COVID-19 Travel Insurance For Thailand
Our travel insurance plan is designed to meet the health insurance requirements for visitors wanting to enter / transit Thailand during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Tourism
Pilot Launch Of New ‘Phuket Model’ To Let Tourists In Likely Next Month
A new model to reopen Phuket to foreign tourists is expected to be piloted in the middle of next month
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Thailand Not Opening To Foreign Tourists Any Time Soon
Thailand will not be fully reopened to foreign tourists along the lines of the so-called “Phuket Model” any time soon because the government has to consider too many details
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Hin Nam No To Gain World Heritage Status By 2022
Source: Vientiane Times Laos is hopeful that Hin Nam No (Karst) National Protection Area in Bualapha district of Khammuan province
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Activities Around Vientiane
Now that lockdown is starting to ease and we can finally start leaving the house to do more than shopping
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Lao Airlines To Resume Flights On Vientiane-Hanoi Route
State-run Lao Airlines plans to soon resume its international service from Vientiane to Hanoi in Vietnam, with two flights a week on Mondays and Fridays.
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Nearly One-Third Of Tourism-Related Businesses ‘May Shut Down Permanently’: Thailand
The Tourism Council of Thailand estimates that in the next three months up to 30 per cent of tourism-related businesses in Thailand are at risk of shutting down permanently
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Medical Certificates Mandatory For Int’l Travel
All travellers exiting Laos will be required to produce a medical certificate for their destination country to contain the spread of Covid-19.
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These Are The Requirements For Foreigners Wishing To Enter Thailand
The Thai government has again confirmed the requirements for people wishing to enter the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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Despite Recent Denials, NokScoot Is Closing Down
The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed another victim – regional budget airline NokScoot is closing down.
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No Chance Of Vietnam Resuming International Flights In July: Experts
Vietnamese carriers’ plans to resume international flights next month will come to naught, given fresh Covid-19 outbreaks in Asia and other factors, experts say.
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US Embassy No Longer Issuing Visas For Lao Citizens: Consular Dept
The Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official notice to inform the general public that the US government has suspended the issuance of visas to Lao citizens.
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International Flights To Thailand Won’t Resume Until September, Says Aviation Authority
Thailand Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has said it will be September before international flights to and from the country resume.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Over 70 percent Complete
Source: Vientiane Times Construction of a 113.50-km expressway linking Vientiane and Vangvieng is now over 70 percent complete and authorities
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Lao’s Bucket List
Whether you have lived in Lao for a long time, recently moved here, or are just passing through there are some things in Laos that you just can’t miss. Here we have listed a few of our personal highlights
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Laos Extends Flight Ban
The ban on flights to Laos continues with no end date in sight as far as government announcements go
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Lockdown Eased, But Thailand Remains Closed To Foreign Tourists For Another Month
Though Thailand will allow some businesses to reopen from Friday (May 1), the country is still not ready to welcome foreign tourists, say government officials.
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Ban On Inbound Flights Continues: Thailand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is planning to extend its inbound flight ban for another 15 days
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Lao Tourism Income To Decline At Least US$350 Million In 2020
Laos is expecting tourism revenues to fall by at least US$350 million (3,111 billion kip) this year with the sector to cut 2 percent off the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
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Lao Airlines To Resume All Domestic Flights Next Month
Lao Airlines will resume flights on all domestic routes next month after operations were suspended during April 1-19 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Thailand Extends Foreigners’ Visas As Coronavirus Cases Slow
Thailand’s cabinet approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months until July 31
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Twelve Predictions For Life After Coronavirus: Travel & Tourism
12 predictions for the travel and tourism industry in Asia
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Vientiane Bus Suspends All Services
Vientiane State Bus Enterprise (VSBE) suspended its services on every route in Vientiane and to other provinces yesterday following the cancellation of international routes on March 23.
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Foreigners Can Apply For Lao Stay Extensions
Foreigners who cannot leave Laos at this time, because all borders are closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, can request extensions on their stay.
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Health Certificates Required Of All Visitors: Thailand
The Thai government will extend the requirement of medical certificates and health insurance from Sunday to cover all visitors to the country regardless of nationalities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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Northern Laos Province Closes 10 Border Crossings With Vietnam
Authorities in northern Laos’ Huaphan province on Sunday (March 15) called for the temporary closure of 10 traditional border crossings with Vietnam
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Laos Cancels Public Events Including Lao New Year Celebrations on COVID-19 Fears
Authorities in Laos are urging the public to suspend or postpone all “unnecessary” social events including weddings and Lao New Year celebrations in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Bangkok Airways announces flight suspensions VTE-BKK
Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited has announced a decrease in flight frequency as well as flight termination on certain domestic and international routes to be in line with current passenger demand.
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Lao Airlines To Suspend Flights To South Korea
Source: Vientiane Times Laos’ national airline, the Lao Airlines State Enterprise, will suspend flights to the Republic of Korea beginning
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Pay Road Tax Or Get Stopped At The Border
Vehicle owners who have not paid road tax will not be permitted to cross the border into other countries
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Laos Ranked Third In Top Country Awards By UK Wanderlust Magazine
Source: The Star Laos has been named second runner-up in the Top Country rankings in the UK’s Wanderlust Reader Travel
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“Wear Face Masks Or Be Kicked Out Of Thailand” Says Thai Health Minister
Any ‘farangs’ who do not wear face masks should be kicked out of the country, that’s according to Thailand’s health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
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Vientiane Named Among Cheapest Cities For Backpackers
Vientiane has been named the second cheapest city in Asia for backpackers to visit in 2020
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Laos Cracks Down on Ivory, Rhino Horn Sales in Luang Prabang
Authorities in the Luang Prabang province of northern Laos have stepped up controls over the sale of ivory, rhinoceros horn, and other illegal wildlife products
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Zipline Failure Kills Korean Tourist
Travel professionals called on the Lao government to introduce stricter regulations after a Korean tourist died and two other tourists suffered injuries when a Zipline collapsed at this popular riverside tourist town in Laos.
