BOLIHAMXAY
CAPITAL: PAKXAN
TOTAL AREA: 14863 SQUARE
KILOMETRES
POPULATION: 264513
Bolikhamxay Province, located just
south of Vientiane in central Laos, is a center for ecotourism activities with
its 2 national protected areas and extensive system of wetlands.The journey
from Ban Khoun Kham to Lak Sao on Route 8 offers spectacular scenery of karst
mountain landscapes and is considered to be one of the most impressive passages
in the country.
Vat Phabath ,located on the road between Vientiane and Paksan
is an important pilgrimage site and sacred temple that houses a shrine
containing a giant footprint of the Lord Buddha 9phabat).It is believed that
all travelers passing by the temple should stop and pay their respects to the
spirits for a safe journey and strong health.
Phou Khao Khouay National
Protected Area (NPA) covers an area of 2000 square kilometres in Bolikhamxay
and Vientiane Province has excellent evergreen, mixed deciduous and coniferous
forests in addition to extensive fore climax grasslands which support key
species that include wild elephants, white cheeked gibbons and green peafowl.
A
community managed elephant watching tower in Ban Na provides one of the best
opportunities to view large wildlife in Laos. One can take nature walks with
village guides through the park’s old growth forest and well known waterfalls
–Tad Leuk, Tad Xay and Tad Xang. Self-guided walks are also available from the
visitor center at Tad Leuk which has camping facilities and tents for rent. Nam
Kading NPA is abundant with wildlife due to its low population density and
biologically diverse forest ecology. Elephant, gaur, giant muntjac , gibbon ,
the sooty babble, rufous-throatd fulvetta, river lapwing, wreathed and great
hornbills and large otters are just some of the many species that inhabit the
area.
One of the country’s most extensive wetland systems is located southwest
of Paksan town and is known to have a very unique and abundant population of
migratory birds. The wetlands can be reached by motorbe or truck via a number
of dirt trails leaving town.Also of interest is the natural cool springs along
the Nam Mang River, a pleasant site for swimming and picnicking.
The province’s legendary festival,
Bang Fai Phayanak (Naga Rockets) is held at the picturesque Phonsanh Temple
overlooking the Mekong River on the 15th day of the 11th
month of the Buddhist lunar calendar. Coinciding with the last day of Buddhist
lent, usually in mid-October. On this special night small multi colored fire
balls mysteriously shoot out of the Mekong River and disappear into the sky.
The best place to view this mysterious natural light show is at Ban Hai near
the mouth of the Nam Ngum River.
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