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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Hotels, Guesthouse & Resorts
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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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’ 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Nearly One-Third Of Tourism-Related Businesses ‘May Shut Down Permanently’: Thailand
The Tourism Council of Thailand estimates that in the next three months up to 30 per cent of tourism-related businesses in Thailand are at risk of shutting down permanently
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Medical Certificates Mandatory For Int’l Travel
All travellers exiting Laos will be required to produce a medical certificate for their destination country to contain the spread of Covid-19.
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These Are The Requirements For Foreigners Wishing To Enter Thailand
The Thai government has again confirmed the requirements for people wishing to enter the country amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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Despite Recent Denials, NokScoot Is Closing Down
The Covid-19 pandemic has claimed another victim – regional budget airline NokScoot is closing down.
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US Embassy No Longer Issuing Visas For Lao Citizens: Consular Dept
The Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official notice to inform the general public that the US government has suspended the issuance of visas to Lao citizens.
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International Flights To Thailand Won’t Resume Until September, Says Aviation Authority
Thailand Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has said it will be September before international flights to and from the country resume.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Expressway Over 70 percent Complete
Source: Vientiane Times Construction of a 113.50-km expressway linking Vientiane and Vangvieng is now over 70 percent complete and authorities
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Lao’s Bucket List
Whether you have lived in Lao for a long time, recently moved here, or are just passing through there are some things in Laos that you just can’t miss. Here we have listed a few of our personal highlights
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Laos Extends Flight Ban
The ban on flights to Laos continues with no end date in sight as far as government announcements go
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Lockdown Eased, But Thailand Remains Closed To Foreign Tourists For Another Month
Though Thailand will allow some businesses to reopen from Friday (May 1), the country is still not ready to welcome foreign tourists, say government officials.
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Ban On Inbound Flights Continues: Thailand
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is planning to extend its inbound flight ban for another 15 days
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Lao Tourism Income To Decline At Least US$350 Million In 2020
Laos is expecting tourism revenues to fall by at least US$350 million (3,111 billion kip) this year with the sector to cut 2 percent off the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).
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Lao Airlines To Resume All Domestic Flights Next Month
Lao Airlines will resume flights on all domestic routes next month after operations were suspended during April 1-19 to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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Thailand Extends Foreigners’ Visas As Coronavirus Cases Slow
Thailand’s cabinet approved a second automatic visa extension for foreigners for three more months until July 31
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Twelve Predictions For Life After Coronavirus: Travel & Tourism
12 predictions for the travel and tourism industry in Asia
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Vientiane Bus Suspends All Services
Vientiane State Bus Enterprise (VSBE) suspended its services on every route in Vientiane and to other provinces yesterday following the cancellation of international routes on March 23.
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Foreigners Can Apply For Lao Stay Extensions
Foreigners who cannot leave Laos at this time, because all borders are closed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, can request extensions on their stay.
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Health Certificates Required Of All Visitors: Thailand
The Thai government will extend the requirement of medical certificates and health insurance from Sunday to cover all visitors to the country regardless of nationalities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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Northern Laos Province Closes 10 Border Crossings With Vietnam
Authorities in northern Laos’ Huaphan province on Sunday (March 15) called for the temporary closure of 10 traditional border crossings with Vietnam
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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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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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Laos Ranked Third In Top Country Awards By UK Wanderlust Magazine
Source: The Star Laos has been named second runner-up in the Top Country rankings in the UK’s Wanderlust Reader Travel
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“Wear Face Masks Or Be Kicked Out Of Thailand” Says Thai Health Minister
Any ‘farangs’ who do not wear face masks should be kicked out of the country, that’s according to Thailand’s health minister, Anutin Charnvirakul.
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Vientiane Named Among Cheapest Cities For Backpackers
Vientiane has been named the second cheapest city in Asia for backpackers to visit in 2020
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Laos Cracks Down on Ivory, Rhino Horn Sales in Luang Prabang
Authorities in the Luang Prabang province of northern Laos have stepped up controls over the sale of ivory, rhinoceros horn, and other illegal wildlife products
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Zipline Failure Kills Korean Tourist
Travel professionals called on the Lao government to introduce stricter regulations after a Korean tourist died and two other tourists suffered injuries when a Zipline collapsed at this popular riverside tourist town in Laos.
