The popular Tad Lerk waterfall in Borikhamxay province. - VT
VIENTIANE (Vientian Times/Asia News Network): Borikhamxay authorities are organising a raft of activities and improving facilities and services in preparation to welcome visitors drawn by the Visit Laos Year 2024 tourism promotion scheme.
Head of the provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department, Sonthong Vibounkuang, said the standard of services at hotels, guesthouses and restaurants has been improved so that tourists have a satisfactory and enjoyable visit.
Authorities are preparing several events to entertain visitors, such as an ethnic group festival and the Boun Phabath Phonesan Stupa festival, which is the biggest festival on Borikhamxay’s calendar and is celebrated in January each year.
Billboards will be erected on main roads to advertise tourist attractions such as the Tad Thampha waterfall, Hathxaikhao beach, and the Muan hot springs.
Facilities for tourists have been expanded, including at Hadxaikhao beach along the Mekong River.
Provincial authorities have built a row of attractive thatched huts next to the water’s edge, along with a restaurant, where visitors can relax in comfort.
The broad sandy beach has always been a favourite with visitors as it’s a great place for a picnic and has panoramic views of the river, as well as spectacular sunsets.
The huts provide a shady spot in which to spend a day taking in the expansive views, swimming in the river, and enjoying a meal.
Visitors to Borikhamxay should also take time to visit some of the many waterfalls to be found in the province such as Tad Xay, Tad Leak, Tad Mangkon, Tad Nampa, Tad Huay Kou, Tad Thon, Tad Khoun, Tad Tek and Tad Kai, as well as view the Buddha footprint in Sanaen Cave and explore Vat Phrabath Temple.
Local restaurants offer tasty dishes such as jeo pa bam (fermented fish with chilli sauce), chicken soup, and phan seen (grilled pork or beef with chilli and herbs wrapped in pomelo leaves).
The province has 117 officially designated tourist sites, of which 101 are nature-based, 13 are of cultural interest, and three are historical, according to statistics provided by tourism authorities.
Borikhamxay province is located to the east of Vientiane in central Laos and offers ecotourism activities through its two national protected areas and extensive system of wetlands.
Last year more than 164,000 people from around Laos and other countries visited Borikhamxay province as tourists, according to provincial officials.
