Vietnam Invests USD 50 Million in Major Coffee Project in Southern Laos

A new Vietnamese investment in southern Laos will bring a large-scale coffee plantation and processing project to Champasak province, further expanding foreign agricultural investment on the Bolaven Plateau.

The USD 50 million project, agreed on 10 May, will cover 5,000 hectares in one of Laos’ main coffee-growing regions, known for its fertile volcanic soil and favorable climate for  coffee production. 

Vietnamese agribusiness firm Hoang Anh Gia Lai signed the agreement with Champasak provincial authorities during an investment meeting held in Pakse.

The project will focus on developing high-quality coffee plantations alongside processing facilities aimed at producing export-grade coffee beans for international markets.

The company said the investment will introduce modern agricultural practices and expand value-added processing in Laos’ coffee sector, which remains one of the country’s leading agricultural export industries.

Champasak authorities believe the project could help create jobs, improve agricultural productivity, and support local economic growth, particularly in rural communities linked to coffee farming and processing.

Speaking during Coffee Festival 2026 in Vientiane, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said coffee generates more than USD 200 million annually for Laos and supports around 25,000 households nationwide.

While the Bolaven Plateau remains the country’s primary coffee-producing area, cultivation has also expanded into northern provinces including Phongsaly, Houaphanh, and Xieng Khouang.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai also plans to expand plantation operations to more than 20,000 hectares across Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam as part of its long-term regional agricultural strategy.

Hydrogen-Roasted Coffee and Laos’ Export Ambitions

The investment comes as Laos continues expanding coffee production and improving quality standards to strengthen its position in international markets. 

At the same time, Laos is exploring hydrogen-roasted coffee technology as part of broader efforts to modernize the sector and reduce emissions. A hydrogen-powered coffee roasting plant is currently under development in Champasak province through cooperation between Lao and Japanese partners.

Unlike traditional roasting methods, hydrogen roasting produces only water as a by-product, while developers say the technology could improve flavor stability and shelf life. 

This helps Lao coffee meet growing sustainability standards in international markets such as Japan, Europe, and North America.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/14/vietnam-invests-usd-50-million-in-major-coffee-project-in-southern-laos/

Laos, China Launch New Cross-Border Bus Route Linking Yunnan to Luang Namtha

Laos and China have launched a new international bus route connecting Xiang Hung City in Yunnan Province to Xiang Kok village in Luang Namtha, creating a direct overland link along a previously less accessible corridor.

Officials marked the launch on 11 April at the ASEAN Comprehensive International Transport Service Center in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. The opening coincided with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China and the ongoing China–Laos Friendship Year.

How the Route Works

The route spans about 280 kilometers, starting from Jinghong City in Xishuangbanna and crossing into Laos through the Mengman Chahe Port before reaching Xiang Kok village.

The service runs one round trip daily, with a one-way journey taking seven to eight hours. A one-way ticket costs 158 yuan, around LAK 300,000 (USD 22).

The route offers direct, point-to-point travel, removing the need for multiple transfers that previously made the journey difficult for passengers.

Chinese media reported that He Shenglong, Director of the Comprehensive Transportation Department of Yunnan Provincial Department of Transportation, said the route strengthens cross-border transport systems, improves port efficiency, and enhances service standards.

He said the route will help attract investment, boost tourism, and support trade and logistics along the corridor.

Laos and China began discussions on cross-border transport cooperation in May 2025 in Kunming. Officials inspected proposed routes in July, followed by trial operations for the Jinghong–Xiang Kok route in December the same year.

Authorities officially launched the service this month.

Different from Existing Route

The new service marks the second cross-border bus route between the two countries but differs from the earlier Mohan–Boten shuttle.

The Mohan–Boten route connects railway stations over a short 16-kilometer distance and mainly serves passengers using the Laos–China Railway.

Meanwhile, the Xiang Hung–Xiang Kok route operates as a standalone intercity service along a western corridor that previously lacked direct public transport, opening access to areas once limited to traders and local communities.

Boosting Trade and Tourism

Authorities expect the route to support cross-border trade, increase tourist flows, and create new business opportunities.

Luang Namtha, a key gateway for trade and eco-tourism in northern Laos, stands to benefit from increased visitor traffic. The route also strengthens connectivity between Yunnan and Southeast Asia.

Officials said the new service will support sustainable economic development and deepen cooperation between Laos and China.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/13/laos-china-launch-new-cross-border-bus-route-linking-yunnan-to-luang-namtha/

Laos Orders Travel Companies to Attach Hotel Booking Confirmations of Clients

Travel companies bringing tourists into Laos must now attach confirmed hotel booking documents to their entry paperwork, the Tourism Police Department announced.

According to the 12 May notice, tour operators are required to submit a detailed set of documents to the government before tourists arrive, including passenger name lists, passport details, travel itineraries, arrival and departure checkpoints, intended hotels, daily activity schedules, and tour guide information.