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Thailand Is Reminding Travellers About Its Smoking Ban
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is reminding travellers about its smoking ban in public areas, which aims to promote a safe, clean and smoke-free environment for all.
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Thai Airways Sell One Pass One Price
Thai Airways International is offering a One Pass One Price Value Card Package for four economy class fares to destinations in the Mekong region
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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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Tour Bus Plunges Into Ravine in Laos, Killing 13 Chinese Tourists
A tour bus skidded off a road and plunged into a ravine in northern Laos’ Luang Prabang province Monday afternoon, killing at least 13 Chinese nationals and injuring 31 others, a Lao police officer said.
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Kaolao Cave Soon To Reopen After New Facilities Built
Kaolao cave in Nam-Eng village, Viengphoukha district, Luang Namtha province, will reopen at the end of this year after being closed for five months so that visitor amenities can be built.
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Lao Airlines to launch Vientiane-Kumamoto service in November
Source: Japan Times Lao Airlines said Thursday it is planning to launch regular flights in November connecting the Laotian capital
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Avoid Black Henna Tattoos Or Risk Permanent Scaring
Black henna tattoos are a popular holiday ‘souvenir sought after by many visitors to Asean’s holiday resort locations due to their allegedly non-permanent nature and the mistaken belief that they are safe, even for children.
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UNESCO Lists Plain Of Jars As World Heritage Site
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on Saturday added the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province to its list of World Heritage Sites.
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Laos Launches eVisa Service
Laos launched its tourist eVisa service, earlier this week, a move that the travel trade says will make it more convenient for visitors.
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Visitor Numbers From High-end, Target Countries Plummet
The number of visitors to Laos from high-end and target countries declined significantly in the first three months of this year compared to the same period in 2018, a recent report reveals.
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Extension to Wattay International Airport Planned
Source: Vientiane Times The government is planning to expand Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport to meet the growing need for passenger
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More Mysterious ‘Jars of The Dead’ Have Been Discovered in Laos
Unknown to many travellers in southeast Asia, the ‘jars of the dead’ in Laos are a 2,000-year-old mystery that has never been solved.
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Beat The Heat – Best Public Pools In Vientiane
Although cooling down under a cool lush waterfall is a long lost dream, there are several beautiful pools available throughout Vientiane city.
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Travel Insurance by APA
Our Travel Insurance covers accidents and illnesses incurred on your trips in Laos or abroad.
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Patuxai – Victory Gate Vientiane
When the USA donated cement and funds to expand the airport in Laos, the Laotians built a massive monument instead.
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Pi Mai Lao: 8 Rules To Follow
Vientiane Public Security Headquarters announced eight regulations, aimed at maintaining social order during Lao New Year (April 14-16).
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Scoot Is Now Offering Singapore’s First Direct Flight To Laos
Singaporeans can now hop on a direct flight to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, after budget carrier Scoot unveiled three new weekly flights to Laos on April 1.
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China’s US$7 Billion Railway Link To Laos Is Almost Half Done, On Schedule To Begin Service In 2021
The 414km railway from Yunnan’s provincial capital of Kunming to the Laotian capital of Vientiane would cut travelling time to three hours, from three days
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Crazier Than Fiction: The Elephant Rangers of Laos
An innovative project to utilise Laos’ elephant experts in service of protecting the country’s natural treasures is waiting on just one thing – government approval
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Two Week Wait For Tourist & Non-Immigrant Visa Appointments at Thai Embassy in Vientiane !
Anyone who was planning to visit the Royal Thai Embassy in Vientiane to apply for a tourist or non-immigrant visa should be aware that there are no appointments available for at least two weeks.
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Champassak Tempting Tourists For Visit Laos-China Year
Champassak is focusing on distinctive festivities and various initiatives in a bid to lure more tourists to the southern province during Visit Laos-China Year 2019.
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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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Laos To Host 2024 ASEAN School Games
Laos will have the opportunity to host the 16th ASEAN School Games for the very first time in its capital Vientiane in 2024, Lao sports authorities said.
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Scoot Launches New Laos Route From Perth
Fly from Perth, via Singapore, to Luang Prabang and Vientiane from $189 each way.
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Revealed: the special button that allows bent taxi drivers to rip off customers: Thailand
An online video showed what one taxi driver was doing to rip off his customers.
