Feature -3
Tourism Development & Mapmaking
Discover Viengxay, Houaphanh… Part 3
2025.04.28
In June 2024, we visited Viengxay Village for the second time, during the rice-planting season. With bright green seedlings swaying on the water and locals working in straw hats, the village offered a fresh and beautiful landscape.
On our first trip in August, we explored major attractions and local lifestyles to help set walking routes and plan signage. My role (from Tsuchiya Design Office) was to summarize this work, then return to Japan to create maps, signage, and promotional tools. Since then, a visitor center and universal-access restroom have been added to the information center—showing real progress.These improvements have made it easier for travelers, including those with disabilities, to enjoy the area comfortably. The infrastructure is steadily becoming more inclusive.
This time, we reviewed routes, signage placement, and collected content for a new walking map. We also exchanged ideas with tourism officials and business owners while walking proposed tour paths—an intense but fruitful visit.
One key discovery was a textile zone, where many households produce woven goods. Some even handle the entire process—sericulture, spinning, dyeing, and weaving—by hand.
Another strength: the quality of food. Many eateries grow their own produce in tiny side gardens, and some stand out for their stylish, unique locations. We realized Viengxay offers much more than just its history and cherry blossoms.
In our workshop, we explored how to promote these resources to travelers of all ages and backgrounds. Participants presented creative model tours with energy and enthusiasm.
Now in its second phase, the project is visibly shaping the village's tourism future.
Cooperation: ADDP / Jumping Tour
*ADDP
The NPO "Association for Aid and Relief, Asia"
Since 1992, this NPO has supported people with disabilities across Asia. In Laos, it promotes education, sports, and employment. In 2015, it launched a cherry blossom park and café project in Viengxay to support deaf workers, which evolved into a tourism initiative. In 2023, it began a new revitalization project using a PPT strategy with Houaphanh Province.
*Jumping Tour Co., Ltd.
A travel agency specializing in Laos. It serves as the representative office of the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Japan, and is a member of the Japan-Laos Association. The company produces and coordinates the regional revitalization project in Viengxay Village.
