Vientiane Capital authorities are considering a proposal to convert part of the Wat Tay drainage canal in Sikhottabong district into a floating night market, with the aim of boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the city’s nighttime economy.
The proposal was presented at the Vientiane Capital Administration Meeting on 30th December 2025, chaired by Mayor Atsaphangthong Siphandone, according to Vientiane Mai Newspaper. The meeting formed part of broader discussions on urban infrastructure and development priorities.
Officials outlined plans to begin with a feasibility study for Phase 2 of the Wat Tay drainage canal development. This phase covers sections passing through South Dongnasok, South Phonsavath, and North Nongbouathong villages. The concept involves transforming the canal into a floating night market featuring trading areas, tourism activities, and evening food and beverage services.
The Vientiane Capital Investment Promotion and Management Committee presented the proposal as a joint venture with a private company. If approved, the project is expected to create income opportunities for local vendors, improve the condition of urban waterways, and add a new leisure destination for residents and visitors.
The mayor noted in his concluding remarks that further technical assessments would be required before any decision could be made, and that the feasibility study would determine whether the project could proceed.
Discussion of the canal proposal took place alongside ongoing reviews of the Bus Rapid Transit system, which was launched in late November 2025 under the Vientiane Urban Sustainable Transport Project. Public concern intensified after five traffic accidents were reported during the initial trial period.
In early December 2025, the Office of the Prime Minister approved payments to contractors and instructed that adjustments be made to the project. On 16 December 2025, the Ministry of Public Works and Transport ordered the removal of concrete curbs, replacing them with painted lane markings. Authorities have warned that the BRT project could be suspended if donor funding is withdrawn.
The meeting also addressed several other infrastructure proposals, including:
- A roadside drainage channel project in Phakhao village, Xaythany district.
- The survey, design, and construction of concrete roads linking Dondaeng and Nongping roads in Chanthabouly district with Nongxeum in Xaythany district.
- New road connections from 13 North Road at Ban Nakhoun Noi to the railway area in Naxaithong district.
- Links from the railway to Tha Ngon Road, also known as Road 10, in Xaythany district.
- Maintenance of national highways through a combined output performance based road contract and toll collection model.
Participants also received updates on preparations for hosting a high level Vietnamese delegation to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lao PDR.
The session concluded with a review of Vientiane’s achievements in 2025 and the presentation of the capital’s 2026 work plan, with guidance from the mayor on priorities for the year ahead.
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