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ATTAPEU
The most southeastern tip province of Laos; sharing borders with
Sekong in the north, Champassack in the west,Vietnam in the East and
Cambodia in the South. The province has a total population of around
87,700; consists of five districts: Saysettha, Sanamxay and Phouvong.
The town is built in a large valley surrounded by mountains and also
in the loop of the river, opposite the confluence of the Sekong and
Sekhamane Rivers. Where the join an island is formed by a small arm of
water connecting them upstream.
In early morning you can visit the traditional market, where many
different minorities go to buy and sell their product. Most of the
population in Saravane, Sakong, Attapue is plunders minorities.
Comprising nine major tribes: Alak, Katang, Kaleum, Katou, Suay, Nge,
Lave, Tahoy, Nyajeung.
BOKEO
BokeoLocated
along the three-border intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand,
form part of the Golden Triangle. Bokeo is home to a large number of
minorities. It has five districts: Houixay, Ton Pheung, Muang, Pha
Oudom, with 36 townships, more than 450 villages and a total
population of 61,000 consisting of many ethnic groups, each with own
lifestyles and customs.
The most lucrative occupation in Bokeo is gold panning and digging for
precious stones, where you can see at Ban Nam Khok (The Lu village), 6
km from the town and Ban Houi Sala (The Hmong village), it's around 18
km far from the town of Houixay. At Ban Namkeung Kout, Ban Namkeung
Mai and Ban Done Deng, it's 26 km far from the center of Houixay town
to the north where you can visit the traditional Lu village, who came
originally from Muang Sing, Luang Namtha. The villages can be reached
by boat trip, upstream from Houixay.
BORIKHAMSAY
Is located
in tse central Laos in the narrow "neck" with moderately high
mountains sloping southwest into the Mekong River valley. Vientiane
and Xieng Khouang provinces lie to the north, Khammouane province to
the south. Paksan the capital town is a commercial center. In
Borikhamsay province, between Vientiane and the provincial capital.
The most famous attraction of the region is its striking landscape. At
Ban Nahin, Poupha Mane, a stone forest featuring thousands of rock
pinnacles, can be found. Due to its proximity to Lak Xao, the latter
is within easy reach for tourists crossing to Vietnam. South of Lak
Xao, the still pristine forests of Nam Thuen, protected area with
varieties of wild life.
CHAMPASSACK
Champassack, lies to the southwestern Laos, the capital of Champassack
is Pakse, which located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedon
rivers. Southeast Asia's biggest waterfalls, Khone Pha Pheng, are
within easy reach by boat or by road. There are many different
minorities in Champassack. They have their own language, cultures and
life styles. Champassack lush, fertile land encouraged rice
cultivation. It's one of the largest producers of rice in the country.
Parts of Bolaven Plateau, which rests on the border of Saravane and
Champassack are used for cultivation of coffee, cardamon, bananas, and
other crops.
Other parts, however, still offer pristine nature, especially in the
mountainous central part constituting Dong Hua Sao Forest reserve, a
proposed protected area which has dense jungle and abundant wild
animal life. It locates at Phapho Village: located 67 kilometers south
of Pakse on the road No.13. When the water level falls back again in
the dry season, thousands of small islands rise from the river, giving
the area the name Si Phan Done (4000 islands). The biggest island with
55,000 inhabitants is Done Khong, a peaceful place for an overnight
visit. Several waterfalls drop over the escarpment. Some of the most
spectacular are Tat Phan with height of 120 meters and Khon Pha Pheng.
Another interesting island in this area is Done Khone, where the
French built a 14 km long railway to by pass the rapids. Visitors can
follow the old railway line, view and old locomotive, pass a massive
French built bridge and watch a series of huge rive cascades called
Tat Somphamit, also know as the Li Phi falls.
From the southern tip of Done Khone a small island is accessible from
which Irrawaddy dolphins can be watched during the dry season and it
is exited only on place in Asia. Mekong Dolphin Conservation Center is
located on Done Khone Island. Tourists are welcome to visit the
center. To visit the center, visitors must go by road to Bane Veunkham
village and then take a boat north a few kilometers to the center.
