Laos: ECO Bungalow Project in Ban Long Lao Mai

Posted on 22 Oct, 2012 by GFA

The region of Ban Long Lao Mai is in the vicinity of Luang Prabang, Laos’ fourth largest city.  This scenic region with its picturesque countryside and its approximately 700 inhabitants is increasingly visited by tourists travelling through Laos.  The presence of increasing numbers of tourists gave rise to the idea of building an ECO bungalow that can be used by groups of tourists for overnight stays. Certified guides from the village will offer hikes in the limestone mountains in the area, to caves and to the Kuang Si waterfall.

The goal of this project is to create a sustainable new income source for the region’s inhabitants: through accommodation for and catering to tourists, and through the sale of local handicrafts. Volunteers from Sweden will join forces with the villagers at the end of 2012 to begin work on the construction of the ECO bungalow. Current plans are that 50 per cent of the revenue be transferred into a fund intended to benefit the entire village. This could then fund projects such as the construction of further ECO bungalows and various classrooms.

>> Link to project video