Laos
Laos announces 3-day school week and considers expansion of bus system to fight 50% increase in diesel prices.
Latest monthly intl arrivals
392,142
Dec 2025
Recovery vs 2019
86%
Dec 2019: 457,579
YTD Intl Arrivals
4,120,832
No 2024 data
Percent of 2024 Target
153%
of 2.7M target
Source: Intl arrivals - Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. Page last updated: 17 Dec 2026.
Latest Travel Industry News
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21-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThe Thai PM has reassured Laos that it will continue to export refined oil to Laos, although the volume has been cut by 25%. He justified the continued exports to Laos due to the two countries’ mutual energy dependencies, with Laos supplying a good portion of Thailand’s electricity through hydropowerSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/21/thai-pm-anutin-reassures-laos-of-continued-fuel-supply-amid-25-percent-cut/
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20-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLaos is cutting the school week from 5 days to 3, to ease pressure on transport networks with the fuel shortage. If the situation gets worse, school may shift to online learningSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/20/laos-cuts-school-week-to-three-days-amid-fuel-shortage/
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20-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationLao Airlines will launch 4 flights per week from Vientiane-Nanning from 22 MarSource: facebook.com/LaoAirlines/posts/pfbid02RcEpiJKD5oQhxJeEPStmEzQSzTktmQJtgxBDuaqwwioCDaqzpiZCzaMcKTWfKUX5l
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19-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationChina Eastern will launch flights once per week from Wuhan-Vientiane from 10 AprSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4459504117667720/
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19-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThe Embassy of Lao PDR will hold its Lao Festival 2026 from 23-24 May in TokyoSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4459828674301931/
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18-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundBus ticket prices have increased for buses on southern route services from Vientiane Capital from 18 Mar, increasing from around $0.9 to $3.2 USDSource: facebook.com/laotiantimes/posts/pfbid02E6XcFBs92gizZSQbKzekVKWwxQCAzhwNmwaW5KWujFchKkdrGYEPrYabEByetD5sl
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17-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundPakse authorities have launched a temporary free public bus to support residents through the fuel shortage and price increaseSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/17/pakse-launches-free-bus-service-amid-fuel-shortage/
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17-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLaos is considering whether to expand Vientiane’s Bus Rapid Transport system to connect to key transport hubs such as Wattay International Airport and the Lao-China Railway Station, in a bid to combat rising fuel costs and shortagesSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/17/laos-eyes-brt-expansion-to-airport-railway-station/
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16-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundOn 11 Mar, 1,061 petrol station out of 2,538 in the country were closed due to fuel shortages, with long queues for fuel at the ones open. The Lao authorities have continued to inspect fuel distribution and monitor pricing concerns and stock. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce on 16 Mar announced that the import tax on gasoline 95 will be reduced from 20% to 15%. The government is also planning to allocate 300 billion-600 billion LAK to a fuel support fund to stabilise domestic pricesSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/16/laos-moves-to-stabilize-fuel-supply-as-over-1000-stations-reported-closed/
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16-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLaos has ordered civil servants to reduce the number of in-person meetings and transition state vehicles to electric, with 10% of the fleet being electric by the end of 2026. Diesel prices from 4-10 Mar grew by 50%, and special gasoline recorded the second highest price increase globallySource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/16/laos-orders-civil-servants-to-work-from-home-switch-to-electric-vehicles-amid-fuel-crisis/
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16-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundA new digital booking system for attractions has launched in Luang Prabang, called LDT Booking. It covers 6 attractions and adds a booking feeSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4456944824590316/
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13-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThe Ministry of Industry and Commerce has ordered inspections of fuel supplies at gas stations and storage depots after concerns of possible stockpiling. Those found violating regulations face warnings, suspension of licences or public disclosureSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/13/laos-orders-nationwide-fuel-inspections-amid-hoarding-concerns/
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13-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundAn electricity pole in Vientiane has gone viral thanks to a series of 5* reviews on google for its tangle of electricity, fibreoptic and telecommunications wiresSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/13/electric-pole-superstar-as-vientianes-new-landmark/
