LBP authorities to address issues at almsgiving, tourism sites

Authorities in Luang Prabang City of Luang Prabang province are working  with other sectors to tackle several issues highlighted in complaints from foreign visitors, especially the high prices of offerings sold for almsgiving.

Almsgiving is a long-time religious activity and has now become one of the signature events at Luang Prabang’s tourist spots.    --Photo Pong Phoonsab

Almsgiving is one of the most interesting ritual activities at many tourist sites of Laos that attracts foreign visitors, who are usually interested in participating in this unique practice. However, some foreign travellers have complained about unfair treatment by local vendors, who charge high prices for offerings whenever officials in-charge of inspections are not on duty
The Deputy Governor of Luang Prabang City, Mr Vilaythong Manivone, recently told the local media that Luang Prabang is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage City and several important activities have been promoted as part of cultural events aimed at attracting domestic and foreign visitors.
“Almsgiving or offering food to monks is a signature activity among religious activities in the city, which attracts more foreign tourists. But it seems that some local vendors have been selling offerings at higher prices in an aggressive manner. This has resulted in a number of complaints from local and foreign tourists,” he said.
He said there is a committee responsible for the inspection of almsgiving, but there could have been some incidents when its officials were not on duty.  
“We continue to improve some regulations to handle loopholes, and also work in collaboration with other sectors to take immediate action against any unwarranted behaviour by local vendors,” he said.
Mr Vilaythong called on vendors to carefully follow guidelines and regulations and advised tourist guides to accompany and facilitate tourists in order to avert any incidents in future.
He said the regulations for management of items sold for almsgiving were recently amended and these replaced the 2019 edition. These contain more accurate measures with directions and instruction to ensure order at the almsgiving sites.
At the same time, relevant officials at the central and provincial levels are required to take immediate action to facilitate foreign travellers, including identifying ways to lower the prices of consumer goods, hotel tariffs and transportation fares, and ensuring easy access to train tickets.
While there have been some negative incidents in the recent past, there were also positive stories shared on social media platforms about a group of foreign visitors being accompanied by local taxi drivers so that they could find hotels with reasonable tariffs.
Another positive story recently posted on social media was about a local resident returning a professional camera to its owner, who had left it behind at an almsgiving site.
Officials said it is important for local people to welcome foreign guests with hospitality, hugs and smiles so that the visitors return with good memories and want to come back to Laos often.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 4, 2022)