According to the official announcement from the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane on 18 November, noted that non-Thai nationals in Laos who intend to travel to Thailand for tourism purposes or work within 60 days must apply for all types of visas only through the e-Visa system and are confirmed to make payments in cash with Thai Baht at the Consular Section of the Royal Thai Embassy, and was set to begin on 1 January 2025.
It will take approximately 10 to 15 working days (if all required documents are completely checked) starting from the date of visa fee payment and the embassy will accept visa applications in the current system (on site document format) up until 20 November.
To prepare for the transition to the e-Visa service, The Embassy will not accept any visa applications from 21 to 31 December.
Lao people visiting Thailand for less than 60 days, can travel normally without applying for an e-Visa.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webp00Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-24 09:44:322024-12-10 09:46:26Non-Thai Nationals in Laos to Apply for E-Visa Only Starting from January 2025
In Laos’ Bolaven Plateau, Champasack Province, the air is often filled with the scent of freshly roasted coffee beans.
There, each cup of coffee reflects generations of tradition and craftsmanship. Renowned for its high-quality Arabica beans, Lao coffee is earning global recognition for its unique flavor and cultural significance.
The southern Lao province is responsible for over 80 percent of the nation’s coffee output. This high-altitude region, reaching 1,300 meters above sea level, features mineral-rich volcanic soil, cool temperatures, and ample rainfall, ideal conditions for cultivating premium coffee beans.
Farmers in Champasack employ traditional coffee-growing practices, handpicking beans to ensure only the ripest cherries are harvested. Wet processing is widely used in the region, where beans are fermented and sun-dried to enhance their complex flavors and aroma.
Highlighting its global recognition, Laos’ renowned coffee brand, Lao Mountain Coffee, won Continental Awards for Asia at the 2022 World Coffee Challenge in Spain. Competing with the finest coffee varieties worldwide.
For travelers seeking to experience the essence of Bolaven Plateau coffee, Weekend Café and Camping in Paksong is an ideal first stop, conveniently located near most popular tourist sites in Champasak.
Sokxay ‘Mee’ Yotsopha, 23, owner of Weekend Café and Camping, in Paksong District, Champasack, shared the story behind his coffee shop, which first opened in 2020.
“At first, we didn’t plan to open a coffee shop; it was originally built to sell seasonal fruits,” Sokxay explained. “The name ‘Weekend Café’ was inspired by my university schedule, as I only had free time on Saturdays and Sundays.”
Initially, the café operated only two days a week. By 2023, it expanded to daily operations, with ongoing efforts to improve and develop the business. Growing customer demand led to the hiring of two employees, with plans to add more staff by 2025 to meet the needs of its visitors.
Sokxay’s passion for coffee was shaped by his upbringing on a family coffee farm on the Bolaven Plateau, inspiring the creation of the café.
“Our aim is to create a space for people to exchange ideas about coffee and to make our café a must-visit destination for tourists in Paksong. We’re close to Tad Fane and Tad Yuang waterfalls, making us a perfect stop for travelers.”
The café goes beyond serving coffee, offering green tea, red tea, and other beverages. It also supports the local community by sourcing products from nearby villages and creating seasonal jobs during the harvest, helping to boost the regional economy.
The café primarily uses beans from their own farm but also features varieties from Kenya, Colombia, and Ethiopia. “Our Lao beans are the best sellers and are also distributed to other cafés in the province and other provinces.”
In 2022, Laos exported 20,000 tons of coffee, including 15,000 tons of Robusta and 5,000 tons of Arabica. Despite Robusta’s larger share, Arabica beans have captured international acclaim, spotlighting Laos as a rising star in the coffee world.
The coffee industry sustains approximately 40,000 families across 83,000 hectares, making it Laos’ second-largest export after cassava. Coffee plays a pivotal role in the national economy, supporting smallholder farmers and rural livelihoods.
Laos has recorded over five million tourists this year, exceeding expectations and generating more than USD 1 billion in revenue, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone announced on 18 November.
According to the PM, domestic tourist numbers surpassed the target by 27 percent, reflecting the success of the Visit Laos Year 2024 campaign.
Sonexay also credited the surge in tourist arrivals to the Laos-China Railway, which connects key destinations like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Oudomxay. From adventure activities to UNESCO-listed heritage sites, these provinces offer attractions that have made them top tourist destinations.
To complement these developments, tourism authorities have worked to enhance services at hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, while adding new facilities at tourist sites.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasized plans to further promote tourism by targeting specific groups and strengthening collaboration between public and private sectors. Efforts will focus on improving roads, tourist attractions, and facilities, while modernizing tourism management.
