The northern town just pipped the capital city of Vientiane for the title of favourite Lao destination. Vientiane was on 80 per cent of the travellers’ itineraries while southern Champasak Province and the town of Pakse garnered a 58 per cent approval rating.
Vang Vieng was fourth and featured on the itineraries of a third of the foreign tourists. With 17 per cent apiece, the provinces of Bokeo and Khammuan tied for fifth place. The Tourism Development Department collected its data from the three main airports at Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse as well as at overland crossings such as the Mekong Friendship Bridge linking Thanaleng and Nong Khai.
Although Vientiane is at present high on the itineraries of travellers, tourism industry insiders say the fact more airlines are flying directly to Luang Prabang gives the option of bypassing the capital. Another handy option is to buy open-jaw flight tickets and fly in to either Luang Prabang or Vientiane and out of the other.
Laos tourist bureau says Luang Prabang is number one draw
News in Asia
Tourists quizzed by a division of the Laos Tourist Ministry have named Luang Prabang as their number one destination. The Tourism Development Department collated answers from 2,800 overseas visitors and found that 83 per cent were planning trips to the UNESCO listed town when in Laos.