Lao news media has received complaints from both foreign and domestic tourists about a new multi-level building under construction on the far bank of the Nam Song River in Vang Vieng.
The building is over seven levels in height, and although incomplete, has already begun to obscure the beautiful view that has made Vang Vieng famous.
One Australian tourist commented, “I’ve been to Laos many times and always visited Vang Vieng. I brought my friends with me this trip and was saddened to see this new building blocking the view, which is normally spectacular.”
Vang Vieng is located in a valley, and is known for its breathtaking natural scenery. Clouds float across the karst formations in the distance, with the Nam Song River and lush green farmland in the foreground. It is this view that brings thousands of tourists to the small town each year.
Development, however, has clearly begun to encroach.
An employee of the National University of Laos visited Vang Vieng recently for a conference, and took the above photo of the building. He asked, “had the authorities that authorized this construction project forgotten about the beautiful scenery behind it?”
