Vang Vieng’s Nam Song River has been muddy for weeks, but many residents are questioning the authorities’ explanation for the change in water color.
People first reported the issue in October, saying the river had turned muddy even though there had been no rain. The water remained discoloured through 3 November.
At a meeting on 26 October, authorities agreed to investigate and called for action to clean up the river. They also discussed suspending projects that release sediment into the water to protect public trust and Vang Vieng’s tourism industry.
A week later, on 3 November, the Vang Vieng Commission for Information and Education said heavy rain in the northern Xaysomboun area had washed soil into three streams that flow down into the Nam Song. It also blamed land clearing for a new access road to Houay Khai waterfall in Vang Vieng.
Skepticism
The explanation has not convinced everyone. Residents, business owners, and travellers have pointed out that the river was already muddy for weeks before the recent rainfall.
“It’s been muddy for weeks without a drop of rain. Who are they trying to fool?” one commenter wrote. Another said the water had turned reddish-brown well before the rain arrived.
Some residents suspect that gold mining upstream may also be contributing to the problem. “Go check the gold mining sites near upstream, the water is completely polluted there,” one resident wrote in the comment section of a Facebook post by local media Laophattana News, raising concerns about possible damage to nearby farmland.
The comments bring back concerns about earlier pollution cases in the area. In July, authorities suspended Daochalearn Mineral Processing over river pollution following unauthorized upstream operations.
Concerns for Vang Vieng Tourism
The muddy water has also prompted concerns about the impact on local businesses. Vang Vieng attracts visitors for its rivers, limestone mountains, and outdoor activities, and residents worry that the discoloured water could put tourists off.
“Looking at water this color completely ruins the urge to travel. Vang Vieng is going to suffer massive income losses if this isn’t fixed immediately,” one social media user commented on the Facebook post.
Some residents are now calling for on-site inspections and clear evidence showing where the sediment is coming from.
