Thailand’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob says the bridge, estimated to cost around BHT 4 billion (USD 1.2 billion), will most likely be funded by both countries, according to the Thaiger.
He added that the design study of the bridge is expected to cost around 140 million baht (USD 4.25 million) from the central budget and will be handled by Thailand’s Department of Highways.
The bridge project should be completed in time for the second phase of the Sino-Thai High-Speed Rail Project, which will link Bangkok with Kunming.
The Thai-Chinese railway project’s first phase, which runs from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is currently under development and scheduled to open in 2026.
The second phase of the high-speed train project will open for service in 2028, linking Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, according to Thai Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/First-Laos-Thailand-Friendship-Bridge-696x364-1.jpg364696Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-03-14 11:56:002022-03-09 14:12:06Laos and Thailand to Build New Friendship Bridge for Both Road and Rail
According to a media release issued today by Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to issue visas for certain visitors under the laogreenpass.gov.la website.
The new online system will initially be available for diplomatic employees, employees of international organizations, businesspeople and investors, and other foreigners residing in Laos.
The system will also facilitate foreigners of Lao descent living abroad.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa
A 48-hour quarantine period following an RT-PCR test for foreign residents arriving in Laos will remain in place, after which seven-day home isolation is authorized.
During the seven days, foreign residents may visit their place of work only.
Ms. Thippakone stated that the requirement for wrist monitor systems among these groups is to be discontinued.
According to the release, the arrival and departure of international flights will no longer require authorization from the Covid Taskforce.
Following the easing of travel restrictions and other measures late last year, domestic tourism in Vang Vieng has quickly rebounded, Lao Youth Radio reports.
Vang Vieng District Governor, Mr. Bounchan Malavong, told the media on Monday that thousands of tourists have been visiting Vang Vieng each week since the reopening of attractions in the district late last year.
He said that the bulk of tourism is domestic, with residents traveling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng via the Vang Vieng Expressway.
“But we haven’t seen many tourists arriving via the Laos-China Railway,” he noted.
The majority of domestic visitors travel to Vang Vieng on weekends and return the same day, with fewer overnight stays than before the expressway was built, according to Mr. Bounchan Malavong.
Although Vang Vieng was one of the first tourism sites proposed by the government under its Green Zone Travel Plan reopening scheme, no foreign visitors have been recorded visiting the district as part of the program, according to Governor Bounchan.
“Local authorities in our district have also had to deal with domestic visitors failing to comply with Covid-19 prevention and control measures,” said Mr. Bounchan.
“Enforcing strict measures among tourists is difficult, especially with tourism is just now reopening, and we sympathize with enterprises that have been without income for a long period,” Mr. Bounchan Malavong added.
The Vang Vieng Expressway, linking the nation’s capital with the town of Vang Vieng, stretches some 109 kilometers, cutting travel time from four hours to just one hour.
Motorists are able to travel at speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour when using the expressway.
In the old part of Vientiane city, an attractive and interesting settlement is situated along the Mekong River where the ancient temples, museums, monuments and parks are all located just a short distance apart.
The cosmopolitan capital of Laos, Vientiane, has galleries, boutiques, theatres, nightclubs and internet cafe, making it a major attraction for visitors from all around the globe. Although the city is small, it offers visitors a great variety of restaurants serving both Lao and foreign cuisine. When you get hungry try the nation’s signature dish, tam mak-hung (spicy green papaya salad), laap (spicy minced meat salad) and ping kai (fried chicken). Quench your thirst with a refreshing Beer Lao or fresh fruit shake from one of the many small restaurants found along almost every street in town. At dusk, find a spot along the Mekong promenade to enjoy an amazing view of the sunset over the river.
1. THAT LUANG STUPA (Great Sacred Stupa) The site of That Luang has been builtin use since the year 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307BC). When the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourichan built a structure that looked like a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. The original stupa was built on the site in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated Lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument2. PATOUXAY (Victory Monument) The memorial monument, Patuxay, was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. It is situated on Lanexang Avenue. While the arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnaly”, a mythical bird woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city3. HOR PHRA KEO MUSEUM Originally, this ancient temple was built in 1565 by King Xayasetthathilath to house the Emerald Buddha 1565-1779 (lost to the Siamese in 1828) as his personal place of worship. It was reconstructed in 1936. For this reason and unlike other temples in Laos, monks have not taken up residence here. During the 1970’s, the temple was converted from a place of worship into museum and now houses the finest national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. From the terrace of HorPhra Keo, one can enjoy a view overlooking the president’s Palace (former Royal Palace) and garden.4. SISAKET TEMPLE Sisaket is the only ancient templeremaining intact after the destruction of the Siamese in 1828. It’s located in the center of the old city,where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. The old monastery stands intact in its original form and certainly is one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little inches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images.5. XIENGKHOUAN BUDDHA PARK Buddha Park is a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. The best spot for photography here is on top of the giant pumpkin structure standing about three stories high. The entrance is crafted to look like a demon’s mouth (about three metres high) with a stone ladder inside leading to a bird’s eye view of the entire Xieng Kuan Park. It was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. This explains why his park is full not only of Buddha images but also of Hindu gods as well as demons and animals from both beliefs. The most outstanding ones include Indra, the king of Hindu gods riding the three-headed elephant (aka Erawan and Airavata), a four-armed deity sitting on a horse and an artistic deity with 12 faces and many hands, each holding interesting objects. They are all equally impressive not only because of their enormous size but because they are full of interesting details and interesting motifs. There is a local eatery and café offering food and drinks to tourists at one end of the park right next to the Mekong River that makes a great spot to chill after all the walking and climbing. Among the popular snacks are papaya salad, fried bananas and cold Lao beer. It also has a souvenir shop and restrooms. There is a small fee for entering the park as well as for photography.6. SIMUANG TEMPLE Simuang Temple is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites of worship, and offers a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism. The original city pillar of Vientiane is found in Wat Simuang located in Ban Simuang village along Setthathirath Road. It was built in 1956 and is believed to be guarded by the spirit of a local girl called “ Si ” Local legend has it that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as the pillar was being lowered into the hole. A very colorful Phasat Pheung (wax pavilion procession) attracts large crowds to Simuang Temple, taking place just two days prior to the That Luang Festival in November. On a daily basis, Wat Si Muang attracts crowds of local Buddhists who want to