After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new wave of returning international tourists.
According to official data, Laos welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year of 2025. The surge in visitors is giving a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality sector, which struggled during and for years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From boutique hotels in Luang Prabang to riverside restaurants in Vientiane, businesses are reopening, restaffing, and reimagining the experience for today’s traveler.
Laos is also gaining international attention. In its annual ranking, Lonely Planet placed the country fourth on its list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025.
The guide highlights the country’s affordability and accessibility, particularly with the introduction of a sustainable high-speed rail, as well as must-see destinations such as VangVieng, Vientiane’s Pha That Luang, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.
But beyond easier access and affordability, visitors say what keeps them coming back is something more personal: the peaceful vibe, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences.
Local Businesses Stepping Up
Hotels and restaurants are rising to meet renewed demand.
“There are not many tourists this year, but more than last year. Some return because our hotel is located in town, and they said they were impressed with our service,” said Vone Vilayvanh, an assistant hotel manager in Luang Prabang.
Vone says part of the charm comes from staying true to the local culture.
“Most hotels here are designed to reflect the town’s historic atmosphere. Guests can truly experience the uniqueness of how local people live,” Vone said.
Many hotels in Luang Prabang offer more than comfort, they create an environment where history and daily Lao life come together.
Vone believes this cultural touch makes the town stand out and remain memorable among travellers.
Despite positive signs of recovery, challenges remain. Many hoteliers recognize the need to keep evolving.
With competition rising, there’s a push to offer more immersive experiences, such as Lao cooking classes, handicraft workshops, and guided cultural tours.
“The numbers alone cannot guarantee sustainability. We need to improve further, and increasing our online presence is one of our main goals,” Vone said.
With more hotels, both local and international, competing for visitors, many are looking to step up their game. That means adding new kinds of experiences, from cooking classes to handicraft workshops
“We don’t provide these activities yet, but they will be added in the future,” she noted.
Restaurants are also adapting. In Luang Prabang, riverside eateries are creating cultural tasting menus and hosting Lao-themed evenings to attract and engage international guests.
Yet, tourists are also supporting local street vendors and artisans by buying Lao specialties like Sai Oua (herbal sausage), Kai Pen (dried riverweed), and homemade chili paste.
“Local people can earn an income from selling their goods, and tourists love the products they buy,” Vone said.
Tourists Leave Impressed, Return for More
A 35-year-old Swiss visitor, Jack, who is visiting Vientiane for the second time, said he finds the city peaceful compared to other Southeast Asian capitals such as Bangkok or Hanoi.
“I love it here. It’s not noisy like other cities. After this, I plan to go to Vang Vieng. My friend recommended trying the fire balloon,” Jack said.
He added that Laos is an affordable country with a wide variety of delicious foods
“My favorite is papaya salad. It’s a little spicy, but I can handle it,” he said.
First-time visitors also praised the country’s calm and friendly atmosphere. An Italian couple from Rome, Nicolas and Alexandra, who are spending two weeks in Vientiane and have been to Luang Prabang before, said the country feels completely different from their homeland.
“In Italy, people honk a lot and shout in the streets. It’s very noisy, different from here which is quiet, and we’d love to come back if we have the chance,” Nicolas said.
The couple also complimented service in Lao hotels but suggested improvements in areas such as garden landscaping and swimming pool decoration.
“Everything is good, but it would be better if they could enhance the outdoor environment for tourists,” Alexandra added.
With more than 5 million visitors in 2024, and even higher numbers projected for this year, Laos is on the path to a sustainable tourism revival. The challenge now is to build on that momentum, with better infrastructure, more diverse offerings, and strong digital outreach.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/14D-Adventure-Laos-Featured.jpg404750Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-12 15:34:262025-09-16 15:45:54Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities
Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, concluded a two-day state visit to Laos from 6 to 7 September, during which he held high-level talks and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Leaders Reaffirm Historic Friendship
On the first day, President Díaz-Canel was welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane by the Lao President and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Thongloun Sisoulith.
Thongloun said the visit marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, while Díaz-Canel highlighted the “close, historical, and indestructible bonds of friendship” between Cuba and Laos.
As part of the official program, Díaz-Canel laid a floral wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Vientiane, paying tribute to the heroes and martyrs of Laos.
The following day, the Cuban President held talks with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Sonexay warmly welcomed him on what was his third visit to Laos and expressed gratitude for Cuba’s assistance in education, sports, and healthcare.
He reaffirmed Laos’ readiness to continue building on the relationship of trust and solidarity between the two countries.
Cuba and Laos Commit to Stronger Cooperation
Both sides reviewed socio-economic developments in their respective nations and agreed to expand cooperation in existing fields such as health, education, sports, and agriculture, while also exploring new areas of collaboration to bring mutual benefits.
On this occasion, Díaz-Canel invited Prime Minister Sonexay to pay an official visit to Cuba, an invitation he accepted.