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Friendship Border To Operate 24 Hours
Two land entry points – Nong Khai (between Thailand and Laos) and Sadao (between Thailand and Malaysia), will be open 24 hours a day for a three-month trial period.
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Thailand Is Reminding Travellers About Its Smoking Ban
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is reminding travellers about its smoking ban in public areas, which aims to promote a safe, clean and smoke-free environment for all.
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Thai Airways Sell One Pass One Price
Thai Airways International is offering a One Pass One Price Value Card Package for four economy class fares to destinations in the Mekong region
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Boat Races To Take Place In Front of Landmark Hotel
This year’s boat races will take place on a stretch of the Mekong River near the Landmark Mekong Riverside Hotel, in a change of plan announced on Thursday.
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Asia’s Beaches Go Quiet as Chinese Tourists Stay Home
From quiet beaches in Bali to empty rooms in Hanoi’s hotels, pangs from China’s economic malaise and weakening yuan are being felt across Southeast Asia’s vacation belt.
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Tour Bus Plunges Into Ravine in Laos, Killing 13 Chinese Tourists
A tour bus skidded off a road and plunged into a ravine in northern Laos’ Luang Prabang province Monday afternoon, killing at least 13 Chinese nationals and injuring 31 others, a Lao police officer said.
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Kaolao Cave Soon To Reopen After New Facilities Built
Kaolao cave in Nam-Eng village, Viengphoukha district, Luang Namtha province, will reopen at the end of this year after being closed for five months so that visitor amenities can be built.
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Lao Airlines to launch Vientiane-Kumamoto service in November
Source: Japan Times Lao Airlines said Thursday it is planning to launch regular flights in November connecting the Laotian capital
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Avoid Black Henna Tattoos Or Risk Permanent Scaring
Black henna tattoos are a popular holiday ‘souvenir sought after by many visitors to Asean’s holiday resort locations due to their allegedly non-permanent nature and the mistaken belief that they are safe, even for children.
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UNESCO Lists Plain Of Jars As World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Saturday added the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province to its list of World Heritage Sites.
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Laos Launches eVisa Service
Laos launched its tourist eVisa service, earlier this week, a move that the travel trade says will make it more convenient for visitors.
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Visitor Numbers From High-end, Target Countries Plummet
The number of visitors to Laos from high-end and target countries declined significantly in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2018, a recent report reveals.
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Extension to Wattay International Airport Planned
Source: Vientiane Times The government is planning to expand Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport to meet the growing need for passenger
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More Mysterious ‘Jars of The Dead’ Have Been Discovered in Laos
Unknown to many travellers in southeast Asia, the ‘jars of the dead’ in Laos are a 2,000-year-old mystery that has never been solved.
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Beat The Heat – Best Public Pools In Vientiane
Although cooling down under a cool lush waterfall is a long lost dream, there are several beautiful pools available throughout Vientiane city.
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Travel Insurance by APA
Our Travel Insurance covers accidents and illnesses incurred on your trips in Laos or abroad.
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Patuxai – Victory Gate Vientiane
When the USA donated cement and funds to expand the airport in Laos, the Laotians built a massive monument instead.
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Pi Mai Lao: 8 Rules To Follow
Vientiane Public Security Headquarters announced eight regulations, aimed at maintaining social order during Lao New Year (April 14-16).
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Scoot Is Now Offering Singapore’s First Direct Flight To Laos
Singaporeans can now hop on a direct flight to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, after budget carrier Scoot unveiled three new weekly flights to Laos on April 1.
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China’s US$7 Billion Railway Link To Laos Is Almost Half Done, On Schedule To Begin Service In 2021
The 414km railway from Yunnan’s provincial capital of Kunming to the Laotian capital of Vientiane would cut travelling time to three hours, from three days
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Crazier Than Fiction: The Elephant Rangers of Laos
An innovative project to utilise Laos’ elephant experts in service of protecting the country’s natural treasures is waiting on just one thing – government approval
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Two Week Wait For Tourist & Non-Immigrant Visa Appointments at Thai Embassy in Vientiane !
Anyone who was planning to visit the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane to apply for a tourist or non-immigrant visa should be aware that there are no appointments available for at least two weeks.
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Champassak Tempting Tourists For Visit Laos-China Year
Champassak is focusing on distinctive festivities and various initiatives in a bid to lure more tourists to the southern province during Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
Read more Lao Airlines Takes Off For Shanghai
Lao Airlines, the national flag carrier, has launched a weekly flight to Shanghai to serve the expected influx of Chinese tourists and other passengers during Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
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Laos To Host 2024 ASEAN School Games
Laos will have the opportunity to host the 16th ASEAN School Games for the very first time in its capital Vientiane in 2024, Lao sports authorities said.
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Scoot Launches New Laos Route From Perth
Fly from Perth, via Singapore, to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from $189 each way.
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Revealed: the special button that allows bent taxi drivers to rip off customers: Thailand
An online video showed what one taxi driver was doing to rip off his customers.
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Thai Embassy In Vientiane Issues Warning To Visa Runners
Source: ThaiVisa People who have a history of staying in Thailand using only tourist visas or ‘in-out’ border runs are
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Laos Faces Tourism Setback
Laos will close its “Visit Laos Year 2018 promotion well short of the 5 million tourist arrivals target
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Update: Thailand To Allow Again Land Border Entry for Expats In Laos And Other Neighboring Countries
The Interior Ministry regulation will be amended to allow foreigners who receive a visa waiver for 30 days and travel into Thailand via land immigration checkpoints or land border checkpoints to enter the country with an unlimited number of visa waivers per calendar year.
