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“We use ‘Ethical’ a lot in our practices because I feel tourism is all about people,” said Rachel Dechaineux, owner of the riverside Silver Naga hotel in Vang Vieng.

Some may struggle with the costs of sustainable practices, but former Luang Prabang View Hotel General Manager John Williams sees going green as a way of life...while saving greenbacks.

How does IHG implement its strict Green Engage global guidelines in Laos? “It’s hard work to get to where we want to go,” said Crowne Plaza Vientiane General Manager Patria Puyat, “but it can be done.”

Laos’ annual tourism report began making the rounds last week, confirming the disastrous year. Some analysts would conclude that once the borders reopen, the country’s tourism would be starting at Year 1. Others may want to play “What if”, but that seems to be a fool’s errand. Predictions for 2021 are certainly premature. Still, a review of the facts seems worthwhile, though there are no solid conclusions to draw.

The Tourism Development Department (TDD), Ministry of Information,The Culture and Tourism publishes annually tourism statistics relating to tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tourist expenditures, the average length of stay of tourists in Laos as well as tourist profiles, accommodation establishments and occupancy rates. The purpose of this Statistical Report on Tourism is to provide the public with clear information on a important sector of the Lao economy.

Synergy Insights Consulting has prepared a Tourism Recovery Roadmap that covers 1) Assignment Objectives, 2) Tourism in Lao PDR: 2019-2020, 3) Pandemic Related Challenges for the Tourism Sector 4) Strategy Considerations for Lao PDR, and 5) Proposed Priorities and Actions for Recovery. The detailed draft that presents detail of the recovery plan to include: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic; Approaches and Interventions; Current Challenges, Emerging Trends and Recovery Influencers; Recommendations for Recovery Priorities and Actions; and Phases, Actions, an Accountabilities.

This extensive report provides some insight into how the Lao-China railway will effect Lao tourism, among other sectors. Of note is Chapter 2.2 (pages 33-37) “Understanding Passenger Demand” that forecasts tourism traffic through 2030, along with discussing the railway’s potential and challenges for Lao destinations, especially Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. Chapter 3.3 (pages 46-47) “Facilitating Access to Tourism Areas” mostly zeroes in on Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.

The resources here are a guide for a managed discussion with Destination Managers and the trade and will need to be adapted for each destination. This will include gaining access to and using data to guide the discussion, as well as past and current destination marketing materials and case studies, as listed in the Facilitator Guide.

PATA’s Crisis Resource Center has published a toolbox to guide the private sector travel businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic. These guides dive into pertinent topics including Communication Strategies, Covid-19 Signage Kit, Crisis Communications Planner, and Hospitality, SME, and Tour Operator Recovery Kits.

This information is designed to provide accommodation providers in order to assist them with making decisions about how to implement science-based virus protection measures in a way that puts the and safety of people first, yet minimizes unnecessary environmental impacts. It also contains suggestions about how to support staff and the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic, and where to download valuable information.

The Lao Ministry of Health with support from USAID has published a poster-like “Good Practices for Covid-19” for food retailers. These simple, easy-to-follow measures will go a long way in ensuring your business is safe and hygienic for staff and tourists as Laos re-opens its doors to visitors.

Did your tourism-related business have a crisis communications strategy in place, when the Covid-19 pandemic kicked in? Probably not. So what, how, and how often are you communicating with travel agents, FITs, clients, guests and the public during this ongoing situation? “Toolbox for Crisis Communications in Tourism: Checklists and Best Practices” published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, can help you navigate this virus storm.

Sustainable experiences reach into themed rooms at the Riverside Boutique Resort, while General Manager Mathieu Thaeron cuts consumption by relying on common sense and a clued-in staff.

The Lao hospitality industry has introduced the second MICE Guide to Laos 2020. Twenty-four hotels and resorts have collaborated to show their synergy and determination to grow the tourism industry. This is up from the original 16 hotels, expanding the opportunity and selection of properties working in the MICE sector to showcase to partners worldwide that Laos is a true destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions/Events.

