Luang​ Prabang​ welcomes more than 110,000 visitors over Lao New​ Year

More than​ 110,000 people from around Laos and other countries visited  Luang​ Prabang​ province​ during the Lao New Year festival​ from April 10-19, an increase of 364.44 percent compared to last year, while the revenue earned was estimated at more than US$47 million.

Locals and visitors​ crowd the streets during Lao New​ Year​ in Luang Prabang last week. --Photo Teng

Of this number, over 41,500 of the visitors came from China, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, according to the Luang Prabang provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department.
Statistics indicated that 10,497 people came from China, 5,541 from the Republic of Korea,​ 4,284 from Thailand, 2,843 from Vietnam, 1,616 from Japan, 908 from the USA, 882 from France, 749 from Germany, 657 from the United Kingdom, and 506 from Canada.
The number of visitors was a huge increase compared to last year, when only 23,​749 were recorded.
The Lao New Year festivities in Luang Prabang this year were organised on a larger scale than in past years,​ with events taking place from April 10-20. The festival was also the highlight of the province’s Visit Laos Year programme.
Director​ of the Luang​ Prabang​ provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Dr Soudaphone Khomthavong, told the​ Vientiane Times​ that​ this year’s celebrations were more elaborate than normal in order to add to the attractions of Visit Laos Year.
More people than ever came to Luang Prabang for the Lao New Year holiday this year because travel to the north of the country is now much easier, she added.
The Laos-China​ Railway is a very popular means of travel and passes through Luang Prabang and other northern provinces.
Luang Prabang is one of the most well-known provinces in Laos and is a top tourist draw because of its riverside location, old temples, quaint streets and alleyways, festivals, and scenic beauty.
The city’s old quarter was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which deemed that its architecture was culturally significant and worthy of protection by the United Nations.
Popular attractions in and around the provincial capital include the Phou Si stupa, Xieng Thong temple, Sae waterfall, Kuangxi waterfall, and the colourful night market.
Last year Luang Prabang was recommended by the American magazine “Time” as one of the 50 greatest places to visit in 2023.
The magazine called Luang Prabang “a hidden paradise”, saying the turquoise waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and sunset boat trips on the Mekong River are just a few of the province’s highlights.

By Siladda​ Souliyong
 (Latest Update April 25, 2024)