What do you think about the planned changes at the Nam Phou fountain square?

The Asia Investment, Development and Construction Sole Co., Ltd. (AIDC) was granted a concession to develop the Nam Phou fountain square and give it a new, colourful image. But now the company has returned the site to the state. A notice from the Prime Minister’s Office said the square was being returned to the state and assigned city authorities to work with the relevant groups to make appropriate changes, beautify the square, and make it suitable for use by people of all ages. Vientiane Times asked some local residents for their thoughts on this move.

Ms Lee, a resident of Chanthabouly district: When the colonial aesthetic at the square fell out of favour with Vientiane authorities, the site underwent a major transformation in 2012 and emerged as a much louder expression of modern Laos. I think it is good news that the square has been returned to the public domain. I would like to see the fountain celebrated as a legacy of the historical architect in Laos. For many years it sat in the centre of a quaint square, surrounded by small restaurants in an ambiance of old-world charm. I think it the transformation of this commercial area into the public garden, would offer local and foreign visitors a pleasant place for a morning or evening stroll. 
 
Ms Boudsady, a resident of Sikhottabong district: The fountain is not the largest or the most spectacular in Vientiane, but for years it was an important landmark and the area was popular with both locals and tourists. It offered a quiet respite amid the city’s increasingly busy streets. I think the authorities should discuss ways in which the site can best benefit the general public and visitors. We should band together to safeguard special places like this, as one by one they are all being dismantled or completely overshadowed by ugly developments. If more isn’t done to preserve the few remaining places of charm in Vientiane, there will soon be no reminders of the city’s past, or any attractive buildings.

Mr Khampheng, a resident of Sisattanak district:  It is very good news that the square has been returned to state. The Nam Phou fountain square is a heritage site and should be preserved. It was originally created as a public plaza and once hosted a daily fresh market. The installation of the fountain helped it become one of Vientiane’s most prominent landmarks and for years it was a popular gathering place, especially in the evenings. But then it was taken over by developers, who completely changed the character of the square. Of course, there must be development but, in my opinion, the public should have a say in development and major changes that are planned, and not be ridden over rough shod by commercial interests. 
 
Ms Khonsavanh Khemmavong, a government official in Vientiane:  Before developers took over the square, the area had a completely different character. Around 2006, the fountain was switched off to discourage young people from gathering there, as it had become known as a place of disrepute. The government allowed developers to take over the site, but the new buildings were unattractive and dwarfed the small picturesque places that formed the perimeter of the square. It’s a good thing that the site has been returned to the public. I think a museum should be built there, or a tourist information centre, and it should certainly be a place that reflects the city’s history, culture and traditions. Everyone should band together to preserve Vientiane’s places of charm, to give the city more appeal and ensure we don’t lose all of our old streets and buildings.  
 
Ms Chanxay Chansamone, a resident of Xaythany district: The square is a special place that everyone in Vientiane should try to preserve, because it is a historic site. I think the authorities should plant more trees and shrubs in the square to increase the number of green spaces in the city and give people a place to exercise and relax. I think we should do more to preserve old corners and buildings, so that all traces of the past are not completely destroyed.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update July 20, 2022)