Pak Beng Scenic Hub of Northern Laos

A Tourism Development Strategy and Action Plan for Pak Beng District 2011-2015

Draft

Prepared by Jim Johnston, International Ecotourism Planner ADB-GMS Sustainable Tourism Development Project in Lao PDR 0

Lao National Tourism Authority September 2010

Pak Beng Tourism Strategy 2011 to 2015.

Background and Purpose of Strategy.

Oudomxay Province is known as the “Heart of Northern Laos” because of it’s position as being the crossroads province for both road-based and water-based travel for the provinces north of Luang Prabang. Pak Beng District is one of three districts to be designated as tourism focal district in Oudomxay Province. The Pak Beng District has a population of more than 28,000 people; three main ethnic groups make up this population, they are Khmu, Hmong, and Lao Loum. 99.36% of the land is classified as mountains.

Aims: The Provincial Tourism Department has instigated this strategy in order to provide direction for future tourism development in the district that will;

1. Enhance current tourism

2. Prepare for taking advantage of new tourism opportunities, particularly those opened up by the construction of the Mekong bridge linking Nan (Thailand) – Oudomxay (Lao PDR) – Dien Bien Phu (Vietnam)

Objectives: As stated in the District’s 5-year Socio-economic Plan (2009)1, the District’s current tourism objectives are as follows;

1. Improve current tourism facilities while maintaining their natural assets, and service both the domestic and international tourism markets through encouraging private sector investment. 2. Building and improving basic infrastructure/tourism facilities such as; Hotel, Guesthouses, Resort, and Restaurant/Cafes. 3. Make nature-based tourism products, such as; rafting, caving, trekking, cultural villages and other sites of interest. 4. Promote tourism through improved tourism information access, night market and cultural festivals. 5. Make additional tourism activities in the town to provide incentives for visitors to stay longer than the normal current stay of one night. 6. Improve the Tourism Association for the management, service standards, regulations, and security standards.

1 Tourism Targets as stated in “5 year Socio-economic Development Report for 2005-2009 and Direction Plan for 2010 to 2014 (XIth District Party Congress, Pak Beng District: 2009)

This strategy has also adopted the above objectives, and has used them as subject headings of various activities that could be incorporated into a workplan to contribute to the above District’s tourism objectives.

Tourism Values of Pak Beng:

The strengths of Pak Beng for tourism are;

1. Beautiful views of mountains. Surrounded by many mountains gives Pak Beng an atmosphere that interesting places may be hidden in valleys as yet “undiscovered” by the adventurer.

2. Mekong river frontage. Pak Beng is elevated above the Mekong providing a dramatic view from most guesthouse verandahs and restaurant windows. Visitors can observe local people’s activities on the river, the coming and going of boats, and the flow of one of the world’s great rivers, while sitting at a restaurant table.

Current Tourism Situation

In the last decade, Pak Beng has rapidly expanded as a tourist town, because it is a staging point in the 2 day boat trip between Luang Prabang and Houei Xai. Tourists who have travelled to the popular Thai tourism Provinces of Chiangmai and Chiang Rai have extended their trips to a circuit that crosses the Mekong River at Chiang Khong to Lao PDR at Houei Xai, Bokeo Province. Upon arrival at Houei Xai most tourists then travel by boat immediately, their destination generally being Luang Prabang. Pak Beng is about halfway between Houei Xai and Luang Prabang and is the point to sleep the night. Restaurants and Guesthouses have increased in response to the increasing tourism demand, however on rare occasions all accommodation is filled leaving no more vacancies.

A road from Pak Beng to Oudomxay has presented an alternative route, however the boat transport remains by far the most popular, and has become an institution amongst western backpackers, and is also popular with a growing number of Thai backpackers.

For tourists coming from Chiang Rai, Pak Beng is generally the first night stayed in Laos. For those coming up the river from Luang Prabang, it is generally the last night spent in Laos.

For many tourists, the first night in Laos may mean that they did not have time to change currency at Houei Xai before travelling by boat. So tourists would be unfamiliar with the value of Lao currency, therefore may be hesitant to pay for anything more than the basics of food and accommodation until they gain confidence in a new country and new currency (although Thai Baht is often used). The perception that Pak Beng is fairly isolated (when compared to their last few nights in Thailand) may also add to a feeling of being trapped without many travel alternatives, therefore unwilling to freely spend money.

Currently tourism in Pak Beng accounts for about 65% of all tourism in Oudomxay. This amounts to a current visitation of about 70000 people annually.

The estimated arrivals in Pak Beng are represented on the following graph.

Estimated Visitors to Pak Beng (65% of Province) 80000 60000 40000 20000 Estimated Visitors to Pak Beng (65% of 0 Amount of Arivals Province) 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 Year

Estimated Visitors to Oudomxay Province Visitors to Visitors to Pak 120000 Oudomxay Beng (65% 0f 100000 Year Province Province totals) 80000 2003 23911 15542 60000 2004 54695 35552 40000 Visitors to Oudomxai 2005 54721 35569 20000 Province 2006 43400 28210 0 2007 76970 50031 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2008 101761 66145 Year muto rvl to Province Amount of Arivals 2009 107419 69822

Table of Visitor Arrivals to Oudomxay Graph of Visitor Arrivals to Oudomxay Province (2003-2009). Province (2003-2009) with estimated arrivals to Pak Beng.

Accommodation in Pak Beng

Total Total Monthly Accommodation in Month Total Lao Foriegn Beds Nov-08 297 4908 5205 Guesthouses, Pak Beng Dec-08 146 4579 4725 Jan-09 311 5490 5801 7000 Feb-09 212 4468 4680 6000 Mar-09 194 3051 3245 5000 Apr-09 297 2534 2831 May-09 No Info No Info No Info 4000 Jun-09 No Info No Info No Info 3000 Guests Jul-09 No Info No Info No Info 2000 Total Foriegn Aug-09 428 2704 3132 Sep-09 176 3016 3192 1000 Total Lao Oct-09 114 2976 3090 0 Nov-09 163 5184 5347 08 09 09 09 09 10 09 10 08 09 09 09 10 10 09 10 ------Dec-09 134 3237 3371 - - Jan Jan Oct Apr Apr Feb Sep Feb Dec Dec Aug Nov Nov No Info No Info No Info Mar Mar Jan-10 293 4632 4925 May Feb-10 62 2399 2461 Month & Year Mar-10 44 1244 1288 Apr-10 85 1005 1090 May-10 224 1244 1468

Table: Monthly Accommodation in Graph: Monthly Accommodation in Pak Beng between November 2008 to Pak Beng between November 2008 May 2010 (excluding May to July 2009). to May 2010.

Generally, the monthly accommodation statistics show a similar pattern of tourism arrivals as all parts of the country. That is; high season between November and February. However, statistics from the last year (2009-2010) have highlighted two weaknesses in the tourism demand in Pak Beng. The recent statistics illustrate that tourism in February to May 2010 dramatically reduced due to the following;

1. Political unrest in Thailand

2. Record low levels of water in the Mekong

The political unrest in Thailand certainly had a dramatic effect on arrivals to Thailand, and since most of the tourists passing through Pak Beng either enter from Chiang Khong (Thailand) or leave through Chiang Khong and Chiang Rai the statistics from that period (February to May 2010) show a very low accommodation rate, and underline the link that Pak Beng tourism has to Thailand.

The record low level of water in the Mekong during March to May 2010 meant that boat travel was not possible during some of that time, so the few tourists that wanted to travel by boat either changed plans, and went to Luang Prabang via Luang Namtha, or still slept in Pak Beng by travelling by local land transport across the mountainous road from Houei Xai via Pha-Oudom District, Bokeo Province, then taking the boat from Pak Beng to Luang Prabang the next day.

