Part II
Mekong & Mountains
Explore Life & Nature in Northwest Laos
Thematic Interpretation Plan
North-South Economic Corridor in Lao PDR
Luang Namtha & Bokeo Provinces
GMS-Sustainable Tourism Development Project in Lao PDR
Lao National Tourism Administration
August 2009
Claire McClintock
Heritage Interpretation Specialist
P.O. Box 25275, Wellington 6146, New Zealand
claire.mcclintock@gmail.com
Lao PDR 020 748 9315/NZ 6427 3345 995
Table of Contents
1. Intoroduction ................................................................................................ 3
2. Key sites ...................................................................................................... 3
3. Target audiences ......................................................................................... 4
4. Interpretative theme – what’s our story? ...................................................... 4
4.1 Telling a Story ............................................................................................ 4
4.2 Interpretative Goals ................................................................................... 5
5. Design of proposed interpretation Materials – telling our story ................ 5
5.1 Interpretative Media ................................................................................... 5
5.2 Purpose and Content of Interpretative Media ............................................ 7
5.3 Signage Hierarchy ..................................................................................... 8
5.4 Proposed interpretation panels at each Site ............................................ 10
6. Summary Inventory of cultural, historic & natural assets ........................ 12
6.1 Cultural heritage & indigenous knowledge Bokeo & Luang Namtha ....... 12
6.2 Sites and attractions in Bokeo.................................................................. 14
6.3 Luang Namtha Province .......................................................................... 16
7.
Monitoring & Evaluation .......................................................................... 18
8.
Action Plan.............................................................................................. 18
2
1. INTRODUCTION
This plan sets out how we can share the stories of the North-South Economic
Corridor in Lao PDR in a way that engages visitors, helps them to understand and
enjoy their visit more, and makes them want to explore the region for longer. There
are a range of natural and cultural sites covered by this plan, with interpretation
facilities at sites ranging from a single sign to purpose-built tourist information
centers. In addition to onsite information, a variety of other interpretation and
promotional material will be developed, each targeting a particular audience or need.
An outline of the sites covered by the plan and brief audience and stakeholder outline
is followed by a discussion of the theme that will guide all interpretation. The theme is
the story we use to link the different sites into a coherent route for visitors. The ‘nuts
and bolts’ of how we actually tell the story is described, followed by a description of
the various sites along and around the route. Finally, systems for monitoring and
evaluation, and action plans for implementing the project complete the report.
3. KEY SITES
Sites and proposed interpretation facilities/media covered by this plan are those that
will receive support from the GMS-Sustainable Tourism Development Project in Lao
PDR (STDP). They include:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Boten Border checkpoint improvements
Luang Namtha Night Market
Nam Dee village
Vieng Neua village
Nam Ha National Protected Area
Nam Eng Cave Complex
Vat Mahaphot
Bor Kung Nature Park
Signage/posters/brochure stand
Signage
Brochure
Brochure
Visitor and interpretation centre
Signage
Signage
Restaurant, ethnic crafts display,
walking-trail signage
9. Nam Pae Village Scenic Viewpoint
Signage
10. Nam Kan NPA Visitors Centre
Visitor and interpretation centre
11. Nam Chang village
Brochure
12. Fort Carnot French Army Garrison
Signage
13. Houay Xay border checkpoint improvement Signage/posters/brochure stand
Figure 1. Location of STDP proposed intervention sites
3
4. TARGET AUDIENCES
The number of tourists visiting Luang Namtha Province has risen from 4,732 in 1995
to over 197,202 in 2008. Bokeo has been keeping records since 2004, and in since
then visitation has increased from 79,006 to 145,567 in 2008.
There are two key audiences targeted in this plan. The first is tour groups, largely
on tour buses, coming from Thailand and China. This group represents the majority
of the tourists that come through the region, but most of these tourists do not
presently stop at the sites proposed in this plan. It is possible that with improvements
to facilities, they would stop at sites such as Ban Don Chai Market and Visitor
