Vangvieng district authority will enforce stricter management of zoning regulations, especially along the Xong River , the bank of which provides one of the most attractive views in the district.
This comes after the authority noticed that some restaurants and guesthouses are failing to follow zone rules, creating a less pleasant environment for tourists, said district Vice Governor Phonekeo Khounphon yesterday.
“We admit that some guesthouses and restaurants haven't followed the zoning rules, creating obstructions to river views.”
“Some expand and build without considering zone management, especially the height of a building,” he said.
The authority will also designate which areas should be preserved as green areas and parks.
District authorities are working to strictly enforce the zoning plan from 2009 to 2010.
Some people complain that restaurants and guesthouses being built along the riverbank have blocked access to the river.
Mr Phonekeo admitted this was one of the challenges that needed to be managed appropriately.
The involvement of businesspeople and land owners was necessary, he said.
Enforcing zoning restrictions in Vangvieng is seen as essential by the authority if they are to continue to lay claim to being the most naturally attractive district in the country.
Mr Phonekeo explained zoning was crucial to manage both the tourist industry and environmental conservation.
If businesspeople were not aware of the zoning plan it would harm the environment.
“Facing this challenge, we need to enforce stricter measures in regard to zoning to provide satisfaction for visitors and protect the environment and tourism in the long run,” he said.
The authority will also pay greater attention to defining the tubing and leisure activities zone to ensure the district retains its charms for all.
Mr Phonekeo said they will also allocate places where visitors can change their clothes and dress appropriately before returning to the town.
Water treatment is also an area which is undergoing improvement.
Mr Phonekeo said development in the district should progress together with conservation because the main attraction for visitors was the abundance of natural features and a clean environment.
Vangvieng is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Laos and generates significant income for local people as well as the nation as a whole. He said at the moment, the natural charm of the district is still considered a great draw card.
If everyone is involved in combining development with protection of the environment the district would continue to attract visitors, he said.
Enforce the building zone??? Are you kidding me??? Why not enforcing the drug problems with all those cheap thrill backpackers????? If they choose to do nothing about the drug problems, Vung Vieng will never attract the rich tourists. This is the problem with Lao government, they always over look the major problems.
Drug addict Laotians. Always trying to sell prostitutes and drugs! Better to stop the scourge at it's source, shoot some of those drug pushing Lao, trying to sell women.
Drug addict Laotians. Always trying to sell prostitutes and drugs! Better to stop the scourge at it's source, shoot some of those drug pushing Lao, trying to sell women.
It seems like they're very happy. I don't mind to have a good life like them. One day I will be there.
many thing need to improve in VV such as the price of food and guesthouse must respect the rules, some business cheat on falang by increasing the price of goods and service, Not fair and low level. and of course, the environment protection is essential job for local government to promote and improve.
weed is not so big deal since our local benefits it !!! i know some of you love it too.
Enforce the building zone??? Are you kidding me??? Why not enforcing the drug problems with all those cheap thrill backpackers????? If they choose to do nothing about the drug problems, Vung Vieng will never attract the rich tourists. This is the problem with Lao government, they always over look the major problems.
Drugs is very very good income for VangVieng's Officers though....
