The unusually low level of many rivers across Laos has resulted in reduced flow in waterfalls in several provinces, with fears it could affect long term tourism patterns.
Head of the Luang Prabang provincial tourism department, Khamphoui Phommavong, said the province has witnessed a remarkable drop in water levels in many rivers and waterfalls.
“Although we have witnessed less water in our waterfalls for several years, this year the water level has decreased quite remarkably,” he said, adding that the Mekong River is at the lowest level he has ever seen.
“We are seeing many sandbanks appear that we never knew were there,” he said.
“The operation of larger cruise boats for tourism on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Bokeo province has stopped, and even smaller boats have encountered difficulties.”
Despite the low water levels, tourists are continuing to flock to the World Heritage Site to experience its cultural charm, with four waterfalls- Tad Quangxi, Tad Xae, Tad Thong and Tad Hien - among the popular attractions for visitors, according to Mr Khamphoui.
If the situation continues, Mr Khamphoui admitted he is worried that it will affect tourism, adding that visitors to these natural sites generate a means of income for many local people.
Head of the tourism office in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province, Phouvieng Sikaysone, said the Xong River was about 1m lower than average.
However, kayaking, tubing and other activities along the river are still operating as usual.
Another three waterfalls in the district have also been affected, Mr Phouvieng said.
Deputy fead of Savannakhet tourism department, Siha Phannavong, said Salaen waterfall in Xepon district and Kaengsamuktaek waterfall in Phin district had already dried up, while another two waterfalls in the province have also been affected.
“At this time in previous years, the Salaen and Kaengsamuktaek waterfalls still had water running, but they now have no water,” he told the Vientiane Times.
Though these sites do not contribute significantly to tourism earnings, Mr Siha conceded that they could affect visitor numbers.
Officials believe the low river levels this year are linked to many factors including deforestation and low rainfall in northern areas of the region.
Analysis of rainfall at selected hydrological stations in Yunnan province in China, and Chiang Saen and Luang Prabang, has shown a consistent pattern of monthly precipitation significantly below average amounts since September 2009, according to the Mekong River Commission.
Commission officials said the lowest level of the Mekong River in several decades has made the water in the Mekong's tributaries flow more swiftly, causing a more rapid decrease in tributary water levels.
