Laos has seen an increasing number of visitors traveling to the country ever since it removed its travel restrictions in May following the Covid-19 crisis.
Laos recorded over a million tourists traveling in the country between January to September, resulting in a 39 percent rise in visitors compared to last year. A total of 644,756 international visitors are also included in the figures, primarily from Thailand and Vietnam.
Statistics have shown that the average visitor on a group tour usually stays in the country for 2.5 days and spends roughly USD 45 per day. On the other hand, people on individual trips, stay for 7.9 days on average and spend around USD 83 daily.
Tourism authorities are expecting to receive over USD 225 million in revenue from local and international tourists this year. They are also increasing their effort to revitalize tourism-related businesses and generate income to reduce poverty levels.
The Tourism Management Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism held a meeting on Tuesday, to discuss the current situation regarding accommodation and restaurant facilities being offered around popular tourist destinations.
The meeting saw attendance from the department’s Director General, Ms. Darany Phommavongsa, who represented Vientiane and the provinces of Vientiane, Xaysomboun, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Savannakhet, and other interested parties.
Ms. Darany informed that various challenges must be dealt with, primarily related to immigration procedures at border crossings, transport, accommodation, and food to ensure a seamless stay for travelers.
The discussion also looked at ways tourism can be modernized and streamlined in the country, in accordance with green and sustainable development targets.
The government is hopeful of attracting 900,000 foreign visitors this year, which could generate over USD 218 million in revenue. It could also help Laos to restore its foreign currency reserves to an extent, which is vital for importing essential goods.
The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism have developed the Lao Tourism Development Strategic Plan for 2021-2025, which is in line with the government’s policy of promoting the country’s natural, cultural, historical, and agricultural attractions to strengthen ‘green tourism’ and its sustainability.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ແຂວງວຽງຈັນ.ອ່າງນ້ຳຕົງ2.jpeg7661024Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-10-28 11:16:002022-10-26 11:19:17Over a Million Tourists Visit Laos This Year
Thai Smile Airways will restart direct daily flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang at the end of this month.
The flights to the UNESCO World Heritage Town will start on October 30, according to the Thai Smile Airways website. The airline now also offers morning and afternoon flights between Vientiane and Bangkok.
Thai Smile Airways will operate daily flights to Luang Prabang with its A320 fleet, and the flight time will be around one hour and twenty-five minutes. Round trips start at USD 205 per person.
Thai Smile Airways suspended all international flights in March 2020 during the Covid-19 outbreak and is in the process of restoring flights on all its global routes.
There has be an increase in the number of flights operating between Thailand and Luang Prabang recently as Thai AirAsia also flies daily to Luang Prabang from Dom Mueang airport, and Bangkok Airways will resume daily flights to Luang Prabang just after Thai Smile on November 1.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/ຫລວງພະບາງ.ຕາກວາງຊີ2.jpeg1024768Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-10-27 11:25:002022-10-26 14:28:20Thai Smile to Resume Flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang
The government of Laos has issued the eligibility requirements for honorary citizenship and special privileges to foreign nationals.
A recent decree No.14 issued by the government states that foreign nationals who are granted honorary citizenship are exempt from visa requirements for exiting and entering Laos and can choose to reside in the country permanently.
They are also eligible to purchase land on a state-owned property for a specified period and lease both state and privately-owned land.
Foreign national applicants must meet several criteria to receive honorary Lao citizens.
Applicants be at least 18 years old, abide by the Lao constitution and laws, have never been imprisoned for an intentional crime, and are in good health without any history of illegal drug use or conviction.
Prominent businessmen are eligible to apply if they have donated at least USD 500,000 towards the country’s socio-economic development as well as brought in USD 1 million in foreign investment to Laos before applying.
Professional qualifications or expertise equivalent to a doctorate or professor level, in addition to exceptional abilities, will also be preferred in applications for honorary citizenship which can be submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a Lao representative mission in the applicant’s home country.
Honorary citizens would be prohibited from interfering and threatening government officials, breaking the law, bribing and receiving bribes, and participating in illegal political movements.
The Ministry of Justice is required to review the application within five business days and evaluate the application for 30 days before forwarding it to the government for further review.
This new policy has been introduced to recognize the outstanding contribution that foreigners have made to socio-economic development in Laos.