Center, Bor Kung Nature area, Nam Ha Visitor Centre and Luang Namtha Town.
This group is largely comprised of transit travelers that require a high standard of
service and the capacity to handle large groups of 40 or more visitors at any stop.
The second target audience is independent tourists and backpackers, mostly from
Europe and North America, but with an increasing number of Asians, that make up
about 30% of visitors to the region. While this group is smaller in number, it is the key
target market for many of the sites identified. These travelers stay for a few days in
the region, are interested in cultural and eco-trekking and don’t like to spend too
much money each day. They do stay for longer, which means that overall they spend
more than transit visitors. This group also tends to support small to medium-sized
Lao owned businesses and have a commitment to supporting community based
tourism.
No market research has been done on the domestic market. Anecdotal evidence
suggests that domestic tourism is confined to major festivals and visiting friends and
relatives.
4. INTERPRETATIVE THEME – WHAT’S OUR STORY?
4.1 Telling a Story
A good theme gives people a storyline that they can attach information or relate
ideas to. This means that as they travel along the route, they will build on and ponder
some key ideas, which is easier and more interesting than collecting a series of facts.
It also informs the brand, and gives people promoting the route a framework that they
can use to provide further information and develop their own talking points.
Proposed NSEC Theme
Mekong & Mountains
Explore Life & Nature in Northwest Laos
Travelers and traders have followed the ancient trade routes that criss-cross
mountainous north-western Laos for centuries. A network of caravan trails linked
Thailand, Burma, Laos and Southern China where tea, horses, ivory, porcelain, silks,
gems and forest products were traded. Today you can safely explore these ancient
routes and take in the beautiful scenery that stretches from the Mekong River Valley
in Bokeo to the Lao-Chinese border in Luang Namtha. Travel through thickly forested
mountains and ethnic villages to discover the living traditions, fine handicrafts and
distinctive cuisine of the region.
One sentence
Travel windy ancient trade routes from the Mekong through forested mountains and
discover unique cultures and breathtaking scenery in Bokeo and Luang Namtha.
4
4.2
Interpretative Goals
The goals of interpretation along the NSEC are to:
 diversify tourism products along the NSEC
 attract more visitors and expand community based tourism along the NSEC
 increase revenue from tourism by encouraging tourists to stay longer
 increase visitor awareness, understanding and enjoyment of each site by
providing them with the information that will help them engage the site
 to provoke visitor interest and encourage them to explore the area further and
visit other sites along the NSEC
 preserve and protect the environment and cultural heritage
 encourage visitors to practice responsible tourism and support ecotourism
 reinforce branding, support guiding at sites, and provide a good basis for
educational programmes
 link to other sustainable tourism initiatives and mobilize resources
 help visitors and local people avoid hazards
5.
DESIGN OF PROPOSED INTERPRETATION MATERIALS –
TELLING OUR STORY
For many visitors to this NSEC, Lao or English will not be their first language, and
they may not be familiar with Lao history, culture or its environment. Visitors will
probably not stop at every attraction along the route, and research shows that signs
with text are not read in full by visitors. To address these issues, the following
guidelines are suggested when producing interpretative media for the NSEC:
 text is simple, clear and uses non-technical terms and non-colloquial
language to engage the widest possible audiences
 keep text panels short (maximum 300 words for a 0.85 x 1.75m panel)
 panels should work as stand-alone displays but also harmonized with other
panels that tell parts of a wider story
 images (maps, photographs, archival images) will be used when
possible to stimulate visual interest and illustrate context
 panels should complement non-textual interpretation (e.g. objects or sites)
 where appropriate, text, or video, should use personal stories for emotional
engagement
 panels should complement any other interpretation provided at the site (e.g.
guided tours)
5.1
Interpretative Media
Interpretative media will take a range of forms to provide various levels of detail to
visitors. Suggested media to support interpretation on the NSEC includes:
1. Route brochure
2. Site brochure
3. Way-finding signs
4. Exterior interpretative panels (sites)
5. Internal interpretative panels (visitor centres)
6. Guidebook
7. Marketing posters
8. Website
5
Figure 2. Example of NSEC Interpretative Media
Figure 2. Example of NSEC Way-finding Signage
6
