Lao Airlines to Operate Flights from Pakse to China Starting Mid-2023

This year, Lao Airlines will launch new routes from Pakse to major cities in China to attract more visitors from the country.

The new routes will operate from Pakse to Hong Kong, Haikou, Sanya, Chengdu, and other prominent cities of China starting in mid-2023.

Lao Airlines will also conduct a feasibility study of direct flights from Pakse-Singapore, Pakse-Seoul, and Pakse-Fukuoka in Japan.

Seeing the potential of Pakse as a prominent tourist spot and considering that the Pakse International Airport allows 30-day visa-on-arrival for several countries, Siphandone Tourism Company in Siphandone Special Economic Zone signed an official aircraft lease agreement with Lao Airlines in Vientiane earlier this month to help expand its service.

The flag carrier eventually plans to start more flights from Pakse to more major cities in ASEAN countries and places in China like Hainan Island, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Kunming, and Changsha which have a flying time of 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Lao Airlines had earlier announced its plans to start flights to more cities in China from Vientiane to help boost tourism and travel between both countries.

The Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism also recently permitted the return of outbound group tours to twenty nations, including Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/17/lao-airlines-to-operate-flights-from-pakse-to-china-starting-mid-2023/

Vientiane’s Feuang District Expects Over 100,000 Tourists in 2023

After seeing over 45,000 tourists since the country reopened its borders in May last year, Feuang district is expecting more than 100,000 tourists in 2023, said the district’s governor.

The Governor of Vientiane Province’s Feuang district, Mr. Khamphet Chansomphou recently announced that the district has seen 46,000 tourists from May 2022 till January 2023.

He further informed that Thai tourists account for 30-40 percent of hotel room reservations recorded, with the remaining visitors coming from Laos, Japan, South Korea, Europe, America, and other countries.

With the growing rate at which travelers are returning to the district, the governor hopes to attract over 100,000 tourists this year.

Mr. Khamphet also revealed a plan to develop multiple tourist sites in the district, including Pha Luang cave and several waterfalls, as well as to construct floating houses beneath the Nam Lik Hydroelectric Dam.

He also mentioned a LAK 6 billion project for bridge construction over the river from Feuang district to the other side for residents and tourists to travel during both dry and wet seasons. The project is expected to begin this year.

Feuang district is one of Vientiane province’s most prominent districts with a population of more than 50,000 individuals. It would take only an hour by bus if one is traveling on the Vientiane-Vang Vieng highway from Vientiane Capital to the Feuang district.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/17/vientianes-feuang-district-expects-over-100000-tourists-in-2023/

Five Unique Romantic Hideaways to Take Your Partner in Laos

Amid the celebration of all things love and romance, here are five uniquely beautiful destinations in Laos you can take your special someone for an unforgettable romantic getaway.

  1. Picnic by the River at Khok-Hae

Enjoy a truly romantic day as you and your partner watch a sunset by the Khok-Hae River. Located in Vientiane’s Sangthong District, the site is only a short drive from the city center. Bring food, drinks, and camping equipment for a romantic riverside dinner.

For more information, check out the Lao Thia Lao Facebook page.

2. Sunset View at Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang

Climb to the top of Phousi Mountain in Luang Prabang to find the most magical sight of the UNESCO World Heritage town. Try and visit in the early evening to enjoy the view as the sun sets over the Mekong River.

This sacred mountain is located here in the middle of downtown Luang Prabang.

3. Stargazing at Phou Doikao, Xayaboury Province

Take your partner up to the northwest of Laos and observe the glistening evening skies of Xayaboury. Located around 95 km north of Xayaboury municipality, Phou Doikao is the perfect place to visit for avid campers and adventurers alike. Spectacular views in both the mornings and evenings will make for a rewarding trip.

The location of the stargazing site is here. For more information, click here.

4. Adventurous Day Out at Nam Kat Yorlapa, Oudomxay Province

If you are an adventurous couple but want some creature comforts afterward, then Nam Kat Yorlapa is the place for you. Located in the north of Laos, this is a retreat away from the noise and crowds of the cities. This resort is a satisfying and luxurious site to suit any couple.  

The location of the resort is here, and more information can be found at the official website of Nam Kat Yorla Pa.

5. Swim At Sadee Waterfall, Savannakhet Province

Enjoy the scenery as mother nature provides the perfect spot for a quick dip under one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Laos. The area provides the perfect atmosphere for a dreamy afternoon date. Make sure to bring food and beverages as these are not sold at the site.

