In 2024, Laos welcomed more than 4 million tourists, with an increase of almost one million visitors compared to 2023.
According to data provided to the Laotian Times by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, in 2024 a total of 4,120,832 tourists visited Laos
The top 10 countries contributing to this success with the highest number of visitors were Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom .
Thailand led the way with 1,215,553 tourists, followed by Vietnam with 1,054,204, and China with 1,048,034.
The rise in visitor numbers to Laos is attributed to the country’s increased exposure on several international travel websites as well as the success of the 2024 Visit Laos Year campaign. As part of this initiative, Laos granted special visa exemptions to more than 30 countries, including China, the United States, and eight European countries.
In October, Laos was ranked fourth on the list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025 by the travel guidebook “Lonely Planet.” The top five destinations include Cameroon, Lithuania, Fiji, Laos, and Kazakhstan.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2048-x-1365-2-1.webp13652048Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-02-07 11:07:072025-03-28 20:45:30Laos Welcomes Over 4 Million Tourists in 2024
Xayaboury authorities have confirmed the 2025 Elephant Festival on 18 to 24 February, celebrating Laos’ culture with parades of elephants, traditional rituals, and vibrant performances.
The decision aims to avoid overlapping with Lunar New Year celebrations and the Bokeo Province Kapok Flower Festival.
Marking its 18th edition, the festival will feature 50 elephants, representing the number of years since Lao National Day was established.
The festivities will begin on 18 February with a mini-marathon, a traditional ritual to notify spirits, and elephant rides, which will culminate in an evening literary performance.
Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy rehearsals of the grand elephant parades, cultural showcases by ethnic groups, and the opening of a market offering local and international goods.
The official opening ceremony on 22 February will feature a paramotor flight show, hot air balloon rides, and visits to landmarks including Khy Min Cliffs, Xang Cliffs, and the Xayaboury Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Other key attractions include the Miss Elephant Festival Contest, a merit-making ceremony for the elephants, and an array of cultural performances and concerts.
The festival will close on 24 February with a ceremony honoring elephants and awarding prizes for each city’s parade.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ef3.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-02-06 11:04:512025-02-03 11:06:34Xayaboury Confirms Elephant Festival on 18-24 February
Laos and Japan have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties and paving the way for closer collaboration in trade, travel, and regional cooperation.
On 21 January, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru signed a joint declaration on upgrading to a comprehensive strategic partnership as part of Lao PM’s official visit to Japan from 20 to 23 January.
On the same day, the two leaders discussed strategies to strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Among the key announcements was Laos’ plan to extend visa-free stays for Japanese citizens from 15 to 30 days, as well as efforts to encourage the launch of direct flights between the two countries to boost economic and tourism ties.
The summit also underscored Japan’s longstanding role in Laos’ development. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed gratitude for Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), which averages USD 90 to 100 million annually, and has supported key sectors such as education, infrastructure, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
The leaders also reflected on economic cooperation. Since Laos opened to foreign investment in 1989, Japan has invested in 93 projects with a total value exceeding USD 157 million, ranking as the 14th largest investor in Laos.
In 2024 alone, trade exceeded USD 255 million, marking a 10.4 percent increase compared to 2023. Major traded products include clothing, electrical equipment, land vehicles, and synthetic fibers.
As part of the visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a grant aid agreement for the Provincial Teacher Development Center Improvement Project, which aims to bolster Laos’ human resource development.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/JP-LAO.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2025-02-05 13:40:002025-01-28 13:41:38Laos, Japan Discuss Plans for Direct Flights, Visa Easing
Laos Welcomes Over 4 Million Tourists in 2024
In 2024, Laos welcomed more than 4 million tourists, with an increase of almost one million visitors compared to 2023.
According to data provided to the Laotian Times by the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, in 2024 a total of 4,120,832 tourists visited Laos
The top 10 countries contributing to this success with the highest number of visitors were Thailand, Vietnam, China, Korea, France, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom .
Thailand led the way with 1,215,553 tourists, followed by Vietnam with 1,054,204, and China with 1,048,034.
The rise in visitor numbers to Laos is attributed to the country’s increased exposure on several international travel websites as well as the success of the 2024 Visit Laos Year campaign. As part of this initiative, Laos granted special visa exemptions to more than 30 countries, including China, the United States, and eight European countries.
In October, Laos was ranked fourth on the list of the Top 30 Best Places to Visit in 2025 by the travel guidebook “Lonely Planet.” The top five destinations include Cameroon, Lithuania, Fiji, Laos, and Kazakhstan.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/29/laos-welcomes-over-4-million-tourists-in-2024/
Xayaboury Confirms Elephant Festival on 18-24 February
Xayaboury authorities have confirmed the 2025 Elephant Festival on 18 to 24 February, celebrating Laos’ culture with parades of elephants, traditional rituals, and vibrant performances.
The decision aims to avoid overlapping with Lunar New Year celebrations and the Bokeo Province Kapok Flower Festival.
Marking its 18th edition, the festival will feature 50 elephants, representing the number of years since Lao National Day was established.
The festivities will begin on 18 February with a mini-marathon, a traditional ritual to notify spirits, and elephant rides, which will culminate in an evening literary performance.
Throughout the week, visitors can enjoy rehearsals of the grand elephant parades, cultural showcases by ethnic groups, and the opening of a market offering local and international goods.
The official opening ceremony on 22 February will feature a paramotor flight show, hot air balloon rides, and visits to landmarks including Khy Min Cliffs, Xang Cliffs, and the Xayaboury Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Other key attractions include the Miss Elephant Festival Contest, a merit-making ceremony for the elephants, and an array of cultural performances and concerts.
The festival will close on 24 February with a ceremony honoring elephants and awarding prizes for each city’s parade.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/29/xayaboury-reschedules-elephant-festival-to-18-24-february/
Laos, Japan Discuss Plans for Direct Flights, Visa Easing
Laos and Japan have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties and paving the way for closer collaboration in trade, travel, and regional cooperation.
On 21 January, Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru signed a joint declaration on upgrading to a comprehensive strategic partnership as part of Lao PM’s official visit to Japan from 20 to 23 January.
On the same day, the two leaders discussed strategies to strengthen trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.
Among the key announcements was Laos’ plan to extend visa-free stays for Japanese citizens from 15 to 30 days, as well as efforts to encourage the launch of direct flights between the two countries to boost economic and tourism ties.
The summit also underscored Japan’s longstanding role in Laos’ development. Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone expressed gratitude for Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA), which averages USD 90 to 100 million annually, and has supported key sectors such as education, infrastructure, and unexploded ordnance (UXO) clearance.
The leaders also reflected on economic cooperation. Since Laos opened to foreign investment in 1989, Japan has invested in 93 projects with a total value exceeding USD 157 million, ranking as the 14th largest investor in Laos.
In 2024 alone, trade exceeded USD 255 million, marking a 10.4 percent increase compared to 2023. Major traded products include clothing, electrical equipment, land vehicles, and synthetic fibers.
As part of the visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a grant aid agreement for the Provincial Teacher Development Center Improvement Project, which aims to bolster Laos’ human resource development.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/24/laos-japan-discuss-plans-for-direct-flights-visa-easing/