Beginning 1 September, Laos will launch a trial version of its new Digital Arrival Registration system, marking a shift away from the traditional paper-based immigration forms for all foreign passport holders.
The system is designed to streamline border procedures by requiring travelers to submit their information online within three days before both arrival and departure.
Through the online platform, travelers will need to provide key details such as passport information, visa data, travel plans, and their intended address while staying in Laos.
The new system applies to all foreign nationals entering the country by air or land.
However, Thai citizens who enter Laos using a Border Pass rather than a passport will be exempt from the online registration requirement during the trial period.
Lao citizens, as well as foreigners who have been granted permanent residency in Laos, are not required to register through the new platform. They can continue to pass through immigration checkpoints using the existing procedures.
The digital registration system will be available in Lao, English, and Chinese, and will initially be piloted at four key international entry points: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province.
The Lao government plans to monitor and evaluate the system over a two-year trial period, with full nationwide implementation targeted for 2026.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/NEW-DIGITAL-IMIGRATION-SYSTEM.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-28 10:28:132025-09-02 10:38:25Laos to Launch Digital Immigration System for Foreign Travelers Starting 1 September
Luang Prabang celebrated its annual Boat Racing Festival on 23 August along the Nam Khan River, marking the ninth lunar month of 2025.
This year, 22 longboats joined the competition, with teams coming from temples, villages, nearby districts, and other provinces.
The winner was Nam Phet Charoensap Company’s boat from Vientiane Province, winning a 1,500-gram silver trophy, a 1,000-gram annual silver trophy, and LAK 20 million (USD 940).
The second place went to the Lao Development Bank (LDB) boat, receiving an 800-gram silver trophy and LAK 19 million (USD 893).
Besides the racing boats, there were also beautifully decorated ones taking part in a “boat beauty” contest.
Their bright colors and creative designs brought even more life to the festival as they floated down the Nam Khan River, drawing smiles from people watching along the banks.
First “beauty” prize went to Nang Bua Ngern longboat from Wat Xieng Thong, which received a 1,000-gram silver trophy and LAK 10 million (USD 470).
The long boat from Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram claimed second place, earning a 700-gram silver trophy and LAK 9 million (USD 423), while Wat Ban Thin Som longboat secured third place, taking home a 500-gram silver trophy and LAK 8 million (USD 376)
The race took place alongside Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, a spiritual Lao festival dedicated to honoring ancestors and feeding the souls of those who have passed away.
As part of the tradition, families gathered at temples to offer food and prayers, preparing special parcels known as khao tom for both monks and wandering spirits called Preta, or “hungry ghosts.”
In the early morning hours, offerings were placed around homes and public spaces, a gesture believed to comfort these spirits and bring harmony to the living.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Boat-Racing-in-Luang-Prabang.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-25 10:00:002025-09-02 10:48:01Vientiane Province Wins Big at Luang Prabang Traditional Boat Festival
Laos has officially recognized the Phou Luang–Ho Chi Minh Trail sites on its territory as national heritage, highlighting their role in the shared history of Laos and Vietnam.
A ceremony took place on 22 August at the General Club of the Ministry of National Defense in Vientiane. During the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Vongsone Inpanphim outlined the results of a joint Lao–Vietnamese survey carried out since late 2023.
The survey documented sections of the trail running through Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Sekong, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces.
In total, 18 locations were identified as significant sites linked to the trail and to cooperation between Laos and Vietnam during the Indochina wars.
Following the survey, Vietnam published a book on the relics in both Lao and Vietnamese. Laos also released 18 publications, including history books, photo collections, and maps showing the sites.
Vongsone noted that the trail was not only a military and supply route, but also a stronghold that supported the struggles of the Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian people.
He said its recognition as heritage reflects its role as both a battlefield route and a lasting symbol of unity between Laos and Vietnam.
The recognition follows an agreement between the two governments to set up a joint committee under their Ministries of National Defense to survey and preserve the sites.
Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, leading to the official listing of the sites as national heritage. Officials say the recognition will help preserve the trail’s legacy for future generations and strengthen historical ties between the two nations.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Laos-Recognizes-Ho-Chi-Minh-Trail-Sites-as-National-Heritage.jpg6271200Soutsada Xaphouvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSoutsada Xaphouvong2025-08-23 10:42:262025-09-02 10:44:15Laos Recognizes Ho Chi Minh Trail Sites as National Heritage
Laos to Launch Digital Immigration System for Foreign Travelers Starting 1 September
Beginning 1 September, Laos will launch a trial version of its new Digital Arrival Registration system, marking a shift away from the traditional paper-based immigration forms for all foreign passport holders.
