All the provinces present ancient temples, nature trails, and treks to remote ethnic villages, while a modernizing Vientiane Capital manages to maintain its traditional roots. Caves pock its limestone mountains, with some hiding Buddha images. And the rivers and lakes offer natural swimming holes, boat rides, waterfalls….. Climb into caves on the Khammouane Loop, trek along the Ho Chi Minh Trail, take cruise up a canyon river in Vang Vieng, cruise up a canyon river, visit the easy riverside village of Tha Khaek and explore numerous caves where you can take a swim in the blue lagoons….are activities you can do in Central Laos.

DISCOVER CENTRAL LAOS

Vientiane

The capital of Laos, Vientiane, is a bustling city set on the swirling waters of the Mekong River. For many years Vientiane was a sleepy backwater capital of an equally backwater state, but as Laos has slowly opened up to foreign investment and tourism, Vientiane has gone through vast changes and continues to expand.

Like many French colonial cities, Vientiane is characterised by broad, often leafy boulevards and colonial mansions. Dotted with rustic wats surrounded by coconut palms and a generally sedentary pace of life as well and the allure of the place.

For a capital, Vientiane isn't exactly overloaded with museums and sights, but in a way that's part of the attraction. Slow down to Lao speed see one or two things a day; spend a lot of time snacking and quenching your thirst by the river. You'll grow to appreciate the attraction of the place.

Xaysomboun

This is one of Laos last untouched destinations, border with Xieng Khouang and Vientiane. Xaysomboun’s mountainous jungle hides great natural and historical sites.

Though still undeveloped, the province offers clusters of activities. Climb Phou Bia Mountain, Laos tallest peak. Check out historical sites in Long Cheng, and immerse yourself in nature around Anouvong.   

Xieng Khouang

Phonsavan is the provincial capital of the Xieng Khouang Province in Central Laos, and the gateway to the Plain of Jars. Built in the 1970s to replace the old town that was destroyed during the Second Indochina War, the town is characterized by brightly colored wooden houses and cattle fields tended by Hmong cowboys.

Surrounded by undulating hills and pine forests, the scenic town of Phonsavan (which aptly means ‘Hills of Paradise’) has a great climate all year-round. The main attraction is the megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos that’s made up of thousands of stone, jar-like structures dotted about the valleys. Believed to have been used as graves or to store rice wine, the remains of these mysterious stone jars are one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia.

But there is so much more to Phonsavan than mysterious and the most popular Plain of Jars, especially if you love the outdoors. The outskirts of the town also offer some immense scenery to be discovered on a trekking adventure – from cascading waterfalls to secret caves and secluded pools. Xieng Khouang is also well-know for Buddhism & The French ruinsand learning about Indochina war during the 1964-1973 US air assault.

Vang Vieng

Situated halfway down the long Vientiane to Luang Prabang highway, Vang Vieng has become the pit stop of Laos. Surrounded by splendid karst scenery and overflowing with activities such as caving and tubing down the river, many weary travellers extend their stay here far longer than originally planned.

The highlight of Vang Vieng is the gorgeous Nam Song river and the magnificent karst mountains lining it. The imposing limestone structures rise up out of the land and run for kilometres, framing the rice fields and lazy river. Though stunning at any hour, the mountains are particularly beautiful with the golden pink glow of sunset behind them, the perfect time to sit and have a drink at one of the plethora of riverside restaurants. 

There are also some caves to explore, trekking, kayaking and rafting trips. This place is not Laos untouched, but just outside of the town you will find a peaceful version of Laos that has been overlooked for far too long.

Bolikhamxay

Bolikhamxay located just south of Vientiane, that is about about 350km distance.  from  a center for ecotourism activities with its two 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.

Enter nature’s backdoor in for hidden outdoor secrets and Buddhist sites shrouded in mystery. The province presents a great extension for your Vientiane stay to explore very nice caves, waterfalls and Buddhist Sites, such asLion & Budha Caves, Tad Luek Waterfall and Vat Phabath - the most remarkable Buddhist sites in Laos just about 85km from Vientiane….

Khammouane

It is mostly of forested mountainous terrain, bordered by Bolikhamsai Province to the north and northwest, Vietnam to the east, Savannakhet Province to the south, and Thailand to the west, this hidden area is very potential adventure destination.

Adjacent to Quang Binh province, Vietnam in the west of the Truong Son range, Khammouane has many reserves, national parks such as Nakai - Namtheun, Phou Hinboun, Hin Namno ... with rich limestone ecosystemsin its heart many underground rivers and caves.The vast Khounex cave system and 7 km long underground river close to the Vietnam-Laos border in Nakai-Namtheun National Park;Tham Konglo cave in Phou Hinboun National Park with shimmering, magical scenery thanks to countless beautiful stalactites no less than caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park of Vietnam.

