According to the Lao Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Laos welcomed 3,061,928 international tourists in the first eight months of 2025, a 15 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This increase underscores the country’s growing attractiveness as a Southeast Asian tourism destination. A recent Ministry of Defense report released in September revealed that Thai tourists topped the list of visitors to Laos, with 977,675 from January to August, followed by Vietnamese tourists with 790,403 and Chinese tourists with 750,650.
Several key factors contributed to the tourism boom. Improved transportation infrastructure, including the China-Laos Railway, new expressways, upgraded road networks, and expanded airports, have significantly improved travel convenience for both domestic and international tourists.
The Lao government is investing in initiatives aimed at improving service quality, training tourism personnel, and promoting lesser-known destinations across the country.
The 2025 forecast indicates continued growth. It is expected that Laos will welcome approximately 4.38 million international tourists and 4.19 million domestic tourists, representing a 6% and 7% increase, respectively, from 2024. By 2026, these figures are expected to increase further to 4.46 million international tourists and 4.37 million domestic tourists.
Through strategic planning and continued investment, Laos aims to strengthen its position as a leading regional destination while ensuring sustainable tourism development.
