Laos – tourismindiaonline.com

Sustainable Growth Through Regional Links: Laos

timonline — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Laos is advancing a long-term tourism roadmap that places sustainability, connectivity and balanced growth at the centre of national policy. The direction was outlined at the ASEAN Tourism Forum – TRAVEX 2026 in Cebu by Phouthone Dalalom, Deputy Director General of the Tourism Marketing and Promotion Department under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Officials described tourism as a key economic pillar capable of generating employment, supporting rural communities and reducing poverty while preserving cultural identity.

The country recorded 4.5 million international arrivals in 2025, an 11% increase compared to 2024. Authorities attributed part of the growth to the recovery momentum created by the “Visit Laos Year 2024” campaign. Thailand, China, Vietnam and Korea remained the main source markets, while a new market entered the top five, reflecting expanding regional interest in the destination.

To support visitor growth, Laos is improving entry procedures and accessibility. The country operates 103 border checkpoints, including 33 international gateways and four international airports. Visa facilitation now includes bilateral exemptions for ASEAN member states as well as Russia and Mongolia, and unilateral exemptions for several developed markets. An e-visa platform covering more than 150 nationalities has also simplified travel planning and arrival processes.

Sustainability forms the foundation of tourism policy. Laos is aligning with ASEAN ecotourism standards and implementing national guidelines for green hotels, ecotourism operations and the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector. Officials emphasised that expanding MICE tourism can help maintain demand beyond seasonal travel campaigns. Regional cooperation with ASEAN partners, the Greater Mekong Subregion and CLMV countries is expected to strengthen joint promotion and cross-border itineraries.

Cultural and natural heritage remain central to tourism development. UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the historic town of Luang Prabang, the temple complex of Vat Phou and the archaeological Plain of Jars. Hin Nam No National Park, jointly recognised with Vietnam, represents the country’s first natural World Heritage listing. Laos currently counts 26 National Protected Areas and more than 2,400 attractions, with nearly 900 actively operating. Tourism products focus on heritage experiences, community-based tourism, adventure activities and gastronomy reflecting traditions from over 50 ethnic groups.

Connectivity, however, remains a structural challenge because Laos has no direct long-haul flights to Europe or North America. Air links are concentrated within Asia. The Laos–China Railway has therefore become a major asset, significantly improving mobility and boosting Chinese visitor arrivals. The government is also investing in road upgrades, destination facilities and service quality, while addressing unlicensed tour operations.

Looking ahead, the Tourism Development Plan 2026–2030 aims to position Laos as a sustainable destination integrated into regional travel networks. Preparations are underway for Lao-China Tourism Year 2027, expected to strengthen bilateral travel and international visibility. Officials also confirmed that markets such as India are being studied, although improved air connectivity and product adaptation will be necessary.

Laos is pursuing steady tourism expansion built on conservation, community participation and stronger regional links, defining its pathway toward 2030.

Adventures Overland’s maiden expedition to Laos in January 2023

timonline — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 15:20:00 +0000

Adventures Overland has announced its maiden expedition to Laos, a country traversed by the Mekong River and known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. The capital city of this landlocked nation, Vientiane, is the site of the That Luang Stupa, where a reliquary reportedly houses the Buddha’s breastbone. The journey also covers the old town of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the perfect place to relax and enjoy stunning river views.

The expedition planned between 24^th January 2023 and 02^nd February 2023 offers a picturesque self-drive convoy-style journey, with visits to revered monuments, and kayaking across the famous Nam Song river while enjoying the Laotian countryside. A chance to explore limestone caves, go on scenic nature reserve trails, and do a few adrenaline-pumping activities. This Kingdom of a Million Elephants, with its fantastic scenery, ethnic villages, and unexplored lands, makes it any traveller’s off-beat dream destination, with luxurious accommodations and a mouth-watering blend of cuisines.

Sanjay Madan and Tushar Agarwal, Guinness World Record Holders, came together in 2012 and founded Adventures Overland India’s leading niche travel company that offers first-of-its-kind self-driving expeditions across six continents. They are also the pioneers in cross-border and fly-and-drive excursions in India.

Tushar Agarwal, Co-Founder of Adventures Overland, said, “At Adventures Overland, we believe in offering unique experiences to travel enthusiasts. We are excited to launch our maiden expedition to Laos, unconventional and relatively unexplored by Indian travel enthusiasts. Our guided, small-group self-drive trips allow travellers to experience new destinations while driving in convoys. They can enjoy the expedition without any worries about breakdowns, language barriers, and navigation of difficult terrain. Every route in each country we visit has been vetted to ensure the journey is seamless. Adventures Overland also believes in responsible travel where due consideration is given to the terrain.”

Laos is a land of untouched natural beauty, caves, forests, and waterways, a dream destination for travellers seeking a connection with nature and those looking for adventure.

Also, read

“One India -One Tourism” & “One Country -One Tax”: Nakul Anand

Watch on Youtube

Musical Evening – South Indian Tourism & Cultural Ministers Conference 2021

Follow and connect with us on Facebook Youtube Twitter

The post Adventures Overland’s maiden expedition to Laos in January 2023 appeared first on tourismindiaonline.com.