5.2 Purpose and Content of Interpretative Media
Route brochure – A4 3 fold brochure, color
A full color route brochure will be developed and distributed at petrol stations in
Thailand and China, and at border checkpoints. At this stage, it is proposed that
brochures and signage be in Lao and English, but in future, Thai and Chinese would
be priorities for translation, especially for brochures and guidebooks.
Content: Map of region and route, outline of theme, and attractions along route,
contact numbers/weblinks, logos. Possibly suggestions for side trips or next
destination (e.g. Luang Prabang, Muang Sing).
Site brochures – A4 3 fold brochure, color and black and white
Panels at sites will be complemented by a black and white or color A4 site brochure
to be given free with every ticket or the printed ticket incorporated into brochures.
Content: Detailed information about each site, site map if appropriate, route
summary, contact numbers/weblinks, logos.
Guidebook - To follow standard LNTA style.
A more detailed guidebook will be available for sale. This will contain vivid images
and more detailed information about the region’s natural and cultural assets. Some
information from panels can be used in the guidebook.
It also provides an
opportunity to promote messages about responsible tourism, appropriate behavior,
and community tourism potential for alleviating poverty.
Content: Message from Provincial Tourism Offices, General information: Laos,
Bokeo and LNT, Map of region and route, information on the attractions along the
trail and suggestions for further exploration, CBT in region, hazards and safety,
contact numbers/weblinks, logos
Marketing Posters - A1 and A2 poster size
Marketing posters promoting the route will be developed using key images, and
distributed to information centers, border checkpoints, restaurants and guesthouses
along the route. Consideration should be given to the design of this poster to ensure
that it is clear and attractive, as it is likely to be the most visible and durable form of
promotion.
Content: Route and regional map, attractions marked with brief description,
photographs, weblinks, logos. Largely pictorial.
Way-finding signs, Exterior interpretative panels (sites), Internal interpretative
panels (visitor centers)
On the road by each site, way-finding signs will mark the location. Welcome
panels will be at the entrance of each site, setting out a brief summary, with maps
and pricing information. This panel will promote the site, and assist the visitor to
make the decision to enter the site. Once inside the site, more detailed information
panels will be provided at relevant points. For the two visitor centers at Nam Ha and
Ban Don Chai, the signage design is essentially the same as the exterior panels at
other sites, but the construction material will be different.
The types of signs
proposed are detailed in Part III: NSEC Design Manual
7
Website
Information about the route will be added to www.ecotourismlaos.com and a
dedicated page created this site and the Luang Namtha website. The websites will
have information about the route, maps, featured attractions and suggested
itineraries. The route brochure should be downloadable, as should detailed
information for tour operators. All promotional materials will display appropriate logos
and links to relevant websites.
Podcasts with information about each site can be posted on websites that could be
downloaded onto mp3 players. Until Laos’ internet bandwidth improves, it is likely
that tourists will have to do this before they leave home, unless the podcasts can be
made available at tourist information centers. This would be an effective way of
sharing up to date information in a variety of languages. Posting video footage of the
route on YouTube is another low-cost way of distributing visual media on the route.
Logo
Mekong & Mountains
Explore Life & Nature in Northwest Laos
A logo and color palate will be developed by a professional designer to communicate
the interpretative theme
* Logos on interpretative media may include: Route logo, ADB logo, Lao: Simply Beautiful logo, LNTA logo, and No
Littering icons
5.3 Signage Hierarchy
Four levels of signage are proposed. They are as follows:
1)
Road signs – to be posted on road – one as advance warning, and the other
as a turnoff point marker. To follow standard road sign criteria.
Figure 3. Road Signage
8
2)
On-site directional signage – to let visitors know where to go once they
arrive
Figure 4. On-site directional signage
3)
Orientation or welcome panel – comprehensive information, map, trail
summary, pricing, and logos
Figure 5. Welcome or orientation panel
4)
Information panel – detailed information about specific point at the site, with
graphics and trail logo
Figure 6. Information panel
9
5.4
Proposed interpretation panels at each site
Luang Namtha
Night Market
Key message
Sub messages
Enjoy local food
and eat with the
locals

