Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have jointly announced a ban on the use of power banks during flights, citing growing safety concerns over lithium battery-related incidents in aviation.
Under the new policy, passengers are no longer permitted to use portable chargers to power or recharge their devices while onboard.
Passengers are now required to remove power banks from their carry-on luggage prior to boarding and keep them in a visible location throughout the flight. While these devices may still be brought onboard in limited quantities, their use during the flight, including charging them via the aircraft’s USB ports. is strictly prohibited.
The move follows increasing global scrutiny of lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, which are widely used in power banks due to their high energy density. However, these batteries are also highly sensitive to heat, impact, and rapid changes in air pressure. Such sensitivity raises the risk of battery malfunctions, including short circuits, overheating, and in severe cases, fire or explosion.
These dangers are significantly heightened when batteries are stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold, where temperature and pressure can fluctuate dramatically and where strong vibrations are more common.
Compounding the risk is the fact that checked baggage is less closely monitored during flight, meaning any incident involving a power bank in the cargo area may go undetected until it becomes critical. As a result, both airlines continue to enforce a strict ban on transporting power banks in checked luggage.
Under current aviation safety regulations, passengers are allowed to carry a limited number of batteries in their hand luggage.
Devices with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours, which typically translates to around 20,000 milliamp-hours at 5 volts, are allowed in quantities of up to ten per passenger.
For larger power banks, with capacities between 100 and 160 watt-hours (or approximately 20,000 to 32,000 milliamp-hours), the limit is two per person. Any power bank that exceeds 160 watt-hours or 32,000 milliamp-hours is not permitted on board under any circumstances.
Both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet urge passengers to verify the specifications of their devices before traveling and to adhere strictly to all safety guidelines.
The new regulations aim to minimize in-flight risks and ensure the continued safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/15/vietnam-airlines-vietjet-ban-use-of-power-banks-in-flight-due-to-safety-risks/
Vientiane Province to Upgrade Tourism Sector with USD-7-million Deluxe Hotel Project
Authorities in Vang Vieng are moving forward with plans to develop the district into a higher-end tourism destination, with a USD 7 million investment in a new 5-star hotel project.
The planned hotel will be 11 storeys high and built on a site covering 8,164 square metres in Meuangxong village, Vangvieng district.
Local officials said the development is intended to serve growing visitor numbers while also creating employment opportunities for nearby residents.
The project was developed through a joint venture between the Vientiane Provincial Planning and Investment Department and the Vientiane International Cultural and Tourism Fortune Link Company Limited.
Under the agreement, the company will have a 50-year concession to build and operate the hotel, with construction expected to take three years.
At the end of the concession period, ownership of the land and building will revert to the provincial government. The agreement also allows for an extension, provided the investor complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
The developer is required to follow national investment and environmental regulations and to ensure the project delivers measurable benefits to the local economy.
Vang Vieng has seen increasing tourist interest in recent years. The district recorded 1.4 million visitors in 2024 and aims to attract 2 million in 2025, targeting revenue of around LAK 1,700 billion (USD 78.6 million). In addition to infrastructure upgrades, local authorities are promoting annual events like the Nang Sangkhan and Sweet Orange festivals to draw more visitors.
Known for its adventure tourism, Vang Vieng was recently listed among Asia’s top eight destinations for solo backpackers in 2025 by The Times of India
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/23/vientiane-province-to-upgrade-tourism-sector-with-usd-7-million-deluxe-hotel-project/
Laos–China Railway Drives Surge in Trade, Travel Across Borders
Since its launch in December 2021, the Laos-China Railway has significantly enhanced Laos’s connectivity and economic activity. The Lao section alone has transported more than 2.6 million passengers, while the entire line has served over 59 million travelers, including 580,000 cross-border passengers.
Daily train services in Laos have increased from just four at the start to 18 per day, improving convenience for both domestic and international travel. The Vientiane–Kunming service, introduced in April 2023, has quickly gained popularity. Monthly passenger traffic along the full line has grown from 600,000 at launch to over 1.6 million, indicating strong and rising demand.