The Lao and Cuban leaders also acknowledged the significance of Party-to-Party and State-to-State relations in advancing their shared goal of building socialism, according to state media.
Díaz-Canel’s visit to Laos was the final stop of an Asian tour that also included Vietnam and China, held in the context of the 65th anniversary of Cuba’s diplomatic relations with those countries.
Cuba and Laos officially established diplomatic ties in 1974, though cooperation dates back to the late 1960s, when the first Cuban medical brigade provided services in Viengxay, Houaphanh Province.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Laos-Cuba.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-10 09:00:002025-09-08 11:03:10Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos
Vientiane authorities implemented new no-parking regulations along sections of the capital’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor ahead of its September debut.
No-parking rules are now in effect along Nongbone Road, from the French Embassy-Mahosot Hospital intersection to the three-way junction in front of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, near the Vientiane Cabinet Office.
To accommodate commuters and nearby businesses, the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport advised on 29 August that motorists use designated car parks at Khuadin Market, Talatsao (Morning Market), and other authorized parking areas.
Officials say this marks the first phase of broader enforcement, with further no-parking zones to be introduced gradually along the corridor.
The BRT system is scheduled for partial operations in early September 2025, with a three-month free trial period. Although initially announced for late August, Mayor Athsaphangthong Siphandone confirmed in July that additional preparations were needed before the launch.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport has not responded to The Laotian Times’ request for clarification, and has yet to confirm an official launch date.
The system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses, each with 40 seats, operating on dedicated lanes to ensure speed and safety. Of the 55 buses ordered, 28 arrived in Laos in November 2024, with the remainder expected soon.
Services will run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, fully integrated with the city’s existing bus network.
The BRT line includes six major stations: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and the National University of Laos. By using exclusive lanes, the system aims to cut travel times, ease congestion, and provide a cleaner alternative to the city’s outdated bus fleet.
Construction began in mid-2024, with full operations targeted for early 2026.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Vientianes-Bus-Rapid-Transit-Station-at-Morning-Market.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-09-09 10:00:002025-09-08 10:57:08Vientiane Prepares for BRT Launch with New Parking Rules
Back in Business: How Tourists Are Reviving Laos’ Hotels, Restaurants, Communities
After years of pandemic-induced quiet, Laos is seeing its hotels fill up, restaurants reopen, and communities come back to life, thanks to a new wave of returning international tourists.
According to official data, Laos welcomed more than 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year of 2025. The surge in visitors is giving a much-needed boost to the country’s hospitality sector, which struggled during and for years after the COVID-19 pandemic.
From boutique hotels in Luang Prabang to riverside restaurants in Vientiane, businesses are reopening, restaffing, and reimagining the experience for today’s traveler.
Laos is also gaining international attention. In its annual ranking, Lonely Planet placed the country fourth on its list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025.
The guide highlights the country’s affordability and accessibility, particularly with the introduction of a sustainable high-speed rail, as well as must-see destinations such as VangVieng, Vientiane’s Pha That Luang, and the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang.
But beyond easier access and affordability, visitors say what keeps them coming back is something more personal: the peaceful vibe, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural experiences.
Local Businesses Stepping Up
Hotels and restaurants are rising to meet renewed demand.
“There are not many tourists this year, but more than last year. Some return because our hotel is located in town, and they said they were impressed with our service,” said Vone Vilayvanh, an assistant hotel manager in Luang Prabang.
Vone says part of the charm comes from staying true to the local culture.
“Most hotels here are designed to reflect the town’s historic atmosphere. Guests can truly experience the uniqueness of how local people live,” Vone said.
Many hotels in Luang Prabang offer more than comfort, they create an environment where history and daily Lao life come together.
Vone believes this cultural touch makes the town stand out and remain memorable among travellers.
Despite positive signs of recovery, challenges remain. Many hoteliers recognize the need to keep evolving.
With competition rising, there’s a push to offer more immersive experiences, such as Lao cooking classes, handicraft workshops, and guided cultural tours.
“The numbers alone cannot guarantee sustainability. We need to improve further, and increasing our online presence is one of our main goals,” Vone said.
With more hotels, both local and international, competing for visitors, many are looking to step up their game. That means adding new kinds of experiences, from cooking classes to handicraft workshops
“We don’t provide these activities yet, but they will be added in the future,” she noted.
Restaurants are also adapting. In Luang Prabang, riverside eateries are creating cultural tasting menus and hosting Lao-themed evenings to attract and engage international guests.
Yet, tourists are also supporting local street vendors and artisans by buying Lao specialties like Sai Oua (herbal sausage), Kai Pen (dried riverweed), and homemade chili paste.
“Local people can earn an income from selling their goods, and tourists love the products they buy,” Vone said.
