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/
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.
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/
Lao Airlines Reinstates Major Routes in New Winter Schedule
Lao Airlines has released its long-awaited winter schedule, bringing back major routes.
Lao airlines has announced on social media that it will be bringing back certain flight routes and increasing the number of certain routes which were reduced or discontinued during the pandemic.
A tourism insider posted the Lao Airlines flight schedule for the upcoming season to social media, revealing that certain popular flights–including services to Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, and Pakse–will return starting 1 November of this year.
The addition of these flights has been long awaited by Lao tourism professionals whose industry has been hit hard by a lack of customers.
A tourism professional who spoke to The Laotian Times before the schedule release identified a lack of connecting flights as a serious hindrance to the recovery of the Lao tourism industry, especially because tourists may stay in other destinations due to a lack of connecting flights.
“Important tourist routes are not yet operating,” he said, “especially Luang Prabang to Hanoi, Chiangmai, Siem Reap, and Pakse. If they can at least tell us when they are planning to restart the popular tourist routes we can open the booking system so we can start filling seats and selling tours using them. We can’t sell something that isn’t there.”
Now that these flights have been announced, tours can be planned with more certainty, a benefit to both the tourism industry and the Lao economy as a whole.
While fewer than 200 South Korean tourists entered Laos in the first half of 2022, Lao Airlines increasing its Incheon route to five flights per week will likely draw more South Korean visitors.
Lao Airlines, which has operated at a loss for several years, is also set to be reformed under a new plan to overhaul state enterprises.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/08/25/lao-airlines-reinstates-major-routes-in-new-winter-schedule/
250,000 Thai Tourists Visited Laos Between May and July
Thanks to the high-speed Laos-China railway connectivity, Laos has been seeing a steady stream of visitors from Thailand.
Since the second week of May and until the end of July, around 250,000 people have visited the country from Thailand. Most tourists visited Luang Prabang which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. And trips to the picturesque town were made infinitely easier with access to economical railway services which has drastically cut down travel time.
An influx of tourists has also resulted in a cash flow of an additional 800 million baht, according to government officials. And just this week, the Laos government announced that it is keen on attracting 900,000 foreign visitors in 2022, which is expected to generate more than 218 million U.S. dollars in revenue.
The increase in the number of international tourists has also positively impacted the supply of foreign currency, which would eventually make importing essential goods less expensive for the country.
In addition to foreigners visiting the country, 756,338 domestic tourists have also traveled locally generating over 85.42 million U.S. dollars for the economy.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/09/02/thai-tourists-visiting-laos/
Tmark Resort Vang Vieng Awarded Five Stars
Tmark Resort in Vang Vieng became the first resort in Vang Vieng to receive a five-star rating from the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism on August 5.
Tmark resort Vang Vieng is situated in a quiet and scenic location near downtown Vang Vieng along the Nam Song River. Its position fully showcases the iconic green mountains across the river, displaying the sublime beauty of Vang Vieng.
The resort features a 24-hour dining restaurant, a spacious swimming pool, a pool bar, a fitness center, a spa, a meeting room, and access to free wi-fi connection throughout the resort.
The five-star resort offers a range of services to welcome international guests such as five spoken languages, including English, Tagalog (Filipino), Korean and Thai.
The award ceremony was held under the authority of Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Ms. Syphonepai Sitthixay, and the Mayor of Vang Vieng, Mr. Bounchanh Malavong, as well as the shareholders, Mr. Kim Ki Chang and Mr. Chong Nakhonesak as well as Mr. Bo Ackalith Xayyasone.
Ms. Syphonepai Sitthixay, Deputy Director General of Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, congratulated Tmark Resort Vang Vieng on receiving the designation as a five-star hotel.
The resort, the Deputy Director General said, is certified by Safe and Clean standard (LaoSafe), ensuring its hygienic safety.
On this occasion, Mr. Francis Fernandes, General Director of Tmark Resort Vang Vieng, thanked the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism and provincial officials for their attendance at the awarding of the first five-star hotel in Vang Vieng.
The resort’s new five-star designation is a hopeful sign for Lao tourism, which is still working to bounce back following the country’s re-opening.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/08/09/tmark-resort-vang-vieng-awarded-five-stars/
Tourism Sees Slow Start in Laos but Jump in July May Tip the Scales
Laos has seen just over 42,000 arrivals in the first six months of this year, but experts predict the numbers to increase by a large margin by the end of the year.
The sluggish start to tourism was caused by a delayed reopening, with the country missing the mark as those in the northern hemisphere planned their summer holidays in advance.
Vientiane Times reports that a total of 42,197 foreign nationals entered Laos on tourist visas in the first six months of this year, with the highest numbers arriving in May and June after entry restrictions were lifted.
The average stay for these arrivals was 7.9 days, with spending averaging around USD 83 per person, according to the Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
This has generated revenue for the government at approximately USD 4.55 million.
Domestic tourism also increased, with more than 600,000 Lao people traveling within the country and spending an average of USD 45 per person over 2.5 days.
Most of the international arrivals came from Thailand, Vietnam, and a spattering of other ASEAN nations.
Surprisingly, only 144 tourists entered Laos from South Korea in the first six months of 2022, while Chinese visitors amounted to only 1,165 due to restrictions on outbound travel as China pursues its zero-Covid policy.
But tourism began to pick up in July, however, with experts predicting a massive shift in arrival numbers after a surge in interest from neighboring Thailand.