Over a Million Tourists Visit Laos This Year
Laos has seen an increasing number of visitors traveling to the country ever since it removed its travel restrictions in May following the Covid-19 crisis.
Laos recorded over a million tourists traveling in the country between January to September, resulting in a 39 percent rise in visitors compared to last year. A total of 644,756 international visitors are also included in the figures, primarily from Thailand and Vietnam.
Statistics have shown that the average visitor on a group tour usually stays in the country for 2.5 days and spends roughly USD 45 per day. On the other hand, people on individual trips, stay for 7.9 days on average and spend around USD 83 daily.
Tourism authorities are expecting to receive over USD 225 million in revenue from local and international tourists this year. They are also increasing their effort to revitalize tourism-related businesses and generate income to reduce poverty levels.
The Tourism Management Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism held a meeting on Tuesday, to discuss the current situation regarding accommodation and restaurant facilities being offered around popular tourist destinations.
The meeting saw attendance from the department’s Director General, Ms. Darany Phommavongsa, who represented Vientiane and the provinces of Vientiane, Xaysomboun, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Savannakhet, and other interested parties.
Ms. Darany informed that various challenges must be dealt with, primarily related to immigration procedures at border crossings, transport, accommodation, and food to ensure a seamless stay for travelers.
The discussion also looked at ways tourism can be modernized and streamlined in the country, in accordance with green and sustainable development targets.
The government is hopeful of attracting 900,000 foreign visitors this year, which could generate over USD 218 million in revenue. It could also help Laos to restore its foreign currency reserves to an extent, which is vital for importing essential goods.
The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism have developed the Lao Tourism Development Strategic Plan for 2021-2025, which is in line with the government’s policy of promoting the country’s natural, cultural, historical, and agricultural attractions to strengthen ‘green tourism’ and its sustainability.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/20/over-a-million-tourists-visit-laos-this-year/
Thai Smile to Resume Flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang
Thai Smile Airways will restart direct daily flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang at the end of this month.
The flights to the UNESCO World Heritage Town will start on October 30, according to the Thai Smile Airways website. The airline now also offers morning and afternoon flights between Vientiane and Bangkok.
Thai Smile Airways will operate daily flights to Luang Prabang with its A320 fleet, and the flight time will be around one hour and twenty-five minutes. Round trips start at USD 205 per person.
Thai Smile Airways suspended all international flights in March 2020 during the Covid-19 outbreak and is in the process of restoring flights on all its global routes.
There has be an increase in the number of flights operating between Thailand and Luang Prabang recently as Thai AirAsia also flies daily to Luang Prabang from Dom Mueang airport, and Bangkok Airways will resume daily flights to Luang Prabang just after Thai Smile on November 1.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/21/thai-smile-airways-to-resume-flights-from-bangkok-to-luang-prabang/
Laos Announces Criteria for Honorary Citizenship to Foreign Nationals
The government of Laos has issued the eligibility requirements for honorary citizenship and special privileges to foreign nationals.
A recent decree No.14 issued by the government states that foreign nationals who are granted honorary citizenship are exempt from visa requirements for exiting and entering Laos and can choose to reside in the country permanently.
They are also eligible to purchase land on a state-owned property for a specified period and lease both state and privately-owned land.
Foreign national applicants must meet several criteria to receive honorary Lao citizens.
Applicants be at least 18 years old, abide by the Lao constitution and laws, have never been imprisoned for an intentional crime, and are in good health without any history of illegal drug use or conviction.
Prominent businessmen are eligible to apply if they have donated at least USD 500,000 towards the country’s socio-economic development as well as brought in USD 1 million in foreign investment to Laos before applying.
Professional qualifications or expertise equivalent to a doctorate or professor level, in addition to exceptional abilities, will also be preferred in applications for honorary citizenship which can be submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a Lao representative mission in the applicant’s home country.
Honorary citizens would be prohibited from interfering and threatening government officials, breaking the law, bribing and receiving bribes, and participating in illegal political movements.
The Ministry of Justice is required to review the application within five business days and evaluate the application for 30 days before forwarding it to the government for further review.
This new policy has been introduced to recognize the outstanding contribution that foreigners have made to socio-economic development in Laos.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/21/laos-announces-criteria-for-honorary-citizenship-to-foreign-nationals/