VIENTIANE, February 9 (Vientiane Times / ANN): Savannakhet authorities will be working with other southern provinces and tour operators to arrange package tours as part of Lao Thiao Laos tourism campaign.

The tours take visitors to well-known locations in each province and show them the way of life of local ethnic groups.

The deputy head of the Department of Information, Culture and Tourism in Savannakhet, Dr. Phoxay Sithixonh reported the program to the Vientiane Times on Monday.

In preparation for this, provincial authorities and tour operators recently visited landmarks such as Tad Sakhoi Waterfall, Tham Hod Hiew Cave, Tad Sadee Waterfall and Vat Seponkao Temple.

They assessed the facilities provided and the need to improve access roads and install signposts, said Dr. Phoxay.

Over the next month, the provincial authorities and tour operators will organize a vehicle convoy to take visitors to these locations.

The Vat Seponkao Temple is worshiped by the locals, while the Tad Sakhoi Waterfall, Tham Hod Hiew Cave and Tad Sadee Waterfall are undeveloped and surrounded by lush vegetation.

Visitors can enjoy the splendor of nature and the fresh air and be accommodated with host families. This way they can learn about the local way of life and taste the local foods, organic vegetables and coffee made by the villagers.

Savannakhet Provincial Authorities are in the process of obtaining concessions to develop multiple sites, said Dr. Phoxay.

Savannakhet Province is full of attractions such as the Dong Ling (Monkey Forest) Waterfall, Tad Phalong, and Salen, as well as walks through protected areas and the chance to spot some rare wildlife. There are also the Xayyaphoum and Taleo temples, as well as the Hotay Pidok manuscript repository, a stone house and stone artifacts, and Phouthai people live in several villages.

Annual events include the rocket and boat races and the Boun Pha That Phonh Stupa Festival.

The province of Savannakhet, about 480 km from Vientiane, offers fascinating sights and breathtaking landscapes. The province has 74 officially designated natural sites, 32 places of cultural interest and six historical sites, of which 112 are open to visitors, 24 are registered and 60 are under development.

There are 49 hotels, 161 guest houses and resorts, 215 restaurants and seven entertainment venues, the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism reported in 2019.

More than 144,000 visitors from Laos and other countries came to Savannakhet last year, down 82 percent from 2019, according to the province’s Information, Culture and Tourism Department. – Vientiane Times / ANN

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