Laos welcomed 1.36 million international tourists in the first quarter of 2026, marking an 8% increase compared to the same period last year, according to official data from the Tourism Development Department.
January recorded the highest number of arrivals, while February saw the lowest monthly total during the period.
Thailand remained the largest source market, accounting for nearly 31% of total arrivals, followed by China and Vietnam. South Korea placed fourth, while the United States rounded out the top five, with arrivals rising 38.8% year-on-year.
Beyond regional markets, arrivals from Europe surged 52%, while tourism from Africa and the Middle East increased by 45%.
The United Arab Emirates recorded the highest growth rate among all source markets, rising 215% compared to the same period last year. Brazil and Greece followed, each posting growth of around 152%.
These results build on a strong 2025, when Laos welcomed nearly 4.6 million tourists, surpassing the government’s annual target of 4.3 million visitors. The government has now set an ambitious target of 5 to 6 million international visitors in 2026.
Chinese tourists are expected to account for approximately 2 million arrivals, driven in part by the 65th anniversary of Lao-China diplomatic relations and growing interest in travel via the Laos-China Railway.
Looking ahead, Laos has outlined a five-year plan for 2026 to 2030 targeting 43 million total visitors, with a combined revenue goal of at least USD 13 billion.
Source: www.tourismlaos.org
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