Beyond the convenience of the railway, Laos’s distinctive natural and cultural offerings have drawn global attention. For instance, the river trips in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park have earned widespread acclaim, with Condé Nast Traveler ranking the park among the world’s top 10 best night safaris in February 2023.
Laos’s dedication to sustainable tourism has also garnered international recognition. Luang Prabang, known for its rich cultural heritage, received an award in the 2024 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories for its commitment to responsible tourism and cultural preservation. The award will be formally presented in Chile from 10 to 12 December.
With plans to improve infrastructure and diversify offerings, Laos is set to attract even more visitors in the years ahead.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/tv.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-22 09:40:182024-12-10 09:42:27Laos Welcomes Over Five Million Tourists in 2024, Generating Over USD 1 Billion
On 29 October, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar gathered to discuss action plans to tackle the yearly transboundary haze pollution issue, as well as solutions to address air pollution during the dry season.
During the meeting, the three countries agreed to address pollution-related issues, such as hotspot reduction, forecasting and monitoring systems, law enforcement, and sustainable agricultural management, all under the Joint Plan of Action – CLEAR Sky, which was agreed upon back in April 2023 to combat transboundary haze pollution.
Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, emphasized that the tri-nation cooperation is a response to the need to address rising PM2.5 levels in the region’s air, which stem from several sources, including industry, transport, and, in particular, forest fires and agricultural burning.
This comes after severe air pollution engulfed three main provinces of Laos in February this year, including Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, and Champasack. In these areas, the AQI rose as high as 145 to 160, which is classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups. During the same period, all 66 provinces in Thailand also experienced the smog, particularly Bangkok, where the AQI was recorded at around 141 to 165.
The impact of air pollution is not limited to physical health as research also shows that the smog can also affect the mind. A study by Oklahoma State University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology revealed that wildfire pollution in Southeast Asia, especially smoke from neighboring countries, significantly worsens public mood during severe air pollution.
In October 2023, former Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also visited Laos to discuss plans to address hazardous transboundary haze ahead of the burning season. He pledged support for mapping fire risk areas in Laos and developing a joint action plan to control cross-border air pollution affecting Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
In the same month, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported that Laos typically experiences heightened air pollution during its dry season, spanning from November to April annually. This period sees an increase in practices such as waste burning, deforestation, and the burning of agricultural land, all of which are significant contributors to high air pollution levels.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport in Laos is considering launching a new plan to enhance infrastructure over the next five years, with the aim of transforming the country from being land-locked to land-linked.
On 29 October, officials from the Ministry, along with representatives from Japan’s Embassy, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank, convened for the 16th Infrastructure Sector Working Group (ISWG) Meeting. The focus of this gathering was to develop a comprehensive five-year plan for public works and transport. Key areas of emphasis included green infrastructure, securing financing, implementing regulatory changes, and improving operational efficiency.
Saysongkham Manodham, Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transportation, opened the meeting by highlighting the critical role of regional connectivity in changing Laos’s economic landscape. With Laos serving as the ASEAN chair this year, the country has garnered increased regional attention. The current sector plan aligns with the 9th Five-Year National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021-2025), which aims to implement resolutions from the 11th Party Congress while continuing efforts outlined in the National Strategy for Socio-Economic Development (2016-2025) and the Vision 2030 for Laos.
During the gathering participants aimed to clarify the government’s plans for public works and transport and establish priorities among partners. Key objectives included reaching consensus on specific actions for 2025.
The overall government’s strategy for next year involves enhancing human resources, improving public governance and administration, and bolstering national defense, public security, and foreign policy.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-30-at-15.48.20_27a9a833.jpg8531280Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-20 11:20:002024-11-01 11:22:37Laos Launches Major Infrastructure Project to Expedite Transition from Land-Locked to Land-Linked
The Lao Journalists’ Association (LJA) has launched a new website to enhance environmental awareness through comprehensive news coverage and collaboration, establishing the first digital hub of its kind for environmental resources and training in Laos.
On 29 October, the LJA, in partnership with CARE International Laos, hosted a ceremony to unveil the “Green Action through Mass Media, and Civil Society in Laos” (GAMCIL) website.
The platform will serve as a central resource for journalists, civil society organizations, and community advocates, aiming to bolster public engagement in environmental advocacy through increased awareness and access to reliable information.
The project is funded by the European Union (EU) in partnership with the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the GAMCIL is focused on equipping approximately 6,000 media professionals and civil society actors across Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and Champassak with tools and training.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/LJA2.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-19 11:18:002024-11-01 11:19:30Lao Journalists’ Association Unveils First Digital Hub for Environmental Advocacy
Luang Prabang, Laos’ most popular UNESCO World Heritage city, continues to set new records for tourism. In the first ten months of 2024, the city welcomed approximately 1,723,164 tourists, far surpassing its initial annual target of 900,000.