benefit from its ‘good luck’ powers. It is commonly thought that if you pray for something here and simultaneously make a promise, your wish will be granted, providing you return and fulfill your promise.7. VIENTIANE NIGHT MARKET Vientiane Night Market is aimed primarily towards tourists, with clean, orderly stalls, and all manner of merchandise that make great souvenirs or mementos. It all begins around sunset when a small army of sellers begin setting up their red-roofed stalls directly on the riverside promenade. You can’t fail to see it. The whole riverside area is alive at this time with joggers and dog-walkers taking advantage of the cooling breezes and stunning backdrop of the sun lazily sinking into the Mekong river. Products on offer are fairly typical of night markets throughout the region. You will find a predictable array of Buddhist-inspired paintings and knickknacks, cheap sunglasses, and Beer Lao T-shirts. The clothes stalls tend to be geared towards the backpacker market with fishermen pants and one-size-fits-all dresses and skirts. With only $US10 in your pocket you can pick up at least a couple of products here, but, for bargain hunters, it’s worth mentioning that everything on offer here can be found at a slightly cheaper price at other markets. The traders seem to have whittled down all the best-sellers from the Morning Market and set them up in more attractive, and convenient, surroundings.8. NAM PIEN YOR LA PA Nam Pien Yor La Pa is a tributary of Nam Kat Yor La Pa, located in Xieng Lae Tha Village, Pak Ngum District, Vientiane Capital. The new site covers an area of about 140 hectares of Nam Pien National Park, with varieties of adventure activities, including riding an ATV, riding the Luge, roller coaster rides, relaxing on spider net, walking on the sky bridge and stand at the waterfall, canopy walk, water park area, tree top, shooting BB gun, trekking to the mountain, sleeping at the camp base with BBQ. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature, especially the beautiful waterfall. How to get there? If you are leaving Vientiane Capital, there are two routes to Chiang Lae Village, Pak Ngum District – via route 13 and route 10. Both routes have similar distances, but we recommend you take Route 13 as it is a 1 hour, 30 minutes.9. MORNING MARKET Morning market is known as Talat Sao. It is the famous shopping area in Vientiane Capital where sells a variety of different items including Lao traditional handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, clothing, souvenir items. To be more specific, if you’re looking to buy traditional Lao skirt, there are endless choices of fabrics to choose. Wooden boxes and carvings are scattered in various shops, and if you are looking for elephant motifs, you’ve come to the right place. It’s also a good place to enjoy a slice of local Vientiane life. How to get there? Morning Market is located in downtown Vientiane, about 700 meters south of Patuxai (Victory Monument). It’s easy to visit on foot or by bicycle from other downtown attractions. Opening hours from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/1_LI-1.jpg8001040Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-03-07 12:45:002022-03-07 11:12:349 THINGS TO DO IN VIENTIANE CAPITAL
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Luang Prabang is situated in the center of Northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environmentXieng Thong Temple (Vat Xieng Thong) Built during the 16th century by King Saya Setthathirath and completed in 1560, Xieng Thong Temple is one of the most interesting examples of traditional Lao art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former King is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Lung Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-tiered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.Phou Si Temple Phou Si Temple is known as Chom Si Temple which stands at the top of Mount Phou Si, the prominent hill in the center of Luang Prabang city. The main entrance of this temple is in front of Royal Palace Museum (5 minutes walk from the Tourist Information Center). It is forested with frangipani and hibiscus, and provides magnificent views of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset. However, you must climb 328 steps before you reach the 20m high Chom Si stupa. As the temple is a sacred religious site, please dress accordingly and remember that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.Night Market This atmospheric market is a place you should not miss when you visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The market is a perfect place for visitors who are looking for a large variety of traditional gifts, such as local textiles, silk scarves, Lao ethnic handicrafts, portrayals of Buddha in all imaginable forms, local paintings and so on. Night Market opens daily from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.Royal Palace Museum Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum was first constructed in 1904 in the French colonial era. Visit the museum and see the real “Prabang” Buddha image. Prabang lives is an easy-to-miss little room surrounded by engraved elephant tusks and three silk screens embroidered by the former queen. To find it, walk east along the palace’s exterior south terrace and peer in between the bars at the eastern end.Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) is a very impressive waterfall which is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the town. This waterfall has three tiers leading to 50m drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are great for swimming and very popular with both visitors and locals. In the wet season the water is a deep green and you can hear the sound of falls well before you can see them. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center situated in the waterfall area. You can take a Tuk-Tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport.Sae Waterfall (Tad Sae) This charming waterfall is a perfect place for picnic and swim which is located 15km Southeast of the town. This place requires a ride out of town and then a short trip down the Khan River in a traditional longboat to the main waterfall about 8 minutes. These falls feature smaller cascades on the wider tributary. There is an elephant park offer visitors the chance to meet, feed and even ride Asian elephants.Ting Cave (Tam Ting) This stunning cave is situated on the Mekong River and it is a short distance from Luang Prabang. In this cave, there are thousands of Buddha statues. This underground sanctuary has been venerated for centuries. The numbers of Buddha images in the cave gradually increases as locals bring Buddha to this place when the visit. The cave can be reached either by boat or by road to Xang Hai village, where you can also experience the villagers make fermented rice liquor (Rao Lao). Visitors can taste the drink and the local handicrafts are also available in this place.Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos’ various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. There’s just enough to inform with overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch video or ask to leaf through the books of a small library cabinet in the museum’s delightful café. TAEC is within a former French judge’s mansion that was among the city’s most opulent building of the 1920s. Open daily except Monday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.Alms Giving Ceremony Alms giving ceremony can be seen in many places through Luang Prabang city. The main procession is in front of Xiengthong temple, Luang Prabang Primary School and National Museum. Every morning starts from 5.30 am saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls. Awaiting them are Lao people who have already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods. They will place a portion in the bowl of each monk who passes by. The ceremony is under taken in complete silence. The culture significance and austere beauty of alms giving has made it a very popular and attractive activity for visitors in Luang Prabang.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/the-popular.jpg8001040Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-03-01 11:59:262022-03-03 20:16:22The most popular places you must visit in Luang Prabang Province
Laos has announced it has cut the required quarantine period for new arrivals from 14 days to just seven days for certain types of visitors.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, made an announcement this evening confirming the new quarantine measures.
