Laos is One of National Geographic’s Top Five Spots for Slow Travel

After selecting Laos as one of the 25 most breathtaking places one should visit in 2023, the popular magazine has curated a new list that features the country once again.

Slow travel is a more mindful way of traveling that enables one to immerse themselves in the culture of a place, its food, its music, and its people and make memories instead of just ticking off items from one’s bucket list.

And Laos is the first destination that is highlighted for its “community-led conservation efforts; groundbreaking work in ecotourism, sustainability, and inclusive travel; and meaningful ways for travelers to give back”.

Subtitled, Board a new train that makes the country’s wonders more accessible, the article highlights how the many wonders of the country are much more accessible now thanks to the high-speed electric trains of the Laos-China Railway.

It says, “The Southeast Asian country known for its emerald-green vistas of the Upper Mekong River got a boost in domestic travel with the December 2021 inauguration of a Chinese-financed and -constructed bullet train christened the Lane Xang, an ancient Laotian name meaning Kingdom of a Million Elephants. The train’s route features a 260-mile segment within Laos, starting at the border town of Boten and running through 75 tunnels and across 167 bridges, before terminating in the capital, Vientiane.

“The train’s promise? To expand tourism among the Lao themselves, who can now more easily explore their country’s multifaceted heritage, including the old imperial capital, Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.”

Like last time, Laos is the only Asian country to feature in this esteemed list that encourages people to travel in a way that is kinder to the environment while also seeking out moments of escape, self-reflection and relaxation.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/11/09/laos-is-one-of-national-geographics-top-five-spots-for-slow-travel/

Lao Hotels, Restaurants Are All Set to Welcome Tourists in the High Season

Hotels and restaurants in Laos have upgraded their standards to provide an even better service for tourists during high season, says an industry representative.

“We are ready to welcome and serve tourists who plan to visit Laos during this high season,” said the Lao Hotel and Restaurant Association President, Mr. Pakasith Chanthapanya ahead of the upcoming That Luang festival.

Laos has been recently seeing an uptick of tourists pouring in from around the world following the government’s order to reopen the country in May 2022, after two years of living under international Covid-19 restriction policies.

Mr. Pakasith informed that many hotels and restaurants utilized the pandemic period to train their staff and improve service quality to prepare for the return of tourists once the restrictions were lifted. He also urged other businesses in the hospitality industry to follow suit as they form the backbone of the Lao Tourism industry.

He added, “Now that the situation concerning Covid-19 has improved, we are starting to see international tourists traveling again. Laos is one of the top destinations for tourists.” Laos has also made it to travel lists curated by prestigious magazines like National Geographic and Wanderlust.

According to the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the number of foreign tourists visiting Laos grew from nearly 36,000 in May to almost 172,000 in June, bringing the total to roughly 212,000 in the first half of this year. They also estimated that approximately one million visitors would visit Laos in 2022. So far, more than half the tourists visiting Laos have been from Thailand, 30 percent from Vietnam, and 10 percent from other countries.

Mr. Pakasith said that travelling on the high-speed Laos-China railway would remain a primary attraction for visitors from neighboring countries, particularly Thailand. He was also positive that once China eases its international travel rules, Laos can expect to welcome numerous Chinese tourists, which will benefit local hotels and restaurants.

Lastly, he voiced his belief that Lao business owners, with their extensive knowledge and skilled workforce, will provide excellent service to foreign tourists.

“Generally, Lao people are kind and generous; this is the strength of our service sector and makes tourists feel at home,” he said.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/11/04/lao-hotels-restaurants-are-all-set-to-welcome-tourists-in-the-high-season/

Russia Starts Direct Flight to Laos from Vladivostok to Vientiane

The first flight operated by Ural Airlines flying non-stop from Vladivostok, Russia, landed at Wattay International Airport on Saturday evening.

The flight was welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr. Viengsavanh Siphandone, Russian Ambassador to Laos H.E. Mr. Vladimir A. Kalinin, and his delegation.

Going forward, an Airbus A320neo will be plying every Saturday between Vladivostok to Vientiane, and flight time will be 6 hours and 25 minutes. The round-trip fare is approximately 115,000 rubles (USD 1,869).

