Boat cruises from Tha Ngon village used to charm local and foreign visitors, who enjoyed the fresh food and relaxing scenery but loud karaoke music is now changing the once peaceful atmosphere. This area is very popular, with hundreds of people visiting each weekend to relax; eating, drinking, enjoying a scenic view or going on a river cruise. Often both sides of the Nam Ngum River are crowded with visitors looking to enjoy themselves during their time off work.
Five years ago this area was very quiet and peaceful but this has recently begun to change. While many still enjoy a peaceful cruise long the river, some boat companies are offering karaoke and loud music for their customers. Although the increased number of customers is good for tourism, some people are finding the music to be a distraction. In the past, boat cruises from Tha Ngon offered restaurant style services that allowed customers to enjoy both their food and the beautiful scenery of the river. Oftentimes the boat would turn off its engines to allow passengers to experience the sights and sounds of nature.
This year the Vientiane Times had the opportunity to revisit this area and a lot has changed in the last five years. The overall increase in business is excellent for the local economy and the tourism industry, but the inclusion of speakers, televisions, and karaoke equipment on boats has completely changed the river cruise experience. Even on boats without this equipment, some passengers are dismayed at the sounds coming from other boats. One customer taking a cruise in Tha Ngon told the Vientiane Times that he was disappointed by the new karaoke boats. He told his foreign friends to expect a relaxing cruise but was embarrassed when he discovered how much things had changed. He suggested that perhaps old-style cruises could travel upstream while the karaoke cruises traveled downstream. Both styles of cruises remain popular with tourists and locals, he said, and a way to coexist should be worked out.
Vientiane Times
24 July, 2012
Article by Souknilundon, Southivongnorath