The new rule adds one more step: listing a hotel name in the itinerary is no longer enough. Companies must now attach the actual confirmed booking document for every night of the trip, from the day tourists arrive to the day they leave.

Authorities said the change supports a government drive to move tourist accommodation records into a modern digital system, with the aim of improving safety, security, and the overall visitor experience in the country.

The move comes as Laos pushes to grow its tourism sector. The country welcomed 4.58 million international visitors in 2025 and is now targeting between 5 and 6 million arrivals in 2026.

All previously required documents remain mandatory and no existing paperwork needs to be refiled. However, any company that does not yet collect official hotel confirmation documents as part of its standard booking process must update its procedures immediately. Applications submitted without the new attachments risk delays or outright rejection.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/13/laos-orders-travel-companies-to-attach-hotel-booking-confirmations-of-clients/

Attapeu to Restore 8,800 Hectares of Forest in 2026 Amid Rising Environmental Pressures

Attapeu has launched an ambitious plan to restore over 8,800 hectares of forest in 2026, aiming to increase forest coverage and address growing environmental challenges. 

The initiative will include the restoration of 8,200 hectares of degraded land and the promotion of 630 hectares of new tree plantations. This restoration is part of a larger effort to combat the effects of climate change and environmental degradation, and it is set to align with the upcoming National Arbor Day on 1 June.

The provincial authorities have announced that they will prepare planting sites, seedlings, and restoration areas ahead of the national planting campaign. By 25 May, all planting sites must be identified, with land preparation and fertilizing to be completed by the end of May. In total, more than 250,000 saplings are planned for the year.

The restoration efforts will also include the establishment of 1,000 hectares of plantation areas and village-managed forests in three villages. The provinces are particularly focused on youth participation and climate change awareness, with public awareness campaigns aimed at encouraging both local communities and schools to get involved in the project.

Forest Fires and Rising Environmental Pressure

This major reforestation campaign comes in response to escalating environmental concerns in Laos, particularly the increasing frequency of forest fires and air pollution linked to land burning activities. 

Recent data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment shows that Laos recorded over 16,000 fire hotspots in the first quarter of 2026 alone, largely due to slash-and-burn farming practices. 

This has compounded the country’s environmental challenges, with a particularly destructive forest fire in Phou Phanang National Park that burned over 1,400 hectares in April.

The Attapeu reforestation initiative also aligns with Laos’ national forestry strategy, which aims to increase the country’s forest coverage to 70 percent by 2035. This ambitious goal is in response to the significant loss of Laos’ forests over the past two decades, primarily due to commercial farming, logging, and land conversion.

Laos has lost approximately 58 percent of its intact forest landscapes in the past 20 years, with agriculture and infrastructure development being the primary drivers of deforestation. Reforestation efforts are critical in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and securing the future of Laos’ natural resources.

Looking Ahead

The Attapeu reforestation campaign also aligns with Laos’ broader environmental goals. As the initiative progresses, it will be closely monitored to track progress toward the 70 percent forest coverage target. Officials also noted that it is essential to maintain newly planted trees and restore degraded forest areas to ensure the long-term health of the country’s forests.

The Attapeu administration’s efforts are part of a nationwide drive to combat climate change, improve forest coverage, and address the environmental challenges facing Laos. By prioritizing forest restoration, Laos aims to protect its natural resources, improve air quality, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/13/attapeu-to-restore-8800-hectares-of-forest-in-2026-amid-rising-environmental-pressures/

Vietnam’s Sun Group Explores Tourism Projects in Champasak

Champasak province is seeking major tourism investment from Vietnam’s Sun Group, the developer behind Da Nang’s Ba Na Hills resort and cable car system, as local authorities push to transform southern Laos into a larger regional tourism destination.

On 9 May, Champasak Provincial Party Secretary Alounxay Sounnalath led a delegation to Da Nang to meet Sun Group executives and present several potential investment sites across the province.

The proposal focused on three locations: the Phu Sa Lao–Phu Malong highland area in Phonthong district, known for panoramic Mekong River views; the Bolaven Plateau in Pakse district, where cooler year-round temperatures of around 18 to 20 degrees Celsius support premium resort development; and the Si Phan Don area in Khong district, home to the 4,000 Islands and some of the region’s best-known natural attractions.

According to provincial authorities, Sun Group representatives expressed strong interest in the proposals and confirmed the company plans to visit Champasak in June to conduct feasibility surveys at all three sites.

Founded in 2007, Sun Group is one of Vietnam’s largest tourism and infrastructure developers and is best known for projects such as Sun World Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, the Golden Bridge, Fansipan cable cars in Sa Pa, and multiple large-scale resort and entertainment complexes across Vietnam.

