Letter to LNTA
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Kris Dhiradityakul
Oct 18, 2012, 1:37:49 PM10/18/12
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Dear Editor (Letter to Lao National Tourism Administration)
Two months ago, the Laos government decided to close all the bars along
the river near Vang Vieng in the hope that the area would return to
its former beauty, and the true culture of Laos could be preserved.
Further more, people’s lives would be saved.
According to the locals in Vang Vieng, “The cabinet, Led by the prime
minister, visited the tubing site and held a meeting.” The result is
that the bars are not allowed to operate near the river in the tubing
area and restaurants or hotels are not allowed to operate within 15
meters of the river as this poses a danger to the environment and the
tourists.
However after two weeks of closing the bars, tubing is still being
allowed to continue. According to the local tubing staff, the number
of people participating in this activity has decreased to around 40-50
a day, down from the 200-300 hundred at the same time last year. The
people running the tube rides are complaining that they are losing
money. Moreover, they worry that without the bars, people won't
come to Vang Vieng anymore, and without tourists, other businesses in this
small town will be affected.
Now the government is in a dilemma. They are contemplating whether to
reopen the bars but are concerned that, if they do, young backpackers
who patronise them will quite likely lose their lives or be seriously
injured.
On behalf of the average tourists who love the natural authentic
beauty of Vang Vieng, I want to commend the Laos government for
closing the bars along the river of Nam Song in Vang Vieng and
re-zoning the entertainment area in Vang Vieng for the benefit of the
locals, tourists and a healthy environment. I absolutely agree with
their actions and want to support this decision to preserve the beauty
of the environment and culture of Laos. This decision will bring a
better class of tourist to the area who will appreciate the authentic
culture and environment of Vang Vieng rather than drunken, drug crazed
thrill seekers who simply lower the tone of the area and bring the
reputation of the country into disrepute in the eyes of the world.
Recently Australian television aired a documentary in prime time
showing the irresponsible behaviour of some of the bar owners who
encouraged young Australian back packers to drink to excess, take
drugs, and endanger life and limb. This sent a very negative message
to viewers and would certainly discourage a more reputable type of
tourist from visiting the area.
My recommendations are as follows:
1) Zoning: Zoning the bars only in the safe area at the end of the tubing
area. Ensure that there are no drugs sold in the bars and that all
bars comply strictly to Laos law regarding not serving any more alcohol to
already drunken patrons, and closing their establishments on time.
2) Rebranding: In co-operation with the hotels and locals, promote
other responsible activities such as kayaking, responsible tubing,
caving, etc. In other words, “let's turn Vang Vieng into 'Responsible
Tubing' or 'Adventurous Vang Vieng'’ or ‘Romantic Vang Vieng’, or ‘Classic
Night By the Nam Song River ‘.
3) Ecotourism or Community Based Tourism: Conduct ecotourism or
community based tourism ventures where the local villagers around Vang Vieng
and along the river can share the benefits and indirectly help preserve
the environment. This will promote environmental awareness and
cultural pride among the local people of Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng has a
great potential for ecotourism. Also tourists can experience authentic
culture and
a natural environment instead of just coming to the bars, etc.
4) Infrastructure: Pave the road from Vientianne to Vang Vieng and
Luang Prabang so that the journey is faster, smoother, more pleasant,
and safer.
Best regards,
Kris Dhiradityakul
Chiang Rai, Thailand
Two months ago, the Laos government decided to close all the bars along
the river near Vang Vieng in the hope that the area would return to
its former beauty, and the true culture of Laos could be preserved.
Further more, people’s lives would be saved.
According to the locals in Vang Vieng, “The cabinet, Led by the prime
minister, visited the tubing site and held a meeting.” The result is
that the bars are not allowed to operate near the river in the tubing
area and restaurants or hotels are not allowed to operate within 15
meters of the river as this poses a danger to the environment and the
tourists.
However after two weeks of closing the bars, tubing is still being
allowed to continue. According to the local tubing staff, the number
of people participating in this activity has decreased to around 40-50
a day, down from the 200-300 hundred at the same time last year. The
people running the tube rides are complaining that they are losing
money. Moreover, they worry that without the bars, people won't
come to Vang Vieng anymore, and without tourists, other businesses in this
small town will be affected.
Now the government is in a dilemma. They are contemplating whether to
reopen the bars but are concerned that, if they do, young backpackers
who patronise them will quite likely lose their lives or be seriously
injured.
On behalf of the average tourists who love the natural authentic
beauty of Vang Vieng, I want to commend the Laos government for
closing the bars along the river of Nam Song in Vang Vieng and
re-zoning the entertainment area in Vang Vieng for the benefit of the
locals, tourists and a healthy environment. I absolutely agree with
their actions and want to support this decision to preserve the beauty
of the environment and culture of Laos. This decision will bring a
better class of tourist to the area who will appreciate the authentic
culture and environment of Vang Vieng rather than drunken, drug crazed
thrill seekers who simply lower the tone of the area and bring the
reputation of the country into disrepute in the eyes of the world.
Recently Australian television aired a documentary in prime time
showing the irresponsible behaviour of some of the bar owners who
encouraged young Australian back packers to drink to excess, take
drugs, and endanger life and limb. This sent a very negative message
to viewers and would certainly discourage a more reputable type of
tourist from visiting the area.
My recommendations are as follows:
1) Zoning: Zoning the bars only in the safe area at the end of the tubing
area. Ensure that there are no drugs sold in the bars and that all
bars comply strictly to Laos law regarding not serving any more alcohol to
already drunken patrons, and closing their establishments on time.
2) Rebranding: In co-operation with the hotels and locals, promote
other responsible activities such as kayaking, responsible tubing,
caving, etc. In other words, “let's turn Vang Vieng into 'Responsible
Tubing' or 'Adventurous Vang Vieng'’ or ‘Romantic Vang Vieng’, or ‘Classic
Night By the Nam Song River ‘.
3) Ecotourism or Community Based Tourism: Conduct ecotourism or
community based tourism ventures where the local villagers around Vang Vieng
and along the river can share the benefits and indirectly help preserve
the environment. This will promote environmental awareness and
cultural pride among the local people of Vang Vieng. Vang Vieng has a
great potential for ecotourism. Also tourists can experience authentic
culture and
a natural environment instead of just coming to the bars, etc.
4) Infrastructure: Pave the road from Vientianne to Vang Vieng and
Luang Prabang so that the journey is faster, smoother, more pleasant,
and safer.
Best regards,
Kris Dhiradityakul
Chiang Rai, Thailand
justina...@gmail.com
Nov 1, 2012, 3:13:04 PM11/1/12
to ecotour...@googlegroups.com
Dear Kris,
Scores of people do agree with you, as a matter of rumor, most bars and entertainment venues are Thai "owned" .
We have gathered pictures and articles about this place,no comment, the decay it went through just to benefit a few, and transforming the place in a thrillerzone.
Laos amazon of asia
lets keep it that way
great contribution.
Laos
Op vrijdag 19 oktober 2012 00:37:49 UTC+7 schreef Kris Dhiradityakul het volgende:
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