A new railway linking China to Laos could place the country on the global tourism map, opening the door to a wave of international visitors.

From golden temples and cruises on the Mekong River to breathtaking waterfalls and nearly 20 national parks, Laos has all the ingredients for a thriving tourist destination.

Despite its vast natural wonders, Laos attracted only 4.2 million tourists in 2016 – a modest figure when compared to its Southeast Asian neighbors. In contrast, Thailand saw 32 million visitors, Malaysia welcomed 26.8 million, and Vietnam recorded over 10 million arrivals, thanks to their famous coastlines and beach resorts.

Meanwhile, Cambodia is globally recognized for its Angkor Wat temples, and Myanmar, a country recently opening up to tourism, is rapidly growing its travel industry.

For many international travelers, Laos has largely remained off the tourist radar, with the exception of some adventurous backpackers. However, this may soon change as new opportunities emerge.

The launch of a high-speed rail line connecting Laos and China, set for 2022, is set to bring a major surge of Chinese tourists to the country.

Why should you visit Laos?

Once a French colony, Laos still carries the allure of its colonial past, evident in the beautifully restored villas that line the Old Quarter in Vientiane, the country’s capital and former trading hub.

In stark contrast to the bustling, traffic-heavy streets of Bangkok or Hanoi, Vientiane offers a slower, more peaceful pace with wide boulevards and Buddhist monks meandering by.

One of the advantages of Laos’ underdeveloped economy is the relaxed, unhurried vibe of Vientiane. Unlike the rapid urbanization seen in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, the capital has avoided the high-rise construction frenzy, with motorbikes weaving through the streets at a more laid-back pace.

5 interesting facts about Laos

Laos is not only rich in cultural heritage but also shrouded in mystery.

The Plain of Jars, located in northern Laos near Phonsavan, is home to ancient clusters of enormous stone jars, whose origin and purpose remain a mystery, though many theories have been proposed.

The survival of these strange stone jars is remarkable, considering the area was heavily bombed by the United States during the Vietnam War. Only a few sites are currently accessible to the public, as efforts to clear unexploded cluster bombs continue.

One of the most iconic images of Laos is undoubtedly Luang Prabang. Nestled in the mountains of Central Laos, this ancient town – a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995 – was once home to the Royal Palace and the capital of a now-defunct kingdom bearing the same name.

Paradise Lost

Laos faces a significant challenge in its lack of the classic three S's – sun, sand, and sea.

In an ambitious move to overcome this challenge, Laos is becoming the first foreign nation to adopt Chinese technology, equipment, and investment to integrate into China’s massive, fast-growing domestic rail network.

While Vietnam and Myanmar will eventually be connected to China’s rail system, Laos is set to be the first to use Chinese technology. This will allow the two countries to share a common rail gauge, ensuring seamless travel across the border.

If all goes according to plan, Laos is set to be the first stop on one segment of the Pan-Asia Railway, which will link China with the rest of Southeast Asia. Trains on this route will travel at speeds of up to 125 miles per hour, transporting both passengers and goods.

The train journey from Kunming to Singapore will only take 10 hours.

Laos’ air connections to China are also improving. In May, Sichuan Airlines began a direct flight between Kunming and Vientiane, and last year, Hainan Airlines launched a route from Vientiane to Haikou, the capital of Hainan Island.

Maintaining Balance

To become a major tourism hub, Laos must strike a delicate balance – welcoming Chinese and other international visitors while preserving its peaceful, unique charm. It can avoid the mistakes made by neighboring countries by taking a careful, measured approach.

In Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, the local tourism board had to create etiquette guides to teach visitors how to respect local customs and temples, following incidents involving Chinese tourists in 2015.

Laos is also working on improving its infrastructure, a process already in motion. In February, the 32-room President by Akaryn hotel opened in a beautifully restored neoclassical villa next to Vientiane's Presidential Palace.

In Luang Prabang, two new luxury properties have opened: Azerai, a venture from Aman Resorts founder Adrian Zech, and the Rosewood Luang Prabang, which is set to unveil its tented camp and villa accommodations by the end of the year.

While these new hotels mark a positive development, high-end accommodations that offer both luxury and local character are still relatively few and far between.

Additionally, Laos could benefit from enhanced professional service skills to complement the natural warmth and hospitality of its people. However, many visitors will find the country's underdevelopment to be part of its unique charm.

If that’s the case, now may be your last opportunity to explore a pristine, untouched corner of Southeast Asia before it inevitably ascends to the ranks of must-see travel destinations.