Interesting local food
1. LNT night market

Local handicrafts

Handicrafts

Shopping

Etiquette

Specialties e.g.
bamboo, Khao soi
Nam Ha NPA
Interpretation
Center
Explore rich
environmental
and cultural
diversity in the
Nam Ha NPA
Nam Eng Cave
Complex
Explore an
underground
river system
Panels
 Basic language
1. Introduction to Nam Ha
 Nam Ha NPA is
NPA + map
managed by local people
for ecotourism and
2-5. Key species –
natural resources
animals, birds, plants:
extinct and endangered
 Local people
welcome you to explore
6-9
Human use of the
village life
forest – hunting, medicine,
building materials esp.
 This is a precious
resource to be used with bamboo, NTFP, trekking
care
10-11. Wildlife trade
12-15. Village life – yearly
cycle, architecture, rice

How caves are made
 Ecosystems inside
and outside the caves
1. Orientation panel
2. Cave formation and
forest
 Safety and the
environment
Vat Mahaphot
Explore the
ancient city
 Ancient cities and
trade routes
 Preserve cultural
heritage
Bor Kung
Nature Park
Nam Phae
Viewpoint
Relax and enjoy
the beautiful
springs and
forest
Enjoy the views
from the highest
point on the
road
 Pure springs and
forests

Trade routes (tea)

Ethnic diversity/crafts

Shopping

Map with orientation

Golden Triangle

Slash and Burn

Village life
1. Orientation panel
2. Ancient city
3. History of area
Bor Kung recreation area
1. Orientation panel
2. History of area +tea
3. Natural environment
and springs
Craft center/ restaurant
4. History of area
5. Focus on tea
6. Weaving – cotton silk
+ common products
7. Embroidery
8. Basket making
9. Dying, indigo etc
10. Bamboo
1. Looking out from the
viewpoint – what you
can see, brief history,
Golden Triangle, slash
and burn agriculture
10
Ban Don Chai
Visitor Centre
Gateway to the
Nam Khan NPA

Village life and crafts

Shopping
 Story of the
road/trade routes

Fort Carnot
French Garrison
Explore the old
French Garrison
Nam Khan NPA
 Struggles for power in
the region over time

Trade routes

Life in a strange land
 Wider French
colonialism in Laos
Border
checkpoints at
Boten and
Houey Xay
Welcome to
Laos
 Possible
routes/itineraries +maps

