he launch of a cross-border payment service from Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), and South Korean company GLN International, will provide more convenient payment options for Korean visitors in Laos.
An official ceremony to inaugurate the service was held between BCEL and GLN International Korea (GLN) which is a globally integrated platform that offers cross-border use of digital assets and benefits around the world.
Mr. Nanthalath Keopaseuth, Deputy Director of BCEL, and Mr. Han Jun Seong, President of GLN International Company, signed the partnership in the presence of witnesses from the Bank of Lao PDR.
This service will allow GLN’s registered wallet users to make cross-border QR code payments at merchants who use BCEL’s OnePay and they can also make cash withdrawals at BCEL’s ATM by scanning the QR code on their GLN registered wallet app.
Over 100 shops and service providers accept this form of payment, particularly in tourist areas of Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, according to the bank. There are plans to expand these services to other provinces and towns as well.
BCEL also recently announced that customers would now be able to receive international bank transfers directly into their accounts through MoneyGram.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BCEL-ATM.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-12-27 14:14:472022-12-26 14:16:58Laos, South Korea Allow QR Payments for Travelers
Renovation of Nam Phou Square in Vientiane Capital is now complete, with the iconic fountain and surrounding park officially handed over to the public.
The government approved the return of the Nam Phou area to the government in June, stating that as an important heritage site, Nam Phou Fountain should be open for public use.
The concession holder, AIDC (AIF Group), agreed to return the site to the government without compensation, according to a statement issued by the company.
Nam Phou’s deteriorating condition in the mid-2000s caused the government to privatize the public area, granting AIF Group (AIDC) a 30-year concession on the 4,000-square-meter site.
Lots of green space at the newly renovated Nam Phou Square in Vientiane Capital.
In 2017, the fountain was transformed into a live music venue with double-storey restaurants and bars. After the closure of entertainment venues during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nam Phou area was eventually converted into a cursory skate park.
But criticism from the public led the government to propose the site be returned to public use in its original form.
Nam Phou Square has now been renovated and returned to something more befitting a public space, with trees, green areas, and public seating.
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh visited the fountain on Wednesday to preside over a handover ceremony and art exhibition that officially brings the treasured public space back to the people.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Nam-Phou-Park-.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-12-26 14:22:062022-12-26 14:22:12Vientiane’s Iconic Nam Phou Square Officially Handed Back to Public
With Laos reopening its borders after two years in May 2022, international tourists from all over have been visiting the country and providing an encouraging boost to its tourism industry. The buzz is so positive that Laos has even earned a coveted spot on National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2023, so plan your trip and pack your bags.
While there is a unique charm to Laos in every season, one of the most popular times to visit is between October and March when the country experiences warm and dry weather. To luxuriate in even cooler weather during this time, one could also head to Northern Laos, where temperatures in villages surrounded by mountains might even require you to put on a jumper!
The dry season is especially conducive for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, exploring caves, tubing, kayaking, or taking a slow boat ride down a river as well.
From April to September, Laos experiences hot and humid weather thanks to the scorching sun and refreshing rainfall. However, the monsoon season is also a special time to witness nature take on a lush green color and resplendent waterfalls shroud nearby areas with a magical mist.
It is always advisable for tourists to prepare for the weather and embrace the Lao philosophy of bo pen yang, or “never mind”, should plans need to be adjusted.
Laos has festivals all year round so whether you visit in April, October, or any month in between, there will be majestic cultural festivals to enjoy.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/PR3.jpg14142121Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-12-23 03:35:002022-12-21 11:22:01Laos is Open and Simply Beautiful in Any Season
Laos, South Korea Allow QR Payments for Travelers
he launch of a cross-border payment service from Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), and South Korean company GLN International, will provide more convenient payment options for Korean visitors in Laos.
An official ceremony to inaugurate the service was held between BCEL and GLN International Korea (GLN) which is a globally integrated platform that offers cross-border use of digital assets and benefits around the world.
Mr. Nanthalath Keopaseuth, Deputy Director of BCEL, and Mr. Han Jun Seong, President of GLN International Company, signed the partnership in the presence of witnesses from the Bank of Lao PDR.
This service will allow GLN’s registered wallet users to make cross-border QR code payments at merchants who use BCEL’s OnePay and they can also make cash withdrawals at BCEL’s ATM by scanning the QR code on their GLN registered wallet app.
Over 100 shops and service providers accept this form of payment, particularly in tourist areas of Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, according to the bank. There are plans to expand these services to other provinces and towns as well.
BCEL also recently announced that customers would now be able to receive international bank transfers directly into their accounts through MoneyGram.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/23/laos-korea-allow-qr-payments-for-travelers/
Vientiane’s Iconic Nam Phou Square Officially Handed Back to Public
Renovation of Nam Phou Square in Vientiane Capital is now complete, with the iconic fountain and surrounding park officially handed over to the public.
The government approved the return of the Nam Phou area to the government in June, stating that as an important heritage site, Nam Phou Fountain should be open for public use.
The concession holder, AIDC (AIF Group), agreed to return the site to the government without compensation, according to a statement issued by the company.
Nam Phou’s deteriorating condition in the mid-2000s caused the government to privatize the public area, granting AIF Group (AIDC) a 30-year concession on the 4,000-square-meter site.
In 2017, the fountain was transformed into a live music venue with double-storey restaurants and bars. After the closure of entertainment venues during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Nam Phou area was eventually converted into a cursory skate park.
But criticism from the public led the government to propose the site be returned to public use in its original form.
Nam Phou Square has now been renovated and returned to something more befitting a public space, with trees, green areas, and public seating.
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh visited the fountain on Wednesday to preside over a handover ceremony and art exhibition that officially brings the treasured public space back to the people.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/12/22/vientianes-iconic-nam-phou-square-officially-handed-back-to-public/
Laos is Open and Simply Beautiful in Any Season
With Laos reopening its borders after two years in May 2022, international tourists from all over have been visiting the country and providing an encouraging boost to its tourism industry. The buzz is so positive that Laos has even earned a coveted spot on National Geographic’s Best of the World list for 2023, so plan your trip and pack your bags.
While there is a unique charm to Laos in every season, one of the most popular times to visit is between October and March when the country experiences warm and dry weather. To luxuriate in even cooler weather during this time, one could also head to Northern Laos, where temperatures in villages surrounded by mountains might even require you to put on a jumper!
The dry season is especially conducive for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, exploring caves, tubing, kayaking, or taking a slow boat ride down a river as well.
From April to September, Laos experiences hot and humid weather thanks to the scorching sun and refreshing rainfall. However, the monsoon season is also a special time to witness nature take on a lush green color and resplendent waterfalls shroud nearby areas with a magical mist.
It is always advisable for tourists to prepare for the weather and embrace the Lao philosophy of bo pen yang, or “never mind”, should plans need to be adjusted.
Laos has festivals all year round so whether you visit in April, October, or any month in between, there will be majestic cultural festivals to enjoy.
Learn more about Lao culture and places to visit at the Lao Simply Beautiful Facebook Page.