She said that in 2022, with vaccination rates much higher in populations around the world, advances in medical technology, and faster testing systems, as well as high-quality medicines for the treatment of Covid-19, the public health system in Laos is no longer being overrun.
“This has meant that the world is now able to better cope with Covid-19, which has transitioned from a pandemic to endemic disease, or a seasonal disease much like flu,” said Madame Thippakone.
Reduced Quarantine Periods for New Arrivals
According to the announcement, government representatives at every level who work or attend seminars abroad, and Lao nationals who return from abroad, must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence.
Ambassadors or embassy staff, representatives or employees of international organizations, and their family members that arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and undertake quarantine at their own residence for seven days.
Investors and businesspeople authorized to conduct business in Laos that will arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved location. Those who receive a negative result may conduct their business but will be required to wear a wrist monitor for seven days.
Foreign nationals who are technical experts, manual laborers, entrepreneurs, students, overseas Lao (of Lao descent), and spouses/dependents of Lao nationals arriving in or returning to Laos from abroad must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence and will be required to wear a wrist monitor.
Group tours that arrive as part of the Green Travel Zone reopening scheme will also be required to test for Covid-19 (RT-PCR) and await the result in an approved hotel within 48 hours before commencing tourism activities. Group tourists will be required to wear a wrist monitor and comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
Those who test positive upon arrival in Laos may receive treatment at a hospital or treatment center, or take self-treatment at their own residence for ten days in accordance with the severity of their condition.
All foreign nationals that reside in Laos must download and use the Lao KYC mobile phone application (Lao Su Su service) for the purpose of creating a vaccine ID to be used as digital confirmation of vaccine status. The app is to be used to determine one’s health status upon entry into government offices, restaurants, shops, and other public areas.
Madame Thippakone said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to issue tourist visas for group tourists traveling to Laos under the Green Travel Zone Scheme, with the condition that all tourists must create vaccine IDs with the Lao KYC app.
She said that Laos is now in talks with neighboring countries regarding the reopening of traditional and customary borders, particularly in regard to the transportation of goods.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider permitting the private sector to conduct Covid-19 testing.
All indoor and outdoor sports facilities are now permitted to fully open on the condition that they adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs and karaoke bars are still not permitted to reopen.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/World-Bank-Assists-Laos-with-Covid-19-Recovery-696x364-1.jpg364696Subsin Sinuvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSubsin Sinuvong2022-02-09 10:38:362022-02-09 10:38:43Laos Slashes Quarantine Measures for New Arrivals and Returning Residents
Should Laos fully reopen tourism and allow free independent travelers to enter the country? What might the future hold if group tours fail to arrive?
In 2019, tourism contributed 10% to the world’s GDP; in Laos, the industry made up 12% of the country’s GDP. Tourism and related industries employed nearly 400,000 people and were a sustainable way to improve per-capita income for the population – particularly the poor – when compared with extractive sectors like mining or timber.
But come Covid-19 and all its restrictions, this stream of income has been cut off, directly impacting many of Laos’ most vulnerable for nearly two years.
The economy has been devastated, while the local currency has sunk to an all-time low, with the cost of petrol and other imported goods continuing to rise. Economic disparity has been exacerbated, and tourism workers have lost their livelihoods, adding to the growing number of unemployed.
Although Laos has technically been openfor tourism under the Green Zone Travel Plan for nearly a month, few tourists have arrived in the country. One highly publicized South Korean school group arrived for a golfing tour, with little evidence of anyone else making the trip.
This is likely because the barriers to entry remain restrictively high, with rules and regulations unclear and uncommunicated. From enigmatic visa procedures, unclear rules for individual or group travel, to irregular flights: it is little wonder that tourists have given Laos a miss.
Compared to its neighbors, limited and expensive regional flights to Laos have made it a difficult country for tourists to reach, while a lack of clear communication with the global travel market means those abroad do not feel confident promoting Laos as a destination.
Ideally, tourism policy should be tourist-centric and promote growth in this vital sector of the economy. In light of that, here are five concrete steps Laos could take to get back on the path to a real reopening:
Bring Back the Flights Regular commercial air, land, and rail transport links should be broadly reinstated with Laos’ neighbors to support the flow of travelers. New flight routes and airport slots need to be negotiated now while many airports in the region are underutilized. This could potentially open up new markets like The Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Empower Decisionmakers Decisions should be supported by experts who understand the intricacies of the tourist experience and are empowered to coordinate reopening policy across multiple sectors, move quickly, and take responsibility.
Allow Individual Travel and Reduce Quarantine Allow vaccinated, individual travelers from any nationality to enter Laos without proscribed itineraries. With everyone fully vaccinated (visitors and locals alike) there is no reason to keep tourists at arm’s length, but rather, they should be treated as important guests.
