The Effects of Tourism on Culture and - UNESCO Bangkok
The Effects of Tourism on Culture and - UNESCO Bangkok
The Effects of Tourism on Culture and - UNESCO Bangkok
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<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>on</strong> culture <strong>and</strong><br />
the envir<strong>on</strong>ment in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific
IMPACT: <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Effects</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Envir<strong>on</strong>ment in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific:<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>and</strong> Heritage Site Management in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR.<br />
915.9404<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong>, <strong>Bangkok</strong>, 2004.<br />
x + 130 p.<br />
1. Cultural tourism. 2. Cultural heritage. 3.<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Management. 4. Community<br />
development 5. Envir<strong>on</strong>mental c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>. 6. Heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>. 7. Luang<br />
Prabang, Lao PDR. 8. Sustainable development.<br />
ISBN 92-9223-033-6<br />
Published jointly by:<br />
Office <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Regi<strong>on</strong>al Advisor for <strong>Culture</strong> in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific, <strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>Bangkok</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry Management University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai‘i, USA.<br />
Printed in Thail<strong>and</strong><br />
© <strong>UNESCO</strong> 2004<br />
All rights reserved. No part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this publicati<strong>on</strong> may be copied, stored in a retrieval system,<br />
or transmitted in any form by any means, electr<strong>on</strong>ic, mechanical, recording or otherwise,<br />
except brief extracts for the purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> review, <strong>and</strong> no part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this publicati<strong>on</strong>, including<br />
photographs <strong>and</strong> drawings, may be sold without the written permissi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the publisher.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> designati<strong>on</strong>s employed <strong>and</strong> the presentati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> material throughout the publicati<strong>on</strong> do<br />
not imply the expressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any opini<strong>on</strong> whatsoever <strong>on</strong> the part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cerning<br />
the legal status <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> any country, territory, city or area or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its authorities, or c<strong>on</strong>cerning its<br />
fr<strong>on</strong>tiers or boundaries.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
IMPACT - <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Effects</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> the Envir<strong>on</strong>ment in Asia<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Pacific: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>and</strong> Heritage Site Management, Luang Prabang,<br />
Lao PDR, is first in a new series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> studies, jointly undertaken by the United<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>s Educati<strong>on</strong>al, Scientific <strong>and</strong> Cultural Organisati<strong>on</strong> (<strong>UNESCO</strong>) <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Pacific Asia Travel Associati<strong>on</strong> (PATA), to examine the impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
<strong>on</strong> culture <strong>and</strong> the envir<strong>on</strong>ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> selected heritage towns <strong>and</strong> sites in Asia<br />
<strong>and</strong> the Pacific. This publicati<strong>on</strong> was c<strong>on</strong>ceptualized, researched, <strong>and</strong> created<br />
over a three-year period through the cooperati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many instituti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
individuals. <strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>and</strong> PATA would like to acknowledge <strong>and</strong> thank all<br />
who c<strong>on</strong>tributed to this publicati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> to menti<strong>on</strong> in particular:<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry Management, University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai‘i <strong>and</strong><br />
the Canadian Universities C<strong>on</strong>sortium Training <strong>and</strong> Technology Transfer<br />
Program at the Asian Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Technology, <strong>Bangkok</strong>, Thail<strong>and</strong> for<br />
financial resources <strong>and</strong> specialized input into the project. Special thanks are<br />
due to Programme Director, Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essor Walter Jamies<strong>on</strong>, who joined the project<br />
as a co-sp<strong>on</strong>sor <strong>and</strong> lent c<strong>on</strong>siderable amounts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> his time <strong>and</strong> expertise in<br />
developing the c<strong>on</strong>cept, writing <strong>and</strong> critiquing the final product.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Royal Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Embassy to Thail<strong>and</strong>, Lao PDR, Cambodia, <strong>and</strong><br />
Myanmar in <strong>Bangkok</strong> for their financial support under the Embassy Small<br />
Grants Scheme.<br />
Thai Airways Internati<strong>on</strong>al for becoming the first corporate partner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
IMPACT, dem<strong>on</strong>strating their commitment to sustainable tourism <strong>and</strong> setting<br />
a st<strong>and</strong>ard that we hope will become an industry norm. Special thanks are due<br />
to Mr. Serm Phenjati, Director <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Commercial Promoti<strong>on</strong> Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Thai Airways Internati<strong>on</strong>al, <strong>and</strong> his team for their support for this project.<br />
Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operati<strong>on</strong> for financial support <strong>and</strong><br />
the provisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Authority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR for statistics <strong>on</strong> tourist<br />
arrivals <strong>and</strong> tourist facilities in Luang Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, for informati<strong>on</strong><br />
about the heritage resources <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> the surrounding areas.<br />
iii
La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine, Luang Prabang, for c<strong>on</strong>tributing maps <strong>and</strong><br />
expertise.<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Development Organisati<strong>on</strong> (SNV) <strong>and</strong> the United Nati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Volunteers (UNV) programme for c<strong>on</strong>tributing informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
And a special thanks to the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang for sharing their<br />
knowledge <strong>and</strong> insights <strong>on</strong> the culture <strong>and</strong> heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their community.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> printing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this publicati<strong>on</strong> has been made possible by the School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel<br />
Industry Management, University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai’i <strong>and</strong> the Historical Resources<br />
Intern Program <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Calgary, Canada, by Alberta Community<br />
Development.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> team in charge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> writing <strong>and</strong> editing this book should be thanked<br />
individually: Richard Engelhardt, Walter Jamies<strong>on</strong>, Beatrice Kaldun, John Koch-<br />
Schulte, Pawinee Sunalai <strong>and</strong> Ellie Meleisea. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y were ably assisted by Sirisak<br />
Chaiyasook, Claudia Del Bubba, Rachel DeSallis, M<strong>on</strong>tira Horayangura Unakul,<br />
David Keen, John Koldowski, Pattarap<strong>on</strong>g K<strong>on</strong>gwijit, Pallavi M<strong>and</strong>ke, Leanne Mitchell,<br />
Heather Peters, Khamtanh Somphanvilay <strong>and</strong> Sally Wright.<br />
Thanks also to those who shared their time <strong>and</strong> expertise: Amphay Dore, Francis<br />
Engelmann, David Feingold, Yushi Kawaguchi, Bhounkh<strong>on</strong>g Khuthao, Oupadith<br />
Patthav<strong>on</strong>g, Martin Perenchio, Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne, Laurent Ramp<strong>on</strong>, Steven Schipani,<br />
J<strong>on</strong>athan Sweet, Savanh V<strong>on</strong>gs<strong>on</strong>ephet <strong>and</strong> Minja Yang.<br />
Photographs are provided courtesy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>: Vanessa Achilles, Sirisak Chaiyasook,<br />
Richard Engelhardt, Ricardo Favis, David Feingold, M<strong>on</strong>tira Horayangura Unakul,<br />
Delphine Jamies<strong>on</strong>, Tara Johns, Beatrice Kaldun, John Koch-Schulte, Pattarap<strong>on</strong>g<br />
K<strong>on</strong>gwijit, Heather Peters, Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne <strong>and</strong> Walter Unger.<br />
Drawings were created by: Thananart Kornmaneeroj.<br />
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
PART I<br />
HERITAGE AND<br />
PRESERVATION IN<br />
LUANG PRABANG<br />
PART II<br />
TOURISM IMPACTS AND<br />
MANAGEMENT IN<br />
LUANG PRABANG<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................... iii<br />
FOREWORD ............................................................. vii<br />
INTRODUCTION TO LUANG PRABANG:<br />
A Special <strong>and</strong> Fragile Place ........................................ 5<br />
A. UNDERSTANDING THE HERITAGE OF<br />
LUANG PRABANG ........................................... 15<br />
COMMUNITY LIFE............................................. 15<br />
NATURAL, BUILT AND CULTURAL<br />
HERITAGE ........................................................... 21<br />
B. HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN<br />
LUANG PRABANG............................................ 40<br />
HERITAGE PRESERVATION SO FAR ............ 40<br />
PRESERVATION ISSUES AND EFFORTS ...... 44<br />
C. TOURISM ISSUES AND IMPACTS IN<br />
LUANG PRABANG............................................ 53<br />
TOURISM IN LUANG PRABANG ................... 53<br />
ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF TOURISM .... 54<br />
D. DESIGNING A MANAGEMENT STRATEGY<br />
FOR TOURISM IN LUANG PRABANG ....... 77<br />
EXISTING TOURISM MANAGEMENT........... 77<br />
DESTINATION MANAGEMENT MODELS .. 79<br />
IDENTIFYING AND ORGANIZING<br />
STAKEHOLDERS ................................................ 80<br />
TOURISM PLANNING ...................................... 88<br />
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT ............................. 91<br />
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ...................... 101<br />
MONITORING AND EVALUATION ............ 113<br />
FUTURE DIRECTIONS......................................... 121<br />
BIBLIOGRAPHY .................................................... 123<br />
GLOSSARY ............................................................. 126<br />
v
FOREWORD<br />
Message from Richard Engelhardt, Peter de J<strong>on</strong>g, <strong>and</strong> Walter Jamies<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific is under threat. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> passage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> time <strong>and</strong> the<br />
effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> harsh climates render already-fragile places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> culture <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong><br />
ever more vulnerable. When coupled with neglect, poor maintenance,<br />
inadequate financial support, unregulated urban development, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
exp<strong>on</strong>ential growth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism, the very survival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the regi<strong>on</strong>’s most special<br />
places is at risk.<br />
Archaeological sites, historic m<strong>on</strong>uments, traditi<strong>on</strong>al towns <strong>and</strong> villages, cultural<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scapes, h<strong>and</strong>icrafts, rituals, traditi<strong>on</strong>al music <strong>and</strong> performing arts are all<br />
endangered. How has this happened? And what can be d<strong>on</strong>e to rescue the<br />
disappearing cultural heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>?<br />
Both the physical heritage <strong>and</strong> intangible expressi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the regi<strong>on</strong>’s history<br />
<strong>and</strong> culture are widely acknowledged to be <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> immeasurable value to its<br />
citizens. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific is also <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> immense interest <strong>and</strong><br />
appeal to visitors. It is <strong>on</strong> the basis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this appeal that the regi<strong>on</strong>’s tourism<br />
industry is founded <strong>and</strong> flourishes. While the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the heritage resources<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the cultures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong> is unquesti<strong>on</strong>ed, this recogniti<strong>on</strong> is<br />
not always, or even frequently, translated into acti<strong>on</strong> to safeguard the heritage<br />
from decay, degradati<strong>on</strong> or over-use. All too frequently, tourism has been the<br />
unwitting agent resp<strong>on</strong>sible for the accelerating the demise <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the regi<strong>on</strong>’s<br />
heritage.<br />
At its best, tourism can generate the financial resources needed to invest in the<br />
rehabilitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> historic buildings <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> areas. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> can help to<br />
revive dying or lost traditi<strong>on</strong>s, arts <strong>and</strong> cultural practices <strong>and</strong> can provide the<br />
impetus for artisans to c<strong>on</strong>tinue their traditi<strong>on</strong>al crafts. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> can also<br />
provide new livelihood opportunities for large numbers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people in local<br />
communities. Unfortunately these positive impacts are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten negated by<br />
the unintenti<strong>on</strong>al destructive impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism that rob a community <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
its ancestral heirlooms, undermine traditi<strong>on</strong>al cultural values <strong>and</strong> alter the<br />
physical character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a tourism destinati<strong>on</strong> through inappropriate development<br />
<strong>and</strong> infrastructure.<br />
In order to ensure that future generati<strong>on</strong>s are able to access their authentic<br />
heritage <strong>and</strong>, at the same time, to provide reas<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> motivati<strong>on</strong> for visitors<br />
to c<strong>on</strong>tinue to want to visit the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>, all stakeholders must work<br />
together effectively to safeguard the wide range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage resources that exist<br />
across the regi<strong>on</strong>. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> can - indeed, tourism must - become a partner <strong>and</strong><br />
a driving force for the c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the tangible <strong>and</strong> intangible cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
vii
natural heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific. If tourism does not c<strong>on</strong>tribute to the<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the regi<strong>on</strong>’s envir<strong>on</strong>ments, cultures <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>s, then there<br />
will be no place for tourism in the future development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
This publicati<strong>on</strong> dem<strong>on</strong>strates that cooperati<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>g local <strong>and</strong> internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
stakeholders is possible <strong>and</strong> can succeed in developing a community’s tourism<br />
potential while safeguarding the cultural <strong>and</strong> natural heritage resources <strong>on</strong><br />
which that tourism is based. In this volume, <strong>UNESCO</strong>, PATA, <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> School<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry Management - University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai’i <strong>and</strong> the Canadian<br />
Universities C<strong>on</strong>sortium join forces to examine the tourism <strong>and</strong> culture<br />
interface in <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>’s most rapidly-developing yet<br />
extremely fragile tourism destinati<strong>on</strong>s – the World Heritage Town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang in Lao PDR.<br />
In examining the impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>on</strong> the culture <strong>and</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang, we provide guidelines for identifying <strong>and</strong> measuring the types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
impacts - both positive <strong>and</strong> negative - that tourism has <strong>on</strong> the town’s heritage.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, we suggest how to derive an overall strategy that manages tourism<br />
in Luang Prabang in such a manner that tourism becomes a positive force for<br />
heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> as well as c<strong>on</strong>tributing to the improvement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the quality<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town’s inhabitants.<br />
This publicati<strong>on</strong> is the first in a series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> studies examining the impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism <strong>on</strong> culture <strong>and</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>ment at selected <strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage<br />
Sites in the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>. Taken as a whole, this series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> in-depth<br />
case studies is designed to provide communities with an approach <strong>and</strong><br />
structure for managing sustainable tourism in heritage envir<strong>on</strong>ments. Given<br />
the c<strong>on</strong>siderable importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism to the nati<strong>on</strong>al ec<strong>on</strong>omies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many<br />
countries, this series can be used by both government <strong>and</strong> the industry to<br />
better manage tourism in a way that maximizes the positive benefits from<br />
sustainable tourism <strong>and</strong> minimizes the negative impacts.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the publicati<strong>on</strong> itself is an indicati<strong>on</strong> that sustainable<br />
tourism in heritage envir<strong>on</strong>ments benefits from the participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cerned stakeholders. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Pacific Asia Travel Associati<strong>on</strong> (PATA), the<br />
Canadian Universities C<strong>on</strong>sortium Training <strong>and</strong> Technology Transfer<br />
Program which was based at the Asian Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Technology, the School<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry Management, University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai‘i, <strong>and</strong> <strong>UNESCO</strong> have<br />
worked together with people from all walks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang local life to<br />
produce this publicati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
viii
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> ideas <strong>and</strong> strategies put forth in this publicati<strong>on</strong> have been tested <strong>and</strong><br />
proved during the <strong>UNESCO</strong> project, <strong>Culture</strong> Heritage Management <strong>and</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>: Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>g Stakeholders. This recentlycompleted<br />
four year project, supported by the Royal Norwegian Government<br />
(NORAD), the Nordic World Heritage Foundati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> the World Heritage<br />
Committee, developed <strong>and</strong> tested community-based models for the sustainable<br />
management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural tourism. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project involved eight different pilot<br />
sites across the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which was Luang Prabang. Luang<br />
Prabang’s experience with <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s to this regi<strong>on</strong>al project are the<br />
starting point for this publicati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s, acknowledged earlier in this<br />
document, has been crucial in ensuring the completi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this publicati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
We trust that this IMPACT document will prove useful both to the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang as well as to others involved in similar heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> tourism initiatives in their own communities. We hope that those wanting<br />
to develop tourist-related business opportunities at heritage places will also<br />
be able to make productive use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this document. Finally, we look forward<br />
to the support <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> other stakeholders in the development <strong>and</strong> publicati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
similar case studies documenting the effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>on</strong> the culture <strong>and</strong><br />
envir<strong>on</strong>ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Richard A. Engelhardt<br />
Regi<strong>on</strong>al Advisor for <strong>Culture</strong><br />
in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
Walter Jamies<strong>on</strong><br />
Dean<br />
School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry<br />
Management<br />
University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai‘i<br />
ix<br />
Peter de J<strong>on</strong>g<br />
President<br />
Pacific Asia Travel<br />
Associati<strong>on</strong>
INTRODUCTION<br />
TO LUANG PRABANG:<br />
A Special <strong>and</strong> Fragile Place
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang<br />
3 4<br />
4<br />
2
INTRODUCTION TO LUANG PRABANG:<br />
A Special <strong>and</strong> Fragile Place<br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang 5<br />
Hidden away amid lush, wooded hills, the ancient Laotian capital <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the truly special places <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia. Graceful arched ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples<br />
emerge from the morning mist <strong>and</strong> the chant <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhist m<strong>on</strong>ks res<strong>on</strong>ates<br />
through quiet streets at dawn.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> royal capital <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the former kingdom <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lane Xang, Luang Prabang has<br />
retained its historical authenticity <strong>and</strong> still embodies the serenity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its Buddhist<br />
heritage. Glittering temples, traditi<strong>on</strong>al teak houses <strong>and</strong> stately French col<strong>on</strong>ialera<br />
residences grace this lush, tranquil place, described by nineteenth-century<br />
French explorer Henri Mohout, as “a delightful little town.”<br />
A Short History <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
Legend<br />
Archaeological, historical <strong>and</strong> linguistic research indicates that Tai-speaking<br />
populati<strong>on</strong>s moved into the Southeast Asian peninsula sometime between<br />
the tenth <strong>and</strong> thirteenth centuries, co-habiting with the original Austro-Asiatic<br />
speaking populati<strong>on</strong>s. However, Lao legend traces the origins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its people to<br />
earlier times <strong>and</strong> in more mystical ways.<br />
According to <strong>on</strong>e legend the Buddha left a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> footprints when<br />
travelling through the l<strong>and</strong> that is now called Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> told his<br />
disciple An<strong>and</strong>a that a rich <strong>and</strong> powerful capital would be erected <strong>on</strong> the l<strong>and</strong><br />
up<strong>on</strong> which he was st<strong>and</strong>ing.<br />
Another legend about the origins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang traces the history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
regi<strong>on</strong> to Khun Borom, the mythical ruler <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the principality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Teng <strong>and</strong> the<br />
s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the King <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Celestial World. According to this legend Khun Borom<br />
was sent to Earth to oversee the Tai <strong>and</strong> Austro-Asiatic people living in the<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>. Khun Borom had seven s<strong>on</strong>s who formed seven principalities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their<br />
own <strong>and</strong> the eldest, Khun Lo, founded the principality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
Photo capti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
1. Where rivers meet <strong>and</strong> mountains rise - Luang Prabang’s natural setting is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its most<br />
spectacular features. (Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
2. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. Aside from traditi<strong>on</strong>al-style houses <strong>and</strong> temples, Luang Prabang<br />
features an array <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fine French col<strong>on</strong>ial buildings. (<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
3. An ordained m<strong>on</strong>k studying in the m<strong>on</strong>astery. (Photo: Heather Peters)<br />
4. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the most beautiful temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g, decorated with the<br />
‘tree <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life’ mosaic. (Photo: David A. Feingold, Ophidian Films Ltd.)
History<br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang<br />
Remains <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> st<strong>on</strong>e tools excavated at Tham Hua Pu Cave suggest that the regi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang has been inhabited since 8000 BC, while br<strong>on</strong>ze pieces <strong>and</strong><br />
cord-marked pottery exist as evidence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> habitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the regi<strong>on</strong> during the<br />
sec<strong>on</strong>d millennium BC. A variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> beads has been found that indicates the<br />
area had trade links with India, probably dating from 500 BC.<br />
Precise informati<strong>on</strong> about Laotian history dates from the fourteenth century,<br />
when King Fa Ngum c<strong>on</strong>quered <strong>and</strong> united the regi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> today’s Xieng<br />
Khouang, Khorat Plateau (in northeastern Thail<strong>and</strong>) <strong>and</strong> Luang Prabang to<br />
establish the Lane Xang Kingdom, or the ‘L<strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> One Milli<strong>on</strong> Elephants’.<br />
King Fa Ngum adopted <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism <strong>and</strong> accepted the golden<br />
Prabang statue – an image <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Buddha – as a gift from the Khmer Kingdom<br />
to the south. Luang Prabang, which derives its name from this sacred Buddha<br />
image, became the capital city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Lane Xang Kingdom. In the sixteenth<br />
century, under the rule <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> King Setthathirat, the capital moved to Vientiane<br />
because Luang Prabang was c<strong>on</strong>sidered vulnerable to attack by the Burmese.<br />
In spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the move, Luang Prabang remained the kingdom’s religious <strong>and</strong><br />
spiritual centre. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> city’s dozens <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples, filled with hundreds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sacred<br />
Buddha images, c<strong>on</strong>tinued to thrive. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> first European travellers arrived in<br />
Lane Xang Kingdom during the reign <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> King Sourigna V<strong>on</strong>gsa (1638-1695).<br />
After the death <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the king, the l<strong>and</strong> was divided into three separate kingdoms:<br />
Luang Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the centre <strong>and</strong> Champasak in the<br />
south.<br />
In 1752, Luang Prabang sided with Siam as they anticipated a Burmese<br />
invasi<strong>on</strong>. However, Luang Prabang was captured shortly after the Burmese<br />
sacked Ayutthaya. In 1778, Siam supplanted Burmese rule in Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trolled the city until the late nineteenth century. In 1887, the city was<br />
sacked by Haw Chinese b<strong>and</strong>its, called the Black Flags, <strong>and</strong> many sacred<br />
Buddha images, temples <strong>and</strong> historical documents were destroyed.<br />
After this loss, Luang Prabang c<strong>on</strong>tinued to hold special importance locally,<br />
remaining the home <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its own royal family. And in the nineteenth <strong>and</strong> early-<br />
twentieth centuries Luang Prabang emerged as an important place for artistic<br />
training. It was during this period that King Sisavang V<strong>on</strong>g (1904-1959)<br />
undertook numerous preservati<strong>on</strong>, restorati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> beautificati<strong>on</strong> projects in<br />
the city.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> late-nineteenth <strong>and</strong> early-twentieth centuries saw the expansi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the French col<strong>on</strong>ial territories in Indochina. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> French<br />
established a presence in Luang Prabang with the signing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Franco-<br />
Siamese treaty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 1893, which transferred a vast <strong>and</strong> varied regi<strong>on</strong> to French<br />
administrati<strong>on</strong>. From 1893 to 1907 a series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Siamese-French treaties were<br />
negotiated that resulted in the Siamese relinquishing c<strong>on</strong>trol over the l<strong>and</strong><br />
lying east <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River. It was around this time that the French united<br />
the Lao principalities under col<strong>on</strong>ial rule <strong>and</strong> the present boundaries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao<br />
PDR were created through joint commissi<strong>on</strong>s with China, Great Britain (for the<br />
6
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang 7<br />
Lao-Burmese border) <strong>and</strong> Siam (now Thail<strong>and</strong>). To the French, Laos was more<br />
important as a buffer state than anything else. It never provided the ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
riches <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Viet Nam <strong>and</strong> French physical presence was minimal. In 1940, <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
600 French citizens lived in the country.<br />
In 1941 the Japanese occupied Indochina <strong>and</strong> at this time Thail<strong>and</strong> reoccupied<br />
parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos that it felt had been unfairly taken from them during Franco-<br />
Siamese negotiati<strong>on</strong>s in 1904. In April 1945 King Sisavang V<strong>on</strong>g declared<br />
independence but when the French returned to Laos the protectorate was<br />
reinstated. During this period the Lao Issara (Free Lao) movement grew in<br />
popularity <strong>and</strong> strived to uphold the April 1945 declarati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> independence.<br />
In 1946 the movement split into three facti<strong>on</strong>s: <strong>on</strong>e facti<strong>on</strong> supporting full<br />
independence <strong>on</strong> their own terms, another supporting independence through<br />
negotiati<strong>on</strong> with the French, <strong>and</strong> the third allying itself to Ho Chi Minh’s<br />
movement in Viet Nam.<br />
Laos eventually received full sovereignty in 1953. By then the Lao Issara facti<strong>on</strong><br />
that supported Ho Chi Minh had gained prominence <strong>and</strong> became known as<br />
the Pathet Lao (L<strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Lao). By this time Kays<strong>on</strong>e Phomvihane, who was<br />
to become Secretary-General <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Lao People’s Revoluti<strong>on</strong>ary Party <strong>and</strong> the<br />
first Prime Minister <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) had<br />
emerged as an important figure.<br />
From 1953 until 1975, when Lao PDR was formed, the history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the country<br />
was <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>stant struggle <strong>and</strong> shifting alliances. Domestic politics were<br />
shaped by global geo-political forces as the war in Viet Nam secretly spilled<br />
over into Laos. On 23 August 1975, the Lao People’s Revoluti<strong>on</strong>ary Party was<br />
declared the ruling party <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the new Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao<br />
PDR). Vientiane came under the c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR <strong>on</strong> 2 December 1975. Up<strong>on</strong><br />
the formati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the new government, Sisavang Vatthana (the s<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the late<br />
King Sisavang V<strong>on</strong>g), who was still residing in Luang Prabang at the time,<br />
relinquished the thr<strong>on</strong>e.<br />
Luang Prabang today is a palimpsest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> centuries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> social, political <strong>and</strong><br />
cultural exchange, negotiati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> synthesis. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town’s 34 temples st<strong>and</strong><br />
al<strong>on</strong>gside French col<strong>on</strong>ial government buildings; artwork reflecting the<br />
distinctive traces <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Sukhothai, Tai Lue <strong>and</strong> even Burmese culture can be found<br />
in the town’s m<strong>on</strong>uments <strong>and</strong> religious artifacts; <strong>and</strong> the former Royal Palace<br />
is now a museum.
In the 1920s tourism had just begun in<br />
Luang Prabang. This photo shows the<br />
main street at that time. (Photo: Reproduced<br />
with courtesy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the publishers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> “Treasures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang”: the Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cultural Research<br />
- Lao PDR, <strong>and</strong> the Cultural Associati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Silk<br />
Routes)<br />
Luang Prabang Today<br />
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> same street today. Much has<br />
changed in recent years <strong>and</strong> the<br />
influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism is evident. Vendors<br />
display their wares for tourists <strong>on</strong> Luang<br />
Prabang’s main street every evening.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang is an agglomerati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> villages, each a separate<br />
administrative area, <strong>and</strong> the combined populati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these villages<br />
totals around 16,000. Luang Prabang Province, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which the town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang is the political, administrative <strong>and</strong> trading centre, has<br />
a populati<strong>on</strong> estimated at around 400,000, comprising many different ethnic<br />
groups.<br />
Luang Prabang combines a spectacular natural setting <strong>and</strong> distinctive built<br />
heritage with traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts <strong>and</strong> crafts, food, language, festivals <strong>and</strong> rituals.<br />
With its isolati<strong>on</strong> having served as a shield against the forces <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> globalizati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Luang Prabang is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the few remaining historically authentic places in<br />
Asia. However, since it was ‘rediscovered’ by travellers a little over a decade<br />
ago, Luang Prabang has become subject to the pressures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an ever-growing<br />
tourism industry.<br />
Because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its outst<strong>and</strong>ing heritage values, Luang Prabang was listed as a<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage Site in 1995. This drew internati<strong>on</strong>al attenti<strong>on</strong> to<br />
the town <strong>and</strong> sparked a tourism boom. Since 1988, tourist arrivals into Lao<br />
People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) have increased from a few hundred<br />
intrepid backpackers to more than 600,000 in 2003, with Luang Prabang being<br />
Lao PDR’s sec<strong>on</strong>d most popular destinati<strong>on</strong> after Vientiane, the capital.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> brings with it the potential to boost the ec<strong>on</strong>omy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rural Lao PDR <strong>and</strong><br />
has already c<strong>on</strong>tributed to a new sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> identity <strong>and</strong> local pride in the culture<br />
<strong>and</strong> heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> brings m<strong>on</strong>ey <strong>and</strong> jobs<br />
but inevitably the issue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural change arises <strong>and</strong> must be addressed. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
historical heart <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, with a resident populati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly 3,000, is<br />
a place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fragile beauty that is especially vulnerable to change brought from<br />
the outside.<br />
8
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang 9<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> rapid increase in visitors to Luang Prabang has resulted in a corresp<strong>on</strong>dingly<br />
rapid <strong>and</strong> largely unplanned expansi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> transportati<strong>on</strong> infrastructure <strong>and</strong><br />
accommodati<strong>on</strong> facilities. In additi<strong>on</strong> to the stress placed <strong>on</strong> the town’s public<br />
utilities – electricity, water, sewage <strong>and</strong> garbage collecti<strong>on</strong> -- the c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
boom has created a dem<strong>and</strong> for l<strong>and</strong> within <strong>and</strong> around the town’s historic<br />
core. This combinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> development pressures has placed critical stress <strong>on</strong><br />
both the envir<strong>on</strong>ment <strong>and</strong> the historic cultural resources <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang,<br />
<strong>and</strong> threatens to overwhelm them.<br />
Luang Prabang’s residents have very quickly taken advantage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism by finding work in many new tourism-related enterprises.<br />
However, traditi<strong>on</strong>al skills <strong>and</strong> l<strong>on</strong>g-established ways <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life are at risk<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> being ab<strong>and</strong><strong>on</strong>ed <strong>and</strong> ultimately forgotten. With the loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the unique<br />
cultural values <strong>and</strong> practices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, the attractiveness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the place<br />
as a cultural tourism destinati<strong>on</strong> will also fade.<br />
It is important, therefore, to ensure the cultural survival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> historic Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> to protect the serenity <strong>and</strong> beauty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this unique place, part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
‘humankind’s comm<strong>on</strong> heritage’. In order to achieve this, there are a number<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pressing uncertainties that need to be addressed:<br />
• How can the essential comp<strong>on</strong>ents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s cultural, spiritual<br />
<strong>and</strong> built heritage, together with its traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts <strong>and</strong> cultural practices, be<br />
preserved for future generati<strong>on</strong>s?<br />
• How can cultural heritage – the cornerst<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s tourism – be<br />
promoted in a sustainable way?<br />
• How can the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang become the primary beneficiaries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism development?<br />
• How can densities <strong>and</strong> the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> users <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s historic sites<br />
be regulated so as to ensure the protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage resources?<br />
• How can traditi<strong>on</strong>al social <strong>and</strong> ec<strong>on</strong>omic patterns – which created the heritage<br />
resources <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> have kept them alive – be maintained?<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> development must be carefully managed to avoid turning Luang<br />
Prabang into another tourist town where s<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t-drink billboards dominate the<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape, where the sound <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tour buses drowns out the s<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>t temple prayers,<br />
<strong>and</strong> where the town’s residents are reduced to the roles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bit-players in a<br />
cultural theme park.<br />
This IMPACT publicati<strong>on</strong> will assist tourism planners <strong>and</strong> operators to work with<br />
heritage managers <strong>and</strong> local residents <strong>and</strong> balance the dem<strong>and</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
with the needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this publicati<strong>on</strong> is to provide<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cepts <strong>and</strong> techniques to guide the development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in Luang<br />
Prabang in order that every<strong>on</strong>e enjoys the benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourist activity, while<br />
preserving the unique cultural treasures that attract visitors to Luang<br />
Prabang.
Introducti<strong>on</strong> to Luang Prabang<br />
This publicati<strong>on</strong> was written for every<strong>on</strong>e with a stake in Luang Prabang’s<br />
tourism industry. It is divided into two parts as illustrated in Figure 1.<br />
PART I. Heritage <strong>and</strong><br />
Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
A. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing the Heritage<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
- Community Life<br />
- Natural, Built <strong>and</strong><br />
Cultural Heritage<br />
B. Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
- Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
So Far<br />
- Preservati<strong>on</strong> Issues <strong>and</strong><br />
Efforts<br />
PART II. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong><br />
Management in Luang Prabang<br />
C. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Issues <strong>and</strong> Impacts<br />
- <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> in Luang Prabang<br />
- Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
D. Designing a Management<br />
Strategy for <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> in<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
- Existing <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Management<br />
- Destinati<strong>on</strong> Management<br />
Models<br />
- Identifying <strong>and</strong> Organizing<br />
Stakeholders<br />
- <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Planning<br />
- Product Development<br />
- Management Strategies<br />
- M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
Figure 1: Outline.<br />
Part I identifies the major cultural significance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, provides<br />
an in-depth background descripti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong><br />
outlines the preservati<strong>on</strong> efforts made so far in the town.<br />
Part II identifies the major issues <strong>and</strong> impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>on</strong> heritage resources<br />
<strong>and</strong> explores the wider ec<strong>on</strong>omic, envir<strong>on</strong>mental <strong>and</strong> social impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism. It is important to note that this is not a comprehensive envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
or social impact assessment study. Its intenti<strong>on</strong> is to identify major issues <strong>and</strong><br />
impacts based <strong>on</strong> the research team’s extensive experience <strong>and</strong> observati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
It then provides the basis for establishing a tourism destinati<strong>on</strong> plan <strong>and</strong><br />
strategy that can be adapted <strong>and</strong> used by all members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community,<br />
from large-scale government initiatives to the smallest individual business<br />
ventures.<br />
By focusing <strong>on</strong> best practice management models <strong>and</strong> drawing attenti<strong>on</strong> to the<br />
warning signs that indicate when the carrying capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s<br />
fragile heritage will have reached its limit, IMPACT Luang Prabang provides<br />
a practical guide for the preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town’s cultural heritage <strong>and</strong> the<br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a sustainable tourism industry <strong>on</strong> which to build a prosperous<br />
future for the town’s inhabitants.<br />
10
Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Luang Prabang<br />
In Part I, Secti<strong>on</strong> A, Luang Prabang’s heritage is catalogued <strong>and</strong> the significance <strong>and</strong> value<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this heritage is explained. In Secti<strong>on</strong> B, following a descripti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang, the issues surrounding heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> are identified<br />
<strong>and</strong> a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> preservati<strong>on</strong> efforts are outlined.
2 3<br />
4
A. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing the Heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang 15<br />
A. UNDERSTANDING THE HERITAGE OF LUANG PRABANG<br />
It is essential that well-intenti<strong>on</strong>ed outsiders who wish to c<strong>on</strong>tribute to the c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s heritage, or to take advantage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the opportunities provided by these<br />
unique cultural resources, underst<strong>and</strong> what c<strong>on</strong>stitutes the core asset-value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang’s culture, as expressed by its creators <strong>and</strong> inhabitants. Without a comm<strong>on</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what is to be preserved <strong>and</strong> how this can be appropriately<br />
shared with visitors, both heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> tourism development will fail to<br />
achieve their full potential.<br />
Part A provides a basic introducti<strong>on</strong> to the elements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s heritage. It<br />
begins with a snapshot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the people, their lifestyles <strong>and</strong> their beliefs followed by an<br />
inventory <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town’s natural, built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage.<br />
COMMUNITY LIFE<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> provides an underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the residents<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, their typical way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <strong>and</strong> daily<br />
activities, which are all str<strong>on</strong>gly influenced by their<br />
religi<strong>on</strong> – <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town’s religious<br />
heritage is an essential part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local culture <strong>and</strong> is<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the major features attracting tourists to Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> People <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao ethnic group c<strong>on</strong>stitutes the majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
populati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sequently it is Lao culture that<br />
primarily shapes the fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> its<br />
society. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao bel<strong>on</strong>g to the larger ethno-linguistic<br />
family <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tai speakers. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao language is closely related<br />
to Thai as spoken in Thail<strong>and</strong>, the country with which it<br />
shares a l<strong>on</strong>g comm<strong>on</strong> border as well as many cultural<br />
<strong>and</strong> historical c<strong>on</strong>necti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Photo capti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Lao traditi<strong>on</strong>al settlements are characteristically located<br />
in lowl<strong>and</strong> valleys near water sources, surrounded by<br />
rice fields <strong>and</strong> vegetable gardens. Vernacular dwellings<br />
are c<strong>on</strong>structed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wood <strong>and</strong> bamboo <strong>and</strong> are raised <strong>on</strong><br />
piles. Traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao society is usually bi-lateral, i.e.<br />
kinship ties are equally str<strong>on</strong>g <strong>on</strong> both the mother’s <strong>and</strong><br />
father’s side. Although ancestors are respected, Lao pay<br />
little attenti<strong>on</strong> to genealogies <strong>and</strong> are rarely able to trace<br />
ancestry back for more than three generati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
1. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, with its precious temples sits like a jewel in a green, mountainous setting,<br />
bordered by the Mek<strong>on</strong>g <strong>and</strong> Khan rivers. (Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
2. M<strong>on</strong>ks decorating a boat as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Heua Fai festival. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> festivities involve parading the decorated<br />
boats through the streets, then launching the boats <strong>on</strong> the river at night <strong>and</strong> setting them <strong>on</strong> fire as an<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering to the spirits. (Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
3. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Royal Funerary House, Hohng Kep Mien at Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g, glittering in the sunlight. This carved <strong>and</strong><br />
gilded building houses the royal funeral barge, cremati<strong>on</strong> urns <strong>and</strong> the royal puppets. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> woodcarvings<br />
<strong>on</strong> the exterior depict scenes from the Ramayana. (Photo: David A. Feingold, Ophidian Films Ltd.)<br />
4. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> former Royal Palace, or Golden Hall (Ho Kham), which now houses the Luang Prabang Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Museum, was built between 1904 <strong>and</strong> 1909 as a residence for King Sisavang V<strong>on</strong>g. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> building shows the<br />
influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the ‘Beaux Arts’ school <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Neo-classical architecture. However, Lao, French, Vietnamese <strong>and</strong><br />
Thai artisans all helped to c<strong>on</strong>struct the building, adding their own influences to the final structure. (Photo:<br />
David A. Feingold, Ophidian Films Ltd.)
