A Wide-Open Overseas Golf Trip... How About Heading to Laos?

Introduction of Korean-style Golf Operation System, Easy for Domestic Golfers to Use
Weekday Green Fees $30-50...Half the Price of Neighboring Countries like Thailand
Airroad and JKIG Company Launch Charter Tour Products

Lakeview CC panorama in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] As countries around the world are loosening travel restrictions that were tightly closed due to COVID-19, overseas golf tours are also gaining momentum. With the increasing cost burden of domestic golf courses, people have started seeking affordable golf courses in Southeast Asia. In particular, besides Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, Laos has recently emerged as a popular travel destination for golfers.

According to the industry on the 16th, interest in overseas golf tours is growing due to recent relaxations in travel-related regulations. According to a survey by Eugene Investment & Securities, 55% of respondents plan to actively travel abroad following the abolition of the quarantine system for overseas arrivals, far exceeding half. After the abolition of related regulations, the sales growth rate of overseas airline tickets surged by 876% within a month, and the sales volume of local tour products also increased by 781%.

Attention to Affordable Prices and Convenient Usage Systems

The biggest advantages of golf tours in Laos are convenient accessibility and affordable prices.

According to KOTRA, there are five golf courses with 18 holes or more located 20 to 40 minutes one-way from Patuxai (Victory Gate), the city center of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Four of these golf courses also have accommodations as part of their facilities.

Among them, the most popular places for Korean travelers are the SEA Games Golf Club, Lao Country Club, and Mekong Golf & Resort. This is because they are either invested in by Korean companies or directly operated by Korean expatriate businesses in the area. They apply the domestic golf operation system as is, making it convenient for golfers to use.

The green fees are also inexpensive. Local green fees are around $30 to $50 (approximately 41,000 to 69,000 KRW) on weekdays and $40 to $80 on weekends. Compared to neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and the Philippines, this is only about half the price.

Tour Package Products Follow One After Another

Mekong CC in Vientiane, the capital of Laos.

Package products for local golf tours are also being launched one after another.

Airroad and JK E&C Company, specialized overseas travel companies, recently introduced local golf tour products using charter flights by Air Busan. The two companies will operate a total of 43 charter flights with a capacity of 220 seats from October 1st to February 25th of next year. Departures are twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the afternoon through Incheon International Airport. The Wednesday package is a 3-night, 5-day itinerary, and the Saturday package is a 4-night, 6-day itinerary.

These products can be booked both for groups and individuals.

Jung Jinkyung, CEO of JK E&C Company, explained, “We planned the product because inquiries about golf trips to Laos have been increasing recently. The biggest advantage is that the cost for one round of 18 holes, including green fees, caddie fees, and electric cart usage fees, is about $50, which is inexpensive, and there are many diverse attractions.”

Major travel agencies such as Hanatour and Modetour are also selling golf tour package products with 5 to 6-day itineraries using Lao Airlines, the national airline of Laos.

Not Just Golf? Plenty of Nearby Attractions

Visiting Laos’ widely known tourist spots around the world is also a must. Visitors can experience various activities such as the Blue Lagoon, Elephant Cave, buggy rides, kayaking, and zip-lining.

Local foods, which mainly consist of rice and soup dishes, are also considered a plus as they suit Korean tastes well.

In particular, the Laos government has relaxed quarantine guidelines such as entry and exit restrictions to attract tourists. Laos allows visa-free travel for 30 days, and travelers with an English certificate of the second COVID-19 vaccine dose can enter without a separate PCR test. Even unvaccinated travelers only need to take a PCR test in Korea before departure and do not have to undergo additional testing locally.

However, travelers should be cautious about safety, avoiding reckless personal actions during travel. This is because the border area between Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar is known as the “Golden Triangle,” a notorious drug trafficking region.