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13-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLuang Prabang has restricted temporary roadside structures and commercial stands along Sisavangvong Road during Lao New Year from 14-16 Apr. The installation of sound systems, decorative lighting and promotional flags has also been prohibitedSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/13/luang-prabang-restricts-roadside-commercial-setups-during-lao-new-year/
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12-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundMarriott International announced the signing of an agreement with KS Hotels to bring The Luxury Collection to Cambodia and Laos through converting La Residence Angkor in Siem Reap and La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang to the collection. It will be the first Marriott property in Laos and the first The Luxury Collection in both countriesSource: travellingforbusiness.co.uk/news/marriott-international-has-signed-a-landmark-deal-with-ks-hotels-to-bring-the-luxury-collection-to-cambodia-and-laos/
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11-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationLao Airlines announced an increase of its fuel surcharge from 11 Mar, with an increase of $9.30-$21 USD for domestic flights, +125% increase, and $60-$60 USD for international flightsSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/11/lao-airlines-raises-flight-costs-by-up-to-125-percent-as-fuel-prices-soar/
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11-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundVientiane residents can travel for free on the new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) after it opened services on 10 MarSource: vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_48_Newbus_y26.php
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11-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundShompoo Cruise is adjusting its sailings to optimise operations, and potentially adjusting dates of operation in light of the 35% increase in diesel prices in LaosSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4451729465111852/
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11-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLuang Namtha is piloting a walking street market on Wednesday evenings for the next 3 monthsSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4451787078439424/
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10-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLaos and Thailand held discussions on the 6th Laos-Thai Friendship Brudge construction, which will connect Salavanh Province, Laos with Ubon Ratchathani province, Thailand. Construction is expected in 2029 and the bridge to open in 2031Source: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/10/laos-thailand-discuss-construction-of-sixth-lao-thai-friendship-bridge/
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7-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLuang Prabang City has issued new notices on top of previous ones about banning tour vans to enter the main central route of the city, to ease traffic congestion issues. Under the new notices, vans may drop off passengers on the Mekong-Kamkhan road for a maximum of 5 minutes, and then must proceed to designated parking areas, whilst permits are needed to drive on the central Sisavangvong Road. Fines will be implemented for offenders, starting at $4.75 USD and rising to $47.50, with the most serious repeat offenders seeing a driver’s licence suspension or vehicle impoundmentSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/07/luang-prabang-cracks-down-on-traffic-in-world-heritage-zone/
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7-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationGreater Bay Airlines will start operating two flights per week from Hong Kong-PakseSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4447629515521847/
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7-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationBokeo International Airport was officially opened on 6 Mar. It has a value of 6 billion THB and is the first airport built under a build-operate-transfer model, with a 50-year concession granted to a private companySource: nationthailand.com/news/asean/40063450
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7-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationBokeo International Airport has been awarded “international status”, with intended air connections including to China, Vietnam and CambodiaSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4447738675510931/
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6-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundOn 6 Mar, fuel prices increased significantly, with the last such increases seen in 2022’s global energy fuel crisis. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce ordered fuel importers and distributors to report to them daily on import and supply plans, and warned against manipulating the market. Fuel from Thailand accounts for 97.1% of its total fuel import sourcesSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/06/fuel-prices-surge-in-laos-as-middle-east-conflict-pushes-up-global-oil-costs/
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6-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThe new Hotel Kiridara Luang Prabang opened on 1 Mar under the Souphattra Hotels & Resorts GroupSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/06/hotel-kiridara-luang-prabang-holds-soft-opening-ceremony/
