As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos will also host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January, allowing nations in the bloc to discuss matters related to travel and tourism.
TTG Weeklyreports that the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a regional marketplace and fair for ASEAN country members, will be held at the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Centre in Vientiane Capital, but the location of the conference has yet to be publicized.
Ms. Sengsoda Vanthanouvong, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Marketing Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, said she expects about 350 businesses from across Southeast Asia and 200 visitors will participate next year.
“It will be an opportunity for Laos to showcase new products and services in Vientiane and elsewhere, as well as our local hospitality to tourism professionals,” she said.
Mrs. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism, who attended the event, told the media that by hosting the ATF in 2024, Laos aims to strengthen its cooperation and further improve its tourism products in order to attract more international tourists and contribute to the local community.
Laos last hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2013 in the capital city of Vientiane.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Deputy-Mayor-Announces-Lockdown-in-Vientiane-Capital.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-02-14 10:02:352023-02-14 10:02:40Laos Prepares to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2024
The article reads, “Anyone who has visited Laos in the past would know well its laidback charms, from the deeply cultural beauty of Luang Prabang to the adventure capital of Vang Vieng and the youthful energy of Vientiane.”
“What they would also know is the time necessary to get around this undulating, landlocked country, on winding roads aboard cramped minivans.”
But the story introduces the newly-completed Laos-China Railway, which connects Vientiane Capital to the northern provinces.
“However, things have changed. This year Laos welcomed the opening of the China-funded Boten-Vientiane railway, a high-speed rail link between the nation’s capital and its northern border.”
“The train calls through tourist favorites such as Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Muang Xay, and has totally changed the game for independent travelers hoping to see the country quickly and comfortably.”
“Vientiane to Luang Prabang, for example, takes two hours on the train – the drive is six-and-a-half. Get here and experience this country before everyone else does.”
Laos is quickly becoming the “it country” for travel in 2023, topping the travel lists of several renowned publications, including CNN, National Geographic, Wanderlust, and Fodor’s.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Vang-Vieng-696x364-1.jpg364696Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-02-10 11:22:502023-02-02 11:24:33Laos Featured in Australian Travel Publication Among Best Places to Visit in 2023
Classic rock ’n’ roll-themed restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, has announced its reopening in Vientiane Capital this month.
While Vientiane is bubbling with excellent restaurants, bars, and venues where people can enjoy cold beer and spicy Laotian cuisine, a Hard Rock Cafe opening in the city’s center adds a new element to the scene.
It is not the first time that Hard Rock Cafe has had a place in this city, but this time it will provide a new location and new exciting and energetic vibe.
Right at the entrance of Hard Rock Cafe Vientiane, behind an iconic mural at the Rock Shop, guests can purchase signature merchandise, while local guests and visitors can enjoy one-of-a-kind live music and entertainment. The venue includes a room for up to 160 diners, two floors for eating and live music, and two bars for handcrafted cocktails and local brews.
Throughout the Hard Rock Cafe Vientiane, guests will see a display of iconic memorabilia pieces from legendary musicians from around the globe.
“We are glad that Vientiane – Laos is again an official member of the Hard Rock Cafe family. We are ready to make a positive impact on the hospitality industry and brand standards. We bring the spirit and philosophy of the brand to a country rich in traditions by presenting a modern vision of a remarkable restaurant,” said Tom Pérez, Vice President of Franchise Operations, at Hard Rock International.
The new venue is located downtown on Setthathirath Road close to the hotels and restaurants surrounding the Nam Phou Fountain.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Hard-Rock-Cafe-Vientiane-696x364-1.jpg364696Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2023-02-08 11:20:092023-02-02 11:22:08Ready to Rock? Hard Rock Cafe Officially Reopens in Vientiane
Laos Prepares to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2024
As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos will also host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January, allowing nations in the bloc to discuss matters related to travel and tourism.
TTG Weekly reports that the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a regional marketplace and fair for ASEAN country members, will be held at the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Centre in Vientiane Capital, but the location of the conference has yet to be publicized.
Ms. Sengsoda Vanthanouvong, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Marketing Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, said she expects about 350 businesses from across Southeast Asia and 200 visitors will participate next year.
“It will be an opportunity for Laos to showcase new products and services in Vientiane and elsewhere, as well as our local hospitality to tourism professionals,” she said.
ASEAN foreign ministers met on Saturday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia to discuss collaborative ways to carry out the 2016-2025 ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP).
Mrs. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism, who attended the event, told the media that by hosting the ATF in 2024, Laos aims to strengthen its cooperation and further improve its tourism products in order to attract more international tourists and contribute to the local community.
Laos last hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2013 in the capital city of Vientiane.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/10/laos-prepares-to-host-asean-tourism-forum-in-2024/
Laos Featured in Australian Travel Publication Among Best Places to Visit in 2023
Laos has been listed by an Australian travel publication as one of the best places to visit this year.
Traveller, an Australian online publication, has highlighted Laos among 10 countries in the 25 hottest destinations in 2023.
The article reads, “Anyone who has visited Laos in the past would know well its laidback charms, from the deeply cultural beauty of Luang Prabang to the adventure capital of Vang Vieng and the youthful energy of Vientiane.”
“What they would also know is the time necessary to get around this undulating, landlocked country, on winding roads aboard cramped minivans.”
But the story introduces the newly-completed Laos-China Railway, which connects Vientiane Capital to the northern provinces.
“However, things have changed. This year Laos welcomed the opening of the China-funded Boten-Vientiane railway, a high-speed rail link between the nation’s capital and its northern border.”
“The train calls through tourist favorites such as Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Muang Xay, and has totally changed the game for independent travelers hoping to see the country quickly and comfortably.”
“Vientiane to Luang Prabang, for example, takes two hours on the train – the drive is six-and-a-half. Get here and experience this country before everyone else does.”
Laos is quickly becoming the “it country” for travel in 2023, topping the travel lists of several renowned publications, including CNN, National Geographic, Wanderlust, and Fodor’s.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/01/27/laos-featured-in-australian-travel-publication-as-best-place-to-visit-in-2023/
Ready to Rock? Hard Rock Cafe Officially Reopens in Vientiane
Classic rock ’n’ roll-themed restaurant, Hard Rock Cafe, has announced its reopening in Vientiane Capital this month.
While Vientiane is bubbling with excellent restaurants, bars, and venues where people can enjoy cold beer and spicy Laotian cuisine, a Hard Rock Cafe opening in the city’s center adds a new element to the scene.
It is not the first time that Hard Rock Cafe has had a place in this city, but this time it will provide a new location and new exciting and energetic vibe.
Right at the entrance of Hard Rock Cafe Vientiane, behind an iconic mural at the Rock Shop, guests can purchase signature merchandise, while local guests and visitors can enjoy one-of-a-kind live music and entertainment. The venue includes a room for up to 160 diners, two floors for eating and live music, and two bars for handcrafted cocktails and local brews.
Throughout the Hard Rock Cafe Vientiane, guests will see a display of iconic memorabilia pieces from legendary musicians from around the globe.
“We are glad that Vientiane – Laos is again an official member of the Hard Rock Cafe family. We are ready to make a positive impact on the hospitality industry and brand standards. We bring the spirit and philosophy of the brand to a country rich in traditions by presenting a modern vision of a remarkable restaurant,” said Tom Pérez, Vice President of Franchise Operations, at Hard Rock International.
The new venue is located downtown on Setthathirath Road close to the hotels and restaurants surrounding the Nam Phou Fountain.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/01/27/ready-to-rock-hard-rock-cafe-officially-reopens-in-vientiane/