Freight transport has also expanded rapidly. According to China Railway Kunming Bureau Group Co.,Ltd, by September 2025, the line had carried over 67.6 million tons of cargo, including 15 million tons of cross-border shipments.
Laos is now linked to 19 countries and regions, creating an efficient two-way trade corridor.
Major Lao exports include tropical fruits, cassava, rubber, and minerals, while Chinese exports to Laos include electronics, vehicles, solar panels, and daily essentials.
Cargo categories have grown from just a few at launch to over 3,300 types of goods, and new logistics services, including the “Lancang–Mekong Express” and China-Laos Railway + China-Europe Express. freight trains have cut delivery times to Europe to as little as 15 days.
Economic Impact and Future Plans
Looking ahead, efforts are focused on increasing train capacity, modernizing logistics, and improving cross-border services, as a golden channel.
As a key Belt and Road Initiative project, the Laos – China Railway is helping Laos transform from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” country, connecting it more efficiently with Southeast Asia, China, and Europe.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/23/laos-china-railway-drives-surge-in-trade-travel-across-borders/
Laos, Timor-Leste Implement 30-Day Visa-Free Travel
Laos and Timor-Leste have implemented a 30-day visa waiver for citizens holding ordinary passports, effective 15 August. The agreement allows people of both countries to travel visa-free for up to 30 days.
The two countries first signed a visa exemption agreement covering official and diplomatic passports on 8 October 2024. They expanded the agreement in May this year to include ordinary passport holders.
On the same day in 2024, both governments also signed a long-term deal on the exchange of land and property to establish embassies in each other’s capitals, further strengthening bilateral ties.
Timor-Leste has been an observer of ASEAN since November 2022 and is set to become the bloc’s 11th member at the 47th ASEAN Summit this October in Kuala Lumpur.
The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who currently holds ASEAN’s 2025 Chairmanship.
In July, Laos and Belarus signed an agreement allowing citizens with national passports to travel between the two countries visa-free.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/22/laos-timor-leste-implement-30-day-visa-free-travel/
Tourist Arrivals in Laos Increased by 15 Percent in First Eight Months of 2025
Laos welcomed over 3,061,928 international tourists in the first eight months of 2025, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Tourism Development Department.
ASEAN visitors remain the largest group, with Thailand leading at 977,675 arrivals, followed by Vietnam with 790,403, China with 750,650, South Korea with 127,379, and the United States with 49,934.
The most popular attractions continue to be nature-based and cultural tourism, with Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, Luang Prabang, and Champasack drawing the highest numbers of visitors.
Luang Prabang alone recorded over 2.15 million tourists in the first seven months of 2025, an 83.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Champasack, home to the Vat Phu UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcomed more than 426,126 visitors in the same period last year.
In 2024, Laos received over 4.1 million tourists generating USD 1.1 billion in revenue, the country aims to exceed its 2025 target of 4.3 million visitors by year-end.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/19/tourist-arrivals-in-laos-increased-by-15-percent-in-first-eight-months-of-2025/
Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng Ranked in Asia’s Top 8 by Times of India
Luang Prabang and Vangvieng are among Asia’s top eight destinations for solo backpackers in 2025, according to The Times of India, one of the country’s leading English-language publications.
In a social media story, the publication described Laos as “slower-paced than its neighbors” and “more offbeat,” positioning it as an ideal escape for travelers seeking to avoid crowded hotspots.
Luang Prabang was highlighted for its deep Buddhist heritage, offering a glimpse into centuries-old spiritual traditions.
Meanwhile, Vang Vieng earned praise as Laos’ adventure hub, where visitors can enjoy cave explorations and take in panoramic views on hot-air balloon rides.
Other destinations included in The Times of India’s top eight list are Siem Reap in Cambodia, Chiang Mai in Thailand, Hanoi and the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, Bali in Indonesia, Rishikesh in India, Kyoto in Japan, and Ella in Sri Lanka.
The newspaper noted that Asia remains a backpacker’s dream, offering a mix of culture, adventure, and affordability that makes it perfect for solo travelers.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/17/luang-prabang-vang-vieng-ranked-in-asias-top-8-by-times-of-india/
Chao Anouvong Stadium Renovation on Track for Late 2026 Completion
The renovation of Vientiane’s Chao Anouvong Stadium is on track and is expected to be completed by October 2026, the Ministry of Education and Sports said.
