Vientiane Province is located in the centre of Laos, about 70km from Vientiane Capital. 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. Vientiane 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.
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.
VANGVIENG
The small town of Vang Vieng, 150 kilometers north of the capital, is set in a dreamlike landscape of bizarre limestone mountain peaks and sheer cliffs with the Nam Song River bisecting the town. At the base of the town’s limestone mountains are a network of caves to explore. There are a variety of well-developed tourism services in Vang Vieng and a wide range of accommodations. Water sports such as kayaking and tubing are popular and rock climbing is also a growing pastime.
As of 2023, Vang Vieng remains a popular tourist destination in Laos, known for its stunning natural scenery and adventure activities. The town is situated on the Nam Song River, surrounded by stunning limestone mountains, making it a picturesque location for outdoor activities such as kayaking, tubing, and rock climbing.
One of the most popular activities in Vang Vieng is tubing down the Nam Song River, where visitors can float down the river on an inner tube, taking in the stunning scenery along the way. The town also offers a range of adventure activities such as rock climbing, cave exploration, and hot air balloon rides, making it a popular destination for adrenaline junkies.
Aside from adventure activities, Vang Vieng also offers a range of cultural experiences. Visitors can explore local villages and learn about traditional Lao life, sample local cuisine, and visit temples and monasteries.
In recent years, Vang Vieng has been working to improve its infrastructure and tourism services to cater to the increasing number of visitors. The town now offers a range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury resorts, and has a variety of restaurants serving local and international cuisine.
Vang Vieng has also been working to promote sustainable tourism practices, with initiatives such as community-based tourism projects and eco-tourism activities that support local communities while preserving the natural environment.
source: https://www.tourismlaos.org/2023/08/12/vang-vieng-adventure-capital-of-lao-pdr/