From 13-25 April, Sheri Kimes surveyed 893 hotels from 94 countries to uncover how they responded to Covid-19. The professor at the Cornell University School of Hospitality Management published the findings on 29 April in a simple slideshow-like report, with easy-to-read graphs and bullet points.

To determine the top-tier hotel supply (upscale and above), we analysed hotel demand sources and identified those characteristics upon which guests or others arranging for third party accommodation base their decisions of hotel selection. These characteristics were derived from information provided by executives knowledgeable in the local hotel markets and Horwath HTL’s knowledge and experience in the hotel, tourism, and leisure industries.

This briefing for travel agents and the tourism trade is loaded with selling points for Laos. This trade guide opens the door to leisure activities and business travel, special interest travel and responsible tourism, and natural and cultural attractions. You'll find sample itineraries, and get a full sense and feeling for the country.

This cartoon posters shows visitors the cultural "Dos & Don'ts in Laos. Some may seem petty or strange, though for Lao people, these small acts and ways of behaving will bring you closer to the people while avoiding making a fool of yourself.

You’ll get more than just a room when staying with a member of the Lao Hotel Alliance. The LHA presents a label of excellence for mid-range luxury Lao hospitality, while promoting selected locations across the country. The LHA label reflects quality and trust, and guarantees that Member hotels and resorts meet international standards for quality of service, rooms and facilities, and food safety and hygiene. Members place emphasis on sustaining the environment. LHA hotels are located in unique settings, and connect to a range of activities for those seeking cultural and heritage activities or adventures in nature.

The Tourism Development Department (TDD), Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism publishes annually tourism statistics relating to tourist arrivals, foreign exchange earnings from tourism, tourist expenditures, the average length of stay of tourists in Laos as well as tourist profiles, accommodation establishments and occupancy rates. The purpose of this Statistical Report on Tourism is to provide the public with clear information on a important sector of the Lao economy.

The award-winning Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) in Sayabouly, Laos, has published its 2020-2021 tour programs and rates for its four itineraries lasting between two and seven days. Packages include the two-day “Discovery”, three-day “Exploration”, four-day “Immersion”, and seven-day “Eco-Volunteering”. Visitors can choose between bungalows with communal facilities and the Family Lodge, while the dormitory is open for volunteers.

Help the Luang Prabang Deaf Mute Community help themselves, and stop by their shop for handicrafts you can use. You’ll find handmade bamboo straws, schoolgirl pillows that match their uniforms, laptop bags, pearl bags, coin purses, and cooking aprons with front pockets. Check out the rice field and Sunday scarves and ceremonial wraps along with an elephant-design table cloth and red-and-white “chili” table cloths. Prices may change.

The Nam Et–Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA) crosses Houaphan, Luang Prabang, and Xieng Khouang Provinces is home to the award-winning Nam Nern Night Safari and The Nests trekking are the two top eco-adventures. The NPA is the second largest protected area in Laos and has the greatest wildlife biodiversity in the country. The terrain is mountainous with altitude ranging between 336 and 2257 metres above sea level. The highest point is the peak of Phou Louey (Forever Mountain) and the lowest the Nam Et river valley. The NEPL NPA contains large areas of intact primary forests, and supports an outstanding diversity of carnivores including the last wild tigers of Laos and five other cat species such as leopard, clouded leopard, golden cat, marbled cat, and leopard cat. Prices are subject to change.

Luang Prabang has made farming fun by adding activities to its fields of fruit, vegetables, herbs, and even buffaloes. A dozen farms around the UNESCO city offer organic and permaculture experiences, and that means more than watching plants grow and then cooking and eating them, though often that’s the main course. You’ll find farm tours and stays, agro-tourism, botanical gardens, camping and bungalows, adventure activities like zip lining and hiking and easier challenges for the kids. Cooking classes, handicraft workshops and a Grow-Their-Own Hotel with a top chef…jump in.

Travel around Luang Prabang City on an e-Bus. The electric vehicles run several routes around the UNESCO World Heritage site while keeping the air clean.

