Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay Cross-Border Bus Service Begins Trial Operations

A new cross-border bus service linking Bueng Kan Province in Thailand with Bolikhamxay Province in Laos began trial operations on 7 January, aiming to improve transport connectivity between the two neighbouring provinces.

The service is operated by a Thai bus operator, which has deployed one Thai-registered bus on the Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxay route under an international bus service licence.

The fare for the journey is set at THB 100 (USD 3.20).

According to the trial schedule, buses depart from Bueng Kan Bus Terminal at 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, while they leave Bolikhamxay Bus Terminal at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm.

To support cross-border travel, a shuttle bus service will operate between the Thai–Lao border checkpoints. The shuttle service is provided by a Lao company, which has assigned two buses to the route. These shuttle buses will run daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Thai authorities said the trial phase will help assess passenger demand, operational efficiency, and coordination at border crossings before any decision is made on long-term operations.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/09/bueng-kan-bolikhamxai-cross-border-bus-service-begins-trial-operations/

Champasack Pushes Pakse–Hong Kong Flights to Boost Tourism

Champasack Province is in talks to open a direct air route between Pakse and Hong Kong, a move provincial leaders say would strengthen tourism and help sustain visitor activity throughout the year.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party on 6 January, Alounxay Sounnalath, Party Central Committee member and Secretary of the Champasack Provincial Party Committee, highlighted recent progress across multiple sectors.

Alounxay said the province had faced both domestic and external challenges in recent years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, but credited unity and collective effort for helping Champasack maintain development momentum.

In tourism, he said the province has expanded community-based tourism and received several ASEAN-level awards.

Ongoing negotiations for new international routes, including Pakse–Guangzhou and Pakse–Hong Kong, aim to further raise Champasack’s profile as a regional travel destination.

He also pointed to progress in education, noting that Champasack has eliminated all volunteer teachers by absorbing them into the formal civil service system.

In infrastructure development, the province has mobilised more than LAK 70 billion (USD 3.2 million) from public contributions to build concrete roads and bridges.

Looking ahead, Alounxay said provincial authorities will focus on ensuring that Party resolutions reach the grassroots level.

Champasack will continue working toward key social goals, including improving living standards and eliminating remaining poor households by 2026, in line with national targets.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/08/champasak-pushes-pakse-hong-kong-flights-to-boost-tourism/

Updated Toll Charges Begin on Vientiane–Vang Vieng Expressway

New toll rates have officially taken effect on the Vientiane–Vang Vieng expressway. 

From 1 January, vehicle charges range from approximately LAK 1,500 to LAK 6,500 per kilometer, depending on vehicle size and weight, based on an exchange rate of LAK 20,777 per US dollar.

At the 40-ton gross load limit, the minimum toll is about LAK 10,500 per kilometer , with no fixed maximum as fees rise with weight.

A table and information of the new toll prices for each category. (Picture by Lao-China Joint Expressway Development)

The Lao–China Joint Expressway Development Company said the adjustment is based on a feasibility study approved by the Lao government and the US dollar pricing framework stipulated in the concession agreement. 

The revised rates apply to all vehicle categories, including private cars, buses, and trucks, with toll fees calculated according to vehicle size and weight. Detailed information will be displayed on toll notice boards along the expressway.

The company thanked the public for their understanding and said it will continue working to improve service quality and ensure safer, more comfortable travel for road users.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2026/01/02/updated-toll-charges-begin-on-vientiane-vang-vieng-expressway/

Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Officially Opens, Strengthening Regional Connectivity

The Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, connecting Bolikhamxay Province in Laos with Bueng Kan Province in Thailand, officially inaugurated on 25 December,with public use beginning on 27 December.

The 1,350-meter bridge directly links Laos’ Route 13 with Thailand’s Highway 244, creating seamless integration between the two countries’ road networks. 