The project, valued at JPY 4.171 billion (approximately USD 29 million), is funded through grant aid provided by the Government of Japan and is being implemented by Japanese contractors Hazama Ando – Toa Road JV, who won the contract through a competitive bidding process.
The grant agreement was originally signed in December 2023, and followed by a groundbreaking ceremony on 26 March this year.
Upon completion, the stadium is expected to become the first inclusive sports facility in Laos, designed to support multiple athletic activities.
While specific details have not been officially confirmed, prototype visuals suggest that the stadium will accommodate football, rugby, running tracks, and other field-based sports suitable for both training and recreational use.
The stadium will be entirely accessible to persons with disabilities, according to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
It is also envisioned as a central hub for community engagement, fostering opportunities for exercise, sports, and public gatherings in the Lao capital.
First built in 1950 in the center of Vientiane capital, Chao Anouvong Stadium has long served as a venue for national sports such as football, rugby, and para-athletics, as well as community events.
The stadium is named after Chao Anouvong (King Anouvong), the King of Vientiane during the early 19th century.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/16/chao-anouvong-stadium-renovation-on-track-for-late-2026-completion/
Laos Calls for Increased ASEAN Investment in Nature-Based Solutions
Laos is urging ASEAN member states to ramp up investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), calling them powerful tools for protecting forests, strengthening communities, and tackling climate change head-on.
Delivering the message at the 28th Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials on Forestry in Luang Prabang on 6 July, Somwang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry, warned of mounting threats to the region’s forests, including deforestation, ecological degradation, illegal logging, and land use change.
He stressed that without sustainable financing, efforts to implement NbS and EbA will fall short.
To illustrate Laos’ own approach, Somwang pointed to the country’s promotion of Payments for Forest Ecosystem Services (PfES), which help preserve forest areas while boosting local livelihoods. He also highlighted sustainable tourism as a practical way to balance income generation with biodiversity protection.
Building on this, he urged ASEAN countries to share proven financing models—such as PfES, carbon markets, pooled funds, and multi-sector partnerships – to drive greater investment in nature-based climate and conservation efforts.
With roughly 70 percent of Laos’ land classified as state forest and home to around 3,000 villages, the country stands among the world’s top ten in biodiversity richness.
Somwang concluded by calling for stronger institutional capacity and deeper regional knowledge-sharing to accelerate the rollout of effective NbS initiatives across ASEAN.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/12/laos-calls-for-increased-asean-investment-in-nature-based-solutions/
Luang Prabang to Celebrate That Chomsi Stupa Ceremony This October
Luang Prabang is set to host the That Chomsi Stupa ceremony from 5 to 6 October, celebrating the city’s cultural traditions and the stupa’s spiritual significance.
This annual event will feature a series of religious and cultural activities atop Mount Phousi.
The celebrations will begin on 5 October at 8:30 am with the decoration of That Chomsi Stupa and its surrounding grounds.
In the afternoon, religious ceremonies will take place starting from 1 pm.
On the following day, 6 October, the program will continue with monks chanting prayers for ancestors at 10:30 am.
This will be followed by the offering of lunch to the monks at 11 am. The ceremony will conclude at 12:30 pm with a sermon delivered by the monks.
From 19th-Century Origins to Timeless Traditions
That Chomsi was built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourouth and sits atop Mount Phousi in the center of Luang Prabang.
According to local legend, a deep pit once existed at the site, said to reach the center of the earth.
A monk who entered the pit discovered a great treasure but was betrayed by villagers, who sealed him inside. Using magical charms, he fought his way out, defeating seven guardians of the treasure.
When the king learned of the villagers’ betrayal, he ordered drums, gongs, and cymbals to be beaten every three hours to prevent dragons from disturbing the world, a ritual still observed today at nearby Wat Thum Thao.
Today, visitors make their way up the hill, climbing around 300 steps to reach the stupa.
