, which opened up online bookings this week, also received high praise from Time, “The train turns the once 12-hour bus ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang into a scenic two-hour trip.”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ຫລວງພະບາງ2.jpg828828Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-03-24 01:04:002023-03-17 12:06:39Time Magazine Hails Luang Prabang as One of World’s Greatest Places in 2023
The Lao New Year festival program for Luang Prabang has been announced, featuring a variety of activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy from 11 to 20 April.
The most important days are from 14 to 16 April, with events typically including a traditional market fair, an elephant procession, sand stupas along the riverbank, and the grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat That Noy to Wat Xieng Thong.
Below is the schedule of events:
Schedule of Events for the Lao New Year Celebrations in Luang Prabang
11 April
19:30, Miss New Year Pageant
12 April
19:30, Miss New Year Pageant
13 April
7:30, Elephant procession from Wat Mai to Wat Xieng Thong
14 April
7:00, Traditional Market Fair will take place between the Post Office and That Luang Field
9:00, Various temples will bring out their Buddha images for local people to wash with lustral water
13:00, Building sand stupas on Xaymoungkhoun Island in the Mekong
15 April
9:00, Government officials preside over traditional ceremonies of the Leu ethnic group in Phanom Village
14:00, Grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat That Noy to Wat Xieng Thong
19:00, Sprinkling lustral water over Buddha images at various temples around the city
16 April
5:30, Almsgiving ceremony and then climbing Phousi Hill to make merit
14:00, Grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat Xieng Thong to Wat That Noy
19:00, Naga and lantern parades descend from Phousi Mountain to the pond inside the National Museum, along with traditional Phalak Phalam dancing
17 April
08:30, The Prabang is paraded out of Hor Prabang to Wat Mai
10:00, Provincial leaders and the seven Miss New Year winners visit Ting Caves
18 and 19 April
8:00-23:00, Worshippers sprinkle lustral water on the Prabang Buddha image at Wat Mai
20 April
9:00, The Prabang is paraded back to Hor Prabang from Wat Mai
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Prabang-Luang-Prabnag-Province-copy-e1743137515860.jpg533800Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-03-23 01:39:002023-03-17 11:43:52Luang Prabang Releases Lao New Year Event Schedule for 2023
Laos Offers Visa-Free Entry to Tourists from 16 Countries
If you’re planning a trip to Laos, it’s important to check the visa requirements before you go. Some visitors may be pleased to learn that Laos offers visa exemptions for tourists from certain countries.
The most notable visa exemption is for citizens of ASEAN member countries, which include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. These citizens are granted visa-free entry for up to 30 days, provided that they meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport and return ticket.
Other countries that enjoy visa exemptions to Laos include Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Russia, and Mongolia, each of which allows for visa-free stays of up to 15 or 21 days, depending on the country.
In addition, Belarus, China, North Korea, and Cuba have specific exemptions for certain types of passport holders, such as diplomatic or official passports.
It’s important to note that visa exemptions can vary based on the purpose of travel and the length of stay, so it’s always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before planning your trip. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into Laos.
So, if you’re a citizen of one of the countries listed above, you may be able to enjoy a visa-free trip to Laos.
However, it’s important to remember that immigration policies can change at any time, so do double-check the requirements before traveling.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/03/17/laos-offers-visa-free-entry-to-tourists-from-15-countries/
Time Magazine Hails Luang Prabang as One of World’s Greatest Places in 2023
The acclaimed American news magazine called Luang Prabang a ‘hidden paradise’ and recommended it as one of the 50 greatest places in the world in 2023.
Luang Prabang features alongside Phuket and the Isan region of Thailand, as the only three places in Southeast Asia to make it on the list of destinations.
The publisher praised Luang Prabang for its magnificent nature-rich surroundings, citing turquoise waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and sunset boat rides on the Mekong as highlights of the old capital. It points out, “Despite its remote location in the jungled mountains of Laos, the former royal capital is not just for backpackers.”
According to Time, the town is home to a number of exquisite boutique hotels situated in French colonial buildings, like the Amantaka and Sofitel Luang Prabang, which could be an ideal way to stay and experience the UNESCO World Heritage town.
The magazine also recommends visits to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, a museum devoted to the country’s 50 ethnic groupings and 160 ethnic subgroups, and Free the Bears wildlife sanctuaries, where over one hundred moons and sun bears saved from poaching reside.
Additionally, tourists can also check out Tamarind Cooking School to know why Gordon Ramsay named Laos one of the top food destinations in the world.
The Laos-China railway, which opened up online bookings this week, also received high praise from Time, “The train turns the once 12-hour bus ride from Vientiane to Luang Prabang into a scenic two-hour trip.”
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/03/17/time-magazine-hails-luang-prabang-as-one-of-worlds-greatest-places-in-2023/
Luang Prabang Releases Lao New Year Event Schedule for 2023
The Lao New Year festival program for Luang Prabang has been announced, featuring a variety of activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy from 11 to 20 April.
The most important days are from 14 to 16 April, with events typically including a traditional market fair, an elephant procession, sand stupas along the riverbank, and the grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat That Noy to Wat Xieng Thong.
Below is the schedule of events:
Schedule of Events for the Lao New Year Celebrations in Luang Prabang
11 April
19:30, Miss New Year Pageant
12 April
19:30, Miss New Year Pageant
13 April
7:30, Elephant procession from Wat Mai to Wat Xieng Thong
14 April
7:00, Traditional Market Fair will take place between the Post Office and That Luang Field
9:00, Various temples will bring out their Buddha images for local people to wash with lustral water
13:00, Building sand stupas on Xaymoungkhoun Island in the Mekong
15 April
9:00, Government officials preside over traditional ceremonies of the Leu ethnic group in Phanom Village
14:00, Grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat That Noy to Wat Xieng Thong
19:00, Sprinkling lustral water over Buddha images at various temples around the city
16 April
5:30, Almsgiving ceremony and then climbing Phousi Hill to make merit
14:00, Grand procession of Miss New Year from Wat Xieng Thong to Wat That Noy
19:00, Naga and lantern parades descend from Phousi Mountain to the pond inside the National Museum, along with traditional Phalak Phalam dancing
17 April
08:30, The Prabang is paraded out of Hor Prabang to Wat Mai
10:00, Provincial leaders and the seven Miss New Year winners visit Ting Caves
18 and 19 April
8:00-23:00, Worshippers sprinkle lustral water on the Prabang Buddha image at Wat Mai
20 April
9:00, The Prabang is paraded back to Hor Prabang from Wat Mai
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/03/14/luang-prabang-releases-lao-new-year-event-schedule/