Unfortunately, the cause of the low water is not understood. Some possibilities may be the filling of new hydro-electric dams in the Mekong catchment in China, or general drought, or an unusual volume of water held in ice and snow in the upper reaches of Tibet. It is premature to think that the level of the

water will continue at such a low level during those months each year into the future. Therefore this strategy will assume the usual year-round boating conditions along the Mekong.

Existing Tourism Products and Markets

Currently, almost all the tourists in Pak Beng arrive by boat. Generally, visitors start to arrive in Pak Beng by boat at about 4:00PM onwards, until sunset, and leave at about 8:30 to 10:00AM the next morning. The basic tourism products are accommodation and food.

In recent years, electricity is supplied for 24 hours per day. This means that greater opportunity to extend trading into the night to the prescribed 11:30PM closing hours exists. Interestingly, most restaurants close well before this time. This may be because tourists are often tired from sitting in the boats for most of the day. In-fact, most of the tourist feedback from internet blogs indicates that they arrive in Pak Beng very tired from the day’s travelling. It may also indicate that there is not enough for tourists to do in Pak Beng during the evening and night.

Basic Facilities in Pak Beng Town

Pak Beng has grown rapidly in the last decade, mainly due to the tourism. Within that time, basic amenities such as electricity and water have had to develop rapidly to respond to the increase in demand. Electricity is currently available 24 hours per day. Town water has remained behind the demand and guesthouses regularly experience times when water isn’t available. As indicated later in this strategy, tourism arrivals are expected to continue to increase, and may even double in the next 5 years. The District is conscious of this and has included town-water in its Socio-economic Plan (2009)2 as a matter of urgency. This strategy further highlights this urgency because it is expected that tourism demand in Pak Beng will continue to increase, therefore town-water must also increase to a level at least 2 times the current demand within the next five years.

Port facilities for the passenger boats include a floating pier; providing ease of landing for passengers. Currently both passenger and freight boats land at the same port, but plans to locate the freight port away from the town will provide ease of access for tourists, and will mean that trucks no longer need to drive through town to get to the freight port.

Atmosphere and Security in Pak Beng

Based on unsolicited comments by tourists on internet blog-sites, the impression that tourists have of Pak Beng is that the views overlooking the Mekong and the surrounding mountains provides a priceless asset for the District/and tourism investors. Many guesthouse, resort and restaurant owners have realized this and have constructed verandahs overlooking the view.

2 Tourism Targets as stated in “5 year Socio-economic Development Report for 2005-2009 and Direction Plan for 2010 to 2014 (XIth District Party Congress, Pak Beng District: 2009)

The same internet blogs often include some negative comments such as “transport service providers offering drugs for sale”. This alone may give the tourist a feeling that they have entered a place of illicit activities, and leaves the tourist wary of danger. Although Pak Beng may actually be safer than many other places, the combination of an isolated community (hence providing few options), some tourists may be left thinking that they are subject to being taken advantage of, and fear paying extortionate prices for services. This feeling is likely to be intensified in the Western tourists that have just arrived through Chiang Rai as they are not familiar with the prices and currency of LaoPDR.

On the internet, many tourists have complained about the excessive price of the tickets they have bought in Thailand and Houei Xai from unscrupulous ticket sellers providing accommodation deals at far greater price than if tourists bought tickets and paid for accommodation at the guesthouse.

The District has some work to do to provide the atmosphere for Pak Beng to be a safe place.

A Tourism Police office in Pak Beng is situated near the Tourism Information Centre. Tourists need to be made aware of the Tourist Police Office, and encouraged to report any security issues in order for the authorities to pursue cases with the objective of protecting the good reputation of tourism in Lao PDR.

There are other actions that can also be introduced in order to make a friendly atmosphere in the streets around the restaurants and guesthouses. These include street markets (food and handicrafts), and cultural performance.

Hotels and Restaurants

Currently there are 14 Guesthouses, 2 Resorts, and 1 Hotel in Pak Beng. These range in quality and price to suit the tourist. One of the resorts; Pak Beng Lodge, target a high-end market, and offers activities such as elephant riding and trekking. Another resort Luang Sai Lodge has recently won a world tourism award and is connected with the Luang Say boat cruise of Northern Laos and attracts about 5000 tourists to Pak Beng each year.

Most other accommodation is between the port and the market, along the one main street (this area is noted as “Primary guesthouse and restaurant area” in the map of Pak Beng Town). Other accommodation is along another road shared with the District Tourism Information Centre. This road follows the river, and still provides room for future expansion of accommodation (this area is noted as “Secondary guesthouse and restaurant area” in the map of Pak Beng Town).

Almost all the restaurants are mixed in the same area as the accommodation. Restaurants include two Indian style, and many Lao style places, usually with an open eating area with views to the Mekong.

Tourist Feedback about Pak Beng

From a survey for tourist feedback, the strength of having views to the Mekong is reduced dramatically due to the fact that this view usually includes a view to the dirty water outlets of both restaurants and 7

guesthouses draining waste-water into the river. This is particularly obvious in the facilities between the port and the market.

In another feedback and monitoring medium on the internet www.tripadvisor.com , tourists have provided additional feedback about Pak Beng (“Pakbeng, Laos” in internet). Most are impressed by the views, but the irregularity of the water supply is a serious issue. Another monitoring method is to enter www.google.com and search using “Pakbeng Laos” or”Pak Beng Laos”, and also try “Pak Bang Laos”. Using this search engine you can locate individual blog sites where tourists have written something about Pak Beng.

Tourism Products and Activities

The main tourism activities in Pak Beng currently are as follows;

1. Massage. Traditional massage is offered in at least one place. According to feedback from internet blogs, the massage is appropriate considering that the visitor has generally been travelling all day and would appreciate the relaxation.

2. Elephant riding is offered exclusively as an activity from Pak Beng Lodge. Monthly statistics (District Tourism Office) indicate that it regularly attracts more than 200 riders per month. The elephant bath and ride sells for about $47 USD and an elephant show is available for additional fee. This, compared with elephant rides in other parts of Laos, is quite expensive, but still popular with the cliental of Pak Beng Lodge.

3. Trekking is another activity offered by Pak Beng Lodge, this activity attracts about 30 people per month. Other treks are offered through the Tourism Information Centre but have not been purchased by tourists as yet.

4. Tour of Pak Beng Market for tourists that hire a guide in Houei Xai or Luang Prabang to facilitate their trip.

5. A cave visit is another activity offered but has not proven popular as yet. An excellently placed sign located on the road where Figure: An excellently located tourists arrive at the port welcomes tourists to Phou Ngeum cave. sign for Phou Ngeum cave Currently, it is difficult to find any information on how to get to needs to be supplemented with more information of what it is the cave, and it remains an undiscovered resource. and how to get there. 6. There have been some additional tours that are planned for development in the District’s Socio-economic Plan (2009)3. These include;

3 Tourism Targets as stated in “5 year Socio-economic Development Report for 2005-2009 and Direction Plan for 2010 to 2014 (XIth District Party Congress, Pak Beng District: 2009)

a. Nature-based products such as;

i. rafting on the swift flowing waters of Nam Beng River.

ii. Boat trip and exploration of Tham Phachao Khamtancave,

iii. trekking to Houay Saleum waterfall, and

iv. trip to a forest with naturally occurring tea trees (Thousand-year Tea Forest) (about 28km from Pak Beng Town).

b. Culture-based products such as 2 cultural villages; Ban Samsonphao (Ban Xayxana), and Ban Pak Nyeri.

