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 mbol, That Luang (The Great Sacred Stupa), which was built in 1566 by King Sayasetthathirath and believed 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 groups, 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 biologicaly rich forests. The stretch of the Mekong River between Vientiane and Bolikhamxay offers excellent sunset views 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 lant mountains found in Vang Vieng, on Road 8 in Bolikhamxay and in Khammouane Province are stunning. Inside Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (NPA) are a variety of ecotourism attractions including Tad Xay and Tad ask waterfalls, camping, trekking, and wild elephant viewing. The Nam Kading NPA in Bolikhamxay also has plentiful dile and great potential for nature tourism.
Xaysomboun Province
Xaysomboun Province was established on 13 December, 2013 as is the 18th Province of Laos. It is located in the central part of Laos, bordering Xieng Khouang Province to the north and the east, Bolikhamxay Province to the south and Vientiane Province to the west. The majority of its people are Hmong. Xaysomboun Province is well-known for having the highest mountain peak in Laos, the 2,819 meters Phou Bia. Outside of the main provincial towns, the countryside is a beautiful, lush green mosaic of rice paddies, tropical fruit trees, and jungle vegetation dotted with quaint villages where traditional architecture and lifestyles can be seen. Xaysomboun Province has abundant natural resources scattered in high mountains and steep valleys. Due to this contour, the climate in Xaysomboun is pretty cool with the annual average temperature of approximately 20˚C. Furthermore, this province has rich culture and tradition coupled with generous hospitality of local people.
Vientiane Province
The landscape in Vientiane Province varies from the flat, fertile alluvial plains of the Mekong River Valley to rugged limestone mountains in the northern and western part of the province.
Close to Vientiane Capital is the Ang Nam Ngum (Ngum Reservoir), a picturesque inland lake formed by one of the country’s major hydropower schemes – the Nam Ngum Dam. Boat trips on the reservoir are a popular day-trip from Vientiane Capital but for visitors with more time, an overnight stay at Ban Na Kheaun or Tha Heua is possible. On a southern corner of the reservoir is the large Dansavan Resort where you can gamble and play golf. Visit the Thoulakhom Zoo at Ban Keun to see a well-kept collection of local species. At Ban Bo in Thoulakhom District are large natural salt deposits that are processed and packaged into the common table condiment using traditional technologies.
Vientiane Capital
Vientiane Capital is the home to the most significant national monument in Laos: That Luang (Great Stupa), which is the symbol of Lao and an icon of Buddhism in Laos. Of the many beautiful Wats in Vientiane, a visit to Wat Sisaket is a must; built in 1818, this is one of the oldest temples in Vientiane. Other Buddhist holy places are Wat Ong Teu Mahavihan, known for its 16th century bronze Buddha sheltered by a carved wooden masterpiece, and Wat Si Muang, the site of the Lak Meuang or pillar-stone of Vientiane. Wat Si Meuang is also home to the guardian spirit of the city. Hor Phakeo, across the street from Wat Sisaket houses a beautiful collection of Buddha statues, including traditional Lao style of the “Calling for Rain” and “Offering Protection”. Spend a morning in the Lao National Museum, which displays an interesting mixture of revolutionary and contemporary exhibitions. The main sights in Vientiane are only a short walk or bicycle ride from most hotels. Wat Xieng Khouan, better known as the Buddha Park should not be missed: take a tuk-tuk to this unique park that includes Buddhist and Hindu. Shopping for handicrafts is easy in Vientiane Capital; visit Talat Sao (morning market) for a wide range of colourful textiles including silks, wall-hangings and other decorative pieces. For very fine handicrafts, try one of the many upscale galleries in the city center. Keep your eyes open for traditional wood carvings, mulberry paper and a variety of basketry made from bamboo and rattan.
Bolikhamxay Province
Bolikhamxay Province, located just south of Vientiane in central Laos, is a centre 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. 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 (phabath). 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.
Khammouane
Khammouane is located in central Laos bordering Bolikhamxay and Savannakhet provinces. The Mekong River Valley in the west is framed by the Annamite Mountain Range which separates Khammouane from Vietnam to the east. The Limestone Mountains are honeycombed with countless caves, some of which for years concealed forgotten treasures. The Buddha Cave (Tham Pa Fa) was discovered in 2004 and houses 229 priceless Buddha images. Kong Lor Cave is perhaps the most well-known in the province. It is 7,5 kilometers long and as high and wide as 90-100 meters in some places. The province has three national protected areas (NPA) that cover an enormous area about 6,295 square kilometers in total. Phou Hin Poun NPA encompasses much of the limestone forest and has 43 recorded species of bats. The Hin Namno NPA is located in the area where the Central Indochina Limestone meets the Annamite Chain, and as a result, has prominent limestone escarpments and caves. The most important area in terms of biodiversity is the Nakai-Nam Theun NPA with its complex range of habitats and newly discovered species of mammals such as the saola, giant muntjac, and Indochinese warty pig.
Savannakhet Province
Savannakhet Province is situated in the middle of the country and is the largest province (21,774 square kilometers), bordered by Vietnam to the East, Thailand to the West, Khammouane Province to the North and Salavanh Province to the South. The name of Savannakhet Province derives from old Pali language, meaning “a land of gold”. The area of Savannakhet Province has been inhabited since ancient times, benefitting from the Mekong River and its tributaries. People here have cultivated rice in the largest plain in the country, and fostered rich arts and culture. 60% of land is covered by forests. A wide variety of ethnic groups are found in the province: Lowland Lao, Phoutai, Thai Dam, Katang, Mangkong, Vali, Lava, Soui, Kapo, Kaleung and Ta-Oi. In addition, many Vietnamese and Chinese descendants live in the province as well. This fact makes the province rich in cultural and gastronomic diversity. Savannakhet has long been a centre of trade and power. The province is well noted as the birthplace of the Honorable Kaisone Phomvihan, first Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and co-founder of the Lao PDR. His house and a museum documenting his life achievements can be visited in Savannakhet Town.
Partnership
