Laos, a landlocked country, relies on its mountains, rivers, and historical sites to attract tourists, with Luang Prabang being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s beauty is tied to the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. However, a multibillion-dollar dam project 25 kilometers upstream has raised concerns about the potential impact on Luang Prabang’s UNESCO status and broader questions about the consequences of Laos’ plans to build multiple dams across the Mekong River. Experts warn that the dam could affect tourism and disrupt the interactions of locals with the river.