Khammuan ready to impress visitors

Khammuan provincial authorities have been busy preparing tourist facilities so that this year’s visitors have the most welcoming and enjoyable time possible.
Khammuan provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department representative, Mr Bounthavi Sisombath, told Vientiane Times authorities have done a great many things to improve the province’s infrastructure. 
He pointed to the completed asphalt road which stretches nearly 4km from the No. 12 road in Tham village to Thamxang cave in Xiengwaen village, Thakhaek district, as an example of the work being done. Meanwhile, building of a new concrete road near the Sikhottabong stupa in Thakhaek district is about 60 percent complete with about 1,400 metres already laid, Mr Bounthavi added.
Authorities have been instrumental in the construction and upgrading of many other facilities and sites in the province.  This has included building toilets, parking lots, souvenir shops and tourism information centres. The cost of the entire project is more than 16 billion kip (US$1.8 million), funded by a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
To enhance visitor experiences for Visit Laos-China Year 2019, Khammuan province plans to ensure that good quality food is widely available in restaurants because many Chinese visitors like Lao food, Mr Bounthavi said.
Tourism entrepreneurs have been trained in customer service as well as tourism advertising and promotion to ensure visitors’ expectations are met. Khammuan is one of Laos’ most striking provinces.  Its cave complexes such as Tham Nang Aen, Tham Pha Nha, Tham Pha, Tham Konglor and Tham Xebangfay are some of the most exciting in all of Asia.Sites such as Kamphengyak, which is otherwise known as the Giant Wall, and the Sangsou and Nam Sanam waterfalls are equally magnificent.
Visitors to Khammuan shouldn’t miss tasting a few of the region’s tasty food and snacks.  Khaonompan, which is flour mixed with beans and coconut, khaokhop - a sticky rice cake - and mam, which is pork or beef mixed with onions, chilli and herbs, are especially well known in the area. Khammuan province is also renowned for its quality souvenirs such as the intricately woven bamboo baskets used to store sticky rice, clothes, and other goods made from naturally dyed cottons. 
According to Khammuan authorities, the province has 198 officially designated tourist attractions of which 139 are nature-based, 30 are of cultural interest and 29 are historical.
Visitors can choose from 20 hotels, 115 resorts and guesthouses, 171 restaurants and 11 entertainment venues.
The province is about 360 km from Vientiane along one of Laos’ better stretches of roads. Last year, more than 400,000 people visited the province, the Khammuan Information, Culture and Tourism Department reported.
Further information on the province’s highlights can be obtained from the Khammuan provincial Information, Culture and Tourism Department on 051-213022.

By Siladda Souliyong
(Latest Update February 22, 2019)