Laos-China Rail to Start Cross-Border Service by April
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited will be opening the cross-border service…
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Travel & Tourism
2023 Pi Mai Lao Holiday Dates Announced
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced the Holiday dates for Pi Mai 2023.
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Time Magazine Calls Luang Prabang “A Hidden Paradise”
Luang Prabang is included on Time Magazine’s 50 greatest places in the world.
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Laos and Cambodia are Partnering to Promote Shared Tourism
Laos and Cambodia are joining forces to promote tourism between the two countries.
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The Influx of Chinese Visitors Could Overwhelm Hospitality Sector Experts Say
Expert says that the hospitality sector may struggle to deal with the influx of Chinese visitors to the country.
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Vietnam to Expand List of Eligible Countries for Visa Exemption
Vietnam will waive visas for more countries and extend the length of stay for foreign tourists to speed up the recovery of tourism.
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PM Orders Installation of Immigration Checkpoints at Train Stations to Cope with Visitor Influx
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has asked for urgent action to set up immigration booths at stations on the Laos-China Railway.
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Luang Prabang Plans “Pi Mai 2023” Extravaganza
Luang Prabang authorities have arranged an extensive programme of activities for the Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) 2023 festival.
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Khammuan Authorities Declare Hin Nam No a National Park
Khammuan authorities have officially declared the Hin Nam No National Protection Area (Karst mountains) a national park.
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Vientiane Province Adds Another Cave to List of Attractions
Visitors to scenic Vientiane province will soon be able to add a new location to their itinerary.
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China-Laos Railway Records New High of Daily Passenger Number
The number of passengers travelling on the China-Laos Railway is continuing to grow, posting an increase of 256.2 percent
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Laos-China Railway to Start Online Ticket Sales Next Week
The Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. will begin selling train tickets online through the LCR ticket app
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Tourism Ministry Takes New Step to Counter Trafficking in Persons
The Ministry of Tourism is making further steps to stop human trafficking through educating the youth about human rights.
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Lao Airlines to Resume Flights to Danang This Month
Lao Airlines is set to bring back flight going to Danang.
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Sihom’s Walking Street Attracts Local and Foreign Tourists
A street in Sihom Village in Vientiane is getting more local and international tourist visits.
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Visit Laos Year 2023-2024 Materials are Ready for Rollout
Welcoming materials for Visit Laos is on rollout to boost tourism.
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Japan Provides 52 Buses for Vientiane
The government of Japan has donated busses to help improve public transport in Laos capital.
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Prime Minister Urges Rail Operator to Improve Services
Lao Prime Minister urge the rail operator to improve its services to give passenger a better experience.
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Chinese Tourists Fill Up Hotels in Northern Laos’ Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is experiencing a surge of Chinese Tourist who visits the town.
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Laos Hopes That Business Will be Booming Again Soon
The country is looking forward for the boom of the businesses as more tourists starts to enter.
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Lao Airlines to Operate Flights From Pakse to China Starting Mid-2023
Lao Airlines announced that they open direct flights going to China mid this year.
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Riverside Spot in Borikhamxay is Set to Become a New Tourist Destination
Borikhamxay authorities are building visitor facilities at the popular Hadxaikhao beach on the Mekong River in Don village, Pakxan district.
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Laos’ Tourists Haven Feuang District Near Vientiane Expects Over 100,000 Tourists in 2023
After seeing over 45,000 tourists since the country reopened its borders in May last year, the Feuang district’s governor expects more.
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Lao Kip Boosts Travel; High-Speed Train Brings More Tourists to Thailand
The number of Chinese tourists visiting Vientiane in Laos, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani in Thailand has increased now.
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Laos, Cambodia Further Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
Bilateral cooperation has been constantly promoted to strengthens area such as national defense and public security, economy and trade.
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Luang Prabang’s Night Market Vendors Enthused by Return of Tourists
Luang Prabang vendors are now making a comeback and earning a steady income as growing number of tourist arrived.
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Thailand to Impose $12 Entry Fee for Foreign Travelers from June as Tourism Booms
Travelers flying into Thailand will have to pay 300 baht ($12) for each trip.
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Laos Tourism Number to Rise as Government Prepares for Return of Chinese Tourists
The Lao government and private sectors are actively preparing for the arrival of Chinese tour groups.
