Laos in October 2025 continued to glow with authenticity and renewal. From Luang Prabang’s recognition as a global sustainable destination to the nationwide rollout of digital border systems and new regional flight connections, the country reaffirmed its place as Southeast Asia’s tranquil yet forward-looking gem. With pleasant post-rainy-season weather, cultural festivities in full swing, and stronger transborder links with Vietnam and Thailand, Laos invites travellers to explore deeper into its landscapes, traditions, and responsible tourism vision.
Highlights of Laos in October 2025
Products: Travel Sense Asia expands its Laos portfolio with two signature experiences, Legendary Laos Adventure and Indochina Heritage & Senses Journey, offering deeper cultural immersion and cross-border discovery.
Destinations: Laos welcomed over 3 million international arrivals in the first eight months of 2025, a 15% increase year-on-year. The launch of AirAsia’s Luang Prabang – Hanoi route and the introduction of Digital Arrival & Departure Cards further enhance connectivity and travel convenience across the region.
Hotels: Victoria Xiengthong Palace was named Laos’ Leading Heritage Hotel 2025 by the World Travel Awards, and Bohème debuted as a new luxury river-cruise experience along the Mekong, highlighting Laos’s blend of heritage elegance and contemporary boutique charm.
Sustainability: With Luang Prabang achieving Green Destinations Silver Certification (2025–2027) and nationwide programs promoting eco-certification and community tourism, Laos strengthens its path toward responsible and inclusive growth.
>> Discover now: Download Laos Travel Guide
Product Updates
Legendary Laos Adventure
A 12-day journey revealing Laos in its purest form: from Luang Prabang’s spiritual calm to Vang Vieng’s limestone cliffs and Vientiane’s timeless rhythm. Travelers can explore cascading Kuang Si Falls, zip-line through Nahm Dong’s forest canopy, and cruise along the Mekong at sunset. The addition of Laos’s high-speed train enhances comfort and connectivity, allowing guests to savour more time in nature and culture. Perfect for travellers seeking authentic encounters and slow-paced exploration through the heart of Laos.
Indochina Heritage & Senses Journey
This 21-day cross-border adventure connects Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia, weaving together the region’s spiritual heritage and sensory treasures. From Luang Prabang’s dawn almsgiving to Vietnam’s lantern-lit Hoi An and Cambodia’s majestic Angkor temples, each stop deepens the traveller’s connection to Indochina’s living culture. Gentle Mekong cruises, cooking classes, and village visits balance discovery with relaxation, making this curated route ideal for guests wishing to experience Indochina’s essence in one unforgettable journey.
Destination News
Tourism rebound continues, cross-border and regional cooperation growing
The tourism sector in Laos is clearly on the move. With more than 3.06 million international arrivals recorded in the first eight months of 2025, the country is logging robust growth of around 15 % over last year. At the same time, bilateral and regional cooperation is accelerating: from infrastructure development to joint tourism-promotion programmes. These advances are helping reduce friction at borders, improve service and open up new multi-country circuit options (for example Vietnam–Laos or Thailand–Laos itineraries).
Laos introduces Digital Arrival and Departure Card
Starting from September 1, 2025, Laos officially launched the pilot phase of its Digital Arrival and Departure Card system, marking a significant step toward digital transformation in border management. The new online system replaces traditional paper forms, allowing travellers to submit arrival and departure information electronically before reaching airports or border gates. Initially available at selected international checkpoints, it will gradually expand nationwide by 2026.
AirAsia launches new Luang Prabang – Hanoi flight route
Beginning December 1, 2025, Thai AirAsia will inaugurate its new Don Mueang (Bangkok) – Luang Prabang – Hanoi route, operated by Airbus A320 aircraft (180 seats). This route connects Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam on a single flight, creating easier access for travellers wishing to combine multiple destinations across Indochina.
That Luang Festival 2025 is happening now! (Nov 1 – 5)
As this update goes live, Vientiane is glowing under the golden light of the That Luang Festival 2025, Laos’s most sacred and celebrated event of the year. The grand stupa, Pha That Luang, has become the heart of vibrant processions, candlelit ceremonies, and cultural gatherings that unite pilgrims, locals, and visitors from across the region. Beyond its religious meaning, the festival also reflects Laos’s commitment to responsible and community-based tourism. Visitors are encouraged to support local artisans, purchase Lao-made products, and experience traditions respectfully, helping ensure that this cultural heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
Lao Digital Immigration Form
Air Asia flight to Luang Prabang
Pha That Luang Stupa
Culinary Highlight of October
Sticky rice – The symbol of Laos cuisine
In Laos, khao niao (sticky rice) is the heart of Lao cuisine and a symbol of togetherness. Laos in October marks the beginning of the rice harvest, when the fragrance of freshly steamed grains fills homes across the country. Served in woven bamboo baskets called tip khao, sticky rice accompanies nearly every meal, symbolising unity, generosity, and abundance.
In Luang Prabang, sticky rice also holds spiritual meaning. Each morning at dawn, locals use it as an offering during the serene almsgiving ceremony (Tak Bat), where saffron-clad monks walk silently through ancient streets collecting rice from devoted residents. For travellers, joining this ritual or learning to steam sticky rice by hand with a local family reveals the humble, heartfelt rhythm of Lao life, a warmth as simple and timeless as the dish itself.
Hotel Updates
Victoria Xiengthong Palace honoured as “Laos’ Leading Heritage Hotel 2025”
In October 2025, Victoria Xiengthong Palace, set beside Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang and once the last residence of the Lao royal family, was awarded by the World Travel Awards. The accolade acknowledges the hotel’s dedication to preserving cultural architecture, delivering refined service in a historic setting, and offering guests an authentic heritage-luxury stay.
Bohème by Mekong Kingdoms: Luxury river-cruise upgrade on the Mekong
Bohème is a refined 13-suite river vessel navigating the Mekong between Luang Prabang and Vientiane. With a spa, large windows offering sweeping river views, and thoughtful local excursions, the Bohème represents a premium lodging alternative, especially for those seeking immersive river-cruise stays that merge scenery, culture and boutique service.
Sustainability
Luang Prabang Laos in October earns Green Destinations Silver Award
A proud milestone for Laos: in October 2025, Luang Prabang became the first city in the country to receive the Silver Level Certification from Green Destinations for the 2025–2027 cycle. This international recognition celebrates years of dedicated work toward:
- Waste-reduction programs and community-led clean-up campaigns;
- Cultural-heritage preservation, protecting temples and historic architecture;
- Locally managed tourism models that reinvest directly into villages;
- Sustainable transport initiatives, including cycling routes and electric-vehicle trials.
The certification places Luang Prabang among Asia’s leading examples of heritage-driven, low-impact tourism, reinforcing its position not only as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also as a living, breathing model of responsible travel.
