Laos Named Cheapest Travel Destination in 2025

Canada’s financial product site, HelloSafe, has revealed that Laos is the cheapest country to visit in the year of 2025 among the 136 countries around the world.

According to the website, the daily living cost in Laos is as cheap as EUR 10 (USD 10.97), followed by Kazakhstan at EUR 14 (USD 15.37). Rwanda and Ghana each have a daily cost of  EUR 16 (USD 17.56), while Mongolia rounds out the top five with costs at EUR 18 (USD 19.74).

Laos, Mongolia and Georgia are also the top three countries with the most affordable accommodation in the world, with prices ranging from EUR 6 (USD 6.58) to EUR 13 (USD 14.27) per night.

Conversely, the top five countries with the most expensive to travel to are Barbados EUR 261 (USD 286.44) daily budget, followed by  Antigua and Barbuda  at EUR 244 (USD 267.78), and Saint Kitts and Nevis at EUR 215 (USD 235.95).

These data are based on travelers’ expenses in each country, including food, accommodation, and local transportation within the country. 

In Laos specifically, during the first eight months of 2024, the country attracted a total of 2.6 million international tourists, with Thai travelers making up the largest group, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism.

The Lao government is optimistic about the future of tourism, setting a target to welcome at least 4.6 million international visitors in 2024, with projected revenue of USD 1.3 billion.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/07/laos-named-cheapest-travel-destination-in-2025/

Laos and South Korea Deepen Agricultural Cooperation in Key Areas

Laos and South Korea have strengthened agricultural cooperation, focusing on modernizing Laos’s farming sector and boosting ties within ASEAN.

On 30 October, South Korea’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Song Miryung, met with Laos’s Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Linkham Douangsavanh, in South Korea, to discuss bilateral agricultural collaboration as well as wider cooperation between South Korea and ASEAN.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the amendment of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on agricultural cooperation between the two countries. This newly expanded MOU aims to strengthen joint efforts, with a focus on modernizing Laos’s agricultural sector through advanced technologies, such as smart farming, improving seed development, and infrastructure.

During the talks, Minister Linkham emphasized the importance of agriculture in Laos, particularly in the Mekong River region, where many rely on farming for their livelihoods. 

Meanwhile, Minister Song highlighted South Korea’s ongoing support, such as the development of irrigation facilities and knowledge-sharing programs, and expressed hope that the expanded MOU would lead to significant outcomes for both nations.

Looking ahead, as South Korea celebrates 35 years of ASEAN dialogue relations in 2024, this enhanced collaboration is expected to further strengthen agricultural development and food security across the region, with Laos playing a central role as ASEAN Chair.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/03/82280/

Laos Suspends Public Activities to Facilitate ASEAN Summit

The Lao government has issued a notice announcing the cancellation of activities within Vientiane Capital, including teacher’s day activities for schools in Saysettha district to ensure peace and security during the upcoming ASEAN Summit.

Effective from 1 to 20 October, the suspension applies to all events organized by sports associations, as well as activities in both the private and public sectors, including companies, hospitals, factories, and any public spaces within Vientiane Capital.

To further facilitate the summit and ensure smooth traffic and a high level of security, the government will also deploy officers from the Ministry of Public Security in areas where traffic is expected to be hectic, including around the National Convention Centre where the summit will be held.

The Ministries of National Defense and Public Security will also join forces and station personnel in every village and district to monitor the overall situation and ensure against violations of these regulations. 

According to the government, further updates will be provided in future announcements.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/03/laos-suspends-public-activities-to-facilitate-asean-summit/

Lao Durian Sector to Focus on Export Growth to China

On 24 October, government officials, agricultural experts, and representatives from the private sector gathered to discuss enhancing the Lao durian sector for export to China, where demand for this tropical fruit is rapidly increasing. The talks aimed to improve both the production and quality of Lao durians, making them more competitive in the international market.

Attendees also explored strategies for expanding durian farming and optimizing logistics to meet Chinese import standards. A key highlight was China’s offer of a 98 percent tax exemption on durian exports, which presents a substantial opportunity for Laos to strengthen its position in the export market.

