Tourism in Laos has become an important part of the economy of Laos. In 2024, tourist numbers topped 5 million, contributing over US$1 billion to the economy. [1] Tourism is governed by a ministry-level government agency, the Lao National Tourism Administration (LNTA).
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Tourism is the third largest source of foreign income for the Laos government, behind only mining and electricity generation. In 2019, 4.79 million international tourists visited Laos, spending US$931 million, representing 9.1% of the Lao economy, and created employment for 300,000 people. [2]
The top four sources of international tourists in 2019 were Thailand (45%), China (21.3%), Vietnam (19.3%) and South Korea (4.2%). [2]
The Laos-China Railway has facilitated the entry of more tourists, particularly from China, into Laos, as well as making transport easier between Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. The railway opened in 2021, and cross-border service between Laos and China began in 2023. Compared to its neighbour Thailand, Laos is a comparatively more difficult country to enter by air, especially via long-haul air routes. In 2024, there were over 46 million airline seats to Thailand, but less than 1.8 million going to Laos. These services typically enter from China or Thailand, meaning visitors rarely travel only to Laos, but combine their trip with visits to neighbouring countries as well, due to the need to transit through them to reach Laos. [3]
