Summary: Laos aims to receive 5–6 million international visitors in 2026, with roughly 2 million expected from China. Improved rail links—particularly the Lao–China railway—are a major catalyst, while new projects and a five-year growth plan target significant tourism revenue.

Laos tourism 2026 targets a notable rebound: authorities are preparing to welcome between 5 and 6 million international travellers next year, and they estimate about 2 million of those visitors will come from China. Officials attribute the expected surge to closer ties with China—marking 65 years of diplomatic relations—and to rising demand for journeys that use the Lao–China railway.

Recovery trajectory and recent visitor figures

Tourism has long been an important part of Laos’ economy. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the country drew nearly 5 million visitors annually, including more than 1 million from China. Since reopening, arrivals have steadily increased: international visitors reached 4.1 million in 2024—about 1 million more than 2023—and roughly 4.6 million visited in 2025, with approximately 1.1 million coming from China.

Chinese travellers and diplomatic ties

Chinese tourism is expected to be a key pillar of Laos’ 2026 outlook. Government planning highlights that strong bilateral relations and easier rail travel make multi-country itineraries that include Laos more attractive to visitors from China and other ASEAN markets.

  • Projected 2026 visitors: 5–6 million international arrivals
  • Estimated Chinese visitors in 2026: about 2 million
  • Pre-pandemic annual visitors: nearly 5 million (including over 1 million from China)

How the Lao–China railway is reshaping travel

The Lao–China railway has become a central factor in the tourism rebound by improving both domestic connections and cross-border access. Since opening in late 2021, government sources report the line has transported around 12 million domestic passengers, moved approximately 16 million tonnes of goods within Laos and handled roughly 72 million tonnes of regional freight.

Officials say the line has cut travel times and costs, making it easier for visitors to include Laos in journeys across China and ASEAN. Plans to connect the Lao–China railway with the Lao–Thailand network are intended to further position Laos as a regional transport hub.

Lao–China railway train passing through rural Laos, illustrating improved travel links
The Lao–China railway has improved connectivity and reduced travel times, supporting increased visitor numbers

Planned rail projects to extend reach

Authorities are advancing additional rail schemes to expand access and support tourism growth. Construction of the Lao–Vietnam railway, from Khammouane Province to the Vietnamese border, is expected to start soon. Feasibility work is also under way for a Vientiane–Pakse line, which would strengthen internal travel links and cross-border routes.

Five-year targets and economic goals (2026–2030)

The government has laid out an ambitious plan for 2026–2030 to expand both international and domestic tourism and boost revenue. Over the next five years, targets include 22 million international visitors and 11 million domestic trips. International tourism receipts are projected at USD 8 billion, domestic tourism valued at about USD 5 billion, and a combined total of roughly USD 13 billion. Officials aim to sustain at least 6% annual growth in tourism.

  • Five-year international visitor target: 22 million
  • Projected international tourism revenue: USD 8 billion
  • Domestic trips target: 11 million (valued at ~USD 5 billion)
  • Combined revenue target: ~USD 13 billion
  • Annual growth goal: at least 6%

Growth is expected to be supported by increased interest in heritage and cultural tourism, natural and eco-tourism attractions, and continued investment in regional connectivity. By promoting its cultural assets and improving transport links, Laos aims to attract higher-value visitors and integrate more fully into multi-country travel circuits across China and ASEAN.

What this means for travellers and businesses

Easier rail travel and plans for new lines mean visitors can expect better regional connectivity, more multi-destination itineraries that include Laos, and expanding tourism infrastructure. For businesses, the government’s targets point to growing demand for services, hospitality and transport, while regional rail links could boost trade opportunities with neighbouring countries such as China, Vietnam and Thailand.

So what? If targets are met, travellers will benefit from faster, cheaper cross-border journeys and a wider range of itineraries; tourism operators and local businesses should prepare for rising visitor numbers and shifting demand toward curated cultural and multi-country experiences. The emphasis on rail connectivity positions Laos to play a larger role in regional travel and trade through 2030.