With several scenic attractions on their doorstep ramping up the potential for tourism, authorities in Xamtay district, Huaphan province, are hoping that investors will add the necessary facilities to entice more visitors.

Xamtay district governor Hinthong Heuangchansouk tells the Vientiane Times that the district has a wealth of scenic beauty, cultural interest and historic sites.

“Our district has considerable potential for tourism and our waterfalls are of particular interest. For example, Phavang waterfall is a key part of our tourism development plan,” he says.

Phavang waterfall is about 30km from the centre of Xamtay district, in Pao Neua village. The water cascades over a 700-metre drop and has 21 levels.

“We opened the waterfall to the public last month. Hundreds of local residents came to the opening ceremony but we don’t have an accurate record of the number of visitors coming here,” Hinthong explains.

Xamtay district borders on Viengxay district and has a road link with Vietnam to the east.

“We want to promote the potential benefits of our tourist attractions in the hope of teaming up with Vietnam in the years to come,” Hinthong says, adding that the key to the district’s tourism development plan is infrastructure development, especially roads, so that people are able to access the main tourist attractions in the area.

“The development of tourism in Xamtay district will focus on sustainability and avoid negative impacts on the environment, biodiversity and wildlife,” he stresses.

According to Hinthong, Xamtay district has more than 15 waterfalls but they are not easily accessible.

“We are now hoping that investors will build facilities at the most outstanding visitor attractions but they will have to submit the necessary paperwork to the provincial and district authorities,” he adds.

Xamtay officially became a district two decades ago and infrastructure is still limited because of the difficult terrain.

But hidden gems lie deep in the forest, and caves and waterfalls await discovery by intrepid adventurers.

Xamtay district is five to six hours by car from Xamneua district, the capital of Huaphan province. The road is paved and passes through some dramatic scenery, with tree-covered mountains and deep ravines.