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5-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThe Ho Tay Pidok Library and Old Talaeo Temple in Savannakhet have been granted national heritage statusSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/05/savannakhet-marks-national-heritage-status-for-ho-tay-pidok-library-kao-talaew-temple/
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4-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundLaos will nominate 5 cultural practices and 3 sites for UNESCO recognition. Traditions include the Lao dish Larb, Sou Khuan ceremony, Pou Yer – Ya Yer, Boun Pi Mai Lao, Khao Tom-Khao Lam, whilst the sites include Nakai-Nam Theun National Park, the Hintang Archaeological Park in Houaphanh Province, and That Ing Hang in Savannakhet ProvinceSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/04/laos-to-nominate-five-traditions-three-sites-for-unesco-status/
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3-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundA large Pi Mai Lao festival will be held from 14-16 Apr, hosted by the Lao Brewery Company, taking place in 6 provinces at the same time. It will feature music, cultural activities and water play zonesSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/grand-pi-mai-lao-celebrations-to-be-held-across-six-provinces/
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3-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThe Laos-China Cooperation Committee met on 27 Feb to review joint major projects, including the Laos-China Expressway Section 4, the Huayxay-Boten Expressway, the Nam Ou hydropower project and clean energy projectsSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/03/laos-china-boost-oversight-of-key-infrastructure-projects-ahead-of-65th-anniversary/
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3-Mar-2026 👨✈️ aviationLao Skyway on 2 Mar announced that it would temporarily suspend its Vientiane-Phongsaly route and Vientiane-Xayabouly route from 6 Mar until further noticeSource: facebook.com/laotiantimes/posts/pfbid0221wJrNStkJY9XaoaQeeR511ZdtBeaJei1jkyt9VVbLeNnBgjkfzVgGTQ47KgS1qtl
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2-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundThailand’s suspension of fuel exports due to the Middle East will not apply to Laos, the Thai government has confirmed. After the initial announcement from the Thai government and before the clarification, drivers in Vientiane rushed to petrol stations to fill upSource: laotiantimes.com/2026/03/02/laos-exempted-from-thailands-fuel-export-suspension-amid-middle-east-unrest-thai-ministry-clarifies/
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2-Mar-2026 🛬 inboundNew hotel, Ji Hotel Vientiane Mekong Riverside, has opened with 120 roomsSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4443230422628423/
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27-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundKaysone Phomvihane City, Savnnakhet province’s capital, Luang Prabang City, Viengxay district in Houaphanh and Pakse City in Champasak received awards for ASEAN Clean Tourist City 2026-2028Source: laotiantimes.com/2026/02/27/kaysone-phomvihane-city-named-among-asean-clean-tourist-city-award-2026-2028/
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27-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundThe government has in principle agreed to adopt its 10-year Socio-Economic Development Strategy for 2026-2035 and Vision for 2055. For the tourism-related sector, authorities will work to boost infrastructure in major destinations and strengthen oversight of private sector service providersSource: thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/02/27/lao-govt-approves-10-year-development-strategy-legal-reforms
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27-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundAerial activities were ordered to stop in Vang Vieng, following concern from the authorities over unsafe activities. Above Laos Ballooning Adventures has been permitted to reopen their activitiesSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4440333419584790/
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26-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundThe Director of Luang Prabang provincial Culture and Tourism Department has stressed that human capital development is a key strategy for the province to become a sustainable and modern tourism destination by 2029Source: english.news.cn/20260226/d432850172294d508d1d642a34b4fc6e/c.html
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25-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundLaos is targeting 5-6 million international tourist arrivals in 2026, up from 2025’s 4.5 million, with numbers expected to be boosted by Chinese arrivals for the Laos-China 65th anniversary of diplomatic tiesSource: thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/02/25/laos-eyes-more-foreign-tourists-amid-improved-regional-connectivity
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25-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundThe China-Laos Railway saw 12,900 cross-border trips from 15-23 Feb, +41.8% YoYSource: english.news.cn/20260225/899607bd465f4aea9f99e1140bc34465/c.html
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25-Feb-2026 👨✈️ aviationWest Air has launched a new non-stop scheduled service between Chongqing-Vientiane from 29 Mar, operating 3 times per weekSource: facebook.com/groups/tourismprofessionalsinlaos/posts/4437884966496302/
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25-Feb-2026 🛬 inboundLuang Prabang held a seminar for tourism officials on opportunities to boost their professional capacity via scholarships for tourism managementSource: kpl.gov.la/EN/detail.aspx
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