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Jeju Air to Expand Flights to Laos and Vietnam
Jeju Air Co., the Republic of Korea’s biggest low-cost carrier will expand flights to Laos and Vietnam in April after three years of their suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Kakao Mobility to Enter Laos This Year
Kakao Mobility will establish a mobility platform in Laos and a service suited for the Laotian market this year with Vietnamese mobility firm LVMC Holdings.
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After 3-year Hiatus, The Lao Elephant Festival is to be Held in February
After 3-year Hiatus, The Lao Elephant Festival is to be Held in February
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5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Connecting Bueng Kan with Bolikhamsai to Open in 2024
5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge connecting Bueng Kan with Bolikhamsai to open in 2024
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China To Scrap COVID Quarantine Rule For Inbound Travellers
China will stop requiring inbound travellers to go into quarantine starting from Jan. 8
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Laos Allows Entry Of Travellers Without Covid-19 ATK Test
The issuing of the notification was attributed to many reasons, such as the unfolding situation of Covid-19 in Laos and neighbouring countries, as well as globally
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Straw Hut Village Is New Tourist Attraction in Muang Fuang
A straw hut village has opened in Meuang Feuang district, Vientiane province, as a new tourist attraction in this increasingly popular bucolic riverside retreat
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Improve Key Factors To Boost Tourism Industry, Economist Suggests
“Most importantly, more inbound flights should be started and the number of countries eligible for visa-free travel should be increased.”
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Loss Of Freshwater Dolphins Kills Tourism Industry In Southern Lao Province
A plan to bring a pair of the mammals from Cambodia to breed in Laos has made no headway.
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Luang Prabang Named Among Easiest Places To Travel In SE Asia
“What makes this destination an attractive stop in Laos is its rich culture and laid-back vibe. Time slows down in Luang Prabang,” the magazine states.
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Thailand Looking To Benefit From Spill Over Of Laos China Rail Link
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta) believes that about 3 million Chinese tourists may use the almost 423 km long electrified railway that runs between the Lao capital of Vientiane and Boten town in northern Laos bordering China.
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Travel Magazine Cites Laos As One Of Top Places To Visit
Laos was listed behind Norway, Malé, Los Angeles, Slovenia and Barbados, which all got special mention at www.wanderlust.co.uk.
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Brighter Future For Tourism As Visitor Numbers Soar
Statistics show the average visitor on a group tour stays for 2.5 days and spends about US$45 per day. In contrast, an individual visitor stays …
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Normal-Speed Train Soon
The Laos-China Railway plans to begin operating ordinary train service to ease the rising demand for train travel, especially at the weekend.
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Thailand Fully Reopens From 1st October
Vaccination proof/ATK test result no longer needed, while period of stay in the kingdom is extended to 45 days for tourists entitled to visa exemption and to 30 days for Visa on Arrival.
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Thailand Grants Visa Extension For Tourists To Stimulate Upcoming High Season
Effective from 1 October, 2022, until 31 March, 2023, for tourists from countries/territories entitled for a visa exemption and visa on arrival to Thailand.
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Dreamy Rooftop Restaurants In Bangkok With Epic Views
See the best rooftop restaurants in Bangkok offering delicious food, immaculate vibes, and breathtaking views over Thailand’s capital.
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Govt To Reform Lao Airlines
The government has set up a committee to carry out business reforms in the state-owned Lao Airlines to ensure that the national flag carrier becomes self-sustained in financial management.
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Luang Prabang Is Top Favourite With Thai Tourists
The town of Luang Prabang, which is renowned for Unesco’s listing of its old quarter as a world heritage site, has seen 90 per cent of room reservations made by Thai visitors since Laos lifted all entry restrictions in May.
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Laos Welcomes 42,197 Tourists In First Six Months Of 2022
Laos has seen a surge in the number of visitors following the lifting of travel restrictions in January as the Covid-19 pandemic subsided.
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Vangvieng Takes Steps To Address Complaints Around Overpricing
As tourists return to Laos, with many coming from Thailand, there have been complaints about the high prices charged at some hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
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Thai Tourists Killed, Injured In Laos Bus Crash
Three Thai tourists were killed and 18 others injured when a tour bus and a 10-wheel truck collided on a road in Savannakhet province of Laos on Sunday night.
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Rail Operator Increases Train Services
The lack of seats and the difficulty in obtaining tickets led passengers to make complaints on social media about the problems encountered, with many people having to wait for hours in long lines to buy tickets. This forced the company to expand its services.