1. Story of the road and
trade routes
2. Local crafts and
markets
3. Nam Kan NPA
1. Orientation panel
2. History – power
struggles in region,
French colonialism
3. Daily life in garrison
4. Tunnel to watchtower
5. Shooting gallery
Posters/brochure stands
only
Dos and Don’ts
* Draft content for each of the above panels is included in Part IV of the NSEC Planning
Documents
Figures 7 – 8. Visitor Center & Exhibit Concept Drawings
11
6.
SUMMARY INVENTORY OF CULTURAL, HISTORIC & NATURAL
ASSETS
Places marked with an asterisk ( * ) are within 10km of the NSEC corridor
The major tourism assets of the region are the large protected natural areas and
lifestyles of the many ethnic groups living here. The forests support endangered
wildlife populations, rich biodiversity and are a source of food, medicine, and housing
needs for those who live here. Without healthy forests local people will suffer
because of less access to natural resources and income and employment that can
be generated from sustainable tourism. Therefore, maintaining and protecting
biodiversity in the forests is crucial to maintaining the wellbeing of those who live in
the region.
6.1 Cultural heritage & indigenous knowledge - Bokeo & Luang Namtha
Rich ethnic diversity means that Bokeo and Luang Namtha have a wealth of
traditional crafts and arts. These include: weaving: cotton and silk, dying cloth e.g.
Lanten indigo, Lanten mask making, embroidery e.g. Hmong & Yao, silver making
e.g. Lanten, Hmong, Akha, blacksmithing, basket making: bamboo and rattan, music
e.g. Tai Yuan orchestras, Khmu gong music, Hmong kaen (mouth organ), dance e.g.
Tai Lue sword dancing, cuisine e.g. khao soi and liquor e.g. lao lao and lao hai.
Village life and skills such as hunting are of interest to visitors, as are traditional
lifestyles as practiced by the Akha. Trekking and day tours offer visitors the chance
to learn about these skills, and can be a catalyst for preservation of traditional
activities.
Festivals
There are a number of festivals celebrated in the area. November to February is the
time that most ethnic groups celebrate New Year, as it marks a lull in the agricultural
cycle.
Month
January
Festivals in Luang Namtha
Festivals in Bokeo
Hmong/Khmu New Year
Kapok Festival 13-16 Jan
Akha, Sida, Lahu, Lanten, Panna,
Tai Neua and Yao New Year
Hmong New Year
Spirit of the New Rice Festival by
Khmu and Mon-Khmer speaking
ethnic groups
February
Boun Maka Bousa, Boun Khao
Chi - Buddhist Festivals
Boun Maka Bousa - Buddhist
Festival
That Poum Pouk Festival
Kasikhum saosuan
Chinese New Year
Mien, Lahu, Khmu New Year
Pa Wet Festival (moves from
temple to temple)
March
April
Yao, Lahu, Khmu New Year
Lao New Year; Pii Mai Lao
Lao New Year
Boun Bang Fai Rocket Festival –
Namtha
Rocket Festival –Houey Xay
Boun Maka Bousa - Buddhist
12
Kao Ban Festival - Akha
Poi “Rocket“ Festival in Muang
Sing - Tai Lue
May
Festival
Boun Visakha Bousa - Buddhist
Festival
Boun Visakha Bousa - Buddhist
Festival
June
Feeding the Spirit of the City
Pillar -Lao Yuan
Vor Salee Festival - Lahu
July
Boun Khao Pansa - Buddhist
Festival
Boun Khao Pansa - Buddhist
Festival
September
Swidden Rice Field Festival Lahu (before the harvest)
Khao Salak Festival
October
Boun Souang Heua Namtha Boat
races
Boun Ork Pansa - Buddhist
Festival
Boun Ork Pansa - Buddhist
Festival
November
That Xieng Teung Festival,
Muang Sing
December
Hmong/Khmu New Year;
National Day
Hmong/Khmu New Year;
National Day
The largest local festivals are:

New Year – most ethnic groups hold new year festivals between November
and February. Traditional Lao New Year is in April.

Boun Thai Dam is held every three years in one of Luang Namtha’s 13 Tai
Dam villages and all Tai Dam in the province take part. The festival lasts for
three days, and includes traditional performances, music and sports
competitions amid food and lao lao. The last festival was held in February
2008.

Namtha Boat races are held each October and coincide with the end of
Buddhist Lent

Kapok “Dok Ngiew” Festival in Tonphung District Bokeo in January. Beauty
contest, market fair, and each ethnic group performs dancing singing etc

Boun That Xieng Teung – held in Muang Sing, and attracts many people
from around the province as well as Tai Lue Buddhists from as far away as
Myanmar, China and Thailand.

Kasikhum Saosuan is an agricultural fair and harvest festival held at the end
of February in Ban Dantin, south of Houay Xay, with competitions for corn,
vegetables and whisky

