Director General of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Phonemaly Inthaphome, and Managing Director of the Road No. 8 Construction Enterprise, Mr Phoupheuane Sengphachanh, display an agreement on work to be carried out under the Vangvieng urban renewal project.

ADB grants US$1.8 million for Vangvieng urban renewal project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided a grant of more than US$1.8 million to carry out the Vangvieng urban renewal project, which aims to develop the popular tourist town as a green and clean visitor destination.
Under the project, 11 roads covering a distance of 5,294.36 metres will be upgraded over a period of 15 months from November 1, 2024, to January 31, 2026.
Road surfaces, drainage, and lighting will be improved and trees will be planted along sidewalks, together with other works to beautify the town and enhance the overall environment.
An agreement on the work to be  carried out under the project was signed in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, on October 17 between the Director General of the Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mrs Phonemaly Inthaphome, and Managing Director of the Road No. 8 Construction Enterprise and authorised representative of the joint venture “Road No. 8 Construction Enterprise and Road Bridge and Infrastructure Construction Sole Co., Ltd.”, Mr Phoupheuane Sengphachanh.
The Vangvieng urban renewal project is part of the 2nd Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Tourism Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth Project.
Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mrs Darany Phommavongsa said that, acting on the government’s recognition of the potential for tourism development, the Ministry had sourced funding to improve and develop infrastructure and tourism facilities in Vangvieng and Keo Oudom districts of Vientiane province.
The Ministry supports government and business cooperation in the development and management of tourism in these two locations in ways that ensure quality and safety.
Improvements are aimed at attracting higher-spending tourists who will generate more revenue and contribute to the country’s economic and social development, Mrs Darany said.
When the project is completed, Vangvieng will be a more attractive town and appeal to a greater number of Lao and foreign tourists, she added.
Vangvieng is within easy reach of Vientiane by road on the Vientiane-Vangvieng expressway and by train on the Laos-China railway.
Nestled in a scenic riverside location, the town offers a wide range of activities. There are monthly festivals, stunning landscapes, and exciting adventure opportunities to be enjoyed. Water features significantly in the area’s attractions, with the placid Nam Xong river a central part of the highlights and offering visitors the chance to kayak, float downstream in an inner tube, jump from rope swings, or rent a longtail boat for a spectacular trip.
Other attractions include Jang and Poukham caves, the blue lagoon and Kaeng Nyui waterfall, and zip-lines.

ByTimes Reporters
 (Latest Update October 21, 2024)