Vientiane welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in 2025, exceeding its annual tourism target and generating over USD 621 million in revenue, Lao authorities reported.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Vientiane Capital on 27 January reported that these figures surpassed the 2025 target of 2 million visitors and USD 600 million in revenue.
Officials said major cultural and heritage sites continued to draw strong interest. Ho Phrakeo Museum, Wat Sisaket, and Pha Thatluang recorded more than 208,500 visits, with international tourists accounting for the majority.
The 2025 performance marks significant growth from 2024, when Vientiane recorded around 1.7 million tourist visits and generated more than USD 490 million in tourism income. In 2024, more than 300,000 visitors traveled to the capital’s main tourist sites, contributing over LAK 9 billion (approximately USD 400,000) to the local economy.
Key attractions include Pha Thatluang, Patuxay, Ho Phrakeo Museum, and Wat Sisaket.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025. In the next five years, the country aims to attract over 43 million total visitors nationwide, 22 million international tourists, 4.4 million each year, generating at least USD 13 billion in revenue.
Looking ahead, the department said it will focus on improving tourism standards, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening management systems to support sustainable growth and maintain Vientiane’s appeal as a key destination.
Laos is moving ahead with plans to open its embassy in Timor-Leste, aiming to boost diplomatic ties with the new ASEAN member.
The initiative was a key focus during a visit by Phongsamouth Anlavan, Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Dili from 18 to 22 January.
The talks centered on speeding up the embassy’s opening and expanding cooperation in areas such as economic development, agriculture, technical training, and human resources.
Timor-Leste’s Acting Foreign Minister, Agio Pereira, expressed gratitude for Laos’ support throughout Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey, which culminated when the nation joined as the bloc’s 11th member in October 2025.
Both sides committed to strengthening ties through institutional partnerships and regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste has allocated land and property in Dili for the future Lao Embassy, following a land exchange agreement both countries signed in October 2024.
In August 2025, they also completed visa exemption arrangements that now allow diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free for up to 30 days.
The two nations established diplomatic relations in July 2002. Timor-Leste opened its resident embassy in Vientiane in July 2014, and Laos’ planned embassy opening in Dili will complete the bilateral diplomatic presence.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2026-01-28 10:00:002026-01-28 09:51:42Laos Advances Preparations to Open Embassy in Timor-Leste, Deputy Minister Says
The Naphao International Border Checkpoint that connects Laos’ Khammouane Province and Vietnam’s Quang Binh Province generated LAK 634.65 billion (USD 29.20 million) in customs tax revenue in 2025, significantly surpassing its annual target set by the Ministry of Finance.
According to Souphat Sousengthai, Head of the Tax Department, the checkpoint was assigned a customs revenue target of LAK 398 billion (approximately USD 18.31 million) for 2025. The final collection reached 159 percent of the annual plan, exceeding the target by LAK 236.652 billion (about USD 10.89 million).
Compared to 2024, when revenue stood at LAK 357.161 billion (USD 16.43 million), the 2025 figure represents an increase of LAK 277.491 billion (approximately USD 12.76 million), equivalent to a 77.69 percent year-on-year growth.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has set a customs revenue target of LAK 643.21 billion (about USD 29.61 million) for the Naphao International Border Checkpoint in 2026.
To meet this goal, authorities plan to further enhance efficiency by streamlining customs procedures, reducing operational backlogs, and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies.
The border serves as the most active trade gateway between Laos and Vietnam, with most of the revenue coming from exports of various minerals, petroleum, equipment and machinery, service fees, and other commodities.
Vientiane Tourism Exceeds 2025 Targets, Generating Over USD 621 Million
Vientiane welcomed more than 2.2 million visitors in 2025, exceeding its annual tourism target and generating over USD 621 million in revenue, Lao authorities reported.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Vientiane Capital on 27 January reported that these figures surpassed the 2025 target of 2 million visitors and USD 600 million in revenue.
Officials said major cultural and heritage sites continued to draw strong interest. Ho Phrakeo Museum, Wat Sisaket, and Pha Thatluang recorded more than 208,500 visits, with international tourists accounting for the majority.
The 2025 performance marks significant growth from 2024, when Vientiane recorded around 1.7 million tourist visits and generated more than USD 490 million in tourism income. In 2024, more than 300,000 visitors traveled to the capital’s main tourist sites, contributing over LAK 9 billion (approximately USD 400,000) to the local economy.
Key attractions include Pha Thatluang, Patuxay, Ho Phrakeo Museum, and Wat Sisaket.
Nationally, Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists in 2025. In the next five years, the country aims to attract over 43 million total visitors nationwide, 22 million international tourists, 4.4 million each year, generating at least USD 13 billion in revenue.
Looking ahead, the department said it will focus on improving tourism standards, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening management systems to support sustainable growth and maintain Vientiane’s appeal as a key destination.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/28/vientiane-tourism-exceeds-2025-targets-generating-over-usd-621-million/
Laos Advances Preparations to Open Embassy in Timor-Leste, Deputy Minister Says
Laos is moving ahead with plans to open its embassy in Timor-Leste, aiming to boost diplomatic ties with the new ASEAN member.
The initiative was a key focus during a visit by Phongsamouth Anlavan, Laos’ Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Dili from 18 to 22 January.
The talks centered on speeding up the embassy’s opening and expanding cooperation in areas such as economic development, agriculture, technical training, and human resources.
Timor-Leste’s Acting Foreign Minister, Agio Pereira, expressed gratitude for Laos’ support throughout Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership journey, which culminated when the nation joined as the bloc’s 11th member in October 2025.
Both sides committed to strengthening ties through institutional partnerships and regional cooperation.
Timor-Leste has allocated land and property in Dili for the future Lao Embassy, following a land exchange agreement both countries signed in October 2024.
In August 2025, they also completed visa exemption arrangements that now allow diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders to travel visa-free for up to 30 days.
The two nations established diplomatic relations in July 2002. Timor-Leste opened its resident embassy in Vientiane in July 2014, and Laos’ planned embassy opening in Dili will complete the bilateral diplomatic presence.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/laos-advances-preparations-to-open-embassy-in-timor-leste-deputy-minister-says/
Lao-Vietnam Naphao International Border Checkpoint Exceeds 2025 Customs Revenue Target by 159 Percent
The Naphao International Border Checkpoint that connects Laos’ Khammouane Province and Vietnam’s Quang Binh Province generated LAK 634.65 billion (USD 29.20 million) in customs tax revenue in 2025, significantly surpassing its annual target set by the Ministry of Finance.
According to Souphat Sousengthai, Head of the Tax Department, the checkpoint was assigned a customs revenue target of LAK 398 billion (approximately USD 18.31 million) for 2025. The final collection reached 159 percent of the annual plan, exceeding the target by LAK 236.652 billion (about USD 10.89 million).
Compared to 2024, when revenue stood at LAK 357.161 billion (USD 16.43 million), the 2025 figure represents an increase of LAK 277.491 billion (approximately USD 12.76 million), equivalent to a 77.69 percent year-on-year growth.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance has set a customs revenue target of LAK 643.21 billion (about USD 29.61 million) for the Naphao International Border Checkpoint in 2026.
To meet this goal, authorities plan to further enhance efficiency by streamlining customs procedures, reducing operational backlogs, and strengthening coordination among relevant agencies.
The border serves as the most active trade gateway between Laos and Vietnam, with most of the revenue coming from exports of various minerals, petroleum, equipment and machinery, service fees, and other commodities.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/27/lao-vietnam-naphao-international-border-checkpoint-exceeds-2025-customs-revenue-target-by-159-percent/