People want to explore Laos at their own pace and in accordance with their own interests, and they absolutely do not want to languish in a lengthy quarantine. With the national vaccination rate now above 50%, decision-makers must cut through the bureaucracy governing tourism and reduce discouraging quarantine requirements, which affect even returning Lao nationals.
Communicate If a tourist is interested in coming to Laos, where might they find up-to-date entry information? Some clear, concise communication on how tourists can travel to Laos and what they can do when they arrive is vitally important to reopening. The Tourism Laos website lacks updated information about the current situation, while social media remains equally silent.
Targeted Marketing Traditionally, proximity tourism supplied Laos with 95% of its tourists. National marketing needs to be targeted and refined to attract new segments of this low-hanging fruit. But also, serious effort needs to go into reconnecting with the long-haul segments willing to spend more in the country.
Laos has navigated the Covid-19 crisis with a minimal loss of life, but the prolonged devastation to the livelihoods of those who remain can go on no longer. It’s time to get connected, reduce restrictions, and reopen our beautiful country to the world.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Empty-streets-of-Luang-Prabang-696x364-1.jpg364696Subsin Sinuvonghttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSubsin Sinuvong2022-01-25 14:38:292022-01-25 14:38:33Why Laos Should Fully Reopen to Tourism (and Save the Economy)
ASEAN tourism ministers announced the reopening of tourism in the region at the close of the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
During the forum, tourism ministers from each ASEAN nation revealed their shared strategy to boost regional tourism recovery.
The region has seen a decline in tourism of over 200%, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing the loss of millions of jobs and business closures due to stringent travel restrictions, TTR Weekly reports.
At the forum, ministers highlighted the need to quickly launch domestic tourism campaigns in each of the ten countries, as well as easing border controls to encourage regional tourism among ASEAN member states.
Tourism ministers and representatives at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2022.
Member countries proposed the establishment of dedicated ASEAN travel gates at border checkpoints as well as shared digital vaccination cards in a format recognized by all ten countries.
At the same time, ministers emphasized the need to ensure tourism operators are compliant with ASEAN hygiene and safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, announced the adoption of the New ASEAN Tourism Logo and ASEAN Safe Travel Stamp “Safe and Warm” as part of the plans to support tourism recovery.
Despite optimistic reopening declarations, however, experts say strict travel restrictions continue to hinder the revival of tourism in several ASEAN nations, including Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
While tourism ministers have counted on a resumption of travel from China, Japan, and Korea in the next six months, China has yet to make a move signaling it will allow outbound travel in the near future.
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024 at the earliest.
“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates, and traveler confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.
A new notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office has instructed authorities to consider easing certain Covid measures, including restrictions on entry to the country.
The notice, issued yesterday by the Prime Minister’s Office and signed off by Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, Khamchen Vongphosy, asks authorities to consider easing restrictions on entry to the country for certain visitors, as well as opening up more businesses to help the local economy recover.
According to the notice, the Prime Minister’s Office has authorized the Green Travel Zone reopening plan to continue, while instructing the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control to study the Omicron and Delta variants and ensure that the country’s health system will be able to cope in case of an influx of cases.
The notice proposes authorities consider relaxing measures for entry to Laos by certain groups, including businesspeople, employees, entrepreneurs, and others, in order to better encourage business and investment.
According to the notice, authorities have also been asked to look into easing measures for certain business activities to help the economy recover.
The notice states, however, that such eased measures must absolutely not include entertainment venues, pubs, bars, or nightclubs, which it says are known to facilitate the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the community.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told the National Taskforce it had received an overwhelming number of requests from embassies and consulates requesting that their country be added to the list of 31 countries permitted to enter Laos under the reopening plan.
At the same time, MOFA suggested that in order to better facilitate entry for visitors, certain Covid-19 prevention measures and other regulations regarding the issuance of visas should be abolished.
The proposal also proposed reopening Wattay International Airport and the Friendship Bridge to Nong Khai, paving the way for future free and independent travel.
The theme of the 3rd ASTA held for 2022-2023 is “Safe Tourism,” according to Visit Southeast Asia, the official ASEAN travel website.
Tad Yuang Waterfall received the award due to the success of the development of sustainable tourist attractions surrounding the waterfall.
The waterfall is a popular tourist attraction because of its location surrounded by lush greenery, where visitors can observe the daily lives of local people.
The site received major improvements to facilities as part of the Lao Thiao Lao domestic tourism campaign launched in 2020 to promote tourism and boost the local economy.
Authorities have encouraged communities living near the waterfall to produce organic vegetables and other products for sale to visitors and are promoting local customs and traditions to attract visitors and help local people increase their incomes.
The 42-meter Tad Yuang Waterfall features an observation area at the top, middle, and bottom of the falls. A route may be followed around the side to access several viewpoint locations for visitors.
There are also some well-kept picnic sites at the top of the waterfall that are popular with residents.
According to the Champasacl Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, particular attention has been paid to Covid-19 prevention and control measures, ensuring the safety of visitors.
Laos and Thailand to Build New Friendship Bridge for Both Road and Rail
The Thai cabinet approved plans for a second Thailand-Laos friendship bridge last month connecting Nong Khai in northeast Thailand with Vientiane, Laos.
Thailand’s transport minister Saksayam Chidchob says the bridge, estimated to cost around BHT 4 billion (USD 1.2 billion), will most likely be funded by both countries, according to the Thaiger.
He added that the design study of the bridge is expected to cost around 140 million baht (USD 4.25 million) from the central budget and will be handled by Thailand’s Department of Highways.
The bridge project should be completed in time for the second phase of the Sino-Thai High-Speed Rail Project, which will link Bangkok with Kunming.
