The 21 March Garden is among the historic sites improved under the town centre restoration and renovation project.     --Photo Pasaxon Daily

Restored historic sites boost Thakhaek’s tourism potential

The restoration of historic sites in Thakhaek, a riverside district in Khammuan province, has been completed, helping preserve the town’s architectural heritage and strengthen its visitor appeal.
The restoration works, located in Thakhaek Kang village, included improvements to the surroundings of the 21 March Garden near the inscription tower and fountain, as well as repairs to the old post office.
According to the Pasaxon Daily, the work was carried out under the Fourth Greater Mekong Subregion Corridor Towns Development Project (GMS4).
The contract, valued at US$799,978.55, was undertaken by a private engineering construction company. It was signed on July 2, 2025, and subsequently extended by 90 days.
The improvements aim to safeguard the town’s architectural character and historical identity while making its heritage sites more attractive to visitors.
Following the restoration, the project was officially handed over on November 3 by the company’s President, Mr Phanom Phomduangsy, to the Director of the Khammuan Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, Mr Phoxay Khattiyalath.
The handover ceremony was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Khammuan Provincial Administration Committee, Mr Detsackda Manikham, and Director General of the Department of Housing and Urban Planning under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Mr Bounta Onnavong, along with officials from central and provincial agencies, Thakhaek district authorities and invited guests.
Speaking at the event, Mr Phoxay said the restoration project had improved infrastructure and urban services while also preserving the town’s cultural and historical heritage, positioning Thakhaek as an attractive tourist destination.
The GMS4 programme has a total value of US$54.06 million, comprising US$48 million in grant assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and US$6.06 million in funding from the Lao government. Thakhaek district received about US$20.94 million for its urban development programme.
The programme includes the construction of five drainage canals and four wastewater treatment ponds; upgrade of a landfill site to provide a capacity of 300,000 cubic metres and an operational lifespan of more than 15 years; construction of riverbank protection works along the Mekong River in five locations; and restoration of the old town centre and preservation of its architectural heritage.
Mr Detsackda said the restored sites would be transferred to the Khammuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism for management, maintenance, and use in accordance with their intended purposes.
He said the improvements would help preserve the historic landscape and architectural identity of Thakhaek’s old quarter while creating opportunities for tourism development and contributing to the local economy by creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
Thakhaek district offers visitors a wealth of cultural, historical and natural attractions, while Khammuan province is renowned for its spectacular caves and waterfalls.
Earlier this year, the province’s appeal gained further international recognition with the inscription of Hin Nam No National Park as Laos’ first natural World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The park becomes Laos’ fourth World Heritage Site, following the inscription of Luang Prabang’s old town, Vat Phou Champasak and the Plain of Jars.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 5, 2026)