Data from the Luang Prabang Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department showed that the province welcomed a total of 1,155,181 international travelers and 567, 963 domestic visitors. Chinese tourists led the highest number of visitors, followed by Thailand and South Korea.
Officials expect even higher numbers as the year’s peak season approaches, building on significant growth from the previous year
In 2023, Luang Prabang saw over one million visitors, marking a 91.49-percent increase compared to 2022. This increase brought in an estimated USD 560 million, with over 760,000 international tourists contributing to the city’s economy.
Riding on that momentum, Luang Prabang launched a comprehensive activity plan for “Visit Laos Year 2024” with the aim of drawing even more tourists while celebrating its 28th anniversary as a World Heritage site. The lineup of over 40 planned activities aims to attract 1.7 million tourists, with projected tourism spending expected to exceed USD 900 million by year-end. The province hoped to attract at least 1.4 million international visitors, enhancing its global appeal as a unique cultural destination.
“To accommodate more tourists, we have prepared to expand ticket sales staff and ticket lanes at each tourist attraction to make it more convenient and faster. We are also considering online ticket sales to modernize the process,” said Soudaphone Khomthavong, Director of the Luang Prabang Provincial Information, Culture, and Tourism Department.
Laos Named a Top Global Destination
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.
The guide highlighted that Laos is easily accessible via a high-speed train that is both affordable and sustainable.
Earlier this year, the travel publication also highlighted Luang Prabang as one of the top seven destinations to visit in Southeast Asia in 2024, citing its Buddhist culture, historic temples, and preserved traditions. Tourists are also drawn to Luang Prabang’s relaxed atmosphere, scenic streets, and natural attractions.
The article referred to Luang Prabang as “a significant center for Buddhist culture,” highlighting the city’s dedication to maintaining its historic temples and spiritual traditions. In addition to its deep cultural heritage, people love Luang Prabang for its easy-going vibe, lovely streets, fun festivals, and beautiful nature.
At the heart of Luang Prabang’s appeal are its historic and natural attractions, including landmarks like the Phou Si Stupa, Xieng Thong Temple, the Sae and Kuangsi waterfalls, and its traditional night market.
Festival of Light Draws Global Crowds
An annual cultural highlight in Luang Prabang is the “Festival of Light,” or “Boun Ork Phansa,” usually held in October along the Mekong River to mark the end of Buddhist Lent. The event aligns with the full moon of the twelfth month of the Lao lunar calendar, which this year fell on 17 October.
The festival begins with a morning alms-giving ceremony where hundreds of monks walk through the streets, receiving offerings from locals. The peaceful procession attracts both residents and visitors, with tourists often participating or observing.
As evening sets in, the festival livens up with thousands of candles lighting the streets, decorated floats, and traditional music filling the air. Revered for its spiritual meaning, the festival allows locals to pay homage to the water spirits, or nagas, which are deeply ingrained in their beliefs. The festival embodies Luang Prabang’s unique cultural identity and attracts visitors worldwide, reinforcing its role as a centerpiece of Lao cultural heritage.
A team of Lao traditional dance performs in front of the festival’s art sculptures (photo credit: Sofitel Luang Prabang)
At night, the streets are lit with thousands of candles, and decorated floats and traditional music create a festive atmosphere. Locals have cultural ties to the event, particularly through their reverence for water spirits, called nagas.
“The festival is a time for us to seek blessings and good fortune from the nagas, spirits deeply woven into our spiritual beliefs,” said Bouavanh, a 64-year-old woman, on her way home after watching the parade. “We offer candles, flowers, and potties. I see it as an opportunity for us to confess our sins and have them purified.”
The celebration also includes a light-boat competition, with villages building and parading their own illuminated boats through town.
“Each village will have an opportunity to build their own light boat to parade around the town, with the winner getting some sort of award,” said Noy, a Luang Prabang local, watching the parade from a footpath near the 3 Nagas restaurant.
While for locals this is a well-known annual event, many foreign visitors only learn of the festival after arrival.
“I first found out about it when I landed here [in Luang Prabang],” said Kevin Cherashore, a tourist from the United States and president and owner of MS Signs, Inc. Although he’s visited Luang Prabang four times, Cherashore was entirely unaware of the Light Boat Festival.
“They [the hotel staff] told me when I got here, and we made plans to be here for it.”
Cherashore went on to express his love for the city, appreciating its rich culture and laid-back atmosphere, which he finds a refreshing contrast to Vientiane Capital, a place he describes as “a little bit too busy and crowded.”
