Lao, Thai river tourism concept sets sail
Play
Lao and Thai provincial authorities have agreed to investigate developing a Mekong riverboat tourism link from Loei province in Thailand to World Heritage Luang Prabang.
The Deputy Director of Luang Prabang province Public Works and Transport Department, Mr Bounkhong Souksavat told Vientiane Times the project had the potential to create opportunities for local Luang Prabang district communities to open riverside family businesses to serve passing tourists.
The water route from Luang Prabang district, Luang Prabang province to Chiang Khan district of Loei province is over 290 kilometres in length while the land route is 410 kilometres.
For the water route, Lao and Thai consultants would join forces to survey the currents, volume of water, depth and other necessary factors regarding the river. They would also study seasonal phases of the river to ensure year-round safe navigation and to create convenience for passengers, Mr Bounkhong reported.
He added that transport services utilising the water route would not only carry visitors between the two provinces, but also boost trade with freight shipped via boat being cheaper than the land route, and believed the project would therefore benefit both regions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang province, Mr Saisamone Khomthavong said the project would be ideal to allow tourists to sample the beautiful natural views on the Mekong River from Luang Prabang province to Loei province.
Authorities of Loei province, Thailand recently toured Luang Prabang province with their Lao counterparts to investigate the concept of opening tourist riverboat services.
At a recent meeting, officials agreed to use technical consultants from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand along with Lao consultants for the survey project in planning the important tourism development ahead of the Asean Economic Community at the end of this year.