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Thai Embassy In Vientiane Issues Warning To Visa Runners
Source: ThaiVisa People who have a history of staying in Thailand using only tourist visas or ‘in-out’ border runs are
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Laos Faces Tourism Setback
Laos will close its “Visit Laos Year 2018 promotion well short of the 5 million tourist arrivals target
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Update: Thailand To Allow Again Land Border Entry for Expats In Laos And Other Neighboring Countries
The Interior Ministry regulation will be amended to allow foreigners who receive a visa waiver for 30 days and travel into Thailand via land immigration checkpoints or land border checkpoints to enter the country with an unlimited number of visa waivers per calendar year.
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How Thailand’s New e-Visa On Arrival Works (Video)
Last month Thailand officially launched its e-Visa on Arrival (E-VOA) application system.
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Chinese-Owned Cement Factories Pollute Lao Villages
Two Chinese-owned cement factories in the Vang Vieng district of Laos’ Vientiane Province are covering approximately 900 local families in at least four villages with dust and smog, threatening their health, local sources say.
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Time-Honoured Wax Castle Procession Pays Homage To That Luang Stupa
Thousands of Buddhists decorated their colourful pasaatpheung (wax castles) with candles, flowers, money and incense as they joined the annual procession yesterday to pay homage to the That Luang stupa.
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Police Announce Traffic Plans For That Luang Festival
The police have announced plans for parking and road access during this year’s That Luang festival from November 16-22, hoping to ease the traffic congestion that always plagues this popular event.
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Tour Operators Call For Chronic Problems To Be Addressed
Authorities should address issues that are a source of annoyance for tour operators and tourists, to ensure better conditions for visitors during Visit Laos-China Year 2019 and beyond, tour operators say.
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Myanmar-Laos Border Gate Receives International Status
The border gate between Myanmar and Laos has been upgraded and given international status, according to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population.
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Traditional Merit Making Marks End Of Buddhist Lent
A bright, sunny morning yesterday saw people across the country flocking to temples to present their offerings to monks as a means of making merit on the last day of Buddhist Lent.
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Don’t Miss Vientiane’s Boat Races, End Of Lent Festivities
Tourists visiting the capital of Laos this month shouldn’t miss the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival and other traditional and religious activities marking the end of Buddhist Lent.
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Plain Of Jars Potential As Unesco World Heritage Site Considered
A meeting will be held this week in Xieng Khuang province to report on the progress made for the consideration of the Plain of Jars (Thong Hai Hin) as a potential UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Lao Tax: Everyone Who Travels Pays
Sources at the friendship bridge said there were no exceptions and the tax applied to all foreigners regardless of their travel documents, include foreigners who are resident in Laos.
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Thai Hotel Features Nazi-Themed ‘Communist’ Room
Thai sex hotel sparks outrage with bizarre Nazi-themed room decorated with swastikas and huge murals of HITLER overlooking bed
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Laos Slaps A Dollar Tax On Tourists
Almost forgotten but on the brew for years the much talked about tourist tax was quietly introduced at all of Lao PDR’s border checkpoints 1 October.
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Vientiane Airport: International Expansion As China Tourism Booms
Vientiane Airport has doubled the size of its international terminal, supporting a Laotian initiative to boost tourism. Laos expects Vientiane’s international passenger traffic to double over the next five years, driven by a rapid increase in visitor numbers.
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Can Tourism Boost Lao’s Economy?
Source: The Asean Post Last July, Lao witnessed a catastrophe when the Xe-Pian Xe Namnoy dam located on the Xe
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Thakhaek, A Town Firmly Rooted In History
The French were forced out of Indochina during the 1950s but their legacy remains, with the most notable feature being the old buildings that bear their architectural stamp.
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The Flora Of Laos
A botanical park in Luang Prabang reveals how plants are used in everyday life in Laos
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Chinese Tourist ‘Invasion’ Feared As High-Speed Laos-China Railway Will Boost Visitor Numbers Dramatically
Trepidation about a huge influx of Chinese tourists into the small Southeast Asian country – with a population of just 6.8 million – was heightened last year when construction was started on the high-speed Laos-China Railway.
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Thai Banks ‘Prepared’ Amid Warning Of Global ATM Attack
Commercial banks in Thailand have boosted security to prevent unauthorised access to their automatic teller machines as cybercriminals are reportedly planning to carry out a large-scale global ATM attack.
