Vientiane's French colonial heritage disappearing from city's skyline

Worry is growing that much of the colonial architecture in Vientiane, which is national heritage, is being demolished without permission by landowners and developers.  “Sometimes we discover on our own that owners have breached the heritage law even though their houses are already registered,” said National Heritage Department deputy director general Chanphone Xayalath. 

Though a law to protect heritage buildings is in place, the department wants stricter measures to ensure that these valuable architectural treasures are preserved for the next generation, she said. 

The country’s French colonial architecture was mostly built in the early 1900s and continues to attract many tourists to the country.  

Famous restaurant Khop Chai Deu, located in the centre of Vientiane, is one especially well-preserved example of Laos’ colonial architecture. However, many others have been lost to development or left to deteriorate. “Some people ask why we have to preserve this old stuff when the rest of the world has embraced development,” Champone said. “We have to keep a balance, especially concerning heritage architecture, which is precious and cannot be built any more. 

 “One of the most important things we have to keep in mind is that this is part of our history,” she added. 

 Concern has also been voiced about heritage buildings being turned into modern hotels and thereby losing the character that makes them valuable and attractive to tourists.