Thafalang boosts tourism industry in Khammuan

Thafalang, a riverside haven located in Khammuan province in central Laos, continues to attract visitors from both Lao and other countries. 
The site's lush environment, located on a river surrounded by limestone outcrops, as well as visitor facilities, has become a key attraction for tourists from Laos, Thailand, China, France, and other countries.
Site Manager Mr Vilakone Vongdara told the Vientiane Times on Monday they are currently receiving an average of 300 visitors a day, with 60 percent coming from Thailand. 

Thai visitors mainly travel from Nakhon Phanom province, which borders Khammuan. The third Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Khammuan offers convenient transportation for travellers on both sides.
Mr Vilakone explained that Nakhon Phanom's proximity to Khammuan makes it possible for Thai visitors to make day trips—arriving in the morning and returning in the evening. 

According to an official at the third Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge, the border checkpoint operates daily from 6am to 10pm.
Thafalang offers a variety of activities. As well as enjoying the stunning scenery, visitors can swim in the river, camp and eat by the river, feed the fish, and kayak along a placid 5-kilometre stretch. 
The site has 36 rooms and a camping area, capable of accommodating about 100 people.
 Traditional Lao dishes, such as sticky rice, papaya salad, chilli sauce, meat, duck and chicken salads, and bamboo soup, are served at reasonable prices.
Thafalang is located on Road No. 12, which connects Khammuan to the Vietnamese border, and is about 12km from Thakhek, the provincial capital.
A visitor from France, Joel Abjean, who went to Thalang on Monday, told the Vientiane Times he came to Laos because he saw a post on Facebook about Visit Laos Year. He has visited a several attractions in Laos including in Khammuan province and said he appreciated the charm and peaceful atmosphere of Thafalang, as well as the local way of life.
According to the Deputy Director of the Information, Culture and Tourism Department in Khammuan province, Mr Somsakda Keomany, the province has 210 tourist attractions, most of which have historical associations. 
Visitors to Khammuan typically begin their tour at the Phra That Sikhot stupa, followed by visits to nearby caves. One of the highlights of Khammuan tourism is the proximity of various attractions to each other.
Statistics from the department show that in the first 10 months of this year, Khammuan welcomed more than 615,000 visitors, over 365,000 of whom came from other countries.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 19, 2024)