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Laos’ Main Airport Got Huge Expansion
The international terminal of the airport serving the Laotian capital of Vientiane, Wattay International Airport, can now accommodate as many as 2.3 million foreign travelers a year, roughly nine times the original terminal’s capacity.
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Pullman Debuts In Laos
The 16-hectare resort overlooks a lush greenery with a backdrop of beautiful mountain views and paddy fields along meandering streams and ponds in the rustic countryside.
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Five Million Tourists Target Proving Lofty, PM Admits
The government is not so confident in achieving its target of attracting five million tourists to Laos in 2018 as an informal mid-year summary had shown that less than two million had visited the country so far this year, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith told the recent Lao Business Forum.
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Inspection Ordered As Road Toll Bites In Champassak
Champassak provincial authorities will soon order an inspection of Road No. 16 including accurate details on the construction budget as the government contemplates plans to purchase the project rights from the private construction company.
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US Hits Laos With Visa Restrictions
The Trump administration has suspended the issuing of visas to citizens of the Southeast Asian countries of Myanmar and Laos, following both governments’ refusal to take back citizens who had been ordered deported from the U.S.
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Savannakhet Upgrading Three Iconic Tourist Sites
Following Savannakhet’s declaration of Kaysone Phomvihane district as a city in May, the province is upgrading popular tourism sites in three districts in a bid to attract more visitors.
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Laos To Introduce E-Visa by 2019
Laos will join Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar in offering an online e-visa option for tourism purposes, the last country in Southeast Asia to switch from passport-page sized stickers to electronically prearranged visas for self-printout
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Tourism Creating Wealth Of Job Opportunities For Lao People
The Lao tourism industry is not only playing a significant role in boosting economic growth, but is also creating a huge number of job opportunities for local people, experts have noted.
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New Flights To Boost Links Between Laos and China
Laos and China on Monday officially set in motion a new air route between the two countries, aimed not only at boosting tourism but also other areas of cooperation.
The new flight will carry tourists and other travellers between Vientiane and Luang Prabang province in Laos and Hainan province in China.
LOCA «Get Around Like Local », a Lao Ride Sharing Application Available Now!
LOCA is an application that provides on-demand transportation similar to two worldwide applications called UBER and GRAB. LOCA represents the revolution of transport in Laos since LOCA is the first company to introduce a transport application that is convenient and cashless for the country.
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Tour Companies Tout Laos As Adventure Lovers’ Paradise
Local tour companies are continuing efforts to promote Laos as an adventure tourism destination with a recent exhibition held at the Vientiane Center shopping mall.
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Use Of Immigration Forms Waived At Four International Airports
Lao citizens and foreigners who are permanently resident in Laos will no longer need to fill in an immigration form when leaving or entering the country via international airports in Vientiane, LuangPrabang, Savannakhet, and Pakxe.
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Vangvieng Slated To Become Official Tourism Town In 2020
Vientiane province’s Vangvieng district will officially be declared a tourism town in 2020 in terms of natural and cultural attractions, as part of the government’s efforts to promote the tourism industry.
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Luang Prabang – A Pachyderm Paradise
“Don’t think an elephant cannot lie. You will notice elephants’ lies if you spend time observing Chao Kid’s behaviour,” Prasop Tipprasert, a wild animal expert and a key staff member at the MandaLao, said as he led a group of Thai reporters on a trip through the elephant sanctuary earlier this month.
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E-Visa For Laos Set To Go Online Year-End, Early 2019
Electronic visa (E-visa) services are set to be offered at the end of this year or early next year in a move to attract more foreign tourists to take vacations in Laos.
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Laos Movie Industry Begins To Flower After Decades Of Neglect
In Laos, one of the poorest nations in the world, the local film industry is beginning to flower after decades of being virtually non-existent. Local directors are creating critically acclaimed films despite limited resources
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Khaen Music Of The Lao People Celebrated As Humanity’s Heritage
Hundreds of officials, foreign guests, musicians, performers and Vientiane residents gathered last night in Vientiane celebrating the international recognition of Khaen music of the Lao people as humanity’s heritage.
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Thai Bans Fat People From Flying On 787-9 Dreamliners
Thai Airways International has banned passengers with over 56-inch waistline and passengers with kids on their laps from Business Class seating on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
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Stopped By Police In Thailand? What You Should Do
There are plenty of stories about bad police planting evidence or fake police shaking down the innocent. What to do if someone claiming to be a police officer wants to search your person or belongings?