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How Thailand’s New e-Visa On Arrival Works (Video)
Last month Thailand officially launched its e-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) application system.
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Chinese-Owned Cement Factories Pollute Lao Villages
Two Chinese-owned cement factories in the Vang Vieng district of Laos’ Vientiane Province are covering approximately 900 local families in at least four villages with dust and smog, threatening their health, local sources say.
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Time-Honoured Wax Castle Procession Pays Homage To That Luang Stupa
Thousands of Buddhists decorated their colourful pasaatpheung (wax castles) with candles, flowers, money and incense as they joined the annual procession yesterday to pay homage to the That Luang stupa.
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Police Announce Traffic Plans For That Luang Festival
The police have announced plans for parking and road access during this year’s That Luang festival from November 16-22, hoping to ease the traffic congestion that always plagues this popular event.
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Tour Operators Call For Chronic Problems To Be Addressed
Authorities should address issues that are a source of annoyance for tour operators and tourists, to ensure better conditions for visitors during Visit Laos-China Year 2019 and beyond, tour operators say.
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Myanmar-Laos Border Gate Receives International Status
The border gate between Myanmar and Laos has been upgraded and given international status, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
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Traditional Merit Making Marks End Of Buddhist Lent
A bright, sunny morning yesterday saw people across the country flocking to temples to present their offerings to monks as a means of making merit on the last day of Buddhist Lent.
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Don’t Miss Vientiane’s Boat Races, End Of Lent Festivities
Tourists visiting the capital of Laos this month shouldn’t miss the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and other traditional and religious activities marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
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Plain Of Jars Potential As Unesco World Heritage Site Considered
A meeting will be held this week in Xieng Khuang province to report on the progress made for the consideration of the Plain of Jars (Thong Hai Hin) as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Lao Tax: Everyone Who Travels Pays
Sources at the friendship bridge said there were no exceptions and the tax applied to all foreigners regardless of their travel documents, include foreigners who are resident in Laos.
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Thai Hotel Features Nazi-Themed ‘Communist’ Room
Thai sex hotel sparks outrage with bizarre Nazi-themed room decorated with swastikas and huge murals of HITLER overlooking bed
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Laos Slaps A Dollar Tax On Tourists
Almost forgotten but on the brew for years the much talked about tourist tax was quietly introduced at all of Lao PDR’s border checkpoints 1 October.
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Vientiane Airport: International Expansion As China Tourism Booms
Vientiane Airport has doubled the size of its international terminal, supporting a Laotian initiative to boost tourism. Laos expects Vientiane’s international passenger traffic to double over the next five years, driven by a rapid increase in visitor numbers.
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Can Tourism Boost Lao’s Economy?
Source: The Asean Post Last July, Lao witnessed a catastrophe when the Xe-Pian Xe Namnoy dam located on the Xe
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Thakhaek, A Town Firmly Rooted In History
The French were forced out of Indochina during the 1950s but their legacy remains, with the most notable feature being the old buildings that bear their architectural stamp.
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The Flora Of Laos
A botanical park in Luang Prabang reveals how plants are used in everyday life in Laos
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Chinese Tourist ‘Invasion’ Feared As High-Speed Laos-China Railway Will Boost Visitor Numbers Dramatically
Trepidation about a huge influx of Chinese tourists into the small Southeast Asian country – with a population of just 6.8 million – was heightened last year when construction was started on the high-speed Laos-China Railway.
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Thai Banks ‘Prepared’ Amid Warning Of Global ATM Attack
Commercial banks in Thailand have boosted security to prevent unauthorised access to their automatic teller machines as cybercriminals are reportedly planning to carry out a large-scale global ATM attack.
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Laos’ Main Airport Got Huge Expansion
The international terminal of the airport serving the Laotian capital of Vientiane, Wattay International Airport, can now accommodate as many as 2.3 million foreign travelers a year, roughly nine times the original terminal’s capacity.
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Pullman Debuts In Laos
The 16-hectare resort overlooks a lush greenery with a backdrop of beautiful mountain views and paddy fields along meandering streams and ponds in the rustic countryside.
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Five Million Tourists Target Proving Lofty, PM Admits
The government is not so confident in achieving its target of attracting five million tourists to Laos in 2018 as an informal mid-year summary had shown that less than two million had visited the country so far this year, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told the recent Lao Business Forum.
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Inspection Ordered As Road Toll Bites In Champassak
Champassak provincial authorities will soon order an inspection of Road No. 16 including accurate details on the construction budget as the government contemplates plans to purchase the project rights from the private construction company.
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US Hits Laos With Visa Restrictions
The Trump administration has suspended the issuing of visas to citizens of the Southeast Asian countries of Myanmar and Laos, following both governments’ refusal to take back citizens who had been ordered deported from the U.S.
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Savannakhet Upgrading Three Iconic Tourist Sites
Following Savannakhet’s declaration of Kaysone Phomvihane district as a city in May, the province is upgrading popular tourism sites in three districts in a bid to attract more visitors.
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Laos To Introduce E-Visa by 2019
Laos will join Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar in offering an online e-visa option for tourism purposes, the last country in Southeast Asia to switch from passport-page sized stickers to electronically prearranged visas for self-printout
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Tourism Creating Wealth Of Job Opportunities For Lao People
The Lao tourism industry is not only playing a significant role in boosting economic growth, but is also creating a huge number of job opportunities for local people, experts have noted.
