Tourism Development Department Director General Phonemaly Inthaphom outlined the completed works to Lao journalists during a media tour in Champasak from October 29–31, 2026. The infrastructure works were completed on June 30, 2023.
In Ban Nakasang, the project constructed a 2.9-kilometre reinforced-concrete road and a 60-metre access road to a parking area. Improvements at the passenger and tourist port included a riverside walkway, guardrails, stairs leading to the boat dock and solar-powered lighting. The ticket office, waiting area and parking facilities were also upgraded. A wooden-surfaced steel bridge was replaced with a reinforced-concrete bridge, and a 40-metre drainage pipe was installed towards the Mekong River.
On Don Det, three reinforced-concrete roads with a combined length of approximately 5.9 kilometres were built. Parking areas at Hua Don Det and the old port were improved, and a new viewpoint was developed.
On Don Khone, five reinforced-concrete roads totalling approximately 12.3 kilometres were constructed. Three bridges were also built along the IRL-05 route, while the old locomotive exhibition area and parking facilities in Ban Hang Khone were upgraded.
The improvements form part of the project’s second phase, which is valued at US$48.8 million, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director for Laos Shanny Campbell. The ADB provided a US$47 million grant, while the Lao government contributed US$1.8 million.
The project agreement was signed in October 2018, with implementation running from 2019 to 2026 across Luang Prabang, Vientiane and Champasak provinces. It aims to improve tourism infrastructure and support more inclusive tourism growth in the Greater Mekong Subregion.