The Thai-Chinese railway project’s first phase, which runs from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is currently under development and scheduled to open in 2026.
The second phase of the high-speed train project will open for service in 2028, linking Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, according to Thai Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/10/laos-and-thailand-to-build-new-friendship-bridge-for-both-road-and-rail/
Laos Launches Green Pass Online Visa Portal
According to a media release issued today by Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been authorized to issue visas for certain visitors under the laogreenpass.gov.la website.
The new online system will initially be available for diplomatic employees, employees of international organizations, businesspeople and investors, and other foreigners residing in Laos.
The system will also facilitate foreigners of Lao descent living abroad.
A 48-hour quarantine period following an RT-PCR test for foreign residents arriving in Laos will remain in place, after which seven-day home isolation is authorized.
During the seven days, foreign residents may visit their place of work only.
Ms. Thippakone stated that the requirement for wrist monitor systems among these groups is to be discontinued.
According to the release, the arrival and departure of international flights will no longer require authorization from the Covid Taskforce.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/03/02/laos-launches-green-pass-online-visa-portal/
Vang Vieng Seeing 3,000 Domestic Visitors Every Week
Following the easing of travel restrictions and other measures late last year, domestic tourism in Vang Vieng has quickly rebounded, Lao Youth Radio reports.
Vang Vieng District Governor, Mr. Bounchan Malavong, told the media on Monday that thousands of tourists have been visiting Vang Vieng each week since the reopening of attractions in the district late last year.
He said that the bulk of tourism is domestic, with residents traveling from Vientiane to Vang Vieng via the Vang Vieng Expressway.
“But we haven’t seen many tourists arriving via the Laos-China Railway,” he noted.
The majority of domestic visitors travel to Vang Vieng on weekends and return the same day, with fewer overnight stays than before the expressway was built, according to Mr. Bounchan Malavong.
Although Vang Vieng was one of the first tourism sites proposed by the government under its Green Zone Travel Plan reopening scheme, no foreign visitors have been recorded visiting the district as part of the program, according to Governor Bounchan.
“Local authorities in our district have also had to deal with domestic visitors failing to comply with Covid-19 prevention and control measures,” said Mr. Bounchan.
“Enforcing strict measures among tourists is difficult, especially with tourism is just now reopening, and we sympathize with enterprises that have been without income for a long period,” Mr. Bounchan Malavong added.
The Vang Vieng Expressway, linking the nation’s capital with the town of Vang Vieng, stretches some 109 kilometers, cutting travel time from four hours to just one hour.
Motorists are able to travel at speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour when using the expressway.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/10/vang-vieng-seeing-3000-domestic-visitors-every-week/
9 THINGS TO DO IN VIENTIANE CAPITAL
In the old part of Vientiane city, an attractive and interesting settlement is situated along the Mekong River where the ancient temples, museums, monuments and parks are all located just a short distance apart.
The cosmopolitan capital of Laos, Vientiane, has galleries, boutiques, theatres, nightclubs and internet cafe, making it a major attraction for visitors from all around the globe. Although the city is small, it offers visitors a great variety of restaurants serving both Lao and foreign cuisine. When you get hungry try the nation’s signature dish, tam mak-hung (spicy green papaya salad), laap (spicy minced meat salad) and ping kai (fried chicken). Quench your thirst with a refreshing Beer Lao or fresh fruit shake from one of the many small restaurants found along almost every street in town. At dusk, find a spot along the Mekong promenade to enjoy an amazing view of the sunset over the river.
The site of That Luang has been builtin use since the year 236 of the Buddhist Calendar (307BC). When the first governor of Vientiane, Phaya Chanthabouri Pasitthisack or Bourichan built a structure that looked like a kiln of about 9 meters high and 10 meters wide. The original stupa was built on the site in 1566 by King Saysetthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha. The gold centerpiece of this stupa echoes the curve of an elongated Lotus bud. Today it is the most important national cultural monument
The memorial monument, Patuxay, was built in 1957 and is perhaps the most prominent landmark in the city. It is situated on Lanexang Avenue. While the arc de Triomphe in Paris inspired the architecture, the design incorporates typical Lao motifs including “Kinnaly”, a mythical bird woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which reveals an excellent panoramic view of the city
Originally, this ancient temple was built in 1565 by King Xayasetthathilath to house the Emerald Buddha 1565-1779 (lost to the Siamese in 1828) as his personal place of worship. It was reconstructed in 1936. For this reason and unlike other temples in Laos, monks have not taken up residence here. During the 1970’s, the temple was converted from a place of worship into museum and now houses the finest national collection of Buddhist sculptures and artifacts. From the terrace of HorPhra Keo, one can enjoy a view overlooking the president’s Palace (former Royal Palace) and garden.
Sisaket is the only ancient templeremaining intact after the destruction of the Siamese in 1828. It’s located in the center of the old city,where it was built in 1818 by King Anouvong. The old monastery stands intact in its original form and certainly is one of the most interesting in the country. Inside the main hall, the courtyard walls house hundreds of little inches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images.
Buddha Park is a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. The best spot for photography here is on top of the giant pumpkin structure standing about three stories high. The entrance is crafted to look like a demon’s mouth (about three metres high) with a stone ladder inside leading to a bird’s eye view of the entire Xieng Kuan Park. It was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. This explains why his park is full not only of Buddha images but also of Hindu gods as well as demons and animals from both beliefs. The most outstanding ones include Indra, the king of Hindu gods riding the three-headed elephant (aka Erawan and Airavata), a four-armed deity sitting on a horse and an artistic deity with 12 faces and many hands, each holding interesting objects. They are all equally impressive not only because of their enormous size but because they are full of interesting details and interesting motifs. There is a local eatery and café offering food and drinks to tourists at one end of the park right next to the Mekong River that makes a great spot to chill after all the walking and climbing. Among the popular snacks are papaya salad, fried bananas and cold Lao beer. It also has a souvenir shop and restrooms. There is a small fee for entering the park as well as for photography.
