The Laos-China Railway (LCR) transported 15.48 million passengers from January through 8 October this year, a 2.38 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
Cross-border travel totaled nearly 200,000 passengers, up 3.17 percent year-on-year, state media reported. The Lao section has served over 2.6 million passengers so far this year.
The railway has carried nearly 60 million total passengers across 84,000 train operations, attracting visitors from 115 countries and regions. International ridership on cross-border services has exceeded 595,000.
Daily operations in Laos have expanded from four trains at launch to 18 trains per day, substantially improving travel efficiency.
The Vientiane-Kunming service, launched in April 2023, has grown rapidly in popularity, with monthly passenger volumes along the full route surging from 600,000 to over 1.6 million.
Freight Growth and Regional Trade Expansion
Freight transport has also seen strong growth. As of September 2025, the railway handled over 67.6 million tons of cargo, including 15 million tons of cross-border shipments, according to China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd. The corridor now connects Laos to 19 countries and regions, facilitating bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Major Lao exports include tropical fruits, cassava, rubber, and minerals, while imports from China encompass electronics, vehicles, solar panels, and consumer goods.
The 422-kilometer Boten-Vientiane Railway, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project valued at USD 6 billion, has transformed Laos’s regional connectivity and established the landlocked nation as a strategic logistics hub within ASEAN.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/LT-Website-Size-7.png6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-10-14 10:36:432025-10-13 10:40:19Laos-China Railway Transported Over 15 Million Passengers Since Early 2025
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith paid an official state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) this week, holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a move that reaffirmed decades of diplomatic ties and marked several historic anniversaries.
The visit, which took place on 7-8 October, came at the invitation of President Kim and was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).
President Thongloun’s arrival in Pyongyang was met with a grand welcome ceremony, complete with a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Over 1,000 people, including Party members, officials, armed forces personnel, and local citizens, gathered at the Pyongyang City Sports Stadium Meeting Hall to greet the Lao delegation.
Talks to Deepen Bilateral Ties
Immediately following the ceremony, the two leaders held bilateral talks at the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee headquarters, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the relationship between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Workers’ Party of Korea.
President Kim Jong Un described the Lao leader’s visit as a “profoundly historic milestone” and voiced confidence that the trip would elevate traditional relations between the two nations. He also extended his best wishes for Laos’ preparations for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in 2026.
President Thongloun expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality shown by the Korean leadership and people. He extended congratulations to the DPRK on the WPK’s 80th anniversary and thanked North Korea for its historical support during Laos’ revolutionary struggle and ongoing national development.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education, cultural exchange, and Party-building efforts, while maintaining regular exchanges at various leadership levels. The leaders also held frank discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, in a gesture underscoring their ideological and diplomatic alignment.
Timed with Key Diplomatic Anniversaries
The visit not only celebrated the WPK’s founding but also marked the 60th anniversary of the first meeting between Lao revolutionary leader Kaysone Phomvihane and DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. Additionally, this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Laos and North Korea in 1974.
President Kim later hosted a state banquet in honour of President Thongloun and the Lao delegation. The group also visited important landmarks around Pyongyang, further strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties.
International Spotlight on DPRK
Thongloun’s visit came amid heightened international attention on North Korea, as Pyongyang prepares for what is widely expected to be a large-scale military parade on 10 October . South Korean military sources have suggested the parade could take place at night, involving tens of thousands of personnel in a high-profile display of military strength.
Although the Lao state media confirmed the visit dates as October 7–8, North Korean sources had initially implied President Thongloun might attend the 10 October celebrations themselves.
While the final schedule remains partially unconfirmed, his early visit makes him the first foreign leader publicly welcomed by the DPRK for the WPK’s anniversary, a symbolic gesture that underlines Laos’ unique relationship with North Korea.
Other foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive in Pyongyang for the celebrations, including Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Reports also suggest that Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam may visit the DPRK later this month, potentially marking the first such trip by a Vietnamese leader in nearly two decades, though this remains unconfirmed.
A Rare Diplomatic Spotlight
At a time when North Korea remains largely cut off from much of the world, President Thongloun’s visit offers a rare look at Pyongyang’s efforts to reconnect with its oldest allies. For Laos, the trip highlights its steady approach to foreign policy.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/558340628_1304566511697652_1325871030915083406_n-1920x1280-1.jpg12801920Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-10-13 10:36:262025-10-13 10:36:31Lao, North Korean Leaders Hold Historic Talks in State Visit to Pyongyang
Luang Namtha Province is set to transform Xang Boten village into a conservation-focused tourist destination through the newly launched Xang Boten Tourism Project, a joint initiative between the Lao government and a Chinese company.
Key features of the project include an elephant care and rehabilitation center, educational facilities, and a variety of eco-friendly accommodations such as resorts, homestays, and campsites. Visitors will also be able to enjoy adventure activities like forest treks, tree houses, and canopy bridges, as well as explore local craft shops, restaurants, and a zoo.
Designed to offer a wide range of experiences, the initiative places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and community involvement. It builds on Luang Namtha’s existing tourism strengths, with the goal of ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably with local communities.
By focusing on sustainable and immersive experiences, the province aims to position itself as a premier destination for conservation tourism.
The project is not only expected to create jobs and boost the local economy, but also supports Luang Namtha’s long-term vision of balancing natural resource conservation with community well-being.
The partnership agreement was officially signed on 19 September by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Luang Namtha, the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Chinese firm involved in the project.
Laos-China Railway Transported Over 15 Million Passengers Since Early 2025
The Laos-China Railway (LCR) transported 15.48 million passengers from January through 8 October this year, a 2.38 percent increase over the same period in 2024.
