The Lao government has agreed to the opening of a direct air route between the Lao province of Luong Prabang and Vietnam’s north-western city of Dien Bien Phu .

Vice mayor of Luong Prabang province Khampheng Saysompheng said the new route will help develop tourism in the ancient capital of Luong Prabang, a world heritage site, and the historic city of Dien Bien Phu. According to him, the Lao government is waiting for Vietnam ’s reply to this proposal.

There are already direct flights from Luong Prabang to Hanoi , Xiem Riep and three other Thai localities.

The Lao government has also licensed a construction project for a new international airport in Luong Prabang which has a total investment of US$86 million. The work is scheduled to be launched next year and completed by 2013. (VNA)