Forty six km south of Pakse, Wat Phou, one of the most important
sights in Laos, is located. Wat Phou literally means mountain temple.
The different levels of the temple structure, built along the slope of
the adjacent mountain, date from the 6th century to the Angkor period
of the 9th to 13th century.
The upper platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the
Mekong plain. Energetic visitors may want to climb the near by Phou
Passak, whose peak is shaped like a lingam or Shiva phallus. Another
Khmer monument, Muang Tomo or Oum Moung, can be visited on the
opposite side of the Mekong. It is, however, less accessible than Wat
Phou. The area has the remains of an ancient Khmer stone temple on
Mount Phou Asa.At the most southwestern tip of Laos, along the
Cambodian border, the Mekong river reaches its maximum breadth of 14
km (during the rainy season).
HUAPHANH
Huaphanh province, a mysterious, beautiful and abundant land, is
situated in the North East of Laos, bordered by Xieng Khuang and
Luangprabang to the west and Vietnam to the east.It was the best of
the Lao people's Revolutionary activities and especially the historic
interest as the geographical heart of the liberation struggle. The
province has a total population of around 247,300; consisting of many
ethnic groups, each with their own life styles, costumes, folkways in
wedding and other ceremonies, festivals, folkdances and songs,
differing from each other.Huaphanh has six districts: Viengxay,
Xamnuea, Xamtai, Viengthong and Huamuang. The principle town is
Viengxay the former name know as Nakai, according to the former time
this area had many of birds, reptiles, wild animals.
One of the tourist attraction is Nam Nao waterfall.
The province is also a famous by limestone mountains and caves;
more than one hundred caves are located in this area, such as Tham
Than Souphanouvong, the former name know as Tham Phapount, in 1964 Mr.
Souphanouvong came to set up his residence in this cave. Tham Than
Kaysone, the former name known as Tham Yonesong, in 1964 this cave was
establishedfor the residence of Mr. Kaysone Phonmvihane. Tham Than
Khamtay is the part of Tham Xanglot; it was also the residence of Mr.
Khamtay Siphandone; consisting of many compartments, such as meeting
room, reception room and research room etc.
KHAMMOUANE
Khammouane is situated in the central part of Lao PDR with an area of
moderately high mountains sloping down to the Mekong valley. Fertile
land here is well suited to plantations of rice, cabbage, sugar cane,
bananas etc. A total population of 260,000 is made up of low land and
up Landers Lao groups: Phuan, Tahoy, Kri, Katang etc.
Thakhek
Thakhek is the provincial capital and is well know to day-tripping
Thai from Nakhon Phanom, just across the Mekong River. It also has
much well preserved French colonial architecture similar to that found
in Vientiane. About 8 kilometers to the south of the town is the That
Sikhotabong or Sikhotabong stupa, constructed around 9th to 10th
century by King Nanthasen and restored in the 1950s. Besides,
Khammouane province also rich with many caves, such as Tham Xieng
Lieup, Tham Nang An, Tham Phanang and Tham Phaya In.
LUANG NAMTHA
Luang Namtha is a northern province bordering on China and Myanmar and
its selection is based upon a series of environment, social, cultural,
historical and development factors, which make the site an excellent
location to, evaluated the potential for sustainable cultural and
ecotourism in and around a protected area. The forests are dense, and
cover near 99% of the protected area.
Wild cattle (gaur and banteng), Asian wild dogs, tigers, clouded
leopard, bears and gibbons also having in the forests and there is
still a large bird population. South west of Luang Namtha, the still
pristine forests of Nam Ha protected area with varieties of wildlife
and vegetation can be found.
The area is populated by a variety of different ethnic groups. They
consist of Khamu, Akha, Hmong, and Yao (Mien). Besides the province
also consist of the lowland Lao, Tai Lue, Thai Neua and Thai Dam who
live in village just outside the protected area and the historic town
of Muang Sing. Muang Sing originally formed part of group of
principalities loosely linked under the leadership of political entity
called the Sipsongpanna whose political seat centered in southern
Yunnan province, China. This province has a picturesque beauty with
mountains, and many old temples, although many temple have been
destroyed during the war, there still remains one major attraction,
and old temple noticeably from other classical temples.
