Morning alms, known in Lao as Sai Bat, is a longstanding traditional culture of Laos, but the highlight of the morning alms is reported in Luang Prabang province.

Visit Laos Year programmes kick into gear nationwide

Vientiane Times is publishing a series of articles in relation to Laos’ Asean Chairmanship, the Asean Tourism Forum, and Visit Laos Year, all taking place in 2024.

Tourism programmes and activities are being rolled out across the country, with a raft of colourful events taking place throughout Visit Laos Year 2024 to entice foreign visitors to immerse themselves in the country’s cultural traditions.
The government is aiming for a target of at least 4.6 million visitors this year, generating targeted revenue of US$712 million.
More than half of this number will be foreign nationals, who are expected to spend at least US$401 million, a recent government report stated.

This waterfall is part of Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a well-known nature-based tourist attraction in Oudomxay province.

The programme for Visit Laos Year 2024 comprises 75 events, with 14 taking place at the national level and 61 being organised in various provinces, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mrs Suanesavanh Vignaket told a recent meeting.
Huaphan was one of the first provinces to kick off its tourism campaign, which coincided with the blossoming of sakura cherry trees earlier this month.
More than 1,000 people attended the launch of the programme, which featured a Miss Peach Blossom contest, a cultural show, a marathon run, food items made by local ethnic groups, an exhibition of goods produced under the One District, One Product scheme, and a market fair.
Huaphan Governor Dr Khampheng Saysompheng said the province would hold activities every month during Visit Laos Year 2024 (including ethnic festivals, traditional Lao New Year celebrations, and a boat racing festival) and hopes to attract more than 47,000 tourists throughout the year.
Meanwhile, Luang Namtha province has also prepared an exciting programme of events for its Visit Laos Year tourism campaign. They include boat races, the Xieng Tueng Stupa festival, Namtha music festival, rocket festival, and the Lao New Year festival. In addition, the province will host the Laos-China-Vietnam Friendship Cup, a marathon for runners, and a cycling competition.
In Xekong province, visitors can enjoy an ethnic cultural festival taking place from January 21-25.
This event honours the City Pillar in the provincial capital and a stone stupa built in tribute to Ong Keo, who played a significant role in resisting French occupation.

Activities on offer at Phou Pha Marn in Khammuan province include ziplines, a walk across a Spider Net, climbing over rocks to reach a viewpoint, and hiking.

The province hopes to attract more than 50,000 tourists this year and will organise more activities throughout the year to reach this goal.
Visitors are also encouraged to enjoy the Sikhottabong Stupa Festival in Khammuan province, the Ing Hang Stupa Festival in Savannakhet province, the Vat Phou Temple Festival in Champassak province, the Phabathphonsan Festival in Borikhamxay province, the Elephant Festival in Xayaboury, the Kapok Festival in Bokeo, Rice Planting Festival in Xieng Khuang, and an event honouring the Hotay Pidok manuscript repository in Saravan province. Authorities in Champassak province are currently preparing for the annual Vat Phou Temple Festival next month, which will take place on a larger scale in recognition of Visit Laos Year.
In addition to festivals, new tourist attractions have opened up across the country to attract both domestic and foreign visitors and generate revenue that will help Laos to find a way out of its current economic woes.
A spike in foreign visitors will bring in significant amounts of foreign currency and help to stabilise the value of the kip.
This year is a standout for Laos as the country spearheads Asean by holding the bloc’s rotating chairmanship.
This will see the Asean Tourism Forum take place in Vientiane from January 22-27, one of the first of many meetings during the country’s leadership of the regional grouping. All of these events are expected to bring more foreign visitors to Laos.
The Lao people are ready to offer a warm welcome to all visitors, provide smiling hospitality, and share their culture with travellers.
Meanwhile, the state and private sectors are working in partnership to improve facilities and services and ensure that visitors enjoy their time in Laos.

Domestic and foreign tourists visit night market in Luang Prabang province.

Safety is also an important aspect of tourism and the authorities and tourism business operators are taking this into account in their plans to provide visitors with an enjoyable, educational and entertaining stay in the country.
One of the main hurdles for travellers is the country’s narrow, winding and potholed roads, while signage is negligible, so patience is necessary and adequate time must be allocated for trips, especially in remoter areas of the country.
Another challenge for Laos is identifying effective ways to attract more high-end foreign visitors and so generate more revenue for local communities, as many are struggling to overcome economic hardship.
If Visit Laos Year 2024 is properly publicised, foreign visitors will arrive in large numbers, especially as Laos has been given favourable reviews by international media organisations such as CNN, National Geographic and The Telegraph, all of which have touted it as being one of the best countries to visit.
The revenue generated by tourism can be a boost to the economy, but everyone involved, including ordinary people, need to work together to ensure that visitors’ experiences live up to the reviews and that Laos is indeed one of the best places to spend some time.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 22, 2024)