Currently these products are developing, and some have brochures available in the Information Centre. However, as yet, none have reached a point where they are popular tourism programs.

The rafting take-off point, as well as the tea forest and Tham Phachao Khamtan are represented on the following map.

Some Attractions Pa Sa Tea Forest around Pak Beng Oudomxay Province

To Udomxay

Ban Xayxana Ban Phou Xang Tea Factory

Riverside forest Raft Launching place

Pak Beng

Ban Pak Nyeri

Tham Phachao Khamtan Cave Xayabouly Province To Nan

Transport Assets in Pak Beng Town

Apart from the accommodation and dining mentioned above, other tourism services include transportation and information. These are listed below;

1. Current land transport services

a. Tuktuk 13 operators

b. Songtaeo (covered pick-up): 28 operators

c. Vans 6 operators

2. Current water transport services

a. Slowboats: Large wooden boats with covered seeting, ranging between 14 and 40 passenger capacity) 113 boats

b. Speedboats (Small and fast craft carrying about 4 passengers only. Travel from Houei Xai to Luangphrabang in one day only and don’t stop in Pak Beng) 16 boats

c. Boating association that manages and controls boats.

d. Bus station is at the point at which the town road joins the highway, about 2 km from the guesthouse area.

Summary of current transport is as follows;

• Almost all tourist travel is by boat (more than 95%). Luang Prabang is the main attraction. Tourists are either on their way to Luang Prabang and want to get there quickly, or they are on their way out via Chiang Rai and have either used-up the time on their tourist visa, or have a plane to catch, so have very limited time available for tours.

• There is an agreement (2007) between 3 provinces (Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, and Bokeo) that states that Pak Beng will be the transit station; most of the operating boats are from Oudomxay Province.

Challenges faced by boat transport:

• During dry months the rocky reefs pose some dangers especially in the evening.

• Ticket sales in Thailand have caused delays in boats leaving Houei Xai (because people have booked but arrive later than the normal departure time at the port). Boats sometimes are delayed until 12:00 noon departure. This means that the boat will arrive in Pak Beng in the evening, and leaves no time margin for dealing with any mechanical or navigational problems during the trip.

• Some ticket sellers in Thailand and Houei Xai sell tickets for about twice the normal price. E.g normal price 200,000kip, sell for 400,000kip.

• Some ticket sellers in Thailand and Houei Xai sell tickets with accommodation included.

o Quite often the accommodation falls below the tourist’s expectations that were formed at the point of ticket sale, therefore causing bad reports from tourists about Pak Beng.

o Because tourists buy a 2 day ticket, they do not consider extending their time in Pak Beng any longer than one night, even if they wanted to, for fear of loosing their 2nd day travel.

• Some tourists are too rushed to prepare their cash and have to board the boats in Houei Xai thinking that they may withdraw cash from and ATM in Pak Beng. However, there are no ATMs in Pak Beng yet. There have been occasions when tourists have slept at the Information Centre because they didn’t have cash to pay for accommodation. (N.B. This is poor planning by the tourist, but an ATM is likely to enable tourists to spend more freely in Pak Beng).

Tourism Information Services at Pak Beng.

Recently the District have improved the information services to the tourist. The tourist information centre is very well located, looking over the port. Tourists don’t need to walk far or go out of their way much to go to the centre. The District Tourism Office has responded to the tourist demands and has provided staffing of the centre until late hours to provide the services to tourists that generally arrive between 4:00PM and 6:00PM. Not only is the Information Centre convenient to tourists, but it is also the best place in town to monitor the tourism transportation, as well as arrivals and Fig. Tourism Information Centre is departures of tourists, because it overlooks the port. prominently located near where the tourists The centre has maps, posters and brochures. It is also a land at the port and make their way up to place where the District’s two trained guides (Mr Phone the accommodation. and Mr Vilaisit) can be contacted. As yet, local sites, such as the tea forest, the waterfall and caves are not promoted in a way that indicates that guides are ready to take tourists the next day. A large whiteboard to give the appearance of “we are ready to take you trekking tomorrow morning” while indicating a one day tour program, the price, and the minimum amount of people to go would be the start for promoting tourists to stay an extra day. The two guides would then have to be on standby to leave the next day with tourists to Tham Phachao Khamtan or another location.

Fig. Not only is the Tourist Information Centre located at a point of easy access to tourists, the site also gives a great opportunity to monitor service activities surrounding the port.

The role of the Information Centre will have to become broadened if Pak Beng is to be promoted as “The Scenic Hub of Northern Laos”. The “Hub” is not just a location, it is also a role, therefore, as Pak Beng 12

develops as the “Scenic Hub of Northern Laos”, detailed information will need to be made available at the Information Centre, not just for the district, but for each road-way or river-way emanating from Pak Beng. This would mean that an extension to the current centre would be needed to enable it to provide more information panels and displays to fulfill it’s role of “Tourist Hub”.

Pak Beng Cultural Assets

Handicrafts: The three major ethnic groups around Pak Beng, being Khmu, Hmong, and Lao Loum, each have their distinctive style and characteristics. Currently textile weaving, basketry as well as blacksmithing are practiced. Training in the adaptation of traditional products would have to be given to encourage the development of local handicraft products for the tourism market.

Some local festivals include;

-Dec/January -Khmu new year (Boun Sin Pee) locally known as Àªñ©-ô´ (end of year)

February -Hmong new year

March -Lao new year

……… -Boat racing festival

…….. -Rocket festival

Local stories: Many villagers would have their traditional stories. One example is the Pha Nyar Thao story as seen in rocks in the river.

Town Planning to Improve Pak Beng Town

Currently the District have already identified some town planning actions that will improve the facilities and atmosphere of Pak Beng Town as well as allow for future tourism development. These plans are part of an effort by the District Governor to realize a vision represented in the following words;

• ¦½º¾© (Clean)

• ¦½¹¤ö® (Safe)

• ¦½©¸¡ (Convenient)

This is an adage that can be used to express the vision of the district to provide excellent tourism service in a clean and safe environment, and is expressed in Lao language as the 3 ¦s (3xS). 13

The town planning includes the following actions that will contribute to the vision expressed above. Actions include the following;

§ Trash/rubbish collection service and land fill disposal. Including separation of rubbish into recyclable and non-recyclables , and community awareness.

§ Highway and town tree planting.

§ Grey-water (Õ-À¦¨) and black-water (Õ-À¯ºš ) collection, treatment and disposal facilities.

§ Survey and develop water source for town water. Currently the town relies on a spring-fed system.

§ Further develop the bus station on the junction of the highway and the Pak Beng town road.

§ Separate passenger and freight boating ports. Passenger boats to continue using the current port in town. The freight port to be sited away from town so that truck traffic in the town centre is reduced.

§ The river shore between the two temples has been assigned as public park in order to use for festivals, tourism activities and possibly tourist markets. This will help retain Pak Beng’s main strength of river frontage and river views.

The following map of Pak Beng Town shows the locations of many of the sites in the town. This includes a zone to the west of the town that is the area of town expansion.

