Vientiane Planning and Investment Department signed an agreement, this January 2016, with two private companies to develop the Nong-Or zone in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane, into a tourist site.
Vientiane Times reported that the Vientiane Planning and Investment Department concluded a Memorandum of Understanding for the project.
The MoU was inked between the department director, Phoukhong Bannavong, Leading Real Estate Development Company president, Qing Jikang and Automart Import-Export Sole Company president, Thongsavanh Onkorlabout.
Covering 24 hectares, Nong-Or zone will feature a nature-themed tourism park, a shopping mall, apartments, school and entertainment venues.

The projects will cost USD50 million in two phases with the first due to be completed in 2018. It will include the park, followed by the second phase focusing on a hotel and shopping mall.
Leading Real Estate Development Company owns 95% of the project with the remaining 5% held by Automart Import-Export Sole Company. The land concession is for 70 years.
Last year, 4.3 million international tourists visited Laos increasing 4.88% from 4.1 million in 2014. Visits generated USD670 million in revenue, according to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism. The major source markets are Thailand Vietnam and China, On average, each visitor generates revenue of USD30 per day.
The most popular destinations are Luang Prabang, Champasak, and Vang Vieng, a district in Vientiane province.