Around 117 passengers were aboard the first flight and if this number increases substantially Ural Airlines is likely to operate at least two weekly flights, possibly with a larger aircraft, to meet the demand.

Several Lao students who traveled on the flight took to social media to say how excited they were to have a direct flight to their home country. The opening of this flight route will also help in boosting business and tourism between both countries.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/31/russia-starts-direct-flight-to-laos-from-vladivostok-to-vientiane/

National Geographic Lists Laos as Breathtaking Travel Destination for 2023

National Geographic, one of the most widely-read and respected magazines in the world, has selected Laos as one of the 25 most breathtaking places one should visit in 2023.

Laos is the only ASEAN country featured in the ‘annual list of superlative destinations’ and it is placed under the header of ‘Community: Where conservation benefits everyone’ with specific experiences in other countries like Greece, the US, Canada, and Ghana.

“Board a new high-speed train that makes lesser known regions of Laos accessible to tourists and brings economic opportunities to locals,” says the article about the Laos-China Railway whose bullet trains can clock up to 160 km/hr.

Through the Laos Travel Guide on its website, the publication introduces Laos and its numerous travel destinations to readers and travelers.

“Laos is Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, yet, paradoxically, life revolves around water. Running the length of the mainly mountainous country is the mighty Mekong River, which floods rice fields, creates vital fish habitat, and serves as the main highway and water source.”

“Villages clustered along the river regularly host backpackers drawn to the country’s exquisite French colonial architecture and stunning palaces and temples, but, the rugged terrain keeps Laos blissfully off the typical tourist trail,” says National Geographic.

Also this week, a prominent UK-based travel magazine has cited Laos as one of the 20 best places to visit in January 2023. It is the top ASEAN country on the list, ranking sixth, while Vietnam was featured in the No.8 position.

Laos has already seen over one million tourists this year, including 644,756 international visitors. The government expects to attract at least 900,000 foreign visitors in 2022, which could lead to over USD 218 million in revenue.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/27/national-geographic-lists-laos-as-breathtaking-travel-destination-for-2023/

Laos Touted as One of the Best Places to Visit in 2023

Curated by the well-known travel magazine, Wanderlust, famous tourist spots in Laos have made it on the list of best places to visit in the world in January 2023.

Laos has been selected as among the 20 best places to visit in January 2023 by Wanderlust, UK’s leading independent travel magazine. It is the top ASEAN country on the list, ranking sixth, while Vietnam was featured in the No.8 position.

“We’d certainly recommend getting to grips with the Paris-esque charms of the capital, Vientiane, and taking your sweet time in Luang Prabang. There are, after all, over 33 temples to see, seemingly endless stretches of night market stalls, and even a mountain to climb: Mount Phou Si,” says the article.

Si Phan Don, also known as the Four Thousand Islands, Khon Phapheng waterfall, and Pakse City were listed as picturesque destinations to visit along the Mekong River as well.

A foreign travel expert in Laos, Jason Rolan, suggests a few more places to add to this already enviable list.

“In January, it will also be nice to take advantage of the climate in Laos’ northern regions like Xieng Khouang, Phongsaly, and Houaphan.

“Tourists often believe that Southeast Asia is all tropical, but in these places, one can experience chilly mornings and wake up to a sea of fog. But it’s not just the weather, the natural landscapes, diverse ethnic groups, and rich histories here also make them worth exploring again and again,” he informs.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/24/laos-touted-as-one-of-the-best-places-to-visit-in-2023/

Over a Million Tourists Visit Laos This Year

Laos has seen an increasing number of visitors traveling to the country ever since it removed its travel restrictions in May following the Covid-19 crisis.

Laos recorded over a million tourists traveling in the country between January to September, resulting in a 39 percent rise in visitors compared to last year. A total of 644,756 international visitors are also included in the figures, primarily from Thailand and Vietnam.

Statistics have shown that the average visitor on a group tour usually stays in the country for 2.5 days and spends roughly USD 45 per day. On the other hand, people on individual trips, stay for 7.9 days on average and spend around USD 83 daily.