Map of Pak Beng Town Bus Station

Nan – Oudomxay - Dien Bien Phu Highway

To new Mekong bridge (under construction) Market

Helicopter platform School Nam Beng i Future town expansion Resort Passenger Boat Port

Mekong River

Legend:

River/stream Point of interest

i Tourist Information Centre Temple

Market Primary guesthouse and restaurant area

Public Park Secondary guesthouse and restaurant area

Potential Tourism Assets in Pak Beng Town

Some potential tourism assets in Pak Beng town that could be developed to add to the convenience and appeal of the town are activities as follows;

§ Night Market. A night market selling ready made food, as well as handicrafts in a convenient and well lit position would bring atmosphere to the town. The important element being that it would;

o have to be where tourists walk past on their way between their accommodation and eating place

o Or, the night market would have to actually be the eating place(therefore foodstalls should be included in the nightmarket).

It should be noted that tourists will need more of a reason to go there than to only buy handicrafts. A trial period during a festival such as “boat races” would test this concept. It would be preferable if the road between the market to the port will be closed during market hours and stalls located along there, as this is where the tourists are located. Fortunately the access roads to and from the highway allow for the road between the Market and the Port to be closed during evenings.

If the night market is positioned on the main street, between the port and the main market, it is likely to sell more products than if it were located away from the accommodation area.

If the night market was located away from the main accommodation zone it would require additional attractions such as performances, food and drinks in order for tourists to go there. Handicrafts only, will not provide enough incentive for tourists to walk the extra distance.

§ Phou Vieng Mountain lookout. A walk way from the market to the helicopter platform gives the opportunity to see views. This will only attract day time tourists which may not suit the current evening arrival and morning departure pattern of tourism. However, a brochure and map combined with a few signs could provide the information that may help tourists use the look-out. Beware of investing large amounts of capital into developing a look-out point before it has proven to be a popular tourist activity.

§ Promotion of Local Food. For land travelers from Thailand, Sayabouly, Vietnam and China, the unique selling point (USP) for Pak Beng would have to be the Mekong River, as it is where the cross country road crosses the Mekong. Therefore, Pak Beng should be known as the place to eat Mekong fish. This needs to be promoted along route 2, so that tourists associate Pak Beng with Mekong fish. It is then vital that Mekong fish are available to supply this demand. This would take monitoring of fish catches and fish exports from the district.

Another local food that could be provided and promoted in Pak Beng is Lam Bang, a kind of stew cooked in the bamboo bong.

§ Promotion of Local Ethnic culture (and food). An ethnic food restaurant will also provide a lively option for tourists. This may be implemented and promoted as a Community-based activity. Cooking standards would have to be ensured and local performance would attract curious tourists. Training of local people and a convenient location will be necessary if this were to be a commercial success. However, if the night market were to be situated away from the accommodation centre of town, the performance group and food could be used to attract tourists to walk a little further. A promotion campaign will need to be implemented in order for tourists to get to know that this interesting option is available to them.

§ Promotion of History. Pak Beng has evidence that it was a centre of production of the Khong Bang (£Éº¤-®˜¤) during ancient times. This auspicious bronze drum-like artifact has been produced locally in miniature and serves as a symbol of Pak Beng to be used as a souvenir. This is an appropriate symbol of Pak Beng and can be promoted (along with Mekong fish) by providing information on the history of Khong Bang in Pak Beng. The miniature Khong Bang can be sold and presented as souvenirs of Pak Beng. These souvenirs are already produced in Ban Don Sa-at (Khamu). Posters explaining the significance of Khong Bang as well as the Mekong Fish could be printed to help with the “branding” of Pak Beng.

Potential Tourism Assets around Pak Beng

Some potential tourism assets around Pak Beng that could be further developed to add to a suite of activities are as follows;

§ Natural Tea Forest (Thousand-year Tea). This is located about 28km from Pak Beng town. The road is very steep starting from the highway at 350m above sea level, climbing to an altitude of 1500m on 22km of unsealed road. This road is actually a district road connecting to Pha-Oudom District Bokeo and on to Houei Xai. This tea forest site is near Ban Mok -Khe and has some indigenous tea trees (Thea sinensis) within the forest. Beside the road a tea tree with a trunk diameter of about 35cm is easily seen. The forest is on two sides of the road and is said to contain more specimens of tea tree that are larger than that seen on the roadside. It is unknown how old the individual tea trees are, but they are likely to be very old. This has given the name of the forest as “Thousand Year Tea Forest”. Plans to upgrade this road are in the District’s Socio-economic Plan (2009)4, so, if the road is widened, one of the tea trees located beside the road may have to be cut down. This provides an opportunity for the tree to be measured, and the annual growth-rings counted so that estimates of the age of other tea trees can be made by comparing trunk diameter.

The tea forest itself is near a place that can be used as a lookout along the road. The lookout, being so high altitude (about 1500m a.s.l.) causing the view to frequently overlook the mist shrouded valleys below, particularly in the cool months. From this, the look-out gets it’s name as “Sea of Clouds”. The view is like the sea with the occasional mountain peak poking through the clouds looking like an island.

4 Tourism Targets as stated in “5 year Socio-economic Development Report for 2005-2009 and Direction Plan for 2010 to 2014 (XIth District Party Congress, Pak Beng District: 2009)

Fig: Natural Tea forest near Ban Mok-Khe Fig: Tea leaf roller supplied by Dansavanh company on contract with Ban Phou Xang.

A village where the tea leaves from natural tea bushes are picked is located 6km along a track that turns off this road. The village is called Ban Phou Xang and is of Khmu ethnicity. Dansavanh company has a contract with this village to supply tea leaves to export to China. The company has provided driers and rollers to process the leaves before being sent to the factory in Oudomxay for further processing. Potential for villagers to supply their own tea to the tourist market exists but some negotiation with the company would have to take place.

A tea theme tour could be developed, and would need a coordinated effort and investment to provide transport, as well as provide tea that could be purchased by tourists.

§ Nam Beng River (Rafting). Approximately 16km from Pak Beng town, along the road to Oudomxay the Nam Beng River provides excellent potential for white-water rafting all year round. The river flows reasonably fast at this point and the sides of the river are flanked with natural forest (mainly on the southern side). There are suitable take-off points along the side of the road, and a village could manage the rafts if necessary. One village that has potential to manage the activity may be the nearby Ban Xayxana (or Ban Samsonphao). This village is a cultural village and is home to three ethnic groups (Khmu, Hmong and Lao Loum) which may add to the attraction. Judging from appearances, it may be possible to raft the whole way down from Ban Xaysana to Pak Beng Town. This would need to be surveyed. This could be developed through private enterprise, with villagers managing some of the logistics. This may be the tourist activity with the greatest potential in Pak Beng and is worthy of testing, as long as rafts can be accessed.

§ Tham Phou Ngeum cave. Located only about 3km from Pak Beng market. Needs clearer information on what it offers to the tourist, and how to get there.

§ Ban Pak Nyeri and Tham Phachao Khamtan. Ban Pak Nyeri is located near the planned Mekong bridge site. The area around the bridge will provide a special focus for travelers along route 2, and, in-fact, there is a special economic zone planned for an area within 800 m of the bridge. Ban Pak Nyeri is well located to take advantage of this as long as opportunities for local villagers are fostered. Ban Pak Nyeri is also recognized as a cultural village. Some cultural knowledge of the site around the bridge is also held in this village (e.g. Phi Nyar Thao rock). People from this village could also act as local guides and boatmen for Tham Phachao Khamtan cave.

§ Other sites. Other locations and products such as Tham Chom Xang Dong (Wild Elephant Cave), Tad Houay Saneum Waterfall may be surveyed in the future as tourism demand increases.

Mekong Bridge and Route 2

Currently a bridge across the Mekong is under construction near Pak Beng Town. This coupled with the road improvements along the route (Route 2) will link Thailand and Vietnam through Lao PDR. This route will pass through Sayabouly, Oudomxay and Phongsali Provinces in Lao PDR.