Simuang Temple is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites of worship, and offers a fascinating insight into how old animist beliefs have blended seamlessly with Theravada Buddhism. The original city pillar of Vientiane is found in Wat Simuang located in Ban Simuang village along Setthathirath Road. It was built in 1956 and is believed to be guarded by the spirit of a local girl called “ Si ” Local legend has it that Nang Si, who was pregnant at the time, leapt to her death as a sacrifice, just as the pillar was being lowered into the hole. A very colorful Phasat Pheung (wax pavilion procession) attracts large crowds to Simuang Temple, taking place just two days prior to the That Luang Festival in November. On a daily basis, Wat Si Muang attracts crowds of local Buddhists who want to benefit from its ‘good luck’ powers. It is commonly thought that if you pray for something here and simultaneously make a promise, your wish will be granted, providing you return and fulfill your promise.
Vientiane Night Market is aimed primarily towards tourists, with clean, orderly stalls, and all manner of merchandise that make great souvenirs or mementos. It all begins around sunset when a small army of sellers begin setting up their red-roofed stalls directly on the riverside promenade. You can’t fail to see it. The whole riverside area is alive at this time with joggers and dog-walkers taking advantage of the cooling breezes and stunning backdrop of the sun lazily sinking into the Mekong river. Products on offer are fairly typical of night markets throughout the region. You will find a predictable array of Buddhist-inspired paintings and knickknacks, cheap sunglasses, and Beer Lao T-shirts. The clothes stalls tend to be geared towards the backpacker market with fishermen pants and one-size-fits-all dresses and skirts. With only $US10 in your pocket you can pick up at least a couple of products here, but, for bargain hunters, it’s worth mentioning that everything on offer here can be found at a slightly cheaper price at other markets. The traders seem to have whittled down all the best-sellers from the Morning Market and set them up in more attractive, and convenient, surroundings.
Nam Pien Yor La Pa is a tributary of Nam Kat Yor La Pa, located in Xieng Lae Tha Village, Pak Ngum District, Vientiane Capital. The new site covers an area of about 140 hectares of Nam Pien National Park, with varieties of adventure activities, including riding an ATV, riding the Luge, roller coaster rides, relaxing on spider net, walking on the sky bridge and stand at the waterfall, canopy walk, water park area, tree top, shooting BB gun, trekking to the mountain, sleeping at the camp base with BBQ. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of nature, especially the beautiful waterfall. How to get there? If you are leaving Vientiane Capital, there are two routes to Chiang Lae Village, Pak Ngum District – via route 13 and route 10. Both routes have similar distances, but we recommend you take Route 13 as it is a 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Morning market is known as Talat Sao. It is the famous shopping area in Vientiane Capital where sells a variety of different items including Lao traditional handicrafts, fabrics, jewelry, clothing, souvenir items. To be more specific, if you’re looking to buy traditional Lao skirt, there are endless choices of fabrics to choose. Wooden boxes and carvings are scattered in various shops, and if you are looking for elephant motifs, you’ve come to the right place. It’s also a good place to enjoy a slice of local Vientiane life. How to get there? Morning Market is located in downtown Vientiane, about 700 meters south of Patuxai (Victory Monument). It’s easy to visit on foot or by bicycle from other downtown attractions. Opening hours from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
The most popular places you must visit in Luang Prabang Province
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Built during the 16th century by King Saya Setthathirath and completed in 1560, Xieng Thong Temple is one of the most interesting examples of traditional Lao art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former King is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Lung Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-tiered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.
Phou Si Temple is known as Chom Si Temple which stands at the top of Mount Phou Si, the prominent hill in the center of Luang Prabang city. The main entrance of this temple is in front of Royal Palace Museum (5 minutes walk from the Tourist Information Center). It is forested with frangipani and hibiscus, and provides magnificent views of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset. However, you must climb 328 steps before you reach the 20m high Chom Si stupa. As the temple is a sacred religious site, please dress accordingly and remember that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.
This atmospheric market is a place you should not miss when you visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The market is a perfect place for visitors who are looking for a large variety of traditional gifts, such as local textiles, silk scarves, Lao ethnic handicrafts, portrayals of Buddha in all imaginable forms, local paintings and so on. Night Market opens daily from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum was first constructed in 1904 in the French colonial era. Visit the museum and see the real “Prabang” Buddha image. Prabang lives is an easy-to-miss little room surrounded by engraved elephant tusks and three silk screens embroidered by the former queen. To find it, walk east along the palace’s exterior south terrace and peer in between the bars at the eastern end.
Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) is a very impressive waterfall which is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the town. This waterfall has three tiers leading to 50m drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are great for swimming and very popular with both visitors and locals. In the wet season the water is a deep green and you can hear the sound of falls well before you can see them. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center situated in the waterfall area. You can take a Tuk-Tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport.
This charming waterfall is a perfect place for picnic and swim which is located 15km Southeast of the town. This place requires a ride out of town and then a short trip down the Khan River in a traditional longboat to the main waterfall about 8 minutes. These falls feature smaller cascades on the wider tributary. There is an elephant park offer visitors the chance to meet, feed and even ride Asian elephants.
This stunning cave is situated on the Mekong River and it is a short distance from Luang Prabang. In this cave, there are thousands of Buddha statues. This underground sanctuary has been venerated for centuries. The numbers of Buddha images in the cave gradually increases as locals bring Buddha to this place when the visit. The cave can be reached either by boat or by road to Xang Hai village, where you can also experience the villagers make fermented rice liquor (Rao Lao). Visitors can taste the drink and the local handicrafts are also available in this place.
Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos’ various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. There’s just enough to inform with overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch video or ask to leaf through the books of a small library cabinet in the museum’s delightful café. TAEC is within a former French judge’s mansion that was among the city’s most opulent building of the 1920s. Open daily except Monday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Alms giving ceremony can be seen in many places through Luang Prabang city. The main procession is in front of Xiengthong temple, Luang Prabang Primary School and National Museum. Every morning starts from 5.30 am saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls. Awaiting them are Lao people who have already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods. They will place a portion in the bowl of each monk who passes by. The ceremony is under taken in complete silence. The culture significance and austere beauty of alms giving has made it a very popular and attractive activity for visitors in Luang Prabang.
Laos Slashes Quarantine Measures for New Arrivals and Returning Residents
Laos has announced it has cut the required quarantine period for new arrivals from 14 days to just seven days for certain types of visitors.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, made an announcement this evening confirming the new quarantine measures.
She said that in 2022, with vaccination rates much higher in populations around the world, advances in medical technology, and faster testing systems, as well as high-quality medicines for the treatment of Covid-19, the public health system in Laos is no longer being overrun.
“This has meant that the world is now able to better cope with Covid-19, which has transitioned from a pandemic to endemic disease, or a seasonal disease much like flu,” said Madame Thippakone.
Reduced Quarantine Periods for New Arrivals
According to the announcement, government representatives at every level who work or attend seminars abroad, and Lao nationals who return from abroad, must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence.
Ambassadors or embassy staff, representatives or employees of international organizations, and their family members that arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and undertake quarantine at their own residence for seven days.
Investors and businesspeople authorized to conduct business in Laos that will arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved location. Those who receive a negative result may conduct their business but will be required to wear a wrist monitor for seven days.
Foreign nationals who are technical experts, manual laborers, entrepreneurs, students, overseas Lao (of Lao descent), and spouses/dependents of Lao nationals arriving in or returning to Laos from abroad must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence and will be required to wear a wrist monitor.
Group tours that arrive as part of the Green Travel Zone reopening scheme will also be required to test for Covid-19 (RT-PCR) and await the result in an approved hotel within 48 hours before commencing tourism activities. Group tourists will be required to wear a wrist monitor and comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
Those who test positive upon arrival in Laos may receive treatment at a hospital or treatment center, or take self-treatment at their own residence for ten days in accordance with the severity of their condition.
All foreign nationals that reside in Laos must download and use the Lao KYC mobile phone application (Lao Su Su service) for the purpose of creating a vaccine ID to be used as digital confirmation of vaccine status. The app is to be used to determine one’s health status upon entry into government offices, restaurants, shops, and other public areas.
Madame Thippakone said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to issue tourist visas for group tourists traveling to Laos under the Green Travel Zone Scheme, with the condition that all tourists must create vaccine IDs with the Lao KYC app.
She said that Laos is now in talks with neighboring countries regarding the reopening of traditional and customary borders, particularly in regard to the transportation of goods.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider permitting the private sector to conduct Covid-19 testing.
All indoor and outdoor sports facilities are now permitted to fully open on the condition that they adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs and karaoke bars are still not permitted to reopen.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/03/laos-slashes-quarantine-measures-for-new-arrivals-and-returning-residents/
Why Laos Should Fully Reopen to Tourism (and Save the Economy)
Should Laos fully reopen tourism and allow free independent travelers to enter the country? What might the future hold if group tours fail to arrive?
In 2019, tourism contributed 10% to the world’s GDP; in Laos, the industry made up 12% of the country’s GDP. Tourism and related industries employed nearly 400,000 people and were a sustainable way to improve per-capita income for the population – particularly the poor – when compared with extractive sectors like mining or timber.
But come Covid-19 and all its restrictions, this stream of income has been cut off, directly impacting many of Laos’ most vulnerable for nearly two years.
The economy has been devastated, while the local currency has sunk to an all-time low, with the cost of petrol and other imported goods continuing to rise. Economic disparity has been exacerbated, and tourism workers have lost their livelihoods, adding to the growing number of unemployed.
Although Laos has technically been open for tourism under the Green Zone Travel Plan for nearly a month, few tourists have arrived in the country. One highly publicized South Korean school group arrived for a golfing tour, with little evidence of anyone else making the trip.
This is likely because the barriers to entry remain restrictively high, with rules and regulations unclear and uncommunicated. From enigmatic visa procedures, unclear rules for individual or group travel, to irregular flights: it is little wonder that tourists have given Laos a miss.
Compared to its neighbors, limited and expensive regional flights to Laos have made it a difficult country for tourists to reach, while a lack of clear communication with the global travel market means those abroad do not feel confident promoting Laos as a destination.
Ideally, tourism policy should be tourist-centric and promote growth in this vital sector of the economy. In light of that, here are five concrete steps Laos could take to get back on the path to a real reopening:
Bring Back the Flights
Regular commercial air, land, and rail transport links should be broadly reinstated with Laos’ neighbors to support the flow of travelers. New flight routes and airport slots need to be negotiated now while many airports in the region are underutilized. This could potentially open up new markets like The Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Empower Decisionmakers
Decisions should be supported by experts who understand the intricacies of the tourist experience and are empowered to coordinate reopening policy across multiple sectors, move quickly, and take responsibility.
Allow Individual Travel and Reduce Quarantine
Allow vaccinated, individual travelers from any nationality to enter Laos without proscribed itineraries. With everyone fully vaccinated (visitors and locals alike) there is no reason to keep tourists at arm’s length, but rather, they should be treated as important guests.
People want to explore Laos at their own pace and in accordance with their own interests, and they absolutely do not want to languish in a lengthy quarantine. With the national vaccination rate now above 50%, decision-makers must cut through the bureaucracy governing tourism and reduce discouraging quarantine requirements, which affect even returning Lao nationals.
