Buddhist monks visit a pagoda on Phousi Hill in Luang Prabang, Laos.

MYANMAR and Laos signed an agreement last month establishing Bagan and Luang Prabang as sister cities, with the aim of boosting tourism in both countries.The agreement was signed on May 13 at the Archaeological Museum in Bagan during a visit to Myanmar by Lao Minister of Information and Culture Mr Mounkeo Oraboun.

A tourism expert in Yangon told The Myanmar Times that Bagan and Luang Prabang are ancient cities that attract cultural tourists, and establishing them as sister cities would help promote friendship, understanding, and cooperation between Myanmar and Laos.

“For tourism to reach its potential between the two countries, they need to establish direct air links, increase accessibility, promote the two countries as a single destination, invite travel writers, organise familiarisation trips and produce TV documentaries on Myanmar-Laos,” he said.

He said Myanmar and Laos should also waive airport landing fees for direct flights between the two countries, create budgets for tourism development and reduce unnecessary travel restrictions, including border-crossing restrictions.

“There are two border crossings between Laos and Myanmar: the village of Wanpon on the Mekong River, which is a 45-minute drive from Tachileik, and Mong Maw. But there are hardly any people in these areas,” said the tourism expert.