Map: The Mekong Bridge at Pak Beng will provide a direct route between Thailand Dien Bien Phu and Vietnam.

Oudomxay

Pak Beng

Nan

Tourism Along Route 2

The route running from Nan to Dien Bien Phu through Oudomxay is unlikely to be travelled directly by tourists, as to bypass the world heritage city of Luang Prabang would be unthinkable for most travelers, even though Dien Bien Phu and Sapa, in Vietnam are popular destinations for many western tourists 19

(particularly French). It is even more unlikely that tourists from Dien Bien Phu will travel directly to Nan. The direct path along route 2 will most likely be travelled by freight truck drivers or express vehicles.

Route 2 will provide many options for tourists to change between land and water transport. It provides opportunities for tourists to travel from Luang Namtha to Pak Beng by road, and then catch a boat to Luang Prabang. Alternatively, tourists may ride the boat from Houei Xai to Pak Beng and then go to Oudomxay and Nong Khio by land transport before going to Luang Prabang. Or perhaps, tourists could come from China, through Luang Namtha then Oudomxay to Hong Sa (via Pak Beng) during the elephant festival. This consolidates the role of Pak Beng as, not so much a destination, but a Scenic Hub. The route options for tourists provided by the Mekong Bridge and improved roads along route 2 are shown in the following map.

Potential Tourist Routes around Udomxay and Pak Beng Vietnam

Dien Bien Phu

Luang Namtha

Oudomxay Nong Khio

Houei Xai

Pak Beng Lao PDR

Luang Prabang

Hongsa

Thailand Sayabouly Town

Nan

It is likely that travelers using slow-boat transport (either one day or two days slow-boat travel) will sleep in Pak Beng, but land travelers using route 2 only, and not intending to change to boat travel in Pak Beng will either sleep in Oudomxay or Nan. This is because the land travelers are more likely to be either Chinese, Thai, Lao or Vietnamese, and are most likely have a preference to sleep in the larger cities. For land transport, it is then expected that Pak Beng will be the place to eat lunch rather than sleep. A likely timetable for land travelers is as follows;

Table: Potential Timetable for Land Travelers from Nan to Oudomxay(after bridge opened and road upgraded): Departure time Depart from: Arrival time Arrive at:

8:00AM Nan 10:30 Border

11:00AM Border 12:30 Pak Beng

1:30PM Pak Beng 4:30PM Oudomxay

Table: Potential Timetable for Land Travelers from Oudomxay to Nan (after bridge opened and road upgraded): Departure time Depart from: Arrival time Arrive at:

8:30AM Oudomxay 11:30 Pak Beng

12:30PM Pak Beng 2:00PM Border

2:30PM Border 5:00PM Nan

The timetables above show that for tourists sleeping in Oudomxay or Nan, lunch at Pak Beng is practical. Pak Beng would then have to provide a suitable site for parking busses and vans, and cater for at least a bus-load of people per restaurant. At first, tourists needing to eat lunch would use the restaurants located in the Pak Beng town, but eventually, when tourism numbers are adequate, an opportunity for building at least one dining sala located between the road and the Mekong River located along the highway between Pak Beng Town and the bridge. The most scenic site for this is located 2.6km back from the bridge. There is space to park busses, and also a sacred rock with a story nearby on the other side of the river. This site is illustrated in a picture as well as identified on the map below.

Fig: Excellent view from the side of the highway 2.6km from the bridge. Fig: Ban Pak Nyeri have a legend about This site should be reserved for tourist lunch site. It should not be let go Phi Nyar Thao rock, below. This is also as a truckstop. seen from the viewpoint.

Section between Bak Beng To Oudomxay (140km) and the Mekong Bridge. Oudomxay Province Legend:

View point

Pak Beng Town Route 2 Highway

Excellent view site. Mekong River Could be an Ban Bak Nyeri excellent lunch Bridge dining site.

Xayaboury Province

To Nan

Likely Changes from the Bridge Crossing

The opening of the Mekong Bridge linking Nan (Thailand) – Oudomxay – Dien Bien Phu, is most likely to result in a higher level of truck-based transport traffic than tourist traffic. From lessons learnt in other transport corridors truck stops form in sites where space allows, and commercial opportunities will mean that small drinking and karaoke bars will start around these truck stops. The area near the Mekong Bridge is likely to be one of these sites if left unchecked. There must be strict controls against this, particularly in sites that would otherwise be suitable for tourists. There is one particular site mentioned above that needs particular protection until it has been developed as a tourist lunch site.

Zonation

In order to preserve the visual qualities as well as ecological wellbeing of the landscape, the Deputy Prime Minister has directed the inclusion of a special “green zone” along the highway around Pak Beng. This green zone will mean that tourists travelling by boat will see forest clad hills unmarked by tree clearance and buildings until the actual Pak Beng town is entered. This will also help protect the air

around the town from dust produced by heavy trucks passing along the highway, and more importantly help protect the town against land slides that may be a threat to the town’s population during excessive rain periods. For these reasons, hill-side that is in view of boat transport, as well as that surrounding the town, and adjacent to the highway will be “green zone” protected forest. The zoning map below has either used the top of the mountain ridges to the high-water mark of the river (or a strip of 30m from the road-side immediately around Pak Beng town) as the demarcating borders. The green zone indicated in the following map “Greenzone between Pak Beng and Mekong Bridge” is a total of 2080 ha.

A special dining reservation has been added to this map to enable arrangements for an approved dining sala to be constructed on the roadside at a point with the best view along the Mekong River. A Public- Private Partnership (PPP) agreement for this site must also recognize villagers of Ban Pak Nyeri as traditional land custodians on this site, and have traditional relationship with the nearby Pha Nyar Thao rock site.

A green-zone area will prohibit land clearance (i.e. timber extraction and clearing vegetation for farming and residential development).

Green-zone between Pak Beng and the Mekong Bridge

Oudomxay Province

Pak Beng Town

Mekong River Ban Bak Nyeri Legend: Bridge Green-zone XayabouryProvince Special dining reservation

Map: Showing the Green-zone running from the top of the mountain ridges down to the riverside (or roadside in the case of Pak beng town), also indicating a special dining reservation where a dining sala can be constructed.

The zoning in Pak Beng Town in the following map includes the following zones;

• Public Park. This is to promote access to the riverside by tourists. Temporary structures for community purposes only are permitted to be built.

• Urban Expansion Zone. This is the area where residential development will take place. 24

• Accommodation and Restaurant Zone. This area will be developed as the central place for tourism. Here guesthouses and restaurants will be encouraged.

Zoning in Pak Beng Town

Legend:

Green zone

Public Park

Urban expansion zone

Accommodation and Restaurant zone

Market

The following map shows the full extent of the “green-zone” as it follows along the road towards Oudomxay for 6 km from Pak Beng town. Other important forests to preserve are the Tea Forest near Ban Mok-Khe and the forest along the river, downstream from Ban Xayxana to enable a nature tourism water rafting activity to be developed.

Proposed Tourism Green Zoning in District

Tea Forest Ban Mok-Khe

Ban Xayxana

Streamside

forest Green zone Pak Beng Town

Projected Tourism Visitation

Based on current statistics, and assuming that the tourists staying in Pak Beng will continue to grow logarithmically due to water-based travel continuing to grow; as well as a proportion of land-based travelers staying. It is conceivable that about 120,000 tourist will stay in Pak Beng per year by 2015. If this were to occur, that would mean an average of 330 people would stay in Pak Beng per night in 2015. Taking into account that visitor rates are not constant throughout the year, accommodation would have to provide for the night of highest number of visitors. It would then be reasonable to estimate that the night of highest accommodation rate would be 80% more than the average. This would make it a maximum 594 guests in one night.

