Вьентьян (провинция). Travel digest

Effective 1 January, the Vientiane–Vang Vieng expressway has introduced a new toll schedule.

Charges now range from roughly LAK 1,500 to LAK 6,500 per kilometre, depending on the vehicle’s size and weight. The rates are calculated using an exchange rate of LAK 20,777 per USD.

For vehicles with a gross load of up to 40 tonnes, the minimum fee is about LAK 10,500

On 26 December, officials of Vientiane Province officially designated the Three‑Colored Bronze Buddha as a local‑level national heritage site during a ceremony held at Ban Lingsan Temple in Thoulakhom district.

The event was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Provincial Administrative Committee, Somphasong Souvongkhamchan, along with representatives of provincial and district

Laos welcomed roughly 3.8 million foreign visitors during January‑October 2025, marking a 13 % increase compared with the same period in 2024.

Data released on 7 December by the Tourism Development Department show that travellers from ASEAN countries accounted for 60.84 % of all arrivals. Thailand led the regional market with 1,236,626 guests, followed by Vietnam (959,575), China

Vang Vieng, one of the most visited destinations in Laos, is currently under assessment for the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award for 2026.

During a site‑visit on 23‑24 October, officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism inspected the town’s cleanliness, safety standards and overall visitor experience. The review covered attractions, accommodation, eateries,

In October 2025, several Thai public figures chose Laos as a travel destination, highlighting attractions such as Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Savannakhet. Their visits have coincided with a record influx of more than three million tourists during the first eight months of the year.

On 14 October, former K‑OTIC member Pataradanai Setsuwan travelled to Luang Prabang together

Local authorities in Vang Vieng are advancing a plan to elevate the district’s tourism profile by investing approximately USD 7 million in a new five‑star hotel.

The hotel will rise to 11 floors and will be erected on an 8,164 m² plot in Meuangxong village, Vang Vieng district.

The development is being carried out through a joint venture between the Vientiane

The Times of India, one of India’s leading English‑language newspapers, has included Laos’ Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng in its list of the eight best Asian destinations for solo backpackers in 2025.

The publication described Laos as “slower‑paced than its neighbours” and “more off‑beat”, presenting it as an attractive alternative for travelers who prefer to avoid overcrowded

According to the Tourism Development Department, Laos received a total of 3,061,928 foreign visitors from January to August 2025, which represents a 15 % growth compared with the same period in 2024.

Visitors from ASEAN countries continue to dominate the market. Thailand contributed the most with 977,675 arrivals, followed by Vietnam (790,403), China (750,650), South Korea (127,379)

After a prolonged lull caused by the pandemic, Laos is experiencing a noticeable rebound in its tourism sector. Official statistics show that more than 2.3 million visitors arrived in the first half of 2025, providing a crucial lift to hotels, eateries, and local economies that had struggled for years.

The recovery is evident in popular destinations such as Luang Prabang, where boutique

The new Lao Art Museum officially opened on 5 January in Vientiane’s Nonsaart village, Xaythany district. 

Construction of the Museum began in 2021 with a budget of over USD 50 million.

Covering 80 hectares, the museum complex currently features four zones, including the information building and a reception area, an arts and culture exhibition hall, an observation hall,

Vientiane Province is once again in the spotlight with a fresh tourism draw—the newly upgraded Nam Ngum 1 Reservoir Recreation Area, also known as “Nam Ngum 1 Reservoir” or “Thalay Lao,” meaning the Lao Sea.

Located in Keooudom District, the reservoir officially reopened on 3 December after a three-year closure for extensive redevelopment.

“We are expecting at least 1-2 million

Vientiane province is actively promoting tourism to position the industry as a key economic driver, aiming to attract more than 1.3 million visitors by the end of 2025. At the same time, officials are working to strengthen regional and international tourism cooperation, aiming to promote its natural, historical, cultural and agricultural attractions.

Sisawat Sengpachanh, Director General

Representatives from Thailand's Transport Company Limited, the Department of Land Transport (DLT) of Thailand and the Laos Department of Transport met in Vientiane, Laos, on September 4-5. The purpose of the meeting was to review and strengthen cooperation in the field of road transport between the two countries.

One of the main results of the discussions was an agreement to launch a new

On August 20, the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism of the capital Vientiane (DICT) issued a notice banning the import of Buddha images and Buddhist relics in an attempt to promote locally produced artifacts.

The notice emphasized the importance of supporting local artists and artisans by encouraging the use of locally produced Buddha images.

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Laos may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a Southeast Asian adventure, but Lonely Planet's latest review proves the country is full of hidden treasures.

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