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada<br />
Buddhism<br />
in Lao PDR<br />
Young m<strong>on</strong>ks paying<br />
respect to the Buddha.<br />
(Photo: Water Unger)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism is predominantly practiced in Sri<br />
Lanka, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thail<strong>and</strong>, the Sips<strong>on</strong>gbanna<br />
regi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Yunnan in China <strong>and</strong> Lao PDR. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> rest <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia’s<br />
Buddhists are Mahayana Buddhists. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism<br />
arrived in Southeast Asia from India <strong>and</strong> Sri Lanka.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> ultimate goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism is nibanna<br />
- which is comm<strong>on</strong>ly known by the Sanskrit word nirvana.<br />
Nibanna is the extinguishing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dukkha (suffering) <strong>and</strong> is<br />
a state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> freedom from the endless cycles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> existence.<br />
Nibanna can be achieved through the cultivati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
wisdom, morality <strong>and</strong> meditati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> through good<br />
karma (acti<strong>on</strong>), such as righteous self-c<strong>on</strong>duct <strong>and</strong> earning<br />
merit. Merit can be earned in many ways, including<br />
through fulfilling <strong>on</strong>e’s duties as a Buddhist laypers<strong>on</strong>.<br />
One example is the daily practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> binthabat, in which<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ks receive alms from the people early in the morning.<br />
As most Buddhists are not able to reach nibanna in this<br />
lifetime, the accomplishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> good karma may lead to a<br />
better next life or lessen the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rebirths.<br />
One attribute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhism is that merit can be transferred<br />
to others. This is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten d<strong>on</strong>e at funerals to ensure that a<br />
deceased pers<strong>on</strong>’s karma is improved. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> transfer <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> merit<br />
plays an important role in community as it strengthens the<br />
sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> resp<strong>on</strong>sibility towards <strong>on</strong>e another.<br />
Buddhism <strong>and</strong> animism have blended in Lao PDR. This<br />
is why there is a str<strong>on</strong>g belief in khuan - certain spiritual<br />
powers that are part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> every pers<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> object. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> khuan<br />
are called up<strong>on</strong> in cerem<strong>on</strong>ies such as baci, which is also<br />
called sou khuan (“calling back the powers”).<br />
Local protective spirits (phi) also play an important role<br />
in community life. You see spirit houses in private home<br />
gardens <strong>and</strong> in temple grounds at which <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings are<br />
presented to the phi.<br />
Some Brahmanic rituals are also to be found in Luang<br />
Prabang, mixed with Buddhist traditi<strong>on</strong>s. An example<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this is the cerem<strong>on</strong>y <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wrapping a white cord around<br />
the Buddha image during the transferring <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> merit to<br />
the dead. A local traditi<strong>on</strong> that has been integrated into<br />
Laotian <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism is the worshipping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
naga (mythical snake water god).<br />
16
Buddhism in<br />
Everyday Life<br />
Residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang at their village<br />
temple during a festival.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Community Life 17<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism, <strong>and</strong> incorporate<br />
some Brahmanistic beliefs <strong>and</strong> indigenous animism.<br />
In Luang Prabang, it is the practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada<br />
Buddhism that dominates <strong>and</strong> sets the rhythms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> daily<br />
life. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism is the core <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s<br />
heritage, as it provides the basis for the norms, beliefs,<br />
social activities <strong>and</strong> cultural practices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> prevalence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism means that<br />
temples are an important feature in the Lao l<strong>and</strong>scape,<br />
serving as physical <strong>and</strong> social l<strong>and</strong>marks in villages <strong>and</strong><br />
towns. Each village has its own temple/m<strong>on</strong>astery (vat)<br />
where m<strong>on</strong>ks from the community reside. In additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
its religious functi<strong>on</strong>s, the community vat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten serves as<br />
a school, library, health clinic, social centre <strong>and</strong> residence<br />
for orphans or visitors. In the past the the m<strong>on</strong>ks were<br />
not <strong>on</strong>ly spiritual leaders but were the teachers in village<br />
society.<br />
Temples c<strong>on</strong>tinue to play an important educati<strong>on</strong>al role<br />
within lowl<strong>and</strong> Lao village society today. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings<br />
themselves are educati<strong>on</strong>al tools <strong>and</strong> document evidence<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhist teachings <strong>and</strong> local knowledge. Most temple<br />
walls, ceilings <strong>and</strong> doors are decorated with elaborate<br />
woodcarvings <strong>and</strong> painted murals that illustrate the<br />
stories <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Buddha <strong>and</strong> his teachings, as well<br />
as many aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local knowledge including architecture,<br />
arts <strong>and</strong> crafts, farming, animal husb<strong>and</strong>ry <strong>and</strong> medicine.<br />
In <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhism it is expected that every man will<br />
ordain as a m<strong>on</strong>k at some time during his life. While some<br />
will remain m<strong>on</strong>ks for their entire lives, many young men<br />
join the m<strong>on</strong>astic community, called the sangha, for <strong>on</strong>ly a<br />
brief period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> time. Before the existence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public schools,<br />
boys stayed l<strong>on</strong>ger in the temples, where they acquired<br />
basic literacy skills in additi<strong>on</strong> to the fundamentals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Buddhism. It was in this c<strong>on</strong>text that many also received<br />
training in the artistic skills <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> woodcarving, sculpture,<br />
mosaic inlay <strong>and</strong> mural painting, crucial for the task <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
visually transmitting the message <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhism to the<br />
people. Those who chose not to remain within the sangha<br />
for a lifetime took these skills with them when they<br />
returned to their secular lives in their villages. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re they<br />
assumed positi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> social importance, received a special<br />
title (thit or acharn), assisted the m<strong>on</strong>ks in <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficiating at<br />
local village cerem<strong>on</strong>ies <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tributed their artistic<br />
skills when needed by the community.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang traditi<strong>on</strong>ally held a pivotal<br />
role in the preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s heritage. In<br />
additi<strong>on</strong> to their role in creating an intimate spiritual
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> daily activities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks<br />
vary depending <strong>on</strong> the vat.<br />
Comm<strong>on</strong> activities include<br />
meditati<strong>on</strong>, the chanting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
mantras <strong>and</strong> reading from<br />
sacred texts. Twice a m<strong>on</strong>th<br />
- <strong>on</strong> the new mo<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> full<br />
mo<strong>on</strong> - m<strong>on</strong>ks gather for<br />
the reading <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the pratimoksa<br />
(the rules that govern the<br />
religious <strong>and</strong> moral behaviour<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the sangha).<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks also have<br />
duties to perform including<br />
maintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the buildings<br />
in the m<strong>on</strong>astery complex,<br />
sweeping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the temple<br />
grounds, assisting pilgrims<br />
<strong>and</strong> visitors, <strong>and</strong> guiding<br />
worship.<br />
(Photo: David A. Feingold,<br />
Ophidian Films Ltd.)<br />
Language used to<br />
describe temples<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
b<strong>on</strong>d between the communities <strong>and</strong> their temples, they<br />
are resp<strong>on</strong>sible for c<strong>on</strong>structing, decorating, maintaining<br />
<strong>and</strong> restoring temples.<br />
Because the town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang is an agglomerati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> small neighbouring villages, its urban l<strong>and</strong>scape is<br />
punctuated by numerous temples located at close intervals<br />
to <strong>on</strong>e another. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town’s distinctive streetscape is<br />
revealed in the historic peninsula where a row <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples<br />
lines the main street from <strong>on</strong>e end to the other. This<br />
settlement form recalls the ancient pattern visible in the<br />
archaeological ruins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many important historic Tai cities<br />
such as Si Satchanalai, Kaphaeng Phet <strong>and</strong> Chiang Saen.<br />
In accordance with Buddhist beliefs, communities <strong>and</strong><br />
individuals in Luang Prabang traditi<strong>on</strong>ally make merit<br />
by providing temples with the much-needed support<br />
for undertaking building projects – through d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
time, labour <strong>and</strong> funds. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore, the management <strong>and</strong><br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples also has an ec<strong>on</strong>omic functi<strong>on</strong><br />
– providing artisans with a form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> income.<br />
Political turmoil in the 1960’s <strong>and</strong> 1970’s disrupted the<br />
lives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Laotian people, <strong>and</strong> the new government<br />
set up in 1975 altered social, ec<strong>on</strong>omic, educati<strong>on</strong>al <strong>and</strong><br />
religious instituti<strong>on</strong>s. Throughout the country, many<br />
Buddhist temples were physically damaged <strong>and</strong> a number<br />
were destroyed. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> intangible effects <strong>on</strong> the instituti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the sangha were even str<strong>on</strong>ger. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boys <strong>and</strong><br />
men entering the sangha diminished, <strong>and</strong> many senior<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ks left the temples, returning to secular life in their<br />
villages. In Luang Prabang, most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the temples were<br />
physically spared, although the two major training centres<br />
for Buddhist arts which had been located in Vat Mai <strong>and</strong><br />
Vat Siphoutthabat were closed. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhism,<br />
the thread <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>tinuity holding together the social<br />
fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, was c<strong>on</strong>siderably frayed, with<br />
alarming c<strong>on</strong>sequences for the temple-based knowledge<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al medicine, arts <strong>and</strong> crafts.<br />
As government restricti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> religi<strong>on</strong> relaxed, Buddhism<br />
began to regain its vigour. During the 1990’s, when the<br />
government <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR embarked up<strong>on</strong> a new policy<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ec<strong>on</strong>omic openness <strong>and</strong> development, more young<br />
men returned to the m<strong>on</strong>asteries, <strong>and</strong> communities <strong>and</strong><br />
individuals began dedicating themselves to rec<strong>on</strong>stituting<br />
the sangha.<br />
In this book, the words ‘m<strong>on</strong>astery’ <strong>and</strong> ‘temple’ are used<br />
interchangeably in a generic sense. Sometimes, depending<br />
<strong>on</strong> the c<strong>on</strong>text, the words refer to the entire m<strong>on</strong>astic<br />
compound, while at other times the words refer to a single<br />
building within the compound, usually the sim.<br />
18
A. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing the Heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang 19<br />
1
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang 20<br />
3 4<br />
2
HERITAGE<br />
Heritage 21<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> presents a catalogue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s wide<br />
range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> natural, built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage, including the<br />
numerous festivals throughout the year, traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts<br />
<strong>and</strong> crafts, performing arts <strong>and</strong> cuisine. It is this living<br />
heritage that makes Luang Prabang a unique destinati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Southeast Asia.<br />
Natural Heritage Luang Prabang’s natural resources form the foundati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> which the area’s cultural heritage is based, <strong>and</strong> provide<br />
a unified setting for the different village communities.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mek<strong>on</strong>g River <strong>and</strong> its many tributaries serve as the<br />
primary communicati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> navigati<strong>on</strong> backb<strong>on</strong>e for the<br />
country. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> waterways that pass through Luang Prabang<br />
bring trade, <strong>and</strong> increasingly visitors.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mek<strong>on</strong>g River, the<br />
‘Mother <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Waters’ is a<br />
complex ecosystem <strong>and</strong> an<br />
important part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <strong>and</strong><br />
spirituality in Southeast Asia.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Boat-racing <strong>on</strong> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g<br />
River, as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Souang<br />
Heua festival.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Photo capti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Luang Prabang is a mountainous province, characterized<br />
by numerous caves <strong>and</strong> soaring limest<strong>on</strong>e formati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Elevati<strong>on</strong>s vary between 297 <strong>and</strong> 2257 metres. Thick<br />
upl<strong>and</strong> evergreen forests, with diversity in both flora <strong>and</strong><br />
fauna, provide abundant resources, such as wood, which<br />
figures prominently in local buildings <strong>and</strong> art. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> hills<br />
are also home to Luang Prabang’s many ethnic groups,<br />
particularly the Hm<strong>on</strong>g <strong>and</strong> the Khmu.<br />
Built <strong>on</strong> a small peninsula at the c<strong>on</strong>fluence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g<br />
<strong>and</strong> Khan Rivers, the town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang is located<br />
in a majestic <strong>and</strong> scenic positi<strong>on</strong> against the backdrop <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
forested mountains. Before man-made structures were<br />
c<strong>on</strong>structed, natural l<strong>and</strong>marks defined this sacred site.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> hill (phou) in Luang Prabang (Phousi) is the physical<br />
<strong>and</strong> spiritual centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town. It is worshipped as the<br />
representati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mount Meru, the sacred mountain which<br />
sits at the centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the universe in Buddhist cosmology.<br />
Urban wetl<strong>and</strong>s, riverbank gardens <strong>and</strong> limest<strong>on</strong>e caves<br />
are as integral to the spatial identity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town as built<br />
<strong>and</strong> architectural elements, creating a unique cultural<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape <strong>and</strong> str<strong>on</strong>g sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> place.<br />
1. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang play an important role in the daily life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents. Boys <strong>and</strong> young men<br />
enter the temple to become m<strong>on</strong>ks, while laypers<strong>on</strong>s use the temple grounds for community <strong>and</strong> leisure<br />
activities. (Photo: Vanessa Achilles)<br />
2. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> colourful royal puppets are believed to each have a spirit. (Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
3. Heritage z<strong>on</strong>ing includes the protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> p<strong>on</strong>ds <strong>and</strong> urban wetl<strong>and</strong>s, which are an important ecological<br />
comp<strong>on</strong>ent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. P<strong>on</strong>ds with palm trees, waterlilies <strong>and</strong> wildlife are interspersed with<br />
houses throughout the town. (Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
4. Women giving alms to m<strong>on</strong>ks in the binthabat cerem<strong>on</strong>y. This cerem<strong>on</strong>y usually lasts for an hour at<br />
daybreak, during which the m<strong>on</strong>ks proceed in a l<strong>on</strong>g line around the town. As a sign <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> respect, men<br />
<strong>and</strong> women <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten drape a scarf over <strong>on</strong>e shoulder during this cerem<strong>on</strong>y. (Photo: David A. Feingold, Ophidian<br />
Films Ltd.)
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Mek<strong>on</strong>g River<br />
<strong>and</strong> Giant Catfish<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Giant Catfish, known as<br />
pa beuk in Lao, is the largest<br />
scaleless freshwater fish in<br />
the world. Due to damage<br />
to its habitat, the Mek<strong>on</strong>g<br />
River, pa beuk is now a rare<br />
<strong>and</strong> endangered species.<br />
(Drawing: Thananart<br />
Kornmaneeroj)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
At 4909 kilometers in length, the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River is the<br />
twelfth l<strong>on</strong>gest river in the world <strong>and</strong> the l<strong>on</strong>gest river in<br />
Southeast Asia. Its source is in northwest China’s Qinghai<br />
Province <strong>and</strong> it empties into the South China Sea through<br />
the Mek<strong>on</strong>g delta in southern Viet Nam. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> fisheries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River <strong>and</strong> its tributaries are estimated to be<br />
worth $1 billi<strong>on</strong> a year to the 73 milli<strong>on</strong> people who live<br />
within this river system <strong>and</strong> depend up<strong>on</strong> it as their main<br />
source <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> protein. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are 1,300 species <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fish living in<br />
the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River <strong>and</strong> its tributaries, making it the sec<strong>on</strong>d<br />
most biologically diverse river system in the world, sec<strong>on</strong>d<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly to the Amaz<strong>on</strong>. One such species is the Giant Catfish.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Giant Catfish (Pangasianod<strong>on</strong> gigas) is the largest<br />
scaleless freshwater fish in the world <strong>and</strong> was <strong>on</strong>ce a<br />
central part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the lives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people living al<strong>on</strong>g the Mek<strong>on</strong>g<br />
River. Due to its importance, a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ancient beliefs<br />
<strong>and</strong> rituals surround this species. One such ritual is the<br />
liang luang held at the start <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the fishing seas<strong>on</strong> in April,<br />
during which fishermen st<strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong> the riverbank amidst<br />
the smoke <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>and</strong>les <strong>and</strong> incense <strong>and</strong> make <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to the<br />
water spirits in order to seek their permissi<strong>on</strong> to catch the<br />
Giant Catfish.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> fact that these beliefs <strong>and</strong> rituals are today dying out<br />
in Lao PDR is indicative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the dramatic drop in Giant<br />
Catfish numbers in recent years. This reducti<strong>on</strong> has come<br />
about because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the declining envir<strong>on</strong>mental health <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River – the <strong>on</strong>ly remaining habitat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this<br />
critically endangered species - which has resulted from<br />
such things as damming, dredging <strong>and</strong> overfishing.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> dramatic decline <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Giant Catfish bodes ill for the<br />
future <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people in the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River basin. Changes in<br />
the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River flow <strong>and</strong> ecology have meant that total<br />
fish catches have decreased, threatening the livelihoods<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> villagers dependent <strong>on</strong> river resources <strong>and</strong>, by forcing<br />
villagers to relocate, c<strong>on</strong>tributing to social <strong>and</strong> cultural<br />
upheaval.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> rivers play an essential role in the life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local<br />
communities. For centuries, the Tai <strong>and</strong> Lao people have<br />
relied <strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> integrated their cultures into the lowl<strong>and</strong><br />
water systems <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Southeast Asia. When the rivers recede<br />
during the dry seas<strong>on</strong>, gardens are planted al<strong>on</strong>g the banks<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both the Mek<strong>on</strong>g <strong>and</strong> the Khan rivers. Rivers provide<br />
the water needed for daily life <strong>and</strong> for the rice fields. Fish<br />
from the rivers <strong>and</strong> streams provide an important source<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> protein for the populati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
22
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> wetl<strong>and</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang provide<br />
important ecological<br />
services as well as being<br />
attractive <strong>and</strong> tranquil<br />
spaces within the town.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Heritage 23<br />
In recogniti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its importance, water <strong>and</strong> its surrounding<br />
elements are integrated into the ritual <strong>and</strong> festival<br />
calendars <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Tai <strong>and</strong> Lao cultures. Pimai, or Lao<br />
New Year, is an important annual cerem<strong>on</strong>y combining<br />
water, water spirits, religi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> social events with the<br />
reaffirmati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al kinship.<br />
An extensive system <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interc<strong>on</strong>nected wetl<strong>and</strong>s is found<br />
in the town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se wetl<strong>and</strong>s resulted<br />
from the digging <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> clay for city wells 200 to 300 years<br />
ago. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y serve an important functi<strong>on</strong> in the annual cycle<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> flooding, providing retenti<strong>on</strong> capacity for excess water.<br />
As the water recedes, the wetl<strong>and</strong>s allow water to drain<br />
gradually <strong>and</strong> be absorbed back into the ground as much<br />
as possible. In additi<strong>on</strong> to hosting wildlife, the wetl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten put to use by the local residents as breeding areas<br />
for ducks or fish. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> fish are a vital part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the wetl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
as they reduce mosquito larvae. Within the larger urban<br />
l<strong>and</strong>scape, the wetl<strong>and</strong>s provide attractive open spaces<br />
<strong>and</strong> green buffer z<strong>on</strong>es inside the town.<br />
Built Heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang is derived largely<br />
from its rich architectural endowment: the individual<br />
buildings, their elaborate embellishments <strong>and</strong> their urban<br />
assemblage. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> vernacular <strong>and</strong> col<strong>on</strong>ial architectural<br />
influences can be traced in both the m<strong>on</strong>umental <strong>and</strong><br />
secular structures, in some cases forming a distinctive<br />
hybrid urbanism.<br />
This aerial view <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang shows the array <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
building types nestled within<br />
the lush greenery <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
town. (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Luang Prabang’s urban layout preserves in living form<br />
the ancient Tai settlement pattern known elsewhere <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
from archaeological remains. This planning principle is<br />
distinctive because it has no defined urban core. Instead,<br />
the town is composed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a cluster <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> small villages, called<br />
ban. Each village is centred around <strong>and</strong> defined by its own<br />
temple, which takes the name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that village. In Luang<br />
Prabang, the villages are arrayed very closely al<strong>on</strong>g the<br />
banks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the two rivers. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> resulting proximity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> each<br />
village temple thus creates an impressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a c<strong>on</strong>tinuous<br />
string <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples al<strong>on</strong>g the central east-west axis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
town.<br />
During the French col<strong>on</strong>ial period (1893–1954), nineteenthcentury<br />
European <strong>and</strong> hybrid European-Laotian architecture<br />
was introduced to Luang Prabang. However the<br />
original town plan was retained <strong>and</strong> is still apparent<br />
today. In particular, temples c<strong>on</strong>tinue to dominate the<br />
townscape <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their height,<br />
central locati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> size.
Religious Architecture<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples provide open<br />
spaces where community<br />
members can engage in<br />
leisure activities <strong>and</strong> sport.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
M<strong>on</strong>ks relax with their friends<br />
in the temple grounds during<br />
their leisure time.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhist temples <strong>and</strong> m<strong>on</strong>asteries are the most<br />
culturally significant architectural feature in Luang<br />
Prabang. Over the centuries, the Buddhist faithful <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang, both royal patr<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> local villagers,<br />
focused their funds <strong>and</strong> efforts <strong>on</strong> building these temples.<br />
Luang Prabang’s Buddhist temples are known throughout<br />
Southeast Asia for their distinctive style: tiered ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>s <strong>and</strong><br />
pillared porticos, embellished with ornamentati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
highest quality, including wood carving, stucco moulding,<br />
dry fresco wall painting, lacquer work, <strong>and</strong> glass mosaic<br />
work.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>astic compounds are the focal point <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> community<br />
life in Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y traditi<strong>on</strong>ally serve two main<br />
functi<strong>on</strong>s: first as a centre for religious <strong>and</strong> community<br />
activities <strong>and</strong> sec<strong>on</strong>d as a place that embodies <strong>and</strong><br />
safeguards the community’s cultural heritage. In additi<strong>on</strong>,<br />
the temple complexes provide tranquil areas for children<br />
to play <strong>and</strong> adults to relax, quite similar to the role played<br />
by public parks in other communities.<br />
As shown in Figure A.2, Luang Prabang m<strong>on</strong>asteries<br />
usually c<strong>on</strong>tain a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> elements. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se may include<br />
a sim (ordinati<strong>on</strong> hall), a that (reliquary stupa), a sala<br />
(open-sided room used for meetings, dining <strong>and</strong> casual<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>ies), a ho la khang (bell tower), a ho k<strong>on</strong>g (drum<br />
tower), <strong>and</strong> a ho tai (manuscript library). Part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
compound is dedicated to the sangha (Buddhist fellowship),<br />
c<strong>on</strong>taining the kouti (sleeping quarters for the m<strong>on</strong>ks) <strong>and</strong><br />
a well for bathing. Many m<strong>on</strong>asteries also provide funeral<br />
services <strong>and</strong> because Lao Buddhists practice cremati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
rather than burial, some m<strong>on</strong>asteries have a crematorium.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re may also be small that m<strong>on</strong>uments which c<strong>on</strong>tain the<br />
ashes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> devotees. Finally, m<strong>on</strong>astery grounds<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten have school buildings, a traditi<strong>on</strong>al medicine clinic<br />
<strong>and</strong> herbal sauna, shrines to local spirits <strong>and</strong> a shed to<br />
house the l<strong>on</strong>g boats used by the community in river races<br />
<strong>on</strong> festival days.<br />
24
15<br />
1. Elephant pillars 9. Chapel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Golden Buddha<br />
2. City entrance 10. that (stupa)<br />
3. Royal Funerary House 11. Offering altar<br />
4. sim (ordinati<strong>on</strong> hall) 12. Boat shelter<br />
5. Reclining Buddha chapel 13. Bathrooms<br />
6. Tripitaka chamber 14. Shelter for the wooden bell<br />
7. Drum tower 15. Stairs down to the Mek<strong>on</strong>g river<br />
8. kouti (m<strong>on</strong>ks’ quarters) 16. Pilgrims dwelling<br />
12<br />
10a<br />
13<br />
10c<br />
4<br />
7<br />
10b<br />
6<br />
10h<br />
10g<br />
10d<br />
9<br />
5<br />
11<br />
10f<br />
10e<br />
3<br />
8b 8c<br />
14<br />
13<br />
2<br />
16<br />
Heritage<br />
Figure A.2: Elements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Luang Prabang M<strong>on</strong>astery. Example: Layout <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g.<br />
1<br />
25
Architectural Styles<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> earliest style <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temple<br />
architecture (Luang Prabang<br />
Style I) is typified by Vat Visoun,<br />
which was originally built in 1512<br />
by King Phothisarat. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> current<br />
structure is a rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
original <strong>and</strong> was built in 1898 after<br />
the original was destroyed by the<br />
Black Flags in 1887. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> original<br />
building was made <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wood, while<br />
the rec<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> is a brick <strong>and</strong><br />
plaster structure.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Believed to have been built<br />
in around 1560 by King<br />
Setthathirat, Vat Xieng<br />
Th<strong>on</strong>g, the Temple <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
Golden City, is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
best examples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang<br />
Prabang Style (Luang Prabang<br />
Style II) <strong>and</strong> is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang’s most impressive<br />
temples.. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> distinctive Lao<br />
ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ornamentati<strong>on</strong>, dok so fa,<br />
can be seen in the middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ridge.<br />
(Photo:.<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> architectural styles <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang temples can be<br />
classified into four main types as follows:<br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> earliest temple architecture<br />
(Luang Prabang Style I)<br />
• Luang Prabang (Luang Prabang Style II)<br />
• Xieng Khouang (Luang Prabang Style III)<br />
• Vientiane (Thai Style)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> earliest style is represented by temples in which<br />
the foundati<strong>on</strong>s are smaller than the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, such as in Vat<br />
Visoun. Drawings from the nineteenth-century Garnier<br />
Expediti<strong>on</strong> show that the sim at Vat That Luang also<br />
had this distinctive shape. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang style<br />
is characterised by multi-tiered sweeping ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>s that<br />
represent the cosmological levels in Buddhist doctrine.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> sim at Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g is the archetype <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang style II. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Xieng Khouang style (Luang Prabang<br />
Style III) has a low, sweeping ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>, as seen in Vat Paphay<br />
<strong>and</strong> Vat L<strong>on</strong>g Khoun. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> so-called Vientiane style (also<br />
called Thai style) is characterized by tall, narrow walls<br />
with shorter eaves. See Figure B.3: Temple Architectural<br />
Styles, in secti<strong>on</strong> B which classifies each <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang into their respective category.<br />
Vat Pa Phay is an example<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Xieng Khouang Style<br />
(Luang Prabang Style III).<br />
This graceful style is rare<br />
but several examples remain<br />
in existence in Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
(Photo: David A. Feingold,<br />
Ophidian Films Ltd.)<br />
Vat Pa Huak is an<br />
example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vientiane<br />
Style (Thai Style) <strong>and</strong> is<br />
located <strong>on</strong> the western<br />
edge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Phousi in Ban<br />
Choum Kh<strong>on</strong>g. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
nineteenth century<br />
murals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vat Pa Huak<br />
are very beautiful <strong>and</strong><br />
depict the story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
Taming <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Jambupati.<br />
(Photo: Water Unger)<br />
26
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> dok so fa, a particular<br />
feature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laotian sim, is<br />
located at the centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
sim ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ridge.<br />
(Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
Heritage 27<br />
A wide range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> materials, c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> decorative<br />
techniques are deployed in the c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>umental<br />
structures such as temples. Unlike traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
secular dwellings, which are largely limited to<br />
impermanent materials including wood <strong>and</strong> bamboo,<br />
temples use a combinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wood <strong>and</strong> mas<strong>on</strong>ry<br />
c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong>. Foundati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> walls are mas<strong>on</strong>ry, while<br />
the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> structure is wood. Pillars are usually wood,<br />
encased with brick <strong>and</strong> plaster. Most notably, the temples<br />
are lavishly decorated. Door panels, hanging screens<br />
in the portico area, <strong>and</strong> gable ridges are adorned with<br />
exquisite wood carvings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> floral <strong>and</strong> religious motifs.<br />
Stucco moulding can be found <strong>on</strong> the base <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> platform<br />
supporting the main Buddha figure or in door surrounds.<br />
Columns <strong>and</strong> doors are lacquered <strong>and</strong> gilded <strong>and</strong> are<br />
decorated with geometric patterns or allegorical scenes.<br />
Murals are either painted or painstakingly c<strong>on</strong>structed<br />
from coloured glass mosaic, exemplifying the talents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
royal-trained artisans.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> spires <strong>on</strong> the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the sim symbolize the universe,<br />
<strong>and</strong> indicate royal patr<strong>on</strong>age in the building <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the temple.<br />
A distinctive feature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sim in Lao PDR is the metal<br />
ornamentati<strong>on</strong> located in the middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ridge, the<br />
dok so fa.<br />
Secular Architecture <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> early dwellings in the Luang Prabang area, similar<br />
to vernacular houses throughout Lane Xang <strong>and</strong><br />
neighbouring kingdoms, were built from wood <strong>and</strong><br />
bamboo, <strong>and</strong> raised <strong>on</strong> piles. A lightweight framework <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
wood or bamboo was c<strong>on</strong>structed, with panels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> woven<br />
bamboo strips used for infill. Thatched ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ing provided<br />
protecti<strong>on</strong> against the elements <strong>and</strong> could be easily<br />
replaced as necessary. Later, a plaster finish made from<br />
lime, straw, s<strong>and</strong>, palm sugar <strong>and</strong> boiled buffalo skin was<br />
introduced by the Tai Dam, a Tai-speaking group whose<br />
homel<strong>and</strong> is in northern Viet Nam. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
techniques <strong>and</strong> materials are still predominant in the<br />
Traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao houses<br />
are built with bamboo,<br />
thatch <strong>and</strong> wood, with the<br />
quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the materials<br />
depending <strong>on</strong> the wealth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the owner. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y are usually<br />
free-st<strong>and</strong>ing structures,<br />
rectangular in plan <strong>and</strong><br />
elevated <strong>on</strong> piles.<br />
(Photo: Beatrice Kaldun)<br />
villages surrounding Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> in some areas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the town itself.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> technique <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> vernacular dwellings is<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sistent throughout different levels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> society. Higher<br />
status is revealed <strong>on</strong>ly through locati<strong>on</strong>, larger size <strong>and</strong><br />
better quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> materials. As such, a village<br />
chief’s house was, traditi<strong>on</strong>ally, stylistically identical to<br />
the house <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an ordinary resident.
Villa Santi is a col<strong>on</strong>ial-era<br />
house that has been renovated<br />
<strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>verted into an<br />
upmarket guesthouse.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Chinese-style shop houses,<br />
which were introduced into<br />
Luang Prabang via imported<br />
Vietnamese builders, line many<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the roads in Luang Prabang.<br />
(Photo: Water Unger)<br />
Festivals <strong>and</strong><br />
Daily Rituals<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
New secular building styles were introduced between 1893<br />
<strong>and</strong> 1907 as the French gradually assumed administrative<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos. In c<strong>on</strong>structing administrative buildings<br />
<strong>and</strong> houses the French introduced European c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
techniques <strong>and</strong> materials. For instance, the restricti<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bricks, which were previously used <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
for temples, was lifted. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> French, however, did not<br />
merely transplant European styles into Luang Prabang.<br />
Instead, they employed styles developed in Viet Nam<br />
<strong>and</strong> produced designs inspired by vernacular temple<br />
architecture <strong>and</strong> secular wooden structures that were<br />
better suited to the warm <strong>and</strong> humid Laotian climate.<br />
As a result, a new Laotian architectural style emerged,<br />
based <strong>on</strong> indigenous domestic architecture but freely<br />
incorporating French <strong>and</strong> Vietnamese design elements<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g with European <strong>and</strong> Chinese technical innovati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laotian royalty <strong>and</strong> aristocracy, who had previously<br />
lived in wooden houses, had their new mas<strong>on</strong>ry<br />
residences c<strong>on</strong>structed in this style. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> former Royal<br />
Palace (see page 14, photo 4) which today houses the<br />
Luang Prabang Nati<strong>on</strong>al Museum, was built between<br />
1904 <strong>and</strong> 1909 <strong>and</strong> serves as a fine example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Frenchinspired<br />
architecture that was popular at that time.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> French introduced some elements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chinese<br />
architecture <strong>and</strong> urbanism indirectly. To execute French<br />
public works, skilled Vietnamese labourers were<br />
imported. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se labourers settled near the foot <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
peninsula <strong>and</strong> built their own commercial quarters which<br />
were brick, Chinese-style shop houses in rows that faced<br />
directly <strong>on</strong>to the street, with living accommodati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong><br />
the upper floors. All <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these architectural styles can still<br />
be seen today in Luang Prabang.<br />
Rituals <strong>and</strong> festivals, whether they occur <strong>on</strong>ce a day or<br />
<strong>on</strong>ce a year, c<strong>on</strong>vey the spirit <strong>and</strong> essence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a culture,<br />
identifying what is unique to a locality. In Luang Prabang,<br />
the ritual cycle is dominated by <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhist<br />
customs <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>s, integrated with tributes paid to<br />
the animistic spirits (phi) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> water. Because it<br />
is the traditi<strong>on</strong>al centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religi<strong>on</strong> in Laos <strong>and</strong> the seat <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the former royal family, annual festivals (boun) are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten<br />
organized <strong>on</strong> a gr<strong>and</strong> scale in Luang Prabang. Festivals<br />
are governed by the different phases <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the mo<strong>on</strong>, but in<br />
general are held in the same m<strong>on</strong>th each year, as outlined<br />
in the box below.<br />
This pimai street parade features cerem<strong>on</strong>ial dancers dressed<br />
as the devata luang, servants <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the mythological Khun Borom,<br />
guarding the sacred prabang image. (Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
28
Heritage 29<br />
Luang Prabang Festivals<br />
January Boun Khoun Khao – Harvest festival, celebrated after the<br />
rice has been harvested, in which a cerem<strong>on</strong>y is held to<br />
give thanks to the spirit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> to ensure the next<br />
harvest will be plentiful.<br />
Boun Pha Vet – A temple-based festival when the jataka<br />
or story <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prince Vestsantara (the Buddha’s penultimate<br />
life) are recited. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> festival lasts for three days <strong>and</strong> three<br />
nights. Visiting fortunetellers are also a popular attracti<strong>on</strong><br />
at this time.<br />
February Boun Makha Bous’a – A temple-based festival held<br />
during the full-mo<strong>on</strong> commemorating the speech given<br />
by Buddha to 1,250 enlightened m<strong>on</strong>ks. Temple goers<br />
circumambulate the vat three times with c<strong>and</strong>les in a<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>y known as vien tian.<br />
Boun Khao Chi – Special bread <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sticky rice, coated with<br />
egg <strong>and</strong> then grilled, is made <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered to the m<strong>on</strong>ks.<br />
This <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering occurs during makha bous’a, but is no l<strong>on</strong>ger<br />
widely practiced.<br />
April Boun Pimai – New Year festival beginning in mid-April<br />
<strong>and</strong> lasting three days. Held before the <strong>on</strong>set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the rainy<br />
seas<strong>on</strong>, it recognizes the importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> water in people’s<br />
lives. It is also a purificati<strong>on</strong> festival during which<br />
Buddha images in the household <strong>and</strong> the temples are<br />
ritually cleaned with sacred water. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Prabang image is<br />
moved out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Nati<strong>on</strong>al Museum during the festival to<br />
be purified in the grounds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vat Mai. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> water from the<br />
cleaning cerem<strong>on</strong>ies is then poured or splashed by people<br />
<strong>on</strong> to each other to cleanse them <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bad luck <strong>and</strong> to bring<br />
them luck for the coming year. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> most elaborate New<br />
Year festival rites in Lao PDR are held in Luang Prabang<br />
with processi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the legendary guardian spirits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
town. Traditi<strong>on</strong>ally, boun pimai also served to reaffirm<br />
Lao kingship.<br />
May<br />
Boun Visakha Bous’a – Falling usually <strong>on</strong> the fifteenth day<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the sixth lunar m<strong>on</strong>th, this festival celebrates the birth,<br />
death <strong>and</strong> tatsahou (enlightenment) <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddha.<br />
Boun Bang Fai – This festival is a rain-making <strong>and</strong> fertility<br />
festival. Held just before the rainy seas<strong>on</strong>, it is a wild<br />
<strong>and</strong> happy cerem<strong>on</strong>y, involving music, dance <strong>and</strong> street<br />
processi<strong>on</strong>s, culminating in the firing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> rockets. Rockets<br />
are fired to tempt the gods to produce rain needed for rice<br />
cultivati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> also to send the naga from the river bank<br />
into the rice field in order to attract rain.
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang 30<br />
July Boun Khao Phansa – Held <strong>on</strong> the full mo<strong>on</strong>, this festival<br />
marks the beginning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhist lent, the three m<strong>on</strong>th<br />
period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>astic seclusi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> meditati<strong>on</strong> during the<br />
rainy seas<strong>on</strong>, when m<strong>on</strong>ks are required to stay within<br />
their vat. M<strong>on</strong>ks are traditi<strong>on</strong>ally ordained during this<br />
period <strong>and</strong> when they are ordained, are expected to<br />
remain in the vat for the entire three m<strong>on</strong>ths.<br />
August Boun Khao Padab Dinh – Held <strong>on</strong> the full mo<strong>on</strong>. During<br />
this festival people make special <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
deceased, not <strong>on</strong>ly their own ancestors.<br />
Boun Souang Heua - In Luang Prabang this festival is<br />
held during the ninth Buddhist lunar m<strong>on</strong>th <strong>and</strong> is an<br />
important part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the traditi<strong>on</strong>al agricultural cycle. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
festival pays tribute to the naga, (mythical snake water<br />
deities) with the intenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> attracting the naga from the<br />
inundated rice fields back into the river. This festival also<br />
commemorates the end <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the rainy seas<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> brings<br />
luck for an abundant harvest. Similar to the Loy Krath<strong>on</strong>g<br />
festival in Thail<strong>and</strong>, this festival involves the ritual<br />
launching <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> small <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings, made <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> banana leaves <strong>and</strong><br />
flowers, <strong>on</strong>to the river. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings are launched at<br />
night <strong>and</strong> are lit with c<strong>and</strong>les in order to cleanse the giver<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> bad luck <strong>and</strong> to give thanks to the water spirits. On<br />
the following day, boat races take place <strong>on</strong> the river. By<br />
holding boat races, people ritually reclaim the l<strong>and</strong> from<br />
the naga, chasing them out from fields <strong>and</strong> streams <strong>and</strong><br />
back into the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River.<br />
September Boun Khao Salak – Held <strong>on</strong> the full mo<strong>on</strong>, this festival<br />
involves the giving <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to a specific m<strong>on</strong>k (decided<br />
by a lottery system). Offerings include daily necessities<br />
such as books, pens, sugar, c<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fee <strong>and</strong> cigarettes.<br />
Laypeople also give tung peng (wax flower c<strong>and</strong>les) to the<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ks. This ritual brings merit to the givers.<br />
October/November Boun Ok Phansa – Held <strong>on</strong> the full mo<strong>on</strong> ending <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
three-m<strong>on</strong>th rainy seas<strong>on</strong> period <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>astic seclusi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
M<strong>on</strong>ks who were ordained for the phansa period leave<br />
the vat <strong>and</strong> rejoin their families. This festival also involves<br />
launching c<strong>and</strong>le-lit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings <strong>on</strong> the river at night.<br />
Boun Heua Fai – A festival for the phanga naga to bring<br />
good luck. Each village makes <strong>and</strong> decorates a boat. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
boats are then paraded through the town <strong>and</strong> at night<br />
are launched <strong>on</strong> the river <strong>and</strong> cerem<strong>on</strong>ially set <strong>on</strong> fire as<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to the spirits.<br />
December Kinh Chiang (Peb Caub) – Lao Sung (Hm<strong>on</strong>g) new lunar<br />
year festival.
