The view across the Mekong toward Luang Prabang, with mountains in the distance. (JP/Peter Milne)

Luang Prabang provincial authorities have plans to expand the town to ease traffic congestion and in response to the increasing number of tourists to the World Heritage site.

The Luang Prabang town expansion project covers 100 hectares of land starting from Donkeo village to Luang Prabang airport through Phanom and Nasangveuy villages.

'€œOur company has finished a design and survey at a cost of more than one billion kip,'€ Director of Duangpaseut Road and Bridge Construction Company Mr Bounthieng Duangpaseuth told Vientiane Times recently.

The project includes construction of concrete and asphalt roads and a new bridge across Nam Khan River, with construction expected to be finished within two years.

The project will cost around US$40- 50 million and be funded by the government.

'€œThe Company is currently waiting for budget from the government for full construction of the project,'€ he said.

Mr Bounthieng said the project was part of a wider urban development plan for Luang Prabang, and some government offices and businesses would be relocated.

This project will help reduce traffic congestion in town due to the ever growing number of vehicles and tourists.

According to the provincial Tourism Office, in 2013 the number of overseas visitors to Luang Prabang reached 343,000 people, increasing to 370,000 in 2014.

Over the first six months of this fiscal year, Luang Prabang province welcomed more than 300,000 tourists with the figure expected to hit 500,000 people for the whole year. (kes)(+)

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