IT’S business as usual for tour operators in Laos despite the severe flooding affecting 10 districts in the southernmost Champasak province.
“The flooding in Champasak region is focused around the 4,000 Islands area, where the Mekong River is at its widest, and the provinces north from there along the river towards Pakse,” commented Touy Syhalath, general manager for Buffalo Tours Laos.
“Most of the hotels we use in this region are located in Pakse, which has escaped the flooding. The 4,000 Islands area is more of a backpacker destination with smaller properties located on the riverfront, placing them in a high-risk zone. We do use a couple of hotels down there and we have been in touch with them. They remain unaffected at this time.”
Jason Blackwell, general manager for Exotissimo Laos, added that the main tourist trails have not been affected and hotels are open for business.
Authorities have hailed the disaster as the worst floods experienced in Laos in 35 years, after a tropical depression passed through the region. The districts of Soukhouma, Xanasomboun and Patoumphone bore the brunt, with water levels 1.5m higher than normal.