Boun Maka Bousa – is Buddhist Festival; held in Houay Xay town and
includes a bonfire at the main temple where local people cook sticky rice on
skewers over the bonfire. In morning of the full-moon day, the roasted sticky
rice “kao jii” is offered to monks as alms rather than the usual sticky rice.
13
6.2
Sites and attractions in Bokeo
Souvannahkhomkhan archaeological site
Tonpheung district
Souvannahkhomkhan archaeological site is about 40 kilometers or an hour north of
Houay Xay. It was first established around the 5th century and rebuilt several times.
The current ruins date from the 14-16th century Lane Xang era, and has over 40 sites
spread over 10,000 hectares, including temples, stupas and a 7 metre high Buddha
statue, thought to be the one of the largest in Laos. The large Buddha statue, as well
as others at the site, have been looted for treasure concealed inside. Access to the
site is difficult, without signage and requires 4WD. The site is included in a tour
program that also visits a nearby waterfall and stops for lunch at a Nam Keung
noodle village. The noodle village is set up to accommodate tourists and is located
around an old airstrip.
Temples in Houay Xay*
Ban Houay Xay, Ban Khone Keo
Houay Xay has two large temples, Wat Jom Khao Manilat off the main street and
Wat Khonekeo Xayaram in Ban Khone Keo. Wat Jom Khao is a busy temple that
was built from teak around 1880. It has a stele dating from the mid-fifteenth century.
Wat Jom Khao is reported to have been established about 1000 years old. Both
overlook the Mekong.
French Army Garrison - Fort Carnot*
Ban Houay Xay
The French Army garrison, Fort Carnot, was built around 1900 on the hill above
Houay Xay overlooking the Mekong. It has two large watchtowers, an amenities
block including a kitchen and prison cell, two large garrison buildings, and tunnels
leading to external guardhouses. It has been off limits to visitors due to use by the
Lao Army, but is now being prepared for visitors as part of this project. It is in
disrepair, but is safe for visitors. The site provides a backdrop to tell the story of
French colonialism in Laos.
Gold and sapphire mining
Ban Nam Khok and Ban Houei Sala
Bokeo means ‘gem mine’ and locals pan for gold along the riverbanks of the
Mekong. Houay Xay district has small sapphire deposits, and both gold and sapphire
mining can be observed in the villages of Ban Nam Khok and Ban Houei Sala.
Group tours to experience sapphire mining are planned by the PTD but are currently
waiting on government approval. Silver is also mined in these villages which are
about 30 km from Houay Xay.
Ban Nam Chang*
This Lanten village is set on NSEC about 20 km from Houay Xay. It is well-known as
a paper-making and indigo cloth producing village. Tourists do visit Nam Chang but
he village currently receives very little benefits from tourism.
Ban Khao Pun
Many villagers' occupation is to produce 'kao pun' or 'rice vermicelli'. The ‘kao pun’
that is made in Ban Khao Pun village is exported to Thailand at Chiang Kong. A
number of Thai tour operators include a stop here in tour programs.
14
Ban Yong Hin
The Thai Lue people living here build their houses by placing each stake on top of a
stone ‘yong hin’. Doing so protects their wooden houses from termites.
Ban Tom Lao
The name of the village literally means 'to brew rice alcoholic spirits'. 'Lao tom' - a
form of distilled rice spirits - is illegal in many countries but is legal in Laos. Villagers
here produce many kind of alcoholic beverages such as ‘Sa To’ and ‘Kasae’.
Markets
Houay Xay’s Talat Sao* (morning market) is at the southern end of town and has a
good selection of local foods and dry goods for sale.
The Ban Don Chai* market is held once a month from the 18-20th. Locals, as well as
traders from Luang Namtha and Houay Xay fill about 60 stalls, selling food and
handicrafts.
Monthly markets are also held at Nam Tuen and Nam Pong.
Nam Ngon waterfall, Ban Pana village (north of Houay Xay) is an attractive series of
falls about 15 minutes walk from the road. It is possible for tourists to visit by
themselves or as part of a tour.
Phou Padeng & Pa Ngoi Cliffs in the same area as Nam Ngon Waterfall are being
developed for trekking and camping through tour companies in Houey Xay.
Nam Kan Protected Area
The Nam Kan National Protected Area covers 136,000 hectares and was upgraded
from a Provincial Protected area in 2008. The Ministry for Agriculture is planning to
carry out a survey of animals in the area in partnership with Animo, the Gibbon
Experience parent company. The Gibbon Experience offers tree house
accommodation and the opportunity to travel through the treetops on cable zip-lines.