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New Flights To Boost Links Between Laos and China
Laos and China on Monday officially set in motion a new air route between the two countries, aimed not only at boosting tourism but also other areas of cooperation.
The new flight will carry tourists and other travellers between Vientiane and Luang Prabang province in Laos and Hainan province in China.
LOCA «Get Around Like Local », a Lao Ride Sharing Application Available Now!
LOCA is an application that provides on-demand transportation similar to two worldwide applications called UBER and GRAB. LOCA represents the revolution of transport in Laos since LOCA is the first company to introduce a transport application that is convenient and cashless for the country.
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Govt Piloting Single-Window Customs Clearance For Vehicles
The government is piloting the Lao National Single Window (LNSW) scheme at international border crossings, seeking to speed up customs clearance for vehicles and link the country to the Asean single window system.
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Tour Companies Tout Laos As Adventure Lovers’ Paradise
Local tour companies are continuing efforts to promote Laos as an adventure tourism destination with a recent exhibition held at the Vientiane Center shopping mall.
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Use Of Immigration Forms Waived At Four International Airports
Lao citizens and foreigners who are permanently resident in Laos will no longer need to fill in an immigration form when leaving or entering the country via international airports in Vientiane, LuangPrabang, Savannakhet, and Pakxe.
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Vangvieng Slated To Become Official Tourism Town In 2020
Vientiane province’s Vangvieng district will officially be declared a tourism town in 2020 in terms of natural and cultural attractions, as part of the government’s efforts to promote the tourism industry.
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Luang Prabang – A Pachyderm Paradise
“Don’t think an elephant cannot lie. You will notice elephants’ lies if you spend time observing Chao Kid’s behaviour,” Prasop Tipprasert, a wild animal expert and a key staff member at the MandaLao, said as he led a group of Thai reporters on a trip through the elephant sanctuary earlier this month.
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E-Visa For Laos Set To Go Online Year-End, Early 2019
Electronic visa (E-visa) services are set to be offered at the end of this year or early next year in a move to attract more foreign tourists to take vacations in Laos.
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Laos Movie Industry Begins To Flower After Decades Of Neglect
In Laos, one of the poorest nations in the world, the local film industry is beginning to flower after decades of being virtually non-existent. Local directors are creating critically acclaimed films despite limited resources
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Happy Lao New Year 2018 ! Sokdee Pi Mai Lao !!!
At this festive season of the year, we would like to thank our customers ! Your support and the continued trust that you place in us is the foundation of our success.
You are at the centre of everything we do and we will work tirelessly towards ensuring that we meet and exceed your expectations.
We wish you a Happy Pi Mai celebration and a prosperous and wonderful 2017 !
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Khaen Music Of The Lao People Celebrated As Humanity’s Heritage
Hundreds of officials, foreign guests, musicians, performers and Vientiane residents gathered last night in Vientiane celebrating the international recognition of Khaen music of the Lao people as humanity’s heritage.
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Thai Bans Fat People From Flying On 787-9 Dreamliners
Thai Airways International has banned passengers with over 56-inch waistline and passengers with kids on their laps from Business Class seating on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
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Stopped By Police In Thailand? What You Should Do
There are plenty of stories about bad police planting evidence or fake police shaking down the innocent. What to do if someone claiming to be a police officer wants to search your person or belongings?
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Thailand Unveils New Banknotes With King Rama X
THAI currency is getting a facelift, with new banknotes to feature the face of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X.
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Laos Sees Improvement In Tourism Competitiveness
Laos has seen an improvement in its travel and tourism competitiveness, but still has a long way to go to catch up with neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, according to a report from the World Economic Forum.
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Tourism And Development Threaten Laos’ French Traditions
It remains a jewel of French colonial architecture, you can savor some of the best croissants and baguettes east of Paris here, and even toddlers still learn the language of their bygone rulers. Luang Prabang, tucked into a river valley in the heart of Laos, survives as one of the last bastions of the old French Indochina.
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China Southern Adds Lao Route
China Southern plans to fly to Vientiane from Chongqing in China during the summer timetable months April to October. The airline has filed for three weekly flights starting 26 March according to timetable information reported by Airlineroute.
The new service would use an …
Buddha Park Gets A Facelift For Lao Tourism Year
If you would like to enjoy wandering through an intriguing sculptural representation of ‘hell’, ‘earth’ and ‘heaven’, look no further than the ‘City of Spirits’ or Xiengkhuan Buddha Park on the outskirts of Vientiane.
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Foreigner Database To Be Ready In Six Months: Thailand
The Immigration Bureau and the Interior Ministry were instructed to speed up the implementation of a single-platform online database of foreigners entering and leaving the kingdom.
The single platform database would help prevent crimes by foreigners, such as call-centre scams and those related to underworld activities.
Green Light For Tourism Complex Development In Vangvieng; Casino Pending Approval
A Chinese company is beginning construction of a more than US$200-million tourism complex at the disused airfield in Vangvieng district. The project will include a five-star hotel, a modern private hospital, a public park and a planned casino.
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Top Ten Hard Truths Of Living As An Expat In Thailand
There will be bumps along the way between your visits to the beach, bar and immigration office (sometimes the bumps will be at the beach, bar and immigration office). Expat life is what you make it here in the Land of Smiles. Moaning about it never helps but accepting the bumps is part of the adventure. Here are our Top Ten Hard Truths for expats in Thailand.
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Mango Mania: Iconic Views and Soothing Entrees
Running water, its soothing white noise comforts and welcomes. This is the sound that greets customers as they enter the sanctum sanctorum which is the uniqueness of Mango Mania.
