LAOS- CENTRAL PROVINCES

CENTRAL PROVINCES

THE WONDERS OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCES

PROVINCES

Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, Savannakhet , Vientiane Province , Vientiane Capital

PEOPLE & PLACES

The central region’s historic Vientiane Capital is home to the country’s most important religious monument and national symbol,That Luang ( The Great Sacred Stupa), which was built in 1566 by King Sayasetthathirath and delivered to contain relics of the Lord Buddha. Other important national monuments in Vientiane include Pato Xay (Victory Gate), Vat Sisaket, Hor Phakeo and Vat Si Meuang . 

The ethnic makeup of the central region consists mostly of lowland Lao group, such as the Lao and the Tai Phuan and some ethnic minorities including the Hmong and Khamu . Handicrafts and traditional weaving is produced in many villages throughout the region and is available in markets, such as the Talat Sao(Morning Market) in Vientiane.Some of the most colorful festivals in the country can be seen here as well such as the Boat Racing and That Luang festivals in Vientiane and the Bang Fai Phayanak (Naga Rocket Festival) in Bolikhamxay.

GEOGRAPHY & NATURE

The central region is a land of Karst Mountains, plateaus, meandering rivers and biologically rich forests.The stretch of the Mekong River between Vientiane and Bolikhamxay offer excellent sunset vews and relaxing locations for picnicking and dining. Also are the Nam Lik and the Nam Ngum rivers, most frequented by rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. The karst mountains found n Vang Vieng, on Road 8 in Bolikhamxay and in Khammouane Province are stunning.Inside Phou Khaoo Khouay National Protected Area (NPA) are a variety of ecotourism attractions including Tad Xay and Tad Leuk waterfalls, camping , trekking and wild elephant viewing. The Nam Kading NPA in Bolikhamxay also has plentiful wildlife and great potential for nature tourism.

INTERNATIONAL BORDER CROSSINGS

WATTAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (VIENTIANE CAPITAL)

VIENTIANCE CAPITAL (FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE 1) –THAILAND ( NONG KHAI)

KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE (FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE III) –THAILAND (NAKHON PHANOM)

SAVANNAKHET PROVINCE (FRIENDSHIP BRIDGE 11) –THAILAND ( MUKHDAHAN)

SAVANAKHET PROVINCE ( DAENA SAVANH) – VIETNAM (LAO BAO)

KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE (NA PHAO ) –VIETNAM (CHA LO)

BOLIKHAMXAY PROVINCE ( NAM PHAO) –VIETNAM CHA LO (CAU TREO)

BOLUKHAMXAY PROVINCE ( PAKSAN , NO VISA ON ARRIVAL) –THAILAND (BUNGKON)

SUGGESTED ROUTE

TYPICAL (1-2 WEEKS)

VIENTIANE CAPITAL –VIENTIANE PROVINCE – BOLIKHAMXAY –KHAMMOUANE

VIENTIANE CAPITAL – VANG VIENG – XIENG KHOUANG

OFF –THE BEATEN TRACK ( 2-3 WEEKS)

VIENTIANE CAPITAL –VIENTIANE PROVINCE –BOLIKHAMXAY –KHAMMOUANE –SAVANNAKHET –CHAMPASAK

VIENTIANE CAPITAL- VANG VIENG – XIENG KHOUANG – XAMNEUA –VIENGXAY

FROM VIENTIANE NORTH OR SOUTH ( 3-4 WEEKS)

NORTHBOUND : VIENTIANE CAPITAL –VANG VIENG – XIANG KHOUANG –LUANG PRABANG- OUDOMXAY –LUANG NAMTHA- HOUAYXAY

SOUTHBOUND : VIENTIANCE CAPITAL –BOLIKHAMXAY –KHAMMOUANE –SAVANNAKHET –SALAVANH- SEKONG –ATTAPEU –CHAMPASAK