LUANG PRABANG
Luang Prabang
is the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang Kingdom. According to
legend, its first later it was known as Xieng Thong. In recognition of
the city's vast array of Lao monuments and its historic and culturally
significant setting, UNESCO declared Luang Prabang as a World Heritage
Site in 1995. Luang Prabang is situated at the confluence of the Khan
and Mekong rivers. It is surrounded by green hills and impresses
travelers with its gleaming temple roofs and crumbling French
architecture.
The town is dominated by the Phu Si hill. On its slopes several wats
can be visited, and it is peaked by a 24-metre high stupa, That Chomsi.
The top of Phu Si affords astonishing views, especially during the
serene sunsets, which are characteristic of Luang Prabang.
Wat Xiengthong, the most beautiful designed art. Closely observation
we can see the three roofing, covered by the brown sheets. All designs
are identified the art of Lanexang. Another interested thing are the
small Buddha images. The aide of the temple which painted in and made
by the different colors grasses. Looked very strange to eyes and show
the Lord Buddha images.In front of the temple there is the cart for
carry the coffin of the king Sri Savangvong and his family. This cart
the base are red. Many designed have shown. The new art that Luang
Prabang people are very pleased.
Wat Visoun is one temple is very important for the history because is
the seat of Prabang Buddha images. The Buddha images for the after the
black warriors destroyed Luang Prabang. Another attractive site is
That Makmo look like half of watermelon. It was destroyed many times
by the black warriors to clear for the properties. It is seemed that
the golden Buddha image and the silver wares could be found here in
the restoration work in the year 1984 lunar calendar. These
significant heritage from this place can be seen in the old place. In
summary regarding to Wat Visoun from many times of restoration works,
there are many art design of Thailu, Sip song Phanna, Thaiphuan, Muong
Xieng Khouang and Lao Lanexang which are aried from other pagoda in
Luang Prabang.
Wat Ou Tay is situated in Ban Ou Tay village, a short distance from
the main road. According to local villagers, it was constructed over
500 years ago by. Payachakawatilasa, making it one of the eldest
Pagoda's in Laos and the district of Gnot Ou.
The Royal Palace Museum was contracted 1904-1909 as King Sisavang
Vong's palace. These days it functions as a museum. It houses the
royal throne and some interesting royal artifacts. The building itself
feature of French beaux-arts styles and traditional Lao motifs. The
ground floor of the museum is divided into several halls and rooms
that are displayed gifts from other countries to the Lao kings and
collations of swords and Buddha images. The room to right of the entry
hall, once the King's reception room, has walls covered with
large-scale murals painted in 1930 by the French artist Alix de
Fautereau. They depict scenes from traditional Lao life. A room in the
rear of the former palace contains a small collection of traditional
musical instruments and dancers masks used for performances of the
great Indian and Southeast Asia epic the Ramayana.
Kuang Si
waterfall
The spectacular Kuang Si waterfall is situated 29 km south of Luang
Prabang deep in the forest. The waters tumble over multi-tiered
limestone formations into several cool, turquoise-green pools ideal
for relaxation and swimming. Equally fascinating are the Par Ou caves,
which can be reached by a 2-hour boat trip upstream from Luang Prabang.
They are located within the steep rock-cliff, which rises vertically
from the waters of the Mekong River at the point where it meets with
the Nam Ou River.
Tham Ting cave
Tham Ting Cave is 40 km north of the city. The amazing to that place
made the tourists to go upstream by boat about 2 hours. Within the
cave there are many hands of rock. At very corner, the Buddha images
are placed granted by the worshipers. There are the collected arts of
many hundred years of the Buddhist people. At the present no on and
guess how old the Buddha images year were. In front of the cave, the
Nam Ou river meets the Mekong river can be compared that the north
gate very important of the strategy. In addition to these, Tham Ting
has important role in the old tradition where the king that arrived
her in the Lao new year day.In front of Tham Ting, Pha Ene Mount is on
the left bank of Nam Ou river. It looks like the bald rocky mount on
the top. Its shape is alike the coffin called Phouphalong and this
mount is also representing the legend of the love story of Kounlou and
Nang Oua.
