Value-based development of Chiang Khan District, Loei Province, as a cultural tourism destination

Abstract

The purpose of this assessment is not simply to list assets but also assess cultural significance of the place as well as evaluate potential, quality, and level of service. The initial assessment also provides the baseline data, benchmark information for policy makers in measuring progress and making decisions as the cultural tourism programs move forward. The research methodology of the study employed qualitative and quantitative approach. Data collected are divided into four parts; documents review, in-depth interview, questionnaire, and site observation. An in-depth interview was conducted with 20 key persons who are stakeholders of Chiang Khan community. Moreover, 400 sets of questionnaires were gathered from sample tourists visiting Chiang Khan from December 30, 2008 until February 15, 2009, reliability test at 0.85 which accepted for statistic approach and the confidence level of this research is 95%. The data findings were analyzed by SPSS Program. The result revealed that the site has 5 cultural significance; historical, social, emotional, aesthetic and economic values. Tourists regard tranquility and simplicity as the uniqueness of Chiang Khan and wish it remains. Traditional wooden houses along Mekong River should be conserved as well as historical sites. The tourist support services are in satisfied level, anyway, the signs to attractions and information post of each spot should be improved in order to be convenient to access and communicate the true value of Chiang Khan to audiences. After analyzing the findings from this research, the researcher proposed the concept of "Slow City" in order to be a development plan for Chiang Khan.