The company has become particularly known for developing mountain tourism destinations connected by large-scale cable car systems and integrated resort projects.

Officials in Champasak said the province’s location along the East-West Economic Corridor, linking Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, gives it strong potential for regional tourism growth. Authorities also highlighted Vat Phou World Heritage Site, ecotourism opportunities, waterfalls, and highland agricultural products including coffee, macadamia nuts, blueberries, and blackberries as key advantages.

The discussions form part of a broader effort to deepen economic and tourism cooperation between Champasak and Da Nang.

Earlier this week, officials from both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in tourism, clean agriculture, processing industries, and education. Businesses from Laos and Vietnam also signed partnership agreements, while both cities agreed to study the development of Vietnamese restaurants and hotels in Pakse to support rising visitor numbers.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/12/vietnams-sun-group-explores-tourism-projects-in-champasak/

Lao PM Arrives in Cebu as ASEAN Leaders Discuss Middle East Crisis and Regional Economy

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone arrived in Cebu, Philippines on 7 May to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit, where regional leaders are discussing the economic impact of the Middle East crisis alongside ASEAN’s long-term priorities.

Ahead of the summit, ASEAN foreign and economic ministers held a joint meeting focused on concerns over energy supplies, food security, and regional economic stability linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The ministers agreed on the text of an ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration responding to the Middle East situation, which leaders are expected to endorse during the summit.

Lao, Malaysian PMs Meet

On the sidelines of the meetings, Sonexay held a bilateral meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders reaffirmed longstanding ties and agreed to expand cooperation across politics, trade, investment, energy, finance, tourism, education, and human resource development.

The two sides also discussed preparations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Malaysia in 2026, with plans for joint commemorative activities.

Sonexay thanked Malaysia for its continued support for Laos and encouraged greater Malaysian investment in the country. He also invited Anwar Ibrahim to visit Laos in 2026 to mark the anniversary and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Foreign Ministers’ Meetings

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane also joined a series of ministerial meetings on 7 May, including the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the 38th ASEAN Coordinating Council.

Officials reviewed preparations for the summit and discussed issues including transnational crime, implementation of ASEAN’s five-point consensus on Myanmar, and preparations for the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia later this year.

The summit takes place under the theme “Governing the Future of ASEAN Together” and marks the first year of implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship.

Laos, which currently serves as ASEAN’s coordinating country for relations with Canada, also reported progress in negotiations for a new ASEAN–Canada Action Plan covering 2026–2030.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/08/lao-pm-arrives-in-cebu-as-asean-leaders-discuss-middle-east-crisis-and-regional-economy/

Laos Steps Up ASEAN Diplomacy Ahead of Regional Summit

Laos is intensifying its regional diplomacy efforts ahead of the 48th ASEAN Summit, with senior officials engaging partners across Southeast Asia to strengthen cooperation and coordination.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane visited Indonesia from 4 to 5 May, where he met Indonesian Foreign Minister Sukiyono to review bilateral relations and expand cooperation across key sectors.

Both sides highlighted nearly 70 years of diplomatic ties and agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, and human resource development. They also discussed preparations for the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The visit also included meetings with business leaders and friendship associations to promote investment and strengthen people-to-people ties, alongside a visit to PT Pupuk Indonesia to explore potential economic cooperation.

ASEAN Engagement Expands

During the trip, Thongsavanh also met ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn at the ASEAN Secretariat. Discussions focused on ASEAN priorities, regional developments, and ongoing community-building efforts.

He also held talks with the Committee of Permanent Representatives and presented a rosewood carving of Laos’ iconic landmarks to the ASEAN Secretariat, stressing Laos’ cultural and diplomatic engagement within the bloc.

Focus Shifts to Cebu Summit

The diplomatic outreach comes as Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone prepares to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings on 7–8 May in Cebu, Philippines.

The summit, held under the theme “Shaping the Future of ASEAN Together,” will bring together regional leaders to discuss cooperation, economic integration, and shared challenges.

Sonexay is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several ASEAN counterparts on the sidelines, as Laos continues to strengthen its role within the regional grouping.

Officials say the recent engagements reflect Laos’ continued focus on building stronger partnerships within ASEAN while advancing both bilateral and regional cooperation.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/05/05/laos-steps-up-asean-diplomacy-ahead-of-regional-summit/

Laos Draws 1.36 Million Tourists in First Three Months of 2026, Up 8 Percent

Laos welcomed 1.36 million tourists in the first three months of the year, marking an eight percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data.

January saw the highest number of visitors, while February recorded the lowest monthly total during the period.

Data from the Tourism Development Department shows that Thailand remained the largest source market, accounting for nearly 31 percent of total arrivals, marking a slight increase compared to the same period last year. China and Vietnam ranked second and third, respectively.

Tourism statistics dashboard for Laos Q1 2026.