Join the NamKhan Project and Farm to Table Tour. You will cross several gardens, discover our greenhouse production, and get the chance to be in touch with our farm animals for a true and unique experience. We finish the tour by tasting one of our delicious and natural homemade products. Once your taste buds awaken, you will participate in a practical activity before lunch. You are then free to relax in our bamboo huts by the river or in our private gardens. Our tour is a 100% family friendly, and we welcome children of all ages to discover what nature and its wonders have to teach and give.

Follow the Luang Namtha Valley Route to eight main ethnic villages and five cultural and religious sites, where you will discover aspects of daily life and culture and take in the scenic beauty of the Valley. The route is an excellent half day self-guided trip. The entire route takes 2-4 hours (approximately 35km), depending on how long you spend in each village and the trails you take.

This booklet is your guide to a fantastic travel experience beyond the ordinary. Your participation in any of the remarkable initiatives, attractions and activities will not only provide you with a unique experience, but also directly help to improve the livelihoods of the local communities.

Take the time to leisurely enjoy the enchanting daytime tours in Pakbeng and surrounding areas. Amazing exclusive excursions that has been crafted to ensure your unrivaled experience. A fantastic chance to see the world through the eyes of the locals who use traditional methods for day to day living, rarely seen by the outside world. Prices are subject to change.

The Loop is a 450km journey with over 30 scenic sites in central Laos. You can take several days to travel around it all, or explore a part of it now, and come back another time to discover more. Motorcycle through limestone karst landscapes…Follow an underground river through the Konglor Cave…Take a ‘bomb boat’ upstream… Sip a Beer Lao lakeside at sunset…Take a jungle trek to a stunning waterfall…Refresh in jade green waters…And along the way, meet the people who live here. Hear their stories, taste their foods, enjoy their festivals – and smile inwardly, knowing your presence and donations uplift the local communities you pass through.

The Oudomxay Tourism Department is offering a 2-day/1-night homestay at a Khmu village along with a trek a Hmong village and Chom Ong, the longest known cave in Laos.

From 1890-1892, Dr Mougeot tried to find a hidden passage around Khone Falls with the French steamboat, Argus, but he failed. The 1893 treaty in which Siam relinquished the Mekong’s east bank urgently required gunboats above Don Khone, and the Gouveneur Général de l’Indochine sought a new approach. Naval Lt Georges Simon was tasked with the “mission hydrographique du haut Mékong” to take two gunboats up the Mekong to Don Khone, dissemble them, cross the island, then re-assemble and launch the boats in calmer upriver waters.

To better explore Salavan Province, base your stay in easy-to reach Salavan Town. From here, you can embark on several simple one-day tour circuits, most of which follow paved and gravel roads, and a few of which require brief treks. The circuits scour Salavan Town’s attractions, venture to Toumlan’s Katang weaving villages and longhouses, and explore Laongarm’s waterfalls, ethnic villages, and magnificent Bolaven Plateau viewpoints.

The Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, Khammouane Province together with the Department of Tourism Development, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project have formulated this plan to preserve and protect the natural, cultural and historic heritage of Khammouane for 2016-2025.

Sofitel Luang Prabang has partnered with acclaimed Food and Beverage consultants Avril Production to launch the latest farm-to-table-dining concept at its dining outlet Governor’s Grill to give guests an opportunity to explore the exotic taste of Laotian produce.

Bernie Rosenbloom brings more than 20 years of experience in copywriting and journalism to the Lao travel trade. He zeroed in on tourism and hospitality in 2004, when the Bangkok-based Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) commissioned him as a website content writer. “Working for PATA placed me on a path to understanding how the industry works, and upped my writing game,” Bernie said. Well-known brands began retaining Bernie, including Best Western, THAI Airways, and Delivering Asia Communications (DAC). “DAC was a great challenge, as their high-end clients are very demanding.” His line-up included Le Merdien, Victoria Hotels, Singha Estates, and The Sukhothai.