Especially, Hin Namno National Reserve and Nakai-Namtheun National Park are being prepared by the Lao Cultural and Tourism Ministry of Information and Khammouane province to submit to UNESCO as World Natural Heritage promosing for people, who love to explore, conquer nature and love adventure.

Thakaek Town

Step into the past in Thakaek as it starts awakening from its 100-year-long on the Mekong. Today, small, elegant Old Thakhek brims with French colonial structures, next to tranquility Mekong river.

The best way to explore the town is head south of town to the 6th-century Sikhottabong Stupa and its grounds displaying a nine-house cultural village, a pair of old temples, and a historic monument  then continue to 9th-century Kampaeng Yak (Giant Wall) made with massive brick-shaped slabs mesmerizes eveyone and finish exploration by relaxing at lining the shady Mekong banks with views to Nakhon Phanom in Thailand, sipping a refreshments.

Cave Alley

There are several caves in Cave Alley, the 17-km stretch of seven caverns just outside Thakaek offrt spectacular beauty. Just 5 km from town, a short hike leads to the staircase up the mountainside to Tham Xang (Elephant Cave).

You can hiking or boating to explore the caves of  Xieng Liab Cave, Tham Pha Chan,  Tham Pa Fa... and also swim, fishing, kayaking, boating…..

Tham Kong Lo Cave

It is a karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park with a river flows through – the Nam Hin Bun River. It is about 130 kilometers north of Thakhek.
The karst formation is dramatic and the cave has been cited as a “one of Southeast Asia’s geological wonders”. Inside the cave is a pool which glows a bright emerald colour which locals hold as sacred, believing it to reflect the skin of the Hindi god Indra.

That Sikhottabong Stupa

It is contemporary to That Inhangin Savannakhet and That Phanom. The stupa is seen on the bank of the Mekong River. The festival held at this location is during the third month according to the lunar calendar.

The Great Wall

Built of stones, starts on the west side of Thakhek. Its construction is attributed to the period of the Sikhottabong Empire in the 19th century and is now proposed to be preserved as a national heritage site.

The Limestone Forest

Stop at the Route 8 Viewpoint and gaze over stone spires, crowded together like geological cathedrals., it is  Khammouane’s Limestone Forest, a playground filled with natural adventures for fun-seeking families and inquisitive trekkers.

The view of the limestone karsts is absolutely amazing. Limestone mountains as far as the eye can see.
The crevasses, cliffs, peaks and gullies made by its geology have created special habitats and microclimates that protect the animals and plants adapted to live here. This inaccessible area has also been a refuge, over hundreds of years, for peoples during times of conflict.
 

The Thakhaek Loop

Khammouane’s popular new circuit connecting the province’s top adventures. The Loop is a 450km journey with over 30 scenic sites to visit in Khammouane and Bolikhamxay provinces. You can take several days to travel around it all or explore a part of it.

Drive through limestone karst landscapes… Follow an underground river through the Konglor Cave… Take a boat upstream… Sip a Beerlao lakeside at sunset… Take a jungle trek to a stunning waterfall… Or simply refresh in jade green waters...

Discover how the mountains, rivers and caves around you were made over millions of years. Find out how people have sheltered here from war and upheaval over hundreds of years. Uncover the legends of a landscape that is a refuge for special animals, plants and birds. Get to know the people who live here today through their own stories, foods and festivals.

Beginning from Thakaek, and runs eastbound through Cave Alley, a 17-km stretch with easy-to-access caves, many with underground river boat rides and ancient Buddha images. Continue splits north to the Nakai Plateau with the Nam Theun 2 Dam and Reservoir Resort.

The Loop continues to Lak Xao in Bolikhamxay Province, then travels west on Route 8, through the Karst Corridor”, with its fairy tale Limestone Forest. Here, you’ll find Ban Na Hin town and the turnoff to Konglor Cave and other natural adventures. From Ban Na Hin, The Loop continues to Nam Thone (Vieng Kham) and the 100-km drive to Thakaek with a break in Hinboun.  

Savannakhet

Savannakhet is the 2nd largest city in Laos (after Vientiane) and lies on the banks of the Mekong River, neighbouring Thailand and Vietnam. The city is home to various ethnic groups as well as Laotian, Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

Just a walk around Historic Downtown Savannakhet reveals almost highlights, such as sacred Buddhist stupas such as That Ing Hang and That Phonh, while the Savannakhet Outskirts present easy-to reach natural, cultural, and historical sites. Jump on the one-day Champone and Mekong River South circuits to examine unique oddities from the past, and venture to the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail.