The famous 7.5 kilometer boatride in a cave
Trip Start
Mar 24, 2008
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15
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Trip End
May 01, 2009
Konglor cave in southern Laos,
Lao Peoples Dem Rep
Saturday, May 3, 2008
The 7.5km-long cavern that has been earmarked as a tourist attraction was discovered in the 16th century under the leadership of the governor of Nalae district, now Nakai district.
In 1997, the government invited French experts to survey the area before declaring it an official tourist site in 2002.
Mr Thayaphone recalled that in 2002 only eight foreign visitors came to the cave, but this number had increased rapidly since then.
The cave is 30 metres wide and between 20 and 100 metres high and is located in the National Protected Forest Area of Hinboun Mountain
A couple of ducks taking care of business
. More than 100 foreign visitors make the journey to the cave each month on average, he said.
Mr Thayaphone said that in the past the cave was not seen as a source of income for local people, but had now become an important money-earner for many in the area.
"Unspoiled natural destinations have the potential to attract more tourists to the province," he said.
Community-based ecotourism services, including village home-stays and boat trips through the cave, are provided by local people who proudly keep local customs alive.