A. Underst<strong>and</strong>ing the Heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang 31<br />
1
3 4<br />
2
Binthabat<br />
Heritage 33<br />
Every morning the m<strong>on</strong>ks walk in single file through<br />
the streets, carrying their alms bowls to receive a daily<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> glutinous rice from people. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> d<strong>on</strong>ors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer<br />
rice to the m<strong>on</strong>ks in order to gain merit. This daily ritual<br />
is known as binthabat. This simple gesture symbolizes<br />
the unique psychological <strong>and</strong> physical b<strong>on</strong>d Buddhism<br />
creates between the people <strong>and</strong> m<strong>on</strong>ks. It is a communal,<br />
public cerem<strong>on</strong>y in which every<strong>on</strong>e can participate.<br />
Daily Offerings Daily <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to the spirits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the household are a private<br />
affair for family <strong>and</strong> close family friends. A visitor should<br />
never enter a home uninvited to observe or photograph<br />
this daily ritual. Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these cerem<strong>on</strong>ies are commemorati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
for deceased parents or gr<strong>and</strong>parents.<br />
Offerings<br />
Photo capti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Offerings to Buddha images are made to remind us <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the Buddha’s teachings. It is comm<strong>on</strong> to see a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings in Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se include the following:<br />
- C<strong>and</strong>les, which are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered to drive away darkness. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
symbolize enlightenment <strong>and</strong> the light <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge<br />
which dispels the darkness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ignorance.<br />
- Incense, which provides a fragrant smell <strong>and</strong> symbolizes<br />
pure moral c<strong>on</strong>duct. It reminds us to c<strong>on</strong>duct ourselves<br />
well.<br />
- Water, which symbolizes purity, clarity <strong>and</strong> calmness.<br />
- Fruit, which symbolizes the fruit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> enlightenment,<br />
which is our goal, <strong>and</strong> is representative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all acti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
having a reacti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
- Flowers, which represent impermanence because their<br />
beauty <strong>and</strong> smell eventually whither <strong>and</strong> die.<br />
- Lotus flowers, which represent the potential or actuality<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> enlightenment as the lotus grows out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mud <strong>and</strong> rises<br />
above the water. Likewise, the Lord Buddha rose above<br />
his suffering <strong>and</strong> defilements to gain enlightenment.<br />
1. As well as being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious <strong>and</strong> spiritual significance, pimai is a celebratory time in which<br />
every<strong>on</strong>e has fun throwing water <strong>and</strong> playing in the streets. (Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
2. This <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering includes: marigold flowers, orange c<strong>and</strong>les, rice, limes, ginger, garlic, salt, cigarettes<br />
<strong>and</strong> an egg. (Photo: David A. Feingold, Ophidian Films Ltd.)<br />
3. Cooked rice is stored in h<strong>and</strong>-woven baskets. Glutinous rice is the starch staple <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang<br />
Prabang diet. (Photo: Beatrice Kaldun)<br />
4. Sa paper (mulberry-bark paper) is used to make colourful <strong>and</strong> decorative lanterns such as<br />
these, which are popular with tourists as souvenir items. (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)
Baci<br />
Here a woman is participating<br />
in the baci cerem<strong>on</strong>y (also<br />
known as sou khuan), in<br />
which strings are tied around<br />
her wrist. This cerem<strong>on</strong>y is<br />
performed during special<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>s or <strong>on</strong> the eve <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
journeys. In this ritual, the<br />
tying <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> strings around the<br />
wrist transfers good luck to the<br />
recipient. (Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Performing Arts<br />
Music <strong>and</strong> Dance<br />
Actors performing scenes from a<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al Laotian tale.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
Baci (also spelled baisi) is an ancient, pre-Buddhist ritual<br />
still practiced by Tai speakers all over the upper Mek<strong>on</strong>g<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>. In Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> other parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR, baci<br />
is performed <strong>on</strong> important occasi<strong>on</strong>s such as weddings,<br />
births <strong>and</strong> deaths. It is also carried out just before a family<br />
member or close friend departs <strong>on</strong> a l<strong>on</strong>g journey, to<br />
remind them <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their ties to their hometown. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> cerem<strong>on</strong>y<br />
also takes place to welcome people back from a prol<strong>on</strong>ged<br />
absence, to h<strong>on</strong>our achievments <strong>and</strong> when people are<br />
recovering from illness.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> baci cerem<strong>on</strong>y involves the calling back <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> spiritual<br />
powers (khuan). White strings, which serve to bind good<br />
luck <strong>and</strong> protecti<strong>on</strong>, are tied around the wrist <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
individual receiving the baci <strong>and</strong> wishes are formulated<br />
whilst knotting these strings. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> mor ph<strong>on</strong>, a community<br />
elder who is knowledgable about traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao rituals,<br />
c<strong>on</strong>ducts the cerem<strong>on</strong>y.<br />
After the cerem<strong>on</strong>y the participants share a meal, which<br />
usually includes dishes such as koi <strong>and</strong> saa, which are types<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> laap, a popular dish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> spicy minced meat <strong>and</strong> herbs that<br />
is c<strong>on</strong>sidered to bring luck. Outsiders can participate in a<br />
baci cerem<strong>on</strong>y, but must be invited.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> performing arts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang include classical<br />
dance-theatre <strong>and</strong> puppetry.<br />
Luang Prabang’s classical dance <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al music<br />
have their own distinctive style linked to the Royal Court.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> origins <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these arts date back to the fourteenth<br />
century when King Fa Ngum held victory cerem<strong>on</strong>ies.<br />
Dance was <strong>on</strong>ce taught at the Royal Palace by trained<br />
masters, <strong>and</strong> the dancers were recruited from the<br />
town’s youth. However in Luang Prabang there was no<br />
permanent performance troupe, as there were in Phnom<br />
Penh <strong>and</strong> <strong>Bangkok</strong>. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the dances traditi<strong>on</strong>ally<br />
performed during religious festivals <strong>and</strong> other important<br />
occasi<strong>on</strong>s is the Phalak Phalam, an adaptati<strong>on</strong> from the<br />
Indian Ramayana epic. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> masks worn by the performers<br />
are made by a sole surviving craftsman in Luang Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Phalak Phalam performance at the Royal <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>atre Hall<br />
now caters exclusively to tourists.<br />
34
Puppetry<br />
It is believed that each Royal<br />
Puppet has a spirit <strong>and</strong><br />
preceding each performance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings must be given to<br />
each spirit. (Photo: Richard<br />
Engelhardt)<br />
Traditi<strong>on</strong>al Arts<br />
<strong>and</strong> Crafts<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se are some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
ingredients for making<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al lime plaster,<br />
which is used for rendering<br />
walls <strong>and</strong> for moulding<br />
Buddha <strong>and</strong> naga figures.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Heritage 35<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> ancient art <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> puppet theatre also holds a special place<br />
in the cultural heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. Puppetry started<br />
in the village <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g <strong>and</strong> all puppeteers were<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>ally from this village. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al puppets<br />
are very difficult to operate, thus extensive training is<br />
required to master the art. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> puppets themselves are<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sidered sacred, as they are believed to each c<strong>on</strong>tain<br />
a spirit.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> ancient traditi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> puppetry has recently made<br />
a comeback, <strong>and</strong> performances are held during festivals<br />
<strong>and</strong> weekly at the Royal <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>atre Hall for tourists. After<br />
each performance the puppets are returned to Vat Xieng<br />
Th<strong>on</strong>g. After every fifth performance the puppets receive<br />
a special <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering <strong>and</strong> a religious cerem<strong>on</strong>y is held<br />
h<strong>on</strong>ouring their spirits.<br />
As the former royal capital, Luang Prabang boasts a str<strong>on</strong>g<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> patr<strong>on</strong>age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the arts. Residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang are well-known for their skills in carving, silver<br />
work, blacksmithing, paper making, weaving, embroidery<br />
<strong>and</strong> pottery. To this day particular villages remain centres<br />
for specific crafts. Ban Pha Nom, for example, is a centre<br />
for weaving, while Ban Chan specializes in pottery <strong>and</strong><br />
Ban D<strong>on</strong> Hat Hien in blacksmithing.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> artistic traditi<strong>on</strong>s in the palace <strong>and</strong> the Buddhist<br />
temples were closely linked. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> palace supported its own<br />
corps <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> artists <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>structed their own royal temples<br />
which were decorated by the royal artists.<br />
Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the most skilled artisans <strong>and</strong> performers in the<br />
regi<strong>on</strong> lived or were trained in the town. In particular, the<br />
temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang traditi<strong>on</strong>ally served as artistic<br />
training grounds. Many young m<strong>on</strong>ks learned the crafts<br />
which form the hallmark <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang Prabang temples.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>k craftsmen then brought their skills with them to<br />
their home villages when they left the sangha. As a result,<br />
in the nineteenth <strong>and</strong> early twentieth centuries Luang<br />
Prabang emerged as an important artistic training centre.
Buddha Image Carving<br />
<strong>and</strong> Casting<br />
Woodcarving<br />
Silversmithing<br />
Blacksmithing<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
Buddha image carving <strong>and</strong> casting are skills learned<br />
within the temple. Three basic types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddha images<br />
are produced in Luang Prabang – carved wooden<br />
images, cast br<strong>on</strong>ze images, <strong>and</strong> large images made from a<br />
combinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> materials, including brick, mortar, lacquer<br />
<strong>and</strong> gold leaf. Many wooden images are carved not <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
by m<strong>on</strong>ks, but also by village men who learned the skill as<br />
young men in m<strong>on</strong>asteries.<br />
M<strong>on</strong>ks combine metals to create<br />
br<strong>on</strong>ze for the formati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddha<br />
images. Here a m<strong>on</strong>k is pouring<br />
br<strong>on</strong>ze into a mould.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Woodcarving flourished in Luang Prabang during the late<br />
fourteenth century when King Fa Ngum began promoting<br />
the arts. Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang feature<br />
wood columns, doors, shutters <strong>and</strong> architectural details<br />
adorned with intricate carving.<br />
Both the Fine Arts School in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong>’s Training Centre for Laotian Traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Temple Arts <strong>and</strong> Building Crafts at Vat Xieng Mouane<br />
employ local woodcarving artists to teach traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
woodcarving, thereby ensuring the transmissi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this<br />
important element <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local arts.<br />
Silversmithing in Luang Prabang also dates back to the late<br />
fourteenth century. According to legend, a king wanted<br />
to have the most beautiful <strong>and</strong> complex designs for his<br />
utensils <strong>and</strong> decorati<strong>on</strong>s. As a result, the silversmiths in<br />
Luang Prabang became known as the most talented in all<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos. Today, silversmithing takes place around Ban<br />
That, with two extended families involved in the craft. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
items produced, though expensive, are very popular with<br />
tourists due to their high quality <strong>and</strong> attractive traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
design.<br />
This Luang Prabang silversmith is creating an intricately<br />
decorated silver bowl. (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Blacksmithing is based in Ban D<strong>on</strong> Hat Hien. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> village<br />
produces knives, sickles <strong>and</strong> agricultural tools for markets<br />
in town. All the items are locally h<strong>and</strong>-made. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al crafts may face future difficulties as cheaper<br />
factory-produced tools can be imported from China,<br />
Thail<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> elsewhere. However there is a possibility<br />
that the blacksmiths can shift to producing more pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>itable<br />
tourist-oriented crafts.<br />
36
Heritage 37<br />
Sa Paper Making Paper making has been practiced locally since the<br />
seventeenth century. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al method uses<br />
mulberry bark to create mulberry or sa paper. Originally,<br />
sa paper was what residents wrote <strong>on</strong>, especially when<br />
copying Buddhist religious texts. Today the traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
paper is made largely for artistic purposes or for sale to<br />
tourists, local hotels <strong>and</strong> souvenir shops. New uses for<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al sa paper have made this product very popular<br />
am<strong>on</strong>gst tourists.<br />
Silk Weaving <strong>and</strong> Dyeing Women from all Tai ethnic groups, including the Lao,<br />
are accomplished weavers. Silk weaving was introduced<br />
from China, <strong>and</strong> today many Lao weavers produce their<br />
own silk by raising mulberry trees <strong>and</strong> silkworms. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
then dye the threads using natural dyes made from local<br />
plant products. Traditi<strong>on</strong>ally, each Tai ethnic group <strong>and</strong><br />
even each village had its own distinctive designs, which<br />
were readily identified. However, this kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> uniqueness<br />
has not been maintained, <strong>and</strong> women now use a wide<br />
repertoire <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> techniques <strong>and</strong> patterns. In Ban Pha Nom, a<br />
300-year-old weaving village that used to supply the king<br />
Silk fabric in a variety<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> colours <strong>and</strong> patterns,<br />
displayed for sale.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Embroidery<br />
Basketry<br />
Locally-made sa paper is used by artists <strong>and</strong> by the general<br />
public for a range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> purposes. (Photo: Beatrice Kaldun)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, the Tai Lue weavers create designs that<br />
draw <strong>on</strong> influences from all over the country, catering<br />
mostly for the tourist market.<br />
Embroidery in Luang Prabang is a specialty <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Hm<strong>on</strong>g<br />
ethnic group. In additi<strong>on</strong> to intricate geometric patterns,<br />
during recent years they have used embroidery to ‘tell<br />
their histories’, creating narrative themes in the design.<br />
Embroidery is mainly sold by Hm<strong>on</strong>g women in the socalled<br />
Hm<strong>on</strong>g market in Luang Prabang, but is also found<br />
in small shops around town. Most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these women come<br />
from Ban Na Sampam.<br />
Basketry is primarily produced by the Khmu ethnic group,<br />
who live in villages surrounding Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
are expert basket makers, <strong>and</strong> create a range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> beautiful<br />
products, all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which are functi<strong>on</strong>al. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are baskets for<br />
storing rice, for serving sticky rice, for carrying things, for<br />
storing textiles, etc. Baskets have become a popular item<br />
in Luang Prabang’s souvenir shops.
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> distinctive cuisine <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
regi<strong>on</strong> can be sampled in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
(Photo: Patarap<strong>on</strong>g K<strong>on</strong>gwijit)<br />
This roadside st<strong>and</strong> sells<br />
a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local, precooked<br />
dishes, including ourlam, fish<br />
wrapped in banana leaves<br />
(khanappa), pickled vegetables<br />
(som phak) <strong>and</strong> sticky rice<br />
(khao niew).<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
Pottery In the Luang Prabang area, pottery is <strong>on</strong>ly produced in<br />
Ban Chan because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the special clay found in that village<br />
<strong>and</strong> the limited availabity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> clay elsewhere. Although<br />
pottery is not a popular souvenir, due to its fragility <strong>and</strong><br />
bulkiness, pottery <strong>and</strong> porcelain can be found in souvenir<br />
shops in Luang Prabang. However <strong>on</strong>ly a small proporti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this is produced in Ban Chan - most comes from<br />
Vientiane. N<strong>on</strong>etheless, Ban Chan benefits from tourism<br />
because they produce pottery for hotels, restaurants <strong>and</strong><br />
guesthouses.<br />
Cuisine A range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> distinct regi<strong>on</strong>al cuisines exists across Laos<br />
<strong>and</strong> the dishes found in Luang Prabang are particular to<br />
the regi<strong>on</strong>. Because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Royal Court’s presence, Luang<br />
Prabang’s food is c<strong>on</strong>sidered more refined <strong>and</strong> complex<br />
than that found in other regi<strong>on</strong>s. Luang Prabang cuisine<br />
takes full advantage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local vegetati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> fauna. It is<br />
prepared with relatively mild seas<strong>on</strong>ing which allows the<br />
flavours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the fresh produce to dominate.<br />
A remarkable asset for underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> appreciating<br />
Luang Prabang cuisine is the surviving recipes that<br />
bel<strong>on</strong>ged to <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the last royal chefs in Luang Prabang.<br />
Saved by an incredible fluke <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fate, these recipes have<br />
been published as a book, Traditi<strong>on</strong>al Recipes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos,<br />
published by Prospect Books, L<strong>on</strong>d<strong>on</strong>.<br />
A comm<strong>on</strong> feature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the food in Luang Prabang is the use<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fermented fish sauce (padek) <strong>and</strong> the bitter <strong>and</strong> spicy<br />
nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the c<strong>on</strong>diments used. Typical dishes include khai<br />
phaen, a dried river moss which is sautéed in seas<strong>on</strong>ed oil<br />
<strong>and</strong> topped with sesame seeds, <strong>and</strong> jaeo b<strong>on</strong>g, a jam-like<br />
c<strong>on</strong>diment made from chillies <strong>and</strong> dried buffalo skin. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
two dishes are frequently served together.<br />
Another typical Luang Prabang dish is ourlam, a thick<br />
stew made from eggplant, mushrooms <strong>and</strong> buffalo or<br />
other meat, which is flavoured with chillies, local herbs<br />
<strong>and</strong> spices. Its unique flavour derives from a bitter-spicy<br />
wood called sakhan. Ourlam is eaten with glutinous rice,<br />
the primary starch staple in Laos.<br />
Although all Laotian cooks make laap, a spicy dish <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
finely minced water buffalo, chicken or fish, people in<br />
Luang Prabang prepare two similar dishes called koi <strong>and</strong><br />
saa. Traditi<strong>on</strong>ally, laap is eaten uncooked, <strong>and</strong> is prepared<br />
by blending minced meat, chicken or fish with eggplant,<br />
cori<strong>and</strong>er, mint, chillies <strong>and</strong> powdered sticky rice. Koi is<br />
usually made from fish, chicken or duck <strong>and</strong> is prepared<br />
by mixing beans, chillies, lem<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> cori<strong>and</strong>er with the<br />
38
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang markets<br />
sell a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locally grown<br />
vegetables.<br />
(Photo: Beatrice Kaldun)<br />
Many different local dishes<br />
are sold at the night market.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Heritage 39<br />
minced meat base. Saa is made from pork which is mixed<br />
with chopped banana flowers as well as chillies, lem<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> cori<strong>and</strong>er. Koi <strong>and</strong> saa are chopped more coarsely<br />
than laap <strong>and</strong> are cooked.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> most important spice used in traditi<strong>on</strong>al Luang<br />
Prabang cuisine is fresh ginger root (Zingiber <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficinale),<br />
a plant native to upl<strong>and</strong> Southeast Asia. In additi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ginger as a flavoring, the plant has a ritual<br />
significance <strong>and</strong> is an important element in <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to<br />
the spirits. In the world <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> spirits, where things are valued<br />
by their smell <strong>and</strong> taste, Zingiber <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficinale is deemed to<br />
represent gold, while another type <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ginger, Zingiber<br />
zerumbet, represents silver.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> world’s largest river fish, the Giant Mek<strong>on</strong>g Catfish<br />
(pa beuk) was formerly a major source <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> protein for the<br />
residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong>, like ginger, is regarded<br />
as having sacred significance. Unfortunately, upstream<br />
dams <strong>and</strong> other disrupti<strong>on</strong>s have changed the ecology <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River <strong>and</strong> have brought this noble fish to the<br />
brink <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> extincti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Bananas, eggs <strong>and</strong> rice also have ritual significance to the<br />
residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> are part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>ies.<br />
Because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the many years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> French influence in their<br />
country, many Laotians are quite comfortable with<br />
elements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al cuisine. C<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fee <strong>and</strong> baguettes,<br />
for example, are c<strong>on</strong>sumed widely in Luang Prabang.<br />
As the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists increases in Luang Prabang,<br />
the range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cuisine has exp<strong>and</strong>ed dramatically. Not<br />
unexpectedly, small French bistros have led the way.<br />
Usually owned <strong>and</strong> run by young returned Laotians<br />
who were raised in France or by French expatriates <strong>and</strong><br />
their local partners, the food they <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten a mixture<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> classic French <strong>and</strong> local Lao. Recently, based <strong>on</strong> the<br />
growing business possibilities in Luang Prabang, Western<br />
bakeries <strong>and</strong> cafes from Vientiane have opened branches<br />
in Luang Prabang.<br />
In spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the growing variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al food<br />
available in Luang Prabang, the ritual link between<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al foodstuffs <strong>and</strong> important life cerem<strong>on</strong>ies<br />
ensures that local cuisine retains its popularity <strong>and</strong> is<br />
readily available in restaurants where visitors can enjoy<br />
its unique flavours.
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
B. HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN LUANG PRABANG<br />
Part B examines the history <strong>and</strong> key strategies for heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> outlines the preservati<strong>on</strong> efforts to date.<br />
HERITAGE<br />
PRESERVATION<br />
SO FAR<br />
Legislati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Assessment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Historic Buildings<br />
World Heritage<br />
Inscripti<strong>on</strong><br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> outlines some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the major milest<strong>on</strong>es in<br />
the history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang,<br />
including an explanati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> how Luang Prabang became a<br />
World Heritage site.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re has been much progress in heritage preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Luang Prabang over the past 18 years. Several <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
initiatives are highlighted in Figure B.1 <strong>on</strong> page 41. Some<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the major milest<strong>on</strong>es are discussed below.<br />
In order to cope with existing <strong>and</strong> potential issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>, the Government <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR has,<br />
since 1989, begun to create new heritage legislati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> has<br />
established instituti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> developed relati<strong>on</strong>ships with<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>s specializing in heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>, with<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al organizati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> with d<strong>on</strong>or countries.<br />
In 1994, the Ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>, with<br />
support from the French Government, employed the<br />
French architectural firm, Ateliers de la Peninsule, to<br />
undertake an architectural assessment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic<br />
buildings in Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project resulted in the<br />
identificati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> listing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 33 vat <strong>and</strong> 11 secular buildings<br />
as heritage buildings. Following this, the Government<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR listed Luang Prabang as a nati<strong>on</strong>al heritage<br />
site. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> building inventory was also used as a basis for<br />
determining heritage protecti<strong>on</strong> z<strong>on</strong>es <strong>and</strong> formed part<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the supporting documentati<strong>on</strong> for the submissi<strong>on</strong> to<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> for World Heritage listing.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR Government recognized that Luang<br />
Prabang met the criteria for cultural properties outlined<br />
in the World Heritage C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong> 1972 (ratified by Lao<br />
PDR in 1987). In their submissi<strong>on</strong> for World Heritage<br />
inscripti<strong>on</strong>, the Government argued that a new c<strong>on</strong>cept<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> urbanizati<strong>on</strong> was introduced into the traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao<br />
morphology <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang in the early twentieth<br />
century as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> exchanges between three cultures<br />
– the Lao, the Vietnamese <strong>and</strong> the French. This created the<br />
present-day city with a fusi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> styles <strong>and</strong> materials from<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao timber buildings to European c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
with introduced materials, as well as Vietnamese <strong>and</strong><br />
Chinese influences.<br />
40
NATIONAL STREAM<br />
New legislati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> plans for<br />
Heritage C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> (1989)<br />
Formati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong><br />
- resp<strong>on</strong>sible for heritage<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> development<br />
(1993)<br />
With support from the French<br />
Government, French architectural<br />
firm Ateliers de la Penisule, was<br />
hired to undertake architectural<br />
assessment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic<br />
buildings in Luang Prabang (1994)<br />
New Urban Master Plan for<br />
Luang Prabang is drawn up<br />
by Vientiane-based Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Technical Studies <strong>and</strong> Town<br />
Planning (1994)<br />
Urban Master Plan for Luang<br />
Prabang is approved by the Prime<br />
Minister’s Cabinet (1996)<br />
Establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> La Mais<strong>on</strong> du<br />
Patrimoine (1996).<br />
Activities overseen by the Lao<br />
PDR Ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Culture</strong><br />
HERITAGE PRESERVATION IN LUANG PRABANG<br />
WORLD HERITAGE STREAM<br />
Lao PDR ratifies the World<br />
Heritage C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong> (1987)<br />
Submissi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang nominati<strong>on</strong><br />
dossier for <strong>UNESCO</strong> World<br />
Heritage listing (1994)<br />
Luang Prabang is listed as a<br />
World Heritage Site (1995)<br />
B. Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong> In Luang Prabang 41<br />
INTERNATIONAL STREAM<br />
Restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
Museum - cooperati<strong>on</strong> project<br />
funded by SIDA (1992-1995)<br />
C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Tham Ting Cave,<br />
an internati<strong>on</strong>al cooperati<strong>on</strong><br />
project. (1993-1996)<br />
Restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the ancient gate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Vat Visoun (1994)<br />
Restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vat L<strong>on</strong>g Khoun,<br />
cooperati<strong>on</strong> project funded by<br />
the French organizati<strong>on</strong> for the<br />
safeguarding <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Vat L<strong>on</strong>g Khoun<br />
(1994-1995)<br />
Mural painting c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Vat Pa Houak, an internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
cooperati<strong>on</strong> project (1995-1996)<br />
Establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> La Mais<strong>on</strong> du<br />
Patrimoine Heritage House for<br />
local capacity building. Supported<br />
by the French city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chin<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
funded by the French Government,<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage Fund <strong>and</strong><br />
the European Uni<strong>on</strong> (1996)<br />
Urban Wetl<strong>and</strong>s Preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
project funded by the European<br />
Commissi<strong>on</strong>’s Asia Urbs<br />
Programme (1998)<br />
AFD Urban Development Program<br />
for Development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Town for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Potential (1999-2001)<br />
AFD Heritage Protecti<strong>on</strong><br />
Area Development Project for<br />
Development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Infrastructure<br />
(2001-2004)<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> Cultural Survival <strong>and</strong><br />
Revival in the Buddhist Sangha<br />
Documentati<strong>on</strong>, Educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Training to Revitalize Traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Decorative Arts <strong>and</strong> Building Crafts<br />
in the Buddhist Temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia<br />
(2000-current)<br />
Figure B.1: Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang.
Carved timber decorative<br />
reliefs depicting religious<br />
scenes adorn several <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
A Master Plan for<br />
Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
In its review <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the nominati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, the<br />
World Heritage Committee found that the level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
authenticity in temples was higher than that found in<br />
domestic buildings where many introduced techniques<br />
<strong>and</strong> materials, especially c<strong>on</strong>crete, had been used to<br />
replace traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials. N<strong>on</strong>etheless, the World<br />
Heritage Committee found that the overall townscape <strong>and</strong><br />
urban fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town still preserved a high degree <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
authenticity. Moreover, it was the combinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> diverse<br />
communities, rural <strong>and</strong> urban, royal <strong>and</strong> religious, sacred<br />
<strong>and</strong> secular, within a defined geographical area that the<br />
World Heritage Committee found as a main justificati<strong>on</strong><br />
for inscripti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Luang Prabang was inscribed <strong>on</strong> the <strong>UNESCO</strong> World<br />
Heritage List in 1995. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> town was noted for its<br />
“outst<strong>and</strong>ing universal value, representing the harm<strong>on</strong>ious<br />
relati<strong>on</strong>ship between the built <strong>and</strong> natural envir<strong>on</strong>ment, <strong>and</strong><br />
for the successful fusi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao architectural <strong>and</strong><br />
urban structures with those <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the nineteenth <strong>and</strong> twentieth<br />
century French style”.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> area under the protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the World Heritage<br />
C<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong> is extensive. It not <strong>on</strong>ly covers the historic<br />
town, but also the banks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g <strong>and</strong> Khan rivers<br />
<strong>on</strong> the other side <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the peninsula. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> protected area<br />
incorporates examples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all the architectural styles as<br />
well as the evolved town layout.<br />
In 1996, the Prime Minister’s Cabinet approved a revised<br />
urban master plan for Luang Prabang. This plan was<br />
drawn up in 1994 by the Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Technical Studies<br />
<strong>and</strong> Town Planning which is part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Communicati<strong>on</strong>, Transport, Post <strong>and</strong> C<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong>. This<br />
legally-binding plan covers an area <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> five hectares,<br />
divides the town into c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> n<strong>on</strong>-c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
z<strong>on</strong>es, <strong>and</strong> is used by local authorities as a framework for<br />
preserving heritage <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trolling development.<br />
A major provisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the plan is the designati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a 1.4 hectare heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> z<strong>on</strong>e centred <strong>on</strong> the<br />
historic peninsula area <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town. This heritage z<strong>on</strong>e<br />
includes major Buddhist temples, French-influenced<br />
administrati<strong>on</strong> buildings, Chinese-style shop houses <strong>and</strong><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al wooden houses. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> banks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g <strong>and</strong><br />
Khan Rivers across from the peninsula are also protected<br />
under the regulati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this z<strong>on</strong>e. See Figure B.2: Map<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang: Administrative Villages <strong>and</strong> Buddhist<br />
Temples.<br />
42
La Mais<strong>on</strong> du<br />
Patrimoine:<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
Heritage House<br />
Formerly the French col<strong>on</strong>ial<br />
Customs House, this building<br />
was restored <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>verted<br />
for use as the <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> La<br />
Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong> So Far 43<br />
As a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage regulati<strong>on</strong>s, no m<strong>on</strong>uments can be<br />
destroyed, moved or modified externally or internally.<br />
Restorati<strong>on</strong> must adhere to original architectural specificati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
including facades, ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>s, materials, finishes <strong>and</strong><br />
colours. Obstructi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> vistas with new structures <strong>and</strong><br />
signage is not permitted <strong>and</strong> all electricity <strong>and</strong> teleph<strong>on</strong>e<br />
cables <strong>and</strong> water pipes must be hidden wherever<br />
possible.<br />
A n<strong>on</strong>-c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> z<strong>on</strong>e, with greater flexibility in l<strong>and</strong><br />
use <strong>and</strong> development, surrounds the protected z<strong>on</strong>e. This<br />
perimeter z<strong>on</strong>e is divided into suburban areas, riverbank<br />
settlements, ec<strong>on</strong>omic z<strong>on</strong>es, agricultural <strong>and</strong> natural<br />
z<strong>on</strong>es, <strong>and</strong> areas for possible future expansi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In August 1996, La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine (the Heritage<br />
House) was established as a joint venture between the<br />
Luang Prabang Provincial Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> the French city <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Chin<strong>on</strong>. It is supported<br />
by the French Ministry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Foreign Affairs, the European<br />
Uni<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> the <strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage Centre.<br />
La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine is a local capacity building<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> which is overseen by the Lao PDR Ministry<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> reports to the Local<br />
Heritage Committee <strong>and</strong> the Nati<strong>on</strong>al Committee for the<br />
Management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Cultural, Historic <strong>and</strong> Envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
Heritage.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine is to ensure<br />
that c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> work undertaken in Luang Prabang<br />
is carried out in accordance with internati<strong>on</strong>al World<br />
Heritage st<strong>and</strong>ards. It serves as an advisory service to<br />
the municipal government <strong>and</strong> the local community,<br />
providing advice <strong>and</strong> management <strong>on</strong> issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> technical staff members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine<br />
are from Lao PDR <strong>and</strong> are assisted by advisors <strong>and</strong><br />
volunteers from France, Japan <strong>and</strong> elsewhere.<br />
All c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> work, whether for new structures or for<br />
renovati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> old buildings, can be legally undertaken<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly after a permit has been issued by the Luang Prabang<br />
Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong>, Transport, Post <strong>and</strong><br />
Communicati<strong>on</strong> (CTPC). Prior to issuing the permissi<strong>on</strong><br />
for any c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong>, the Department c<strong>on</strong>sults with the<br />
Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> La Mais<strong>on</strong><br />
du Patrimoine.
Infrastructure<br />
Development<br />
Urban development projects<br />
have involved improving<br />
<strong>and</strong> beautifying the small<br />
side streets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang, including the<br />
provisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new drainage<br />
systems, brick edging <strong>and</strong><br />
wooden benches. (Photo:<br />
Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
PRESERVATION ISSUES<br />
AND EFFORTS<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
A large infrastructure c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> project entitled the<br />
“Heritage Protecti<strong>on</strong> Area Development Project” was<br />
launched in 2001 <strong>and</strong> will be completed in 2004. Its<br />
goal is the integrated improvement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the drainage <strong>and</strong><br />
sanitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Heritage Protecti<strong>on</strong> Area. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> 5,500,000<br />
Euro (US$6,850,000) project, funded by the French Agency<br />
for Development, is directed at electricity cabling, public<br />
lighting networks <strong>and</strong> the road, alley <strong>and</strong> traffic system.<br />
A network <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> walkways <strong>and</strong> promenades is planned<br />
in order to create links between ten urban villages in<br />
three neighborhoods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. As part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
programme, Luang Prabang citizens whose property<br />
borders the walkways must invest in their own property.<br />
This includes fixing their fences al<strong>on</strong>g the alleys <strong>and</strong> other<br />
property improvements.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Heritage Protecti<strong>on</strong> Area Development Project<br />
follows the 1,800,000 Euro (US$2,250,000) Luang Prabang<br />
Urban Development Programme that took place between<br />
1999 <strong>and</strong> 2001. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the main goals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Urban<br />
Development Programme to develop the potential for<br />
tourism in Luang Prabang.<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> examines some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the issues surrounding the<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> natural, built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage <strong>and</strong><br />
several <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the initiatives being undertaken.<br />
Natural Heritage As an integral part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s character, the<br />
town’s natural heritage needs to be c<strong>on</strong>served. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> main<br />
initiatives undertaken in this regard have focused <strong>on</strong> the<br />
management <strong>and</strong> protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the urban wetl<strong>and</strong>s because<br />
in recent years these wetl<strong>and</strong>s have been encroached<br />
up<strong>on</strong> for housing, roads <strong>and</strong> irrigati<strong>on</strong> canals. A project<br />
is underway, funded by the European Commissi<strong>on</strong>’s Asia<br />
Urbs Programme, which is for mapping <strong>and</strong> researching<br />
these wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> developing ways in which they can<br />
be restored to their original c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>. A system <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> trails<br />
through the wetl<strong>and</strong>s is being proposed in order to enable<br />
better underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the ecological functi<strong>on</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Phousi – the mountain at the<br />
physical <strong>and</strong> spiritual centre<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
natural envir<strong>on</strong>ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic town for visitors <strong>and</strong><br />
residents alike. It is hoped that by raising local awareness,<br />
sustainable preservati<strong>on</strong> measures can be encouraged.<br />
Since 1992, there have also been preservati<strong>on</strong> efforts<br />
in the culturally important caves in the area around<br />
Luang Prabang, taking into account their natural <strong>and</strong><br />
architectural significance as well as their archaeological<br />
importance. Work has been carried out in Tham Ting<br />
cave at Pak Ou, with expert support <strong>and</strong> Australian<br />
Government funding.<br />
44
Built Heritage:<br />
Religious Buildings<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ho Prabang, located <strong>on</strong><br />
the grounds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang<br />
Prabang museum, will, up<strong>on</strong><br />
its completi<strong>on</strong>, house the<br />
sacred prabang image. This<br />
new building was c<strong>on</strong>structed<br />
in the Luang Prabang style<br />
but using modern materials<br />
<strong>and</strong> techniques.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
In the mid-1990s, Vat Xieng<br />
Mouane was restored using<br />
n<strong>on</strong>-traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials<br />
<strong>and</strong> techniques. In 1999, the<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> Cultural Survival<br />
<strong>and</strong> Revival Project was<br />
established, with the aim <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ensuring future restorati<strong>on</strong><br />
work is carried out using<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials <strong>and</strong><br />
methods in order to revive<br />
<strong>and</strong> maintain cultural<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> skills. (Photo:<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> file)<br />
Preservati<strong>on</strong> Issues <strong>and</strong> Efforts 45<br />
Years <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> external <strong>and</strong> internal c<strong>on</strong>flict have disrupted the<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinuity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>astic traditi<strong>on</strong>s. With little or no religious<br />
activity for two decades, there has been a growing gap<br />
between the older <strong>and</strong> younger generati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks,<br />
which has resulted in the loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al building <strong>and</strong><br />
decorative arts skills. Today, it is difficult to achieve the<br />
high st<strong>and</strong>ards in woodcarving, painting <strong>and</strong> sculpting<br />
for which the temples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang are famous.<br />
At the time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inscripti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>on</strong> the World<br />
Heritage List, it was stated that the m<strong>on</strong>asteries, more<br />
than the secular structures, had managed to maintain<br />
a relatively high degree <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> authenticity. Unfortunately,<br />
since Luang Prabang’s inscripti<strong>on</strong>, the authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the smaller temples has been compromised by<br />
well-intended but ill-informed efforts to ‘beautify’ the<br />
temples – <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten to attract tourists. Wealthier communities<br />
hire c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> companies to do the necessary work<br />
while work in poorer communities is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten carried out<br />
by m<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> novices. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> companies <strong>and</strong><br />
m<strong>on</strong>ks frequently lack the knowledge <strong>and</strong> skill needed for<br />
appropriate restorati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> they have used materials <strong>and</strong><br />
techniques with varying degrees <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> authenticity.<br />
Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the inappropriate work being undertaken in<br />
temples in the Luang Prabang area include finishing<br />
with cement instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al lime-based plaster<br />
<strong>and</strong> whitewashing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> damaged murals which are then<br />
repainted with modern Buddhist images based up<strong>on</strong> n<strong>on</strong>traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Indian <strong>and</strong> Cambodian models.<br />
Traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts, such as the famous Luang Prabang<br />
technique <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inlaying glass mosaic to depict elaborate<br />
scenes in great detail, are now rarely practiced. However,<br />
the artistic skills <strong>and</strong> knowledge <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al building<br />
techniques are not completely lost. Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the skills,<br />
especially woodcarving, are being taught by the Schools<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fine Arts in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> Vientiane. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
trained artists <strong>and</strong> artisans are sometimes commissi<strong>on</strong>ed<br />
to perform specific tasks in new c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
restorati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
While m<strong>on</strong>ks can, in theory, attend these classes, they<br />
face a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> obstacles. Most significantly, they are<br />
required to defrock if they wish to attend. In additi<strong>on</strong>, the<br />
formal educati<strong>on</strong> level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the novices is not high<br />
enough to pass the required entrance exams. Moreover,<br />
these young men are quite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten not interested in pursuing<br />
the full-length degree programmes in fine arts that are<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered. Instead, many are interested in simply acquiring
As part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the <strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
‘Cultural Survival <strong>and</strong><br />
Revival’ project, m<strong>on</strong>ks learn<br />
a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> skills. (Photo:<br />
David A. Feingold <strong>and</strong> <strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
project team)<br />
Built Heritage:<br />
Secular Buildings<br />
Many traditi<strong>on</strong>al wooden<br />
houses in Luang Prabang are<br />
in a serious state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> disrepair,<br />
owing to lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> funds to<br />
restore them or to a lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
appropriate materials <strong>and</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> know-how.<br />
(Photo: Heather Peters)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang<br />
the skills needed to maintain <strong>and</strong> restore their temples,<br />
which are acts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> devoti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their resp<strong>on</strong>sibility<br />
as m<strong>on</strong>ks. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se factors point to the need for n<strong>on</strong>-formal<br />
teaching methods for building, restoring <strong>and</strong> maintaining<br />
m<strong>on</strong>astery complexes that should be set within the c<strong>on</strong>text<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Buddhist community.<br />
A <strong>UNESCO</strong> project entitled ‘Cultural Survival in Luang<br />
Prabang’ is revitalizing traditi<strong>on</strong>al temple arts <strong>and</strong><br />
building crafts within the Laotian Buddhist sangha. M<strong>on</strong>ks,<br />
novices <strong>and</strong> local artisans are participating in this project,<br />
which c<strong>on</strong>centrates <strong>on</strong> skills training in order to ensure<br />
the survival <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tinued social <strong>and</strong> ec<strong>on</strong>omic relevance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the traditi<strong>on</strong>al system <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fine arts in Luang Prabang. See<br />
page 97 for more informati<strong>on</strong> about this project.<br />
Most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the restorati<strong>on</strong> effort directed at secular buildings<br />
has targeted Luang Prabang’s French-inspired secular<br />
buildings. Many have been transformed either from civic<br />
buildings or private residences into guesthouses or restaurants<br />
to cater for the city’s growing tourism industry.<br />
Often these projects have involved joint ventures in which<br />
foreign investment has c<strong>on</strong>tributed to the restorati<strong>on</strong><br />
work.<br />
Luang Prabang’s historic Customs House, which was<br />
c<strong>on</strong>structed in 1925, was renovated with funds provided<br />
by the French Government (1998 - 1999). <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Customs<br />
House now functi<strong>on</strong>s as <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices for La Mais<strong>on</strong> du<br />
Patrimoine <strong>and</strong> houses its various urban planning <strong>and</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> programmes.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> str<strong>on</strong>g interest in preserving the col<strong>on</strong>ial-era buildings<br />
in Luang Prabang has not benefited the traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
wooden houses <strong>and</strong> Vietnamese shop houses, which have<br />
yet to receive much attenti<strong>on</strong> from either the government<br />
or private sector, <strong>and</strong> some are now in a serious state<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> disrepair. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> desire for cheap, modern c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
methods poses another threat to the traditi<strong>on</strong>al secular<br />
architecture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. ‘Modern’ buildings are<br />
usually c<strong>on</strong>structed from c<strong>on</strong>crete <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten resemble<br />
modern Thai houses, with little reference to Luang<br />
Prabang’s traditi<strong>on</strong>al local <strong>and</strong> architectural vocabulary.<br />
46
Traditi<strong>on</strong>al vs<br />
Modern Building<br />
Materials<br />
Preservati<strong>on</strong> Issues <strong>and</strong> Efforts 47<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> replacement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> materials<br />
with more modern, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten imported, materials is not<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly problematic from an aesthetic point <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> view, but<br />
also compromises the durability <strong>and</strong> functi<strong>on</strong>ality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
buildings <strong>and</strong> ultimately their authenticity. For example,<br />
the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cement instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al lime-based plaster<br />
has a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>sequences. Unlike plaster, cement<br />
does not allow evaporati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> moisture <strong>and</strong> will not allow<br />
the walls to breathe properly. This can lead to rising damp<br />
as ground moisture seeps up the walls, causing plaster<br />
to flake <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>f <strong>and</strong> mould to grow. In this way, frescoes<br />
<strong>and</strong> decorative artwork <strong>on</strong> the buildings’ interior walls<br />
deteriorate <strong>and</strong> are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten destroyed. Furthermore, when<br />
moisture is trapped in the building it <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten moves up<br />
to the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> beams where it c<strong>on</strong>tributes to decaying the<br />
timber.<br />
When modern paint is applied to the external plaster<br />
or cement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the building, the porosity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the walls is<br />
further decreased. Traditi<strong>on</strong>al lime-wash, <strong>on</strong> the other<br />
h<strong>and</strong>, unlike most modern paints, allows evaporati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
moisture.<br />
Another modern item <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten used in c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> is<br />
corrugated ir<strong>on</strong> sheeting, but the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this metal as<br />
ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ing material, instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the traditi<strong>on</strong>al locally-made<br />
tiles, causes buildings to heat up much more than they<br />
normally would <strong>and</strong> this warmth accelerates the rising<br />
damp <strong>and</strong> deteriorati<strong>on</strong> process, with disastrous effects.<br />
Traditi<strong>on</strong>al local building materials, unlike their modern<br />
counterparts, have been chosen <strong>and</strong> developed with local<br />
climatic c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s in mind. Furthermore, the techniques<br />
for the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials have been refined<br />
over many generati<strong>on</strong>s. Buildings made with traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
materials, being better suited to the climate are, c<strong>on</strong>trary<br />
to popular assumpti<strong>on</strong>, cooler than those built with<br />
c<strong>on</strong>crete.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong> to the adverse aesthetic effect <strong>and</strong> their impact<br />
<strong>on</strong> the durability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings, the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> modern materials<br />
unfortunately <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten leads to the loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local knowledge<br />
<strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al methods, with adverse c<strong>on</strong>sequences for<br />
local skills development <strong>and</strong> cultural pride.
Before Restorati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
(Photo: David A. Feingold,<br />
Ophidian Films Ltd.)<br />
H<strong>and</strong>icrafts <strong>and</strong><br />
Performing Arts<br />
Beautifully embroidered fabrics<br />
are sold at the markets in Luang<br />
Prabang. (<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 1: Heritage <strong>and</strong> Preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang 48<br />
After Restorati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ban Xieng<br />
Mouane<br />
restorati<strong>on</strong><br />
project<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strates<br />
how<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
houses is a viable<br />
alternative to<br />
demoliti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
One successful example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a secular building restorati<strong>on</strong><br />
project can be found in Ban Xieng Mouane. In this project,<br />
a traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao wooden house was restored by Lao<br />
tradespeople through <strong>on</strong>-the-job training <strong>and</strong> workshops<br />
provided by the Ecole d’Avign<strong>on</strong>, a French c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
school. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> restorati<strong>on</strong> project was undertaken to<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strate viable alternatives to demoliti<strong>on</strong>. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project<br />
showed how modern comforts could be accommodated<br />
into traditi<strong>on</strong>al houses without detracting from the<br />
historic fabric <strong>and</strong> how restorati<strong>on</strong> could be accomplished<br />
using traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials <strong>and</strong> techniques.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong> to the c<strong>on</strong>siderable interventi<strong>on</strong>s to protect the<br />
built heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, there are also efforts to<br />
preserve other forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage. Until recently, many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang’s traditi<strong>on</strong>al performing arts <strong>and</strong> crafts<br />
had fallen out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> practice <strong>and</strong> were facing extincti<strong>on</strong>. In<br />
the late 1990s, efforts commenced to revitalize traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
arts <strong>and</strong> crafts, primarily to meet the growing dem<strong>and</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourists.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> government is encouraging the revitalizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al dance, music <strong>and</strong> performance art, such as<br />
puppet shows, by providing seed funding to community<br />
members to re-establish dance, music <strong>and</strong> puppet troupes.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is some difficulty, however, in attracting youth to<br />
train in these traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts, particularly as the funding<br />
from the government <strong>and</strong> income from the performances<br />
is minimal. C<strong>on</strong>flicts arise when troupe leaders use the<br />
funds raised through performances to purchase better<br />
costumes or repair equipment, while the younger members<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these troupes <strong>and</strong> trainees generally want the modest<br />
income distributed am<strong>on</strong>g performers. Such issues need<br />
to be addressed if the traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts are to be successfully<br />
revitalized in Luang Prabang.
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts And<br />
Management In Luang Prabang<br />
Part II is c<strong>on</strong>cerned with identifying the positive <strong>and</strong> negative impacts that have resulted<br />
from tourism in Luang Prabang since its inscripti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> the World Heritage List in 1995 <strong>and</strong><br />
suggests a strategy for managing tourism in Luang Prabang in an envir<strong>on</strong>mentally <strong>and</strong> socially<br />
sustainable manner.
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
52<br />
3 4<br />
2
C. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Issues <strong>and</strong> Impacts in Luang Prabang 53<br />
C. TOURISM ISSUES AND IMPACTS IN LUANG PRABANG<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> outlines the principal issues related to tourism in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> the<br />
reas<strong>on</strong>s why these issues need to be c<strong>on</strong>sidered <strong>and</strong> understood by the local community<br />
<strong>and</strong> other stakeholders. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism are then examined in detail.<br />
TOURISM IN<br />
LUANG PRABANG<br />
This chapel c<strong>on</strong>tains a<br />
gilded st<strong>and</strong>ing Buddha<br />
with the Buddha’s h<strong>and</strong>s<br />
in the typically Lao<br />
mudra ‘Calling for Rain’.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Photo capti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> distinctive natural, built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage,<br />
discussed in Part I, is the basis for tourism in Luang<br />
Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> scenic surrounds, the authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its<br />
architecture <strong>and</strong> urban form, the skillful embellishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
m<strong>on</strong>uments <strong>and</strong> the traditi<strong>on</strong>al social practices, arts <strong>and</strong><br />
crafts all combine to give the city its heritage value <strong>and</strong><br />
tourism appeal.<br />
World Heritage inscripti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> the c<strong>on</strong>sequent increase<br />
in tourism have drawn the attenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both residents<br />
<strong>and</strong> the government to the unique cultural <strong>and</strong> physical<br />
fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is a welcome renaissance<br />
in the traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts <strong>and</strong> an increased appreciati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
natural <strong>and</strong> built envir<strong>on</strong>ment. At the same time however,<br />
there is also increased pressure <strong>on</strong> the town’s heritage.<br />
Largely as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism, there has been a boom<br />
in c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> there have been a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
other changes that have altered Luang Prabang’s<br />
appearance. Unplanned or inappropriate c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> development poses <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the greatest threats to the<br />
heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> paradoxically, threatens<br />
the tourism industry, an industry up<strong>on</strong> which the town is<br />
becoming ever more dependent.<br />
Like other cultural tourism destinati<strong>on</strong>s, Luang Prabang<br />
faces the dilemma <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ascertaining acceptable levels<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> change <strong>and</strong> determining its carrying capacity for<br />
absorbing <strong>and</strong> managing tourism. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> challenge is how<br />
to avoid compromising the natural, built <strong>and</strong> cultural<br />
heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang in the pursuit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the benefits<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism.<br />
1. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> rivers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang wind their way through a lush, green l<strong>and</strong>scape. (Photo: Walter Unger)<br />
2. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se m<strong>on</strong>ks, working <strong>on</strong> bamboo scaffolding, are carrying out c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> restorati<strong>on</strong><br />
work <strong>on</strong> the temple exterior. (Photo: David A. Feingold, Ophidian Films Ltd.)<br />
3. A m<strong>on</strong>k looks out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the window <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Reclining Buddha Sanctuary at Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g.<br />
(Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
4. This coloured glass mosaic <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the bodhi tree <strong>on</strong> a red background is <strong>on</strong> the exterior wall <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
sim at Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> bodhi tree is the tree under which the Buddha was sitting when he<br />
achieved enlightenment <strong>and</strong> is a symbol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Buddha’s presence <strong>and</strong> an object <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> devoti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
(Photo: Heather Peters)
Strolling through the temple<br />
grounds <strong>and</strong> visiting a range<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> different types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ancient<br />
m<strong>on</strong>asteries is a popular activity<br />
for tourists in Luang Prabang.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-schulte)<br />
ASSESSING THE<br />
IMPACTS<br />
OF TOURISM<br />
Built <strong>and</strong><br />
Cultural Heritage<br />
This temple ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> was recently<br />
restored using imported Thai<br />
ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tiles. While the end result<br />
may be attractive to some, the<br />
authentic Laotian heritage value<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the site has been lost.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
While tourism does bring benefits, the Luang Prabang<br />
community must evaluate those benefits in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the costs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore it is important that<br />
all stakeholders underst<strong>and</strong> both the positive <strong>and</strong><br />
negative impacts made or accelerated by tourism <strong>on</strong><br />
Luang Prabang’s heritage, envir<strong>on</strong>ment <strong>and</strong> society.<br />
It is important that the community is aware that while<br />
tourism may <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer short-term financial rewards, it is the<br />
perpetuati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s valuable historic <strong>and</strong><br />
cultural resources that will ensure a sustainable future for<br />
its people.<br />
It is also important to recognize that not all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the changes,<br />
positive or negative, in Luang Prabang have been brought<br />
about by tourism. Both positive <strong>and</strong> negative changes<br />
have occurred as Luang Prabang evolves in the global<br />
c<strong>on</strong>text.<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> examines how tourism has impacted<br />
different facets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, including the impacts<br />
<strong>on</strong> built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage, the ec<strong>on</strong>omic situati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong> society.<br />
According to a Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Development Organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
(SUNV) survey, the top three reas<strong>on</strong>s for visiting Luang<br />
Prabang are culture (71%), the residents’ way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life<br />
(60%) <strong>and</strong> temples (55% <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> resp<strong>on</strong>dents). <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> built <strong>and</strong><br />
cultural heritage is therefore the prime attracti<strong>on</strong> for<br />
tourists. Unfortunately a significant amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> built<br />
heritage in Luang Prabang has been altered in resp<strong>on</strong>se<br />
to tourism, with the result that its character, authenticity<br />
<strong>and</strong> cultural significance are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten diminished or even<br />
falsified. Similarly, cultural heritage <strong>and</strong> ways <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life have<br />
been affected by the presence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists <strong>and</strong> the tourism<br />
industry’s resp<strong>on</strong>se to their presence.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> has impacts <strong>on</strong> built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage<br />
through its effects <strong>on</strong> authenticity <strong>and</strong> character <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong><br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for new elements that threaten heritage. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
also leads to cross-cultural interacti<strong>on</strong> where, in cases<br />
where there is a lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> appreciati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the differences in social mores, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fence can be caused<br />
<strong>and</strong> cultural heritage can be negatively impacted.<br />
54
Authenticity <strong>and</strong><br />
Character<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se m<strong>on</strong>ks have applied<br />
c<strong>on</strong>crete <strong>and</strong> modern paint<br />
to the exterior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this temple<br />
<strong>and</strong> are applying gold paint<br />
to the columns instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
using traditi<strong>on</strong>al gilding<br />
techniques. Such renovati<strong>on</strong><br />
work compromises the<br />
durability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the building<br />
<strong>and</strong> decreases the heritage<br />
value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the site.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 55<br />
With the forces <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> globalizati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> homogenizati<strong>on</strong><br />
affecting cultures around the world, authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
heritage (credibility <strong>and</strong> truthfulness) is more threatened<br />
than ever before.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>cept <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> authenticity is a c<strong>on</strong>troversial <strong>and</strong> complex<br />
noti<strong>on</strong>. It may be applied to built heritage such as<br />
m<strong>on</strong>asteries, palaces, houses, public m<strong>on</strong>uments <strong>and</strong> town<br />
layout; movable cultural property such as h<strong>and</strong>icrafts;<br />
intangible heritage including rituals <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
performing arts <strong>and</strong> practices; <strong>and</strong> unique local practices<br />
ranging from cooking methods to medical practices to<br />
agricultural techniques. Authenticity is a particularly<br />
complex c<strong>on</strong>cept as culture is c<strong>on</strong>stantly in flux <strong>and</strong><br />
draws vitality from the ability to adapt to inevitably<br />
changing circumstances. However, while being a difficult<br />
c<strong>on</strong>cept to describe, cultural authenticity is recognizable<br />
<strong>and</strong> is a key defining feature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> World Heritage sites such<br />
as Luang Prabang. For World Heritage sites, ensuring<br />
authenticity is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the major criteria for inscripti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Luang Prabang is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the most authentic traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
town sites in Southeast Asia, comparable to Hoi An in<br />
Viet Nam <strong>and</strong> Vigan in the Philippines.<br />
Cultural heritage must be presented in an authentic<br />
manner or its value can be undermined for both tourists<br />
<strong>and</strong> the local community. An example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ill-c<strong>on</strong>ceived,<br />
artificial presentati<strong>on</strong> is the scheduling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> festivals <strong>and</strong><br />
events to be in line with the needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the tourism industry<br />
as opposed to c<strong>on</strong>forming to the traditi<strong>on</strong>al cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
social calendar <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these events. By scheduling these events<br />
at inappropriate times or outside <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their relati<strong>on</strong>ship to<br />
various religious activities <strong>and</strong> community functi<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
festivals can be deprived <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their seas<strong>on</strong>al <strong>and</strong> ritual<br />
meaning. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se festivals could then become irrelevant in<br />
the lives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local community <strong>and</strong> therefore no l<strong>on</strong>ger<br />
practiced (except for tourists). In this way the community<br />
could lose part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their unique <strong>and</strong> valuable heritage.<br />
While such scheduling may be argued to be justified by<br />
the financial benefits from meeting tourist dem<strong>and</strong>s, it<br />
must also be argued that tourists desire experiences which<br />
are based <strong>on</strong> genuine local cultural practices, <strong>and</strong> would<br />
like to be provided with the opportunity to observe <strong>and</strong><br />
experience something unique. So if the Luang Prabang<br />
community alters their rituals in order to satisfy what they<br />
believe tourist dem<strong>and</strong>s are, it could be counterproductive<br />
in that tourists will be deterred by the artificial nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the town <strong>and</strong> will no l<strong>on</strong>ger be interested in visiting.
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this old house were<br />
originally built using woven<br />
bamboo strips, finished with<br />
a lime-based plaster. But the<br />
house is being restored using<br />
cement instead <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
plaster, compromising both the<br />
durability <strong>and</strong> heritage value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the building.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> damaged areas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
plaster walls <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this building<br />
have been repaired with<br />
c<strong>on</strong>crete, which apart from<br />
being aesthetically unappealing,<br />
diminishes the building’s<br />
heritage value.<br />
(Photo: M<strong>on</strong>tira Horayangura Unakul)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
In Luang Prabang, a significant number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>asteries, the<br />
linchpin <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town’s cultural assets, have recently been<br />
renovated. While tourism is not the <strong>on</strong>ly reas<strong>on</strong> temples<br />
are being restored, it is a significant factor. Unfortunately a<br />
lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> attenti<strong>on</strong> to authentic <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials can<br />
already be seen in these renovati<strong>on</strong>s. Imported cement<br />
ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tiles <strong>and</strong> acrylic paints have already compromised<br />
some artistically unique <strong>and</strong> noteworthy sites. M<strong>on</strong>asteries<br />
are not the <strong>on</strong>ly built heritage sites being compromised;<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> work being carried out <strong>on</strong> public buildings<br />
<strong>and</strong> private homes suffers from the same authenticity<br />
problems.<br />
Many explanati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> excuses have been put forth<br />
for this use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> inappropriate materials <strong>and</strong> techniques<br />
in restorati<strong>on</strong> works. One reas<strong>on</strong> is that local residents<br />
are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten unaware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the value <strong>and</strong> uniqeness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their<br />
built heritage. Given this lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> awareness, they are<br />
then unable to appreciate those structures <strong>and</strong> do not<br />
underst<strong>and</strong> why they should be preserved or why<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials <strong>and</strong> techniques should be used. Also,<br />
as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> marketing <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> televisi<strong>on</strong><br />
images <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings abroad, which are c<strong>on</strong>structed from<br />
steel <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>crete, many local people perceive modern<br />
materials to be more prestigious. Furthermore, the<br />
influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Thail<strong>and</strong>’s modern lifestyle <strong>on</strong> Lao PDR<br />
society is such that many people in Luang Prabang have<br />
a quest for modernism <strong>and</strong> a belief that modern buildings<br />
are somehow better than traditi<strong>on</strong>al <strong>on</strong>es. People <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten<br />
falsely assume that modern buildings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer technological<br />
advantages <strong>and</strong> greater comfort but this is not necessarily<br />
the case. C<strong>on</strong>trary to popular belief, c<strong>on</strong>crete buildings are<br />
not cooler than traditi<strong>on</strong>al structures, for example.<br />
Another reas<strong>on</strong> for using modern materials <strong>and</strong> techniques<br />
is that even when residents wish to use traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
materials, the costs may be prohibitive. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> dwindling<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for traditi<strong>on</strong>al building materials <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten results<br />
in their being more expensive than mass-produced<br />
modern products. Also, mass-produced products enjoy<br />
ill-c<strong>on</strong>ceived government subsidies, making them even<br />
more attractive <strong>and</strong> pricing the traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the market. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore, given the financial situati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
local residents, using traditi<strong>on</strong>al methods <strong>and</strong> appropriate<br />
materials is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten unaffordable.<br />
56
Luang Prabang has stringent<br />
building restricti<strong>on</strong>s for the<br />
exterior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> shops. However,<br />
this travel agent has two<br />
large message boards <strong>on</strong><br />
the sidewalk <strong>and</strong> a smaller<br />
yellow sign hanging beside<br />
the door. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> operators have<br />
also added stickers to the<br />
newly added glass doors<br />
<strong>and</strong> original wooden doors<br />
thereby changing the historic<br />
character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the building <strong>and</strong><br />
detracting from the public<br />
streetscape.<br />
(Photo: M<strong>on</strong>tira Horayangura<br />
Unakul)<br />
Managing New Elements<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 57<br />
A further reas<strong>on</strong> is that it is difficult to find crafts people<br />
skilled in traditi<strong>on</strong>al techniques <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> applying lacquer,<br />
making glass mosaics, whitewashing, woodcarving <strong>and</strong><br />
plastering. Other reas<strong>on</strong>s put forth include: the durability<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> modern materials <strong>and</strong> the percepti<strong>on</strong> that renovati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
can be completed more quickly <strong>and</strong> be less labourintensive<br />
with modern materials.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> awareness <strong>and</strong> appreciati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> built heritage<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g residents is an obstacle which can be overcome<br />
through awareness-raising <strong>and</strong> educati<strong>on</strong>al means. This<br />
must be a critical comp<strong>on</strong>ent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage management<br />
in Luang Prabang but will require significant effort <strong>on</strong><br />
the part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> managers to engage all members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local<br />
community.<br />
Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these obstacles to authenticity can be overcome<br />
through regulatory means. For example new restorati<strong>on</strong><br />
regulati<strong>on</strong>s in Luang Prabang, c<strong>on</strong>trolling the types<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> materials <strong>and</strong> methods to be used, have spurred an<br />
increased dem<strong>and</strong> for products such as traditi<strong>on</strong>al tiles<br />
<strong>and</strong> have therefore stimulated the producti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
materials, bringing the cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these materials down<br />
to a more affordable level. Regulatory means are <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
effective, however, when they are enforced. Enforcement<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regulati<strong>on</strong>s requires commitment by <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficials al<strong>on</strong>g<br />
with public underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> cooperati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong>-supported project ‘Cultural Survival <strong>and</strong><br />
Revival in the Buddhist Sangha’ project is another means<br />
by which the obstacles to authenticity can be overcome.<br />
As discussed in Secti<strong>on</strong> D, this <strong>UNESCO</strong> project seeks<br />
to build capacity <strong>and</strong> revitalize traditi<strong>on</strong>al skills am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
m<strong>on</strong>ks in the <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhist sangha, thereby<br />
enabling restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples using authentic methods<br />
<strong>and</strong> materials.<br />
Presumed dem<strong>and</strong> by tourists for Western or modern<br />
services, al<strong>on</strong>g with a lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building development<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trols, has resulted in many buildings in the main<br />
streets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic area <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang being altered<br />
inappropriately <strong>and</strong> losing many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their traditi<strong>on</strong>al uses<br />
<strong>and</strong> much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their local value. For example, traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
houses have had incompatible alterati<strong>on</strong>s made to them<br />
in order to c<strong>on</strong>vert them into guesthouses, travel agencies,<br />
cafes <strong>and</strong> souvenir shops. Furthermore, sometimes<br />
these souvenir shops sell items <strong>and</strong> trinkets which are<br />
not culturally relevant to the regi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> are not even<br />
manufactured locally.
Cross-cultural Interacti<strong>on</strong><br />
Tourists <strong>and</strong> local residents<br />
watching the parade during<br />
the pimai festival in Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Review <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Heritage<br />
Issues <strong>and</strong> Impacts<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
This ‘hijacking’ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local culture, buildings <strong>and</strong> gathering<br />
places by the tourist industry has caused resentment<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g some locals <strong>and</strong> many now jokingly refer to the<br />
main street in the historic peninsula area as ‘Ban Falang’<br />
(Foreigners’ Village).<br />
Cross-cultural interacti<strong>on</strong> can become problematic if<br />
there is a lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural awareness or underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
heritage <strong>on</strong> the part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors. Many visitors to Luang<br />
Prabang are not aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appropriate behavior in terms<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local social norms or how to use sensitively the unique<br />
heritage resources that they are privileged to share.<br />
Without this knowledge, it is difficult for the visitor to<br />
appreciate the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s heritage or<br />
respect local lifestyles <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>s. Also, it is difficult for<br />
visitors to underst<strong>and</strong> that they need to fairly remunerate<br />
the local community for the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their heritage <strong>and</strong> in the<br />
purchase <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their crafts.<br />
An example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural awareness <strong>and</strong> resulting<br />
misuse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s heritage is the practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourists taking alcohol up to the top <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Phousi, a popular<br />
site for watching the sun set over the town <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Mek<strong>on</strong>g River. Many tourists are unaware that Phousi is<br />
the site <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> That Chom Si, a particularly sacred temple, <strong>and</strong><br />
are therefore unaware that the c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> alcohol<br />
there is extremely <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fensive to locals.<br />
This example dem<strong>on</strong>strates the need for the significance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural practices, buildings <strong>and</strong> locati<strong>on</strong>s to be<br />
brought to the attenti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists. It is vital that policies<br />
are developed to ensure effective tourist educati<strong>on</strong><br />
or interpretati<strong>on</strong>. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretati<strong>on</strong> is<br />
discussed in greater detail <strong>on</strong> pages 108 to 111.<br />
Clearly the dem<strong>and</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists, the lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trols <strong>and</strong> the inadequate implementati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> existing<br />
regulati<strong>on</strong>s have begun to seriously change the essence<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang Prabang community’s built heritage.<br />
Similarly, the lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors <strong>and</strong><br />
the inappropriate presentati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local heritage have<br />
combined to alter intangible heritage resources. In<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>se to this situati<strong>on</strong>, all stakeholders must determine<br />
the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their heritage <strong>and</strong> adopt measures that<br />
will allow the community to realistically deal with the<br />
pressures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism as well as the <strong>on</strong>going process <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
social change within the community.<br />
58
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> additi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> electrical<br />
boxes <strong>and</strong> other wires to<br />
the exterior <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this col<strong>on</strong>ialera<br />
house diminishes the<br />
aesthetic <strong>and</strong> historic values<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this property.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Ec<strong>on</strong>omy<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 59<br />
While it is beneficial to attempt to maintain <strong>and</strong>, in some<br />
cases, reintroduce lifestyles <strong>and</strong> skills in order to maintain<br />
the historical fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community <strong>and</strong> to ensure an<br />
authentic experience for the tourist, there also must be<br />
recogniti<strong>on</strong> that the ultimate decisi<strong>on</strong>-makers are the<br />
people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. If the community chooses not to<br />
retain aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural heritage or preserve built heritage<br />
they are free to make that decisi<strong>on</strong>. This decisi<strong>on</strong> needs to<br />
be an informed <strong>on</strong>e however, <strong>and</strong> the Luang Prabang<br />
community must be made aware that if they choose not to<br />
follow <strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage guidelines for protecting<br />
the essence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the c<strong>on</strong>sequences may be<br />
the delisting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang as a World Heritage site<br />
<strong>and</strong> the loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s attractiveness as a global<br />
tourism destinati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
It is therefore necessary to facilitate the protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang’s heritage by putting into place a set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
sustainable <strong>and</strong> realistic regulati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> incentives <strong>and</strong><br />
by fostering a sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> pride in the community’s built<br />
heritage. Without such facilitati<strong>on</strong> it is unrealistic to<br />
expect residents to choose to preserve built heritage.<br />
Since the revival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al tourism in Lao PDR in<br />
1988, the country has rapidly gained an increasing share<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Asian tourism market – growing from 600 arrivals<br />
in that first year to 636,361 in 2003. According to the Pacific<br />
Asia Travel Associati<strong>on</strong> (PATA) this number is expected<br />
to rise to 923,616 in 2005 (see Figure C.1).<br />
Figure C.1: Forecasted Visitor Arrivals to Lao PDR <strong>and</strong> Revenues.
Luang Prabang women<br />
transporting goods to <strong>and</strong><br />
from the market.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Given this activity, tourism is an increasingly important<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributor to the ec<strong>on</strong>omy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR. Nati<strong>on</strong>al tourism<br />
earnings are substantial, earning the Laotian ec<strong>on</strong>omy<br />
US$87 milli<strong>on</strong> in 2003.<br />
Tourist arrival numbers in Luang Prabang have risen even<br />
more rapidly than the nati<strong>on</strong>al rates. Statistics compiled<br />
by the Luang Prabang Provincial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office, indicate<br />
that the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> internati<strong>on</strong>al (foreign) tourist arrivals<br />
has increased by over 300 per cent since 1995 (see Figure<br />
C.2).<br />
Figure C.2: Luang Prabang Internati<strong>on</strong>al Tourist Arrivals (Foreign Tourists) 1995-2003.<br />
By using tourism as an ec<strong>on</strong>omic development strategy,<br />
Luang Prabang is prospering within a nati<strong>on</strong>al ec<strong>on</strong>omy<br />
that is otherwise stagnant. Prior to the advent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
activity, the ec<strong>on</strong>omic strategy pursued in Luang Prabang<br />
was based <strong>on</strong> the producti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> agricultural products.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> growth in tourism-based industries, including the<br />
sale <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>and</strong>icrafts <strong>and</strong> other local products to visitors<br />
has presented local residents with new opti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> an<br />
alternative source <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> income.<br />
Although there is not yet an accounting system in place<br />
in Lao PDR to determine the ec<strong>on</strong>omic effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this new<br />
income source, there is no doubt that the financial returns<br />
from tourism activity are having an effect <strong>on</strong> the society.<br />
However, in the absence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> baseline informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> until<br />
pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>al ec<strong>on</strong>omic development studies are carried<br />
out, it is very difficult to determine the overall ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism for the community. When c<strong>on</strong>sidering<br />
the ec<strong>on</strong>omic benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism however, it is important<br />
to remember that in developing ec<strong>on</strong>omies a significant<br />
proporti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the m<strong>on</strong>ey spent by tourists leaves the<br />
country in the form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ec<strong>on</strong>omic leakages through foreignowned<br />
businesses <strong>and</strong> outside tour operators.<br />
60
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>and</strong><br />
Employment<br />
People operating street<br />
stalls sell popular<br />
h<strong>and</strong>icrafts, including<br />
jewellery, to tourists.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Diversificati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
Local Ec<strong>on</strong>omy<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 61<br />
One effect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the increase in tourism is the creati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
new employment opportunities. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> World Travel <strong>and</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Council (WTTC) estimated that in 2003 the<br />
employment generated by the travel <strong>and</strong> tourism industry<br />
nati<strong>on</strong>ally in Lao PDR was 145,500 jobs or 6 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
total employment. By 2013, it is expected that tourism will<br />
create 269,000 jobs or 9 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> total employment.<br />
In Luang Prabang, a local government survey c<strong>on</strong>ducted<br />
in early 2000 found that the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people employed<br />
directly in Luang Prabang’s tourism industry was 1,950 or 5<br />
per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the labour force. Direct employment in tourism<br />
is not the <strong>on</strong>ly type <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> employment that tourism brings,<br />
however. While <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial figures record the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
pers<strong>on</strong>s with salaried jobs in tourism agencies <strong>and</strong> related<br />
services, they do not, for example, take into account<br />
pers<strong>on</strong>s earning a living from h<strong>and</strong>icraft producti<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> restaurants or from c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> jobs created by the<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for new tourist hotels or the expansi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
airport <strong>and</strong> other forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> transportati<strong>on</strong>. Staff employed<br />
in new business ventures, such as internet cafés <strong>and</strong><br />
souvenir shops that have opened recently in resp<strong>on</strong>se to<br />
the increased number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors, are also missing from the<br />
figures.<br />
It is obvious that the real impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in creating<br />
employment opportunities for local people is much<br />
greater than the government estimates. One indicator <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the ec<strong>on</strong>omic impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in Luang Prabang is the<br />
growing number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hotels <strong>and</strong> guesthouses, which has<br />
grown from 29 in 1997 to 135 in 2003. Another indicator<br />
is the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people employed in various tourismrelated<br />
sectors. According to the Luang Prabang <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Office, the accommodati<strong>on</strong> sector, for example, employs<br />
650 people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> which 420 are women. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> tour guiding<br />
sector employs 86 <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial guides but there are at least<br />
eight other un<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial guides. Likewise, the 65 restaurants<br />
<strong>and</strong> 21 travel agencies have numerous employees.<br />
For communities such as those in <strong>and</strong> around Luang<br />
Prabang which have traditi<strong>on</strong>ally relied <strong>on</strong> agriculture, the<br />
emergence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism has provided many opportunities<br />
for ec<strong>on</strong>omic diversificati<strong>on</strong>. While tourism is still not<br />
the main source <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> income for local residents, it <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fers an<br />
alternative or supplement to farming which, like tourism,<br />
can be an insecure livelihood, given that crop failures can<br />
devastate entire communities.
A taxi driver sleeps in his<br />
vehicle while waiting for<br />
tourists. During the low<br />
seas<strong>on</strong> many taxi drivers<br />
find it difficult to make<br />
a living.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Many opportunities exist for enterprising residents in<br />
Luang Prabang. However, educati<strong>on</strong> in researching,<br />
establishing, <strong>and</strong> operating business ventures is crucial.<br />
Unfortunately it is already too late for some residents, who<br />
have sold their farms or homes to establish new tourismrelated<br />
businesses. Failed attempts at new enterprises<br />
have proven devastating for some families who entered<br />
new markets with no experience <strong>and</strong> no extra collateral to<br />
rely up<strong>on</strong>.<br />
It is already too late, also, for many residents who were<br />
unaware that the unpredictable <strong>and</strong> seas<strong>on</strong>al aspects<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism could make it difficult for them to earn<br />
a year-round living from tourism activities. Too <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten<br />
entrepreneurs achieve satisfactory results with their<br />
businesses during high seas<strong>on</strong> but suffer from dramatic<br />
falls in income when tourist numbers decline in the low<br />
seas<strong>on</strong> or at times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> political stress or regi<strong>on</strong>al outbreaks<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> disease, as occurred from 2001 to 2003. Finding<br />
alternative means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> support during such down-times<br />
can be difficult, especially when families have sold other<br />
assets such as farms or other businesses.<br />
While tourism numbers are affected by a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> factors,<br />
including internati<strong>on</strong>al c<strong>on</strong>flict <strong>and</strong> disease outbreaks, the<br />
main predictable factor influencing variati<strong>on</strong>s in tourist<br />
numbers is the seas<strong>on</strong>s, such as the rainy <strong>and</strong> dry times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
year. Figure C.4 illustrates the influence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> climate given<br />
that the November to February period has the coolest <strong>and</strong><br />
driest weather. Popular festivals such as pimai in April<br />
also cause peaks to occur.<br />
Figure C.4: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Seas<strong>on</strong>al Variati<strong>on</strong>s in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>and</strong>icrafts industry is <strong>on</strong>e industry in Luang<br />
Prabang that has clearly benefited from tourism due to<br />
the fact that h<strong>and</strong>icrafts are popular souvenir items <strong>and</strong><br />
because the h<strong>and</strong>icraft industry supplies articles to hotels<br />
<strong>and</strong> participates in the c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourist facilities. By<br />
raising the awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local h<strong>and</strong>icrafts, tourism has also<br />
62
Women preparing bamboo<br />
material for weaving.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Tourists outside <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
many travel agencies in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 63<br />
helped to increase exports <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>and</strong>icrafts <strong>and</strong> associated<br />
marketing activity.<br />
However, the growth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the h<strong>and</strong>icraft industry <strong>and</strong><br />
entrepreneurial activity in this sector - for example the<br />
creati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new souvenir products - does not necessarily<br />
bring benefits to local residents. Unfortunately for the<br />
local people, many entrepreneurial activities involve<br />
foreign investors or businesses from Vientiane <strong>and</strong><br />
therefore the ec<strong>on</strong>omic gain for Luang Prabang residents<br />
from such activities is minimal.<br />
Locally-owned entrepreneurial h<strong>and</strong>icraft businesses<br />
should be encouraged, <strong>and</strong> if the entire community is<br />
to benefit it is important to ensure that local residents<br />
are employed in these businesses <strong>and</strong> local materials<br />
are used. One example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> an entrepreneurial activity<br />
which successfully utilizes local materials is a business<br />
which produces ‘star lanterns’. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se lanterns, which are<br />
sold at shops throughout Luang Prabang, are based <strong>on</strong> a<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al design <strong>and</strong> utilize locally produced sa paper<br />
<strong>and</strong> bamboo.<br />
Currently no comprehensive post-sec<strong>on</strong>dary tourism<br />
instructi<strong>on</strong> exists in Luang Prabang. It is therefore obvious<br />
that more resources need to be devoted to tourism<br />
educati<strong>on</strong>. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>on</strong>ly course in tourism training <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered<br />
locally is a short-term sessi<strong>on</strong> held twice a year by the<br />
Luang Prabang <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office in cooperati<strong>on</strong> with the<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Authority. Any<strong>on</strong>e wishing to study a<br />
full course at the post-sec<strong>on</strong>dary level in tourism must go<br />
to Vientiane or abroad, which is difficult for all but a few<br />
privileged individuals. Even if post-sec<strong>on</strong>dary educati<strong>on</strong><br />
were available however, it would be difficult to access<br />
since less than 4 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the populati<strong>on</strong> has completed<br />
sec<strong>on</strong>dary studies. Not even 1 per cent has reached<br />
upper sec<strong>on</strong>dary levels. Although over 90 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
populati<strong>on</strong> has primary schooling, almost 20 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the provincial populati<strong>on</strong> is c<strong>on</strong>sidered illiterate.<br />
Currently the inadequate access to sec<strong>on</strong>dary, tertiary<br />
<strong>and</strong> vocati<strong>on</strong>al educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> training limits the ability<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locals to take <strong>on</strong> more skilled <strong>and</strong> higher paying jobs in<br />
the tourism industry <strong>and</strong> limits their capability to develop<br />
their own tourism businesses <strong>and</strong> related livelihood<br />
opportunities. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> recent completi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a university near<br />
the town <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, Souphanouv<strong>on</strong>g University,<br />
the first major tertiary-level instituti<strong>on</strong> in northern Lao<br />
PDR, is the first step toward building the capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
local residents to take up a wider range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> employment<br />
opti<strong>on</strong>s.
Prices <strong>and</strong> Affordability<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
As tourist numbers have grown, dem<strong>and</strong> for food in<br />
Luang Prabang has increased accordingly. This has<br />
resulted in an increase in the price <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> food in the town<br />
which, while being appreciated by provincial farmers, has<br />
adversely impacted <strong>on</strong> local residents, particularly the<br />
poor. Similarly, because tourists can afford to pay higher<br />
prices for c<strong>on</strong>sumer goods, the prices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those goods,<br />
already in short supply in the area, have been pushed to<br />
a level that is unaffordable for many. Furthermore, l<strong>and</strong><br />
prices have increased in the area as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourist<br />
facility development, leaving many local people unable to<br />
afford to purchase l<strong>and</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Revenues According to 2003 statistics from the Nati<strong>on</strong>al <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Authority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR, 81 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> total tourism revenue<br />
in Lao PDR came from internati<strong>on</strong>al tourists, whereas<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly 19 per cent was derived from intra-regi<strong>on</strong>al visitors.<br />
Not <strong>on</strong>ly does the bulk <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism revenue come from<br />
overseas visitors, these visitors tend to spend more m<strong>on</strong>ey<br />
per pers<strong>on</strong> per day (pppd) <strong>and</strong> stay l<strong>on</strong>ger. In 2003 intraregi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
visitors spent around US$26 pppd <strong>and</strong> stayed for<br />
three days <strong>on</strong> average, while internati<strong>on</strong>al visitors spent<br />
US$60 pppd <strong>and</strong> stayed an average <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 6 days.<br />
Temples collect an entrance<br />
fee, providing a source <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
funds for the maintenance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temple buildings <strong>and</strong><br />
also providing a local<br />
resident with a job.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> development has therefore substantially<br />
increased the government’s foreign exchange reserves,<br />
<strong>and</strong> has led to the injecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> capital <strong>and</strong> new m<strong>on</strong>ey<br />
into the local ec<strong>on</strong>omy in Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
government reinvests m<strong>on</strong>ey back into the province <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang, as evidenced through its involvement in<br />
projects such as road upgrading, wastewater treatment<br />
<strong>and</strong> street paving. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se have been coordinated or<br />
funded by the Government <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR <strong>and</strong> also by<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> d<strong>on</strong>or governments.<br />
Projects by La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine, for example, have<br />
improved streetscapes <strong>and</strong> this organizati<strong>on</strong> has overseen<br />
the renovati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> several buildings in<br />
Luang Prabang. Unfortunately however there is no direct<br />
correlati<strong>on</strong> between the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people visiting Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> the amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey that filters back into<br />
the community to fund heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> or public<br />
services.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> is seen as a very good earner for the Lao PDR<br />
Government through entry fees <strong>and</strong> other charges levied<br />
<strong>on</strong> visitors. According to studies undertaken in 2000 by<br />
the Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> Informati<strong>on</strong>, the total<br />
income from fees <strong>and</strong> d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>s at Luang Prabang’s<br />
four main religious destinati<strong>on</strong>s (Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
64
Visitors at the lower Tham<br />
Ting cave.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Review <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
Issues <strong>and</strong> Impacts<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 65<br />
Vat Visoun, Vat Aham <strong>and</strong> That Chom Si) averaged<br />
US$2,700 per m<strong>on</strong>th. Only a fracti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this income is<br />
reinvested in the site, however. Official reports indicate<br />
that <strong>on</strong>ly 20 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this m<strong>on</strong>ey (around $540) was<br />
spent <strong>on</strong> heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>. A further 20 per cent was<br />
spent <strong>on</strong> administrati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> the remainder was allocated<br />
to the Government.<br />
In the case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Tham Ting caves, where <strong>on</strong>ly 10 per<br />
cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> revenues, or $1500, is reinvested every year, many<br />
tourists are voicing displeasure about the c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the site. In this case reinvestment must be increased<br />
dramatically in order to ensure c<strong>on</strong>tinued visits by<br />
tourists to the site. If deteriorati<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tinues <strong>and</strong> proper<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> does not occur tourists will simply stop<br />
visiting the caves. If such deteriorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sites occurs <strong>on</strong><br />
a large scale it would affect the image <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> its attractiveness to its target market, which would<br />
obviously not be in the interests <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the tourism industry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
Finding ways to reinvest local tourism revenue into<br />
heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>, urban c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> upgrading<br />
efforts is an area that requires further development. One<br />
means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ensuring local tourism revenue is redirected to<br />
fund c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> projects is to fund such efforts with<br />
provincial tax revenue. In additi<strong>on</strong>, if more detailed<br />
informati<strong>on</strong> was made available <strong>on</strong> the income generated<br />
locally through taxati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> foreign exchange, the local<br />
government would be better able to identify <strong>and</strong> fund<br />
areas that require special c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> assistance.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is a need to ensure that the actual ec<strong>on</strong>omic impacts<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism are understood <strong>and</strong> managed <strong>and</strong> that the<br />
benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism accrue to the local populati<strong>on</strong>. It is<br />
also important to ensure that tourism does not in fact<br />
c<strong>on</strong>stitute an overall negative ec<strong>on</strong>omic impact <strong>on</strong> the<br />
community. Sound ec<strong>on</strong>omic data <strong>and</strong> m<strong>on</strong>itoring<br />
techniques are essential in making this happen.<br />
While <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ficial job creati<strong>on</strong> figures in the tourism sector<br />
appear to be str<strong>on</strong>g, it is necessary to c<strong>on</strong>sider exactly<br />
what types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> jobs are created through tourism in Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> to c<strong>on</strong>sider who benefits from these jobs.<br />
Though employment opportunities have increased for<br />
local people, many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these jobs are low-paying <strong>and</strong> are<br />
unskilled or semi-skilled in nature. In additi<strong>on</strong>, because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the limited educati<strong>on</strong>al opportunities locally, residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang have few opportunities to gain more skills
Envir<strong>on</strong>ment<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> many waterfalls<br />
around Luang Prabang<br />
are beautiful <strong>and</strong> popular<br />
swimming spots.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> therefore higher-paid jobs. Moreover, business people<br />
from outside the province <strong>and</strong> the country represent a<br />
significant proporti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>iting from high-return<br />
tourism investment projects.<br />
Foreign exchange earnings are valuable to any destinati<strong>on</strong><br />
but the challenge lies in keeping the m<strong>on</strong>ey in Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> not losing it to a foreign or externally-owned<br />
company or to the government c<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fers.<br />
Given the currently small amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> reinvestment in<br />
heritage assets, greater amounts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> government revenue<br />
from tourism industry entrance fees, income-taxes <strong>and</strong><br />
other sources should be invested in heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
in order to adequately maintain the heritage assets <strong>on</strong><br />
which the tourism industry depends.<br />
Increasing populati<strong>on</strong>, rural to urban migrati<strong>on</strong>, rising<br />
density <strong>and</strong> rapidly changing lifestyles are at the heart<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> envir<strong>on</strong>mental issues in Luang Prabang.<br />
Too <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten the envir<strong>on</strong>ment is the ultimate victim <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
development <strong>and</strong> expansi<strong>on</strong>. Growth pressures have<br />
seen Luang Prabang’s boundaries encroach <strong>on</strong> untouched<br />
<strong>and</strong> cultivatable l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> a growing populati<strong>on</strong> stretch<br />
infrastructure <strong>and</strong> services bey<strong>on</strong>d their limits.<br />
If the natural heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang is destroyed,<br />
a vital element <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> community life will be lost forever.<br />
Already 70 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the province’s forests have been<br />
lost, mainly to slash <strong>and</strong> burn agriculture. In order<br />
to safeguard Luang Prabang’s envir<strong>on</strong>ment, targeted<br />
government policies are needed to c<strong>on</strong>trol development<br />
<strong>and</strong> heighten community awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental c<strong>on</strong>cerns.<br />
Rapid changes that place significant stress <strong>on</strong> the<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang have been brought about<br />
by increased incomes, changing c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> patterns <strong>and</strong><br />
an expansi<strong>on</strong> in the range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ec<strong>on</strong>omic activities available.<br />
But these changes are not necessarily all a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in the town. Other industries <strong>and</strong><br />
developments would place stress <strong>on</strong> the envir<strong>on</strong>ment,<br />
even in the absence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism.<br />
While tourism is not the <strong>on</strong>ly causal factor, tourism<br />
<strong>and</strong> associated development have definitely intensified<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental problems. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore, when determining<br />
the ideal pace <strong>and</strong> form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development, the<br />
capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s envir<strong>on</strong>ment <strong>and</strong> ecological<br />
systems to sustainably accommodate an increasing<br />
66
Solid Waste Management<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> garbage collecti<strong>on</strong><br />
truck makes its rounds.<br />
As tourists arrivals<br />
increase <strong>and</strong> local<br />
residents have more<br />
disposable income the<br />
amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> solid waste is<br />
growing significantly.<br />
(Photo: Beatrice Kaldun)<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 67<br />
residential <strong>and</strong> tourist populati<strong>on</strong> must be c<strong>on</strong>sidered.<br />
A number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> increasingly alarming issues dem<strong>on</strong>strate the<br />
pressure <strong>on</strong> local carrying capacity as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se include waste disposal problems, increased traffic<br />
<strong>and</strong> polluti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> the destructi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
waterways. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se are by no means the <strong>on</strong>ly impacts but<br />
are seen as major issues that must be resolved.<br />
Luang Prabang did not have a formal waste collecti<strong>on</strong><br />
service until 1997, when a modern solid waste disposal<br />
system was put in place by the United Nati<strong>on</strong>s Development<br />
Programme (UNDP), funded by the Norwegian<br />
Government. Currently 33 out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 53 villages <strong>and</strong> most <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the central town area receive collecti<strong>on</strong> services. Although<br />
the current waste disposal system is a vast improvement<br />
<strong>on</strong> the situati<strong>on</strong> prior to 1997, the system is now reaching<br />
the limits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its ability to adequately perform its functi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Since its implementati<strong>on</strong>, with increasing incomes <strong>and</strong><br />
rising use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> plastic <strong>and</strong> other packaging, the amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
solid waste collected in Luang Prabang has increased at a<br />
rapid rate, putting pressure <strong>on</strong> employees <strong>and</strong> equipment.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, the combinati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> insufficient equipment,<br />
poor roads <strong>and</strong> the likelihood <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> less revenue for more<br />
work means that outlying areas are unlikely to receive<br />
collecti<strong>on</strong> services in the near future. Unfortunately in<br />
villages where solid waste is not collected, rubbish is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten<br />
burned or dumped in waterways.<br />
Aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the waste management system also need<br />
improvement, as it does not provide a mechanism for<br />
recycling <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> waste <strong>and</strong> does not directly encourage waste<br />
minimizati<strong>on</strong>. Community educati<strong>on</strong> about reuse <strong>and</strong><br />
waste minimizati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> explorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> recycling opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
could be ways to improve waste management in Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
It is important that the waste collecti<strong>on</strong> system is<br />
maintained <strong>and</strong> regularly upgraded in order to keep up<br />
with changes in Luang Prabang. It is clear that without<br />
a suitably funded <strong>and</strong> effective solid waste management<br />
system the impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> increased tourism <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong><br />
in the community could lead to serious aesthetic <strong>and</strong><br />
ecological impacts.
Traffic <strong>and</strong> Polluti<strong>on</strong><br />
Traffic c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s are<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinuing to get worse,<br />
with increasing c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
With no divisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
parking or driving<br />
lanes, few signs, <strong>and</strong> no<br />
coordinati<strong>on</strong> between<br />
modes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> transport (bus,<br />
car, bicycle, etc.), as<br />
traffic volume increases<br />
the situati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> the road<br />
will become increasingly<br />
chaotic.<br />
(Photo: M<strong>on</strong>tira Horayangura<br />
Unakul)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> increase in motorized vehicles in Luang Prabang<br />
has been <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the most significant changes in the town.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> chaos caused by this increase in<br />
traffic has brought to the forefr<strong>on</strong>t a serious debate <strong>on</strong><br />
how traffic should be c<strong>on</strong>trolled. While <strong>on</strong>e side calls<br />
for a reversi<strong>on</strong> to a more historically authentic situati<strong>on</strong><br />
where all n<strong>on</strong>-residential <strong>and</strong> n<strong>on</strong>-emergency vehicles<br />
are banned, others argue that such restricti<strong>on</strong>s will hinder<br />
development, suppress property values <strong>and</strong> force local<br />
populati<strong>on</strong>s out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic centre.<br />
While the increase in traffic cannot be traced solely to<br />
tourism there is no doubt that tourism is seen as the major<br />
cause <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what is becoming a major transportati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
polluti<strong>on</strong> issue. Certainly large buses outside hotels, taxis<br />
lining the main tourist routes <strong>and</strong> three wheeler ‘tuk-tuks’<br />
are the c<strong>on</strong>sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism activity.<br />
It is not <strong>on</strong>ly the ground traffic situati<strong>on</strong> that has changed,<br />
air traffic is also increasing. With the opening <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al airport in Luang Prabang, planes now bring<br />
in the upper-end tourists, with up to seven arrivals<br />
a day. This is an important mode <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> transport given<br />
that embassies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten issue warnings c<strong>on</strong>cerning travel<br />
between Vang Vieng <strong>and</strong> Luang Prabang, <strong>on</strong> the main<br />
road to Vientiane. Furthermore, with c<strong>on</strong>tinued tourism<br />
growth, this greater transport capacity is required in order<br />
to cope with rising tourist numbers.<br />
Aside from chaos <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong>, the increased traffic<br />
<strong>and</strong> uncoordinated transport system in the town has<br />
led to greater air polluti<strong>on</strong>, with potentially damaging<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sequences for local ecosystems <strong>and</strong> community health.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> traffic, particularly air traffic, has also caused noise<br />
polluti<strong>on</strong> which diminishes the tranquility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the area <strong>and</strong><br />
is disturbing for local residents.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se traffic <strong>and</strong> transportati<strong>on</strong> impacts indicate a<br />
need for a broad-based planning process that seeks to<br />
find transportati<strong>on</strong> soluti<strong>on</strong>s that are acceptable to all<br />
stakeholders.<br />
68
Wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Waterways<br />
Wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> waterways<br />
are at risk from<br />
polluti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> building<br />
encroachment.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Riverbanks are being<br />
eroded due to loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
vegetati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> the banks<br />
<strong>and</strong> increased boating<br />
activity.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 69<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage z<strong>on</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang recognizes the<br />
unique cultural <strong>and</strong> natural aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this town, including<br />
the important wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> waterways. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> wetl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
aligned throughout the town are vital to the ecology <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
flood-pr<strong>on</strong>e town. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se p<strong>on</strong>ds provide a vital retenti<strong>on</strong><br />
capacity for excess water during the rainy seas<strong>on</strong>. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
are also areas where local people cultivate vegetables<br />
<strong>and</strong> fish. Unfortunately, in spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage regulati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
in recent times some l<strong>and</strong>owners have filled-in p<strong>on</strong>ds to<br />
extend or c<strong>on</strong>struct new buildings thereby jeopardizing<br />
fragile ecosystems. Not all l<strong>and</strong> reclamati<strong>on</strong> is related<br />
to tourism but the majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> it is due to tourist-related<br />
c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> or to increased incomes brought about by<br />
tourism.<br />
Luang Prabang’s wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> waterways are also being<br />
seriously damaged due to the dumping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> raw sewage<br />
<strong>and</strong> other waste products, which in part can be traced to<br />
tourism. Guesthouses, restaurants <strong>and</strong> laundries generate<br />
substantial amounts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wastewater, which is not currently<br />
being adequately managed. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> polluti<strong>on</strong> caused by<br />
waste dumping <strong>and</strong> wastewater not <strong>on</strong>ly damages local<br />
ecological systems <strong>and</strong> reduces biodiversity but can make<br />
the wetl<strong>and</strong>s breeding grounds for infectious disease.<br />
Dumping <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> waste into waterways also puts the town’s<br />
freshwater resources in danger.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> waterways <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang are also being impacted<br />
by the additi<strong>on</strong>al water traffic brought about by tourism<br />
activity. Currently over 500 boats ply the local rivers,<br />
transporting people <strong>and</strong> goods. Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these boats are<br />
used primarily for transporting tourists. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> boats cause<br />
significant noise polluti<strong>on</strong> which is very disturbing for<br />
residents <strong>and</strong> is having an adverse effect <strong>on</strong> the nesting<br />
<strong>and</strong> mating habits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> birds in the area. According to local<br />
residents the increased number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boats is also intensifying<br />
riverbank erosi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
A Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine wetl<strong>and</strong>s programme,<br />
supported by the European Commissi<strong>on</strong>, has focused <strong>on</strong><br />
the preservati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> rehabilitati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s<br />
urban wetl<strong>and</strong>s. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> strategy deals with the preventi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> polluti<strong>on</strong>, not <strong>on</strong>ly through ensuring proper drainage<br />
techniques <strong>and</strong> the treatment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> toxic wastes but also<br />
through local public educati<strong>on</strong> activities. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project seeks<br />
to dem<strong>on</strong>strate that protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wetl<strong>and</strong>s can enhance<br />
social development <strong>and</strong> generate new community<br />
resources.
Review <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Envir<strong>on</strong>mental Issues<br />
<strong>and</strong> Impacts<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> boats <strong>on</strong><br />
the river has grown as<br />
populati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> tourism<br />
increase in Luang Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
While tourism intensifies envir<strong>on</strong>mental problems in<br />
Luang Prabang, a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> factors exist to create or<br />
perpetuate these envir<strong>on</strong>mental problems in the first<br />
place. One such factor is the lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the envir<strong>on</strong>mental c<strong>on</strong>sequences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> everyday acti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is insufficient underst<strong>and</strong>ing, for example, about<br />
the ecological <strong>and</strong> health effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> disposal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> waste <strong>and</strong><br />
wastewater into wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> waterways. Another factor<br />
is the flawed solid waste management system that not<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly is not keeping pace with changes in the town but<br />
does not directly encourage waste minimizati<strong>on</strong> practices<br />
such as reuse <strong>and</strong> recycling. A further factor is the lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
effective government c<strong>on</strong>trol <strong>and</strong> lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> enforcement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental regulati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is no doubt that without adequate <strong>and</strong> enforceable<br />
regulati<strong>on</strong>s dealing with waste, the transportati<strong>on</strong> system<br />
<strong>and</strong> wetl<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> waterway issues, the envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s in Luang Prabang will be seriously threatened<br />
in the future. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> effective government<br />
c<strong>on</strong>trols (<strong>and</strong> enforcement there<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>) is therefore a vital<br />
aspect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dealing with the envir<strong>on</strong>mental impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is also a need for a community-wide<br />
educati<strong>on</strong>al effort to enable the local populati<strong>on</strong> to<br />
recognize the importance, for the tourism industry <strong>and</strong><br />
for ecological reas<strong>on</strong>s, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> maintaining Luang Prabang’s<br />
natural assets, <strong>and</strong> to recognize the growing dem<strong>and</strong><br />
am<strong>on</strong>g tourists for envir<strong>on</strong>mentally-friendly facilities. It<br />
is also important to focus attenti<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> how the lifestyles<br />
<strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> patterns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local residents affect<br />
the envir<strong>on</strong>ment <strong>and</strong> what they can do to minimize their<br />
impact.<br />
Society Social change is a dynamic process with numerous internal<br />
<strong>and</strong> external factors c<strong>on</strong>tributing to this change. In Luang<br />
Prabang it is difficult, but important, to isolate the impacts<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in a rapidly changing society. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re can be no<br />
doubt that the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local community <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang are both positively <strong>and</strong> negatively affected by<br />
their interacti<strong>on</strong> with tourists <strong>and</strong> their observati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourist behavior. Many residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang link<br />
the increase in crime <strong>and</strong> drug abuse to the rise <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
in the town <strong>and</strong> perceive that these will increase as tourism<br />
numbers grow. Tourim is not the <strong>on</strong>ly influence <strong>on</strong> Luang<br />
Prabang society, however. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> behavior, speech <strong>and</strong> attire<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> community members are also influenced by Thai <strong>and</strong><br />
Western music <strong>and</strong> Thai satellite televisi<strong>on</strong> programmes.<br />
70
Young women in Luang<br />
Prabang. (<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se girls are dressed in<br />
the traditi<strong>on</strong>al dress <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
various minority groups<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang Prabang<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>, as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a cultural<br />
performance for tourists.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Luang Prabang as<br />
a Place to Live<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 71<br />
It is also difficult to gauge whether overall changes in<br />
behavior or values are negative or positive. It very much<br />
depends <strong>on</strong> the perspective <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the pers<strong>on</strong> doing the<br />
assessment <strong>and</strong> it can be argued fairly c<strong>on</strong>vincingly that<br />
for many people in the community the social changes<br />
are desirable. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re remains a general optimism in<br />
both the community <strong>and</strong> government regarding the<br />
future <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism. However, it may be <strong>on</strong>ly through<br />
careful sociological studies <strong>and</strong> community educati<strong>on</strong><br />
that residents can be made aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the true impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism <strong>on</strong> their society <strong>and</strong> can make informed decisi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
about whether they need to adopt more measured means<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development.<br />
While yearly tourism targets are increasing, relatively little<br />
attenti<strong>on</strong> has been paid to the capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
to host increasingly larger numbers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors, in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
water, sanitati<strong>on</strong>, food <strong>and</strong> other basic services. Although<br />
there are plans to exp<strong>and</strong> these capacities, the expansi<strong>on</strong><br />
is not keeping pace with the increase in visitors. Unless<br />
improvements are made, this shortfall in infrastructure<br />
<strong>and</strong> services will mean that the st<strong>and</strong>ard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> public<br />
services throughout the town will decrease, lowering the<br />
community’s st<strong>and</strong>ard <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> living, while increasing the cost<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> services, for visitors <strong>and</strong> residents alike.<br />
Even more serious is the fact that no community-based<br />
dialogue has yet taken place in regard to the acceptable<br />
rate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> social <strong>and</strong> cultural change in Luang Prabang.<br />
Likewise, little discussi<strong>on</strong> has been carried out to<br />
determine an upper limit to the carrying capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
town’s historic core <strong>and</strong> other popular areas. It is clear<br />
however, that some sites, such as the Pak Ou caves, have<br />
already reached their visitor capacity limits.<br />
It is important to remember that Luang Prabang is not<br />
just a tourist destinati<strong>on</strong>, it is the home <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> thous<strong>and</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
people. It is a place where people are born, grow up, have<br />
their own families <strong>and</strong> pass away <strong>and</strong> it is where people<br />
live, work, eat, socialize, attend school, worship <strong>and</strong><br />
celebrate. Luang Prabang is, first <strong>and</strong> foremost, a living<br />
<strong>and</strong> evolving community exposed to all the opportunities<br />
<strong>and</strong> threats that the global envir<strong>on</strong>ment presents.
Local residents preparing<br />
food for the m<strong>on</strong>ks at their<br />
village temple.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
A spirit house located in<br />
a family’s garden in Luang<br />
Prabang. Offerings such as<br />
flowers <strong>and</strong> fruit are given<br />
to the phi (spirits).<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Today, the familiar tasks <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> everyday life – <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering<br />
alms at dawn, celebrating the birth <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a child, planting a<br />
garden, weaving fabric, building a house – are assuming<br />
new meaning given their value as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community’s<br />
tourism product. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al culture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
is no l<strong>on</strong>ger the private <strong>and</strong> exclusive domain <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local<br />
community. Local inhabitants are now not the <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>es<br />
experiencing their own heritage as this experience is now<br />
being sold to tourists.<br />
It is important that the community underst<strong>and</strong>s the social<br />
impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> having their culture <strong>and</strong> way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life viewed<br />
<strong>and</strong> sold as a commodity, so that they are able to make<br />
informed decisi<strong>on</strong>s as to how to manage the impact this<br />
has <strong>on</strong> their society.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> community must also be made aware that attempts<br />
to present their culture in an authentic way brings<br />
with it pressure to freeze the social development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the community. However any attempt to freeze the<br />
community is inappropriate <strong>and</strong> must be avoided. Such<br />
an attempt can be illustrated by the episode during the<br />
pimai festival several years ago, in which barriers were<br />
erected at the street parades to deny entry to young<br />
Laotian girls not dressed in traditi<strong>on</strong>al dress. Such<br />
episodes can be regarded as negative impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> poorly<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sidered tourism policies. Given present-day values in<br />
Luang Prabang, it is difficult to determine how relevant<br />
the traditi<strong>on</strong>al style <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dress is for young people in the<br />
community. Encouraging traditi<strong>on</strong>al dress is acceptable<br />
as a means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> strengthening community pride in their<br />
customs <strong>and</strong> heritage but insisting that residents dress in<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al ways for special occasi<strong>on</strong>s in order to meet the<br />
dem<strong>and</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism belittles the choices <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents <strong>and</strong><br />
disregards the evolving nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> culture. Furthermore,<br />
such insistence does not necessarily make the occasi<strong>on</strong><br />
more authentic. Unless the traditi<strong>on</strong>al style <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> dress <strong>and</strong><br />
other cultural traditi<strong>on</strong>s are relevant to people’s modern<br />
lives, insistence up<strong>on</strong> them may degrade Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> turn it into a kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> theme park.<br />
It is important to develop approaches that allow the<br />
community to c<strong>on</strong>tinue to grow <strong>and</strong> evolve while<br />
maintaining important dimensi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their culture.<br />
Maintaining aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> culture is necessary both for<br />
the social well-being <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the inhabitants <strong>and</strong> to preserve<br />
the basis <strong>on</strong> which tourism <strong>and</strong> associated livelihood<br />
opportunities depend. Of course, the <strong>on</strong>ly people who can<br />
determine the optimal balance between modernizati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> maintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural traditi<strong>on</strong>s are the residents<br />
72
After the m<strong>on</strong>ks have eaten, the<br />
community members who were<br />
involved in preparing the food<br />
gather to share a meal at the<br />
temple. (Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Religious Community<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> early m<strong>on</strong>ing binthabat<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>y in which<br />
laypeople d<strong>on</strong>ate rice<br />
to the m<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> earn<br />
merit. Here, tourists are<br />
participating in the ritual.<br />
(Photo: Beatrice Kaldun)<br />
Assessing the Impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> 73<br />
themselves. Experts <strong>and</strong> advisors can provide them with<br />
alternatives <strong>and</strong> guidance but the decisi<strong>on</strong> is a community<br />
<strong>on</strong>e.<br />
It is instructive to note that with the <strong>on</strong>set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new regulati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
designed to protect local heritage <strong>and</strong> promote tourism,<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten developed by outsiders, some local inhabitants are<br />
voicing dissatisfacti<strong>on</strong>. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y feel that their needs <strong>and</strong><br />
views are being overlooked <strong>and</strong> that regulati<strong>on</strong>s work<br />
against their interests. For example, z<strong>on</strong>ing regulati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<strong>and</strong> the differential applicati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building codes <strong>and</strong><br />
business licensing, although necessary to protect the<br />
historic precinct, make it more advantageous to operate<br />
outside the protected areas, <strong>and</strong> are forcing businesses out<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic z<strong>on</strong>e. On the other h<strong>and</strong>, there is growing<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing within the community <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the link between<br />
heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> future ec<strong>on</strong>omic well-being<br />
<strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the ways in which businesses can be adapted to<br />
c<strong>on</strong>form to heritage protecti<strong>on</strong> regulati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious community has experienced both positive<br />
<strong>and</strong> negative effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in Luang Prabang. On<br />
the positive side, because a high proporti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists<br />
visit Luang Prabang specifically to see the temples there<br />
is now greater community pride in their religi<strong>on</strong>. And as a<br />
result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this strengthened pride, greater efforts are being<br />
made to preserve religious sites. Vat Xieng Th<strong>on</strong>g, for<br />
example, is <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the most visited sites in Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> a proporti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the entrance fees paid by tourists is<br />
retained by the temple <strong>and</strong> used to maintain the site <strong>and</strong><br />
strengthen the religious community.<br />
Unfortunately, tourism has eroded some aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
religi<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang. Some enterprising residents<br />
have commercialized the religious baci <strong>and</strong> binthabat<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>ies. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> baci cerem<strong>on</strong>y is traditi<strong>on</strong>ally performed<br />
for many occasi<strong>on</strong>s, including welcoming guests, <strong>and</strong><br />
many tour operators are now performing the cerem<strong>on</strong>y<br />
for tourists. Similarly, it is very comm<strong>on</strong> to see tourists<br />
participating in the binthabat cerem<strong>on</strong>y, causing c<strong>on</strong>cern<br />
in the religious community that their traditi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> making<br />
merit is being compromised.
Review <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Social Issues<br />
<strong>and</strong> Impacts<br />
A local woman cutting<br />
up sugarcane for sale.<br />
Sugarcane has a number<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> uses. Apart from being<br />
eaten, as this child is doing,<br />
the juice can be extracted<br />
<strong>and</strong> is a popular drink in<br />
Luang Prabang. Also, the<br />
sugar derived from the<br />
cane is used in making<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al lime plaster.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Another c<strong>on</strong>sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism is that many m<strong>on</strong>ks now<br />
want to learn English <strong>and</strong> other languages in order to<br />
help them find work in the tourist industry. This has had<br />
the negative effect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a decline in the study <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
subjects, as they are being dropped in favour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> language<br />
courses.<br />
Community members need to determine if their religious<br />
rituals are something they are willing to share with<br />
tourists <strong>and</strong> at the same time they also need to be made<br />
aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the expectati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> motivati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists in<br />
order to avoid resentment am<strong>on</strong>g residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourist<br />
activities <strong>and</strong> behaviour.<br />
Novice m<strong>on</strong>ks making decorati<strong>on</strong>s for a religious festival.<br />
(Photo: Pattarap<strong>on</strong>g K<strong>on</strong>gwijit)<br />
Underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> managing social change in the<br />
community is a very difficult <strong>and</strong> complex process. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
challenge is how to preserve <strong>and</strong> present cultural heritage<br />
without having adverse impacts <strong>on</strong> the social development<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the residents.<br />
Baseline studies need to be undertaken that will allow<br />
the community to trace changes in social values <strong>and</strong><br />
behaviours <strong>and</strong> better assess the impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism. With<br />
this informati<strong>on</strong> the community can then determine<br />
what aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its heritage it wishes to preserve <strong>and</strong><br />
the measures for carrying this out as well as the levels<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acceptable interventi<strong>on</strong> in order to meet tourism<br />
objectives.<br />
74
D: Designing a Management Strategy for <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> in Luang Prabang 75<br />
1
2<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
76<br />
3<br />
4
D: Designing a Management Strategy for <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> in Luang Prabang 77<br />
D. DESIGNING A MANAGEMENT STRATEGY FOR TOURISM IN<br />
LUANG PRABANG<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> discussi<strong>on</strong> in Secti<strong>on</strong> C <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism within the c<strong>on</strong>tect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> illustrates the need for a strategic approach to managing tourism in Luang<br />
Prabang. Secti<strong>on</strong> D suggests a plan for managing tourism in Luang Prabang in an<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mentally <strong>and</strong> socially sustainable manner <strong>and</strong> explains why the development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a management strategy focused <strong>on</strong> protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s cultural <strong>and</strong> natural<br />
heritage will maximize the benefits while minimizing the negative impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism.<br />
EXISTING<br />
TOURISM<br />
MANAGEMENT<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Need for Planning<br />
<strong>and</strong> for a<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Management<br />
Strategy<br />
Tourists visiting Vat Xieng<br />
Th<strong>on</strong>g.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Photo capti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> illustrates why an improved tourism<br />
management strategy is necessary in Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> also identifies the possible barriers to successful <strong>and</strong><br />
sustainable tourism development.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> experience <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism to date in Luang Prabang has<br />
clearly dem<strong>on</strong>strated that strategic planning <strong>and</strong> sound<br />
management are crucial if optimal outcomes are to be<br />
achieved. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> current lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> comprehensive planning, ad<br />
hoc c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> emphasis <strong>on</strong> capital investment has<br />
not always led to benefits for the community as a whole.<br />
Lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> effective management will cause problems to<br />
spiral out <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>trol in the future.<br />
Not <strong>on</strong>ly are planning <strong>and</strong> better management necessary,<br />
but it is also vital that there is active community<br />
participati<strong>on</strong> in such processes. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
community must be given both access to informati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> the opportunity to c<strong>on</strong>tribute in the planning <strong>and</strong><br />
management processes.<br />
As part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these processes the Luang Prabang community<br />
must decide what their ultimate goals are <strong>and</strong> therefore<br />
what kind <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism they want to promote in their town.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang need to determine if the<br />
current style <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development, which c<strong>on</strong>centrates<br />
<strong>on</strong> infrastructure c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong> attracting a<br />
significant number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists, is appropriate in terms<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their l<strong>on</strong>g-term goals. While some individuals in the<br />
community have benefited from tourism, so far most<br />
returns generated from investment in tourism in Luang<br />
Prabang have disproporti<strong>on</strong>ately benefited outsiders.<br />
1. M<strong>on</strong>ks participating in the early-morning binthabat cerem<strong>on</strong>y. (Photo: <strong>UNESCO</strong> Project team)<br />
2. Agricultural workers planting rice in a rice paddy. (Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
3. This woman is making mak beng from banana leaves. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se c<strong>on</strong>ically-shaped votives are<br />
usually adorned with flowers such as dok khout (marigolds) <strong>and</strong> are presented in temples or<br />
shrines as <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to the Buddha or to the spirits. (Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
4. Market display <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locally grown vegetables. A variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> popular vegetables can be seen here,<br />
including chili, ginger, eggplants, mint <strong>and</strong> tomatoes. (<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)
Tourists c<strong>on</strong>sulting a<br />
guidebook at <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang’s many temples.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Recognizing<br />
Barriers to Sustainable<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Given a choice, the Luang Prabang community may<br />
well choose to focus <strong>on</strong> sustainable use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their natural,<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> built heritage assets rather than to c<strong>on</strong>tinue<br />
indefinitely with the expansi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mass-market tourism.<br />
Because tourism does not necessarily have to be <strong>on</strong> a large<br />
scale to bring benefits to the community, an emphasis <strong>on</strong><br />
small-scale tourism may help to keep the issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage<br />
<strong>and</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>mental protecti<strong>on</strong> to a manageable scale.<br />
Whatever the differences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> opini<strong>on</strong> within the community,<br />
all stakeholders have a comm<strong>on</strong> interest in protecting<br />
their place <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residence <strong>and</strong> preserving the resources that<br />
make Luang Prabang a unique <strong>and</strong> appealing tourism<br />
destinati<strong>on</strong>. And whatever style <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development<br />
they choose, the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang must<br />
endeavour to manage their town in such a way that Luang<br />
Prabang will c<strong>on</strong>tinue to be viable in the l<strong>on</strong>g term both as<br />
a residence <strong>and</strong> a destinati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Once the Luang Prabang community has identified <strong>and</strong><br />
agreed what their ultimate goals are, it is important<br />
that the community develops a tourism development<br />
plan for the town that leads to the realizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those<br />
goals <strong>and</strong> minimizes the negative impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
while maximizing the benefits. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> plan should include a<br />
management strategy which outlines acti<strong>on</strong>s to be taken<br />
by government <strong>and</strong> d<strong>on</strong>or agencies, special-interest <strong>and</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> organizati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local<br />
community.<br />
Through the efforts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong>’s Local Effort <strong>and</strong><br />
Preservati<strong>on</strong> (LEAP) programme <strong>and</strong> the associated<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> project <strong>on</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>, Heritage Management <strong>and</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>: Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong> Am<strong>on</strong>g Stakeholders<br />
Project, a preliminary acti<strong>on</strong> plan has been developed by<br />
local stakeholders in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> is employed in<br />
the Management Strategies secti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this document. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
management strategies are directed at those resp<strong>on</strong>sible<br />
for destinati<strong>on</strong> management in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> also<br />
at managers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> other heritage sites, who can learn from<br />
Luang Prabang’s experience.<br />
An important starting point for any successful management<br />
strategy has to be the identificati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the barriers<br />
that face the community in tourism development. In<br />
Luang Prabang these include:<br />
• inadequate organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the tourism industry<br />
• lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> government programmes targeted at the informal<br />
sector<br />
• lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> credit for starting up small <strong>and</strong> medium-sized<br />
enterprises (SMEs)<br />
78
DESTINATION<br />
MANAGEMENT<br />
MODELS<br />
• cumbersome regulati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> red tape<br />
• lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> training<br />
Destinati<strong>on</strong> Management Models 79<br />
• imbalance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> power <strong>and</strong> lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge, including<br />
inadequate access to tourism market informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> management strategies that are eventually developed<br />
for Luang Prabang must take these barriers into account.<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> discusses destinati<strong>on</strong> management models<br />
<strong>and</strong> outlines a general strategic framework for Luang<br />
Prabang, with five dimensi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re have been few destinati<strong>on</strong> management models that<br />
meet the needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Asian <strong>and</strong> Pacific c<strong>on</strong>text or have<br />
dealt with the particular challenges <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a historic town <strong>and</strong><br />
World Heritage site such as Luang Prabang. Also, few <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the models typically used by the tourism industry are<br />
designed to deal with the nature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the barriers identified<br />
in Luang Prabang, as outlined above. At a c<strong>on</strong>ference<br />
held at the Asian Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Technology in <strong>Bangkok</strong> in<br />
November 2000, the subject <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sustainable community<br />
tourism destinati<strong>on</strong> management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> historic sites was<br />
carefully c<strong>on</strong>sidered <strong>and</strong> the dimensi<strong>on</strong>s that should be<br />
included in any plan were agreed-up<strong>on</strong>.<br />
As illustrated in Figure D.1 it is generally agreed that a<br />
strategic framework for destinati<strong>on</strong> management should<br />
have five main dimensi<strong>on</strong>s as follows:<br />
• Stakeholder Identificati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> Organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Planning<br />
• Product Development<br />
• Management Strategies<br />
• M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Figure D.1: Dimensi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a Destinati<strong>on</strong> Management Strategy.
IDENTIFYING AND<br />
ORGANIZING<br />
STAKEHOLDERS<br />
Identifying the<br />
Stakeholders<br />
Buddhist Sangha<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> identifies the major stakeholder groups<br />
in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> discusses the important factors<br />
involved when organizing stakeholders.<br />
Stakeholder participati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> effective stakeholder<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong> are critical to the success <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the management<br />
process. In the past there have been a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
development projects in Luang Prabang that have not<br />
met their objectives because not all stakeholders were<br />
included or c<strong>on</strong>sulted in a comprehensive <strong>and</strong> appropriate<br />
manner.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re needs to be a process put into place to ensure that all<br />
stakeholders in Luang Prabang are able to participate in<br />
effecting directi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> change in the community.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are many stakeholders in Luang Prabang, each with<br />
an interest in the future <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development in the<br />
town <strong>and</strong> with a role in shaping that development.<br />
Analysis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community in Luang Prabang makes it<br />
clear that the following stakeholders must be involved in<br />
any process to develop a strategy for sustainable tourism.<br />
Local Residents Local residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang are important<br />
stakeholders but are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten under-represented in meetings<br />
<strong>and</strong> decisi<strong>on</strong>-making. As explained in Part I, Luang<br />
Prabang is in fact an agglomerati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> many different<br />
villages (ban). <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> each village must be<br />
included in the planning <strong>and</strong> management processes.<br />
Other important leaders am<strong>on</strong>gst the local residents are<br />
the m<strong>on</strong>ks, elders, teachers, scholars <strong>and</strong> artisans. It<br />
is important that residents <strong>and</strong> indeed all stakeholder<br />
groups, are aware, informed <strong>and</strong> educated in order to be<br />
able to actively participate <strong>and</strong> be part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the decisi<strong>on</strong>making<br />
process. For this reas<strong>on</strong>, informati<strong>on</strong> must be<br />
freely available to all.<br />
Local residents dressed in traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
clothes for a special occasi<strong>on</strong>, pose for a<br />
photograph beside the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River.<br />
(Photo: Pattarap<strong>on</strong>g K<strong>on</strong>gwijit)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks are an important group in Luang Prabang, with<br />
specific c<strong>on</strong>cerns relating to culture, society <strong>and</strong> heritage.<br />
Because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the cultural role played by the Buddhist<br />
temples in defining the cultural heritage assets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang, m<strong>on</strong>ks must be included in all c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
not <strong>on</strong>ly as participants, but as leaders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sultati<strong>on</strong> process. M<strong>on</strong>ks have traditi<strong>on</strong>ally played<br />
such a leadership role <strong>and</strong> validating this traditi<strong>on</strong>al role<br />
in a modern c<strong>on</strong>text will ensure that the resulting tourism<br />
80
Luang Prabang <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Businesses (2003)<br />
Identifying <strong>and</strong> Organizing Stakeholders<br />
development plan <strong>and</strong> management strategies will be<br />
culturally appropriate <strong>and</strong> socially sustainable.<br />
Target Beneficiaries Women, youth, ethnic minorities <strong>and</strong> other groups which<br />
have not yet benefited from tourism in Luang Prabang<br />
must also have the opportunity to c<strong>on</strong>tribute to the<br />
planning <strong>and</strong> management processes so that they can<br />
share in the benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development.<br />
Private Sector <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> private sector comprises owners <strong>and</strong> operators <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tour companies, resorts, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants,<br />
h<strong>and</strong>icraft stores, souvenir stores <strong>and</strong> numerous other<br />
business enterprises. Also in this group are those<br />
entrepreneurs who would like to establish tourismrelateed<br />
businesses but have not yet had the opportunity<br />
to do so. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> table below lists three types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourismrelated<br />
businesses operating in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> the<br />
number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> operators in each category.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang Travel<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tour <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
stakeholders in tourism<br />
development in Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
(Photo: <strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Type <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism business Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> operators<br />
Tour operators 21<br />
Accommodati<strong>on</strong> Basic 123<br />
Middle -<br />
upper end<br />
Restaurants 65<br />
Government It is important that there is close coordinati<strong>on</strong> between<br />
local, regi<strong>on</strong>al <strong>and</strong> nati<strong>on</strong>al legislative <strong>and</strong> political<br />
structures. In Luang Prabang there are a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
government agencies <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices which are all stakeholders<br />
in tourism development, including:<br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang Provincial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office. This<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice is resp<strong>on</strong>sible for statistics <strong>and</strong> informati<strong>on</strong><br />
management, product development, site improvement,<br />
training, licensing <strong>and</strong> supervisi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Product <strong>and</strong> Service Providers’ Associati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> is resp<strong>on</strong>sible for the promoti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao culture. It oversees the activities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the Nati<strong>on</strong>al Museum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> the School<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Fine Arts. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Department also directs the Children’s<br />
Cultural Centre <strong>and</strong> the <strong>UNESCO</strong>-supported Cultural<br />
Survival <strong>and</strong> Revival temple arts training project.<br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> resp<strong>on</strong>sibility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang Prabang Department<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Industry <strong>and</strong> H<strong>and</strong>icrafts is to provide h<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
12<br />
81
Agricultural workers in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
(Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
training, marketing <strong>and</strong> quality c<strong>on</strong>trol. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y work<br />
al<strong>on</strong>gside the Lao Women’s Uni<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> many projects.<br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture <strong>and</strong> Forestry<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fices have a m<strong>and</strong>ate to eradicate slash-<strong>and</strong>-burn<br />
agriculture in Luang Prabang province by 2010. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>y<br />
are interested in tourism as it is seen as a revenuegenerating<br />
alternative for villages which are currently<br />
dependent <strong>on</strong> slash-<strong>and</strong>-burn agriculture.<br />
• <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang Rural Development Directive<br />
Committee is charged with improving the living<br />
c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local people through development<br />
activities. Although the committee has been skeptical<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism’s potential for bringing m<strong>on</strong>ey to rural<br />
villages, n<strong>on</strong>etheless projects are underway for village<br />
ecotourism projects in villages close to Luang Prabang.<br />
Special-Interest Groups <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> special-interest organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
in Luang Prabang that have an interest in tourism<br />
development. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong>s range from rural<br />
development entities, to groups c<strong>on</strong>cerned with<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> natural or cultural heritage (such as La<br />
Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine), to community <strong>and</strong> religious<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s such as the Women’s Council, the Youth<br />
Associati<strong>on</strong>, Council <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Head Abbots (satu nyai) <strong>and</strong><br />
village temple associati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Development<br />
Agencies<br />
Organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Stakeholders<br />
Development <strong>and</strong> d<strong>on</strong>or agencies have a large presence<br />
in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> are involved to varying degrees in<br />
supporting a linkage between tourism <strong>and</strong> community<br />
development initiatives. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se agencies c<strong>on</strong>tribute<br />
project funding or technical assistance for both physical<br />
development projects such as infrastructure upgrades as<br />
well as social development projects such as micro-credit<br />
schemes.<br />
Stakeholders must be organized so that every<strong>on</strong>e’s voice<br />
can be heard. In Luang Prabang, <strong>on</strong>e way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> approaching<br />
this would be to establish a council (or committee)<br />
to address tourism issues. Alternatively, an existing<br />
community body could be assigned this additi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>sibility. Through this council the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang would have a platform from which they could<br />
work together <strong>on</strong> issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> comm<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>cern.<br />
This council must have an efficient management structure<br />
if it is to be effective. Within the council it is important to<br />
have mechanisms to ensure effective communicati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing within <strong>and</strong> between stakeholder groups.<br />
82
Identifying <strong>and</strong> Organizing Stakeholders 83<br />
Stakeholder Organizati<strong>on</strong> for SUNV Community-based<br />
Sustainable <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Programme.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Development Organizati<strong>on</strong> (SNV) project (in cooperati<strong>on</strong><br />
with the UN Volunteers Programme - together forming SUNV) in Luang<br />
Prabang, the ‘Community-Based Sustainable <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Programme’, is an<br />
example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a project in which there has been comprehensive stakeholder<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>. At their meetings between 27 <strong>and</strong> 37 stakeholders were<br />
in attendance from all sectors <strong>and</strong> relevant organizati<strong>on</strong>s. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> diagram<br />
below provides an illustrati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the SUNV programme’s implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>al structure.<br />
Advisory Commitee:<br />
All stakeholders<br />
NTA Police<br />
Cabinet Private sector<br />
PTO LWU<br />
STEA PAFO<br />
CTPC<br />
Heritage group<br />
H<strong>and</strong>icraft sector<br />
Soldiers<br />
Health, <strong>Culture</strong>, etc.<br />
Provincial Government<br />
Provincial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office<br />
ProgrammeTeam:<br />
• Provincial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office<br />
• District staff<br />
• SUNV<br />
CTPC: Communicati<strong>on</strong>s, Transport, Post <strong>and</strong> C<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> sector<br />
LWU: Lao Women’s Uni<strong>on</strong><br />
PAFO: Provincial Office <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Agriculture <strong>and</strong> Forestry<br />
PTO: Provincial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office<br />
STEA: Science, Technology <strong>and</strong> Evir<strong>on</strong>ment Agency<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Authority<br />
Cooperati<strong>on</strong> Partners:<br />
• Defense<br />
• Forestry<br />
• <strong>Culture</strong><br />
• Lao Women Uni<strong>on</strong><br />
• H<strong>and</strong>icrafts<br />
• STEA<br />
• Provincial Security<br />
• Private sector<br />
• Villages<br />
• CTPC<br />
Through the council, public-private partnerships can be<br />
brokered. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> council would benefit every stakeholder<br />
group by bringing together many different sets <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ideas<br />
<strong>and</strong> points <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> view <strong>and</strong> various kinds <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Setting up the council structure involves the following<br />
tasks:<br />
• identify membership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the council<br />
• identify roles <strong>and</strong> tasks within the council<br />
• create an innovative <strong>and</strong> inclusive organizati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
mechanism<br />
• determine how informati<strong>on</strong> will be managed <strong>and</strong><br />
disseminated<br />
• determine how team decisi<strong>on</strong>s will be made.
<strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
<strong>Culture</strong>, Heritage<br />
Management <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>:<br />
Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong><br />
Am<strong>on</strong>g Stakeholders<br />
Project<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>, Heritage Management <strong>and</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>: Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong> Am<strong>on</strong>g Stakeholders<br />
project is a process designed to create sustainable tourism<br />
industries in historic towns, implemented with the<br />
participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> eight test pilot sites. Luang Prabang is <strong>on</strong>e<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these pilot sites.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project focuses <strong>on</strong> facilitating dialogue between the<br />
tourism industry <strong>and</strong> those resp<strong>on</strong>sible for the c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> maintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural heritage properties. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
project addresses how heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> tourism<br />
development activities can simultaneously create new<br />
livelihood opportunities <strong>and</strong> aims to form mutuallybeneficial<br />
alliances that are both ec<strong>on</strong>omically pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>itable<br />
<strong>and</strong> socially acceptable to local inhabitants <strong>and</strong> other<br />
stakeholders.<br />
Having completed surveys <strong>and</strong> workshops, the Luang<br />
Prabang team - c<strong>on</strong>sisting <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> representatives from all<br />
stakeholder groups including government, c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
tourism <strong>and</strong> the community at large - are working <strong>on</strong><br />
specific projects that are aimed towards a more heritagefriendly,<br />
community-based tourism industry, in which the<br />
benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism are retained by the local community.<br />
That community is also resp<strong>on</strong>sible for ensuring the<br />
sustainability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the industry.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project has had five phases. In Phase I the test sites<br />
were identified <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong>-site analytical studies <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both the<br />
tourism <strong>and</strong> heritage sectors were c<strong>on</strong>ducted at each <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
these sites. In Phase II, Acti<strong>on</strong> Plans were also drawn<br />
up at the community level at each <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the pilot sites.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se plans were designed to address the problematic<br />
issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> communicati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> coordinati<strong>on</strong> between the<br />
tourism <strong>and</strong> heritage sectors <strong>and</strong> to enable sustainable<br />
tourism. During Phase III, these Acti<strong>on</strong> Plans were under<br />
experimental implementai<strong>on</strong> at each test site. During<br />
Phase IV a workshop was held in Lijiang, during which<br />
four ‘Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong>’ were c<strong>on</strong>structed based <strong>on</strong><br />
the outcomes <strong>and</strong> analysis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the results <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> implementati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Acti<strong>on</strong> Plans in each <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the eight pilot sites. Phase V<br />
involved evaluating the eight pilot sites in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what<br />
benefits the project had brought them. At the same time,<br />
the less<strong>on</strong>s learned from the pilot sites were reviewed <strong>and</strong><br />
the Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong> were transformed into acti<strong>on</strong>based<br />
policy that is applicable <strong>and</strong> replicable throughout<br />
the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
For more informati<strong>on</strong> please refer to www.unescobkk.org/<br />
culture/tourism<br />
84
Stakeholder<br />
Cooperati<strong>on</strong> Models<br />
Models for stakeholder<br />
cooperati<strong>on</strong>:<br />
Ongoing<br />
m<strong>on</strong>itoring &<br />
evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
Identifying <strong>and</strong> Organizing Stakeholders 85<br />
Stakeholder organizati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> cooperati<strong>on</strong> are necessary<br />
so that all community members <strong>and</strong> others with an interest<br />
in tourism development in Luang Prabang have the<br />
opportunity to influence the planning <strong>and</strong> management<br />
processes. <strong>UNESCO</strong>’s ‘<strong>Culture</strong> Heritage Managment <strong>and</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>: Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong> am<strong>on</strong>g Stakeholders’<br />
project attempts to c<strong>on</strong>cretely address this need <strong>and</strong><br />
has developed a set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> models which aim to open <strong>and</strong><br />
structure avenues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> communicati<strong>on</strong> between the tourism<br />
industry <strong>and</strong> those resp<strong>on</strong>sible for the c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
maintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural heritage properties.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> box <strong>on</strong> page 84 provides more informati<strong>on</strong> about the<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> Models for Cooperati<strong>on</strong> Am<strong>on</strong>g Stakeholders<br />
project.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> models for stakeholder cooperati<strong>on</strong> provide an<br />
operati<strong>on</strong>al strategy for developing tourism sustainably.<br />
Four specific models have been identified by <strong>UNESCO</strong>,<br />
al<strong>on</strong>g with a general model (see pages 86-88). <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> linkages<br />
between the four models are expressed in the diagram<br />
below.<br />
Sustainable Cultural Heritage Management <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Sequence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> investigati<strong>on</strong>s, decisi<strong>on</strong>s & acti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Identify <strong>and</strong> assess cultural heritage. Establish overall indicators.<br />
MODEL 1<br />
Fiscal management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
Capture tourism revenue for<br />
community benefit<br />
FORMULATE VISION STATEMENT.<br />
MODEL 2<br />
Investment by the<br />
toursim industry<br />
Ensure sustainable use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
heritage resources<br />
MODEL 4<br />
Build community<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sensus<br />
FORMULATE<br />
STRATEGIES <strong>and</strong><br />
ACTION PLANS<br />
IMPLEMENT<br />
STRATEGIES to<br />
improve benefits for all<br />
stakeholders<br />
MODEL 3<br />
Community educati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> skills training<br />
Training to enhance<br />
employment opportunities<br />
PROJECT INDICATORS (Specific, measurable results)<br />
ONGOING TOURISM IMPACT (Assessment, M<strong>on</strong>itoring & Evaluati<strong>on</strong>)<br />
Underst<strong>and</strong><br />
significance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural<br />
heritage<br />
Develop<br />
policies<br />
Implement<br />
<strong>and</strong> manage
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Model 1: Models for Fiscal Management for Heritage C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
maintenance <strong>and</strong> development at the Municipal level - achieved<br />
through analysing current income generating mechanisms <strong>and</strong><br />
identifying <strong>and</strong> utilizing new opportunities<br />
Direct<br />
revenue<br />
Revenue capture<br />
through tourism<br />
Indirect<br />
revenue<br />
ESTABLISH OVERALL VISION<br />
<strong>and</strong> measure relevant indicators<br />
Funding for c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
& tourism<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al Government<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
ACTION PLAN<br />
ALLOCATING RESOURCES<br />
N<strong>on</strong> $<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
State Local<br />
N<strong>on</strong> Government/<br />
Private<br />
Model 2: Models for investment by the tourism industry in the sustainability<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the cultural heritage resource base <strong>and</strong> supporting infrastructure -<br />
achieved by educating tourists <strong>and</strong> tourism operators about the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
cultural heritage <strong>and</strong> formulating means by which the tourism industry<br />
can c<strong>on</strong>tribute to preservati<strong>on</strong> activities.<br />
Cultural heritage<br />
resources/Infrastructure.<br />
Measure relevant indicators<br />
Analysis <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> existing<br />
legal framework <strong>and</strong><br />
municipal ordinances<br />
(including demoliti<strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>trol)<br />
Identity c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> interpretati<strong>on</strong> objectives<br />
<strong>and</strong> resp<strong>on</strong>sibilities<br />
ESTABLISH OVERALL VISION<br />
Industry Advisory Group – what is your future market?<br />
Community resources/<br />
Infrastructure<br />
(Urban).<br />
Measure relevant indicators <strong>and</strong><br />
Carrying capacity.<br />
Development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> policies which<br />
provide opportunities for<br />
enhanced public <strong>and</strong> private<br />
sector activity <strong>and</strong> investment<br />
by the tourism industry<br />
STRATEGIES/ACTIONS<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> resources/<br />
Infrastructure.<br />
Measure relevant indicators<br />
Supply/dem<strong>and</strong><br />
Identify tourism investment<br />
opportunities <strong>and</strong><br />
rep<strong>on</strong>sibilities<br />
86
ESTABLISH OVERALL VISION<br />
Ensure COMMITMENT to Educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> Training<br />
Identifying <strong>and</strong> Organizing Stakeholders 87<br />
Model 3: Models for community educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> skills training leading to<br />
employment in the heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> culture tourism sector,<br />
with emphasis <strong>on</strong> opportunities for women <strong>and</strong> youth - achieved by<br />
identifying equipment applicati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> training needs <strong>and</strong> designing<br />
programmes to meet these needs. Such a strategy would involve<br />
facilitating partnerships between the tourism industry (hotels, tour<br />
<strong>and</strong> transport companies, etc) <strong>and</strong> government so as to identify <strong>and</strong><br />
fund training in tourism <strong>and</strong> heritage-c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> skills.<br />
SUPPLY<br />
What do we have now?<br />
Assessment <strong>and</strong> forecast<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> human resources<br />
Human Resource<br />
Development Plan<br />
(Bridge gap between supply<br />
<strong>and</strong> dem<strong>and</strong>)<br />
RESEARCH<br />
DEMAND<br />
What do we need now?<br />
Assessment <strong>and</strong> forecast <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> skills <strong>and</strong> knowledge<br />
needed <strong>and</strong> quantity required.<br />
PARTNERSHIPS<br />
(Educati<strong>on</strong> instituti<strong>on</strong>s; Government: internati<strong>on</strong>al/nati<strong>on</strong>al/local; NGOS’s <strong>and</strong> Industry)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>med<br />
Interpretati<strong>on</strong><br />
Community Stakeholders (particularly women & youth)<br />
COMMUNITY/KNOWLEDGE BANK<br />
EDUCATION & TRAINING PROGRAMMES (Short term/l<strong>on</strong>g term)<br />
Raising<br />
Awareness<br />
Skills training.<br />
Apprenticeship<br />
Academic Courses.<br />
Curriculum Devt.<br />
Technical Educati<strong>on</strong><br />
Programmes<br />
PROGRAMME EVALUATION / COMMUNITY PRIDE<br />
Entrepreneurship<br />
Cultural <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Employment Opportunities Heritage C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> Employment Opportunities<br />
Model 4: Models for c<strong>on</strong>sensus building (c<strong>on</strong>flict resoluti<strong>on</strong>) am<strong>on</strong>g<br />
tourism promoters, Government agencies, property developers,<br />
local residents <strong>and</strong> heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>ists - achieved by<br />
encouraging group participati<strong>on</strong> in the formulati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> case studies<br />
<strong>and</strong> activity implementati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> by providing a venue where all<br />
stakeholders can raise <strong>and</strong> discuss their c<strong>on</strong>cerns.<br />
Community<br />
Groups<br />
Heritage <strong>and</strong><br />
Lobby Groups<br />
ESTABLISH OVERALL VISION<br />
<strong>and</strong> measure relevant indicators<br />
Identify Stakeholders<br />
Government Private Sector<br />
Establish comm<strong>on</strong> ground (through process <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> n<strong>on</strong> partisan mediati<strong>on</strong>)<br />
Create working partnerships & shared visi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Foster <strong>and</strong> develop leadership in the community.<br />
Formulate Visi<strong>on</strong> for Sustainable <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Others
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
General Model:<br />
A generic model illustrating what steps need to be taken in order to establish<br />
lines <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> communicati<strong>on</strong> within stakeholder groups.<br />
RESIDENTS<br />
Define significance<br />
Evaluate asset potential<br />
Model opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Establish code <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>duct<br />
Formulate management plan<br />
Establish rules for sharing risk<br />
<strong>and</strong> benefits (mediati<strong>on</strong>)<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itor results, report, review<br />
Modify acti<strong>on</strong><br />
TOURISM<br />
PLANNING<br />
IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDERS<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> discusses the need for a strategic tourism<br />
planning approach in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> outlines two<br />
major steps: to prepare a visi<strong>on</strong> statement <strong>and</strong> to define<br />
the overall community goal <strong>and</strong> objectives.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> complexity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism systems makes planning vital<br />
but also difficult. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> character <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the process should<br />
be dynamic <strong>and</strong> needs to be adaptable to the needs <strong>and</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>cerns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s many stakeholders.<br />
In strategic destinati<strong>on</strong> planning it is essential that the<br />
disparate activities related to tourism in Luang Prabang<br />
be linked to a broad strategic tourism plan that provides<br />
an integrated framework for directing tourism.<br />
A strategic planning approach should include:<br />
• a l<strong>on</strong>g-term perspective<br />
• a clear visi<strong>on</strong><br />
TOURISM INDUSTRY<br />
Evaluate asset potential<br />
Model opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Formulate management plan<br />
Develop mitigati<strong>on</strong> strategy<br />
Establish rules for sharing risk<br />
<strong>and</strong> benefits (mediati<strong>on</strong>)<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itor results, report, review<br />
Modify acti<strong>on</strong><br />
CONSERVATION OFFICIALS/<br />
PROFESSIONALS/GOVERNMENT<br />
Define significance<br />
Assess vulnerability<br />
Determine carrying capacity<br />
Model opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
Formulate management plan<br />
Establish rules for sharing risk<br />
<strong>and</strong> benefits (mediati<strong>on</strong>)<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itor results, report, review<br />
Modify acti<strong>on</strong><br />
• specific goals, acti<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> an identificati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
resources necessary to achieve these goals<br />
• participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all stakeholders <strong>and</strong> communicati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> cooperati<strong>on</strong> between them.<br />
88
Preparing a Visi<strong>on</strong><br />
Statement<br />
A local woman <strong>and</strong> baby at<br />
the h<strong>and</strong>icrafts market in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Defining Goals<br />
<strong>and</strong> Objectives<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Planning 89<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> first task <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the proposed tourism council (or<br />
committee) referred to earlier should be to prepare a<br />
visi<strong>on</strong> statement. Given the complexity <strong>and</strong> dynamism<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism, a clear visi<strong>on</strong> statement is crucial in order to<br />
ensure activities remain <strong>on</strong> track <strong>and</strong> are c<strong>on</strong>sistent with<br />
the Luang Prabang community’s development goals.<br />
In preparing a visi<strong>on</strong> statement, the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang should map out their values, aspirati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
desires for the future. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> visi<strong>on</strong> statement should express<br />
what the community hopes to obtain as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in Luang Prabang.<br />
Broad-based participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all stakeholders, through<br />
such means as open community meetings <strong>and</strong> stakeholder<br />
working groups <strong>and</strong> forums, is critical to create a<br />
comprehensive statement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community’s visi<strong>on</strong> for<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
Luang Prabang stakeholders need to answer fundamental<br />
questi<strong>on</strong>s in order to define what their shared visi<strong>on</strong> is.<br />
Some key questi<strong>on</strong>s include:<br />
• What is, or should be, the identity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang?<br />
How should the city describe itself?<br />
• What changes need to be made in order for Luang<br />
Prabang’s assets to be protected <strong>and</strong> developed in the<br />
directi<strong>on</strong> desired by the community?<br />
• What issues face the community <strong>and</strong> how are these<br />
issues likely to affect the future development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang’s identity?<br />
• Which issues are most pressing an should be tackled as<br />
a priority?<br />
• Who should be the main beneficiaries <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in<br />
Luang Prabang?<br />
• How will the benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development be<br />
directed toward these chosen beneficiaries?<br />
A possible visi<strong>on</strong> statement is presented in the box <strong>on</strong><br />
page 90.<br />
Following the completi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a visi<strong>on</strong> statement for Luang<br />
Prabang, an overall goal must be developed which<br />
summarizes the community’s visi<strong>on</strong>. Based <strong>on</strong> this goal, a<br />
series <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> objectives can then be developed. A possible goal<br />
<strong>and</strong> set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> objectives are presented in the box <strong>on</strong> page 92.
Possible<br />
Visi<strong>on</strong> Statement<br />
for Luang Prabang<br />
Residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang gathered together<br />
<strong>on</strong> the bank <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g<br />
River to celebrate the pimai<br />
festival.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Luang Prabang has been known throughout Southeast Asia<br />
for centuries as a centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> natural serenity, Buddhist learning,<br />
beautiful temples <strong>and</strong> fine temple crafts. In light <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
growth, the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang recognize the opportunities<br />
that tourism brings <strong>and</strong> will utilize these opportunities to raise<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> living for every<strong>on</strong>e in the community. We will<br />
utilize the benefits that tourism brings to further renew local<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> spiritual traditi<strong>on</strong>s so that these may survive intact<br />
<strong>and</strong> sustain community identity for future generati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> community <strong>and</strong> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang recognize<br />
that Luang Prabang’s World Heritage status brings with<br />
it a resp<strong>on</strong>sibility to the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the world <strong>and</strong> to future<br />
generati<strong>on</strong>s, to protect <strong>and</strong> preserve the valuable heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
town.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> community <strong>and</strong> people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang acknowledge<br />
that the c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our cultural heritage is allied to the<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g-term success <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism development in Luang Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> in Luang Prabang is built up<strong>on</strong> the town’s unique<br />
tangible <strong>and</strong> intangible heritage assets <strong>and</strong> maintaining these<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> natural resources in an authentic way is <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> utmost<br />
importance to the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this town now <strong>and</strong> in the future.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> development cannot be permitted to exceed the physical<br />
limits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang nor to interfere with the historic fabric<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our society. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> should complement, not compromise,<br />
the city.<br />
By regulating <strong>and</strong> guiding tourism development, the people<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang will retain c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our community <strong>and</strong><br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omy, creating new opportunities for all sectors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> society<br />
including the disadvantaged, ethnic minorities, women, youth<br />
<strong>and</strong> elderly pers<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
All residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang will have access to the<br />
opportunities afforded by tourism <strong>and</strong> should play pivotal roles<br />
in the planning <strong>and</strong> implementing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> management processes.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> businesses should <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fer educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> training<br />
opportunities for the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
While looking to new ec<strong>on</strong>omic opportunities through tourism<br />
businesses, the community <strong>and</strong> poeple <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
recognize the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> maintaining our traditi<strong>on</strong>al ways <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life<br />
<strong>and</strong> the uniqueness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> our town’s local culture <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Cooperati<strong>on</strong> between all stakeholders will ensure the benefits<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism are maximized in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> strengthen<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al practices.<br />
90
PRODUCT<br />
DEVELOPMENT<br />
Luang Prabang as<br />
a <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Product<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> sim at Vat Xieng<br />
Th<strong>on</strong>g, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang’s most visited<br />
temples.<br />
(Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Existing<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Market<br />
Tourists sightseeing aboard<br />
a boat <strong>on</strong> the Mek<strong>on</strong>g river.<br />
(Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
Product Development<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> discusses tourism product development<br />
in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> proposes several product<br />
diversificati<strong>on</strong> opti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> ways in which product<br />
authenticity can be maintained.<br />
Each destinati<strong>on</strong> has its own unique resource mix <strong>and</strong><br />
should market itself in a way that reflects its values, needs<br />
<strong>and</strong> preferences. Luang Prabang, like other destinati<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
can in this way be viewed as a “product”. However,<br />
approaching a destinati<strong>on</strong> as a product does not mean all<br />
its resources that appeal to tourists should be developed.<br />
Rather, <strong>on</strong>ly those resources which provide the community<br />
with sustainable livelihoods should be developed.<br />
C<strong>on</strong>trol must be exercised to prevent developments that<br />
do not benefit the community or that cause undesirable<br />
impacts. In World Heritage historic towns such as Luang<br />
Prabang, this process is more complex than with other<br />
forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> product development since tourism planners<br />
<strong>and</strong> managers must deal in the most sensitive ways<br />
possible with fragile <strong>and</strong> irreplaceable cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
natural heritage resources.<br />
In 2003, 78,129 foreign tourists visited Luang Prabang.<br />
This equates to approximately 214 per day though given<br />
that most tourists visit during the high seas<strong>on</strong> (January to<br />
April), it is estimated that during the peak seas<strong>on</strong> there<br />
are as many as 400 visitors per day in Luang Prabang,<br />
a substantial number with a potentially high negative<br />
impact, c<strong>on</strong>sidering the small size <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic area <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the town.<br />
According to results from a survey by the Netherl<strong>and</strong>s<br />
Development Organizati<strong>on</strong>, the average age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists is<br />
32-33 years old with 49 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists being over the<br />
age <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> 30. Females comprise approximately 57 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourists, while 43 per cent are male. 86 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors<br />
are first-time visitors, <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whom 95 per cent express the<br />
desire to visit Luang Prabang again.<br />
91
Possible Overall Goal<br />
Possible <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Management Objectives<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang 92<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang Prabang community is to harness<br />
the ec<strong>on</strong>omic power <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism so as to improve the<br />
quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all residents, particularly the poor, while<br />
ensuring the sustainability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the unique cultural <strong>and</strong><br />
natural heritage resources up<strong>on</strong> which we depend <strong>and</strong><br />
the protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the spiritual traditi<strong>on</strong>s which sustain<br />
community identity.<br />
Luang Prabang’s serenity <strong>and</strong> charm, <strong>and</strong> the distinctive<br />
cultural practices <strong>and</strong> spectacular natural setting <strong>on</strong> which<br />
tourism in Luang Prabang depends, must be protected.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> must not exceed the carrying capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang, in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both its envir<strong>on</strong>ment <strong>and</strong> society, <strong>and</strong><br />
tourist numbers must not exceed the limits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individual<br />
sites to accommodate them.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> should not be detrimental to the traditi<strong>on</strong>al ways<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <strong>and</strong> livelihoods <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s inhabitants or<br />
to the cultural <strong>and</strong> religious instituti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> buildings that<br />
underpin community identity <strong>and</strong> stability.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> should c<strong>on</strong>tribute to community development<br />
<strong>and</strong> improved quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents, including those<br />
people living in the historic district, <strong>and</strong> particularly <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
underpriviledged groups.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>-business development should directly address<br />
the employment <strong>and</strong> social needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang, in particular the needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> women, youth<br />
<strong>and</strong> ethnic minorities.<br />
Luang Prabang residents should be assisted through<br />
educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>on</strong>-the-job training so that they can establish<br />
business opportunities <strong>and</strong> take leadership positi<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
the tourism industry.<br />
Survival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural <strong>and</strong> natural heritage should be<br />
facilitated through educati<strong>on</strong>al schemes which train<br />
Luang Prabang residents in the skills required for heritage<br />
protecti<strong>on</strong>, management <strong>and</strong> maintenance.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang should be presented<br />
<strong>and</strong> interpreted authentically, with an emphasis <strong>on</strong> the<br />
involvement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community, including the Buddhist<br />
sangha, in presenting that heritage.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> should be managed such that visitors underst<strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tribute to the needs <strong>and</strong> goals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> in particular that visitors respect the<br />
beliefs, property <strong>and</strong> privacy <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>form to<br />
local modes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> behaviour.
Identifying<br />
the Preferred Market<br />
Authentic designs <strong>and</strong><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al skills have been<br />
used to create modern<br />
items that are popular<br />
with tourists, such as these<br />
cushi<strong>on</strong> covers – <strong>on</strong> display<br />
at the market in Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Product<br />
Diversificati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
Authenticity<br />
Product Development<br />
In 2001 most internati<strong>on</strong>al visitors to Luang Prabang were<br />
from Europe, accounting for 53 per cent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the total. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
share <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors from Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific was 28 per cent,<br />
the Americas 13 per cent, <strong>and</strong> Africa <strong>and</strong> the Middle East<br />
5 per cent. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se percentages are illustrated in figure D.3<br />
below.<br />
Figure D.3: Internati<strong>on</strong>al visitor arrivals to Luang Prabang, 2001.<br />
If tourism development is to be successful, Luang<br />
Prabang’s tourism plan must accurately identify the<br />
market that matches its heritage resources. Once the<br />
market is identified, tourism planners can focus more<br />
effectively <strong>on</strong> how best to develop tourism in the town,<br />
keeping in mind the necessity to remain true to the visi<strong>on</strong><br />
statement <strong>and</strong> community goals.<br />
It is important that tourism management is flexible. While<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al products may be viable for a time, fashi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
tastes change over time which may lead to a requirement<br />
to alter these products. For example, while some<br />
h<strong>and</strong>icraft items may currently be popular, these may not<br />
always be fashi<strong>on</strong>able or may become too comm<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
therefore decline in popularity. It is important therefore<br />
that the stakeholders underst<strong>and</strong> the motivati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
expectati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors to Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> how those<br />
expectati<strong>on</strong>s may change. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> managers should<br />
regularly survey tourists who come to Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong><br />
maintain a database <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism trends in order to clearly<br />
underst<strong>and</strong> how to best meet visitor expectati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> various natural <strong>and</strong> cultural resources <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang should be investigated to determine which can<br />
be developed <strong>and</strong> which should not be developed for<br />
tourism purposes. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se decisi<strong>on</strong>s should be based <strong>on</strong> the<br />
goal <strong>and</strong> objectives set by the Luang Prabang community,<br />
93
A woman works in her<br />
vegetable garden <strong>on</strong> the<br />
riverbank.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Villagers in Ban Chan,<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strating how they<br />
make large pots. Villagers<br />
could also dem<strong>on</strong>strate<br />
the making <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> items that<br />
tourists buy (souvenirs),<br />
such as bowls <strong>and</strong> plates.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang 94<br />
<strong>and</strong> based <strong>on</strong> the careful c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> whether the use<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these resources for tourism c<strong>on</strong>tributes to providing<br />
sustainable livelihoods for the local community, without<br />
causing disrupti<strong>on</strong> to cultural traditi<strong>on</strong>s or damaging the<br />
social fabric <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community <strong>and</strong> the envir<strong>on</strong>ment.<br />
Similarly, product diversificati<strong>on</strong> possibilities should be<br />
examined with the community’s goals in mind. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
managers must bear in mind that when dealing with<br />
complex, living religious <strong>and</strong> cultural traditi<strong>on</strong>s, as in<br />
Luang Prabang, not all heritage resources are appropriate<br />
for development as tourism products.<br />
Some products <strong>and</strong> marketing strategies which could be<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sidered by tourism managers are listed below.<br />
• Agriculture: Farm Tours.<br />
Luang Prabang remains a largely agricultural society<br />
<strong>and</strong> agro-tourism is becoming a popular niche market<br />
that has attracted popularity. Tours to local farms could<br />
be organized with dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> farming techniques<br />
<strong>and</strong> samplings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> food <strong>and</strong> produce. This would enable<br />
farmers to earn added income through tourism <strong>and</strong><br />
would assist tourists in gaining an underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> agriculture in the Lao PDR ec<strong>on</strong>omy.<br />
At the same time, however, it is important that these<br />
tours do not become artificial. Tourists usually prefer<br />
to encounter real farms rather than model-farms. Also,<br />
these tours need to be organized effectively so as not to<br />
disrupt the farmers’activities <strong>and</strong> need to be timed in<br />
such a way as to fit in with agricultural cycles.<br />
Furthermore, since the current popularity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such tours<br />
may not c<strong>on</strong>tinue, those people engaged in providing<br />
these tours must be aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the potential for dem<strong>and</strong><br />
to decline <strong>and</strong> have alternative employment opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
planned in case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such a change.<br />
• H<strong>and</strong>icrafts: Dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Arts <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>icraft-making dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s by artists<br />
<strong>and</strong> craftspeople is an interesting <strong>and</strong> educati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
experience for tourists <strong>and</strong> may induce them to make<br />
purchases that they would not have otherwise made.<br />
Luang Prabang has a rich traditi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
making <strong>and</strong> should develop this potential to its fullest.<br />
Dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s can be d<strong>on</strong>e in villages, government<br />
centres, private factories <strong>and</strong> shops.
Luang Prabang residents<br />
<strong>and</strong> tourists engaging in<br />
the baci cerem<strong>on</strong>y.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Maintaining Product<br />
Authenticity<br />
Product Development<br />
As discussed above in reference to farm tours,<br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s should not interfere with h<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
producti<strong>on</strong> or the normal activities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> artisans. In order<br />
to ensure minimal impact such dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s would<br />
need to be well-planned <strong>and</strong> organized.<br />
• Cultural events: Tourist attracti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Lao cultural events such as religious <strong>and</strong> seas<strong>on</strong>al<br />
festivals, art fairs, <strong>and</strong> dance, music <strong>and</strong> drama events<br />
can be significant attracti<strong>on</strong>s for both residents <strong>and</strong><br />
tourists in Luang Prabang. Cultural events provide an<br />
important means for reviving <strong>and</strong> focusing interest <strong>on</strong><br />
the preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local cultural expressi<strong>on</strong>s that<br />
otherwise might be forgotten <strong>and</strong> lost. Cultural events<br />
can also become a source <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> regular employment for<br />
musicians <strong>and</strong> dancers.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is however, an inherent danger in treating<br />
cultural events as tourist attracti<strong>on</strong>s. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> authenticity<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> such events should not be compromised. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> issue <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
authenticity is elaborated further below.<br />
Having established which <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s resources<br />
have the potential to be developed into products for<br />
tourism <strong>and</strong> having ensured that the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those resources<br />
is in keeping with the community’s goals, it is important to<br />
make certain that the quality <strong>and</strong> authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
products are maintained. This c<strong>on</strong>siderati<strong>on</strong> is especially<br />
important for heritage ‘products’ such as temples <strong>and</strong><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al performances which have ritual origins that<br />
give them their significance.<br />
Cultural Events As discussed earlier, when traditi<strong>on</strong>al cultural events<br />
or performances are developed into tourism products<br />
their value <strong>and</strong> meaning can be jeopardized. If cultural<br />
activities are not c<strong>on</strong>ducted according to traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
practices this can lessen their significance <strong>and</strong><br />
compromise authentic cultural expressi<strong>on</strong>. To avoid this,<br />
Luang Prabang residents should determine which events<br />
<strong>and</strong> activities they are willing to share with tourists, how<br />
the authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those events can be maintained <strong>and</strong><br />
what methods can be used to explain them to visitors.<br />
To uphold authenticity, festivals can be kept <strong>on</strong> a small<br />
scale, for example, <strong>and</strong> regulati<strong>on</strong>s could prevent any<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> pimai parade, going<br />
past the Luang Prabang<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al Museum.<br />
(Photo:Richard Engelhardt)<br />
alterati<strong>on</strong>s for tourism purposes. Alternatively, residents<br />
can choose to retain religious festivals for local enjoyment<br />
<strong>on</strong>ly <strong>and</strong> not market this resource to tourists.<br />
95
Built Heritage<br />
M<strong>on</strong>ks using traditi<strong>on</strong>al gilding<br />
techniques to decorate a temple<br />
pillar. Such authentic <strong>and</strong><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al methods are taught<br />
to m<strong>on</strong>ks in Luang Prabang<br />
through the <strong>UNESCO</strong> ‘Cultural<br />
Survival <strong>and</strong> Revival in the<br />
Buddhist Sangha’ project.<br />
(Photo: David A. Feingold <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> Project team)<br />
This col<strong>on</strong>ial-era building has<br />
been c<strong>on</strong>verted for use as a<br />
guesthouse.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang 96<br />
As menti<strong>on</strong>ed in Secti<strong>on</strong> C when describing the impacts<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>on</strong> built heritage, recent renovati<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples<br />
<strong>and</strong> other buildings in Luang Prabang have <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten lacked<br />
authenticity in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> materials <strong>and</strong> techniques used.<br />
If Luang Prabang’s built heritage is to c<strong>on</strong>tinue to retain<br />
its cultural <strong>and</strong> aesthetic value, temples need to be<br />
maintained using authentic <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials <strong>and</strong><br />
methods. Likewise, if residents wish to c<strong>on</strong>tinue to attract<br />
tourists to the town’s historic architecture, secular heritage<br />
buildings must be maintained in an authentic manner.<br />
As described <strong>on</strong> page 43, the <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> La Mais<strong>on</strong> du<br />
Patrimoine (the Heritage House) in Luang Prabang acts as a<br />
public advisory service <strong>on</strong> issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> seeks to ensure that restorati<strong>on</strong> work is carried<br />
out in accordance with World Heritage regulati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Unfortunately regulati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> restricti<strong>on</strong>s are not always<br />
complied with.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong> ‘Cultural Survival <strong>and</strong> Revival in the<br />
Buddhist Sangha’ project, described in the box <strong>on</strong> page<br />
97, is a project that ensures that temple restorati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
maintenance will be carried out in an authentic manner<br />
in future. This project aims to revive traditi<strong>on</strong>al building<br />
skills <strong>and</strong> revitalize the traditi<strong>on</strong>al role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks as<br />
custodians <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage, thereby<br />
safeguarding that cultural heritage for the benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> both<br />
the local community <strong>and</strong> tourists <strong>and</strong> at the same time<br />
providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods for<br />
residents.<br />
Another <strong>UNESCO</strong> initiative which promotes authenticity<br />
in restorati<strong>on</strong> work is the Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards<br />
for <strong>Culture</strong> Heritage C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>. This programme<br />
encourages <strong>and</strong> rewards appropriate <strong>and</strong> authentic<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings by private<br />
individuals or by public-private partnerships. This<br />
recogniti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> excellence in c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> work provides<br />
the public with examples <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what is possible <strong>and</strong> aims to<br />
inspire further restorati<strong>on</strong> projects.<br />
Some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the award-winning projects dem<strong>on</strong>strate not <strong>on</strong>ly<br />
best practice in the restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings, but how best<br />
to adapt buildings for reuse. For example, projects have<br />
involved the sensitive c<strong>on</strong>versi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residential buildings<br />
into guesthouses. Such projects are useful as models for<br />
the restorati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> adaptive reuse <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> houses, government<br />
buildings <strong>and</strong> shops in Luang Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> box <strong>on</strong> page 98 provides more informati<strong>on</strong> about the<br />
Heritage Awards programme.