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People Call For Steps To Prevent Cheating Of Tourists In Luang Prabang
A number of Lao social media users have called on authorities to take immediate action to prevent the cheating of foreign visitors by some vendors at popular tourist destinations such as Luang Prabang.
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Tourist Levy Hits Further Turbulence With Fears It Could Harm Airline’s Effort To Boost Flight Numbers: Thailand
Thailand’s efforts to introduce a foreign tourism levy on incoming passengers and arrivals to the kingdom have been postponed again with the assistant permanent secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Mongkon Wimonrat, at this time, citing concerns about how to record the arrival of passengers by sea and land to the country as the reason for the delay and the continuing hiatus relating to the measure.
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Foreign Ministry Takes Steps To Tackle Lao Passport Debacle
There has been a surge in passport applications since the government reopened the country for international travel in January.
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Thailand Pass, Covid Insurance To End July 1
Thailand Pass registration and compulsory Covid-19 insurance will be lifted for all people arriving in Thailand from July 1
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Surge In Travel From Laos
More than 2,000 Lao people are arriving in Nong Khai province every day after the Thai-Laos border checkpoint reopened.
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Traffic Slow At Main Vientiane-Thailand Border Crossing
Few people have crossed the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province in Thailand since the government reopened all international border crossings on May 9.
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Thailand Pass Remains in Place
Foreigners are still required to download Thailand Pass prior to entering Thailand
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The Architectural Curiosities Of Thakhaek
Much of the architecture in Thakhaek’s old town can be traced to French construction in the early 20th century.
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Thai Visa: How To Apply For Multiple-Entry 6-Months Tourist Visa (May 2022)
Foreigners working & living in Laos are allowed only 2 journeys to Thailand per year through any international land boundary checkpoint to Thailand. On the third entry a visa is needed.
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More Than 2,000 People Enter Laos After Country Reopens
Over 2,000 people, both Lao and foreign nationals, have entered Laos at land borders and the airport in Vientiane since the government reopened the country last week.
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Train Tickets Available In Advance At Luang Prabang Ticket Unit
Tickets for the Laos-China Railway can now be booked four to seven days prior to the departure date at the Luang Prabang ticket service unit.
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Entry-Exit Rules Explained As Full Reopening Begins On Monday
The government has dropped six entry requirements that were previously imposed to contain the spread of Covid-19, with Laos fully opening up to travellers on Monday.
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Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge Reopens, Lao Airlines Plans More Flights
Laos’ main border crossing at the first Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Vientiane to Nong Khai province in Thailand has reopened after being closed for more than two years to curb the spread of Covid-19.
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Thai Border Checkpoints Ready For Laos Reopening Today
Thai authorities are preparing for border reopening with Laos after the neighbouring country lifts entry restrictions from Monday.
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Laos Announces Full Reopening Starting May 9
The government has announced that all international border crossings will reopen, so that Lao and foreign nationals, well as stateless people, can enter and exit Laos freely.
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Thailand to Implement 300-Baht Fee for Foreign Arrivals
Thailand will begin charging international arrivals a 300-baht tourism fee in the third quarter of this year. The fee will be used to provide benefits such as insurance and emergency assistance to foreign travelers.
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Thailand Drops PCR Test On Arrival, No SHA Hotel, ATK Test ‘Optional’
Thailand’s Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration has just announced major changes to the county’s Test & Go program, part of the broader Thailand Pass.
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Lao Govt Mulls Full Reopening For Foreign Tourists
The government is mulling full reopening of the country to foreign tourists after piloting the first phase of partial reopening for targeted groups of visitors.
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Updated Measures For Entering Thailand Announced, Starting April 1st
Travelers are no longer required to provide a negative RT-PCR test within 72 hours of departure. However, the RT-PCR test requirement for the on-arrival date remains unchanged.
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Rail Operator Opens Ticket Office In Luang Prabang
Laos-China Railway Company Limited opened a ticket office in Luang Prabang city on Thursday, giving rail passengers an option to queueing for tickets at the station.
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Unpopular Thailand Pass Entry Rules May End
The principal advantage would be to end pre-authorization for vacationers and enable them to fly to Thailand armed only with their documents: passport, airticket and a negative pre-flight RT-PCR test result.
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United States Center for Disease Control Raises Thailand To Its Highest Level Of Travel Risk Due To Covid-19
This means that it is recommended for all travelers from the US to avoid traveling to Thailand.