The waterfall is tucked away here. More information can be found here.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/14/five-unique-romantic-hideaways-to-take-your-partner-in-laos/

2023 ASEAN Tourism Standard Award Winners

4th ASEAN Homestay Award

Lao PDR

  • Nayang Tai Village, Luang Prabang Province
  • Vieng Neua Village, Luang Namtha Province
  • Na Duang Village, Vientiane Province
  • Hua Don Daeng Village, Champasak Province
  • Don Kho Village, Champasak Province

3rd CBT Award

Lao PDR

  • Nam Pien Yorlapa, Vientiane Capital
  • Nathong Village, Vientiane Province
  • Nayang Tai Village, Luang Prabang Province
  • Gneung waterfall, Champasak Province
  • Nong Luang Village, Champasak Province

2nd Public Toilet Award

Lao PDR

  • Public Toilet, Vat Phou Champasak Lao 2nd World Heritage, Champasak Province
  • Public Toilet, Kuangsi Waterfall, LuangPrabang Province
  • Public Toilet, Tham Nang Fa Tourist Site, Vientiane Province
  • Public Toilet, Phouphet-Phoukham Waterfall, Luang Numtha Province
  • Public Toilet, Nong Spang Land, Vientiane Capital

2nd Spa Award

Lao PDR

  • Champa Spa, Vientiane Capital
  • Lily Skincare and Spa, Vientiane Capital
  • Pullman Spa, Pullman Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province
  • Spa Na Vientiane, Vientiane Capital
  • Le Spa, Sofitel LuangPrabang, LuangPrabang Province

Past Years’ Winners

  1. 2016 Green Hotel Awardees 
  2. 2016 Homestay Awardees 
  3. 2018 Sustainable Tourism Awards 
  4. 2020 Sustainable Tourism Awards

Source: https://www.visitsoutheastasia.travel/plan-your-trip/facts-planning/awards/

Almost 1.3 Million Tourists Visited Laos in 2022

Laos recorded close to 1.3 million tourists visiting the country between January and December last year.

The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism reported that 1,294,338 people visited Laos in 2022.

Most international visitors were from Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and the United States.

The number of tourists increased after the country reopened its borders with the number of international tourists rising from 36,006 in May to 175,419 people in June, according to the report.

The country welcomed 731,754 visitors from Thailand, 359,721 from Vietnam, 45,573 from China, 26,008 from South Korea, and 18,447 from the US.

Laos has set a goal of attracting 1.4 million international tourists in 2023 with revenue from the tourism sector estimated to reach USD 340 million.

With the Lao Thiao Lao domestic tourism campaign continuing in 2023, the government of Laos hopes to continue attracting domestic tourists as well as visitors from abroad.

Last month, Laos was listed by Traveller, an Australian online publication, as one of the 25 hottest destinations in 2023.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/16/almost-1-3-million-tourists-visited-laos-in-2022/

Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam & Myanmar Economies to Get Stronger in 2023

The Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center has predicted that these countries will see a momentum in economic growth this year, but it will be less than its growth potential before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Thai bank, the rebound will vary across these nations, based on economic fundamentals and risks specific to each country.

The report released on February 1 expects Vietnam to see the highest economic growth of 6.2 percent, followed by the Cambodian economy that will grow 5.5% in 2023, Laos and Myanmar come third in the list with an anticipated 3% annual growth.

A domestic demand for goods and services alongside tourism are said to be key factors that will drive economic recovery for these SE Asian countries in 2023.

Improvements in the labor market would assist in increasing domestic demand and Vietnam’s fourth quarter employment rates of 2022 has already been reported to have increased to its highest level since the outbreak of COVID-19.

With China reopening its borders last month, the service sector will also get a shot in the arm from more international tourists visiting these countries. In 2019, Chinese travelers comprised of around 30-35% of total foreign travelers.

Outbound group tours to Cambodia and Laos are resuming again from February 6, and more countries are expected be added to the list in the near future.

The report expects Cambodia and Vietnam to benefit the most from an increased influx of visitors, as the tourism industry accounts for 18.2% and 9.8% of their GDP, respectively.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/06/laos-cambodia-vietnam-myanmar-economies-to-get-stronger-in-2023/

Laos is Third Most Searched-for Tourist Destination Among Thais in 2022

Laos was the third most popular country that Thai people searched for on Google Trends in 2022, according to the media website Kapook.

Kapook has revealed the top ten countries in 2022 that Thai people searched for the most while looking for holiday spots, and Laos ranked third on the list, behind Singapore and Vietnam.

Japan took fourth place, followed by South Korea, Taiwan, Georgia, and Malaysia.

The website describes Laos as a country having a rich natural environment as well as distinct customs and culture.

