Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) reports that Vang Vieng, a famous leisure and tourist destination in Laos, is located between the two major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, approximately 140 kilometers from Vientiane. Before the opening of the China-Laos Railway and the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway, driving from Vientiane to Vang Vieng took four hours. Recently, a reporter traveled from Vientiane to Vang Vieng via the Vientiane-Vang Vieng Expressway for an interview, a journey of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes; the return trip by the China-Laos Railway's "Lancang" train took only 50 minutes.
“With improved transportation, the number of tourists visiting Vang Vieng has increased several times over,” Benchan, the head of Vang Vieng District in Vientiane Province, Laos, told reporters. “In the first six months of 2024, Vang Vieng received 600,000 international tourists, more than 100,000 of whom were from China. With Vang Vieng being upgraded to a national-level tourist area, it will attract even more international tourists in the future.”
In June of this year, the Lao government's executive meeting approved the “Overall Development and Management Plan for the Vang Vieng District National Tourist Area,” deciding to upgrade Vang Vieng to a national-level tourist area and further regulate the development of tourism facilities in Vang Vieng District and its surrounding areas from 2025 to 2035.
Majestic mountains rise majestically, shrouded in mist, layer upon layer, the winding Nam Song River complementing the karst landscape, making Vang Vieng, this small town nestled between mountains and water, both tranquil and vibrant.
“Vang Vieng attracts tourists with its natural scenery and offers a wide range of activities. In the air, there are powered paragliding, ziplining, and hot air ballooning; on the mountains, you can explore caves, hike, and rock climb; and on the water, there are kayaking and bamboo rafting. Many tourists stay for several days,” Benzhan enthusiastically explained as he showed the reporter around the scenic area, introducing the various activities.
A couple from Brazil, Pedro and his wife, rented a guesthouse in Vang Vieng and stayed for a week, swimming and relaxing in the spring pools almost every day. “We especially love the clear and beautiful spring pools in Vang Vieng. Soaking in the water washes away our worries and allows us to connect with nature,” Pedro said.
Vang Vieng is famous for its numerous caves. There are currently 34 caves, 24 of which are open to tourists. The diverse stalactites, the bizarre cave formations, and the beautiful ancient legends captivate many visitors. “Tourists can relax and unwind here, experiencing the simple lifestyles of the different local ethnic groups,” Benzhan said.
Noi, a local vendor, has been selling local specialties at a tourist attraction for over a decade. Upon learning the reporter was from China, he quoted prices in Chinese. "The number of tourists has been steadily increasing over the years. The monthly stall fee is about 500,000 Lao kip (approximately US$11,800 Lao kip), and sometimes my daily turnover reaches that amount," Noi said.
The Lao government has designated 2024 as the "Tourism Year of Laos," aiming to attract over 6.2 million domestic and international tourists. It is actively implementing measures such as optimizing visa policies and improving tourism facilities and services. The "Overall Development and Management Plan for the Vang Vieng National Tourism Area" proposes focusing on developing infrastructure in towns and tourist areas, in line with the central government's investment attraction policies. Currently, investors from China and other countries are conducting site visits and research, planning to develop more tourism service facilities and projects.
Benchan explained that Vang Vieng has recently improved various facilities and services and is actively raising funds to renovate roads, wharves, parking lots, etc., to meet the needs of tourism development. In the future, Vang Vieng will also host various festivals and events, such as music festivals and off-road racing competitions. "Of the 61 administrative villages in Vang Vieng, 13 are mainly engaged in tourism. We hope to attract more foreign tourists during the 'Visit Laos Year' to create employment opportunities and increase income for the local people."