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Thailand Unveils New Banknotes With King Rama X
THAI currency is getting a facelift, with new banknotes to feature the face of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, also known as Rama X.
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Laos Sees Improvement In Tourism Competitiveness
Laos has seen an improvement in its travel and tourism competitiveness, but still has a long way to go to catch up with neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam, according to a report from the World Economic Forum.
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Tourism And Development Threaten Laos’ French Traditions
It remains a jewel of French colonial architecture, you can savor some of the best croissants and baguettes east of Paris here, and even toddlers still learn the language of their bygone rulers. Luang Prabang, tucked into a river valley in the heart of Laos, survives as one of the last bastions of the old French Indochina.
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China Southern Adds Lao Route
China Southern plans to fly to Vientiane from Chongqing in China during the summer timetable months April to October. The airline has filed for three weekly flights starting 26 March according to timetable information reported by Airlineroute.
The new service would use an …
Buddha Park Gets A Facelift For Lao Tourism Year
If you would like to enjoy wandering through an intriguing sculptural representation of ‘hell’, ‘earth’ and ‘heaven’, look no further than the ‘City of Spirits’ or Xiengkhuan Buddha Park on the outskirts of Vientiane.
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Foreigner Database To Be Ready In Six Months: Thailand
The Immigration Bureau and the Interior Ministry were instructed to speed up the implementation of a single-platform online database of foreigners entering and leaving the kingdom.
The single platform database would help prevent crimes by foreigners, such as call-centre scams and those related to underworld activities.
Green Light For Tourism Complex Development In Vangvieng; Casino Pending Approval
A Chinese company is beginning construction of a more than US$200-million tourism complex at the disused airfield in Vangvieng district. The project will include a five-star hotel, a modern private hospital, a public park and a planned casino.
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Top Ten Hard Truths Of Living As An Expat In Thailand
There will be bumps along the way between your visits to the beach, bar and immigration office (sometimes the bumps will be at the beach, bar and immigration office). Expat life is what you make it here in the Land of Smiles. Moaning about it never helps but accepting the bumps is part of the adventure. Here are our Top Ten Hard Truths for expats in Thailand.
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Mango Mania: Iconic Views and Soothing Entrees
Running water, its soothing white noise comforts and welcomes. This is the sound that greets customers as they enter the sanctum sanctorum which is the uniqueness of Mango Mania.
Mango Mania is a U-shaped greenhouse that appears more mirage-like than edificial. At the base of the U, framed by two bright red wooden doors reminiscent of …
Xeno Airport Project Slow To Take Off
The government is planning to build an international airport at the former Xeno airfield in Savannakhet province, which has lain unused for many decades.
The airport would serve the region and accommodate the growth of foreign investment and tourism in the area.
Wattay Airport Shuttle Bus Service Launched
Vientiane Bus Enterprise launched its commercial operations for the new shuttle bus service to Wattay Airport. The shuttle bus service will be available between Central Bus Station at Talat Sao and Wattay International Airport.
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Plain Of Jars On Track For UNESCO Listing Next Year
Lao authorities will submit documentation to UNESCO by the end of this month for the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang province to be added to the world heritage list after the government approved related documents last year.
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Anthony Bourdain And James Syhabout On The Cuisine You Don’t Know – But Should
You’ve probably tasted Laotian flavors and not even realized it. Anthony Bourdain and chef James Syhabout want to change that. Syhabout is the force behind two Michelin-starred restaurants, Commis and sister eatery Hawker Fare, which focuses on the Laotian cuisine of his childhood. Bourdain is the host of the popular travel and food show “Parts Unknown.” He calls Hawker Fare one of the most important restaurants he’s ever visited.
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BigBlue Wins Contract For Visit Laos Year 2018
The Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MOICT) has recently signed an agreement with BigBlue Agency Laos awarding them the preferred rights to setup all billboards related to the Visit Laos Year 2018 Campaign.
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Public Park Planned For Vientiane City’s Riverside
Vientiane authorities have agreed to the creation of a green lung for city residents and visitors in the form of a public park along the Mekong River in Sisattanak district.
The 31,500 square metre site is located behind the Don Chan Palace hotel and adjoins Chao Anouvong park.