The standard two-night tour starts in Ban Don Chai on the NSEC. A part of proceeds
from the tours go towards employing rangers to prevent poaching and research.
Mekong River*
Accessed at Tonpheung, Meung, Houay Xay and Paktha Districts, Bokeo Province
The Mekong River runs along the western border of Bokeo Province. It is an
important waterway and source of fish and other food for local peole. Chinese cargo
and tourist boats come as far south as Chiang Saen on the Thai border. Lao cargo
boats and tourist boats mainly carry people and goods between Houey Xay and
Luang Prabang. The legendary Paa Beuk or Giant Mekong Catfish is caught at
Houay Xay . This is probably the largest freshwater fish in the world and takes
between 6-12 years to mature reaching 2-3 metres long and weighs between 200300 kilograms. Fish are caught between April and May when they swim upriver to
spawn in Lake Tali, Yunnan. The catch has diminished over the years, and it is
unclear whether this is due to over fishing or blasting of rapids and subsequent
destruction of underwater crevices used for breeding.
The Thai Fisheries
department has been carrying out a breed and release program with some success,
and paa beuk are successfully farmed in central and northern Thailand. Currently the
wild catch-quota is two fish per year for Thailand and Laos combined.
Local Products
Tea is grown in the province, and wild honey is harvested. There are some wellestablished noodle villages near Houay Xay (e.g. Ban Nam Kok and Ban Nam
15
Kheung) that are easily accessible and a pleasant trip. Bokeo Social Enterprise is
developing a number of high quality products, including organic sugar, herbal
tinctures, cosmetics and ginger candy. The company plans to sell these to the
European market and is also considering supplying suitable local retail shops.
6..3
Luang Namtha Province
There are a number of interesting sites in and around Muang Sing and other districts
in Luang Namtha that are not included in this plan as they are outside the
geographical scope of the project. A good of Luang Namtha’s tourism assets can be
found in the IMPACT: Luang Namtha book published by UNESCO. This book may
be downloaded free the www.unescobkk.org website and is available in hard copy
from the Luang Namtha PTD.
Vat Phoum Pouk*
Ban Nam Chang, Luang Namtha District
Vat Poum Pouk is Luang Namtha District’s oldest Buddhist structure, constructed in
1628 as a sign of friendship between residents of Muang Houa Tha and Chiang
Saen (on the Thai border.) The original stupa was bombed by a US Aircraft in 1966
and partially destroyed. The site is about 7km out of Luang Namtha town, and is
easily accessible by bicycle or tuktuk. At present there is no signage explaining the
history of the site. That Poum Pouk Festival is held each February.
Vat That Luang*
Ban Saysomboune, Luang Namtha District
Vat That Luang was completed in 2007 and is Luang Namtha town’s only Buddhist
temple. The temple is easily accessible from the town center and offers spectacular
views across the Namtha valley.
Vat Mahaphot and ‘Khou Vieng’ archaeological site*
Vieng Phoukha District
The ruins of Vat Mahaphot and surrounding archaeological site are 2km north of
Vieng Phoukha town on the main road. Little research has been done on the site,
but ruins suggest that a large city existed here, dating from possibly as early as the
8th-11th century. The city went into decline in the 18th century and by the 19th century
was abandoned. Large bronze drums were made here, which can be seen in private
houses in VPK and collections in Luang Namtha and Chiang Mai. The extent of the
city can be seen in the large earthen ramparts surrounding the ruins of Vat
Mahaphot. There are numerous ruined pagodas, piles of old bricks and pottery
spread over the 20 hectare district protected area under the administration of the
District Information and Culture Office.
Nam Dee Waterfall
Ban Nam Dee*, Namtha District
There is a small entrance fee to the Ban Nam Dee Waterfall and nature trail. There is
also a small charge to park bicycles, motorbikes and cars. It is about 6 km from
Luang Namtha, so is easily accessible as a day trip, and is used by local and
international tourists. Two tracks are in place to allow access during the rainy
season, and a pavilion is set at the base of the lower falls. Bathing is possible in the
upper falls. A handicraft shop and drinks stalls are at the ticketing area.
Nam Ha National Protected Area*
16
The Nam Ha NPA, an ASEAN Heritage Site, is reported to have at least 38 species
of large mammals, and 22 endangered species. The original vegetation is dense,
triple canopy subtropical monsoon forest. It is estimated that about 30% of the NPA