Tourism authorities are expecting to receive over USD 225 million in revenue from local and international tourists this year. They are also increasing their effort to revitalize tourism-related businesses and generate income to reduce poverty levels.

The Tourism Management Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism held a meeting on Tuesday, to discuss the current situation regarding accommodation and restaurant facilities being offered around popular tourist destinations.

The meeting saw attendance from the department’s Director General, Ms. Darany Phommavongsa, who represented Vientiane and the provinces of Vientiane, Xaysomboun, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Savannakhet, and other interested parties.

Ms. Darany informed that various challenges must be dealt with, primarily related to immigration procedures at border crossings, transport, accommodation, and food to ensure a seamless stay for travelers.

The discussion also looked at ways tourism can be modernized and streamlined in the country, in accordance with green and sustainable development targets.

The government is hopeful of attracting 900,000 foreign visitors this year, which could generate over USD 218 million in revenue. It could also help Laos to restore its foreign currency reserves to an extent, which is vital for importing essential goods.

The Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism have developed the Lao Tourism Development Strategic Plan for 2021-2025, which is in line with the government’s policy of promoting the country’s natural, cultural, historical, and agricultural attractions to strengthen ‘green tourism’ and its sustainability.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/20/over-a-million-tourists-visit-laos-this-year/

Thai Smile to Resume Flights from Bangkok to Luang Prabang

Thai Smile Airways will restart direct daily flights between Bangkok and Luang Prabang at the end of this month.

The flights to the UNESCO World Heritage Town will start on October 30, according to the Thai Smile Airways website. The airline now also offers morning and afternoon flights between Vientiane and Bangkok.

Thai Smile Airways will operate daily flights to Luang Prabang with its A320 fleet, and the flight time will be around one hour and twenty-five minutes. Round trips start at USD 205 per person.

Thai Smile Airways suspended all international flights in March 2020 during the Covid-19 outbreak and is in the process of restoring flights on all its global routes.

There has be an increase in the number of flights operating between Thailand and Luang Prabang recently as Thai AirAsia also flies daily to Luang Prabang from Dom Mueang airport, and Bangkok Airways will resume daily flights to Luang Prabang just after Thai Smile on November 1.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/21/thai-smile-airways-to-resume-flights-from-bangkok-to-luang-prabang/

Laos Announces Criteria for Honorary Citizenship to Foreign Nationals

The government of Laos has issued the eligibility requirements for honorary citizenship and special privileges to foreign nationals.

A recent decree No.14 issued by the government states that foreign nationals who are granted honorary citizenship are exempt from visa requirements for exiting and entering Laos and can choose to reside in the country permanently.

They are also eligible to purchase land on a state-owned property for a specified period and lease both state and privately-owned land.

Foreign national applicants must meet several criteria to receive honorary Lao citizens.

Applicants be at least 18 years old, abide by the Lao constitution and laws, have never been imprisoned for an intentional crime, and are in good health without any history of illegal drug use or conviction.

Prominent businessmen are eligible to apply if they have donated at least USD 500,000 towards the country’s socio-economic development as well as brought in USD 1 million in foreign investment to Laos before applying.

Professional qualifications or expertise equivalent to a doctorate or professor level, in addition to exceptional abilities, will also be preferred in applications for honorary citizenship which can be submitted for consideration to the Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a Lao representative mission in the applicant’s home country.

Honorary citizens would be prohibited from interfering and threatening government officials, breaking the law, bribing and receiving bribes, and participating in illegal political movements.

The Ministry of Justice is required to review the application within five business days and evaluate the application for 30 days before forwarding it to the government for further review.

This new policy has been introduced to recognize the outstanding contribution that foreigners have made to socio-economic development in Laos.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/21/laos-announces-criteria-for-honorary-citizenship-to-foreign-nationals/

Over 300,000 Tourists Visit Laos Capital in 2022

Vientiane Capital has welcomed more than 300,000 foreign tourists this year, according to officials.

The number was revealed during a recent consultation workshop held in Vientiane on 23 September between the public sector and the business sector on ways to revive tourism.

