As described in Part I, Luang Namtha’s built heritage is not its primary tourism asset. Very few non-religious heritage buildings are left standing in the province. Those that are, for example, the Muang Sing Exhibition Centre or the old French army garrison in Muang Sing, have seen a loss of authenticity that occurred during restoration and routine maintenance, which was more a result of pragmatism by their owners rather than an attempt to alter their appearance to meet tourist tastes. This situation is also true for religious structures such as Muang Sing’s monasteries or Vat Luang Kone, where local communities have used modern building materials which have diminished the authenticity and character of these sites.