The Lao Ministry of Health with support from USAID has published a poster-like “Good Practices for Covid-19” for accommodation. These simple, easy-to-follow measures will go a long way in ensuring your business is safe and hygienic for staff and tourists as Laos re-opens its doors to visitors.

The 2020-21 annual report, “Travel Weekly Insight”, produced in association with Deloitte, suggests a substantially reduced number of overseas holidays in 2021. Counter to some forecasts, it suggests no significant change in the type of holiday, no great switch to the outdoors or away from luxury hotels, and no shift away from all-inclusive. There also appears to great acceleration in the embrace of technology, albeit this may simply be taken for granted. Download .pdf (5MB)

The Asia development Bank’s “Asia Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Monitor 2020” explores the impact on Covid-19 on MSMEs in developing Asia. The report provides a rich set of initial facts and idea for government to develop evidence-based policy-making to support the revival of MSMEs hurt by the pandemic. The report aims to contribute to the ongoing policy discussions on firm-level support measures needed to reignite Asian economies. Download .pdf (1.1MB)

Put yourself in The Loop. Khammouane’s tourism circuit linking the province’s top adventures. The Loop leaves Thakaek eastbound on Route 12, and immediately enters the 20-km-long Cave Alley. Turn north on Route 1E to reach Nakai Town. Continue to Route 8 at Lao Xao and head south to the Limestone Forest and The Viewpoint zip-line. Then it’s back to Thakaek.

Bolikhamxay Province, located just south of Vientiane in central Laos, is a center for ecotourism activities with its two national protected areas and an extensive system of wetlands. The journey from Route 13 to Lak Sao on Route 8 offers spectacular scenery of karst mountain landscapes and is considered to be one of the most impressive passages in the country. Vat Phabath, located on the road between Vientiane and Paksan is an important pilgrimage site and sacred temple that houses a shrine containing a giant footprint of the Lord Buddha (phabat). It is believed that all travelers passing by the temple should stop and pay their respects to ensure a safe journey and strong health.

Chom Ong Cave system is a recently rediscovered natural attraction located about 45 km from Oudomxay Town near the Khmu Lu village of Ban Chom Ong Thai. In the village yu can see traditional handicraft production and authentic village life on you journey to the cave. Check out the three-day program.

Everyone is talking about the Khammouane Loop, zip-lines, and loads of caves when discussing the province. However, their is more to Khammouane than nature-based activities...History. While in Thakaek, you can visit the revered Sikhotabong Stupa, Meuang Phone Stupa, Kamphang Nyak: The Great Wall, Tin Mines, Old Thakhek, the famed Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the Historic French Railway,

Enjoy a peaceful stay on Don Khong, the gateway to the Mekong River’s 4,000 Islands, one-time French Colonial base, and birthplace of Lao PDR’s first President Khamtay Siphandone. A short island tour takes you to 10 attractions like the “Sugar Palm Tree Chief”, a museum, and Vat Phou-era temples among the rice fields and forests. Khong Town offers a quaint row of guesthouses for overnight stays before journeying to the other islands.

Farthest north in Laos is Phongsaly, which shares borders with China and Vietnam. Most of Phongsaly is at high altitudes, and the capital is located 1,400 m above sea level. The forests of Pongsaly are the most remote and well-preserved in northern Laos, and scenery includes spectacular limestone mountains and the Nam Ou River (the biggest tributary of the Mekong in Laos). The population is made up of about 22 different ethnicities, with the major groups being the Phu Noi, Tai Lue, Haw, Akha, and Khmu.

This research aimed to provide a more informed and systematic basis on which to develop the positioning strategy in social media due to the interactive capacity and influence that social media has in the success of tourist destinations. In particular, we investigated the role of stakeholders.

Nam Thang 1000 Caves Area is a limestone karst landscape where cave-pocked cliffs surround the Khmu villages of Ban Nathang, and Ban Keo. Here the Nam Thang stream has cut right through the mountains, andwinds its way, to the Nam Poui river. The traveller has a chance to explore the area’s chasms and caves while getting an insight into Lao life with a homestay option in Ban Keo Village. This area, about 43 km south of Sayabouli town can be accessed by the adventurous, along a mountain road.