During the meeting,  the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry emphasized the need for quality control measures and certifications that align with Chinese regulations to ensure long-term success in the export market.

Participants also discussed how to support local farmers by providing better farming techniques and resources, as well as forming partnerships with Chinese distributors. Improving farmers’ skills will enhance durian quality and increase their income.

Laos boasts ideal conditions for durian cultivation, and experts believe that with the right investments and training, the country could substantially increase its durian exports. 

However, it faces stiff competition from established producers like Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as Thailand, which is planning to develop 20,000 to 30,000 rai of land for durian farming. With similar agricultural conditions and lower labor costs, Laos has the potential to emerge as a new  competitor in the Southeast Asian durian export market.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/28/lao-durian-sector-to-focus-on-export-growth-to-china/

Japan Supports School Improvements in Bokeo to Reduce Dropout Rates

The Government of Japan has awarded a grant of USD 107,000 to improve schools in Bokeo Province, Laos, with the goal of reducing student dropout rates.

On 24 October, Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu signed a grant contract with Somphit Chanthavong, Director of the Office of Education and Sports for Huayxay district, in Vientiane. The event was attended by Khamphaya Phompanya, Vice Governor of Bokeo Province.

This funding will be used to construct a new school building and toilet facilities for Toup Kindergarten and Primary School. It will also provide school furniture and relocate the school to higher ground to safeguard it from floods.

Bokeo Province is highly vulnerable to flooding, which disrupts school attendance and damages infrastructure, according to the World Bank. Reports show that Laos faces severe educational challenges in the province, including dropout rates of 30 to 40 percent, particularly in villages that do not offer access to grades 4 and 5. 

In the 2023–24 academic year, over 5,000 children dropped out of primary, lower, and upper secondary schools in Bokeo Province, as reported by the provincial education department earlier this year. Factors contributing to this alarming dropout rate include the long distance to schools, lack of student dorms, financial hardships prompting children to work, and a perception that further education is not valuable. 

The province has seen a total of 5,781 children drop out, with a decline of 654 enrollments in lower and upper secondary schools compared to the previous year. Poor school management, teacher shortages, and insufficient cooperation among educators, parents, and officials further discourage school attendance.

In response, the Bokeo Provincial Education and Sports Department plans to collaborate with local authorities to improve employment opportunities, enhance school attendance awareness, and upgrade school infrastructure. These efforts align with the government’s goal of improving education quality and increasing enrollment nationwide, as highlighted by a significant drop in university enrollments from over 9,000 in the 2020–21 academic year to 6,688 in 2023–24. The Lao government is committed to addressing these challenges through various projects in its National Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2021-2025.

Since 1992, Japan has contributed over USD 1 million to projects in Bokeo Province, focusing on education, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/25/japan-supports-school-improvements-in-bokeo-to-reduce-dropout-rates/

Cambodia Withdraws from Development Pact with Laos, Vietnam

Cambodia has officially withdrawn from the regional development pact with neighboring Laos and Vietnam. The decision was announced by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on 20 September, citing concerns about national sovereignty and increasing political opposition.

The Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Triangle Development Area (CLV-DTA) was established in 1999 and took effect in 2004 to develop 13 border provinces including four in Cambodia, five in Vietnam, and four in Laos. The agreement focused on poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and trade enhancement. While it has contributed to regional collaboration, Cambodia’s withdrawal raises questions about the pact’s future.

Prime Minister Manet cited rising domestic concerns that the CLV pact compromised Cambodia territorial sovereignty, specifically regarding the country’s northeastern provinces. In his announcement, Manet referenced political extremists using the pact as a tool to attack the ruling Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) for allegedly ceding land to Vietnam. To “disarm the extremists” and respond to growing public outcry, Cambodia decided to withdraw from the agreement.

The controversy surrounding the pact gained traction on social media and led to protests in August, both in Cambodia and among Cambodian communities abroad. This pressure prompted the government to rethink its participation in the development initiative.

Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the cooperation mandate had been fulfilled, and each country can now manage its own development.