Tourists Leave Impressed, Return for More
A 35-year-old Swiss visitor, Jack, who is visiting Vientiane for the second time, said he finds the city peaceful compared to other Southeast Asian capitals such as Bangkok or Hanoi.
“I love it here. It’s not noisy like other cities. After this, I plan to go to Vang Vieng. My friend recommended trying the fire balloon,” Jack said.
He added that Laos is an affordable country with a wide variety of delicious foods
“My favorite is papaya salad. It’s a little spicy, but I can handle it,” he said.
First-time visitors also praised the country’s calm and friendly atmosphere. An Italian couple from Rome, Nicolas and Alexandra, who are spending two weeks in Vientiane and have been to Luang Prabang before, said the country feels completely different from their homeland.
“In Italy, people honk a lot and shout in the streets. It’s very noisy, different from here which is quiet, and we’d love to come back if we have the chance,” Nicolas said.
The couple also complimented service in Lao hotels but suggested improvements in areas such as garden landscaping and swimming pool decoration.
“Everything is good, but it would be better if they could enhance the outdoor environment for tourists,” Alexandra added.
With more than 5 million visitors in 2024, and even higher numbers projected for this year, Laos is on the path to a sustainable tourism revival. The challenge now is to build on that momentum, with better infrastructure, more diverse offerings, and strong digital outreach.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/12/back-in-business-how-tourists-are-reviving-laos-hotels-restaurants-communities/
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Concludes State Visit to Laos
Cuban President and First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, concluded a two-day state visit to Laos from 6 to 7 September, during which he held high-level talks and reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Leaders Reaffirm Historic Friendship
On the first day, President Díaz-Canel was welcomed at the Presidential Palace in Vientiane by the Lao President and General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Thongloun Sisoulith.
Thongloun said the visit marked an important milestone in bilateral relations, while Díaz-Canel highlighted the “close, historical, and indestructible bonds of friendship” between Cuba and Laos.
As part of the official program, Díaz-Canel laid a floral wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in Vientiane, paying tribute to the heroes and martyrs of Laos.
The following day, the Cuban President held talks with Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone.
Sonexay warmly welcomed him on what was his third visit to Laos and expressed gratitude for Cuba’s assistance in education, sports, and healthcare.
He reaffirmed Laos’ readiness to continue building on the relationship of trust and solidarity between the two countries.
Cuba and Laos Commit to Stronger Cooperation
Both sides reviewed socio-economic developments in their respective nations and agreed to expand cooperation in existing fields such as health, education, sports, and agriculture, while also exploring new areas of collaboration to bring mutual benefits.
On this occasion, Díaz-Canel invited Prime Minister Sonexay to pay an official visit to Cuba, an invitation he accepted.
The Lao and Cuban leaders also acknowledged the significance of Party-to-Party and State-to-State relations in advancing their shared goal of building socialism, according to state media.
Díaz-Canel’s visit to Laos was the final stop of an Asian tour that also included Vietnam and China, held in the context of the 65th anniversary of Cuba’s diplomatic relations with those countries.
Cuba and Laos officially established diplomatic ties in 1974, though cooperation dates back to the late 1960s, when the first Cuban medical brigade provided services in Viengxay, Houaphanh Province.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/08/cuban-president-miguel-diaz-canel-concludes-state-visit-to-laos/
Vientiane Prepares for BRT Launch with New Parking Rules
Vientiane authorities implemented new no-parking regulations along sections of the capital’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor ahead of its September debut.
No-parking rules are now in effect along Nongbone Road, from the French Embassy-Mahosot Hospital intersection to the three-way junction in front of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, near the Vientiane Cabinet Office.
To accommodate commuters and nearby businesses, the Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport advised on 29 August that motorists use designated car parks at Khuadin Market, Talatsao (Morning Market), and other authorized parking areas.
Officials say this marks the first phase of broader enforcement, with further no-parking zones to be introduced gradually along the corridor.
The BRT system is scheduled for partial operations in early September 2025, with a three-month free trial period. Although initially announced for late August, Mayor Athsaphangthong Siphandone confirmed in July that additional preparations were needed before the launch.
The Vientiane Department of Public Works and Transport has not responded to The Laotian Times’ request for clarification, and has yet to confirm an official launch date.
The system will feature 12-meter electric air-conditioned express buses, each with 40 seats, operating on dedicated lanes to ensure speed and safety. Of the 55 buses ordered, 28 arrived in Laos in November 2024, with the remainder expected soon.
Services will run daily from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm, fully integrated with the city’s existing bus network.
The BRT line includes six major stations: Chao Fa Ngum Park, Inpeng Temple, Morning Market (Vientiane Bus Station), Patuxay, Phonekheng, and the National University of Laos. By using exclusive lanes, the system aims to cut travel times, ease congestion, and provide a cleaner alternative to the city’s outdated bus fleet.
Construction began in mid-2024, with full operations targeted for early 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/03/vientiane-prepares-for-brt-launch-with-new-parking-rules/