This map guides you throughout this overlooked province filled with hidden treasures outside Houay Xay. Explore the ancient kingdom of Souvannakhokham with a giant Buddha. Cool off in Nam Nyorn Waterfalls, Stand at Lao’s third of the Golden Triangle. Trek in the Nam Kan National Protected area, or immerse yourself in the famed Gibbon Experience.

The breath-taking 4,000 Islands, or Si Phan Don, are located in a section of the Mekong River just north of the Cambodian border. Si Phan Don is an important wetland habitat for both bird and aquatic wildlife species. It also provides an important natural resource base that supports many local people through fishing and other indigenous activities. This brochure takes you to the top islands, waterfalls, and rapids.

As a market highly dependent on both Chinese outbound tourism and the Chinese economy, Southeast Asia is a region which was heavily affected by COVID-19 even in the early months of 2020. With the declaration of a pandemic, as well as the closing of borders and imposition of lockdowns, Southeast Asia’s tourism economy will continue to be impacted for the foreseeable future. This report gives the latest situation as of January 2021

25 kg of dry sticky rice will produce 20 liters of lao khao. Soak the rice for at least three hours (depending on the variety of rice). When the moisture is fully absorbed into to rice, the grain is slightly translucent and expanded in size. Now scoop the soaked rice out and rinse with clean water to ensure the rice will not absorb the smell of the original water…and that’s just the start of the process.

Xe Champhone Loop offers a lot of activities to be discovered and incredible wildlife. It is a perfect family trip for a weekend out of Savannakhet city or if you want to take your time on the road between Pakse and Thakhek.

This brochure introduces visitors to the most well-known and finest eateries in town serving a variety of dishes from Lao to French to Italian...you name it.

A walk around town earns a cup of coffee, and Luang Prabang offers a great selection of cafes and bakeries. You'll find the best Lao brew, amazing roasts, infused cold coffee served with tempting homemade pastries and baked goods.

Nothing like a cold Beer Lao or cocktail after a day-full of activities. Why not toss is some snacks? Luang Prabang has plenty of bars and eateries for everyone. Sports bars, riverside solitude, and garden settings. Check out some of the favorites.

There's no lack of pizzerias in Luang Prabang. It's a tough choice to find a winner amidst the best. We Are Lao hunted down the best of the best. Have a look.

The Mekong Expedition 1886-1893: By the mid-1800s, the British controlled foreign trade along China’s coast, and French merchants sought a commercial toehold in Asia. Napoleon III’s navy, eager for colonial glory, set its sights on Vietnam, and captured Saigon in 1861. A young naval officer, Francis Garnier, enthusiastically advocated exploring the Mekong as a potential route to tap the fabled riches of China. In 1864, he presented his plan to the colony’s governor, Admiral La Grandière, and the “Mekong Expedition Commission” was soon approved and Laos’ first railway began construction. Read the highlights and the go see for yourself.

Welcome to historic Bokeo Province. Located in the once notorious Golden Triangle region, forming Laos' border with Thailand and Myanmar, Bokeo now offers visitors an insight into earlier eras of religion, royalty, war and trade, with archaeological relics and ancient temples. Located about one hour upriver from Houay Xay is the Souvannahkhomkham archaeological site. This network of temples, stupas and Buddha statues was first established during the 5th century and has been re-built many times. The current ruins date back to the Lane Xang Kindgom from the 14th to 16th centuries. The area is actually comprised of 40 sites spanning 10,000 hectares. Highlights include a 7 metre high Buddha statue, one of the biggest in Laos, which was long ago raided for treasures concealed inside.

This plan presents the Lao Green Travel Zone concept, which integrates the Project Sandbox proposal of Lao Airlines and input from members of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including representatives of tour companies, hotels and restaurants, transportation providers and the Lao Insurance Association. The plan is based on recommendations by other stakeholders in the industry, including Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, UNDP, and UNWTO, which propose opening from 2022 and recovery by 2024-25.