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Luang Prabang City Receives Asean Clean Tourism Award
To receive an Asean clean tourism district standard award, a district must be able to show good standards of cleanliness at hotels, guesthouses and restaurants.
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Ukraine Crisis Clouds Southeast Asia’s Fragile Tourism Recovery
Travel industry figures fear the war in Ukraine could derail the much-anticipated recovery of tourism-dependent economies in Southeast Asia just as COVID-19 travel restrictions are finally being lifted across the region.
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Lao Govt Launches Online Visa Application Portal As Covid Curbs Eased
The Lao government has launched an online visa application portal to ease entry procedures for foreign nationals and Lao nationals living overseas.
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Rail Operator Spells Out Process For Ticket Purchase
Passengers on the Laos-China Railway may purchase only two tickets at a time and must present their ID card and Covid-19 vaccination certificate when buying tickets at the new sales outlet in the city centre
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Laos And Thailand Agree To Reopen Border
The decision was made after Lao ambassador to Thailand Seng Soukhathivong paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to mark the occasion of his 4.5 years at Government House.
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Thailand To Relax Rules For International Arrivals From March 1 Despite COVID Surge
Thailand is set to relax rules for international arrivals from March 1st despite the continual surge in COVID-19 infections in the country.
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Laos-China Railway To Operate Additional Train
The Laos-China Railway Company has announced it will operate a slower-speed train in addition to the two existing high-speed EMU trains to meet the growing needs of passengers.
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Train Tickets To Go On Sale At Vientiane Center, Online Sale Planned
Tickets for travel on the Laos-China Railway will soon go on sale at the Vientiane Center
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Biden Administration Lifts What Critics Call ‘Backdoor Immigration Ban’ On Laos
The measure is a “great first step to undo some of the harm that’s been done by the Trump administration,” Kham Moua, of the nonprofit Southeast Asia Resource Action Center, said.
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Govt Orders Probe Into Sale Of Train Tickets
Comments posted on social media say some people are buying tickets from the railway operator and selling them on at an inflated price.
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More Trains To Run Over New Year Weekend
The Laos-China Railway Company Limited is laying on more train journeys over the New Year holiday from December 30-January 3.
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Airport Staff Prepare For Arrival Of First Tourists
The government is preparing Covid control measures to be put into practice when the country reopens to tourists on January 1, as well as readying designated travel zones for visitors.
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Green Travel Zones Of Laos Ready To Welcome Visitors
Several tourist sites located within green travel zones in provinces across Laos are ready to welcome visitors from next month under “new normal” conditions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Chinese Embassy In Laos Cracks Down Soaring Intl Air Ticket Prices
Rising international ticket prices have triggered a new round of crackdowns, with yet another embassy taking measures to curb skyrocketing airfares while also strengthening the supervision of ticket sales channels.
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Thai-Lao Bridge In Nong Khai Remains Closed Over Omicron Fears
A plan to reopen an international bridge linking Thailand and Laos in Nong Khai has been deferred indefinitely as the Thai government tightens measures to curb the spread of the fast-growing Omicron variant.
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Why Laos Thinks This Serpent God Deserves UNESCO Status
Topping temples, slithering on weavings. Nagas are a cultural treasure in this Southeast Asian country.
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Korean Company To Carry Out Feasibility Study For Upgrade Of Luang Prabang International Airport
The government has given the green light to the Korea Airport Corporation (KAC) to carry out a feasibility study for the upgrade of Luang Prabang International Airport
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Govt To Open Doors To Visitors From 17 Countries
Travel destinations will be limited because of the difficulties involved in opening up the whole of the country while Covid control measures are in place.
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Despite COVID-19, China Expects 1 Mln Passenger Trips On New Laos Rail Link
China expects more than 1 million passenger trips to be made on a newly opened high-speed rail link to Laos during the peak Lunar New Year travel season early next year, despite COVID-19 travel restrictions.
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PM’s Office Approves Resumption Of Tourism On January 1
The Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday officially set January 1 as the start of the resumption of tourism in Laos and approved an action plan on the designation of green travel zones where tourists will be protected against Covid-19.
