The spokesperson told local reporters that projects to develop additional trekking routes and better hygienic facilities would be the first priority. A revamp of roads to outlying settlements is next on the agenda and this will be followed by the construction of retail and sports centres and the establishment of a public park.
Viengxay is home to the noted Viengxay Caves and Mt Phou Pha Thi. Both are significant revolutionary monuments and holdovers from the Indochina War. The caves were home to more than 20,000 Pathet Lao fighters during the war.
The caves are relatively well-preserved and, as a historical site, are on a par with the more famous Cu Chi tunnels in Vietnam. Phou Pha Thi was the location of the 1968 Lima Site 85 battle in which rebel soldiers inflicted heavy casualties on US forces.
In the past decade, the number of visitors making the long journey to Viengxay has grown 500 per cent. Arduous bus journeys from Vientiane or taking one of the sporadic flights to nearby Xam Neua are the only viable means of getting here.
Laos to promote remote tourism location
News in Asia
Local authorities in a remote northeastern town in Laos say they will improve infrastructure in a bid to woo tourists into visiting. A spokesperson for Houaphanh provincial officials says the improvements should entice more visitors to Viengxay.