(KPL) Nam Ngum basin is a destination of eco-tourism with its history intertwined with the livelihood of local people. In recent years, hotels, restaurants, guesthouses, and tourist sites have been popping up in this area.

The Nam Ngum tourism promotion infrastructure development project in Keo-oudom, Vientiane province, funded with a 4.6 million dollar package of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to be completed in mid 2023.

The project aims to turn the surrounding area of the Nam Ngum dam 1 into a more attractive destination for visitors and promote employment for local people.

According to Khamfong Group, a contractor of the project, the Nam Ngum infrastructure development project is completed by 54% so far. Yet, the company has completed building a concrete access road to the tourism site. The road stretches 6 km, and has a 6 m width. It has also improved a boat dock in the Marina area, and built embankment along the riverside.

Before Covid-19, around 500-600 domestic and foreign tourists visited the Nam Ngum resort on a daily basis. The number rose to 1,000 on special public holidays. Cruising to see scenic landscapes along the Nam Ngum, camping on sandy islands are among favorite activities of the visitors.

The number of visitors fell sharply during the Covid-19 pandemic, but began to recover after the government announced full opening of the country in late 2022.

Scenic spots in and around the project area are expected to attract more visitors once the project is fully completed.

KPL