Huaphan

In an effort to increase numbers of tourists to Huaphan province, officials have set out plans to promote tourism with a focus on nature, history and culture.

The tourism promotion policy of the Lao Government as well as the tourism development and promotion programme 2001-2002 of the National Tourism Authority and socio-economic development plan have set tourism as the fifth potential for income generation and job creation in localities.

From now to 2005, the priority of the province is to improve the structure of the tourist administration office and to renovate the popular tourist spots.  

The priority will also include the transformation of the prefecture of the province, Vieng Xai District to be the perfect history spot for tourists.  

The province will continue renovating caves which were once inhabited by Lao leaders during the Indochina War and the struggle for national liberation to enable both domestic and foreign tourists to learn about them. It will also improve hot springs to be of service to tourists.

The priority will also cover the monitoring of private businesses that are running tourism oriented activities and encourage more investment.  

The province will encourage local people to produce fabric, sculptures and silk in order to attract tourists to buy souvenirs.  

Advertisements on tourism and services will also be put into focus.  

The tourism industry, guesthouses and restaurants will be have to follow strictly the regulations that the Party and the Government set out.

In order to create comfort for the tourism industry, the province still requires the construction of an airport to cater for 30-50 seat aircraft in Samneua District. Furthermore, the province will upgrade the quality of the Na Meo checkpoint to be an international checkpoint for tourists.

The province also put emphasis on the renovation of roads which enables all types of vehicles to run in every season. The province is also seeking to upgrade its telecommunication systems.  

Huaphan, a mountainous and remote province is located in the north-east of Laos. It shares borders with Sern Lha Province (Vietnam) stretching 169 km, Tang Hau Province (Vietnam) to the north east for 295 km, Sern Arn Province (Vietnam) to the south to 53 km, Xiengkhua and Luang Prabang to the south west. The total length of the border is 821 km.

Huaphan has a cold weather climate. The air and road transportation system is very difficult. However, it was once the historical revolutionary base of Lao leaders for over 20 years. There are more than 480 caves. During the Indochina War, the Lao leaders and national liberation force lived in the caves located in Vieng Xay district from 1964 to 1973.