Mango Mania is a U-shaped greenhouse that appears more mirage-like than edificial. At the base of the U, framed by two bright red wooden doors reminiscent of …
Xeno Airport Project Slow To Take Off
The government is planning to build an international airport at the former Xeno airfield in Savannakhet province, which has lain unused for many decades.
The airport would serve the region and accommodate the growth of foreign investment and tourism in the area.
Wattay Airport Shuttle Bus Service Launched
Vientiane Bus Enterprise launched its commercial operations for the new shuttle bus service to Wattay Airport. The shuttle bus service will be available between Central Bus Station at Talat Sao and Wattay International Airport.
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Plain Of Jars On Track For UNESCO Listing Next Year
Lao authorities will submit documentation to UNESCO by the end of this month for the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province to be added to the world heritage list after the government approved related documents last year.
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Anthony Bourdain And James Syhabout On The Cuisine You Don’t Know – But Should
You’ve probably tasted Laotian flavors and not even realized it. Anthony Bourdain and chef James Syhabout want to change that. Syhabout is the force behind two Michelin-starred restaurants, Commis and sister eatery Hawker Fare, which focuses on the Laotian cuisine of his childhood. Bourdain is the host of the popular travel and food show “Parts Unknown.” He calls Hawker Fare one of the most important restaurants he’s ever visited.
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BigBlue Wins Contract For Visit Laos Year 2018
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MOICT) has recently signed an agreement with BigBlue Agency Laos awarding them the preferred rights to setup all billboards related to the Visit Laos Year 2018 Campaign.
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Public Park Planned For Vientiane City’s Riverside
Vientiane authorities have agreed to the creation of a green lung for city residents and visitors in the form of a public park along the Mekong River in Sisattanak district.
The 31,500 square metre site is located behind the Don Chan Palace hotel and adjoins Chao Anouvong park.
With Its Environmental Crisis, Is Laos Missing The Forest For The Trees?
Laos’ reputation as having some of the most lush and diverse forests in the Mekong remains under serious threat after a December investigation by government officials found evidence of large-scale illegal logging operations in the southern Attapeu province, despite recent efforts to end the practice. Laos, which is left with just 40 percent of the country covered by closed canopy forests, is facing an environmental crisis with much of the remaining forests unhealthy and degraded.
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Utilise Local Tour Guides Or Face Penalties, Foreign Tour Operators Warned
Lao authorities have warned foreign tour operators to utilise local tour guides otherwise they will be fined.
The authorities also warned foreign tour operators to partner with local counterparts in arranging package tour programmes in Laos; if not they will face measures.
Remove Barriers To Business, Tour Operators Urge Government
Tour operators have called for the government to remove a number of barriers they are facing in order to boost the industry and increase tourist arrivals.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Highway To Be Extended To China
The Vientiane-Vangvieng highway will be part of the mega Laos-China Highway Project which will stretch between Vientiane and Boten in Luang Namtha where the Laos-China border is located.
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Govt Waives Visas For Scandinavians for Visit Laos Year 2018
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden will not need a tourist visa if they visit Laos next year after the government waived the requirement in a bid to boost tourist arrivals from the four Scandinavian countries.
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Thai immigration Warns Visa Waits Of 4 Hours At Bangkok Airports
International visitors coming into Bangkok for the New Year long weekend should brace themselves for long waits for visas on arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Luang Prabang, Champassak Are Top Hotspots For Tourists
The most popular destinations among visitors this winter are Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Vientiane, and Champassak provinces, according to tour operators.
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Chinese Tourists Could Cause Years of Misery for Thai Airports
Thailand, land of golden temples, white-sand beaches, smiling hosts. Or of overcrowded airports, epic traffic jams and littered seashores.
Facing a deluge of Chinese tourists that has strained its airports beyond capacity, the Southeast Asian nation is
Tourist Arrivals Fall By 9 Percent In Jan-Sept 2017
The number of foreign tourists visiting Laos in the first nine months of this year dropped by 9.1 percent to just over 2.88 million people compared to the same period last year.
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Seek Permission Before Flying Your Drone, Lao Ministry Warns
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has warned drone owners to seek permission from the relevant authorities before flying their drones – if not, the owners will face penalties.
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Redha Wins Audience Choice Award: Luang Prabang Film Festival
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) concluded its eighth annual event this week in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos, with the Audience Choice Award going to the Malaysian film, Redha.
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Laos, Russia Ready Visa Exemptions To Spur More Visits
Visa exemptions for citizens of Laos and Russia who hold ordinary passports will come into effect on Lao National Day in a move expected to boost people-to-people visits.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Selects 10 Projects for 2017 Talent Lab
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has selected 10 projects from across Southeast Asia to participate in its 2017 Talent Lab, to be led by Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI). The Lab, which will focus on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the eighth annual festival, which will take place 8-13 December 2017.
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Lao Drivers To Be Charged For Using Thai Roads
Thailand plans to collect so-called “Asean road tolls” from foreign motorists entering the country via border checkpoints from the end of next year.
Read more More Tourists Making Their Way To Laos By Road
The number of tourists from within the region and further afield who enter Laos by road has increased significantly over the past five years, a survey has revealed.
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New Nan-Luang Prabang Bus Service Launched
A new daily bus service has begun between Nan and Luang Prabang in Laos, via Xayaburi. The 373-kilometre-long trip takes about 10 hours and tickets cost 660 baht.
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Luang Prabang Upgraded From Town To City
The government has approved a change in the status of Luang Prabang from town to city, aimed at fast tracking socio-economic development in the province while enhancing relations with other cities in the region.
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Baci Ritual: A Centrepiece Of Lao Culture
The baci or Sou khuan is a well-known traditional ritual and has a deep meaning for Lao people.