Fishing Village
Bane Pak Ou: On the eastern bank of the Mekong River opposite the
caves of Tam Ting is Bane Pak Ou is a fishing village, which regularly
supplies fish to the market in Luang Prabang.
Rice field
The village grows rice in the paddy fields behind the village.
Shops around the town
The village is a peaceful place with a thriving elementary school
small shops sell among other things sweets and bottled drinks.
OUDOMSAY
This
mountainous northern province is wedged between Luang Prabang in the
east, Phongsaly in the northeast, Sayabouri in the south and china
sharing small northern borders.
Mountains in Oudomsay
Most of the province population of 283,000 is a mixture of 23
ethnic groups such as Hmong, Iko, Khamu, Lamet etc, each with it own
distinct culture, religion, language and colorful style of dress.They
are nonetheless and hospitable and welcome visitors to their singular
cultures are mostly untouched by 20th century.
Hmong people celebrate their new year
Near Muang Say a waterfall, Lak Sip-Et, attracts visitors, as do
the hot springs near Muang La. Muang Say is connected by road to
Pakbeng, a rustic town stretching along the Mekong. From there one can
continue to Luang Prabang by boat, passing stone cliffs, undulating
mountains and little fishing villages.
Saymoungkhoune Rattana Stupa
The famous Buddhist stupa in Oudomsay is called Saymoungkhoune
Rattana Stupa. The capital, Muang Say, lies between two strings of
Hmong villages. Oudomsay is also the ideal base for excursion and
trekking to the varied sights and attractions, as well as destination
in its own right.
PHONGSALY
Phongsaly is situated in the most northern tip of Laos, enclosed three
sides by China and Vietnam and cut off to overland travel from
Oudomsay to the south. It consists of six districts: Phongsaly,
Muangmai, Muangkhua, Samphan, Sombounxay and Yot Ou.
More than twenty ethnicities make up the province's population of
approximately 153,400;among them Iko, Loma, Akha, Pusang, Thai Dam,
Thai Deng, Yao, Thai Lu, Khamou, Phai, Solo, Lao Hoy etc. All retain
district cultures, Languages and religious beliefs, though their most
obvious difference is their dress of woman of each tribe. The highest
mountains in Phongsaly is Phu Fa which you can see the cities' views
and beautiful scenery Handicraft skills-notably in weaving, embroidery
and making silver jewelry are also well developed.
Phongsaly can be reached by road and river, from Oudomsay it is
possible to travel by road as far as Muangkhua in southern Phoisaly
then continue from Muangkhua by boat. From Luangnamtha it is possible
to travel by road via Muangla (Yunnan province, China). From Luang
Prabang it is possible through the Nam Ou river straight north into
the heart of Phongsaly. Another way, you can travel by Lao Aviation,
which provides two flights per week.
SARAVANE
Trees in the light of the setting sun
Saravane province, a southeastern province situated on the
Bolavens Plateau is devoted to agriculture and nature offering idyllic
scenery. A prehistoric site exists not far from the cascades where a
wonderful scene can be seen. Within a cave huge stone caskets are
piled one on top of the other, province not only beauty but
interesting thoughts as to how it originated. Tat Lo, Lodge. It's
located on the Northern edge of the Bolaven Plateau right beside the
Sexet Dam; it's only 10 meters high.
The bungalows are blended into the embankment surrounded by lush
tropical vegetation. A tour of the area on elephant back is an exotic
attraction, or exploring the ethnic minority villages on the Bolaven
Plateau can provide a variety of interests.
SAVANNAKHET
Savannakhet Khanthabouly, the provincial capital of Savannakhet, is a
busy market place for trade with nearby Thailand.
Numerous examples of French architecture tell of the town's importance
during the colonial era. Khanthebouly's main attractions are its
noteworthy temples such as the beautiful Wat Saya Phoum and That
Inghang. That Inghang stupa is one of the national stupa, which is the
holiest edifice in southern Laos, housing a hollow chamber with a
distinguished collection of Buddha images. It was built by King
Sikhotabong and located about 15 km east from the provincial capital
of Khamthabouly.
