New Flight from Bangkok Helps Boost Tourism in Luang Prabang

Thai AirAsia (TAA) launched a new flight from Bangkok to Luang Prabang, the old Laotian royal city, at the end of March, giving more choices for travelers in terms of airlines and routes.

Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang

Previously, air access had been heavily restricted in Luang Prabang, and just a few overseas flights were available. But now, the launch of the Bangkok-Luang Prabang flight will make it more convenient for travelers who start or end their Indochina tours in Bangkok, one of the air hubs for Asia travel.

Mr. Tassapon Bijleveld, CEO of TAA, showed his confidence in Luang Prabang tourism, "Luang Prabang has many distinct travel features, from its local lifestyle and culture to natural attractions, which will quickly grow to be a popular place to visit for international travelers."

In addition, Singapore's SilkAir, HK Express, and Lao Airlines are all working to commence more scheduled flights to Luang Prabang from China, South Korea, and other countries in the future.

According to Luang Prabang's tourism office, the province is believed to have welcomed 500,000 visitors in 2015. This would mark an increase of approximately 35% compared to 2014. And it seems that the government's target of 700,000 arrivals to Luang Prabang by 2020 is likely to come sooner, perhaps as early as 2017.