Five Hiking Trails with Avani Hotels

timonline — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:48:00 +0000

When you can roam the world freely again, where will you go? Beautiful far-flung beaches, medieval towns with storybook castles or your own backyard that is just waiting to be rediscovered? If you are craving exercise and fresh air with a side serving of the best views on the planet after months cooped up indoors, consider striking out into the wilderness and going on a hike. Suitable for both experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those taking their first steps in the field, Avani’s round-up of some of the best places to hike promises views that will have you floored, whether you are in Bali or Busan.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, Busan, South Korea

From 427 metres up, Busan looks spectacular at any time of the day. And no matter how many times you’ve walked Hwangnyeongsan Mountain’s trails, the panoramic vista from the summit never fails to impress. Located in the heart of Busan, the mountain is a magnet for local nature lovers, especially on weekends, in the fall and during the cherry blossom season (end of March to early April). And it’s not just the view from the peak that’s rewarding: numerous temples lining the hiking paths as well as annual festivals add a cultural element to the experience. If your timing is good, you might find yourself at the very top just as the stars and the moon begin to appear — a magically sublime moment.

Being centrally located, Avani Central Busan Hotel is ideal to stay in Busan that is close to many parks and scenic promenades. It also sits near Subway line 2, making it the perfect base for your exploratory forays.

Young beautiful woman walking on Campuhan Ridge way of artists, in Bali, Ubud. Beautiful calm sunny morning

Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud, Bali

To get to know Ubud, Bali’s spiritual heart, head to Campuhan — “the place where two rivers meet”. At just about 1.5 kilometres long, the gently sloping Campuhan Ridge is known as a sacred place to the locals and an iconic walking track to those who come here to drink in the scenery and document it for posterity. The meandering road winds its way up a narrow ridge, deep gorges on both sides, making for incredible views of misty rice paddies and jungle. At the end of the main ridge, a café is perfectly located for weary travellers to cool down with coconut and post those snaps on Instagram for the world to see.

A stay at the chic Avani Seminyak Bali Resort offers the best of both worlds: steps from Seminyak Beach and easy access to the hilly countryside of Ubud, a mere 30 kilometres away.

Nam Ou River, Luang Prabang, Laos

Most Pha Daeng Peak hikers begin their journey in the town of Nong Khiaw before setting off, by boat, towards the village of Ban Don Khoune, where the hike itself begins. The trek is challenging, two to three hours, depending on your speed, but not forbidding. It is moderately trafficked and popular with wildlife enthusiasts. As you climb uphill, a sprawling green landscape marked by picturesque waterfalls builds up the anticipation for what lies ahead: Nong Khiaw in its full glory. The majestic clouds moving information at your feet, limestone mountains framing the valley, Nam Ou river snaking around the town down below. Remember to pack a light meal to enjoy at sunset.

Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel places you right in the heart of the old town. The serene setting, outdoor swimming pool and the Anantara Spa are all you need after a long day out in the mountains or exploring the town and make the stay in Luang Prabang memorable.

Amphitheater of angels statue in Buddha Magic Garden or Secret Buddha Garden. Koh Samui island, Thailand.

Secret Buddha Garden, Koh Samui, Thailand

Another challenging but rewarding trek, the path leading to the Secret Buddha Garden in Koh Samui takes you through the thick tropical forest before revealing a hidden treasure — a beautifully landscaped garden blooming with flowers and trees native to Koh Samui and concealing multiple Buddha statues, a stream and a series of miniature waterfalls. The view at sunrise and sunset is mesmerising, with rays bouncing off the golden figures, creating a shimmering aura all around.

Avani+ Samui Resort with its private pool villas, excellent cocktails, and world-class snorkelling, is your ticket to the best stay in Koh Samui. Tempting as your private villa is, be sure to answer the call of the jungle and venture outside.

Wadis and Desert Life around Dubai, UAE

Wadi Showka in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, is a popular hiking spot thanks to its strikingly rugged landscape and natural pools. The terrain is mostly flat so anyone with a basic fitness level will be able to enjoy the 9-kilometre hike followed by a cooling dip. The Shawka Dam Loop in Fujairah is another well-trodden route that offers a chance to see camels and a variety of birdlife. Hatta, located just an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Dubai, is not to be missed either. UAE’s ultimate outdoor adventure destination, the exclave sits on the border with Oman and benefits from some fantastic natural scenery. Hatta routes span 32.6km and are the longest signposted hiking trails in the country.

Dubai, with its limitless supply of things to do and see, is the perfect base to stay and explore the UAE from. Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel is a modern, stylish HQ with easy access to all the hotspots and a metro link. Avani Deira Dubai Hotel is close to spice markets, beaches and business. To experience the exclusive JBR neighbourhood and for easy access to Dubai’s renowned Palm Jumeriah, stay at Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites.

Designed for the millennial-minded traveller whose priorities are style, value and comfort, Avani welcomes guests to over 30 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, with a rapidly growing pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.