ຂປລ
Xaysomboun Province has temporarily suspended visits to Phou Bia by both domestic and international tourists due to hazardous conditions caused by prolonged heavy rainfall during the rainy season.
According to provincial authorities, Xaysomboun has experienced continuous heavy rainfall since late June, with weather conditions remaining unstable. The persistent rain has affected routes leading to Phou Bia, making trails slippery and causing soil erosion, fallen trees, and other hazards along several sections of the route.
The deteriorating conditions have increased the risk of accidents for visitors, prompting the provincial authorities to temporarily suspend tourism activities at Phou Bia until travel conditions improve and the route is considered safe.
Relevant authorities, tourism operators, and other concerned parties have been instructed not to organise or facilitate visits by domestic or international tourists to Phou Bia until further notice. Tourism activities may resume only after the provincial authorities issue an official announcement lifting the temporary restriction.
The authorities said the measure is intended to protect visitors and prevent accidents during the ongoing rainy season, when slippery trails, erosion, fallen trees, and other natural hazards can make access to the mountain particularly dangerous.
The provincial authorities have also warned that any individual or organisation that violates the restriction and takes tourists to Phou Bia will do so at their own risk.
In the event of an accident resulting from a violation of the restriction, Xaysomboun Province and the concessionaire company will not be responsible for any resulting consequences, according to the authorities.
Tourists and tourism operators are therefore advised to strictly follow the provincial authorities' instructions and refrain from travelling to Phou Bia until an official announcement confirms that visits can safely resume.
KPL