The baci ceremony is reminiscent of Brahmanism and animism. It follows the belief that the human being’s main body parts are inhabited by 32, or even more, spirits. In some circumstances, these spirits may leave the body to wander around and get lost in the universe, thus causing you to become weak and vulnerable to danger.
It’s therefore important to call the missing spirits back, so you can be yourself again. This ceremony is performed on important occasions such as births…..
That Luang Festival
The That Luang Festival is extra special this year as it anticipates Visit Laos Year 2018, aiming to spotlight Lao culture, tourist attractions and the local lifestyle to the eyes of the world.
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Jeju Air To Open Route To Laos On Sunday
Jeju Air Co., South Korea’s leading budget carrier will open the route to the capital of Laos this Sunday as part of its diversification strategy to offset falling demand on Chinese routes.
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Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane To Open 2019 In Laos
InterContinental Hotels Group signed a management agreement with BIM Group to develop the first Holiday Inn hotel in Vientiane, Laos. This will be IHG’s third project with BIM Group.
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Unregistered Drones Banned: Thailand
Visitors to Thailand be aware: Thailand is banning illegal drones; failure to register Drones within 90 days from Friday could result in a jail term of not more than five years and/or a fine of not more than Bt100,000 or both.
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No Plans Yet For Repair Of Kasy-Nan Road After Landslides
The road between Kasy district in Vientiane province and Nan district in Luang Prabang province is likely to remain in poor condition in the wake of several landslides, as local authorities still haven’t made plans for repairs.
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Cycling In Southern Laos – An Unparalleled Way To Immerse Yourself In The Local Lifestyle
In southern Laos, there are numerous cycling tours on offer for all levels all year round but winter makes the best time as the weather is dry and the temperature is cooler. It’s an activity we really recommend as it’s an unparalleled way to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
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King of Thailand’s Funeral Ceremony: Advice for Tourists Oct 2017
Thailand is building up to what will be a historic period with final preparations under way for the funeral of the late King. The Royal Cremation Ceremony will be held in Bangkok from October 25-29. It will be a sad time for Thai people, but the country will remain as welcoming as ever for tourists and you will still be able to enjoy your trip. Although there is no need to change travel plans, please be respectful and if you are visiting Bangkok or other areas of Thailand in October, there are some important points to be aware of.
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China Southern Airlines Launches Vientiane-Guangzhou Direct Flight
China Southern Airlines has officially launched a direct flight from Lao capital Vientiane to Guangzhou as part of a scheme to support China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
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Laos Is ‘World’s Fastest Growing’ Ivory Market
The fastest growing ivory market in the world is now Laos, according to an investigation by Kenya-based group Save the Elephants.
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“Most-hated German In Thailand” On His Way To Laos ?
A man once dubbed the “most hated German in Thailand” was denied boarding a Thai Airways flight on Tuesday after being blacklisted by Thai immigration.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2017 Talent Lab
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that it is looking for applicants for its 2017 Talent Lab for Southeast Asian filmmakers, to be led by Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI). The Lab, which will focus on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the eighth annual festival, which will take place 8-13 December 2017.
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Better Facilities Needed For Visit Laos Year 2018
Authorities are preparing to promote “Visit Laos Year 2018” with the aim of making this sector a key pillar for economic growth.
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Asean Members Give Further Boost To Single Aviation Market
Air transport officials of Asean member state countries will work to build up the Asean Single Aviation Market, which is seen as one of the key milestones in developing the Asean Economic Community.
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5 Reasons To Visit Laos In The Green Season
Laos has two very distinct seasons: the wet (May – October) and the dry (November – April) — each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Here we present our top 5 reasons for coming to Laos during the Green Season!
Deep Sky Dreaming Carries Hostess To New Horizons Via Qatar
A five-year-old girl with big dreams has grown up to be the first Lao female flight attendant at Qatar Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines.
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Foreign-Owned Businesses Won’t Hurt Local Operators In Vangvieng: Official
Foreign-owned tour agents, hotels and restaurants are unlikely to have serious negative impacts on local business operators in Vangvieng because they offer a variety of choices for foreign tourists from different regions, a district tourism official has said.
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Investor Granted a 30-year Concession to Renovate Wat Xieng Khuan
Hadxayfong Authorities have authorised Lao International Travel and Investment Co., Ltd. to renovate Wat Xieng Khuan, also known as Buddha Park to make it more attractive to domestic and foreigner visitors.
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Lao Heritage Town To Host 5th Annual Half Marathon Event
The fifth annual Run for Children “Luang Prabang Half Marathon” will be held in October this year in Lao world heritage town of Luang Prabang.
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Chinese Firm To Build US $40 Million Elephant Conservation, Breeding Center In Laos
A Chinese state-owned enterprise said on Saturday that it will build a U.S. $40 million elephant conservation and breeding center in northwestern Laos’ Sayaboury province and develop it into a for-profit tourist attraction by the end of the year.
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Capital’s Water Channel Designed For Tourism Development
Upgrading the water channel along That Luang marsh to Huaymark Hiew water gate is aimed at preventing possible flooding in the city and developing a new tourist site in Vientiane in the near future.
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Thai PM To Address Don Mueang Chaos
Thai Prime Minister Chan-o-cha has ordered relevant agencies to ensure that long immigration queues at Don Mueang International Airport will be resolved quickly.
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Lao Airlines To Open Direct Flight To Japan
Lao Airlines has announced it will inaugurate direct flight to Japan’s Tokyo Narita International Airport soon to handle the growing need for air transport between the two countries.
The exact date for the inauguration and ticket prices are still unknown, but details will be ..
France To Speed Up Visa Delivery For Lao Citizens
France will cut visa delivery time to 48 hours for Lao, Russians, Indians and citizens of five more Asian countries in a bid to boost tourism
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Some Tourist Visa Holders Being Asked To Show 20,000 Baht In CASH When Entering Thailand
If you are entering Thailand on a tourist visa, you may be required to show immigration officials 20,000 baht in CASH.