The opening coincides with the 75th anniversary of Lao-Thai diplomatic relations in 2025, reinforcing the bridge’s role as both a vital transport corridor and a symbol of enduring bilateral cooperation.

High-level dignitaries attended the inauguration ceremony, including Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)

Expanding Network of Friendship Bridges

The new bridge joins four existing Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge. 

The first bridge, connecting Vientiane and Nong Khai at 1,174 meters, opened in April 1994. The second linked Savannakhet and Mukdahan provinces in late 2006, followed by the third connecting Khammouane and Nakhon Phanom provinces in November 2011. 

The fourth and longest bridge at 2,480 meters, linking Huay Xay district in Bokeo Province with Chiang Khong district in Chiang Rai Province, opened in December 2013.

Plans are already underway for a sixth Mekong River bridge, which would connect Salavanh in southern Laos with Ubon Ratchathani in Thailand, further expanding cross-border connectivity.

A Decade in the Making

The bridge’s development took more than a decade, beginning with feasibility studies and design work from 2012 to 2014. 

A formal construction agreement was signed in June 2019 between the Lao Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Thailand’s Ministry of Transport. 

Construction started on the Thai side in June 2020 and on the Lao side in January 2021, with the final concrete connection completed in June 2025. 

Agreements on ownership, management, and long-term maintenance were also finalized, and the bridge includes advanced structural health monitoring systems to ensure safety and durability.

The total investment was THB 3.93 billion (about USD 126.3 million), with Thailand contributing THB 2.63 billion (USD 84.5 million) and Laos providing THB 1.3 billion (USD 41.8 million) through a concessional loan from Thailand’s Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA).

The new bridge is expected to cut travel time between Bolikhamxay and Bueng Kan by up to three hours, improving the flow of people and goods.

 It also forms part of the shortest land route connecting Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, about 150 kilometers via Lao National Road No. 8, and is a key link in the broader transport corridor between Vientiane Capital, Bolikhamxay Province, and Vietnam, supporting Laos’ goal of becoming a “land-linked” nation.

Gateway to Future Development

The new bridge not only improves travel and trade along Lao National Road No. 8 but also positions Bolikhamxay Province as a central hub in an emerging multimodal transport network. 

Two major infrastructure projects are set to further enhance the province’s strategic importance: a USD 6.6 billion railway connecting Vientiane Capital to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and operations by 2030,  giving Laos its first direct access to maritime trade routes; and the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, a USD 1.9 billion, 203.8-kilometer stretch scheduled for completion by 2030.

Together, these projects will create an integrated network linking Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China, expected to reduce logistics costs, attract investment, expand tourism, and accelerate regional integration under initiatives such as the Greater Mekong Subregion and the Ayeyawady-Chao Phraya-Mekong Economic Cooperation Strategy (ACMECS).

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/26/fifth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge-officially-opens-strengthening-regional-connectivity/

Luang Namtha Welcomes Nearly 1.3 Million Tourists in 2025, Surpassing Expectations

Luang Namtha Province has marked a successful year for tourism in 2025, welcoming a total of 1,290,192 visitors both international and domestic, an increase of 2.86 percent compared to the same period of 2024.

Somsawat Namintha, Deputy Head of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Luang Namtha Province, reported that among these visitors, 970,760 tourists entered via international checkpoints and 136,410 via the Laos-China Railway.

A major factor driving the province’s rise in tourist numbers was a series of vibrant cultural festivals. 

These included the Akha Swing Festival, Hmong New Year, Rocket Festival, and Boat Racing Festivals in Nalae and Viengphoukha districts, which drew both domestic and international visitors and generated over USD 40 million in revenue.

Key highlights of 2025 also featured the Forest Trekking and Boat Trip Festival in the Nam Ha National Protected Area, which promoted sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. In addition, Luang Namtha enhanced its international profile by participating as the “City of Charm” at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo 2025 in Nanning, China, in September.