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Govt Prepares For Return Of Tourists
The government is preparing to reopen Laos to visitors, with plans to initially resume tourism activities in selected areas of the country
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Govt Appoints Committee To Prepare For Return Of Tourists
The committee will formulate procedures to facilitate the return of tourists and their travel within Laos, including immigration regulations and the electronic tracking of visitors following their arrival.
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Over 5,500 People Travel On Railway Since Inauguration
Over 5,500 people have bought tickets to travel on the Laos-China railway in the first five days since passenger services were offered starting on December 4.
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Lao Govt Approves Green Tourism Plan With A View To Reopening Specific Areas To Tourists Next Month
Under the scheme, Lao and foreign visitors who wish to travel to green tourism zones must have had two doses of a Covid vaccine less than 14 days prior to travel.
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Lao Airlines, Bus Station Have No Plans To Compete With Railway
Lao Airlines and the Northern Bus Station in Vientiane do not plan to make any changes to their services or ticket prices in a bid to attract customers
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Public, Private Sectors Gear Up For Return Of Tourists
The public and private sectors are making plans to reopen Laos to fully vaccinated tourists in 2022, although the details regarding quarantine upon entry are still being debated.
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Domestic Rail Services To Begin On December 4
To begin with, tickets will be on sale at railway stations but will not be available online, and travel will be limited to destinations within Laos because of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak
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Thailand To Open Nong Khai Land Border With Laos
Travellers will be allowed to enter by land (at Nong Khai’s border checkpoint, starting 24 December, 2021), air and sea provided that they meet the vaccination and testing requirements.
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China-Laos Railway Earns Top Marks
A high-speed railway connecting China’s southwest with Laos has been given the thumbs-up－even before services get underway this coming week
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Speeding, Drunk Driving Common Among Vientiane Drivers
Almost three-quarters of drivers in Vientiane routinely break speed limits and nearly a third of people driving in the evening have been drinking alcohol
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LaoSafe To Drive Improvements In Health And Hygiene Practices
LaoSafe comprises a series of health and hygiene standards for different subsectors of the tourism and hospitality industry
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Ministries To Outline Plans To Reopen Laos
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism was assigned to work with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control and other relevant bodies to draw up a standardised plan for the reopening process.
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Laos, Thailand Keen To Reopen Land Border, Boost Connectivity
Laos and Thailand have agreed to set up a working committee to further discuss details and regulations concerning the reopening of their shared land border.
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Ministry Mulls Route Of Vientiane-Vietnam Expressway
The government is discussing the planned route of an expressway running from Vientiane through Xaysomboun, Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces to the Vietnamese border.
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Thailand Now Reopens (Incl. For Laos)! Summary of Thailand Pass and Guidelines Upon Arrival Explained
Under the new traveling rules, travelers are now categorized into three groups.
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Annual Vientiane Boat Racing Festival Cancelled Amid Covid-19 Outbreak
Vientiane authorities have cancelled all events that are traditionally part of the annual boat racing festival, which had been planned from October 20-30.
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New Bokeo International Airport Expected To Be Completed In Months
The construction of new Bokeo International Airport with capability of accommodating 200-seat aircraft such as Airbus A320, Boeing 737 and ATR-72 is expected to take a few months to complete.
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Three Die, 20 Injured In Road Accidents During Lockdown
Traffic accidents that occurred during the recent 15 days of lockdown in Vientiane resulted in three fatalities and injury to 20 people.
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China-Laos Railway Kicks Off “Dynamic Testing”
The first dynamic testing train departed from the Vientiane Station of China-Laos Railway on Wednesday morning and headed north to the Laos-China border town of Boten to kick off the dynamic testing along the China-Laos Railway.
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Lao Flag Symbol Inspires Passenger Train Design For Laos-China Railway
The symbol of the Lao flag with its three colours has inspired the design of the first train that will run on the Laos-China Railway.
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Motorists Grapple With Fuel Shortage In Vientiane
Motorists in Vientiane are struggling to find premium grade and regular fuel for their vehicles after some petrol stations ran out of supplies
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Most Stations On Laos-China Railway Now Complete
Most of the stations on the Laos-China Railway are now complete ahead of the planned opening of the railway in December.
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Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway Under Study
The Lao and Vietnamese governments are considering the feasibility of building an expressway linking Vientiane to Hanoi, with assistance from the government of Japan.
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Fuel Prices Set To Rise Again
Motorists across Laos will have to spend more on petrol as the Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued a notification on Wednesday increasing the prices of all types of fuel.