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THAI Smile Begins Joint Vientiane Operations
THAI Smile began flying to Vientiane from Bangkok on Saturday as part of a joint operation with its parent Thai Airways International (THAI).
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Visit Year To Revive Lao Tourism
Laos is preparing to launch its “Visit Laos Year 2018” to promote the tourism industry and revive interest in the country at a time when visits are declining.
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Lao Food: Top Ten Most Famous Dishes
In Laos, food is the most important activity throughout the day. In the local language, it is quite common for
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Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Named Among The World’s Worst Airports
Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok has been named among the top 10 worst airports in the world, according to a new study which measured punctuality, quality and service.
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Thailand ‘Among Top 20 Most Dangerous Countries’ To Visit
Thailand has been ranked as one of the 20 most dangerous countries in the world for tourists, with high rates of crime and violence and low reliability of police services, according to a recent survey.
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Insurance To Be Compulsory For Travellers To Thailand
All foreign tourists will soon be required to have travel insurance before entering Thailand under a proposal put forward by a committee of the Tourism and Sports Ministry
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Laos Simplifies Tourist Arrival Process
Lao Government has removed several steps of filling in forms for tourist arrival in Laos to promote and attract more tourists and form a better regional and international links.
Read more Foreign Visitor Arrivals Decrease By 12%
The number of overseas tourist arrivals in Laos is decreased by 12 percent in the first three months of 2017, downing from 1.24 million people in the same period last year to 1.11 million people in March this year.
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Why Bangkok Nightlife May Never Be The Same
If finding a late-night roost in the capital’s usual haunts has become more difficult, that’s because most clubs and bars in the Khaosan Road and Thonglor areas were ordered this month to close at midnight – a situation that may not change.
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Automatic Passport Screening Implemented At Nong Khai Border Checkpoint
Automatic passport screening machines on Sunday were introduced at the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Nong Khai
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Joint Tourism Plan “Two Countries, One Destination”
Thailand and Laos will work together on a tourism campaign dubbed “Two Countries, One Destination” aimed at boosting arrivals on both sides of the border.
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Laos Asks For Longer Hours At Checkpoints
Source: Bangkok Post Travel operators in Laos have urged the Thai government to extend the closing time at border checkpoints
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2017 Dates, Releases Design
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that its eighth annual event will take place on 8-13 December 2017. The festival, which celebrates Southeast Asian cinema every December in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, Laos, will feature a range of feature film screenings, short film programs, panel discussions, and events.
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Death From Below In The World’s Most Bombed Country
The US dropped 270 million bombs on Laos during the Vietnam war. More than 40 years later, the devices are still killing people
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Anthony Bourdain Explores The Dark Hidden History Of Laos
On Sunday night’s episode of “Parts Unknown,” Anthony Bourdain delves into a little-known part of American history, exploring the country of Laos and its “Secret War.”
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Wealth Of Tourist Sites In Laos
Currently, almost 1,200 ecotourism sites, over 600 cultural sites and almost 300 historical sites and two world heritage towns are earmarked as destinations for tourists visiting the country.
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A Visit To The Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden
The newly-opened Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is a perfect half-day adventure out of town and it’s just a short, leisurely ride from Luang Prabang. After buying a ticket at their office in town, hop on one of their complimentary boats from the ….
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Lao And Now: Mekong River, Vientiane, Thailand
We’re cruising up the Mekong from Vientiane, capital of Laos, to northern Thailand, on a 1000km, 10-day journey. Way upstream, dams are voraciously draining the river, so initially we have had to
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‘Gap Yah’ Backpackers Begging For Money Should Be Ashamed Of Themselves
Take a walk down Koh San Road in Bangkok and you’ll see people lining the streets asking for money. Only they’re not homeless locals struggling to feed their families; they’re gap yah backpackers who spent their week’s budget on too many drinks in the hostel bar …
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THAI And Bangkok Airways Agree To Codeshare
Thai Airways International (THAI) and Bangkok Airways (BA) have entered a codeshare agreement which will remain effective until late October.
The two Thai-registered airlines signed the agreement on Monday. It covers 15 routes.
Bangkok Airways will operate 10 domestic routes. They are ….
Luang Prabang Arranges Special Lao New Year Activities
Luang Prabang province has added more activities to Lao New Year ( Pi Mai Lao ) festivities this year as it focuses on promoting Visit Laos Year 2018 and attracting more domestic and foreign visitors.
For this year’s Pi Mai Lao in Luang Prabang province the organising committee has designed large tourism promotion banners to join the Miss Lao New Year procession on 15 April, which will highlight various …..
Five Bans to be Strictly Enforced During Lao New Year
The Government issued five public bans for Lao New Year celebration last week, in an effort to maintain social order and promote and preserve Lao traditions and culture.
Firstly, state offices and the general public nationwide have been asked to organise a farewell party to BE 2560 in accordance with the longstanding traditional culture of Laos and the government’s policies throughout the five-day celebration from 13 to 17 April.
Thai Vans Operating On Thai-Lao Border Fully Comply With Traffic Laws
Ahead of the Songkran Festival, all vans operating across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Nong Khai have been improved to meet safety requirements.
In compliance with traffic regulations being imposed during the Songkran holiday period, van operators providing services across the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge have made necessary adjustments to their…..
Vientiane Gears Up For An Exciting Lao New Year
People nationwide are eagerly anticipating the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) festival (Year of the Rooster) next week, with the official holiday taking place from April 14-16.