In addition, the province earned two ASEAN-standard awards for excellence in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) and public sanitation. Strategic projects included designating the Luang Namtha Paddy Fields as a cultural and tourism site.

Currently, Luang Namtha has 433 tourism business units, with total investment exceeding LAK 504 billion (about USD 23 million ). Provincial authorities have focused on inspecting and regulating services, particularly improving the central provincial market and ensuring compliance with standards to guarantee service quality.

Looking ahead, the province aims to attract 1,441,568 visitors in 2026, generating around USD 45 million in revenue, while continuing to enhance sustainable tourism development.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/25/luang-namtha-welcomes-nearly-1-3-million-tourists-in-2025-surpassing-expectations/

Laos Ranks Among World’s Most Budget-Friendly Destinations for 2026

Laos has earned recognition as one of the world’s most economical travel destinations for 2026, according to Indie Traveller magazine.

Featured in the publication’s “26 Amazing Cheap Places You Should Travel to in 2026,” Laos stands out for exceptional value. Budget-conscious visitors can explore the country for approximately USD 25 daily, while those seeking more comfort need only USD 45 per day, costs that encompass lodging, meals, and local transportation. 

This positions Laos as one of the most affordable destinations, the magazine reports.

The magazine also noted that the country draws travellers with its mountains and forests, covering nearly 70 percent of the land, and offers affordable adventures from trekking, rock climbing, zip-lining, etc.

Recent infrastructure developments have enhanced accessibility, particularly the Laos-China Railway, which has slashed journey times between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage City from around eight hours to merely two.

The magazine further noted the must-see attractions including the renowned Gibbon Experience, featuring canopy zip-lines and treehouse accommodations, plus the spectacular cascades of southern Laos’s Bolaven Plateau.

Optimal visiting periods include the peak winter months of November through February. Alternative seasons offer unique experiences: October marks the transition from monsoon to dry weather, while March and April culminate with the Lao New Year celebrations, the famous Water Festival, in mid-April. The Boun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) lights up various regions during May and June.

Tourism figures demonstrate growing popularity, with nearly 3.8 million international visitors arriving in the first ten months of 2025, a 13 percent year-on-year increase. Officials anticipate reaching 4.3 million visitors by year-end.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/30/laos-ranks-among-worlds-most-budget-friendly-destinations-for-2026/

Three-Colored Bronze Buddha Recognized as Local National Heritage in Vientiane Province

Vientiane Province authorities formally recognized the Three-Colored Bronze Buddha as a local-level national heritage site on 26 December during a ceremony at Ban Lingsan Temple in Thoulakhom district.

Vice Chairman of the Vientiane Provincial Administrative Committee Somphasong Souvongkhamchan attended the event alongside representatives from provincial and district offices, monks and nuns, village leaders, parents, and students. Officials presented the designation as part of efforts to preserve local history and cultural identity.

The Three-Colored Bronze Buddha holds deep historical and spiritual significance for the village. Ban Lingsan is home to 301 households and 1,588 residents. The community practices Buddhism alongside traditional beliefs, with livelihoods based mainly on farming and animal husbandry.

Authorities recognize Ban Lingsan as a conservation village and an ancient cultural site known for preserving the Long Ngum tradition. The Three-Colored Buddha, locally known as Phra Thong Sam Si, has long served as a spiritual symbol for residents of the village and nearby communities.

The statue stands 56 centimeters tall, with a forehead width of 37 centimeters and shoulder width of 21 centimeters. Its base measures 23.5 centimeters in height and 51 centimeters in width. Craftsmen created the statue using bronze, brass, silver-gold alloys, and rare gemstones. 

Experts believe a skilled artisan produced the work during the Lane Xang Kingdom period, between 1353 to 1707. However, the exact date reman unknown. 