With Its Environmental Crisis, Is Laos Missing The Forest For The Trees?
Laos’ reputation as having some of the most lush and diverse forests in the Mekong remains under serious threat after a December investigation by government officials found evidence of large-scale illegal logging operations in the southern Attapeu province, despite recent efforts to end the practice. Laos, which is left with just 40 percent of the country covered by closed canopy forests, is facing an environmental crisis with much of the remaining forests unhealthy and degraded.
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Utilise Local Tour Guides Or Face Penalties, Foreign Tour Operators Warned
Lao authorities have warned foreign tour operators to utilise local tour guides otherwise they will be fined.
The authorities also warned foreign tour operators to partner with local counterparts in arranging package tour programmes in Laos; if not they will face measures.
Remove Barriers To Business, Tour Operators Urge Government
Tour operators have called for the government to remove a number of barriers they are facing in order to boost the industry and increase tourist arrivals.
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Vientiane-Vangvieng Highway To Be Extended To China
The Vientiane-Vangvieng highway will be part of the mega Laos-China Highway Project which will stretch between Vientiane and Boten in Luang Namtha where the Laos-China border is located.
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Govt Waives Visas For Scandinavians for Visit Laos Year 2018
Citizens of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden will not need a tourist visa if they visit Laos next year after the government waived the requirement in a bid to boost tourist arrivals from the four Scandinavian countries.
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Thai immigration Warns Visa Waits Of 4 Hours At Bangkok Airports
International visitors coming into Bangkok for the New Year long weekend should brace themselves for long waits for visas on arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport.
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Luang Prabang, Champassak Are Top Hotspots For Tourists
The most popular destinations among visitors this winter are Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Vientiane, and Champassak provinces, according to tour operators.
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Chinese Tourists Could Cause Years of Misery for Thai Airports
Thailand, land of golden temples, white-sand beaches, smiling hosts. Or of overcrowded airports, epic traffic jams and littered seashores.
Facing a deluge of Chinese tourists that has strained its airports beyond capacity, the Southeast Asian nation is
Tourist Arrivals Fall By 9 Percent In Jan-Sept 2017
The number of foreign tourists visiting Laos in the first nine months of this year dropped by 9.1 percent to just over 2.88 million people compared to the same period last year.
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Seek Permission Before Flying Your Drone, Lao Ministry Warns
The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has warned drone owners to seek permission from the relevant authorities before flying their drones – if not, the owners will face penalties.
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Redha Wins Audience Choice Award: Luang Prabang Film Festival
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) concluded its eighth annual event this week in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, Laos, with the Audience Choice Award going to the Malaysian film, Redha.
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Laos, Russia Ready Visa Exemptions To Spur More Visits
Visa exemptions for citizens of Laos and Russia who hold ordinary passports will come into effect on Lao National Day in a move expected to boost people-to-people visits.
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Luang Prabang Film Festival Selects 10 Projects for 2017 Talent Lab
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has selected 10 projects from across Southeast Asia to participate in its 2017 Talent Lab, to be led by Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI). The Lab, which will focus on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the eighth annual festival, which will take place 8-13 December 2017.
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Lao Drivers To Be Charged For Using Thai Roads
Thailand plans to collect so-called “Asean road tolls” from foreign motorists entering the country via border checkpoints from the end of next year.
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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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Luang Prabang Upgraded From Town To City
The government has approved a change in the status of Luang Prabang from town to city, aimed at fast tracking socio-economic development in the province while enhancing relations with other cities in the region.
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Baci Ritual: A Centrepiece Of Lao Culture
The baci or Sou khuan is a well-known traditional ritual and has a deep meaning for Lao people.
The baci ceremony is reminiscent of Brahmanism and animism. It follows the belief that the human being’s main body parts are inhabited by 32, or even more, spirits. In some circumstances, these spirits may leave the body to wander around and get lost in the universe, thus causing you to become weak and vulnerable to danger.
It’s therefore important to call the missing spirits back, so you can be yourself again. This ceremony is performed on important occasions such as births…..
That Luang Festival
The That Luang Festival is extra special this year as it anticipates Visit Laos Year 2018, aiming to spotlight Lao culture, tourist attractions and the local lifestyle to the eyes of the world.
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Jeju Air To Open Route To Laos On Sunday
Jeju Air Co., South Korea’s leading budget carrier will open the route to the capital of Laos this Sunday as part of its diversification strategy to offset falling demand on Chinese routes.
