The 3rd Savan Fun Fest 2023 takes place in Savannakhet province from Jan 24-29.
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The 3rd Savan Fun Fest 2023 is taking place in Kaysone Phomvihane city in Savannakhet province from Jan 24-29, showcasing restored and renovated buildings as part of the beautification of the old town.
The opening ceremony on Tuesday (Jan 24) was attended by the Governor of Savannakhet province, Santiphab Phomvihane, and the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Paul Kelly, together with representatives of 14 districts in Savannakhet and officials from Vietnam, Thailand and China.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Governor of Kaysone Phomvihane city, Pasongsin Chaleunsouk, said “We have improved and developed the old town and places along the Mekong riverbank. We have installed signage giving information about the old city, and redesigned old houses and other places in ways that are artistic and breathe new life into them, reflecting a long-ago way of life.”
Provincial organisations and the province’s Tourism Association supervised the renovation work, which involved 184 old houses, and organised the festival.
Eight of the houses are listed as local-level heritage sites.
Provincial authorities also repaved some roads with colourful bricks, mostly around the provincial museum.
Tourists can now explore the rejuvenated area and some will recall memories of times past, when the buildings looked very different from today’s modern structures.
In days gone by, the city was named Khanthabouly district.
The renovation project has been widely publicised on television, radio and online in the hope of enticing people from around Laos and other countries to attend the festival, with the media also invited.
The festival features a range of cultural events relating to times past, with a focus on food, living conditions, and clothing.
Also of interest are a street market, restaurants, youth performances, tourism-related activities, cultural shows, an exhibition of goods promoting local products and traditional arts, and other activities.
