Private investor set to boost tourism in Meuangfeuang district
Private investor set to boost tourism in Meuangfeuang district
A businessman in Meuangfeuang district, Vientiane province, will invest 400-500 million kip in the development of leisure activities on the Nam Lik River, hoping to attract more domestic and foreign tourists to the area.
The programme is designed to be community based and has a concession period of 15 yea rs. It is set to become operational later this year when the district officially opens its tourism year.
“Our district has a lot of interesting tourist activities and its attractions are almost the same as in Vangvieng. But Meuangfeuang district has more unexplo red sites and the environment is still perfect,” local investor Mr Vanna Sengphachan told Vientiane Times recently.
Mr Vanna, who is in charge of a tourism service group in the district, said he will put his own capital into the development of facilities, while local villagers will also benefit from the initiative.
“I plan to put the money into building several rest points along the Nam Lik River, to be used by tourists who participate in tubing, long-tailed boat riding and rafting activities,” he said. He envisages that these activities will be around 13km in length from the starting point at Naxaeng village to the end point at Meuangfeuang village.
The district has a dramatic mountain range and its heart is located amid green hills. Unlike more developed tourist hotspots, it is well-known for its unspoiled waterfalls, caves and temples.
Pha thor nor kham is known locally for the sacred golden spot that could be seen high up on the mountainside. It was considered lucky to see it, but now it is no longer visible. The area is a popular destination with both domestic and foreign visitors.
Mr Vanna said local residents will benefit from the proposed project because they can contribute boats, tubes, rafts and transport services.
“The Nam Lik River has a specia l character. It is much deeper than the Xong River in Vangvieng district and is crystal clear in the dry season. It will be the outstanding highlight of our tourism service programme,” Mr Vanna said.
Meuangfeuang district is about 130km from Vientiane and visitors can reach it by car because it is only about 30km from Road No. 13 North.
There are seven or eight guesthouses in the town centre and other facilities are also available, including restaurants and markets.