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Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane To Open 2019 In Laos
InterContinental Hotels Group signed a management agreement with BIM Group to develop the first Holiday Inn hotel in Vientiane, Laos. This will be IHG’s third project with BIM Group.
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Unregistered Drones Banned: Thailand
Visitors to Thailand be aware: Thailand is banning illegal drones; failure to register Drones within 90 days from Friday could result in a jail term of not more than five years and/or a fine of not more than Bt100,000 or both.
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No Plans Yet For Repair Of Kasy-Nan Road After Landslides
The road between Kasy district in Vientiane province and Nan district in Luang Prabang province is likely to remain in poor condition in the wake of several landslides, as local authorities still haven’t made plans for repairs.
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Cycling In Southern Laos – An Unparalleled Way To Immerse Yourself In The Local Lifestyle
In southern Laos, there are numerous cycling tours on offer for all levels all year round but winter makes the best time as the weather is dry and the temperature is cooler. It’s an activity we really recommend as it’s an unparalleled way to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
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King of Thailand’s Funeral Ceremony: Advice for Tourists Oct 2017
Thailand is building up to what will be a historic period with final preparations under way for the funeral of the late King. The Royal Cremation Ceremony will be held in Bangkok from October 25-29. It will be a sad time for Thai people, but the country will remain as welcoming as ever for tourists and you will still be able to enjoy your trip. Although there is no need to change travel plans, please be respectful and if you are visiting Bangkok or other areas of Thailand in October, there are some important points to be aware of.
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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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Luang Prabang Film Festival Announces 2017 Talent Lab
The Luang Prabang Film Festival (LPFF) has announced that it is looking for applicants for its 2017 Talent Lab for Southeast Asian filmmakers, to be led by Tribeca Film Institute® (TFI). The Lab, which will focus on grant writing and project pitching, will be held during the opening weekend of the eighth annual festival, which will take place 8-13 December 2017.
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Better Facilities Needed For Visit Laos Year 2018
Authorities are preparing to promote “Visit Laos Year 2018” with the aim of making this sector a key pillar for economic growth.
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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!
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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Hilton Enters Laos
The US hotel giant has penned a deal with TPD Company to manage the 160-room DoubleTree by Hilton Vientiane, which is scheduled to open in the Lao capital in early 2020.
Located in the centre of the city, on the intersection of Rue Setthathilath and Rue Manthatourath, about 5km from the Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport, the upscale hotel will be close to the ….
Wattay International Airport Expansion 11 Percent Complete
The Vientiane International Airport Expansion Project has now achieved 11 percent of its contractual goals and should be complete by the beginning of 2018.
The project is being financed by a concessional loan from the Japanese government of about 9 billion Japanese yen.
The expansion will enlarge the existing passenger service facilities to deal with the increasing demand for …..
Risky Roads in Laos
Travellers are warned to not travel overland from Vang Viang to Luang Prabang as a safety precaution, according to the latest Smartraveller advisory issued by the Australian government, Monday.
The Australian advisory did not elaborate other than to say it was recommending travellers avoid overland travel on highway 13 beyond Vang Vieng.
However, a recent Canadian travel advisory advices travellers to ….
International Passenger Flights To Laos Taking Off
More overseas passenger flights are coming to Laos, which will further contribute to the growth of trade and tourism, according to an official in the sector.
A Department of Civil Aviation official, who asked not to be named, told Vientiane Times that many countries now operate direct flights to Laos, including some charter flights.
This included more flights from China. Previously, only …
Expats In Laos Limited To Two Entries Per Year Without Visa: Thailand
From December 31st immigration checkpoints at land border crossings into Thailand will only allow visitors to enter the Kingdom on a visa exemption stamp twice in a calendar year, bringing an end to the much used loophole of staying in the country by doing back to back border hops.
Citizens of certain countries, including ….
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) To Launch First Luxury Hotel In Laos
Set to open in 2021, the new-build InterContinental Vientiane will become the company’s second hotel in Southeast Asian country, following the existing Crowne Plaza Vientiane. It will also become one of the Lao capital’s largest hotels, with more than 400 rooms.
Built by Lao International Development, the hotel will form part of the new World Trade Centre complex – a mixed-use development that will include a large retail mall, medical centre, ….