Cambodia’s decision may be seen as an effort to address domestic political pressures while marking a shift in its regional relations, potentially affecting Southeast Asian cooperation. 

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/02/cambodia-withdraws-from-development-pact-with-laos-vietnam/

Lao Government Increases Minimum Wage to Combat Rising Living Costs

The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare has announced a new minimum wage policy, aiming to support workers facing economic challenges due to rising living costs and the depreciation of the Lao kip.

Under the new regulation, employers in the private sector, including production, business, and service units, as well as the household sectors are required to pay a minimum monthly wage of LAK 2.5 million (USD 114), effective on 1 October.

This wage increase applies to all workers earning less than the set threshold, excluding overtime, welfare payments, and other benefits.

Additionally, a subsistence allowance of LAK 900,000 (Approximately USD 41) will be provided to unskilled workers without formal education or training, ensuring that everyone receives fair compensation.

Employers who currently pay below the new wage must adjust salaries accordingly, while those already meeting or exceeding the minimum wage are encouraged to maintain their pay standards.

Previously, the minimum wage was LAK 1.6 million per month (approximately USD 75). However, with the cost of living rising sharply, the government has deemed it necessary to further support workers across the country.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/02/lao-government-increases-minimum-wage-to-combat-rising-living-costs/

Lao Team Shines at Global Robotics Challenge, Achieves Historic 6th Place

The Champa Maker team from Laos achieved 6th place out of 193 at the First Global Challenge Robotics Competition Held in Athens, Greece, from 26-29 September. 

Competing against top robotics teams from around the world, the Lao team demonstrated exceptional skills and determination, earning recognition on the global stage.

“This is the first time our team has made it this far into the finals, and I couldn’t be more proud of our young contestants from Laos,” said Khanthanou Luangxaysana, an engineering professor at the National University of Laos and a Champa Maker team mentor. “They showcased their ability to think critically and innovate using STEM principles, from designing robot mechanisms to managing and solving complex problems during the competition.”

The competition saw fierce battles in both the Ranking Matches and Round Robin Matches. 

In the Ranking Matches, the Champa Maker team won 8 out of 12 matches, accumulating a score of 789 points, securing their spot among the top 32 teams in the Round Robin phase.

In the Round Robin Matches, the team won one match out of four, finishing with 557 points.

“Every match required careful strategic planning and strong communication to maximize our points,” Professor Khanthanou added. “Our team learned that having a solid strategy and working together were crucial to success in each round.”

Preparing for the competition, the team invested time in researching, calculating, and planning using STEM concepts. 

“Our goal was to merge theory with hands-on practice, ensuring that when problems arose, the team could troubleshoot and resolve them efficiently,” Khanthanou said.

These results solidified the Lao national team’s position in the top 10 globally, marking the country’s best-ever performance in the Robot Global Challenge. 

“Bringing STEM education to Lao youth is a key mission of the Champa Maker Club,” he said. “We aim to create opportunities for young people to learn how to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to systematically analyze and solve problems. This competition experience is helping shape the next generation of leaders who will drive Laos forward.”

The First Global Challenge Robotics Competition is held in a different country each year. The event aims to promote collaboration and problem-solving skills among youth, addressing global challenges in engineering and technology.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/01/lao-team-shines-at-global-robotics-challenge-achieves-historic-6th-place/

New Film ‘The Heart of Teacher’ Honors Teachers in Rural Laos

“The Heart of Teacher” (Nuan Saeng), the second Lao film of 2024, fresh out of the theaters, the movie is soon to be released on online platforms. Stay tuned for updates on the official LaoFilm page.

Directed by Somphong Phondy, this new film draws inspiration from the literary work “Teacher Nuan Saeng” by Lao author Suvanda Chansuaivanpheng, reimagining the narrative to resonate with modern viewers.

The story follows Nuan Saeng, a kind-hearted recent graduate who begins her teaching journey in Xieng Khouang Province. Her character embodies determination and compassion as she faces the myriad challenges of educating children in a region marked by socio-economic struggles and the lingering threat of unexploded ordnance.

