Laos organises journey to promote tourism

Vientiane

 A CONVOY of vehicles on a trip from Vientiane to the northern provinces is on the agenda early next year as the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism prepares to further promote tourism in Laos after the country was selected as the World’s Best Tourist Destination for 2013.

The timing of the journey is to mark the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Lao People's Army.

The convoy is scheduled to leave Vientiane on January 8 and return on January 13. Organisation of the trip is being overseen by the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security.

This was relayed by the Minister of Information Culture and Tourism, Professor Dr Bosengkham Vongdara, when he spoke at a press conference recently to announce the event. “One major goal is to promote the touristic and cultural paradise throughout Laos, especially our historical sites, to attract visitors,” he said.

On the first day of the road trip, the convoy will leave Vientiane for Borikhamxay province before heading on to Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces.

On the second day the convoy will visit the Plain of Jars, pass around Army Battalion No 2 and the visit the battalion's centre where war relics and bomb casings are on display.

On the third day, the caravan will head to Xamneua district in Huaphan province. There, they will view Piew cave (Tham Piew). They will also visit handicraft groups in the area which use the natural colours available there for making skirts.

On the fourth day the convoy will leave Xamneua and drive to Viengxay district which is intrinsically connected with the nation's fight for liberation from foreign domination. The convoy will also visit Nok An cave and other tourist sites.

Vientiane Times/ANN