“Being one of Thailand’s closest ASEAN neighbors, Laos is rich in tourist attractions, magnificent landscape, and distinct cultures and traditions,” it says.

“Laos has a comparable topography, climate, language, and manner of life to the Thai people. As a result, Laos is another popular country that Thai people searched for the most on Google in 2022.”

Additionally, Laos was listed as one of the top destinations to visit in 2023 in Traveller, an Australian travel magazine due to its laid-back appeal and the deep cultural beauty of its well-known provinces, such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiane Capital.

Thanks to all the international publicity, Laos is hoping to attract 1.4 million international tourists this year with the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism Ms. Suanesavanh Vignaket urging officials in the tourism sector to work harder to strengthen operations, improve local infrastructure, and create new tourism products.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/08/laos-is-third-most-searched-for-tourist-destination-among-thais-in-2022/

South Korea’s Biggest Low Cost Carrier Expands Flights to Laos and Vietnam

Jeju Air, South Korea’s largest low-cost carrier, will start operating flights between Laos and Korea from 20 April.

The company stated that flights will commence after three years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jeju Air plans to resume services on its Incheon to Vientiane, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh routes.

In 2019, the budget carrier operated eight routes to five Vietnamese cities namely Danang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. However, most of the routes were suspended in early 2020 when the Covid pandemic adversely affected the airline industry.

Last year the company resumed flights from Incheon to Danang and Nha Trang, along with the Busan-Da Nang route as the travel industry began to revive its operations in June 2022 after many countries reopened their borders for international travel.

Jeju Air aims to turn around this year after reporting losses for three consecutive years as eased Covid restrictions have led to demand for travel going up again, reports Yonhap News Agency.

Laos has also seen an increase in tourism following its reopening in May last year. Experts predict the numbers to increase by a large margin, with Laos mentioned by several notable news agencies as one of the top destinations to visit in 2023.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/10/south-koreas-biggest-low-cost-carrier-expands-flights-to-laos-and-vietnam/

Laos Prepares to Host ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2024

As ASEAN Chair in 2024, Laos will also host the ASEAN Tourism Forum in January, allowing nations in the bloc to discuss matters related to travel and tourism.

TTG Weekly reports that the Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), a regional marketplace and fair for ASEAN country members, will be held at the Lao-ITECC Exhibition Centre in Vientiane Capital, but the location of the conference has yet to be publicized.

Ms. Sengsoda Vanthanouvong, Deputy Director-General of the Tourism Marketing Department under the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, said she expects about 350 businesses from across Southeast Asia and 200 visitors will participate next year.

“It will be an opportunity for Laos to showcase new products and services in Vientiane and elsewhere, as well as our local hospitality to tourism professionals,” she said.

ASEAN foreign ministers met on Saturday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia to discuss collaborative ways to carry out the 2016-2025 ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP).

Mrs. Suanesavanh Vignaket, Minister of Culture, Information, and Tourism, who attended the event, told the media that by hosting the ATF in 2024, Laos aims to strengthen its cooperation and further improve its tourism products in order to attract more international tourists and contribute to the local community.

Laos last hosted the ASEAN Tourism Forum in 2013 in the capital city of Vientiane.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/02/10/laos-prepares-to-host-asean-tourism-forum-in-2024/

Laos Featured in Australian Travel Publication Among Best Places to Visit in 2023

Laos has been listed by an Australian travel publication as one of the best places to visit this year.

Traveller, an Australian online publication, has highlighted Laos among 10 countries in the 25 hottest destinations in 2023.

The article reads, “Anyone who has visited Laos in the past would know well its laidback charms, from the deeply cultural beauty of Luang Prabang to the adventure capital of Vang Vieng and the youthful energy of Vientiane.”

“What they would also know is the time necessary to get around this undulating, landlocked country, on winding roads aboard cramped minivans.”

But the story introduces the newly-completed Laos-China Railway, which connects Vientiane Capital to the northern provinces.

“However, things have changed. This year Laos welcomed the opening of the China-funded Boten-Vientiane railway, a high-speed rail link between the nation’s capital and its northern border.”

“The train calls through tourist favorites such as Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Muang Xay, and has totally changed the game for independent travelers hoping to see the country quickly and comfortably.”

“Vientiane to Luang Prabang, for example, takes two hours on the train – the drive is six-and-a-half. Get here and experience this country before everyone else does.”

Laos is quickly becoming the “it country” for travel in 2023, topping the travel lists of several renowned publications, including CNN, National Geographic, Wanderlust, and Fodor’s.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2023/01/27/laos-featured-in-australian-travel-publication-as-best-place-to-visit-in-2023/