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Land, Air Travel Suspended To Comply With Covid Restrictions
Passengers on public transport, whether wanting to travel by road or air from or to Vientiane, will have to wait another 11 days after city authorities announced a lockdown on Sunday.
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Multiple-Entry Visas Offered To People Of Lao Descent Living Abroad
The government has promulgated a new regulation that offers multiple-entry visas with longer stays for people of Lao origin those who hold another crtizenship and are residents in other countries.
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Go Green! Go Electric
Go Green! And stay covered with the best EV motor insurance in Laos!
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Can China’s Belt and Road Open Up Landlocked Laos?
As a 420 km high-speed railway nears completion, two Chinese-built highways have been given the green light. Will these projects open up Laos, or make it a crossing point on China’s Belt and Road?
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Govt Approves Bokeo-Boten Expressway Linking China, Thailand
The government has approved the construction of an expressway running between Bokeo province and Boten, which will link China and Thailand through Laos.
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Lao Airlines Announces Changes To Domestic Flight Schedule
Lao Airlines has announced that flights to several domestic destinations will resume on June 27 and July 2, after being initially planned for June 25.
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Lao Airlines To Resume Domestic Flights On June 25
Lao Airlines has announced that it will resume domestic flights on June 25, with several weekly flights to different provinces that will carry travellers who have received Covid-19 vaccines.
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No Travel Privileges Even With Two Doses Of Vaccine
Everyone entering Laos must comply all of the standard Covid-19 prevention and control measures, even if they have had two doses of a Covid vaccine, a senior government official has said.
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Police Make Breakthrough In Motorbike Theft
Vientiane police arrested a group of young men after they allegedly stole numerous motorbikes, tracking them down to a guesthouse in Xaymoungkhoun village, and confiscated nine bikes found in their possession.
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Villages Inundated As Heavy Rain Lashes Provinces
Thousands of people in many provinces are suffering from flash floods after heavy rain in recent days has inundated their communities.
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Laos Govt Approves Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Route Selection
The Lao government has recently approved the route selection for Vientiane-Pakse Expressway Project recommended by a Chinese engineering company.
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Vientiane-Pakxe Expressway Awaiting Govt Approval
Construction of the Vientiane-Pakxe expressway will go ahead after the government gives the green light for the proposed route, when feasibility studies on all sections of the highway will begin.
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Motorists Warned Of Repairs To Kasy-Nan Road
Vehicles, especially heavy trucks, are advised to avoid using the section of Road No. 4C running from Kasy district in Vientiane province to Nan district in Luang Prabang province while the road is under repair.
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Korea Airports Corporation To Enter Korea’s First Airport Development Project In Laos
The Ministry of Planning and Investment of Laos selected Korea Airports Corporation as a feasibility study provider for the Luang Prabang airport development project.
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90 Percent Of Tourism Businesses Close Due To Covid Outbreak
The hospitality industry in Laos is facing a further slump as a result of the ongoing outbreak of Covid-19 with about 90 percent of businesses forced to close their doors.
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Lockdown Travel Curbs Lead To Sharp Drop In Traffic Accidents
The ongoing lockdown in Vientiane has resulted in a significant drop in the number of traffic accidents as fewer people are on the roads due to the restrictions on travel.
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After A Day Of Confusion, Govt Dismisses Capital’s Lockdown Proposal
The government has decided not to lock down Vientiane after considering a request by city authorities to impose the drastic measure until the end of this month.
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Thailand Braced For Infections Spike After Detecting UK COVID-19 Variant
Source: Thaivisa Thailand has detected at least 24 cases of the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 first identified in Britain, a government health
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Power Supply For Laos-China Railway Completed
The Laos-China Railway Power Supply Project has been completed on schedule, paving the way for the planned operation of the railway in December.
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Thai Govt Confirms List Of Approved Vaccines For Foreigners To Enter Thailand With Reduced Quarantine
The Thai government has released its latest guidelines and requirements for foreign tourists wanting to enter the country.
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Pi Mai Lao Celebrations Limited To Traditional Events
Provinces across the country will organise scaled-down events to celebrate Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) from April 14-16 this year.
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Luang Prabang To Celebrate Lao New Year From April 10-25
Luang Prabang province is planning a colourful programme of activities for Lao New Year (Pi Mai Lao) from April from 10-25 in the hope of attracting more visitors
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Do’s & Don’t If You Have An Accident In Laos
For foreigners, driving in Laos can be very different to driving in their home country. Motorbike riders frequently drive on the wrong side of the road and cars do not always respect Lao road rules. Those new to the country will need to take great care to avoid accidents.
