The volcano in Pakxong district, Champassak province. - Lao National Radio via Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: Champassak provincial authorities plan to attract more visitors to an extinct volcano in Pakxong district by declaring it to be a provincial level tourist attraction.
The volcano is thought to be about 1,000 years old, according to a provincial official, and is currently registered as a district level visitor attraction.
Following a recent visit to the volcano by the Governor of Champassak province, Alounxay Sounnalath, accompanied by business leaders from the province, he advised provincial authorities to team up with business operators to develop the site and upgrade its registered tourism level.
Alounxay recommended seeking out investors to build visitor facilities around the volcano, including an access road, service point, restaurants, and accommodation.
The volcano could be included in the Bolaven Plateau tourist circuit, the Governor said, and called for strong business participation to develop the site, including from business startups and other interested parties.
The volcano covers an area of 5 hectares and is located in a scenic environment. It is 1,300 metres high and visitors can walk along a 1,300 path surrounding the crater.
The volcano is spread across the villages of Nong Yaloum, Nong Yatheung, Nong Samphan, Huay Vai and Phou Damkhuan.
Champassak province currently has 216 officially designated tourist sites, including 116 natural, 60 cultural, and 40 historical places of interest.
Southern Laos has numerous tourist attractions, both nature-based and historical. Among the area’s natural wonders are the Khonphapheng, Tad Fan and Tad Yeuang waterfalls, while activities range from treks and ziplining to rest and recuperation in the lap of nature. Visitors can also enjoy produce from the Bolaven Plateau, including its famed coffee. - Vientiane Times/ANN