That Phon stupa is one of the significant stupa since it was
contracted between the year of 557 to 700. The contraction was taken
quite a long time. Festival rite is annually organized in the full
moon of the first month of lunar calendar to play respect to Phra
Shiva and other Lords of Hinduism.
Heuanehine or Stone House, the rocky house designed by Kham people is
also one of the most interesting sites in this province. Not as old as
these prehistoric relicts, but of no less significance, is the
northernmost example of Khmer art at Heuan Hin (stone house). The
building were constructed between 553 AD and 700AD. Today little more
than unrestored ruins remain. Near Muang Phin, on the route to
Vietnam, dinosaur remains are on display. A French scientist
discovered them in the 1930s.
Dinosaur Exhibition Hall is situated in Khanthabouly, the capital city
of the province. Daily opened from 8.00 to12.00, and afternoon from
13.00 to 16.00, starting from Monday to Friday.
Hortai (Wat Nonglamchan village) is the old wooden building where the
Buddha's words have been kept. One of the tourist attraction in
Savannakhet is the beautiful waterfall.
SAYABOURI
Sayabouri is situated in the north west of Lao; sharing borders with
Vientiane and Luang Prabang in the east and Thailand in the
West.Sayabouri is the most attractive destinations with sights and
charms peculiar to itself and picturesque North-west region.There are
many beautiful things to see in Sayabouri. The principal town in
commonly called Muang Sayabouri, where many impressive temples such as
Wat Ban Thin, Wat Ban Phapoun and Wat Ban Natonoy are located.
The landscape of Sayabouri is magnificent by several peaks altitudes
of more than 1000 meters; the meadows and pastures with flower in full
boom; the thick and tangled virgin forests etc. The area of Muang
Phieng, such as Ban Fainamtan, Ban Nakhem and Ban Nampoui have a
tradition of agriculture because the land is fertile suitable for
agricultural production; particularly rice, water melons, cabbages and
sugar cane.
Agricultural product
According to the local traditional, people who live in this area
have been using elephant for pulling logs.
SEKONG
Sekong
is situated in the heart of the southeastern part of Laos; has common
borders with Saravane to the west, Champassack and Attapeu to the
south and Vietnam to the east.The province has a total population of
around 64,200. Dotted through out are villages and small towns; such
as Lave, Lanam, Kaleum, Dakchung and Thateng, where the majority of
people follow and the unchanging lifestyle of traditional farming.
Overall, the Sekong river valley is characterized by a landscape of a
fertile plain patterned with a patchwork of rice paddies and fruits
orchard. It's also a complex geographical conditions form colorful
Eco-Tourism resources because it's famous by rich of untouchable
tropical forest, home to many rare species of flora and fauna.
VIENTIANE
PROVINCE
In Vientiane province, most people in are farmers. Agricultural is the
major income of the province. Located 90 km north of Vientiane
municipality is the Nam Ngum reservoir, a huge artificial lake created
as part of a hydroelectric scheme. The lake is dotted with hundreds of
picturesque islands, which can be explored by cruising around in small
boats. Vientiane province offers impressive scenery. The electricity
station of Nam Ngum Dam produces electricity for Vientiane
municipality and other provinces including Lao neighboring countries.
In 1998-1999, the total of industrial exports reached US$271.9
million. The electricity earned US$57.1 million which came to the
third of all exports.
At Vangvieng, 160 km north of Vientiane municipality, breathtaking
limestone formations nestle along the Song River. It lies in the
foothills of the mountains of Northern Laos, on the banks of the Song
river. It might also be interested to watch the locals felling
underwater teak trees area was inundated.
Buddha
Near the lake, at Vangsang, primitive Buddha images, dating from
the 11th century, are carved into a rock cliff.
Rock climbing
The rocks are honeycombed with numerous caves, the most famous of
which is Tham Jang. Foot can reach many of these caves from Vangvieng.