Cross-border travel totaled nearly 200,000 passengers, up 3.17 percent year-on-year, state media reported. The Lao section has served over 2.6 million passengers so far this year.
The railway has carried nearly 60 million total passengers across 84,000 train operations, attracting visitors from 115 countries and regions. International ridership on cross-border services has exceeded 595,000.
Daily operations in Laos have expanded from four trains at launch to 18 trains per day, substantially improving travel efficiency.
The Vientiane-Kunming service, launched in April 2023, has grown rapidly in popularity, with monthly passenger volumes along the full route surging from 600,000 to over 1.6 million.
Freight Growth and Regional Trade Expansion
Freight transport has also seen strong growth. As of September 2025, the railway handled over 67.6 million tons of cargo, including 15 million tons of cross-border shipments, according to China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co., Ltd. The corridor now connects Laos to 19 countries and regions, facilitating bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Major Lao exports include tropical fruits, cassava, rubber, and minerals, while imports from China encompass electronics, vehicles, solar panels, and consumer goods.
The 422-kilometer Boten-Vientiane Railway, a flagship Belt and Road Initiative project valued at USD 6 billion, has transformed Laos’s regional connectivity and established the landlocked nation as a strategic logistics hub within ASEAN.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/13/laos-china-railway-transported-over-15-million-passengers-since-early-2025/
Lao, North Korean Leaders Hold Historic Talks in State Visit to Pyongyang
Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith paid an official state visit to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) this week, holding talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a move that reaffirmed decades of diplomatic ties and marked several historic anniversaries.
The visit, which took place on 7-8 October, came at the invitation of President Kim and was timed to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK).
President Thongloun’s arrival in Pyongyang was met with a grand welcome ceremony, complete with a 21-gun salute and an inspection of the guard of honour.
Over 1,000 people, including Party members, officials, armed forces personnel, and local citizens, gathered at the Pyongyang City Sports Stadium Meeting Hall to greet the Lao delegation.
Talks to Deepen Bilateral Ties
Immediately following the ceremony, the two leaders held bilateral talks at the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee headquarters, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the relationship between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and the Workers’ Party of Korea.
President Kim Jong Un described the Lao leader’s visit as a “profoundly historic milestone” and voiced confidence that the trip would elevate traditional relations between the two nations. He also extended his best wishes for Laos’ preparations for the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party in 2026.
President Thongloun expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality shown by the Korean leadership and people. He extended congratulations to the DPRK on the WPK’s 80th anniversary and thanked North Korea for its historical support during Laos’ revolutionary struggle and ongoing national development.
Both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education, cultural exchange, and Party-building efforts, while maintaining regular exchanges at various leadership levels. The leaders also held frank discussions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, in a gesture underscoring their ideological and diplomatic alignment.
Timed with Key Diplomatic Anniversaries
The visit not only celebrated the WPK’s founding but also marked the 60th anniversary of the first meeting between Lao revolutionary leader Kaysone Phomvihane and DPRK founder Kim Il Sung. Additionally, this year commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic ties between Laos and North Korea in 1974.
President Kim later hosted a state banquet in honour of President Thongloun and the Lao delegation. The group also visited important landmarks around Pyongyang, further strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties.
International Spotlight on DPRK
Thongloun’s visit came amid heightened international attention on North Korea, as Pyongyang prepares for what is widely expected to be a large-scale military parade on 10 October . South Korean military sources have suggested the parade could take place at night, involving tens of thousands of personnel in a high-profile display of military strength.
Although the Lao state media confirmed the visit dates as October 7–8, North Korean sources had initially implied President Thongloun might attend the 10 October celebrations themselves.
While the final schedule remains partially unconfirmed, his early visit makes him the first foreign leader publicly welcomed by the DPRK for the WPK’s anniversary, a symbolic gesture that underlines Laos’ unique relationship with North Korea.
Other foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive in Pyongyang for the celebrations, including Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council. Reports also suggest that Vietnamese Communist Party chief To Lam may visit the DPRK later this month, potentially marking the first such trip by a Vietnamese leader in nearly two decades, though this remains unconfirmed.
A Rare Diplomatic Spotlight
At a time when North Korea remains largely cut off from much of the world, President Thongloun’s visit offers a rare look at Pyongyang’s efforts to reconnect with its oldest allies. For Laos, the trip highlights its steady approach to foreign policy.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/10/09/lao-north-korean-leaders-hold-historic-talks-in-state-visit-to-pyongyang/
New Eco-Tourism Project Aims to Protect Wildlife, Boost Jobs in Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha Province is set to transform Xang Boten village into a conservation-focused tourist destination through the newly launched Xang Boten Tourism Project, a joint initiative between the Lao government and a Chinese company.
Key features of the project include an elephant care and rehabilitation center, educational facilities, and a variety of eco-friendly accommodations such as resorts, homestays, and campsites. Visitors will also be able to enjoy adventure activities like forest treks, tree houses, and canopy bridges, as well as explore local craft shops, restaurants, and a zoo.
Designed to offer a wide range of experiences, the initiative places a strong emphasis on environmental protection and community involvement. It builds on Luang Namtha’s existing tourism strengths, with the goal of ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably with local communities.
By focusing on sustainable and immersive experiences, the province aims to position itself as a premier destination for conservation tourism.
The project is not only expected to create jobs and boost the local economy, but also supports Luang Namtha’s long-term vision of balancing natural resource conservation with community well-being.
The partnership agreement was officially signed on 19 September by representatives from the Governor’s Office of Luang Namtha, the Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, and the Chinese firm involved in the project.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/25/new-eco-tourism-project-aims-to-protect-wildlife-boost-jobs-in-luang-namtha/