Champasak:Tourism infrastructure upgrades in the Don Det-Don Khone area have been completed, enhancing facilities and transportation in this important tourism region. The upgrades were detailed by Tourism Development Department Director General Phonemaly Inthaphom during a media tour in Champasak from October 29-31, 2026. The infrastructure improvements were finalized on June 30, 2023.

According to Lao News Agency, the project in Ban Nakasang included the construction of a 2.9-kilometre reinforced-concrete road and a 60-metre access road leading to a parking area. Additionally, the passenger and tourist port saw enhancements such as a riverside walkway, guardrails, stairs to the boat dock, and solar-powered lighting. Upgrades were also made to the ticket office, waiting area, and parking facilities. A wooden-surfaced steel bridge was replaced with a reinforced-concrete bridge, and a 40-metre drainage pipe was installed towards the Mekong River.

On Don Det, the project saw the construction of three reinforced-concrete roads with a combined length of approximately 5.9 kilometres. Enhancements were made to parking areas at Hua Don Det and the old port, and a new viewpoint was developed for visitors.

On Don Khone, five reinforced-concrete roads totaling approximately 12.3 kilometres were constructed. Along the IRL-05 route, three new bridges were built, and upgrades were made to the old locomotive exhibition area and parking facilities in Ban Hang Khone.

These improvements are part of the project's second phase, valued at US$48.8 million, with significant financial backing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB provided a US$47 million grant, while the Lao government contributed US$1.8 million. The project agreement was signed in October 2018, and its implementation spanned from 2019 to 2026, covering Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Champasak provinces. The initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote inclusive tourism growth within the Greater Mekong Subregion.