<strong>UNESCO</strong> Project:<br />
Cultural Survival <strong>and</strong><br />
Revival in the<br />
Buddhist Sangha<br />
M<strong>on</strong>ks learn traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
woodcarving <strong>and</strong> other<br />
skills as part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Cultural<br />
Survival <strong>and</strong> Revival<br />
project.<br />
(Photo: M<strong>on</strong>ks project team)<br />
A m<strong>on</strong>k learning to use<br />
gilding techniques <strong>on</strong><br />
lacquerware. Bowls such<br />
as this are used in temples<br />
to present <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ferings to the<br />
Buddha.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Product Development<br />
Launched in 2000, the project ‘Cultural Survival <strong>and</strong><br />
Revival in the Buddhist Sangha’ is an innovative resp<strong>on</strong>se<br />
to the problem <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> the preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al arts. Initiated jointly by <strong>UNESCO</strong>, the<br />
Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> the Laotian Buddhist sangha, with<br />
support from the Government <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Norway, the project<br />
addresses the urgent need to revive the traditi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
teaching temple arts <strong>and</strong> building crafts to m<strong>on</strong>ks<br />
<strong>and</strong> novices within the <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravadan Buddhist sangha.<br />
Such a revival <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these traditi<strong>on</strong>s is necessary in<br />
order to assure the survival <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>tinued social <strong>and</strong><br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omic relevance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the traditi<strong>on</strong>al system <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> fine arts<br />
<strong>and</strong> building crafts apprenticeship am<strong>on</strong>g the m<strong>on</strong>ks<br />
<strong>and</strong> novices. This project aims to ensure that the temples,<br />
which are the most important comp<strong>on</strong>ent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang<br />
Prabang World Heritage Site, are authentically c<strong>on</strong>served <strong>and</strong><br />
maintain their didactic, social <strong>and</strong> cultural functi<strong>on</strong>s as<br />
the centres <strong>and</strong> anchors <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the communities in which they<br />
are located.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> goals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this project are to build capacity within<br />
the Buddhist sangha to undertake or upgrade such<br />
teaching <strong>and</strong> to embed the foundati<strong>on</strong>s for communityled<br />
management within the sangha in order to preserve<br />
intangible culture at the community level.<br />
Phase I <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the project has made great strides in reinvigorating<br />
the teaching <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the traditi<strong>on</strong>al Buddhist arts <strong>and</strong><br />
crafts such as woodcarving, gold stenciling <strong>and</strong> br<strong>on</strong>ze<br />
casting within the Luang Prabang sangha, <strong>and</strong> the project<br />
has become a model for replicati<strong>on</strong> in other parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao<br />
PDR. M<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> novices trained under the project are<br />
a new generati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> artists <strong>and</strong> craftsmen who will be<br />
the caretakers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their Buddhist heritage <strong>and</strong> are now<br />
working together with communities to repair <strong>and</strong> restore<br />
temples in <strong>and</strong> around Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> throughout<br />
northern Lao PDR.<br />
From 2004, Phase II <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the project builds <strong>on</strong> the skills<br />
reinvigorated by Phase I to build further capacity <strong>and</strong><br />
encourage self-sustaining community management<br />
in Luang Prabang. Phase II will also, over three years,<br />
exp<strong>and</strong> the project to other centres <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada <strong>and</strong><br />
Vajrayana Buddhism. First to other places in Lao PDR<br />
such as Champasak <strong>and</strong> Vientiane, <strong>and</strong> then bey<strong>on</strong>d Lao<br />
PDR to other Buddhist centres in Asia.<br />
More informati<strong>on</strong> can be found at www.unescobkk.org/<br />
culture/m<strong>on</strong>ksproject<br />
97
<strong>UNESCO</strong> Asia-Pacific<br />
Heritage Awards for<br />
<strong>Culture</strong> Heritage<br />
C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong><br />
Che<strong>on</strong>g Fatt Tze Mansi<strong>on</strong><br />
(<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Blue House) in Penang,<br />
Malaysia. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> winner <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the ‘Most Excellent Project’<br />
Award in 2000, the inaugural<br />
year <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the <strong>UNESCO</strong> Asia-<br />
Pacific Heritage Awards<br />
for <strong>Culture</strong> Heritage<br />
C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>. As well as<br />
being restored, this mansi<strong>on</strong><br />
was adapted for use for<br />
owner-hosted homestays.<br />
(Photo: Che<strong>on</strong>g Fatt Tze project<br />
submissi<strong>on</strong>)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang 98<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Heritage Awards programme, now in its fifth<br />
year, recognizes the achievements <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> individuals <strong>and</strong><br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s within the private sector, <strong>and</strong> public-private<br />
initiatives, in successfully restoring structures <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage<br />
value in the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> programme draws large numbers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> entries every<br />
year from across the Asia-Pacific regi<strong>on</strong>. Eligible entries<br />
involve buildings more than 50 years old, including<br />
houses, commercial, cultural, religious, industrial or<br />
instituti<strong>on</strong>al buildings, gardens <strong>and</strong> bridges, which<br />
were restored within the last ten years. Public-private<br />
partnership projects such as historic towns, urban quarters<br />
<strong>and</strong> rural settlements where the essential elements are<br />
over 50 years old, are also eligible.<br />
Entries are judged <strong>on</strong> the extent to which they dem<strong>on</strong>strate<br />
excellence in their underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the issues <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> in relati<strong>on</strong> to the cultural, social, historical<br />
<strong>and</strong> architectural significance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the building, employment<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appropriate building <strong>and</strong> artisan techniques as well as<br />
use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appropriate materials. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> degree to which the<br />
entries have c<strong>on</strong>tributed to the cultural <strong>and</strong> historical<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinuum <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community is a deciding factor in the<br />
judging.<br />
Awards have g<strong>on</strong>e to a range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> projects,<br />
including the restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Wat Srat<strong>on</strong>g Temple in<br />
Ban Bua, Thail<strong>and</strong>, Polsheer House in Isfahan, Iran, the<br />
Nati<strong>on</strong>al Archives Building in Jakarta, Ind<strong>on</strong>esia; Jin Lan<br />
Tea House in Kunming, China <strong>and</strong> the Hoi An Town<br />
Preservati<strong>on</strong> Cooperati<strong>on</strong> project in Viet Nam.<br />
Some projects have involved not <strong>on</strong>ly restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
buildings but also their sensitive adaptati<strong>on</strong> for reuse.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Che<strong>on</strong>g Fatt Tze Mansi<strong>on</strong> in Penang, Malaysia, for<br />
example, formerly a residential building, is now used for<br />
owner-hosted homestays.<br />
Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the award-winning projects have set technical <strong>and</strong><br />
social benchmarks for c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> in the regi<strong>on</strong>, while<br />
acting as catalysts for local preservati<strong>on</strong> activity. Over<br />
the years, the projects submitted for the Heritage Awards<br />
programme have illustrated the increasing momentum<br />
<strong>and</strong> level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific.<br />
More informati<strong>on</strong> can be found at www.unescobkk.org/<br />
culture/heritageawards
Traditi<strong>on</strong>al H<strong>and</strong>icrafts<br />
Tourists can find a variety<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>and</strong>icrafts for sale at the<br />
markets in Luang Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
H<strong>and</strong>icraft items <strong>on</strong> display<br />
at the Luang Prabang market.<br />
While such products, styles<br />
<strong>and</strong> designs are currently<br />
popular, h<strong>and</strong>icraft makers<br />
need to be alert to changes<br />
in taste <strong>and</strong> fashi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong>,<br />
while maintaining product<br />
authenticity <strong>and</strong> quality, be<br />
able to adapt to variati<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
the market.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Product Development<br />
Luang Prabang has many locally-made h<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
products, including baskets, traditi<strong>on</strong>al silk cloth, Hm<strong>on</strong>g<br />
embroidery <strong>and</strong> silver craft-work, which have the potential<br />
to meet tourist dem<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> some are available for sale to<br />
tourists. However, numerous imported h<strong>and</strong>icrafts are also<br />
for sale, competing with local products <strong>and</strong> undermining<br />
the benefits that local artists <strong>and</strong> craftworkers are able to<br />
derive from tourism. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> presence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these imports (from<br />
neighbouring countries) indicates a need for authorities in<br />
Luang Prabang to promote local products <strong>and</strong> discourage<br />
or ban the sale <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> imported h<strong>and</strong>icrafts <strong>and</strong> other n<strong>on</strong>authentic,<br />
n<strong>on</strong>-local ‘souvenirs’.<br />
In additi<strong>on</strong>, it is vital for producers in Luang Prabang<br />
to improve the quality <strong>and</strong> maintain the uniqueness<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locally-made h<strong>and</strong>icrafts <strong>and</strong> to encourage the<br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> new, innovative products. Traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
skills in lacquer-ware, br<strong>on</strong>ze casting <strong>and</strong> woodcarving<br />
could be put to use to create a range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> unique <strong>and</strong><br />
interesting items for sale.<br />
It is important, also, that local h<strong>and</strong>icrafts be authentic.<br />
That is, they must utilize traditi<strong>on</strong>al techniques, motifs,<br />
<strong>and</strong> local materials. To ensure authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> arts <strong>and</strong><br />
h<strong>and</strong>icrafts, an effective technique used by governments<br />
in some destinati<strong>on</strong>s is to establish comprehensive quality<br />
st<strong>and</strong>ards, inspect all h<strong>and</strong>icrafts submitted to them <strong>and</strong><br />
identify those items that meet the st<strong>and</strong>ards with a stamp<br />
or certificati<strong>on</strong>. Such certificati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the authenticity <strong>and</strong><br />
quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> craft producti<strong>on</strong> should be adopted in Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong> ‘Seal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Excellence for H<strong>and</strong>icraft Products<br />
in Asia’ is an example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> recognizing,<br />
certifying <strong>and</strong> promoting quality h<strong>and</strong>icrafts. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> ‘Seal<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Excellence’ seeks to encourage the producti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> sale<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> excellent, authentic h<strong>and</strong>icrafts which express local<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> cultural identity <strong>and</strong> are produced in an<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mentally resp<strong>on</strong>sible manner.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> box <strong>on</strong> page 100 provides more informati<strong>on</strong> about the<br />
Seal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Excellence.<br />
Performing Arts Certificati<strong>on</strong> could also be extended to master artistes such<br />
as dancers <strong>and</strong> musicians. Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>als such as carpenters<br />
<strong>and</strong> chefs could also be licensed. In this way the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the products <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these people would be enhanced.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment by governments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a ‘Living Human<br />
Treasures’ system is another means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> safeguarding<br />
heritage <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ensuring its authenticity. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
99
<strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
Seal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Excellence<br />
for H<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
Products in<br />
Southeast Asia<br />
This certificate dem<strong>on</strong>strates<br />
that this silver bowl, similar<br />
to those produced in Luang<br />
Prabang, meets the quality<br />
criteria under the ‘Seal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Excellence’ <strong>and</strong> has been<br />
created in an envir<strong>on</strong>mentally<br />
<strong>and</strong> socially resp<strong>on</strong>sible<br />
manner.<br />
This cushi<strong>on</strong>, made <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al Lao fabric, has been<br />
certified as meeting the ‘Seal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Excellence’ criteria.<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang 100<br />
Since 2000, <strong>UNESCO</strong> al<strong>on</strong>g with the ASEAN H<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
Promoti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> Development Associati<strong>on</strong> (AHPADA),<br />
have recognized quality h<strong>and</strong>icraft products from ASEAN<br />
countries with the Seal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Excellence for H<strong>and</strong>icraft<br />
Products in Southeast Asia (SEAL). <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> purpose <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the SEAL is to serve as a quality c<strong>on</strong>trol mechanism<br />
<strong>and</strong> marketing device for the promoti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> h<strong>and</strong>made,<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al, authentic <strong>and</strong> innovative craft products<br />
that c<strong>on</strong>form to rigorous st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> to enhance<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these excellent h<strong>and</strong>icrafts.<br />
H<strong>and</strong>icraft products can be submitted by any craft<br />
producer <strong>and</strong> are judged annually by a panel <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
experts to determine how well they meet the cultural,<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental <strong>and</strong> producti<strong>on</strong> (quality c<strong>on</strong>trol <strong>and</strong><br />
authenticity) st<strong>and</strong>ards. This judging process takes place<br />
annually <strong>and</strong> the five criteria which products must meet<br />
are as follows:<br />
- Dem<strong>on</strong>strated excellence <strong>and</strong> st<strong>and</strong>ard-setting quality in<br />
craftsmanship.<br />
- A creative <strong>and</strong> successful alliance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al skills <strong>and</strong><br />
innovati<strong>on</strong> in material, form or design.<br />
- Expressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural identity <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al aesthetic<br />
value.<br />
- Respect for the envir<strong>on</strong>ment in materials <strong>and</strong> producti<strong>on</strong><br />
techniques.<br />
- Marketability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the craft products <strong>and</strong> potential for the<br />
world market.<br />
Products are given a rating for each <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the criteria. Those<br />
products which receive ratings above a certain level are<br />
certified as meeting the st<strong>and</strong>ards <strong>and</strong> therefore receive<br />
the SEAL. This certificati<strong>on</strong> can then be used to promote<br />
the authenticity <strong>and</strong> quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those products <strong>and</strong> product<br />
lines. In additi<strong>on</strong>, all products with the SEAL are exhibited<br />
at trade fairs <strong>and</strong> are featured <strong>on</strong> the H<strong>and</strong>icraft Product<br />
Electr<strong>on</strong>ic Database website, which assists producers in<br />
raising awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> SEAL products <strong>and</strong> accepts sales<br />
orders (www.ahpada.com).<br />
Feedback is given to all producers <strong>on</strong> the products<br />
they have submitted which assists them in improving<br />
their products in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the criteria. Also, producers<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> products which receive the SEAL are encouraged to<br />
attend training workshops, c<strong>on</strong>ducted by <strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
AHPADA, to improve their skills in areas such as design<br />
<strong>and</strong> marketing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> products.<br />
More informati<strong>on</strong> can be found at www.unescobkk.org/<br />
culture/craftseal
Young women in local<br />
dress, performing a<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al dance.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Tourist Establishments<br />
<strong>and</strong> Tours<br />
MANAGEMENT<br />
STRATEGIES<br />
Destinati<strong>on</strong><br />
Management<br />
Management Strategies 101<br />
initiative <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Living Human Treasures systems protects<br />
intangible heritage by recognizing <strong>and</strong> supporting those<br />
people (artistes <strong>and</strong> craftspeople) who embody the<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al skills <strong>and</strong> knowledge that are necessary for<br />
the creati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural expressi<strong>on</strong>s (such as performing<br />
arts <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>icrafts) <strong>and</strong> ensuring that the bearers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
heritage c<strong>on</strong>tinue to acquire further knowledge <strong>and</strong> skills<br />
<strong>and</strong> transmit them to future generati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
In parallel to the process <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishing systems <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Living Human Treasures, <strong>UNESCO</strong> has undertaken other<br />
initiatives to help raise awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
safeguarding intangible cultural heritage <strong>and</strong> ensuring<br />
its authenticity. One such initiative is the ‘<strong>UNESCO</strong><br />
Collecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Traditi<strong>on</strong>al Music <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the World’, which seeks<br />
to preserve musical heritage. Music from Luang Prabang<br />
is part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that collecti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Tourist activities <strong>and</strong> the establishments that service<br />
tourists in Luang Prabang should be licensed. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> system<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> licensing can be used to m<strong>on</strong>itor <strong>and</strong> encourage accuracy<br />
<strong>and</strong> authenticity. Making licenses renewable <strong>on</strong> a regular<br />
basis will enable the establishment <strong>and</strong> maintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
service st<strong>and</strong>ards.<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> discusses some <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the factors to be c<strong>on</strong>sidered<br />
when managing Luang Prabang as a destinati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
looks at the factors involved in managing the town’s<br />
heritage sites <strong>and</strong> other tourism products. This secti<strong>on</strong><br />
also identifies a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong> strategies.<br />
Once the stakeholders <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang have developed<br />
plans <strong>and</strong> identified tourist products, they need to<br />
develop management policies <strong>and</strong> procedures to ensure<br />
the <strong>on</strong>going attractiveness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the destinati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> the<br />
enhancement <strong>and</strong> protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the local culture <strong>and</strong><br />
envir<strong>on</strong>ment.<br />
Management Issues Stakeholders need to discuss a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> specific issues<br />
relating to the interface between culture, heritage <strong>and</strong><br />
tourism in order to determine what acti<strong>on</strong>s need to be<br />
taken in Luang Prabang. Questi<strong>on</strong>s include:<br />
• What exactly do the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang value<br />
about their heritage <strong>and</strong> what do they wish to retain <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
that heritage?<br />
By determining the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> different aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their<br />
heritage stakeholders can determine which features<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the heritage <strong>on</strong> which to c<strong>on</strong>centrate preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
efforts.
Intricately carved <strong>and</strong><br />
gilded temple exterior.<br />
Stakeholders must decide<br />
how best to preserve such<br />
heritage <strong>and</strong> how to fund<br />
heritage preservati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Young novice m<strong>on</strong>ks<br />
building a boat from<br />
bamboo in preparati<strong>on</strong> for<br />
a festival.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
• How should the community best preserve <strong>and</strong> promote<br />
Luang Prabang’s heritage resources?<br />
Stakeholders must agree <strong>on</strong> how to best preserve<br />
Luang Prabang’s tangible <strong>and</strong> intangible heritage<br />
- the signature <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s tourism - for future<br />
generati<strong>on</strong>s. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re should also be c<strong>on</strong>sensus <strong>on</strong> how<br />
heritage can be promoted in a sustainable way.<br />
• How can heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang be<br />
better funded?<br />
Lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> funding is an <strong>on</strong>going c<strong>on</strong>straint in the<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s heritage. Stakeholders<br />
need to explore whether the government could establish<br />
more partnerships with internati<strong>on</strong>al organizati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<strong>and</strong> private sector groups in order to obtain funding<br />
assistance for heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> skills training.<br />
Similarly, stakeholders must explore how tourism<br />
operators can be encouraged to take a leading role<br />
in financing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> as a way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
dem<strong>on</strong>strating their commitment to the preservati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> operators could be required,<br />
for example, to d<strong>on</strong>ate a percentage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their revenues to<br />
a heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> fund.<br />
• How much should be reinvested into heritage upkeep in<br />
Luang Prabang?<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> quantity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> investment in heritage upkeep must be<br />
agreed up<strong>on</strong>. For example, it needs to be established<br />
whether government regulati<strong>on</strong>s could be altered to<br />
allow a much larger part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temple entrance fees to<br />
be retained by the sangha <strong>and</strong> used specifically for the<br />
upkeep <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the temples. It should also be established<br />
whether this amount should be a flat rate or an amount<br />
proporti<strong>on</strong>al to the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists visiting each<br />
temple. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> important point, however, is that tourism<br />
clearly must c<strong>on</strong>tribute to the maintenance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang’s heritage.<br />
Having reached stakeholder agreement c<strong>on</strong>cerning<br />
the above questi<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> having established as far as<br />
possible what the social, cultural <strong>and</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
carrying capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town is (through c<strong>on</strong>ducting<br />
impact assessments); acti<strong>on</strong> strategies must then be<br />
developed.<br />
102
Heritage Appreciati<strong>on</strong><br />
Today temples are<br />
sometimes not treated<br />
with the respect they<br />
were given in the past.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Management Strategies<br />
If tourism is to c<strong>on</strong>tinue to bring benefits to Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> if the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang wish to have<br />
sustainable development, then the town’s built heritage,<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the main attracti<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town <strong>and</strong> therefore <strong>on</strong>e<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its most important resources, must be well managed<br />
<strong>and</strong> preserved.<br />
Heritage can <strong>on</strong>ly be well managed <strong>and</strong> preserved when<br />
the community values that heritage. If historic buildings<br />
are not valued <strong>and</strong> relevant to the lives <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents it is<br />
difficult to motivate the community to preserve them.<br />
An important aspect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> destinati<strong>on</strong> management,<br />
therefore, is to raise public awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their<br />
built heritage. Managers will need to develop acti<strong>on</strong>plans<br />
<strong>and</strong> educati<strong>on</strong>al strategies that provide residents<br />
with an underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the special features <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their<br />
vernacular architecture <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> techniques <strong>and</strong><br />
thereby build appreciati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>and</strong> pride in that heritage.<br />
At the same time, residents need to be informed that<br />
tourism development in their town can <strong>on</strong>ly bring<br />
sustainable benefits if built heritage is c<strong>on</strong>served. It<br />
perhaps needs to be made clear to many residents that<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the main reas<strong>on</strong>s that tourists come to their town<br />
is because Luang Prabang is special <strong>and</strong> it features old,<br />
historic buildings that are a product <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the particular<br />
cultural <strong>and</strong> artistic qualities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang society.<br />
Another means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> raising awareness <strong>and</strong> fostering<br />
heritage appreciati<strong>on</strong> is to encourage full participati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community in the tourism management process.<br />
By becoming part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this process <strong>and</strong> being involved in<br />
decisi<strong>on</strong>-making, community members <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
will be exposed to the issues surrounding built heritage<br />
<strong>and</strong> can share their existing heritage knowledge.<br />
Given the importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> safeguarding the heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang for the town’s identity, its future development<br />
<strong>and</strong> for a sustainable tourism industry, educati<strong>on</strong> about<br />
the value <strong>and</strong> significance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural, built <strong>and</strong> natural<br />
heritage needs to be integrated into school curricula so<br />
that the future decisi<strong>on</strong>-makers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang become<br />
aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the threats to their heritage <strong>and</strong> become equipped<br />
with the knowledge required for the management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that<br />
heritage. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage Educati<strong>on</strong> project<br />
addresses this need directly <strong>and</strong> has developed resources<br />
such as the ‘World Heritage in Young H<strong>and</strong>s’ Educati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Resource Kit to assist in educating youth <strong>and</strong> communities<br />
about World Heritage. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> box below discusses the World<br />
Heritage Educati<strong>on</strong> project in more detail.<br />
103
World Heritage Educati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> ‘World Heritage<br />
in Young H<strong>and</strong>s’<br />
Educati<strong>on</strong>al Resource<br />
Kit, produced by<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
ASPnet in 1999.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> report from<br />
the 2000 Sukhothai<br />
‘World Heritage in<br />
Young Southeast<br />
Asian H<strong>and</strong>s’<br />
workshop.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> report from<br />
the 2001 Vigan<br />
workshop <strong>on</strong><br />
‘Introducing the<br />
Arts for Teaching<br />
<strong>on</strong> the Historic<br />
Envir<strong>on</strong>ment’.<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Coordinated by the <strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage Centre, the<br />
World Heritage Educati<strong>on</strong> project is designed to encourage<br />
<strong>and</strong> enable tomorrow’s decisi<strong>on</strong>-makers to participate in<br />
World Heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> aims to mobilize youth<br />
to resp<strong>on</strong>d to the c<strong>on</strong>tinuing threats facing the survival<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural <strong>and</strong> natural heritage. Under this programme,<br />
students learn about: World Heritage sites, the history <strong>and</strong><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their own <strong>and</strong> other cultures, ecology <strong>and</strong> the<br />
importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> protecting cultural <strong>and</strong> biological diversity.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> project also aims to develop effective educati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
approaches <strong>and</strong> teaching materials by creating a synergy<br />
am<strong>on</strong>g educators <strong>and</strong> heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> experts in<br />
order to incorporate World Heritage educati<strong>on</strong> into school<br />
curricula <strong>and</strong> encourage extra-curricula activities within<br />
the community.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Project is carried out in schools <strong>and</strong> training instituti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
active within the <strong>UNESCO</strong> Associated Schools Project<br />
Network (ASPnet). Recognizing the importance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the role<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> teachers in achieving the goals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the World Heritage<br />
Educati<strong>on</strong> Project, <strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>and</strong> ASPnet produced the<br />
World Heritage Educati<strong>on</strong>al Resource Kit, entitled ‘World<br />
Heritage in Young H<strong>and</strong>s’, in 1999. This Kit proposes<br />
activities <strong>and</strong> provides teachers with useful guidelines<br />
in developing innovative approaches for teaching about<br />
World Heritage. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> World Heritage in Young H<strong>and</strong>s Kit<br />
has been distributed worldwide <strong>and</strong> is gradually being<br />
implemented by teachers in ASPnet affiliated schools.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> <strong>UNESCO</strong> Office <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Regi<strong>on</strong>al Advisor for <strong>Culture</strong><br />
in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific has sp<strong>on</strong>sored two sub-regi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
activities, in Southeast Asia, to introduce <strong>and</strong> disseminate<br />
the Educati<strong>on</strong>al Resource Kit. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> first was a workshop<br />
held in Sukhothai, Thail<strong>and</strong> in February 2000, entitled<br />
‘World Heritage in Young Southeast Asian H<strong>and</strong>s’, which<br />
brought together experts in educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> heritage from<br />
across Southeast Asia to evaluate the Kit <strong>and</strong> draw up<br />
plans for its implementati<strong>on</strong> in their respective countries.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> sec<strong>on</strong>d workshop, held in Vigan, Philippines in<br />
December 2001 <strong>and</strong> entitled ‘Introducing the Arts for<br />
Teaching <strong>on</strong> the Historic Envir<strong>on</strong>ment’, brought together<br />
many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the participants <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the first workshop <strong>and</strong> focused<br />
<strong>on</strong> innovative teaching approaches <strong>and</strong> in particular<br />
<strong>on</strong> using the creative arts as a tool for teaching about<br />
World Heritage. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se workshops have been effective<br />
in prompting acti<strong>on</strong> at a nati<strong>on</strong>al level <strong>and</strong> were the first<br />
step in the sub-regi<strong>on</strong> towards the goal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> mainstreaming<br />
World Heritage Educati<strong>on</strong> in school curricula.<br />
For more informati<strong>on</strong> please refer to:<br />
http://whc.unesco.org/educati<strong>on</strong>/sindex.htm<br />
104
Acti<strong>on</strong> Strategies<br />
Addressing Carrying Capacity<br />
<strong>and</strong> Preserving Heritage<br />
Vat N<strong>on</strong>g, <strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
beautiful temples located<br />
in the historic sector <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Enhancing<br />
Socio-ec<strong>on</strong>omic Well-being<br />
Children cycling down the main<br />
street <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the historic area <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang. Exploring by<br />
bicycle is a pleasant way to see<br />
Luang Prabang’s built heritage.<br />
(Photo: Ricardo Favis)<br />
Management Strategies<br />
Acti<strong>on</strong> strategies need to be pursued in Luang Prabang in<br />
the areas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> carrying capacity <strong>and</strong> heritage preservati<strong>on</strong>;<br />
enhancing socio-ec<strong>on</strong>omic well-being; <strong>and</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Acti<strong>on</strong> strategies for ensuring that Luang Prabang’s<br />
carrying capacities are never exceeded <strong>and</strong> heritage is<br />
preserved should include establishing limitati<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong>:<br />
• both the number <strong>and</strong> the timing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitors at each<br />
attracti<strong>on</strong>. (Visitors to religious sites, for example,<br />
should not be allowed to disrupt times <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> religious<br />
rituals or meditati<strong>on</strong>)<br />
• the number <strong>and</strong> size <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> vehicles in the historic precinct<br />
• the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> flights into Luang Prabang<br />
• the scale <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hotel development<br />
• the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> hotel beds available in the town<br />
• the number, size <strong>and</strong> operating hours <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> restaurants.<br />
• the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> buildings within the historic part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang. Decisi<strong>on</strong>s need to be made regarding the<br />
optimal mix <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> commercial, residential, religious <strong>and</strong><br />
community use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these buildings. Religious <strong>and</strong><br />
community use should be given priority, followed by a<br />
judicious mix <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitor <strong>and</strong> commercial use.<br />
Acti<strong>on</strong> strategies in regard to social <strong>and</strong> ec<strong>on</strong>omic issues<br />
could include:<br />
• Increasing community educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> participati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Unless community members have an opportunity<br />
to improve their skills they will not be able to move<br />
into higher-paid positi<strong>on</strong>s in the developing tourism<br />
industry in Luang Prabang. It is important therefore<br />
that training <strong>and</strong> educati<strong>on</strong> are essential elements in any<br />
tourism development plan. Such training <strong>and</strong> educati<strong>on</strong><br />
are <strong>on</strong>e means to build the capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s<br />
populati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
In some cases capacity building can be <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a modest nature<br />
but in other instances c<strong>on</strong>siderable work has to be d<strong>on</strong>e<br />
in order to ensure the full <strong>and</strong> effective participati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
certain segments <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> society. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> participati<strong>on</strong> in this<br />
case is not <strong>on</strong>ly in decisi<strong>on</strong>-making <strong>and</strong> management<br />
but also in benefiting from the ec<strong>on</strong>omic returns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism.<br />
105
A busy internet cafe in<br />
the main street <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang. In recent years<br />
many internet cafes have<br />
opened in areas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang frequented by<br />
tourists.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Improving Envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
C<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> Quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Life<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
• Informing the public <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> employment opti<strong>on</strong>s in the local<br />
tourism industry.<br />
Establishing public awareness programmes to make<br />
Luang Prabang residents aware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> employment opti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
available to them would enable local residents to<br />
be in a better positi<strong>on</strong> to take advantage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the new<br />
opportunities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered by tourism.<br />
• Reserving employment opportunities for local people.<br />
Stipulati<strong>on</strong> that certain jobs such as crafts work,<br />
performing arts <strong>and</strong> tourism management positi<strong>on</strong>s are<br />
reserved either exclusively or in large part for people<br />
from the Luang Prabang Province would enhance the<br />
ability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local people to retain the benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in<br />
the town.<br />
• Encouraging locally-owned <strong>and</strong> operated businesses<br />
<strong>and</strong> establishing limits <strong>on</strong> the numbers or relative share<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> businesses in the historic precinct that are owned <strong>and</strong><br />
operated by n<strong>on</strong>-locals.<br />
Such limitati<strong>on</strong>s would ensure that the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang are not disadvantaged by their relative<br />
lack <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wealth <strong>and</strong> capacity to establish tourism-related<br />
businesses.<br />
• Informing the Luang Prabang public <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the risks<br />
associated with tourism businesses.<br />
Providing informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> educati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> the risks<br />
associated with tourism businesses would avoid the<br />
unwise ab<strong>and</strong><strong>on</strong>ment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> income<br />
generati<strong>on</strong>, such as farming. Those involved in tourismrelated<br />
businesses should also be informed <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the need<br />
to secure alternative jobs that can tide them over during<br />
low seas<strong>on</strong>.<br />
A major task for Luang Prabang is to ensure that<br />
the physical surroundings are improved <strong>and</strong> the<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental resources <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town are protected. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se<br />
improvements must address the following factors:<br />
§ solid waste disposal<br />
§ sewage disposal<br />
§ water supply<br />
§ drainage<br />
§ roads<br />
§ electric power<br />
§ telecommunicati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
106
Traffic jams, <strong>on</strong>ce unheard<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> in Luang Prabang, are<br />
becoming more comm<strong>on</strong>.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
A large electricity pyl<strong>on</strong><br />
obscures this temple<br />
in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong><br />
diminishes the aesthetic<br />
<strong>and</strong> heritage value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
site.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Management Strategies 107<br />
In order to address <strong>and</strong> manage these factors in Luang<br />
Prabang a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s are possible:<br />
• Addressing waste issues.<br />
Much can be d<strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong> a local government level to<br />
address waste management issues in Luang Prabang. In<br />
the case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> solid waste for example, currently garbage<br />
collecti<strong>on</strong> fees are insufficient to cover the management<br />
costs. Centralized fees for collecting solid waste from<br />
businesses, such as hotels, restaurants <strong>and</strong> marketplaces,<br />
could be established to cover costs. In additi<strong>on</strong>, reuse<br />
measures <strong>and</strong> recycling operati<strong>on</strong>s should be seriously<br />
encouraged to reduce waste (<strong>and</strong> costs).<br />
Aside from government-led measures to deal with<br />
waste issues, there also need to be efforts made <strong>on</strong> the<br />
part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local tourist businesses. A document produced<br />
by United Nati<strong>on</strong>s Envir<strong>on</strong>ment Programme (UNEP)<br />
entitled A Manual for Water <strong>and</strong> Waste Management:<br />
What the <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Industry Can Do to Improve its<br />
Performance suggests a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong> strategies that<br />
individual businesses, such as hotels, can follow in<br />
order to introduce waste <strong>and</strong> wastewater management<br />
measures.<br />
• Traffic limitati<strong>on</strong>s in the historic centre.<br />
In order to deal with increasing traffic volumes, traffic in<br />
the historic centre <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang could be limited or<br />
banned for a trial period. Such restricti<strong>on</strong>s would allow<br />
residents <strong>and</strong> merchants the opportunity to experience<br />
a pedestrian z<strong>on</strong>e as well as assessing whether n<strong>on</strong>motorized<br />
vehicles could be a viable alternative.<br />
• Z<strong>on</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> building codes.<br />
Enforcement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> z<strong>on</strong>ing regulati<strong>on</strong>s in Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> the implementati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> building codes which specify<br />
the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local materials, would assist in preventing ad<br />
hoc c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> inappropriate developments. A<br />
building permit system that encapsulates heavy tariffs<br />
<strong>on</strong> the use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> imported <strong>and</strong> modern materials, including<br />
cement, could be used to subsidize the higher costs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials.<br />
• Raising envir<strong>on</strong>mental awareness.<br />
Unless there is greater awareness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the need for<br />
natural heritage c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang, there<br />
will be little opportunity for tourism development to
Plans exist for the opening<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a wetl<strong>and</strong>s informati<strong>on</strong><br />
centre, at which residents<br />
<strong>and</strong> visitors can learn about<br />
the value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong><br />
about wetl<strong>and</strong>s-related<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental issues.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Schulte)<br />
Interpretati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
Interpretati<strong>on</strong><br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
occur sustainably. Providing programmes to increase<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental awareness <strong>and</strong> providing educati<strong>on</strong><br />
explaining the effects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> envir<strong>on</strong>mental degradati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> human health <strong>and</strong> quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life would enable more<br />
informed decisi<strong>on</strong>-making about envir<strong>on</strong>mental issues.<br />
• Waterway protecti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> agency training.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> strict enforcement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> envir<strong>on</strong>mental regulati<strong>on</strong>s<br />
is essential to ensure the protecti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> waterways <strong>and</strong><br />
natural habitat in Luang Prabang. In order to ensure<br />
enforcement the agencies in charge must be properly<br />
trained, informed <strong>and</strong> empowered.<br />
• Community envir<strong>on</strong>mental ‘watchdog’ programmes.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> community programmes to report<br />
incidences <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> envir<strong>on</strong>mental polluti<strong>on</strong> would enable<br />
better enforcement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> envir<strong>on</strong>mental regulati<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
An effective visitor educati<strong>on</strong>, or interpretati<strong>on</strong>, strategy<br />
needs to be developed in Luang Prabang in order to<br />
ensure that tourist impacts <strong>on</strong> built <strong>and</strong> cultural heritage<br />
are minimized. Stakeholders (through a mechanism such<br />
as the proposed ‘tourism council’) will need to identify<br />
themes, objectives <strong>and</strong> messages which tourists are<br />
to be educated about. Part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the educati<strong>on</strong>al c<strong>on</strong>tent<br />
should include informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>on</strong> local customs <strong>and</strong> codes<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>duct, which will help to guide visitors’ behaviour<br />
while they stay in Luang Prabang. Ongoing m<strong>on</strong>itoring<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretive programmes will help to evaluate their<br />
successes <strong>and</strong> areas for improvement.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>cept <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretati<strong>on</strong> is discussed in greater detail<br />
in the box below.<br />
One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the main reas<strong>on</strong>s for inscribing historic sites <strong>on</strong>to<br />
the <strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage List is to ensure that people<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tinue to have the opportunity to learn about the past<br />
from these places <strong>and</strong> are therefore better equipped to<br />
mould their future. Viewed in this way, Luang Prabang<br />
can be seen as more than a tourist destinati<strong>on</strong>, it is a unique<br />
area preserved to facilitate the exchange <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> knowledge.<br />
Luang Prabang is an educati<strong>on</strong>al resource, like a book,<br />
which provides informati<strong>on</strong> both for the local community<br />
<strong>and</strong> for visitors. To utilize this educati<strong>on</strong>al potential,<br />
planners <strong>and</strong> stakeholders must provide visitors with the<br />
means to learn from their experiences in Luang Prabang.<br />
108
Recent restorati<strong>on</strong> works in<br />
Tham Ting cave have also<br />
included the installati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
interpretive signage.<br />
(Photo: John Koch-Sculte)<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se tourists outside<br />
the Tham Ting caves are<br />
perhaps unaware that they<br />
are dressed inappropriately<br />
for such an important<br />
religious site. Interpretive<br />
signage explaining cultural<br />
dress codes, displayed at<br />
key points in the town,<br />
would assist in informing<br />
tourists <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appropriate<br />
forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> clothing at<br />
religious sites.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Management Strategies 109<br />
If the visitor is to learn about <strong>and</strong> appreciate the heritage<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, the value <strong>and</strong> meaning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> that<br />
heritage must be accurately presented <strong>and</strong> explained.<br />
Interpretati<strong>on</strong> is a means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> presenting <strong>and</strong> explaining,<br />
which seeks to emphasise the most significant aspects <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a site in an engaging <strong>and</strong> inspiring way. Interpretati<strong>on</strong><br />
can be provided through skilled guides, informative<br />
brochures <strong>and</strong> signage providing background <strong>and</strong><br />
explanatory informati<strong>on</strong>, as well as through exhibiti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<strong>and</strong> dem<strong>on</strong>strati<strong>on</strong>s. Currently, interpretati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretive skills <strong>and</strong> techniques has<br />
not yet reached its full potential in Luang Prabang.<br />
Many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the interpretive materials in existence have<br />
been developed by outside sources, are uncoordinated<br />
<strong>and</strong> are not always accurate. Posters such as the <strong>on</strong>e <strong>on</strong><br />
page 110, if prominently displayed in Luang Prabang’s<br />
guesthouses <strong>and</strong> travel agencies, could be an effective<br />
way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> informing tourists about cultural norms <strong>and</strong><br />
acceptable codes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> behaviour.<br />
Internati<strong>on</strong>al tourists have a tendency to associate<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage sites with history <strong>and</strong><br />
knowledge. Recent research has shown that most<br />
internati<strong>on</strong>al visitors to Luang Prabang are primarily<br />
motivated to visit the area by the prospect <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> learning<br />
about its heritage. Presently however, because<br />
interpretati<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang is underdeveloped,<br />
many visitors are unaware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the significance <strong>and</strong><br />
value <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> what they are seeing. For example, while<br />
w<strong>and</strong>ering the delightful streets they are not provided<br />
with informati<strong>on</strong> explaining the various characteristics<br />
<strong>and</strong> history <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local buildings <strong>and</strong> why they are worth<br />
preserving. Similarly, when participating in binthabat<br />
many tourists are unaware <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the significance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>y to the religious community. This may lead<br />
to very superficial visitor experiences where little<br />
knowledge is transferred from the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang to the visitor. Unfortunately it also <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten follows<br />
that visitors who lack knowledge <strong>and</strong> underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
a site do not treat the site <strong>and</strong> it’s local culture with the<br />
respect deserved.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretati<strong>on</strong> is crucial in ensuring greater<br />
cross-cultural underst<strong>and</strong>ing <strong>and</strong> thereby preventing the<br />
cultural heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang from being negatively<br />
impacted by the existence <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism. For example, if the<br />
Laotian cultural reas<strong>on</strong>s for wearing modest clothing are<br />
explained to tourists, these tourists are more likely to<br />
be sympathetic <strong>and</strong> follow local dress-code guidelines.
An example <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretive signage that should be prominently displayed at key locati<strong>on</strong>s around<br />
Luang Prabang.