“Teacher shortage is serious in rural areas, our production team wants to spread the importance of education by representing through the character Nuan Saeng as a resilient and brave teacher that dedicates herself for students,” Director Somphong said. “This could be a slight inspiration for all teachers or whoever that loved this job to realize their valuable role that it could be in any aspect even in the countryside.”

As Nuan Saeng navigated her new role, she confronted not only the academic challenges faced by her students but also the dangers posed by unexploded bombs in the region. A risk that many children in rural areas face daily.

Somphong’s vision for the film aligns with the Lao government’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities. With support from the government, the project aims to raise awareness of the vital role education plays in fostering resilience and growth within communities.

However, filming presented its own set of challenges, particularly during the rainy season. Somphong noted that harsh weather conditions complicated the shooting schedule, while working with local background actors—students and villagers—added an extra layer of complexity to production.

Another challenge involved coordinating with background actors, who were local students and villagers. This made the process more difficult and time-consuming compared to working with professional actors.

Leading the cast is Vilayvanh ‘Touny’ Komphengmy, who portrays Nuan Saeng. With a degree in Community and Rural Development, Touny feels a deep connection to her character and the cause of improving villagers’ lives. Joining her is Monick ‘Nick’ Seesouphan as Bounthavy, the village guard who supports Nuan Saeng in overcoming obstacles.

“I want to reflect the genuine lifestyle of Lao people in rural areas, capturing moments like children playing at school or fishing by the river,” Somphong shared. “We should celebrate the unique charms of Laos without trying to copy other countries, and be proud of what we have”

“The Heart of Teacher” not only pays tribute to the teaching profession but also serves as an inspiration for educators across the nation. By showcasing the struggles and triumphs of teachers like Nuan Saeng, the film highlights the key role they play in shaping the future of Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/01/new-film-the-heart-of-teacher-honors-teachers-in-rural-laos/

European Union-ASEAN Dialogue Explores Green Transition Opportunities, Challenges

European Union (EU)-ASEAN businesses and cooperation agencies discussed the opportunities and challenges of ASEAN’s green transition in the Partners’ Dialogue forum with the Delegation of the European Union to ASEAN.

Hosted by the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Sujiro Seam, representatives of EU-ASEAN institutions, Member States, businesses, and cooperation agencies engaged in knowledge and experience sharing on ASEAN’s green transition and the transformative impact of the Global Gateway strategy. 

Launched in 2021, the Global Gateway strategy is the EU’s strategy to boost infrastructure investments in five key areas:  digitalization, energy, transport, health, as well as education and research. It aims to support the global green and digital transitions and tackle global challenges such as climate change, global health security, sustainable development, and stronger supply chains.

Global Gateway has the ambition to mobilize EUR 300 billion (USD 332.1 billion) worldwide, building on commitments from all Team Europe partners – European Union, its member states, and finance institutions- and from the private sector.

Ambassador of the European Union to ASEAN, Sujiro Seam, delivers an opening remark

“This year, we launched a EUR 60 million (USD 66.4 million) package of new connectivity projects to support the enabling environment for quality and sustainable investments in the region. Under the umbrella of this package contributing to the Global Gateway in ASEAN, we have new projects planned or starting in areas such as investment, trade, higher education, transport, energy connectivity and digitalization.” Sujiro Seam, EU Ambassador to ASEAN. 

“The EU has always recognized the importance of our partnership with the private sector.  The EU and ASEAN are currently each other’s 3rd largest trading partners, and the EU is also the 3rd external provider of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the ASEAN region,” Ambassador Seam added.

” The European Investment Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting ASEAN’s green transition. Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EIB reaffirms its commitment to financing sustainable infrastructure projects that drive digitalization, energy efficiency, and resilient transport systems. Our investments are designed to not only tackle climate change but also to stimulate economic growth and innovation across the region. By leveraging our financial expertise and resources, the EIB is dedicated to building a sustainable, more connected, and prosperous future for ASEAN.” Sunita Lukkhoo, Head of the European Investment Bank (EIB) regional representation for Southeast Asia and Pacific said.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2024/10/01/european-union-asean-dialogue-explores-green-transition-opportunities-challenges/