Luang Prabang hopes Thai tourists remain number one

Luang Prabang hopes Thai tourists remain number one

Luang Prabang province aims to ensure that Thai tourists remain the most frequent visitors to the world heritage listed town this year.

The provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism reported this year that the numbers of tourists visiting the province reached almost 520,000 people, of which 366,800 were foreigners.
By comparison, the number of tourists last year was 468,000, of which Thais made up the largest number, the department reported.

This year, the province plans to encourage about 359,000 foreign visitors but was able to exceed that after foreign visitor numbers hit 366,800 people.
The top visitors last year included Thais, followed by England then France, America, Germany and China.
A tourism official commented that Chinese tourists will be moved up as the number of Chinese visitors continues to grow.

Despite the fact the number of tourists coming to Luang Prabang continues to increase the province still has limited resources to develop tourism related infrastructure.
Last year the province received more than one billion kip in budget funding to develop the tourism sector but it was not enough to meet demand, the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department Director, Mr Onchanh Souvannasith told Vientiane Times yesterday.

This year, Kuangxi Waterfall alone needs over 10 billion kip for improvements such as road repairs, bridge maintenance and improvements to the market, he said.
Meanwhile, flash flooding caused damage at various attractions throughout the province recently, Mr Onchanh added.

However the department is trying to push the private sector to invest money upfront with the government to pay them back at a later date once the projects are complete.
The number of tourists coming to visit the province this season is quite low and numbers are expected to pick up from October onwards.

Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year is a traditional annual event to attract tourists the province.
Some of the most visited sites in Luang Prabang town are Vat Xieng Thong, Phou Si, the former Royal Palace and Vat Manolom.

Just outside of the main town are the beautiful Kuangxi waterfall, Tham Ting , Tad Sae waterfall. Further out is Meuang Ngoy, a quiet village located on the banks of the Nam Ou River.
Tourists can visit these sites on their own or use the services of one of the many tour operators based in town.
Luang Prabang is an easily accessible destination, with Lao Airlines flying to the province daily.
Buses and minivans are also available at the northern bus station in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane.
Luang Prabang is a World Heritage Site located in the northern part of Laos. It is 400km away from the capital, Vientiane.

vientiane times