Vientiane is preparing an exciting programme of activities for locals and visitors alike, including a Miss Vientiane contest on April 8, an arts show, a sandcastle building contest, and sports competitions on the sandy shores of the Mekong.
Laos-Cambodia Border Closed Over Tensions
In the latest flare up in tensions between the two countries, Lao authorities temporarily shut a border crossing with Cambodia and dispatched more troops to an undemarcated area on the northern border after Cambodian authorities began renovating an old French border outpost.
According to local officials, Laos shut the Voen Kham border crossing in Stung Treng province’s O’Svay commune on Sunday and ….
Pi Mai Faces Ban! Water Throwing Set To Be A Crime This Year
In a move to reign in Pi Mai the Lao authorities have finally acted with a swathe of new measures to stop water throwing activities at this year’s upcoming festival.
All “overt” water throwing could now warrant charges for assault with serious dousing cases leading to jail time, heavy fines or …..
Precious Lessons From World Heritage Town Of Luang Prabang
Almost 40 Thai villagers and “creative tourism” advocates recently participated in several community tourism activities in Luang Prabang, Laos, looking to apply good ideas to their villages in six designated special zones.
They have learned precious lessons from these destinations — Whisky Village, Sa Paper Village, Living Land Community Farm, Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, two museums, two mountains, a temple and ….
Tourist Dies At Popular Gibbon Zipline Park In Laos
A traveller has died ziplining at the Gibbon Experience forest camp in Laos.
The person, thought to be American, was at the remote attraction popular with backpackers travelling on a budget through South-East Asia. It boasts some of the world’s highest and longest ziplines, with the largest reaching 1,870ft across a forested valley in the north-west of the country, close to the border with Thailand.
The ziplines connect what the operating company claims are some ….
Hilton Enters Laos
The US hotel giant has penned a deal with TPD Company to manage the 160-room DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane, which is scheduled to open in the Lao capital in early 2020.
Located in the centre of the city, on the intersection of Rue Setthathilath and Rue Manthatourath, about 5km from the Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, the upscale hotel will be close to the ….
Cambodia-Laos Air Links Increased
Cambodia and Laos on Monday signed a deal to encourage regional airlines to increase their services between both countries in a bid to encourage tourism.
Vann Chanty, director for air transport at Cambodia’s State Secretariat of Civil Aviation, said that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will push airlines in both countries to operate more flights between Cambodia and Laos due to …
Five-Day Holiday Announced For Lao New Year 2017
The government has announced a five-day holiday for Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) including two days in compensation for the weekend, enabling people to celebrate the event for longer.
Pi Mai Lao is traditionally celebrated for only three days from April 14-16. Given that April 15 and 16 occur on a …
A Longboat Trip To Khongphapheng Caps Amazing Visit In Siphandon
Siphandon is well known as an impressive visitor destination because of the stunning scenery around the Mekong River, the intriguing local lifestyle and the massive waterfall that never ceases to amaze.
If you visit Siphandon (4,000 Islands), the one thing you shouldn’t forego is a boat ride to the Khonphapheng Falls as the trip will give you a true taste of how the locals pass their ….
Foreign Tourist Arrivals Drop By 10 Percent In 2016
The number of foreign tourists visiting Laos dropped for the first time in 2016 after several successive years of visitor growth, newly compiled statistics suggest.
Laos registered average annual growth in foreign tourist arrivals of 10.7 percent on average over the past five years. But last year, just over 4.23 million foreign visitors came to the country – a drop of 10 percent compared to ….
Lao Outbound Travellers Hit 3 Million For 2016
Lao outbound travellers made more than 3.05 million trips in 2016 and more people are suggested to have made longer-distance trips in foreign countries, the latest statistics showed.
Though 2016’s figure slightly decreased from more than 3.06 million trips and the 3.3 million trips recorded in 2015 and 2014 respectively, the number of Lao nationals travelling by planes increased to the ….
Belgium’s Queen Mathilde Swaps Heels For Trainers As She Tackles Steep Stairs At A Laos Temple
Queen Mathilde proved it is possible to be stylish and practical as she visited a temple in Laos today.
The Belgian royal opted for a sensible pair of putty-coloured trainers as she climbed the steep steps from the ancient Vat Phou temple, near the southern city of Pakse.
She livened-up the shoes with a knee-length multi-coloured patterned dress, which showed off her trim ….
High Cost of Living Remains a Challenge for Tourism Industry in Laos
The high cost of living remains a significant challenge for the tourism industry in Laos as spending for basic services such as taxis, food, and accommodation is higher than in neighboring countries.
Slow service is among the downsides of the tourism sector in Laos.
“The tourism sector in Laos should develop ….
Laos, Thailand, China, Vietnam Pave Way For Tourism Integration
Eleven provinces across four countries in the upper Mekong basin have agreed to join in a development cooperation agreement that will seek sustainable tourism integration across the sub-region and its borders.
Under the MoU, the provinces have agreed to cooperate on tourism advertising, cross border facilities and tourism infrastructure ….
Anthony Bourdain Talks Drugs, Politics, Obama, And Near-Death Experiences
In an episode set in Laos, he ate freshwater fish and bamboo shoots with a man who had lost an arm and a leg when a U.S. explosive, left over from the war, detonated.
A White House staffer told him he brought Laos’s unexploded-ordinance problem to light. “I’m a little embarrassed. I feel like Bono. I don’t want to be that guy. The show is always about …
Doubts Over Projected 2016 Tourist Arrivals
Last year’s projected visitor numbers may not reach their target as arrivals for January to September actually decreased compared to the same period in 2015, initial figures indicate.
Overall, foreign visitor arrivals have dramatically increased in recent years. The number was just over 2.7 million in 2011, about 3.3 million in 2012, around …..