Xaysomboun province opens to tourism

XAYSOMBOUN  Xaysomboun formerly an area that Vientiane Times claims was off limits to tourists Laos hopes to open its doors this year.
One of the newest provinces in Lao PDR it was formed in 2013 and now plans a tourism campaign beginning with a “Visit Xaysomboun Year” starting this December.
Vientiane Times reported on the Visit Year promotion quoting officials, who said this would mark the official opening, as tourists will be able to visit both historical and natural attractions. One attraction, Chao Anouvong cave, stands at the base of Phu Bia mountain the site of battles between Pathet Lao and royalists forces as well as a target for the US Air Force during the 1970s.
Vientiane Times said facilities and services are now in place for those who want to explore the province, but gave no details of why the province has been ignored or was off limits to tourists when the rest of the country has been open since 1990s.
inside no 2Xaysomboun provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism director, Vonepadith Dalanouvong, claimed a four-star hotel and a road to Phu Bia, the highest mountain in Laos, are now under construction.
Once completed, the road will give access to the mountain top to enjoy views of the landscape, mainly karst outcrops or mountain ranges stretching to the south and the plains of Vientiane.
“Many people wonder if we are ready for tourism. Actually, we have everything in place after two years of preparations. Now, more businesses are coming here to invest.”
Once the province expands its tourist attractions, visitors will have the chance to enjoy home-stays with ethnic groups.
The province is centrally located and accessible by road from Vientiane, Borikhamxay and Xieng Khouang provinces and from Vientiane.
The province authorities are planning to widen and upgrade the roads, improve local markets and upgrade accommodation for the benefit of tourists.
Xaysomboun was a special zone created in 1994 with area split off from the provinces Vientiane and Xieng Khuang. It was dissolved 13 January, 2006.
Xaysomboun district was reassigned to Vientiane province, while Thaton district went to Xieng Khouang province.
On 31 December 2013 Xaysomboun officially became the 17th province of the country.

sourced:ttrweekly.com