The system is designed to streamline border procedures by requiring travelers to submit their information online within three days before both arrival and departure.
Through the online platform, travelers will need to provide key details such as passport information, visa data, travel plans, and their intended address while staying in Laos.
The new system applies to all foreign nationals entering the country by air or land.
However, Thai citizens who enter Laos using a Border Pass rather than a passport will be exempt from the online registration requirement during the trial period.
Lao citizens, as well as foreigners who have been granted permanent residency in Laos, are not required to register through the new platform. They can continue to pass through immigration checkpoints using the existing procedures.
The digital registration system will be available in Lao, English, and Chinese, and will initially be piloted at four key international entry points: Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Luang Prabang International Airport, Pakse International Airport, and the First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane with Thailand’s Nong Khai province.
The Lao government plans to monitor and evaluate the system over a two-year trial period, with full nationwide implementation targeted for 2026.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/26/laos-to-launch-digital-immigration-system-for-foreign-travelers-starting-1-september/
Vientiane Province Wins Big at Luang Prabang Traditional Boat Festival
Luang Prabang celebrated its annual Boat Racing Festival on 23 August along the Nam Khan River, marking the ninth lunar month of 2025.
This year, 22 longboats joined the competition, with teams coming from temples, villages, nearby districts, and other provinces.
The winner was Nam Phet Charoensap Company’s boat from Vientiane Province, winning a 1,500-gram silver trophy, a 1,000-gram annual silver trophy, and LAK 20 million (USD 940).
The second place went to the Lao Development Bank (LDB) boat, receiving an 800-gram silver trophy and LAK 19 million (USD 893).
Besides the racing boats, there were also beautifully decorated ones taking part in a “boat beauty” contest.
Their bright colors and creative designs brought even more life to the festival as they floated down the Nam Khan River, drawing smiles from people watching along the banks.
First “beauty” prize went to Nang Bua Ngern longboat from Wat Xieng Thong, which received a 1,000-gram silver trophy and LAK 10 million (USD 470).
The long boat from Wat Mai Suwannaphummaram claimed second place, earning a 700-gram silver trophy and LAK 9 million (USD 423), while Wat Ban Thin Som longboat secured third place, taking home a 500-gram silver trophy and LAK 8 million (USD 376)
The race took place alongside Boun Hor Khao Padap Din, a spiritual Lao festival dedicated to honoring ancestors and feeding the souls of those who have passed away.
As part of the tradition, families gathered at temples to offer food and prayers, preparing special parcels known as khao tom for both monks and wandering spirits called Preta, or “hungry ghosts.”
In the early morning hours, offerings were placed around homes and public spaces, a gesture believed to comfort these spirits and bring harmony to the living.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/25/vientiane-province-wins-big-at-luang-prabang-traditional-boat-festival/
Laos Recognizes Ho Chi Minh Trail Sites as National Heritage
Laos has officially recognized the Phou Luang–Ho Chi Minh Trail sites on its territory as national heritage, highlighting their role in the shared history of Laos and Vietnam.
A ceremony took place on 22 August at the General Club of the Ministry of National Defense in Vientiane. During the event, Deputy Minister of Defense Vongsone Inpanphim outlined the results of a joint Lao–Vietnamese survey carried out since late 2023.
The survey documented sections of the trail running through Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Salavan, Sekong, Champasak, and Attapeu provinces.
In total, 18 locations were identified as significant sites linked to the trail and to cooperation between Laos and Vietnam during the Indochina wars.
Following the survey, Vietnam published a book on the relics in both Lao and Vietnamese. Laos also released 18 publications, including history books, photo collections, and maps showing the sites.
Vongsone noted that the trail was not only a military and supply route, but also a stronghold that supported the struggles of the Lao, Vietnamese, and Cambodian people.
He said its recognition as heritage reflects its role as both a battlefield route and a lasting symbol of unity between Laos and Vietnam.
The recognition follows an agreement between the two governments to set up a joint committee under their Ministries of National Defense to survey and preserve the sites.
Work began in 2023 and was completed in 2024, leading to the official listing of the sites as national heritage. Officials say the recognition will help preserve the trail’s legacy for future generations and strengthen historical ties between the two nations.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/08/23/laos-recognizes-ho-chi-minh-trail-sites-as-national-heritage/