Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)

Lao-Thai Railway strengthens connectivity and drives economic growth Since its launch in July, the Lao-Thai Railway has transformed regional connectivity, transporting over 13,000 passengers, who traveled the Bangkok-Vientiane route, and improving freight transport between Laos and Thailand. It’s a game-changer for tourism, making travel more accessible and affordable, with Laos aiming to attract 4.6 million tourists by year-end through campaigns like "Visit Laos Year 2024." The railway also reduces logistics costs, streamlines exports, and increases Laos’ appeal for foreign investment, supporting trade and tourism growth. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gxWWm-EV #LaoThaiRailway #LaoPDR #Thailand #TourismGrowth #TradeBoost #VisitLaosYear #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: The Laotian Times

Experience the Royal Barge Procession: a unique Thai tradition Thailand's iconic Royal Barge Procession offers a breathtaking spectacle, featuring 52 elaborately decorated vessels. These barges glide down the Chao Phraya River in a "Stars Encircling the Moon" pattern, a formation designed to highlight the central royal barge's prominence. Led by Their Majesties the King and Queen, this year's procession culminates in a Kathin ceremony at Wat Arun on October 27th. ⛵ Each of the four Royal barges tells a unique story: the Suphannahong is a golden swan, the Anantanakkharat displays a protective seven-headed Naga, the Anekkachatphutchong showcases symbols of prosperity, and the Narai Song Suban represents royal strength with Narai (Vishnu) atop a Garuda. This event highlights Thailand's craftsmanship and tradition, perfect for cultural explorers. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/g-bkkYgJ #Thailand #RoyalBargeProcession #ThaiTradition #CulturalHeritage #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)  Source: The Nation Photo credit: Facebook Phralan

Five unforgettable detours from Chiang Mai, Thailand Take a break from Chiang Mai's bustling streets with these five unforgettable detours! Discover the Handicraft Highway (Highway 1006) for traditional Thai crafts and workshops, or relax at the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, home to Thailand's longest canopy walkway. 🌿🌸 Visit Mon Cham for farm-fresh dining amidst stunning mountain views, or explore the ancient town of Lamphun, known for its historic temples and serene atmosphere. Finally, make the early morning trek to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, to witness a breathtaking sea of fog. ✨ Read the full article on our website to plan your next unique getaway! https://lnkd.in/gc4xj7FD #ChiangMai #Thailand #DoiInthanon #MonCham #ThailandGetaway #TravelInspiration #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Photo credit: Bharath Mohan on Unsplash

Mangrove forests in Preah Sihanouk, Cambodia, to become eco-tourism hub The Preah Sihanouk Provincial Administration plans to establish eco-tourism areas along the Teuk Sap stream in Prey Nop district, aiming to boost local investment and protect the area’s rich biodiversity, including mangrove forests and rare species. Deputy Governor Long Dimanche led an inspection of water treatment stations and discussed environmental safety for the proposed sites. The project aims to increase local income through eco-tourism, inviting visitors to explore the area’s natural attractions. The stream plays a vital role in local ecosystems, supporting marine life and agricultural activities while contributing to efforts to preserve Cambodia’s mangrove forests. 🌊🌱 For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gWWuMwpD #PreahSihanouk #Cambodia #EcoTourism #SustainableTravel #Nature #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Khmer Times

Laos’ Boat Racing Festival boosts tourism with vibrant cultural celebrations Boun Suang Heua, the annual Boat Racing Festival in Laos, is a significant Buddhist event observed on October 15, featuring thrilling boat races along the Mekong River. The festival marks the end of Buddhist Lent and attracts participants and spectators to enjoy the festivities, which include parades, traditional Lao performances, and offerings to river spirits. The celebration reflects communal harmony and cultural pride, with vendors selling local delicacies and visitors partaking in traditional rituals. The festival continues to be a major cultural highlight of Laos tourism. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gM9Sh2MX #Laos #LaoPDR #BounSuangHeua #BoatRacing #Festival #Buddhist #MekongRiver #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Travel and Tour World

