Gensler puts landscape at center of 522-hectare tourism plan for Laos's Vang Vieng

Global design firm Gensler has unveiled a conceptual masterplan for a 522-hectare tourism destination in Vang Vieng, Laos, spanning the villages of Pakpor and Phoudindeng in Vientiane Province, designboom reported.

designboomgensler proposes landscape-first tourism masterplan for vang vieng, laos

"The proposal moves beyond conventional resort models by organizing hospitality, recreation, cultural programs, and infrastructure around the landscape and ecological systems of the area."

The plan signals a deliberate shift away from typical resort development, placing the region's natural terrain and waterways at the core of the design.

"The plan positions landscape as the foundation for future tourism development, reflecting Laos's ambitions to diversify its tourism economy."

According to designboom, the masterplan organizes infrastructure, recreation, and public space around the area's ecological systems and cultural identity. The proposal aims to support Laos's broader push to broaden its tourism offerings beyond conventional hotel clusters, instead weaving hospitality and cultural programs into the existing landscape.