In the early morning, fishermen head out to the Sui Reservoir in the Champhon district of Savannakhet province, which is a popular tourist destination and part of the district’s circular tourism sites. Champhon residents not only catch fish from the reservoir but also use its water for agricultural activities. Additionally, food stalls and restaurants in the area serve local dishes made from fish, snails, and poultry. - Photo: Ngae
VIENTIANE: Savannakhet province is stepping up efforts to promote its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions and local way of life to tourists by offering safe and engaging activities that highlight its unique charm.
The province has seen notable success in its recent push to attract more Lao and foreign tourists while boosting its tourism services and products.
In 2024, Savannakhet recorded a 26 per cent increase in tourists compared to 2023, according to the Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism (DICT).
On Wednesday (Nov 20), the Governor of Savannakhet province, Bounchom Ubonpaseuth, told Vientiane Times that the Party and the government have invested in infrastructure development and encouraged domestic and foreign investment in tourism-related businesses and services.
Savannakhet is home to a diverse range of unique tourist attractions, including natural wonders, historical landmarks and cultural sites.
Key highlights of the area include the old town of Savannakhet, which is full of traces of old buildings from the French colonial period, the province’s many attractive forests, abundant natural wonders, and the unique traditions of its ethnic groups.
The governor raised that Savannakhet still has strong potential to expand its tourism sector, contributing to economic growth and further regional cooperation along the Mekong River.
By taking advantage of the province’s tourism potential, it is hoped more jobs can be created, boosting incomes while strengthening families, villages and districts and enabling them to prosper and thrive, he added.
Savannakhet is home to 79 natural tourism sites, 13 historical locations and 24 cultural attractions.
The province also offers several tourism-related businesses, including 49 hotels, 172 guesthouses, two resorts, 168 restaurants, seven entertainment venues and 12 tour companies that employ 49 guides.
Director of DICT in Savannakhet, Lamkhoune Voravong, said some of the province’s more notable and popular attractions include the Dinosaur Museum, Lom Swamp, Dongnatad Forest, Dong Ling (Monkey Forest) and the Tad Phalong and Salen waterfalls, with visitors also enjoying many of the area’s mysterious and ancient stone structures.
Nature lovers also enjoy taking organised treks through protected areas in Savannakhet, offering them the chance to spot wildlife.
Other notable attractions include Xayyaphoum and Taleo temples, the Ho Tay Pidok manuscript repository, and villages home to members of the Phouthay ethnic group.
As part of Visit Laos Year 2024, DICT has been organising and promoting festivals, landmarks, traditional events and tourism activities across the province.
This campaign has already seen 88 events across 14 towns and one city, highlighting Savannakhet’s traditions, culture and the vibrant lifestyle of its people. - Vientiane Times/ANN
