The tourism industry in Vientiane, Laos, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani, Thailand, is experiencing a surge in Chinese visitors. This growth can be attributed to a few factors.
Suganda Punsue, the chairman of the Nong Khai Travel Trade Promotion Association, and executives from Kantana Tour, a Nong Khai-based travel company, have explained that the current devaluation of the Lao kip has led to a rise in tourism. The exchange rate of the Lao kip has fallen to 1 baht for 500 kip from 1 baht for 250 kip, making it more affordable for travelers.
Suganda Punsue, the chairman of the Nong Khai Travel Trade Promotion Association, and executives from Kantana Tour, a Nong Khai-based travel company, have explained that the current devaluation of the Lao kip has led to a rise in tourism. The exchange rate of the Lao kip has fallen to 1 baht for 500 kip from 1 baht for 250 kip, making it more affordable for travelers.
When tourists visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang, they must exchange their currency for the local currency to pay for food and accommodation. Tour operators recommend exchanging currency at the Laos checkpoint. The money can be converted back to Thai baht at a slightly higher rate.
After Laos reopened its land borders on May 9, 2022, tourism in the area picked up. The return of travelers who have not traveled in a long time, the mid-year holiday season, and the introduction of the Lao-Chinese bullet train have all contributed to the increase in visitors. Medium-sized tour groups of about 40 to 100 people travel along the Nong Khai-Vientiane-Luang Prabang route. Thai tourists are especially eager to experience the high-speed train and visit the historic city of Luang Prabang.
After Laos reopened its land borders on May 9, 2022, tourism in the area picked up. The return of travelers who have not traveled in a long time, the mid-year holiday season, and the introduction of the Lao-Chinese bullet train have all contributed to the increase in visitors. Medium-sized tour groups of about 40 to 100 people travel along the Nong Khai-Vientiane-Luang Prabang route. Thai tourists are especially eager to experience the high-speed train and visit the historic city of Luang Prabang.
The bullet train does not provide access to China. It can only reach Boten station, which is on the border between Laos and China. There are no significant tourist attractions in Boten to entice visitors, so tourists often modify their plans to include shorter trips or day trips from Nong Khai to Vientiane. Prices for such trips begin at 19,900 baht, excluding the cost of tickets and accommodations.
The train is an economical option for Chinese tourists as flights from China to Vientiane cost around 20,000 baht per person. Korean tourists are also visiting the area to escape the winter season and spend time in Nong Khai or play golf in Vientiane, giving the travel industry a further boost.
The train is an economical option for Chinese tourists as flights from China to Vientiane cost around 20,000 baht per person. Korean tourists are also visiting the area to escape the winter season and spend time in Nong Khai or play golf in Vientiane, giving the travel industry a further boost.