If an accident does occur, here are some tips on what to do & not to do:
Thailand Approves Quarantine Waiver For Tourists
The coronavirus task force on Friday gave the green light to Phuket to receive vaccinated visitors directly from July, without subjecting them to quarantine, after the island inoculates 70% of its residents.
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Motorists Warned To Avoid Kasy-Nan Road
Motorists driving between Vientiane and Luang Prabang are advised to avoid the section of Road No. 4C
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We Finally Know The True Age of These Huge, Mysterious Jars Scattered in Laos
In total, there are thousands of them – a giant landscape of strange, hollowed jars, carved from ancient stone.
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Tracking App Now Mandatory For Foreign Tourists: Thailand
Foreign tourists who have received the certificate of entry to Thailand are now required to download the ThailandPlus app, prior to their arrival
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Ministry Seeks Changes To Expressway Toll, Currency Exchange Rates
The Investment Promotion Department of the Ministry of Planning and Investment has advised the Laos-China Joint Expressway Development Co., Ltd. to revise the toll rate currently charged for pick-up trucks and also the dollar-kip exchange rate
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Xekong To Open First Int’l Border Crossing With Vietnam
Xekong province will open its first international border crossing with Vietnam next month to ease the movement of goods and people between the two countries.
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Laos Planned Railways: Opening a National Rail Network in 2021
At present, Laos doesn’t have any railways. However, that is about to change in 2021.
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Elephant Festival 2021 Limited To Just One Day
This year’s 15th Elephant Festival will be a scaled down affair and will take place over the course of just one day, as a result of the restrictions resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Visitor Adventure Park Planned For Phou Bia Mountain
The developers expect to spend more than US$47 million to create tourism activities alongside environmental conservation measures undertaken by the Khamphay Sana Group.
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Stuck In Laos And Need To Go Home?
The latest UK travel advisory update says there are currently only occasional charter flights which allow a return to the UK, via third countries from Laos
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Expressway Operator Clarifies Toll Charges
All vehicles using the newly-opened Vientiane-Vangvieng expressway must pay the set toll rates, except in the case of an emergency or accident, when specially designated ambulances can enter free or charge.
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China-Laos Railway Tracks Laid To Luang Prabang, Achieving Yearly Goals
The China-Laos railway tracks have successfully extended from Lao capital Vientiane to northern Laos’ transport hub Luang Prabang on Tuesday, thus accomplishing all the construction targets set at the beginning of 2020.
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More Domestic Tourists Rush To Vangvieng Amid Covid-19 Restrictions
Tourists from Vientiane and other nearby provinces are rushing to Vangvieng district for a short break despite the suspension of the Vangvieng Music Festival to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Thailand Could See Tens Of Thousands Of New Daily COVID Cases By Next Month: CCSA
Thailand could see tens of thousands of new COVID-19 cases per day by mid January, if people fail to follow the preventive guidelines issues to combat the spread of the virus.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Officially Open For Motorists
Motorists will now have the convenience of travelling from Vientiane to Vangvieng in an hour following the opening of a new expressway linking the capital to the popular tourist destination on Sunday.
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Thailand To Remain Closed To Mass Tourism Until March, Travel Bubble Discussions Ongoing
Thailand will remain closed to the vast majority of foreign tourists until at least the second quarter of 2021.
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Opening Of Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Delayed
Authorities have postponed the opening of the 113.50-km expressway linking Vientiane and Vangvieng as work on the project is not yet fully complete.
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Thai Embassies Scrap 500k THB Financial Requirement For Single Entry Tourist Visa
The Thai embassies in London and Washington appear to have scrapped the recent requirement for foreigners applying for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) to show proof of funds totalling 500,000 THB or equivalent.
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Laos Eagerly Anticipates Opening Of First Expressway
The Vientiane-Vangvieng section is about 110 km long, designed as a two-way four-lane expressway with a design speed of 80 km to 100 km per hour.
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Single Entry Tourist Visa To Thailand Now Requires Foreigners To Show Funds Of 500’000 THB
Foreigners who wish to apply for a Single Entry Tourist Visa (SETV) to Thailand are now required to provide 6 months worth of bank statements showing a bank balance of at least 500,000 THB.