“In July, we saw Thai tourists arriving in unprecedented droves, spurred by proximity, the novelty of a high-speed railway, a strong Thai baht, and a rapid succession of long holiday weekends,” said Jason Rolan, a tourism consultant based in Laos.
And while Thai train tourists may not be a long-term or sustainable solution, it could shore up the industry until high season begins.
“There is another long Thai public holiday this week – the last for a few months. The furor for the train will likely die down eventually, and this future decline will only be hastened by problems in securing tickets for the railway,” says Jason.
The Laos-China Railway Company recently admitted to poor management and a lack of operational readiness, promising to quickly improve its services and develop an online ticket reservation system.
And with the tourism high season fast approaching, the railway company should be full steam ahead in preparation for a renewed influx of trainspotters, this time from all over the world.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/08/09/tourism-sees-slow-start-in-laos-but-jump-in-july-may-tip-the-scales/
Domestic Tourists in Laos Lured Away by Renewed International Travel
With international borders recently reopened, high-volume domestic destinations such as Vang Vieng, which received an influx of domestic tourists during the pandemic, have begun to struggle.
Vang Vieng District Governor, Mr. Bounchan Malavong, said during an interview with Lao National Radio that despite an increase in visitors from South Korea and Thailand, the overall number of tourists arriving in Vang Vieng has fallen.
While in 2020, the Vientiane Province received some 261,000 visitors according to the 2020 Statistical Report on Tourism in Laos released by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICT), the numbers could have increased in 2021.
In February this year, provincial authorities said that more than 3,000 domestic tourists were recorded visiting Vang Vieng every week following the relaxation of Covid measures.
And getting to Vang Vieng is now easier than ever, with the launch of the Laos-China Railway and the Vang Vieng Expressway providing greater convenience for those traveling to the tourist town.
However, Governor Bounchan says that economic problems and chronic fuel shortages have meant fewer domestic tourists have been making the trip to Vang Vieng in recent weeks.
At the same time, domestic tourists have turned to international destinations after spending almost three years locked in Laos.
“My family visited Vang Vieng several times over the last two years while our country was closed. Now I’d like to see something new,” one reader told the Laotian Times.
Reports from authorities at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge recorded 1,812 people entering Thailand on the second day of border relaxation.
“I couldn’t wait to get back to the big shopping mall at Udon Thani,” said another Vientiane resident.
“It is nice to make a family trip to Thailand where there is a greater variety of things to see and do. We can also fill up on fuel while we are there,” he noted.
Pakin Tiabkam, head of customs control at Nong Khai Customs House, told Thai media that some 30,000 foreigners crossed the Nong Khai border checkpoint into Thailand from 9-31 May.
Following the reopening of borders and resumption of flights, Laotians can now also access a number of regional cities from Vientiane Capital and Luang Prabang by air, including destinations such as Bangkok, Seoul, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
“Our family took our first trip to Phuket recently in over two years,” one expatriate told the Laotian Times in a phone interview.
“Vang Vieng is always a nice getaway but my children were thrilled to see the ocean again,” she said.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/06/08/domestic-tourists-in-laos-lured-away-by-renewed-international-travel/
Laos Announces Updated Tourist Visa Fees
Laos has announced an updated tourist visa fee structure following the full reopening of the country to tourism early this month.
A notice issued by the Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, last week provides an update on the latest visa-on-arrival fees for tourists of different origins.
Visas provided on arrival for foreign nationals from all nationalities will be charged USD 40, except for Chinese and Vietnamese nationals, when applying for a tourist visa at an international checkpoint, according to the notice.
Chinese or Vietnamese citizens applying for a visa on arrival to Laos will be charged only USD 20.
The notice states that foreigners of Lao descent and their family members, or family members of Lao citizens who hold foreign citizenship, will also be charged USD 40 per person for a visa on arrival.
Laos announced a full reopening to tourism on 9 May allowing vaccinated arrivals to enter the country without any testing requirements.
All international checkpoints are now open for entry and exit by Lao citizens, foreign residents, tourists, and other types of visitors.
Those wishing to visit Laos may apply for a visa at a Lao embassy or consulate abroad or via the e-Visa online system.
Visas on arrival have also been reinstated at major international checkpoints, such as the Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge and Wattay International Airport.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/05/25/laos-announces-updated-tourist-visa-fees/
Vientiane to Promote Little-known Xing Xou Island as New Tourism Site
Xing Xou Island has been announced as a new cultural heritage site in Vientiane Capital.
Vientiane Mai reports that the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism, as well as officials in Xing Xou Village, have begun preparations for the island to become a new tourism destination.
Don Xing Xou, also known as Xing Xou Island, is a little-known island community located in the middle of the Mekong River, in Sikhottabong District.
The island is accessible by boat from Khaoliao Village in Sikhottabong District.
For LAK 20,000, a local vehicle will take visitors around the island, through a “bamboo tunnel,” among giant seasonal flowers, to observe fruit plantations and to spot various noteworthy avian species.
The island has its own Buddhist temple, or wat, as well as some ancient artifacts, drawing many local people who cross the river to make merit on the island, which is believed to be a sacred place.
While a much older temple was believed to have been constructed at the site during the Xayfong Era, the newer sections were added in 2011. Prior to this, artifacts of gold, silver, and stone were moved from the site to be displayed and preserved at the Haw Phra Kaew Museum in Vientiane Capital.
Boats to and from the island depart daily from early morning until 5 pm.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/05/23/vientiane-to-promote-little-known-xing-xou-island-as-new-tourism-site/