Though the climb can be tiring, it offers a chance to pause midway at Wat Tham Phousi Shrine, which houses a smiling Buddha tucked inside a cave and a reclining Buddha statue, before reaching the top to enjoy sunset views over the city.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/15/luang-prabang-to-celebrate-that-chomsi-stupa-ceremony-this-october/
New Cross-Border Infrastructure Project to Strengthen Connectivity in Southern Laos
Authorities in Attapeu have officially launched construction of a major infrastructure project designed to improve cross-border transport and stimulate regional economic growth. The initiative includes the construction of a new road and bridge crossing the Xekaman River in Xanxay district, with a total investment of USD 149 million and a planned construction period of three years.
The project will establish a 135-kilometre road connecting Vanxay and Nongkai Aok villages near the Laos–Vietnam border. A new bridge, to be built in Souksavang Village, will span 165 metres with a load capacity of up to 10 tonnes, capable of supporting both commercial and passenger vehicles. The construction is scheduled for completion by September 2028.
The development is part of Attapeu’s 2025–2030 socio-economic development plan and aims to enhance transportation links between Laos and Vietnam, improve access to domestic markets, and increase the province’s capacity to export agricultural products and natural resources. The project is also expected to support tourism and facilitate smoother movement of goods across provinces and borders.
A memorandum of understanding for the project was signed on 13 September.
Construction will be led by DEDO Survey, Design and Build Company Limited, in collaboration with South Korea-based DaSOL Company Limited. Under a Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT) agreement with the Attapeu Provincial Administration, the companies will manage design, construction, and operations.
The developer will be permitted to collect toll fees from users for a period of 50 years, after which ownership and management of the infrastructure will be transferred to provincial authorities.
The project also includes upgrades to several existing routes, including Road Nos. 9001, 9065, and 9045. These roads will be widened from 8 to 12 metres, with improved technical standards to accommodate heavy transport. Approximately 10 percent of the route will pass through mountainous terrain, and the entire structure will be built to support axle loads of up to 11 tonnes, in accordance with national highway standards.
Once completed, the infrastructure is expected to play a strategic role in advancing regional connectivity, particularly with neighboring countries.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/16/new-cross-border-infrastructure-project-to-strengthen-connectivity-in-southern-laos/
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Ban Use of Power Banks In-Flight Due to Safety Risks
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air have jointly announced a ban on the use of power banks during flights, citing growing safety concerns over lithium battery-related incidents in aviation.
Under the new policy, passengers are no longer permitted to use portable chargers to power or recharge their devices while onboard.
Passengers are now required to remove power banks from their carry-on luggage prior to boarding and keep them in a visible location throughout the flight. While these devices may still be brought onboard in limited quantities, their use during the flight, including charging them via the aircraft’s USB ports. is strictly prohibited.
The move follows increasing global scrutiny of lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries, which are widely used in power banks due to their high energy density. However, these batteries are also highly sensitive to heat, impact, and rapid changes in air pressure. Such sensitivity raises the risk of battery malfunctions, including short circuits, overheating, and in severe cases, fire or explosion.
These dangers are significantly heightened when batteries are stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold, where temperature and pressure can fluctuate dramatically and where strong vibrations are more common.
Compounding the risk is the fact that checked baggage is less closely monitored during flight, meaning any incident involving a power bank in the cargo area may go undetected until it becomes critical. As a result, both airlines continue to enforce a strict ban on transporting power banks in checked luggage.
Under current aviation safety regulations, passengers are allowed to carry a limited number of batteries in their hand luggage.
Devices with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours, which typically translates to around 20,000 milliamp-hours at 5 volts, are allowed in quantities of up to ten per passenger.
For larger power banks, with capacities between 100 and 160 watt-hours (or approximately 20,000 to 32,000 milliamp-hours), the limit is two per person. Any power bank that exceeds 160 watt-hours or 32,000 milliamp-hours is not permitted on board under any circumstances.
Both Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet urge passengers to verify the specifications of their devices before traveling and to adhere strictly to all safety guidelines.
The new regulations aim to minimize in-flight risks and ensure the continued safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft.
source: https://laotiantimes.com/2025/09/15/vietnam-airlines-vietjet-ban-use-of-power-banks-in-flight-due-to-safety-risks/