Estimated Visitors to Pak Beng (65% of Province) and Projected Increase 150000 y = 2E+07ln(x) - 1E+08 100000 R² = 0.850 Estimated Visitors to Pak Beng (65% of 50000 Province) 0 Projected Increase of Amount of Arivals Visitors to Pak Beng (polynomial) 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Year

If the highest nightly accommodation rate is 594 visitors, the projected requirements for 2015 is as follows;

Peak nightly visitors Total number Current Extra units of units number of required units.

Visitors 594 594 beds 334 260

Boats (90% of visitors 20 boats in Pak Beng that 66 boats 113 0 travel by boat @ 30 night, but the same amount in people per boat) LPB, and HX. Therefore 60 boats + 10% contingency

Restaurants (evening 300 tables 177 tables 123

dinner and breakfast)

If this were to take place, extra beds and restaurant tables will have to be made available in the next 5 years. Planning for building of extra facilities such as; 1 Hotel (27 rooms- 40 beds), 10 Guest Houses (120 rooms – 200 beds), 1 resort (20 rooms – 20 beds), and at least 5 new restaurants. Incentives need to be given to potential tourism investors to build the bedrooms and restaurants. This can be stimulated through interventions such as; tax reductions on guesthouses and restaurants, promotion of investment in Pak Beng through distributing investment prospectus to the right target audience; creating interest in Pak Beng through participation in trade “Expos” as well as effective Branding and Marketing of Pak Beng being at the “Scenic Hub of Northern Laos”.

Ready –to- eat food stalls in the night market, rather than new restaurants could contribute to the projected 5 more restaurants stated in the previous paragraph.

Strategies and Action Plan to Capture More Benefits from Tourism

Vision for Pak Beng: Pak Beng will be placed in the minds of travelers as a place where many travel options emanate from. It will no longer be considered an isolated river-stop, and tourists staying there will feel more secure because they will see maps and information displayed offering alternative routes and providing information about tourism attractions and travel options to the attractions of Northern Laos.

Pak Beng will be a place ready to receive anticipated increases in arrivals by providing a range of tourist accommodation and services so that tourists will be comfortable, will want to spend more, and stay longer.

Pak Beng will be known as a place where nature is protected and culture is revered and admired by all; Locals and visitors alike.

Interventions and Actions: Intervention 1: Improve current tourism facilities while maintaining their natural assets, and service both the domestic and international tourism markets through encouraging private sector investment.

Action 1.1: Liaise with District Government and local bank to promote the establishment of 24hr international ATM in Pak Beng. Result: Tourists will have more cash available for local purchases. This is expected to increase individual tourist spending by 10%.

Action 1.2: Liaise with District Government to coordinate with Bank to ensure clear information is available about money exchange rates and exchange services in Pak Beng.

Result: Tourists will be able to confidently exchange money without feeling that they are receiving unreasonable exchange. This will provide confidence to tourists and help increase the feeling of safety/security in the town and increase spending by at least 10%. Internet blogs will increase positive reports.

Action 1.3: Promote the establishment of an internet café through communication through local business forums, District Plans and telecom (internet providers). Result: Tourists will have alternative evening activity, therefore consuming more food and beverage. Also tourists will feel less isolated on their first night in Lao, and may feel more relaxed and safer because of this. Private sector investing in 1 to 3 internet cafés.

Action 1.4: Develop a masterplan of town development. Result: A coordinated approach between various agencies with the development of planned submissions for infrastructure as well as transportation development in the town.

Action 1.5: Promote the construction of Grey-water (Õ-À¦¨) and black-water (Õ-À¯šº) collection, treatment and disposal facilities between the market and the port. Result: Tourists will enjoy the view of the Mekong without noticing smells. Also, the long grass on the river bank below the guesthouses can be occasionally cut back during the dry season without exposing polluted water running into the river. Tourists will enjoy a cleaner environment, particularly near the dining facilities.

Action 1.6: A special dining reservation located on the highway roadside located 2.6km back from the bridge to be reserved for a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to enable a dining sala to be constructed at the point with the best view along the Mekong River. Adoption of the site as a truck-stop must strictly be prevented, and an agreement for this site must also recognize villagers of Ban Pak Nyeri as traditional land custodians on this site, and have traditional relationship with the nearby Pha Nyar Thao rock site. Result: Bus loads of travelers will stop to eat lunch at this site with dining facilities, parking space, views and local information about village beliefs and lifestyle.

Action 1.7: Establish Green zones as ordered by the Deputy Prime Minister as well as marked in Maps in this strategy to preserve the green hills backdrop of Pak Beng town; Improve air quality and reduce dust from the highway; Prevent occurrence of land slips in Pak Beng town and riverside locations. Result: Visually appealing natural background to the town, clean environment, and stable land.

Action 1.8: Promote tree planting along the highway and in the town with appropriate trees. Vilagers to collect seed and propagate in village where water supply is reliable. Prior to planting survey the planning sites to determine appropriate species, as well as any important areas that should be avoided (e.g. electric wires and viewpoints) 29

Result: Beautiful shady cool town with clean air.

Intervention 2: Building and improving basic infrastructure/tourism facilities such as; Hotel, Guesthouses, Resort, and Restaurant/Cafes. Action 2.1: Liaise with District Government in Pak Beng as well as Pha-Oudom (Bokeo) to ensure the upgrading of the road between Houei Xai and Pak Beng Result: Tourists will have a reasonably attractive option for travel to Pak Beng from Houei Xai if the river level drops to the low level seen in 2010. This is also expected to increase tour operator’s confidence in including the tea forest as a tour product, and will result in higher tourist visitation both the tea forest, “sea of clouds” view point, and Ban Phou Xang tea factory.

Action 2.2: Promote the survey and develop water source/s for town water. This must provide more than twice the amount of water needed currently, as tourism is expected to continue to increase (double) in the next 5 years. Result: Tourist satisfaction with accommodation will increase and guesthouse managers can charge more per room because water will be available. If the water supply remains at current level, a serious reduction in tourist satisfaction will result.

Action 2.3: Design and print a prospectus, providing detailed information about Pak Beng to encourage business investment in the town. Result: Information summary available to give to potential investors during forums, expos and other opportunities.

Action 2.4: Identify and appropriate investment stimulus package with potential tax incentives for investors constructing additional accommodation. This will help encourage the construction of accommodation to match the projected increase in tourist arrivals [1 Hotel (27 rooms- 40 beds), 10 Guest Houses (120 rooms – 200 beds), and 1 resort (20 rooms – 20 beds)]. Result: Increase in accommodation construction to match increased tourist arrivals.

Action 2.5: Identify potential tourism infrastructure investors and promote Pak Beng as the crossroads and a site to invest in. Projected increases in tourist arrivals in the next five years will provide an opportunity for an expected additional 1 Hotel (27 rooms- 40 beds), 10 Guest Houses (120 rooms – 200 beds), and 1 resort (20 rooms – 20 beds). Either attend expos and forums that these investors will be present or arrange a familiarization tour for them. Result: Increase in accommodation construction to match increased tourist arrivals.

Action 2.6: Ensure that a trash/rubbish collection system is adequate. Also print posters about trash collection to encourage restaurants to cooperate; separate trash into different types. Also Ensure that trash/rubbish disposal system is adequate (e.g landfill). Result: No trash seen on riverside below restaurants.

