One of the new roads built on Don Deth and Don Khone islands in Khong district, Champassak province. - Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The construction of concrete and asphalt roads on Don Deth and Don Khone islands, which are situated in the Mekong River in Khong district, Champassak province, is now complete.
The road construction was funded with US$3.9 million provided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under Phase II of an infrastructure development project to promote tourism.
A concrete road 2,800 metres long has been built from National Road 13 South to the boat dock in Nakasang village, while an asphalt road 15 kilometres in length and 2.9 metres wide now links Don Deth and Don Kone islands.
The ADB also financed other developments on the islands such as streetlamps and an embankment, with a total project cost of about US$3.9 since construction began in 2020, according to the Khong district television station.
Developments are also underway at other popular tourist spots as part of Phase II of the infrastructure development project, such as the construction of an access road at the Nam Ngum 1 dam and improvements to visitor facilities around the dam.
The road to Kaeng Yui waterfall is also being upgraded over a distance of about 6 kilometres, while more visitor facilities have been built at a waterfall in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province.
The 26-km asphalt road along the Nam Xong river in Vangvieng has been upgraded and an 80-metre bridge built across the river, while other facilities are also being improved.
This work is scheduled for completion by the end of this year, financed by the ADB, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Champassak provincial authorities expect that more tourists will visit Don Deth and Don Khone islands now that road access is easier. The islands have long been popular with tourists visiting the Siphandone area, which translates to 4,000 Islands.
The islands lie within the broad expanse of the Mekong River and are popular for their bucolic and laidback atmosphere. In the past, the only traffic was motorbikes and bicycles and the simple lifestyle was what drew visitors to these peaceful retreats.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic hit three years ago, at least 700,000 people visited Champassak province each year, but last year the figure dwindled to just over 191,000 visitors due to Covid travel restrictions.
The province currently has 216 officially designated tourist sites, including 116 natural, 60 cultural, and 40 historical places of interest.
Among the area’s natural wonders are Khonphapheng, Tad Fan and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, while activities range from adventure treks and ziplining to rest and recuperation in the lap of nature.
Visitors can also enjoy produce from the Bolaven Plateau, including the area’s famed coffee.
Southern Laos has numerous tourist attractions, both nature-based and historical. Champassak is one such place and no one should miss a visit to this scenic region during their stay in the country.
