(KPL) Khammouane Province and Thailand’s Nakhon Phanom Province have explored stronger cross-border tourism links, aiming to turn the Mekong border area into a destination rather than simply a transit point.

The Laos-Thailand Tourism Connectivity Seminar, held in Khammouane on August 24, brought together officials, tourism businesses and entrepreneurs from both sides. Participants discussed connecting Khammouane with Thailand’s “Sanook” cluster of Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan to develop short-trip routes combining religious, cultural, historical and natural attractions.

Khammouane has 210 tourist attractions, including 145 natural, 33 cultural and 32 historical sites. Twenty-seven are currently open to visitors, while 20 others have been identified for investment.

Vice Governor Detsakda Manikham said the cooperation could create “one journey, two countries” experiences, expand tourism markets and generate income for local communities, hotels, restaurants, guides and tourism businesses on both sides of the Mekong.

KPL