“[Luang Prabang] has got everything, it’s got the culture, it’s got warm people, it’s got beautiful geographical surroundings and it’s starting to have even more five-star and more upscale tourism.”
As Luang Prabang continues to draw global attention and record-breaking crowds, the city balances the preservation of its cultural heritage with strategic developments aimed at enhancing the visitor experience. With initiatives like expanded infrastructure, online ticketing, and a full calendar of events, the city looks set to further exceed expectations, drawing more tourists from all corners of the globe.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-30-at-11.47.45_7f6029bf.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-18 11:11:002024-11-01 11:12:50Luang Prabang Smashes 2024 Tourism Goal: Over 1.7 Million Visitors, Expecting Surge in Peak Season
Vientiane Province is actively boosting tourism to position the industry as a key economic driver, with a goal to attract over 1.3 million visitors by the end of 2025. While officials are working to strengthen regional and international cooperation in tourism, aiming to promote its natural, historical, cultural, and agricultural attractions.
Sisawat Sengphachan, Director General of the Department of Press, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane, shared on 24 October that in the first nine months of 2024, the province welcomed 1,031,756 domestic and international visitors, including 281,891 foreign tourists, marking a total increase of 366,917 from the same period in 2023.
This growth generated total revenue of LAK 707 billion (USD 32.2 million), marking a year-on-year rise of LAK 489 billion (USD 22.2 million).
Sisawat also noted that Vientiane’s efforts are concentrated on generating foreign currency, creating employment in urban and rural areas, and boosting the local economy. The province currently manages 211 tourist sites, including natural, cultural, and historical locations.
Looking ahead, Vientiane aims to attract 1.3 million tourists by 2025, projecting revenue of over LAK 782 billion (USD 35.8 million).
To support the anticipated growth, Vientiane Province’s authorities are planning to use the over-1,000 licensed tourism-related businesses to welcome an increased influx of visitors.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/VV2.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-17 11:09:002024-11-01 11:11:11Vientiane Province Boosts Tourism Goals with 1.3 Million Visitor Target by End of 2025
In a push for regional connectivity and economic cooperation, Laos and Vietnam are accelerating infrastructure initiatives, focusing on the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project. This plan aims to connect the two countries by rail, strengthening trade routes and mutual economic ties.
On 23 October, during a meeting at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Laos’ President Thongloun Sisoulith and Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh agreed to expedite the Thakhaek-Vung Ang seaport rail link. The leaders also committed to the Vientiane-Hanoi expressway and aligning financial and energy policies.
Their discussions emphasized strengthening Laos-Vietnam cooperation within regional frameworks.
The Vientiane-Vung Ang railway project, part of a 2021–2030 development plan extending to 2050, is a joint venture between Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC and Laos’ Petroleum Trading Lao (PTL), designed as a public-private partnership and expected to launch in early 2027.
Spanning 554.7 kilometers and costing approximately USD 6.3 billion, the railway will connect Laos to regional maritime trade and open access to markets in China, South Korea, and Japan.
CGTN – A train carrying 28 China-made new energy buses departed on 28 October from the Dulaying International Land-Sea Logistics Port in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, heading for Vientiane, Laos. This shipment marks Guizhou’s first direct export of locally produced new energy buses to Laos via the China-Laos Railway.
This new logistics channel through the China-Laos Railway offers a dedicated, efficient route for Guizhou’s automobile exports to Laos, facilitating further trade and cooperation, according to Zhang Yongjun, general manager of Guiyang International Land Port Company. The buses are expected to arrive in Vientiane within seven days.
Totally, 55 new energy buses will be shipped to Laos in two batches, with a second train carrying 27 additional buses scheduled for departure on Tuesday. China, a strong advocate for sustainable transport, is focused on New Energy Buses (NEBs), including electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell buses. These NEBs, powered by alternative fuels, are part of China’s ongoing commitment to cleaner public transit solutions.
These Guizhou-made buses, equipped with advanced electric technology and intelligent control systems, deliver zero emissions, low noise and smooth operation. Once in Vientiane, they will support the city’s first intelligent and modern rapid transit system.
“To ensure a smooth export process, involved departments coordinated closely on logistics, including cargo organization, capacity planning, transport services and customs clearance,” said Zhang. “The teams worked to streamline everything from testing and customs declaration to export and delivery, promoting Guizhou’s new energy buses on an international scale.”
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/CN.jpg6271200Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2024-12-14 11:06:002024-11-01 11:07:53First Direct Export of New Energy Buses from Guizhou to Laos Begins via China-Laos Railway
