VIENTIANE PROVINCE

Vientiane province has a total population of 305,000. Its main town is Phonhong. Vientiane province is divided into nine districts: Phonhong, Thourakhom, Keo Oudom, Feuang, VangVieng, Kasy, Saysomboon, Hom and Sanakham.

Vang Vieng is a scenic district of Vientiane province, enjoying excellent weather with breath-taking views of rock and limestone mountains (Pha Tang, Phatto Nokham), caves and rock outcrops overhanging the Xong River. At only three kilometers of its center, you'll find Tham Chanh, Tham Phra, Tham Baat, and Tham Leusi the holy caves in the Chang rocky mountains.

Nam Ngum Lake is situated about 80km to the North of Vientiane. The beautiful scenery over the Nam Ngum river and its green valley is enhanced by the presence of a breathtaking lake. This is a man-made reservoir of an hydroelectric power dam, generating most of the electricity sold to Thailand. The forests with a big variety of woods are still there on the thousands of islands dotting the lake. It is a rewarding experience to discover the area by motorboat or spend the day at the many bungalows or on the "floating restaurant boat" to enjoy the picturesque scenes of water, island, forests and charming fishing-villages.  On the way to Nam Ngum Lake, a short detour will take you to Vangsang, an 11th century Buddhist archeological site, where primitive Buddha images are carved right on the rock cliff. A salt extraction plant using traditional methods and the Zoo can be visited at Ban Keun.

Vientaine & its Suburbs

Vientiane is the capital city of Lao. It is located on a curve of the Mekong River sharing the border with Thailand. Vientiane attractiveness is located in the old town located along the Mekong River, ancient temples and tree lined boulevards that used to be a fortified wall against foreign invasions.  Vientiane’s sophistication in with galleries, theatres, nightclubs was influenced by it’s foreign predecessor.   Though a small city, it offers its visitors a great variety of restaurant with cuisine ranging from genuine Lao specialties to Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Thai and European specialties.

Arch Monument "Pratuxai"
Situated in the center of Vientiane prefecture, this Victory Gate, also known as Anousavali was constructed in 1958, its architecture was inspired from the Arce de Triomph in Paris and incorporates the typical Lao motifs including Kinnari, the Mythical bird-woman. Energetic visitors can climb to the top of the monument and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

That Luang
That Luang Shrine (great Sacred Stupa) is the most important national monument in Vientiane, with golden stupa believed to contain a relic of Buddha. That Luang was constructed to gather Lao people all over the country and became the cultural center since 1566. That Luang Festival is organized yearly on the full moon of November and it is celebrated for 7 days and nights with traditional performances.

National Ethnic Cultural Park
Suan Vatthana Tham, The National Ethnic Culture Park is located 20 km downstream from Vientiane, Follow Shady Paths past model Lao Homes Sculpture of Lao literary heroes and small zoo. Relax at riverside, bars and restaurant and enjoy the view of khua Mittaphab, The Friendship Bridge. Open daily from 08:00-18:00.

Beginning of construction in 1991, and officially opened in April 1994 - length 1,174 meters. – Width 12.7 meters across the Mekong River between Laos-Thailand.

Vangsang Cave or Elephant Court: remains of ancient sanctuary dated over three hundreds years before foundation of the kingdom of Lanexang.  Vangsang consist of five large pink sandstone’s sculptures and two huge Buddha. This place now becomes a tourist center and picnic area for Vientiane people in weekend.

Vang Vieng & Tham Chang

Vang Vieng is a famous district in Vientiane province, and is about 150 km out of the capital.  According to the local folklore, there are many mysterious places in Vang Vieng such as Caves Patho Nokham, Patang, Tham Chang, Nam Xong River etc.
Take in the pictureques landscape and sights of the local countryside.

LUANG PRABANG “THE WORLD HERITAGE CITY”

Luang Prabang Province Luang Prabang is the ancient capital city of the Lan Xang Kingdom. According to the Luang Prabang legend, the first name of Luang Parabang was Muang Swa, named after King Khun Xua around the eighth century, later known as Xieng Dong and Xieng Thong. During the reign of King Fa Ngum between 1354 and 1372 A.D., Xieng Dong, and Xieng Thong cities were renamed Luang Prabang in the name of the gold image of Buddha, the Phrabang.  Luang Prabang was the capital of the Lane xang kingdom from 1354 A.D. The capital was then transfered to Vientiane city in 1560 A.D. Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, known as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries, monuments traditional costumes and surrounded by many types of nature's beauty. Luang Prabang province has a total population of 365000.

Wat Mai constructed in 1821 A.D., during the reign of king Manthatourath, was once the residence of Phra Sangkharaj (the Patriach of the Buddhist clergy). The five-tiered roof of the wooden Sim is the traditional Luang Prabang style.  It was built in a typical style of Lanexang Kingdom and was purely in Lao’s architectural design. During Pimai Lao, the Prabang (a Buddha statue) is put on display. Traditionally, the Laotian people pour water with perfume and flowers over the Prabang to symbolize the purification of soul

Wat Xieng Thong
Situated on the bank of the Mekong River, on the wedge of land formed where the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers meet, Vat Xiengthong was constructed in 1559/1560 A.D. by king Say Setthathirath. Vat Xiengthong is the most beautiful among all monasteris of Luang Prabang and represents the typical Lao art style.  It houses many old and beautiful religious artifacts of the period between the sixteenth and the twentieth centuries, and some ancient masterpieces of Lao art which makes up the valuable collection of cultural heritage.  Wat Xieng Thong is the masterpiece of Buddhist architecture with its golden facades and colorful murals. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremony and houses the funeral vehicle of the former king.

Tham Ting (Pak Ou Holy Caves)
It is one of the most attractive sites in Luang Prabang. Tham Ting “mostly known as Pak Ou Cave” is an overhanging cave on the cliff that could be seen from the boat on the Mekong River. The cave is like a sanctuary which houses countless number of Buddha Statues. Since the past, it is the tradition that the Laotian people visiting the cave will leave a Buddha Statue as an aspect of reverence, so the number of the statues increases from year to year.  Pak Ou Cave can be accessible only by boat along the Mekong River. You can visit one of the local villages to see how the Laotian people produce Laos Liquor (Fermented rice liquor).

Khuangsi
Tat Khuangsi is 30 kilometers away from Luang Prabang with scenic surrounding of fresh air, flowers and wild animals. Along the way to the Tat Kuangsi, you visit local mountainous hill tribes with traditional lifestyle.