Thailand extends TM6 immigration form waiver until April 2025 Thailand has extended the waiver of TM6 immigration forms for foreign tourists entering through 16 designated land and sea checkpoints until April 30, 2025, simplifying the entry process and boosting tourism. The exemption, initially introduced to reduce congestion at immigration points, applies to key entry areas such as Aranyaprathet, Chiang Saen, and Padang Besar. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on replacing the TM6 form with an electronic travel authorization (ETA) system for visa-free entry, and a tourism fee may be added. The waiver is expected to increase tourist arrivals, particularly from Malaysia. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/g9hmhqCR #Thailand #TM6 #TourismBoost #ETA #ImmigrationForm #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Travel and Tour World

Eco-luxury at Harmony@Huailan: a heartfelt stay with a green mission In our exclusive interview with Premruethai Tosermkit, co-owner of Harmony@Huailan Home Ecolodge, she is redefining eco-tourism in Northern Thailand. Nestled in the tranquil Pong Huai Lan village near Chiang Mai, this sustainable B&B merges guest comfort with eco-conscious living, using solar power, reclaimed wood, and local artisan-crafted decor. With a mission to create a "Happy Healthy Healing Home with Heart," Prem believes in fostering connections with nature and the community while promoting responsible tourism. Through Harmony@Huailan, she advocates for balance, sustainability, and compassion, aligning Buddhist principles with environmental care. 🏡🌿 Read her insights in the full interview at https://lnkd.in/gh6xmGZW #SustainableTourism #EcoLuxury #ChiangMai #Thailand #HarmonyAtHuailan #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Image courtesy of Premruethai Tosermkit 

Thailand and Viet Nam deepen strategic ties and expand economic cooperation During bilateral talks at the ASEAN Summits, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed their countries’ strategic partnership and discussed expanding cooperation in trade, tourism, and disaster relief. Thailand pledged 2 million baht to support Viet Nam’s Typhoon Yagi recovery efforts. Both leaders agreed to remove trade barriers to meet a target of $25 billion in bilateral trade and enhance collaboration in sectors like petrochemicals and banking. They also plan to improve air connectivity and promote regional tourism. An official visit and Joint Cabinet Retreat were confirmed to further elevate ties. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gn4HpAPz #Thailand #VietNam #ASEANSummit #BilateralCollaboration #RegionalTourism #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Pattaya Mail

Cambodia and Lao PDR reaffirm strong ties and cooperation in various sectors Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reaffirmed the strong relations between their countries during a meeting in Vientiane. The leaders highlighted their comprehensive and strategic partnership established in 2019 and expressed satisfaction with progress across various fields, including politics, defence, trade, tourism, and infrastructure. Hun Manet also pledged Cambodia’s support for Lao PDR’s ASEAN chairmanship in 2024. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gjRAGGmY #Cambodia #Laos #LaoPDR #CambodiaLaosFriendship #ASEANCooperation #DiplomaticSuccess #ASEANSummit #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source & Photo credit: Khmer Times

Thailand's 2025 tourism ambitions take flight! Thailand has launched the "Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism Year 2025" with six global tourism companies like Grab, Agoda, Expedia, IHG, Marriott International and Trip.com Group to attract over 40 million visitors and generate 3.4 trillion baht. The campaign focuses on Thai culture, lesser-known cities, and unique experiences like festivals and local cuisine. Enhanced infrastructure and aviation capacity are also key goals. The campaign aims to make Thailand a top global destination for unique and memorable travel experiences, ensuring long-term economic and tourism growth. For more details, visit https://lnkd.in/gbXbZrEj #Thailand #AmazingThailand2025 #ThaiCharm #CulturalJourney #MekongTourism #TourismMekong #GMStourism #GMS Website: www.mekongtourism.org Follow: Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) Source: Bangkok Post Photo credit: Tourism Authority of Thailand