Pandaw launches second Mekong boat

BANGKOK, 18 September 2017: A new double-deck river boat, RV Sabei Pandaw, will set sail shortly on the Mekong River offering trips through Laos to Yunnan province in China.

The 45-metre vessel has been specially designed to navigate the shallow waters of the Mekong River and the navigational challenges of narrow gorges strewn with massive boulders.

Its owner, Pandaw River Expeditions claims the shallow draft will enable it to offer year-round cruises to and from Yunnan China passing through Laos. Read more

Can Tho to spin off tourism

CAN THO, 17 January 2017: Can Tho City is seeking government approval to establish its own tourism department separate from the country’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Saigon Times media quoted the department deputy director, Le Minh Son, saying the proposal has been sent to the central government through the Department of Home Affairs of Can Tho.

“A separate tourism department would help enhance the management and promotion of tourism,” he said. Read more

Boat trip on Mekong River checks sights

CHIANG RAI, 20 December 2016: Representatives of the public and private sectors in four upper northern provinces enjoyed a boat trip, last week, along the Mekong River that was reportedly designed to explore tourism potential in the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS).

Chiang Rai’s vice governor, Boonwet Sripuangjai, led the 120-km cruise that started in the riverside town of Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai and ended up river in Kenglap Township in Myanmar.

Participants were supposed to survey the potential and come up with itineraries that could be sold by travel agencies and travel booking websites that would put Chiang Rai on the tourist map. Read more

Laos want more bridges

VIENTIANE, 27 September 2016: Laos has proposed three additional Mekong River bridges to boost trade and tourism with neighbouring Thailand.

Vientiane Times reported that the government had proposed bridges at Bolikhamsai and Bueng Kan, Salavan and Ubon Ratchathani, and Vientiane province with Loei province.

According to Ministry of Public Works and Transport, proposed construction of the fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge linking Laos’ Bolikhamsai province and Thailand’s Bueng Kan province is now awaiting confirmation of funding while the survey and design have been completed. Read more