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International Border Crossings Remain Closed To Ordinary Travellers: Latest Update
The Prime Minister’s Office issued the update on Saturday, relaxing some of the restrictions in a bid to gradually normalise the situation and mitigate economic impacts.
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China-Laos Railway Lays 1st Section Of Electrical High-Voltage Power Cable
The first section of electrical high-voltage power cable for China-Laos Railway has been successfully laid in position.
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Various Charter Flights Await Approval
Applications for international flights to operate from Laos have been submitted and are awaiting approval from the Lao PDR government
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Laos To Launch Fast-Track Immigration Service For China Soon
Incomers are expected to spend a shorter time in quarantine; Authorities are also considering the use of electronic tracking devices
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Squabble Over Why Repatriation Flight For 40 Aussies From Laos Was Stopped From Landing In Cairns
A blame game has erupted between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk over who withdrew permission for a repatriation charter flight from Laos to land in Cairns.
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COVID Taskforce Details Procedures For Entry Into Laos
Upon arrival in Laos, incomers will be tested for Covid-19 and will be quarantined at a designated location for 48 hours while they await the test results.
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Tourism Businesses In Laos Slash Prices To Woo Local Travellers
Tour and hospitality business operators have massively cut the cost of their services and package tours to make prices more affordable and encourage Lao people to take vacations around the country.
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Lao Airlines Issues Travel Requirements
Lao Airlines State Enterprise has issued travel advice for passengers wishing to use the airline to enter or exit Laos.
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End Of Buddhist Lent Culminates In Colourful Celebrations
Buddhists across the country spent two days taking part in colourful festivities to mark the end of Buddhism lent or Ork Phan Sa which concluded the three-month traditional rain retreat observed by monks.
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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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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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Top 3 Expos Of Laos Postponed To 2021 Due To Covid-19 Crisis
The organisers of the top three expos of Laos have announced that LaoBuild 2020, Lao Food & Hotel 2020 and LaoCafe 2020 have been rescheduled to June 17-19, 2021 in line with the government’s Covid-19-related restrictions.
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J&C Insurance To Provide Property Insurance For Villa Maydou And Maison Houng Chanh In Luang Prabang
The Villa Maydou Boutique Hotel is one of the most charming residences in Luang Prabang, where you can enjoy a traditional Laotian atmosphere.
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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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COVID-19: Will AirAsia Be The Next Airline To Fold?
Auditors Ernst & Young noted the “existence of material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the group’s and the company’s ability to continue as a going concern.”
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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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Do’s and Don’ts in Lao Culture
If you’re new to Laos it probably didn’t take you long to realise that Lao culture is very different to western cultures. To try and help you navigate the complexities of Lao culture we’ve put together this handy list of Do’s and Don’ts to help make sure you can get on with the local community.
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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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Insurance Cover for USD100,000 Stipulated for all Returning Foreigners To Thailand
The regulations state that passengers must show they have medical insurance which applies in Thailand and covers anything and everything to do with covering COVID19. The minimum medical coverage in Thailand is for an amount of not less than USD100,000.
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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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Laos-China Railway Almost 90 Percent Complete
Construction of the Laos-China railway was 89.43 percent complete as of the end of May with Lao authorities calling for the project developer to progress work according to plan.
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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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Private Quarantine Facilities At Own Cost Offered To Returning Foreigners: Thailand
Foreigners and Thai nationals returning to Thailand from abroad can choose special services at their own expense during their 14 days of quarantine on arrival.
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Foreigners Allowed To Enter Thailand On Case-By-Case Basis
Under phase 3 of the lockdown relaxation, foreigners with work permits or permission from the Labour Ministry or other government agencies will be allowed to enter the country after registration
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Petrol Stations Increase Fuel Prices
Petrol stations across Laos on Wednesday increased retail prices of petrol and diesel
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Petrol Prices In Laos To Decrease
The new lower rates for fuels will come into effect across Laos from 4 pm on May 14.
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Laos Sets Criteria For Entry And Exit
All people entering Laos will have to undergo a health check, be tested for Covid-19 and be placed in quarantine for 14 days
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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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Work Completed On Laos’ Third Longest Tunnel For Railway Link With China
Work on the country’s third longest tunnel at Namor district in Oudomxay province, which is part of the Laos-China Railway Project and has a length of 9020 metres, has been completed.
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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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