Action 2.7: Ensure the separation of the passenger and freight boat ports. Result: 95% reduction in the large truck traffic in the main street of Pak Beng.

Action 2.8: a) If the night market were located on the street in front of the accommodation and restaurant zones, build a toilet near the port, and widen the road near the market to let vehicle turn around when the road is closed at night. b) If night market was located in the riverside park between the two temples, build an ethnic performance platform with eating facilities to help attract tourists to walk the extra distance from their accommodation. Also build toilets in the riverside park between the temples. Result: Local incomes raised and diversified through selling products. Exciting night atmosphere to encourage tourists to stay longer in Pak Beng.

Action 2.9: Extend the Tourist Information Centre so that information and dispays of neighbouring attractions as well as local attractions can be presented. Result: Pak Beng has the centre to display information about attractions in alternative directions.

Intervention 3: Make nature-based tourism products, such as; rafting, caving, trekking, cultural villages and other sites of interest.

Action 3.1: Plan test treks and tours of sites such as Tham Phachao Khamtan and actively advertise it through a white-board stating “Ready to go on test trek tomorrow morning”; contact for booking, minimum number of participants, description of the journey (can use the brochure to help); what time leaving, what to bring, price of tour (tourists will have to pay). Also obtain feedback from tourists through prepared forms. Obtain villagers feedback (if they were involved in the test) and use tourist feedback as a lesson of how to improve the product. Also survey other sites for potential as trekking trails (approx. 8km per day). Result: Increase in tourists wanting to do activities while staying in Pak Beng. Increased exposure of tourists to tourism sites (therefore an increase in information about Pak Beng tourism products being spread). Villagers and District guides will increase their confidence in hosting tourists. The commercial price and viability/potential of the tour can then be assessed.

Action 3.2: Approach a tour company with rafts to do a joint test journey with tourists after a survey of the stream and rapid conditions on Nam Beng (starting from near Ban Xayxana). If survey gives positive result, invite tourists to participate in a river journey by actively advertising the product, and the price through billboard and white-board advertising local restaurants, and Information Centre, as well as in Bokeo and Luang Prabang. Result: Increase in tourists wanting to do activities while staying in Pak Beng. Increased exposure of tourists to tourism sites. The commercial price and viability/potential of the tour can then be assessed.

Action 3.3: If testing of rafting on Nam Beng proves successful and the company and villagers agree to develop it as a commercial venture, make a PPP between all parties including government. Result: Benefits and responsibility of the rafting spread; including villagers. Tourists will have an exiting activity to do while staying in Pak Beng.

Action 3.4: Promote local cultural festivals to tourism operators. Organise special tour to Hmong village during Hmong New Year, or other appropriate opportunities. Result: Increase in tourist awareness and demand for cultural activities in Pak Beng. Relationship with tour operators built up (especially Thai tour operators).

Action 3.5: Clarify with the Tea company (Dansavanh) regarding options for developing a tea product produced and packaged by the Ban Phou Xang villagers to sell to tourists. After assurances by the company that the villagers are free to develop their own product, the tourism office will assist in the product development. Also collect information about the tea trees (including estimated age of the tree) and production in order to produce information for the promotion of the “Thousand Year Tea Forest” together with “Sea of Clouds Viewpoint” (near the Tea Forest). Contact van operators to provide quotation for transport to Tea Forest and Tea Factory to prepare financial costing of trip with Guide, in order to sell to public. Also prepare a plan to develop tea processing and packaging the local tea to sell in Pak Beng. N.B Similar tea forests occur in Bokeo, and Phongsali, so competition for the use of “Thousand Year Tea” as well as “Sea of Clouds Viewpoint” exists. Result: Poverty reduction through additional income from tea trees growing naturally near the village.

Action 3.6: Make agreement to preserve the tea forest for future tourism options. Result: Even if the site is not used immediately for tourism, the option will still be available to develop the tea theme in tourism in future.

Intervention 4: Promote tourism through improved tourism information access, night market and cultural festivals.

Action 4.1: Ensure that festivals and local event are reported to www.ecotourismlaos.com webmaster, so the events can be advertised through the site. Events such as special test treks, and special festivals, as well as regular festivals like “rocket” and “Hmong New Year” should be advertised on the website. A short description of the activity with the dates, cost and booking contact details (e.g. email address) to be provided one month before the event. The District Tourism Office to coordinate this action, and need to access an email address for this. Result: Visitors to make Pak Beng their destination (instead of sleeping port) specifically for these activities. Monitor respondent numbers to measure the effectiveness of internet site advertising.

Action 4.2: Liaise with the owner of Phou Ngeum cave to ensure that more information is available to the tourists at both the information centre and the sign (at the port). Information needs to include a short description of the cave, the distance from Pak Beng town, and directions. 32

Result: Tourists are attracted to stay an extra day to do a number of activities around town. Also road- based travelers visit the site.

Action 4.3: Produce panels about sites such as Tham Phachao Khamtan, Tham Phou Ngeum, Tea Forest, 3 cultures in Ban Xayxana and more for display at Pak Beng information centre as well as at Oudomxai PTD office. Result: More awareness of tourism sites around Pak Beng.

Action 4.4: Produce panels and maps indicating attractions in all directions, including tourism sites in, other Districts in Oudomxay, Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang,Phongsali, Nan and Dien Bien Phu, so that the Information centre in Pak Beng can truly play the role of tourism “Hub” (or Crossroads). Also, if feasible, display information about Pak Beng in the aforementioned places. Result: Tourists will be able to change their travel plan and mode of transport in Pak Beng as a result of being well informed.

Action 4.5: Promote local cultural festivals to tourism operators (Thai, Chinese, Lao and Vietnamese). For example, liaise with tour operator to organize special tour to Hmong village during Hmong New Year in order to help the operator adopt the activity as a new product. Result: Tourism operators are familiar with opportunities for culture-based tourism activities in Pak Beng.

Action 4.6: Promote a night market in a place where tourists pass. Mix stalls selling ready made meals with the selling of handicrafts, so that the food will attract the tourist to the handicrafts. Ensure the night market is well lit by handmade lamps to provide atmosphere. Note that a large financial investment is not recommended here until the potential of the market is clear. It is not likely that tourist spending their first night in Laos will want to buy handicrafts, as they will have to carry them throughout their journey. This activity should be regarded as a test, and therefore feedback collection from sellers and tourists must be sought. Result: Evening atmosphere in Pak Beng will liven up, and local people will have an opportunity to sell local products.

Action 4.7: Provide training assistance to sellers, and producers for the night market for product presentation, product adaptation to suit the market, and selling regulations. Result: Increased sales of products that suit the buyers.

Action 4.8: Create an effective branding slogan for Pak Beng to enable market promotion. One suggested brand is “Nam Beng- Scenic Hub of Northern Lao”. This should be promoted visually with a symbol or map illustrating the directions and destinations that could be accessed from Pak Beng. This should not only be promoted in Oudomxai, but all over Northern Laos, and Northern Thailand, and should be particularly promoted during the opening of the Mekong Bridge. Further “branding” symbols representing Pak Beng as the “Scenic Hub” can be made incorporating the Khong Bang symbol possibly 33

incorporating compass directions on the top of the Khong Bang to represent Pak Beng as both an ancient production centre of Khong Bang production, as well as a “Hub” or “crossroads” where direction of travel can be changed. Result: Pak Beng will be thought of as a place where many travel options emanate from. It would no longer be considered an isolated river-stop, and tourists staying there will feel more secure because they will see maps displayed around Pak Beng illustrating all the options of travel.