Communicate
If a tourist is interested in coming to Laos, where might they find up-to-date entry information? Some clear, concise communication on how tourists can travel to Laos and what they can do when they arrive is vitally important to reopening. The Tourism Laos website lacks updated information about the current situation, while social media remains equally silent.
Targeted Marketing
Traditionally, proximity tourism supplied Laos with 95% of its tourists. National marketing needs to be targeted and refined to attract new segments of this low-hanging fruit. But also, serious effort needs to go into reconnecting with the long-haul segments willing to spend more in the country.
Laos has navigated the Covid-19 crisis with a minimal loss of life, but the prolonged devastation to the livelihoods of those who remain can go on no longer. It’s time to get connected, reduce restrictions, and reopen our beautiful country to the world.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/24/why-laos-should-fully-reopen-to-tourism-and-save-the-economy/
ASEAN Tourism Reopens Amid Renewed Challenges
ASEAN tourism ministers announced the reopening of tourism in the region at the close of the ASEAN Tourism Forum held in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
During the forum, tourism ministers from each ASEAN nation revealed their shared strategy to boost regional tourism recovery.
The region has seen a decline in tourism of over 200%, with the Covid-19 pandemic causing the loss of millions of jobs and business closures due to stringent travel restrictions, TTR Weekly reports.
At the forum, ministers highlighted the need to quickly launch domestic tourism campaigns in each of the ten countries, as well as easing border controls to encourage regional tourism among ASEAN member states.
Member countries proposed the establishment of dedicated ASEAN travel gates at border checkpoints as well as shared digital vaccination cards in a format recognized by all ten countries.
At the same time, ministers emphasized the need to ensure tourism operators are compliant with ASEAN hygiene and safety guidelines.
Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Tourism, Thong Khon, announced the adoption of the New ASEAN Tourism Logo and ASEAN Safe Travel Stamp “Safe and Warm” as part of the plans to support tourism recovery.
Despite optimistic reopening declarations, however, experts say strict travel restrictions continue to hinder the revival of tourism in several ASEAN nations, including Laos, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
While tourism ministers have counted on a resumption of travel from China, Japan, and Korea in the next six months, China has yet to make a move signaling it will allow outbound travel in the near future.
According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism arrivals around the world are not expected to return to their pre-pandemic levels until 2024 at the earliest.
“The pace of recovery remains slow and uneven across world regions due to varying degrees of mobility restrictions, vaccination rates, and traveler confidence,” the UNWTO said in a press release.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/22/asean-tourism-reopens-amid-renewed-challenges/
Laos Considers Easing Restrictions on Entrance Visas
A new notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office has instructed authorities to consider easing certain Covid measures, including restrictions on entry to the country.
The notice, issued yesterday by the Prime Minister’s Office and signed off by Head of the Prime Minister’s Office, Khamchen Vongphosy, asks authorities to consider easing restrictions on entry to the country for certain visitors, as well as opening up more businesses to help the local economy recover.
According to the notice, the Prime Minister’s Office has authorized the Green Travel Zone reopening plan to continue, while instructing the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control to study the Omicron and Delta variants and ensure that the country’s health system will be able to cope in case of an influx of cases.
The notice proposes authorities consider relaxing measures for entry to Laos by certain groups, including businesspeople, employees, entrepreneurs, and others, in order to better encourage business and investment.
According to the notice, authorities have also been asked to look into easing measures for certain business activities to help the economy recover.
The notice states, however, that such eased measures must absolutely not include entertainment venues, pubs, bars, or nightclubs, which it says are known to facilitate the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the community.
The notice comes after a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week urging the National Taskforce to consider easing certain restrictions on entrance visas to Laos.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) told the National Taskforce it had received an overwhelming number of requests from embassies and consulates requesting that their country be added to the list of 31 countries permitted to enter Laos under the reopening plan.
At the same time, MOFA suggested that in order to better facilitate entry for visitors, certain Covid-19 prevention measures and other regulations regarding the issuance of visas should be abolished.
The proposal also proposed reopening Wattay International Airport and the Friendship Bridge to Nong Khai, paving the way for future free and independent travel.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/21/laos-considers-easing-restrictions-on-entrance-visas/
Tad Yuang Waterfall Wins ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award
Tad Yuang Waterfall in Champasack Province has received an ASEAN sustainable tourism award this year.
The award will be presented to officials from Laos during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held in Cambodia this week, Laopost reports.
The 3rd ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Awards (ASTA) are held every two years in support of the implementation of ASEAN’s Tourism Strategic Plan 2016-2025.
The theme of the 3rd ASTA held for 2022-2023 is “Safe Tourism,” according to Visit Southeast Asia, the official ASEAN travel website.
Tad Yuang Waterfall received the award due to the success of the development of sustainable tourist attractions surrounding the waterfall.
The waterfall is a popular tourist attraction because of its location surrounded by lush greenery, where visitors can observe the daily lives of local people.
The site received major improvements to facilities as part of the Lao Thiao Lao domestic tourism campaign launched in 2020 to promote tourism and boost the local economy.
Authorities have encouraged communities living near the waterfall to produce organic vegetables and other products for sale to visitors and are promoting local customs and traditions to attract visitors and help local people increase their incomes.
The 42-meter Tad Yuang Waterfall features an observation area at the top, middle, and bottom of the falls. A route may be followed around the side to access several viewpoint locations for visitors.
There are also some well-kept picnic sites at the top of the waterfall that are popular with residents.
According to the Champasacl Provincial Culture and Tourism Department, particular attention has been paid to Covid-19 prevention and control measures, ensuring the safety of visitors.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/19/tad-yuang-waterfall-wins-asean-sustainable-tourism-award/