CIVIBADemocracy and Civic Practices

Space

Nam Phou

Vientiane (Chanthabouly) · Vientiane · Laos

Participatory urbanismThird place2022

A square with a fountain on the old esplanade of the morning market. In 2011 Vientiane Capital granted it in concession to the company AIDC, which filled it with bars and restaurants. In 2021 the government asked for it back "because of society's demands", and on 21 December 2022 the company returned it rebuilt as a green space, without compensation. A rare case of public space won back through citizen pressure, though there is no sign that the month of public comments changed the design.

Led by
Vientiane Capital authorities; the concessionaire AIDC (AIF Group) ran it from 2011 to 2022 and rebuilt it as a green space before handing it back
Status
Active
Participation
Institution led
Visitable
Yes, an open public square with a fountain and green areas
Contact
No public contact on record
Last reviewed
1 October 2026

Verification

Verified

This place is backed by at least one primary and one secondary source, reviewed within the last twelve months. The sources appear below with their consultation dates.

  • Verified two sources including a primary one, or first-hand knowledge of the place
  • Partial one source on record
  • Unverified starting knowledge, sources pending

Sources

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