South Korea placed fourth, while the United States rounded out the top five, with arrivals rising 38.8 percent year-on-year.

Beyond regional markets, arrivals from Europe surged 52 percent, while tourism from Africa and the Middle East increased by 45 percent.

Tourism statistics dashboard for Laos Q1 2026 by region.

In terms of growth rate, the United Arab Emirates recorded the highest increase, rising 215 percent compared to the same period last year. Brazil and Greece followed, each posting growth of around 152 percent.

The first-quarter results build on a strong 2025 for Lao tourism. 

Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists last year, which surpassed the government’s annual target of 4.3 million visitors.

With momentum building, the Lao government has set an ambitious target of welcoming between 5 and 6 million international visitors in 2026,  a significant step up from last year’s total. 

Chinese tourists are expected to make up approximately 2 million of those arrivals, driven in part by the 65th anniversary of Lao-China diplomatic relations and growing interest in travel via the Laos-China Railway.

Looking further ahead, Laos has outlined a five-year plan for 2026 to 2030 targeting 43 million total visitors, with a combined revenue goal of at least USD 13 billion.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/27/laos-draws-1-36-million-tourists-in-first-three-months-of-2026-up-8-percent/

Laos Expands European Ties Through ASEAN-EU Meeting

Lao Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane held five bilateral meetings at the 25th ASEAN-EU Ministerial Meeting in Brunei from 27 to 28 April. The talks aimed to deepen ties with European partners ahead of Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2029.

The highlight of the day was the meeting with Lithuania, where Thongsavanh and Kestutis Budrys signed a new bilateral cooperation agreement establishing a formal consultation mechanism between both foreign ministries. The deal covers trade, investment, tourism, clean energy, digital transformation, and UXO clearance. 

Budrys congratulated Thongsavanh on his appointment, and both sides marked over 30 years of relations since September 1994.

In a special meeting with Portugal, Thongsavanh and Ana Isabel Xavier, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, celebrated three decades of diplomatic relations established in 1995 and agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, clean energy, and UXO clearance. 

Lao Foreign Minister also invited Portugal to the Meeting of States Parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which Vientiane will host later this year.

Turning to Austria, Laos’ one of the oldest European partners with ties dating to 1967. Two countries reaffirmed their relationship and set the 60th anniversary in 2027 as a milestone for deeper cooperation across several sectors.

In talks with Cyprus, both sides reviewed their relationship since 2000 and identified new opportunities for engagement. Laos briefed Cyprus on its national development priorities and LDC transition plans.

Rounding out the day, Laos and Slovakia reaffirmed friendly ties and agreed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, education, and development assistance, strengthening Laos’ broader engagement with Central European partners, the fifth and final meeting of the day.

Across all five meetings, Laos consistently framed its LDC graduation as an opportunity to attract European development support and build new economic partnerships ahead of 2029.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/30/laos-expands-european-ties-through-asean-eu-meeting/

Laos-China Trade Nears USD 10 Billion as Ties Deepen

Laos and China marked 65 years of diplomatic relations this week, with both sides highlighting deepening economic ties, including more than USD 18 billion in Chinese investment in Laos to date.

Bilateral trade reached nearly USD 9.8 billion in 2025, up 19.3 percent from a year earlier. 

Officials and diplomats from both countries presented the figures in a ceremony in Vientiane on 23 April.

Chinese Ambassador to Laos Fang Hong and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane described the partnership as increasingly important amid global uncertainty, calling it a stable, long-term relationship with growing strategic value.

According to the data. tourism has also rebounded. More than one million Chinese visitors traveled to Laos in 2025, a 24.32 percent increase, reinforcing China’s position as a key tourism market.

The Laos-China Railway remains a central part of that growth. Since its launch in December 2021, it has carried over 11 million passengers and nearly 17 million tonnes of goods, boosting cross-border trade and travel.

Chinese Language Demand Rises

Along with the strong economic ties, demand for Chinese language skills continues to grow, particularly in transport and logistics.

On 21 April, the National University of Laos signed a cooperation agreement on 21 April, with a private logistics company to expand Chinese language training and create new opportunities for students and teachers.

Institutions report rising enrolment in Chinese courses since the launch of the Laos-China Railway. More than 400 applicants have applied for the university’s master’s program in Chinese language teaching since it began in 2021.

Youth and Cultural Exchanges

People-to-people exchanges have also become part of the anniversary celebrations.

On 24 April, students and youth groups from Laos and China’s Yunnan Province joined a reading event at the National University of Laos, aimed at strengthening educational and cultural ties.

Organizers said the “Classmate” theme reflects a relationship that has grown over decades, not only through major infrastructure and trade projects, but also through everyday interactions between people.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/04/27/laos-china-trade-nears-usd-10-billion-as-ties-deepen/