Saravan Eyes Upgrade of Phouphasouk Park to Entice Visitors
Saravan provincial authorities have given the green light for the construction of visitor facilities at Phouphasouk Park
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Excursions – Venues
Borikhamxay Plans to Open Up Nam Kading Protected Area for Ecotourism
Nam Kading National Protected Area in Borikhamxay province plans to use some areas for ecotourism.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Go Green! Go Electric
Go Green! And stay covered with the best EV motor insurance in Laos!
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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App Tracks Real-Time The Spread Of The Covid-19 Virus In Thailand
A Thai team known as 5Lab that develops websites, software and applications has introduced a site devoted to tracking the spread of the Covid-19 virus in Thailand.
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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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Thai Airways Clips Tail Of Parked Business Jet At Vientiane Airport
During taxi at Laos, the A330 clipped the tail of a parked Gulfstream IV business jet (M-YWAY) damaging both aircraft.
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Road Accidents Kill 122 In January
Police attributes most of the incidents to speeding and drunk driving.
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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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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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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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Thailand Turns To China For High-speed Rail Boost
China has become a major player in the railway industry and, as a result, many countries — including Thailand — are working with China to develop their own high-speed rail networks.
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Laos Plans To Begin Work On Laos-Vietnam Railway in 2021
On behalf of the Lao Government, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and PetroTrade signed a memorandum of understanding on October 15 to study and complete a detailed design of the railway.
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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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Lao’s First Ever Trail Run Returns To Vang Vieng
There was great excitement when, for the first time in Laos’ history, Vang Vieng hosted the first-ever trail run in the country.
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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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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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Thailand Resisting Falling Into Rail Debt Trap
Despite Thailand’s vow to rely on domestic funding as it expands its network of high-speed railways, it could soon accept the offer of a low-interest loan from the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM), raising concerns about whether the country is on the verge of falling into a debt trap.
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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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Pay Road Tax 2019 Or Face A Big Fine
Large fines meted out by authorities on slow paying vehicle owners are forcing more to pay their road tax on time and helping to fill the government’s coffers
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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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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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Elephants Now In Demand For Their Skin
Recent times have seen the emergence of a dangerous trend that would adversely affect elephant populations everywhere. This is the growing demand for the skins of elephants, especially, of the Asian elephant.
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Thailand’s Roads Remain Some Of The Deadliest In The World
A new report by the World Health Organisation paints a grim picture regarding road safety in Thailand.
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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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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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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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China Starts Exporting Petroleum To Laos
With over 64 ton diesel, handed over from PetroChina to a Lao company at Laos-China border, the first export of Chinese refined oil to Lao market was made on Wednesday.
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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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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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Motorists Advised To Avoid Damaged Roads
Motorists travelling to Phongsaly province are advised to avoid sections of national roads 1A, 2E and 1B, which have been severely damaged and are blocked by landslides in places.
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Thailand – Laos Car Vehicle Standards Agreement
The Thai and Lao pollution control agencies have agreed to work together to reduce air pollution caused by vehicles in the two countries, especially at border checkpoints.
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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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Lao Fuel Price Double World Market Average
The average fuel price in Laos is more than double than the global price
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Lao Car Dealers Come Up With New Policies To Boost Sales
A number of car dealers in Vientiane have renewed marketing strategies to boost sales of their vehicles as they have been hit by lack of purchasing power in the capital.
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The Great Rail Dilemma Of Laos
Laos having regrets as China’s grand Pan-Asia railway dream sours
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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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Chinese Constructors Complete Foundations Of Mekong River Rail Bridges
The concrete casting for the last pier understructure of LuangPrabangrailway bridge has been successfully completed, laying down all the foundation construction work of the two cross-Mekong River super major bridges along the China-Laos railway.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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
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.
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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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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…..
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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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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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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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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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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Lao Airlines shares for sale ?
Lao government says it is ready to recruit new stakeholders for Lao Airlines as part of its efforts to overhaul state-owned enterprises.
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