VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): Tour operators from Thailand have visited Laos to check on accessibility and travel following the reopening of Laos to foreign tourists.
Representatives of Thai tour operators said they wanted to assess the places of most interest to tourists, including Vangvieng district, Luang Prabang province, and Vientiane, as well as the services provided by the Laos-China railway.
They will check on the availability of tourist attractions, hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants, especially those close to the railway.
Following their survey, they will formulate package tours which they will advertise to customers in Thailand, according to Vte9 Channel.
More than 900 people crossed the border from Laos into Thailand from May 9-11 at the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge between Vientiane and Nong Khai province in Thailand, while almost 860 people entered Laos.
Most international bridge border crossings are now fully open to travellers following a notice issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on May 7 declaring that Laos’ borders would reopen, starting on May 9.
With all travel restrictions lifted under the notice, foreign nationals as well as stateless people can now enter and exit Laos freely.
To facilitate travel, Lao Airlines plans to increase flights from two to three a week between Vientiane and Bangkok, starting on May 22. The airline has been operating two flights a week to Bangkok since early this year.
Now that Laos’ borders have reopened, citizens of countries that have signed a bilateral or unilateral visa waiver agreement with Laos can enter without applying for a visa.
Citizens of countries that have not signed visa waiver agreements with Laos can apply for a visa at Lao embassies or consulates in foreign countries. Visitors can also apply for a visa online or on arrival at border crossings where such service is available.
Lao and foreign nationals and stateless people aged 12 and older who have not been fully vaccinated are required to take a Covid-19 ATK test within 48 hours of their departure for Laos. However, they are no longer required to have a Covid test upon arrival.
People who have a certificate indicating full Covid vaccination can enter Laos without needing to have a Covid test in either their departing country or upon arrival in Laos. Visitors who contract Covid-19 during their stay in Laos are liable for all expenses involved if treatment is needed.
Treatment can be obtained at state and private hospitals, while self-isolation and self-care is another option.
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