The ceremony included a procession carrying the Three-Colored Buddha around the temple grounds, followed by traditional dance performances by students from Lingsan Village Primary School and Ban Wit Kham Secondary School.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/30/three-colored-bronze-buddha-recognized-as-local-national-heritage-in-vientiane-province/

Attapeu Reports Major Poverty Reduction, 29,289 Families Lifted

Attapeu Province has lifted 29,289 families out of poverty, according to Chairman of the Attapeu Provincial Administrative Committee Tanuxay Chandanalith, who presented the update during the 10th Ordinary Session of the Attapeu Provincial People’s Council on December 24.

Tanuxay said the province currently comprises five districts and 140 villages, with a total of 32,257 families. Of these, 29,289 households have moved above the poverty line. As a result, 127 villages and three districts are now officially classified as out of poverty.

Alongside this progress, living standards across the province have continued to improve. A total of 24,455 families have been recognized as developed households, while 80 villages have achieved developed village status. In addition, three large villages have evolved into rural town centers, and three districts have been designated as developed districts.

Efforts to promote exemplary livelihoods have also gained momentum through model family programs, which have been implemented in seven villages. In Saysettha district alone, 97 families have been recognized as model households, including 30 farming families and 53 livestock-raising families.

Tanuxay noted that poverty reduction remains a central priority for the provincial administration. He said state investment, policy bank credit, grants, loans, and community contributions have been strategically directed toward infrastructure development and livelihood support.

These measures, he added, have strengthened production capacity, improved access to basic services, and raised living conditions, particularly in rural and remote areas, while laying a stronger foundation for long-term economic and social development across Attapeu Province.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/26/attapeu-reports-major-poverty-reduction-29289-families-lifted/

Asian Development Bank Approves Funds for Forestry Restoration Project in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 10 million in funding for the Responsible Forestry Project Phase I in Laos. The package includes a USD 5 million concessional loan from ADB’s ordinary capital resources and a USD 5 million grant.

The project aims to tackle forest degradation, enhance climate resilience, and support the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities in Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Vientiane Capital.

ADB emphasized that public funding alone is insufficient to reverse the damage, highlighting the need for increased private investment in forest restoration, tree planting, and conservation-focused ecotourism.

Phase I will focus on identifying existing challenges and preparing technical and feasibility studies for Phase II. It will also promote collaboration among relevant stakeholders to develop commercial plantations and conservation initiatives.

The project is expected to strengthen institutional capacity and create opportunities for local communities to participate in forestry activities while benefiting economically from sustainable forest management.

Forests cover approximately 62 percent of Laos and provide employment for more than 65 percent of the workforce. However, unsustainable practices have caused widespread degradation, resulting in economic losses estimated at nearly 19 percent of the country’s gross domestic product each year.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/25/asian-development-bank-approves-funds-for-forestry-restoration-project-in-laos/

International Tourism in Laos Surges 13 Percent in First 10 Months of 2025

Laos welcomed nearly 3.8 million international tourists in the first ten months of 2025, a 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

In figures released on 7 December, the Tourism Development Department confirmed that ASEAN nations dominated visitor arrivals, comprising 60.84 percent of the total. Thailand spearheaded regional tourism with 1,236,626 arrivals, trailed by Vietnam at 959,575, China at 914,194, South Korea at 151,010, and Russia at 60,598.

Nature-based and cultural heritage sites emerged as key magnets for travelers, with Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, Khammouane, and Champasack registering the strongest visitor footfall.

Luang Prabang also witnessed remarkable growth, hosting over 2.15 million tourists both domestic and international in just the first seven months of 2025, an 83.8 percent leap from 2024.

The UNESCO heritage town gained even more international attention when Lonely Planet named it Asia’s top destination for 2025, praising its history, temples, markets, and eco-friendly tourism. 

In 2024, Laos received over 4.1 million tourists, generating USD 1.1 billion in revenue. The country now aims to exceed its 2025 target of 4.3 million international tourists by year-end.

source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/12/09/international-tourism-in-laos-surges-13-percent-in-first-10-months-of-2025/