In the first six months of 2025, Laos welcomed over 2.35 million international visitors, a rise of approximately 250,000 compared to the same period last year. This brings the country closer to its target of 4.5 million visitors for the entire year.

Within ASEAN, Thailand topped the list of visitors to Laos during the first six months, with over 733,000 arrivals. Vietnam ranked second with 589,000 arrivals, a nearly 25% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to Tourism Professionals in Laos, an organization of leading experts in the Lao tourism industry. Conversely, during the first six months of the year, the number of Lao visitors to Vietnam reached over 88,000.

Within the Asia-Pacific region, China is the largest market with over 602,000 visitors. Russia leads among European countries with 37,000 arrivals, while in the Americas, the US is the largest market with nearly 42,000 visitors.

According to CEOs and directors of Vietnamese travel companies, Laos is a beloved destination for many Vietnamese due to the strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. The friendliness of the Lao people is another plus. However, if entering by air, Laos remains an expensive destination for Vietnamese tourists due to limited flights and routes, resulting in higher prices. During peak season, a round-trip economy ticket to Laos from Vietnam can reach 10 million VND, more expensive than a 5-day, 4-night tour to Thailand. In August, during Laos' tourism low season, a round-trip budget ticket from Hanoi to Vientiane is almost 7 million VND.

A scene in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo: Agoda

A scene in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo: Agoda

The Lao government aims to welcome 4.3 million international visitors this year, with total tourism revenue projected to surpass 1 billion USD. The country also aims for at least 4.1 million domestic trips, generating around 678 million USD.

To achieve these goals, the government will continue upgrading tourism infrastructure such as roads, restaurants, hotels, and local markets, improving the visitor experience and accessibility.

In 2024, Laos attracted over 4.1 million international visitors, an increase of nearly one million compared to 2023. This result was largely due to tourism promotion campaigns like "Visit Laos Year", combined with a visa exemption policy for over 30 countries, including China, the US, and many European nations.

Anh Minh (Laotian Times, Tourism Professionals in Laos)