Management Strategies 111<br />
Site Management Site management involves managing visitor impacts,<br />
ensuring adequate spending <strong>on</strong> maintenance, inclusi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> stakeholders <strong>and</strong> the development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sustainable<br />
management strategies within the tourism industry.<br />
Visitor Impacts One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the major site management tasks at any site is to<br />
deal with visitor impacts. Each site has a certain limit<br />
in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitor capacity <strong>and</strong> Luang Prabang is no<br />
excepti<strong>on</strong>. When that limit is exceeded, damage begins to<br />
occur, the local populati<strong>on</strong> suffers <strong>and</strong> visitor enjoyment<br />
is reduced.<br />
A tour bus in the main<br />
street <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
While regulati<strong>on</strong>s exist<br />
to exclude large buses<br />
from the main street, such<br />
regulati<strong>on</strong>s are not always<br />
enforced.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Interpretati<strong>on</strong> therefore not <strong>on</strong>ly enhances the tourist’s<br />
experience but provides the local community with a means<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> managing tourists <strong>and</strong> engaging their cooperati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing in minimizing their negative impact.<br />
Rather than adopting st<strong>and</strong>ardized programmes<br />
for tourists <strong>and</strong> risking loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> authenticity, heritage<br />
interpretati<strong>on</strong> schemes need to be carefully planned <strong>and</strong><br />
be site specific. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> process <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> interpretati<strong>on</strong> needs to start<br />
with an underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> significance <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sites <strong>and</strong> cultural<br />
activities. Planners need to familiarize themselves with<br />
the theory <strong>and</strong> practice <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitor behaviour <strong>and</strong> with<br />
effective communicati<strong>on</strong> techniques, <strong>and</strong> must develop<br />
an interpretati<strong>on</strong> programme which can be maintained by<br />
the local community <strong>and</strong> takes due account <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appropriate<br />
local themes. Programmes which balance heritage<br />
preservati<strong>on</strong>, visitor needs, effective communicati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omic, envir<strong>on</strong>mental <strong>and</strong> social sustainability, are <strong>on</strong><br />
track to provide real opportunities for effective learning in<br />
a preservati<strong>on</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>ment.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> extent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitor impact depends <strong>on</strong> a combinati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people using a site, the types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> visitor<br />
activity <strong>and</strong> behaviour, their timing, <strong>and</strong> the ability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
particular envir<strong>on</strong>ments to withst<strong>and</strong> use. Luang Prabang<br />
is a small town <strong>and</strong> its carrying capacity is therefore very<br />
limited.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang site management team must attempt<br />
to ensure the least possible damage while guaranteeing<br />
the financial viability <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the site <strong>and</strong> its c<strong>on</strong>tributi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
to the local ec<strong>on</strong>omy <strong>and</strong> community. Overuse will<br />
invariably lead to site degradati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> eventual loss <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism income for Luang Prabang.
This interpretive sign is<br />
the <strong>on</strong>ly <strong>on</strong>e at this site. It<br />
asks tourists not to climb<br />
<strong>on</strong> the stupa but does not<br />
provide any informati<strong>on</strong><br />
about the site <strong>and</strong> does not<br />
explain the fragility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
structure.<br />
(Photo: Pattarap<strong>on</strong>g K<strong>on</strong>gwijit)<br />
Reinvesting Pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>its into<br />
Heritage Preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
Heritage Sites <strong>and</strong> the<br />
Community<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
In order to avoid exceeding the carrying capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> specific sites within the town, attracti<strong>on</strong>s<br />
should be selectively marketed, with lesser-known<br />
sites emphasized in marketing programmes, while the<br />
better known <strong>and</strong> heavily visited attracti<strong>on</strong>s marketed<br />
in a less aggressive manner. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> developers should<br />
be encouraged to promote a number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sites in <strong>and</strong><br />
around Luang Prabang in order to divert tourists from<br />
the c<strong>on</strong>gested historic precinct. Developing a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
sites will also encourage tourists to extend their stays<br />
<strong>and</strong> will draw repeat visitors who are looking for new<br />
experiences.<br />
Problems <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> over-saturati<strong>on</strong> have occurred at many<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> World Heritage historic towns in the reg<strong>on</strong>,<br />
for example, Hoi An in Viet Nam <strong>and</strong> Lijiang in China. In<br />
resp<strong>on</strong>se to the issue, Hoi An managers have redirected<br />
tourist flows from the well-known <strong>and</strong> overused historic<br />
street to lesser known but equally interesting areas close<br />
by. Tourists are also limited to the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> sites which<br />
they are able to visit by a ticketing system. As a result<br />
tourists are more evenly distributed. <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> managers<br />
in Luang Prabang need to c<strong>on</strong>sider such opti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
Interpretive tools, as discussed above, are also vital in<br />
minimizing visitor impacts at particular sites. Signage<br />
explaining the fragility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> structures, for example, can help<br />
to prevent visitors from touching or damaging sites.<br />
Historic towns throughout Asia <strong>and</strong> specific sites within<br />
those towns are deteriorating because <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> overuse by<br />
tourists <strong>and</strong> an insufficient re-investment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> entrance-fee<br />
revenue into site maintenance. As well as following the<br />
management guidelines outlined above, Luang Prabang<br />
site managers should therefore ensure re-investment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
an adequate proporti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>its from admissi<strong>on</strong> fees<br />
into heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> initiatives.<br />
Heritage sites in Luang Prabang depend <strong>on</strong> the<br />
surrounding community for financial <strong>and</strong> social support.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> surrounding community provides a wide range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
visitor services <strong>and</strong> attracti<strong>on</strong>s essential in meeting the<br />
full visitor experience. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> site management plan <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang must take into account this relati<strong>on</strong>ship.<br />
It is useful to think <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Luang Prabang community as<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the many stakeholders involved in the overall site<br />
management process. Various forms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> participati<strong>on</strong> are<br />
possible but it is essential that the needs <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the community<br />
are c<strong>on</strong>sidered <strong>and</strong> incorporated into the management <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism in Luang Prabang.<br />
112
Envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
Management Systems<br />
(EMS)<br />
MONITORING AND<br />
EVALUATION<br />
Stakeholder discussi<strong>on</strong>s or<br />
meetings such as this are<br />
a necessary comp<strong>on</strong>ent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the heritage <strong>and</strong> tourism<br />
management processes.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong> 113<br />
As Luang Prabang develops, sustainable strategies must<br />
be encouraged throughout the tourism industry. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
the ways <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> accomplishing this objective is through the<br />
use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> envir<strong>on</strong>mental management systems (EMS). An<br />
EMS is a system designed to assist facilities such as hotels<br />
<strong>and</strong> restaurants in improving their overall envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
performance. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> main benefit <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> using a system such as<br />
EMS is that it takes a holistic approach to a facility by<br />
m<strong>on</strong>itoring its envir<strong>on</strong>mental behavior from the beginning<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the process (inflow <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> resources <strong>and</strong> products into<br />
the facility) through to the end. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> EMS m<strong>on</strong>itors all envir<strong>on</strong>mentally<br />
sensitive areas such as solid waste generati<strong>on</strong>,<br />
c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> water, disposal <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> wastewater <strong>and</strong><br />
c<strong>on</strong>sumpti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> energy (electricity <strong>and</strong> other fuels).<br />
This secti<strong>on</strong> discusses the establishment <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a m<strong>on</strong>itoring<br />
<strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process to enable tourism managers in<br />
Luang Prabang to assess how well they have succeeded in<br />
achieving the community’s overall goals <strong>and</strong> objectives.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process is a stage in<br />
tourism management that in many places is forgotten<br />
or is inadequately performed. Without undergoing this<br />
process, however, it will be difficult to determine the<br />
success or failure <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> management strategies in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
Luang Prabang community’s goals <strong>and</strong> objectives. Also,<br />
without this process goals <strong>and</strong> plans can become stagnant,<br />
rather than being dynamic in resp<strong>on</strong>se to the changing<br />
needs in Luang Prabang. Through a m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong><br />
evaluati<strong>on</strong> process tourism managers in Luang Prabang<br />
can keep track <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> changes in the community that are<br />
occurring as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism management strategies.<br />
Managers can then make adjustments accordingly <strong>and</strong><br />
ensure that tourism in Luang Prabang is managed in<br />
such a way that it brings maximum benefits with minimal<br />
negative impacts.
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re are five steps that should be followed in the<br />
m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process, as illustrated in Figure<br />
D.4.<br />
Figure D.4: M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong> Process.<br />
It is important to note that the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
process should involve all stakeholders in Luang Prabang<br />
<strong>and</strong> that discussi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the issues should be encouraged.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> process can be seen as a means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> focusing attenti<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>on</strong> critical areas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>cern to the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> stimulating cooperati<strong>on</strong> between the<br />
various stakeholders.<br />
• Setting M<strong>on</strong>itoring Goals <strong>and</strong> Objectives.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> first step in the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process<br />
is for tourism managers <strong>and</strong> stakeholders to set the goals<br />
they want to m<strong>on</strong>itor <strong>and</strong> set targets for the m<strong>on</strong>itoring<br />
<strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process itself. For example, Luang<br />
Prabang stakeholders may decide to m<strong>on</strong>itor how<br />
effective the tourism management strategy is in terms<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the goal “to increase the level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local ownership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang tourism businesses <strong>and</strong> to decrease the<br />
level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> foreign <strong>and</strong> outside ownership”. So, having<br />
established that this is a goal they wish to m<strong>on</strong>itor,<br />
targets need to be set for the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
process, such as the date by which each evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
should be completed.<br />
114
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> current situati<strong>on</strong><br />
in Luang Prabang must<br />
be recorded in order to<br />
establish a baseline from<br />
which future changes can<br />
be measured.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
• Identifying Impact Areas <strong>and</strong> Indicators.<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong> 115<br />
Indicators need to be identified in order pinpoint where,<br />
how <strong>and</strong> to what extent tourism is causing change<br />
in Luang Prabang. Indicators also enable decisi<strong>on</strong>makers<br />
to evaluate <strong>and</strong> make timely decisi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong> the<br />
effectiveness <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism impact management activities,<br />
plans <strong>and</strong> strategies.<br />
As part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this stage it is important that the current<br />
situati<strong>on</strong>, including the c<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> historic buildings<br />
<strong>and</strong> heritage sites, is recorded. A ‘snapshot’ <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
original state <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> affairs will act as a baseline from which<br />
to measure what <strong>and</strong> how much change occurs in the<br />
future as a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the management<br />
plans designed to minimize the negative impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism.<br />
When the goal being m<strong>on</strong>itored is, for example, “to<br />
increase the level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local ownership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang<br />
tourism businesses”, informati<strong>on</strong> about the current<br />
levels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local ownership should be recorded, so that<br />
changes in levels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ownership are measurable. In this<br />
case, a possible indicator would be the “number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
local residents (<strong>and</strong> n<strong>on</strong>-residents) owning tourism<br />
businesses”. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore, over time, when this indicator<br />
is measured <strong>and</strong> compared with the baseline, tourism<br />
managers are able to determine how much (if any)<br />
progress towards the goal has occurred.<br />
To provide useful informati<strong>on</strong>, indicators should<br />
be relevant, simple, underst<strong>and</strong>able <strong>and</strong> practical.<br />
Provided they are measurable, indicators do not have to<br />
be quantitative but can also be qualitative.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> effective design <strong>and</strong> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> indicators requires joint<br />
acti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> involvement <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> all stakeholders. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> process<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> identifying indicators can also be a means for the<br />
Luang Prabang community to analyze the impacts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
tourism <strong>and</strong> identify the risks, opporunities <strong>and</strong> the<br />
acceptable limits to change.<br />
Table D.1 presents a set <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> subject areas from which<br />
specific indicators could be developed.
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Impact Areas Subjects Measure changes in:<br />
Ec<strong>on</strong>omic • Income<br />
• Employment levels<br />
• Business opportunities <strong>and</strong><br />
growth<br />
• Tourist spending behaviour<br />
Social • Health <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents<br />
• Educati<strong>on</strong> levels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents<br />
- Income levels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents<br />
- Expenditure patterns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people<br />
employed in the tourism<br />
industry<br />
- Expenditure patterns <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
people living in the heritage<br />
protecti<strong>on</strong> z<strong>on</strong>e<br />
- Income distributi<strong>on</strong> (from<br />
community cooperatives for<br />
local products – food, cloth,<br />
festivals etc.)<br />
- Number <strong>and</strong> types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
employment in Luang Prabang<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local people<br />
employed in tourism (<strong>and</strong> n<strong>on</strong>tourism)<br />
businesses, <strong>and</strong> the<br />
types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism jobs they are<br />
employed in<br />
- Number <strong>and</strong> types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism<br />
businesses<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locally (<strong>and</strong><br />
foreign) owned <strong>and</strong> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
locally (<strong>and</strong> foreign) c<strong>on</strong>trolled<br />
tourism businesses<br />
- What products <strong>and</strong> services<br />
tourists buy<br />
- How much tourists pay for<br />
products <strong>and</strong> services (<strong>and</strong> are<br />
willing to pay)<br />
- Infant mortality rates<br />
- Life expectancy<br />
- Literacy rates<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people with<br />
primary, sec<strong>on</strong>dary <strong>and</strong> higher<br />
educati<strong>on</strong><br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local people with<br />
training in tourism studies<br />
116
Cultural<br />
Heritage<br />
• L<strong>and</strong> ownership patterns<br />
(n<strong>on</strong>-resident/resident)<br />
• Prices <strong>and</strong> cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> living<br />
• Values <strong>and</strong> customs<br />
• Sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> community identity<br />
• Housing styles<br />
Envir<strong>on</strong>ment • Polluti<strong>on</strong><br />
• Use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local knowledge <strong>and</strong><br />
skills<br />
• Ecosystem health<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong> 117<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> locals (<strong>and</strong><br />
outsiders) owning l<strong>and</strong> in<br />
the heritage z<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
- L<strong>and</strong> prices (relative to income<br />
levels)<br />
- Cost <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> food <strong>and</strong> c<strong>on</strong>sumer<br />
goods (relative to income<br />
levels)<br />
- Participati<strong>on</strong> rates in temple<br />
events <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
cerem<strong>on</strong>ies<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural festivals<br />
(<strong>and</strong> authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> these<br />
events)<br />
- Amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey d<strong>on</strong>ated<br />
by local residents to their<br />
community temple<br />
- Extent to which local residents<br />
value their community <strong>and</strong><br />
participate in community<br />
events<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al-style<br />
buildings <strong>and</strong> buildings built<br />
with traditi<strong>on</strong>al materials <strong>and</strong><br />
techiques<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people with<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>al building <strong>and</strong> craft<br />
skills <strong>and</strong> number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people<br />
employed using those skills<br />
- Solid waste generated from<br />
tourism activities<br />
- Levels <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> water (river <strong>and</strong><br />
wetl<strong>and</strong>s), noise <strong>and</strong> air<br />
polluti<strong>on</strong><br />
- Species numbers, size <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
habitat <strong>and</strong> reproductive rates
Built Heritage • Heritage buildings <strong>and</strong> sites<br />
Attractiveness<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang as<br />
a <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Destinati<strong>on</strong><br />
• Town spatial layout<br />
• Tourist satisfacti<strong>on</strong> with<br />
Luang Prabang<br />
• Envir<strong>on</strong>ment <strong>and</strong> Ambience<br />
(eg.Traffic c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong>)<br />
• Authenticity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> built <strong>and</strong><br />
cultural heritage<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
- C<strong>on</strong>diti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> damage<br />
to heritage sites (in relati<strong>on</strong> to<br />
number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists)<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> roads <strong>and</strong> parking<br />
lots built in resp<strong>on</strong>se to<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for tourist buses <strong>and</strong><br />
other tourism-related vehicles<br />
- Length <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourist stay<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> repeat visitors<br />
- Qualitative visitor surveys<br />
- Number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> vehicles in the<br />
heritage protecti<strong>on</strong> district per<br />
day<br />
- Extent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> use <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
materials <strong>and</strong> techniques in<br />
restoring heritage buildings<br />
- Extent <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local people’s<br />
participati<strong>on</strong> in traditi<strong>on</strong>al<br />
cultural activities<br />
Table D.1: Subject areas for the development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> indicators.<br />
• Establishing Databases <strong>and</strong> Collecting Informati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
It is important to ensure that both baseline <strong>and</strong> indicator<br />
data are accurate since they form the basis for the<br />
m<strong>on</strong>itoring process. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore data need to be collected<br />
in a reliable <strong>and</strong> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>essi<strong>on</strong>al manner.<br />
As part <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> this stage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
process, schedules for measuring indicators need to be<br />
designed, because the informati<strong>on</strong> must be collected<br />
<strong>and</strong> evaluated regularly. Also, methods for collecting<br />
informati<strong>on</strong> need to be determined. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> selecti<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> appropriate methods depends <strong>on</strong> several factors<br />
such as: objectives for collecting the data, quality <strong>and</strong><br />
quantity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> informati<strong>on</strong> required, the competency <strong>and</strong><br />
skills <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people who perform this task <strong>and</strong> the time <strong>and</strong><br />
resources available. At the same time, databases - which<br />
record the data that has been collected - need to be<br />
designed carefully so that the informati<strong>on</strong> is clear <strong>and</strong><br />
comprehensible <strong>and</strong> can be easily accessed.<br />
118
Local residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang, gathered together<br />
to play a local versi<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the French game <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
petanque.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
M<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong> 119<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> proposed Luang Prabang tourism council (or<br />
committee) outlined <strong>on</strong> page 82, would be resp<strong>on</strong>sible<br />
for establishing the databases, while community<br />
<strong>and</strong> government organizati<strong>on</strong>s would collect the<br />
relevant social, cultural, envir<strong>on</strong>mental <strong>and</strong> tourism<br />
data (according to the indicators). Luang Prabang<br />
organizati<strong>on</strong>s involved in data collecti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
provisi<strong>on</strong> would include: La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine,<br />
the Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong>, the Luang<br />
Prabang Provincial <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Office, the Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Industry <strong>and</strong> H<strong>and</strong>icrafts, the Provincial Agriculture<br />
<strong>and</strong> Forestry <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fice, the Rural Development Directive<br />
Committee, the Luang Prabang Buddhist sangha.<br />
• Data Analysis <strong>and</strong> Evaluati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> analysis stage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong><br />
process involves examining the informati<strong>on</strong> that has<br />
been collected <strong>and</strong> determining what it means in terms<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the stakeholders goals <strong>and</strong> objectives. For example,<br />
if the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local residents owning tourism<br />
businesses has increased, this could indicate that<br />
tourism management strategies have been at least partly<br />
successful in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> achieving the goal to “increase<br />
the level <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> local ownership <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang tourism<br />
businesses”.<br />
This stage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the process should involve the key<br />
stakeholder groups <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. Stakeholder<br />
perspectives must be c<strong>on</strong>sidered when analysing <strong>and</strong><br />
interpreting data. Certain groups in the community,<br />
such as the Buddhist sangha, would c<strong>on</strong>tribute valuable<br />
perspectives when evaluating the data c<strong>on</strong>cerned with<br />
cultural indicators, for example.<br />
Data analysis <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> must carried out carefully.<br />
It may be that changes are not directly related to tourism<br />
management but are a result <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> other events within<br />
the local, provincial or nati<strong>on</strong>al setting. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>refore<br />
managers need to be sophisticated in dealing with the<br />
data generated by the m<strong>on</strong>itoring process <strong>and</strong> cauti<strong>on</strong><br />
should always be exercised when making evaluati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> box below discusses the need for a holistic approach<br />
when using indicators <strong>and</strong> interpreting data.
Using Indicators <strong>and</strong><br />
Interpreting Data<br />
A woman giving a d<strong>on</strong>ati<strong>on</strong><br />
at her village temple in<br />
Luang Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks<br />
keep written records <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
amounts d<strong>on</strong>ated.<br />
(<strong>UNESCO</strong> file photo)<br />
Part 2: <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Impacts <strong>and</strong> Management in Luang Prabang<br />
Indicators need to be c<strong>on</strong>sidered in the wider c<strong>on</strong>text as<br />
they are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten not useful <strong>on</strong> their own. For example, when<br />
evaluating indicator data in order to determine what that<br />
data mean in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the objective that “tourism should<br />
c<strong>on</strong>tribute to community development <strong>and</strong> improved<br />
quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents”, it is important to c<strong>on</strong>sider<br />
the entire range <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ec<strong>on</strong>omic, social <strong>and</strong> envir<strong>on</strong>mental<br />
factors. While the incomes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the residents <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang may rise (indicating an increase in ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
benefits), at the same time the amount <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ey these<br />
residents d<strong>on</strong>ate to temples may decrease or may not<br />
increase at the same rate, indicating a decline in ‘sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
community’ or a decreased valuati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> culture. Also, the<br />
envir<strong>on</strong>mental indicators may dem<strong>on</strong>strate a decrease in<br />
biodiversity <strong>and</strong> increase in polluti<strong>on</strong>. Overall, therefore,<br />
tourism may not be c<strong>on</strong>tributing to an improved quality<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents, in spite <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the rise in incomes.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> stakeholders <strong>and</strong> Luang Prabang tourism council need<br />
to examine the interacti<strong>on</strong>s between the various indicators<br />
<strong>and</strong>, using their various areas <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> expertise <strong>and</strong> knowledge,<br />
interpret each indicator in relati<strong>on</strong> to the others in order to<br />
gain a holistic underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the impact <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism <strong>and</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the success <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> management strategies.<br />
• Developing Mitigati<strong>on</strong> Measures <strong>and</strong> Remediati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Aside from enabling managers to measure progress<br />
towards goals, m<strong>on</strong>itoring is carried out in order to<br />
ensure that any negative change or trend is dealt with<br />
in a timely manner. M<strong>on</strong>itoring is also performed in<br />
order to ensure that if improvements are not occurring,<br />
appropriate adjustments are made to the management<br />
plans, programmes <strong>and</strong> activities. If the data indicate<br />
that the community’s goals for Luang Prabang are not<br />
being realized, tourism managers need to make changes<br />
to their plans <strong>and</strong> develop mitigati<strong>on</strong> methods which<br />
will quickly improve the situati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re is a clear need for skilled change agents to be<br />
involved in the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process,<br />
particularly at this stage. Possible change agents in<br />
Luang Prabang could be the local teachers or m<strong>on</strong>ks.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se change agents would facilitate involvement by all<br />
stakeholders in the m<strong>on</strong>itoring <strong>and</strong> evaluati<strong>on</strong> process,<br />
ensure their support <strong>and</strong> commitment <strong>and</strong> facilitate<br />
communicati<strong>on</strong> such that informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> feedback,<br />
including ideas about what changes should be made to<br />
management plans (to mitigate undesirable trends), are<br />
efficiently relayed to the tourism managers.<br />
120
FUTURE<br />
DIRECTIONS<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> prabang image, being<br />
paraded through the streets<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang during<br />
the pimai festival.<br />
(Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
Future Directi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> has <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fered new opportunities <strong>and</strong> benefits to the<br />
people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang. Customs <strong>and</strong> traditi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>on</strong>ce<br />
forgotten have come to life, temples have been renovated<br />
<strong>and</strong> festivals have gained new vigour. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>re has also been<br />
an opportunity for some people in Lao PDR to benefit<br />
financially from the tourist boom.<br />
But while the outlook for the development <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism in<br />
Luang Prabang is promising, there is evidence that the<br />
ec<strong>on</strong>omic, social <strong>and</strong> cultural changes brought about by<br />
tourism are not all positive.<br />
While some people have gained income from tourism,<br />
many <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> those benefiting are not from Luang Prabang or<br />
even from Lao PDR. New livelihood opportunities have<br />
been created but are <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>ten low-skilled, low-paid positi<strong>on</strong>s,<br />
with skilled work <strong>and</strong> pr<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>its going mainly to n<strong>on</strong>residents.<br />
Also, l<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> commodity prices are increasing<br />
but the incomes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> most Luang Prabang residents are not<br />
rising in proporti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
And while the heritage <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang is its biggest<br />
marketing tool, the cultural fragility <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the town <strong>and</strong><br />
the limited capacity <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the built <strong>and</strong> natural heritage<br />
to accommodate greater numbers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists is being<br />
overlooked. While tourism has sometimes been an<br />
impetus for the restorati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> temples, these buildings<br />
are being restored using inappropriate modern materials<br />
<strong>and</strong> techniques with the result that these buildings are<br />
diminishing in terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> durability <strong>and</strong> value. Most<br />
alarmingly, authenticity in heritage preservati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
presentati<strong>on</strong> is not being adequately addressed so that,<br />
paradoxically, heritage buildings are losing their appeal<br />
to tourists. Furthermore, while temples raise funds<br />
through entrance fees, <strong>on</strong>ly relatively small amounts are<br />
reinvested in c<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
While greater numbers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists bring more ec<strong>on</strong>omic<br />
opportunities, the increased number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> people in the town<br />
is leading to problems <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> c<strong>on</strong>gesti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> polluti<strong>on</strong>, with<br />
potentially negative c<strong>on</strong>sequences for the quality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> life<br />
<strong>and</strong> health <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> residents. In additi<strong>on</strong>, the rise in tourismrelated<br />
c<strong>on</strong>structi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> associated development is<br />
leading to encroachment <strong>on</strong> wetl<strong>and</strong>s <strong>and</strong> other natural<br />
areas, posing threats to wildlife <strong>and</strong> biodiversity.<br />
And while tourism is opening the town to new<br />
technologies <strong>and</strong> ideas, unless tourism is managed with<br />
the residents’ needs in mind it will threaten the relevance<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their religious traditi<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> will excessively interrupt<br />
their daily lives <strong>and</strong> diminish their sense <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> community.<br />
121
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> binthabat cerem<strong>on</strong>y,<br />
<strong>on</strong>e <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang’s<br />
precious cultural traditi<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
(Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Future Directi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
This publicati<strong>on</strong> dem<strong>on</strong>strates that successful tourism<br />
<strong>and</strong> heritage management in Luang Prabang will depend<br />
<strong>on</strong> an effective <strong>and</strong> comprehensive planning process,<br />
with significant stakeholder participati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>and</strong> the clear<br />
articulati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the visi<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> goals <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> management strategies presented here<br />
focus <strong>on</strong> c<strong>on</strong>serving <strong>and</strong> strengthening cultural traditi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<strong>and</strong> heritage, the key resources <strong>on</strong> which tourism in<br />
Luang Prabang is based. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se strategies are a means <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
ensuring tourism is a positive, rather than negative, force<br />
for cultural heritage preservati<strong>on</strong>, <strong>on</strong>e which c<strong>on</strong>tributes<br />
to safeguarding the precious <strong>and</strong> irreplaceable cultural<br />
traditi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the people <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>se management strategies are designed to indicate<br />
to the major stakeholders in Luang Prabang (<strong>and</strong> those<br />
working in similar communities) the future directi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
they should take <strong>and</strong> the types <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> acti<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> initiatives<br />
that are necessary in order to successfully manage tourism<br />
to achieve sustainable development <strong>and</strong> to maximize the<br />
l<strong>on</strong>g-term benefits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism for the community.<br />
By identifying the main issues in heritage preservati<strong>on</strong><br />
<strong>and</strong> tourism development <strong>and</strong> suggesting possible ways<br />
to proceed in creating sustainable tourism industries, it is<br />
hoped that IMPACT: Luang Prabang will provide support<br />
<strong>and</strong> directi<strong>on</strong> in Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> suggest approaches<br />
which can also be used at other sites in Lao PDR facing<br />
similar situati<strong>on</strong>s, <strong>and</strong> throughout the world.<br />
122
BIBLIOGRAPHY<br />
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Centre for Envir<strong>on</strong>mental Design, Research <strong>and</strong> Outreach <strong>and</strong> Faculty<br />
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Cummings, J. Laos, L<strong>on</strong>ely Planet Publicati<strong>on</strong>s, Melbourne, 1998.<br />
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Evans, G. A Short History <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos: <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> L<strong>and</strong> In Between, Silkworm Books, Chiang<br />
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Evans, G. Laos <strong>Culture</strong> <strong>and</strong> Society, Silkworm Books, Chiang Mai, 2000.<br />
Evans, G. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Politics <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Ritual <strong>and</strong> Remembrance: Laos Since 1975, Silkworm<br />
Books, Chiang Mai, 1998.<br />
Gosling, B. Old Luang Prabang, Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1996.<br />
Jamies<strong>on</strong>, W. (ed). Sustainable <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Destinati<strong>on</strong> Management, Training <strong>and</strong><br />
Technology Transfer Program, Canadian Universities C<strong>on</strong>sortium Urban<br />
Envir<strong>on</strong>mental Management Project at Asian Institute <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Technology (AIT),<br />
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Jamies<strong>on</strong>, W. <strong>and</strong> Noble, A. A Manual for Interpreting Community Heritage for<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g>, Training <strong>and</strong> Technology Transfer Program, Canadian Universities<br />
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Jamies<strong>on</strong>, W., Getz, D., Jamal, T., <strong>and</strong> Noble, A. Local Level Planning for<br />
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Kanlaya, S. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Role <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> Management Planning For the Town Of<br />
Luang Prabang, paper presented at the 7th Seminar <strong>on</strong> the C<strong>on</strong>servati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asian<br />
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Laos, Vientiane, 2003.<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Development Organisati<strong>on</strong> (SNV), Luang Prabang Community-<br />
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Discussi<strong>on</strong> Paper No. 9, June 1999.
GLOSSARY<br />
Glossary 126<br />
baci (baisi) An ancient, pre-Buddhist ritual still practiced by Tai speakers<br />
all over the upper Mek<strong>on</strong>g regi<strong>on</strong>. In Luang Prabang <strong>and</strong> other<br />
parts <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR, baci is performed at specific times during the<br />
life cycle, such as births <strong>and</strong> weddings am<strong>on</strong>g other occasi<strong>on</strong>s<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> celebrati<strong>on</strong>.<br />
ban Lao word for village<br />
binthabat Morning <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g>fering <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> food (usually rice) given to the m<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong><br />
novices as a daily expressi<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> generosity by the laity <strong>and</strong> a<br />
way <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> earning merit.<br />
bodhi tree <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> sacred tree under which Siddhartha Gautama, the<br />
historical Buddha Shakyamuni, meditated at Bodhi Gaya,<br />
India, achieving his enlightenment, becoming a Buddha.<br />
Cuttings from the original tree have been transported to many<br />
places throughout South East Asia <strong>and</strong> planted in m<strong>on</strong>astery<br />
compounds <strong>and</strong> other auspicious locati<strong>on</strong>s.<br />
boun (bun) Merit earned through Buddhist religious rituals; ‘boun’ also<br />
means ‘festival’ in Lao.<br />
Brahmanism A modern term for what were originally Indian religious<br />
practices, an early form <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hinduism, that spread to other<br />
regi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Asia. Many Brahmanist rituals <strong>and</strong> beliefs blend<br />
seamlessly with Buddhist practices.<br />
Buddha In general, ‘Buddha’ means ‘Awakened One’, some<strong>on</strong>e who<br />
has awakened from the sleep <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> ignorance <strong>and</strong> sees things as<br />
they really are. A Buddha is a pers<strong>on</strong> who is completely free<br />
from all faults <strong>and</strong> mental obstructi<strong>on</strong>s. Usually, ‘the Buddha’<br />
refers to the historical Buddha or Shakyamuni Buddha, the<br />
founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhism who was born in Lumbini, in presentday<br />
Nepal, approximately 2,300 years ago.<br />
Buddhism A philosophy based <strong>on</strong> the teachings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Buddha, which<br />
developed into a variety <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> schools as it spread first through<br />
Indian cultural areas, developing further modificati<strong>on</strong>s in<br />
Central, East <strong>and</strong> Southeast Asia.<br />
carrying capacity A tool <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> management to identify the limits <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a locati<strong>on</strong> in<br />
terms <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> its natural resources. In the case <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourism, this tool<br />
identifies the number <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> tourists a destinati<strong>on</strong> can accept before<br />
its envir<strong>on</strong>ment begins to collapse.<br />
dok so fa Translated as “flower <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> heaven”, the dok so fa is a metal<br />
decorati<strong>on</strong> symbolising the universe with rising rings <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> small<br />
umbrella-shaped ornaments, placed <strong>on</strong> the ro<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao sim.<br />
Fa Ngum, King <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> king that unified Laos in 1353.
Glossary 127<br />
interpretati<strong>on</strong> Explanati<strong>on</strong> or educati<strong>on</strong>al informati<strong>on</strong> that facilitates<br />
underst<strong>and</strong>ing <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a particular site or <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> cultural beliefs <strong>and</strong><br />
activities.<br />
kouti (kuti) M<strong>on</strong>ks’ living quarters in m<strong>on</strong>astery compounds.<br />
Khun Borom Ancestral figure in Laotian legend, said to have been born<br />
from a mystic gourd. According to legend, he had seven s<strong>on</strong>s<br />
who formed seven principalities <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their own. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> oldest s<strong>on</strong>,<br />
Khun Lo, is the mythical founder <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the principality <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang<br />
Prabang.<br />
Lane Xang Translated as “L<strong>and</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Milli<strong>on</strong> Elephants”. Former name<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laotian Kingdom in the fourteenth century, when King<br />
Fa Ngum c<strong>on</strong>quered <strong>and</strong> united the regi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> today’s Xieng<br />
Khouang, Khorat Plateau (in northeastern Thail<strong>and</strong>) <strong>and</strong><br />
Luang Prabang.<br />
Lao A branch <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Tai-speaking linguistic family that settled in<br />
what is now Lao PDR. <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao c<strong>on</strong>stitute the largest ethnic<br />
group <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang.<br />
Lao, Laotian A pers<strong>on</strong> who comes from Laos or Lao PDR.<br />
Lao Issara Free Lao movement that was formed during World War II,<br />
from the time <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Japanese occupati<strong>on</strong> in 1941 until the French<br />
re-entered Laos in 1945.<br />
Laos, Lao PDR <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> People’s Democratic Republic <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos. A l<strong>and</strong>-locked<br />
country in Southeast Asia bordered by Cambodia, China,<br />
Myanmar, Thail<strong>and</strong>, <strong>and</strong> Viet Nam.<br />
Mek<strong>on</strong>g River <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> most important river that runs through Lao PDR. Laotians<br />
derive the majority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> their protein from the Mek<strong>on</strong>g River <strong>and</strong><br />
rely <strong>on</strong> it for transport.<br />
m<strong>on</strong>itoring A management technique used in assessing success <strong>and</strong> failure<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> a policy, plan or strategies.<br />
mudra A symbolic gesture <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the h<strong>and</strong>s in Buddhist ic<strong>on</strong>ography.<br />
naga Mythical serpent deity that is associated with the life-giving<br />
powers <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> water throughout the Indian-influenced regi<strong>on</strong>s <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Southeast Asia.<br />
Pathet Lao Name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the communist forces that gained c<strong>on</strong>trol <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
Laotian government in 1975; the literal translati<strong>on</strong> is ‘Lao L<strong>and</strong>’<br />
<strong>and</strong> is used as a general term for the country.<br />
phi Spirits or ghosts.<br />
Phousi Directly translated as “sacred hill”. It is the hill in the middle <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Luang Prabang.
Glossary 128<br />
pimai New Year festival in April. In all <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR people splash<br />
water <strong>on</strong> each other to signify cleansing. Pimai is the biggest<br />
nati<strong>on</strong>al holiday in Lao PDR <strong>and</strong> lasts for several days.<br />
pra (phra) H<strong>on</strong>orific term applied to esteemed pers<strong>on</strong>s <strong>and</strong> sacred<br />
objects.<br />
prabang Image <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Buddha that is the palladium <strong>and</strong> protectorate <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lao PDR. Luang Prabang derived its name from the prabang<br />
image.<br />
reliquary A c<strong>on</strong>tainer for a sacred relic such as a casket or shrine.<br />
sa paper Mulberry paper. H<strong>and</strong>made paper - made from mulberry tree<br />
bark.<br />
sangha <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> organizati<strong>on</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhist m<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> novices. One <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the<br />
triple gems <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Buddhism, the others being the Dhamma <strong>and</strong><br />
the Buddha.<br />
Setthathirat, King King from 1548 –1571. During his reign he moved the capital<br />
from Luang Prabang to Vientiane.<br />
Sisavang V<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
King<br />
Siam Previous name <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Thai kingdom that encompassed much <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g><br />
Lao PDR including Luang Prabang.<br />
sim Ordinati<strong>on</strong> hall in a vat<br />
Laotian King (1904–1959) who collaborated with the French.<br />
He undertook numerous preservati<strong>on</strong>, restorati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
beautificati<strong>on</strong> projects in Luang Prabang.<br />
sou khuan “Calling back the spirits”. A comm<strong>on</strong> term for the baci cerem<strong>on</strong>y<br />
in which the khuan (spiritual powers) are called up<strong>on</strong> to bring<br />
strength, luck <strong>and</strong> protecti<strong>on</strong>.<br />
Sourigna V<strong>on</strong>gsa,<br />
King<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> King <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Laos when Europeans first arrived in Luang<br />
Prabang. He reigned from 1654-1712 <strong>and</strong> up<strong>on</strong> his death<br />
the kingdom was split into three separate kingdoms: Luang<br />
Prabang in the north, Vientiane in the centre <strong>and</strong> Champasak<br />
in the south.<br />
stupa Buddhist mound-shaped m<strong>on</strong>ument which houses relics or<br />
ashes <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> m<strong>on</strong>ks <strong>and</strong> the devout.<br />
Tai A large linguistic group including the Thai <strong>and</strong> Lao.<br />
that Laotian term for stupa.<br />
vat Laotian name for <str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g>ravada Buddhist m<strong>on</strong>astery (temple).
Cover <strong>and</strong> layout designed by Sirisak Chaiyasook<br />
Cover Illustrati<strong>on</strong>:<br />
Fr<strong>on</strong>t cover: Top: (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Left: (Photo: Richard Engelhardt)<br />
Right: (Photo: Rik P<strong>on</strong>ne)<br />
Back cover: Left: (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Center: (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
Right: (Photo: Sirisak Chaiyasook)<br />
For more informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> questi<strong>on</strong>s please c<strong>on</strong>tact:<br />
United Nati<strong>on</strong>s Educati<strong>on</strong>al, Scientific <strong>and</strong> Cultural Organizati<strong>on</strong><br />
Office <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> the Regi<strong>on</strong>al Advisor for <strong>Culture</strong> in Asia <strong>and</strong> the Pacific<br />
<strong>UNESCO</strong> <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
P.O. Box 967, Prakan<strong>on</strong>g,<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> 10110, Thail<strong>and</strong><br />
E-mail: culture@unescobkk.org<br />
Website: www.unescobkk.org/culture/impact<br />
Pacific Asia Travel Associati<strong>on</strong> (PATA)<br />
Unit B1, 28th Floor, Siam Tower, 989 Rama I Road, Pathumwan,<br />
<strong>Bangkok</strong> 10330, Thail<strong>and</strong><br />
Website: www.pata.org<br />
School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry Management<br />
University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai’i<br />
2560 Campus Road, George Hall, Room 345<br />
H<strong>on</strong>olulu, Hawai’i 96822, USA<br />
Website: www.tim.hawaii.edu
United Nati<strong>on</strong>s Educati<strong>on</strong>al, scientific <strong>and</strong> Cultural Organizati<strong>on</strong> (<strong>UNESCO</strong>)<br />
Pacific Asia Travel Associati<strong>on</strong> (PATA)<br />
School <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Travel Industry Management, University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Hawai‘i<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Royal Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Embassy to Thail<strong>and</strong>, Lao PDR, Cambodia, <strong>and</strong><br />
Myanmar in <strong>Bangkok</strong><br />
Thai Airways Internati<strong>on</strong>al<br />
Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operati<strong>on</strong><br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Nati<strong>on</strong>al <str<strong>on</strong>g>Tourism</str<strong>on</strong>g> Authority <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Lao PDR<br />
<str<strong>on</strong>g>The</str<strong>on</strong>g> Department <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Informati<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Culture</strong> <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Luang Prabang, Lao PDR<br />
La Mais<strong>on</strong> du Patrimoine, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR<br />
Netherl<strong>and</strong>s Development Organizati<strong>on</strong> (SNV)<br />
Historical Resources Intern Program, University <str<strong>on</strong>g>of</str<strong>on</strong>g> Calgary, Canada