The meeting, hosted by the Vientiane Capital Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, revealed that the number of foreign tourists who came to visit the nation’s capital through tour operators registered in Vientiane has increased to more than 5,000 people.

At the same time, over 1,000 Lao tourists traveled outbound to foreign countries through Vientiane-based tour operators, according to officials.

Tourists in Bangkok, Thailand
Tourists in Bangkok, Thailand.

Laos and Thailand Visit Each Other

Laos also made up the fifth largest nationality for tourism arrivals in Thailand, with information from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) suggesting that over 157,000 visitors from Laos arrived in Thailand between March and July this year.

Malaysian, Singaporean, Indian, and UK tourists made up the other amounts.

During the same period, Laos recorded a steady stream of visitors from Thailand, with the high-speed Laos-China Railway being a big attraction.

Most Thai tourists visited the UNESCO Heritage Town of Luang Prabang, as well as short stays in Vang Vieng and Vientiane Capital.

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/10/03/over-300000-tourists-visit-laos-capital-in-2022/

Luang Prabang Film Festival to Return in December

For the first time in more than three years, the Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) returns as a free and live event, from 8 – 11 December.

The UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos, will once again host filmmakers, film industry professionals, and fans of Southeast Asian cinema at this annual event.

In cooperation with the Luang Prabang Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism, LPFF will present four days of regional film sourced, as always, exclusively from across Southeast Asia.

In 2020, LPFF presented a free virtual festival throughout the region. Twenty-four features, ten shorts, and eight film favorites from prior LPFF events reached thousands of viewers in ten countries. Further cutbacks during the pandemic made a 2021 event impossible.

This year, says LPFF Executive Director Sean Chadwell, “when our government partners approached us in May, the day the Lao borders reopened, the path back to a live event wasn’t clear at all. At that point, we had an office,” he laughs, “only because it’s the norm to pay rent here several months in advance. No staff. Nothing in the bank.”

By early June, partner commitments — from Lao Telecom, M Money, and The Asia Foundation — support from the local hospitality community, and dedicated volunteers had kick-started the effort to produce a comeback festival.

“It’s a typical story arc,” Chadwell points out, “where you think the good guy is down for the count but he manages to haul himself back up for the fight. The only thing we’re missing is the soundtrack.”

This year, audiences can expect more than 20 feature films from across Southeast Asia, public discussions and Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, and the easygoing, cinephilic atmosphere for which LPFF is known.

The festival is also known for big crowds — Luang Prabang has no operating movie theater, so its December event is a rare treat for local audiences. More than 1,000 viewers routinely fill its main night venue, which showcases primarily Lao and Thai content. This year, LPFF will add a second, smaller night venue in order to offer a few more selections from around the rest of the region.

From 2016 through 2019, LPFF also hosted a regional Talent Lab for developing concepts for feature films, in cooperation with the Tribeca Film Institute (TFI). “That won’t yet return,” Chadwell says, “but since TFI’s dissolution in 2020 we’ve quietly been working on delivering Labs again in 2023.”

He points out that two recent Southeast Asian successes, Kavich Neang’s White Building (2021, Cambodia) and Martika Ramirez Escobar’s Leonor Will Never Die (2022, Philippines) were both at the LPFF Talent Lab in 2016. “We can’t wait to welcome filmmaker creatives back to Luang Prabang,” he says.

In May 2022, Laos fully opened to international tourists. Hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and outdoor food courts, the Luang Prabang night market, shops and tourist attractions such as Kuang Si Waterfalls and the National Museum (the former Royal Palace) in Luang Prabang have reopened to welcome visitors. The Lao e-visa is now available for tourists as well as visa on arrival at select entry points.

A full festival line-up will be announced in October.  All festival events are open to the public and free of charge.

LPFF receives support from corporate sponsors, non-governmental organizations, embassies, and private donors to celebrate Southeast Asian film at the festival and to support the ongoing development of the Lao film industry year-round.

To stay up-to-date on the Luang Prabang Film Festival and its activities, follow the project on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lpfilmfest) or visit its website (www.lpfilmfest.org).

Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/09/17/luang-prabang-film-festival-to-return-in-december/