has primary forest, and that 60% has been altered and is now re-growth or woody
shrub land. 10% has been converted to farmland. The NPA is divided into
management zones, consisting of three strictly protected core zones that cover 30%
of the total area and multi-use areas where livelihood activities such as hunting,
harvesting non-timber forest products, and agriculture is allowed by the 104 villages
that surround the NPA. Wildlife of all kinds is reported to be in decline due to hunting
and the wildlife trade. A number of eco-trekking tours go into the NPA.
Nam Eng or Kao Rao Cave*
Ban Nam Eng, Vieng Phoukha District
The Nam Eng cave complex is located 12 km north of Vieng Phoukha, and has three
caves. Kao Rao, also known as the dry or fossil cave, goes about 3.2 kilometers
back into the hill, and has a number of interesting formations. Villagers have a cave
concession and run tours to the caves. The resurgence or wet cave extends 3.4 km
back into the hillside and is flooded during the rainy season and after heavy rainfalls
year-round. There is another smaller cave just south of the two main caves that is
not open to visitors because locals consider it sacred. It is possible to visit the entry
to the cave, which has a small stream coming from the entrance and is a pleasant
five minute walk through forest from the road. Legend has it that a large python was
released in the cave by an old man who has raised it from when it was small, but
blinded it when it began eating village livestock. He released it into the cave,
promising it that he would feed it every year, and so each year villagers sacrifice a
chicken and a piglet at the cave.
Phou Prasat Cave
Ban Namai, Vieng Phoukha District
Phou Prasat has a complex of 9 caves. The longest is approximately 650 metres
long, and has good stalactites, stalagmites and drapery formations. The main cave
is dry and easily accessible. Local people use it for hunting bats. Some tours access
the site.
Namtha River*
The Namtha River rises in the NPA near the Chinese border, and joins the Mekong
325 km near Houay Xay. The Namtha is a transportation highway for many villages
especially in the wet season when roads are impassable. It links Nale district with
Luang Namtha and downstream to the Mekong and Houay Xay .
Nam Fa and Nam Jook Rivers*
Vieng Phoukha District
Stone tools found here and near Nam Eng suggest that humans may have occupied
the caves in prehistoric times. The source of the Nam Jook River is the Nam Eng
resurgence cave.
Bor Kung Forest and Shrimp Spring*
Vieng Phoukha District
Bor Kung forest is 18 hectares of protected forest close to VPK town. It has a
number of large trees, and a spring, which is used for bathing by locals. The spring
has a reputation for being clear all the time. Also in the reserve are the ruins of a 16 th
century ruined pagoda.
17
7.
MONITORING & EVALUATION
Monitoring and evaluation of NSEC interventions will occur twice during the 5-year
STDP. Baseline information will be collected in October 2009, and the second
evaluation process will occur in 2013.
Initial Baseline Data Collection:
Follow-up Evaluation:
October 2009
October 2013
Suggested Indicators:
1. Number of visitors entering Bokeo and Luang Namtha Provinces through the
international border points
2. Average length of stay
3. Average daily spending
4. Tourist satisfaction survey
5. Number of visitors participating in the PTO’s eco-tours
6. Number of website visits
7. Expenditures at select project-supported sites:
a. Nam Dee Village in Luang Namtha District – income from ticketing
b. Parking fees and other income at Nam Ha Tourist Information Center
c. Vieng Neua Village in Luang Namtha District – sales of khai paen in
project-sponsored packaging
d. Income at Nam Eng Caves – ticketing and parking
e. Income at Vat Mahaphot – ticketing and parking
f. Income at Bor Kung – ticketing and parking
g. Parking income at Nam Pae lookout
h. Parking income at Ban Don Chai market
i. Income at French Garrison – ticketing and parking
8.
ACTION PLAN
Activities associated with the implementation of the NSEC route will follow the 6month rotational action planning process of the GMS Sustainable Tourism
Development Project as follows:
Action Plan 1: 1 April 2009 – 30 September 2010 (current planning
period)
Action Plan 2: 1 October 2009 – 31 March 2010
Action Plan 3: 1 April 2010 – 30 September 2010
Action Plan 4: 1 October 2010 – 31 March 2011
Action Plan 5: 1 April 2011 – 30 September 2011
Action Plan 6: 1 October 2011 – 31 March 2012
Action Plan 7: 1 April 2012 – 30 September 2012
Action Plan 8: 1 October 2013 – 31 March 2014
A summary of the project’s action plan is included in part IV of the NSEC
planning documents
18