VIENTIANE MUNICIPALITY
Vientiane is the capital of Laos. It is located on the bank of the
Mekong River. Through the largest city in the country. The city's
exotic Eurasian setting fascinates most travelers. The confluence of
several cultures has given Vientiane an appealing ambience. Tree-lined
boulevards, French historical dwellings and Buddhists temples dominate
the scene of central Vientiane and impart a unique character of
timelessness.
Pratousay or The Old Army Museum is now called the victory gate. The
lower part we can see the Lao artifacts. The form of this museum is
alike the Arc de Triumph in Paris. On the ceiling the goodness
artifacts made by Lao artist are very pleasant to see.
Besides these there are many pagoda but of the ones who need to do
shopping. Talat Sao (Morning Market) is the most important shopping
center located opposite of the main post office. It looks like
department store. The building installed with air condition. There are
many goods from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Open hour is
from 07.00-16.00.Accommodation place situated around the fountains and
close to the presidential office can be managed the check in and the
afford prices.
That Luang, the great stupa of nation. The monument of king
Sayasetthathirat who found Vientiane as the Capital of Lanexang
kingdom is installed in front of the stupa is painted of golden color.
One part of the Lord Buddha bones is kept for worshipping. The
Buddhist festival is annually performed in the full moon of the
twelve-month of lunar calendar. Vientiane's That Luang stupa is the
most impressive and biggest stupa in Lao, featured on the Lao
insignia. King Setthathirat constructed this stupa in 1566. The
Siamese damaged it badly during their invasion in 1828, but it was
restored in the 1936s. In mid-November, religious rites as well as a
fair are held here during the That Luang festival. Ho Phrakeo is the
Emerald Buddha image temple. It was kept hares sa the symbol of
Lanexang kingdom for more than 200 year. This temple is beautiful and
maintained its former designed. Many bronze Buddha images and
historical artifacts are being for show.Wat Phrakeo still displays
some of the finest Buddha sculptures found in the country.
Wat Sisaket was restored in 1818. It was formerly called Wat Sene.
Many ancient artifacts could be studied. Particularly 6,840 items of
small Buddha images are placed in the inner side of the wallsWat
Sisaket is the oldest temple of Vientiane, which has survive in its
original form. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the
courtyard surrounding it, a total of 6,840 Buddha images rest in small
niches or on shelves. Wat Ong Teu is one of the most famous temple in
Vientiane.
Wat Xieng Khouane (Buddha Park): the park is in pleasant and it's a
religious culture park located by the Mekong River 24 kilometres down
river from Vientiane. Features include an enormous concrete reclining
Buddha, and a three-tiered model of heaven, earth and hell, which
visitors may climb through. Hours: 08.00-16.30. King Setthathirat also
constructed Wat Phra Keo. It was rebuilt after the Siamese razed it
during the Siamese-Lao war of 1828. The building had housed the
Emerald Buddha until it was taken to Bangkok following a skirmish with
the Lao in 1778.
XIENG KHOUANG
Muang
KhunThe original capital city, Muang Khun, was almost totally
obliterated by US bombing and consequently, the capital was moved to
nearby Phonsavanh. Of several Muang Khun Buddhist temple built between
the 16th and 19th century, only ruins remain. Wat Pia Wat, however,
survived the bombing and can be.
View of Xieng Khouang
Xieng Khouang province offers the awesome beauty of high green
mountains and rugged karsts formations.
The main attraction in Xieng Khouang province is the Plain of Jars.
Stone jars of different sizes, apparently carved out of solid rocks,
are scattered all over the plateau. The biggest one reaches a height
of 3.25 meters. Researchers have advanced different theories as to the
function of the stone jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000
years old. According to local legend, in the 6th century King Khun
Chuang had the jars constructed in order to stone wine for the
celebration of his conquest of Xieng Khouang. Alternatively, some
researchers have suggested the jars were crafted as sarcophagi. This
theory is supported by the discovery of human bones and daily utensils
nearby. To date, the exact use of the jars remains a mystery.
Approximately 52 km north of Phonsavanh, hot spring will appeal to
travelers in search of relaxation. The water of both, Ban Noi (Little
Spring) and Ban Yai (Big Spring), reach a temperature of around 60 C. |
Information provided by Laos National Tourism Authority.