Action 4.9: Handicraft training for villagers to adapt their traditional crafts to the tourism market (textiles, basketry, blacksmithing). To be combined with a study tour to Luang Prabang for handicraft sellers. Result: Products, pricing and presentation for tourist market.

Action 4.10: If a dining sala is constructed at the site 2.6km from the bridge, and adjacent to Pha Nyar Thao rocks. Make a sign in the sala, interpreting the villagers story about the rocks. Result: Additional interest to site relating cultural connection to the land.

Action 4.11: Provide clear signage to bus station and clear timetables of bus services so that Pak Beng can fulfill it’s role as “Scenic Hub”. Result: Tourists will know that they have travel options.

Intervention 5: Make additional tourism activities in the town. Action 5.1: Promote the formation and performances of local cultural performance group. Initially to perform at festivals, but with the longer-term goal of performing more regularly, and being sponsored by local businesses to brighten up evening and night time atmosphere in the town. Contact Luang Prabang to gain information of how the very popular cultural performances are arranged. Result: Tourists feel that they have arrived in a special place with a good atmosphere, friendly and safe.

Action 5.2: Promote the unique selling point (USP) for Pak Beng to land travelers from Thailand, Sayabouly, Vietnam and China, as “the place to eat Mekong fish”. This needs to be promoted along route 2, so that tourists associate Pak Beng with Mekong fish. Also ensure that Mekong fish are available to supply this demand at a sustainable rate though support from the District fisheries section through the monitoring of fish catches and fish exports from the district, as well as local consumption. . Also, promote a cooking competition to highlight Mekong fish. Result: Pak Beng associated with “eating Mekong fish” by overland tourists. Also data for informed management of the fisheries will guide consumption rates and fisheries interventions.

Action 5.3: Promote another local food in Pak Beng; Lam Bang, a kind of stew cooked in the bamboo bong, and train local people in it’s preparation and marketing, particularly, but not limited to the night market vendors. Promotional material such as brochure to be produced. Result: Pak Beng will be famous as the place to eat Lam Bang from the market. Also, promote a cooking competition to highlight Lam Bang. 34

Action 5.4: Reserve site for sala (site described in text), and prevent it from being used as a truck stop. Present the site to potential investors to develop as a lunch sala on the highway (2.6 km from the bridge) for road travelers (including tour busses) to stop. Result: Site is available for development for sala and PPP arrangement.

Action 5.5: Order a study to assess whether there is enough availability of local Mekong fish to supply the future tourist demand. Monitor the Mekong fish populations to ensure that the fish-based products can be sold into the future. Ensure that marketing of Mekong fish is introduced with conservation measures such as fish protection zones to ensure that fish can breed locally as well as suitable and legal fishing practices. Result: A well recognized food product for the district that can be offered to tourists; with conservation measures to ensure that the fishing is sustainably managed.

Action 5.6: Make walking path (with signs in Lao and English) from Market to Phou Vieng Hill to a place offering good views of the town and river (at the Helicopter platform). Write a text for and prepare small map for brochure to guide tourists. N.B. Don’t invest in any look-out structure on Phou Vieng until it is proven that the tourists go there regularly. Result: Tourists will have information brochure available in Guesthouses so they can decide whether to go for evening or early morning walk through the market to the hill.

Action 5.7: Make walking trail to the public park on the riverside, with lighting along the walk to enable tourists to go to the park in the evening. Result: Food vendors can sell food to tourists in the park in the evening.

Action 5.8: Form an ethnic performance group and restaurant to help attract tourists to the night market. Ensure that a mechanism of paying for cultural performances (possibly through food sales at the venue) is set up. Asssist the ethnic performance and restaurant groups with training to provide food preraration and service, performance and marketing skills. Result: An night attraction, to provide increased opportunities for local ethnic groups to generate income, conserve cultureal performance and lighten up the night atmosphere in the Pak Beng town.

Intervention 6: Improve the Tourism Association for the management, service standards, regulations, and security standards.

Action 6.1: Ensure the monitoring of internet and blog sites, by District Tourism Office as well as Pak Beng Hotel and Guesthouse Association, to obtain unsolicitored feedback by tourists regarding guesthouses and restaurants and other services in Pak Beng. Use internet www.tripadvisor.com and search Pak Beng (“Pakbeng, Laos”) on that site. Also do regular general searches of blogs by entering www.google.com and search using “Pakbeng Laos” or”Pak Beng Laos”(also try “Pak Bang Laos”) 35

Result: The best way to get unbiased feedback from tourists. Tourist satisfaction with accommodation and dining will increase as feedback is used to inform management interventions to solve any problems in their own businesses.

Action 6.2: Establish a tourist suggestion and complaint form and a suggestion and complaint box so that tourists can provide information about illicit/rude or damaging behavior, or suggest improvements. Follow a similar system to that being used in Luang Namtha. Result: Informed management for control of service and security standards. Success of management interventions indicated through number of complaints received; also, a reduction in internet blogs reporting any negative occurrences; response to tourist demands /suggestions.

Action 6.3: Request that Bokeo authorities in Houei Xai promote and enforce an 11:00AM time limit of departure from Houei Xai to ensure that there is a safety margin of about one hour daylight. Result: Increased safety in boat travel due to boats not having to travel in the river in the evening (fading light).

Action 6.4: Ensure internet is connected to District Tourism Office and that updates of contacts, conditions and activities are reported on the www.ecotourismlaos.com website. Updates need to be passed by web master and then entered in the “What’s New” section. Result: Visitors to make Pak Beng their destination (instead of transit port).

Action 6.5: Provide clear signs to Tourist Police office, and provide easy reporting formats for tourists to report any illicit or offensive behavior. Promote the procedures to Inform guesthouse managers and service providers and encourage them to play an active role in assisting the reporting of any offences. Combine this with a campaign by Tourist Office and Police to explain that attention to any offences or inappropriate behavior will be increased to ensure the security of tourists in Pak Beng. Result: Pak Beng will be known as a safe place for tourists indicated by internet blog comments.

Action 6.6: “Do’s and Don’t’s” awareness campaign for tourists, by coordinating with guesthouse and hotel owners and supplying them with posters and booklets for tourist information within the guesthouses. Result: Insure that tourists are conscious of their own behavior standards.

Action 6.7: Coordinate with authorities in Bokeo and Chiang Khong to eradicate the illegal practice of pre-sale of two day tickets, accommodation included, by unregistered vendors. Support an awareness campaign to inform and warn offenders and tourists, then apply serious penalties for any repeat offenders. Result: Tourists will reduce complaints about accommodation in Pak Beng not meeting the expectations gained at ticket purchase point. Tourists will also have the option to stay an extra day in Pak Beng, or change to road transport from Pak Beng, helping to play the role of “Hub-crossroads” (Crossroads = where direction can change, based on information gained at a central point). 36

Action 6.8: Form “Partner Provinces River Trip Coordination Committee” with regular meetings, reporting progress, survey results, problems or initiatives. Provide adaptive management (could be an existing committee) and a way of relaying the current priorities to district and provincial planning meetings. Result: Proposals made from a combined body of stakeholders that are unified, making any adaptive management interventions simpler, and planning more informed and effective.

Action 6.9: Establish a night market management organization to ensure that regulations are followed, and that quality local goods are sold only (not mixed with imported handicrafts and goods). Also provide training for this group in order to recognize suitable products, presentation, and placement of quality local products. Set up mechanism of paying for site management. Result: Well managed night market with attractions and products that appeal to the tourist visitting Pak Beng.