PROVINCES OF LAOS

Phongsali Province:   See Map
Phongsali is situated in the most northern tip of Laos, enclosed three sides by China and Vietnam and cut off to overland travel from Oudomxai to the south. It consists of six districts:  Phongsali, Muangmai, Muangkhua, Samphan, Sombounxay and Yot Ou. The Phu Den Din National Biodiversity Conservation Area along the Vietnamese border with mountains as high as 1,950 m with over 70% forest cover is home to the Asiatic black bear, bantang, clouded leopard, elephant, guar and tiger. The capital Phongsali, can be reached from Muang Xai with buses leaving once a day. Phongsali has a year round cool climate with temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius at night. Rain can be heavy - bring a jacket and warm clothes. Muang Khoa is a small town situated on the junction of Route 4 and the Nam Ou river. The journey to Muang Khoa along Route 4 from Oudomxai takes about four hours. It is possible to travel up river to Phongsali from here, or down to Luang Prabang. 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 Phongsali 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.
 

Luang Namtha Province  See Map
Luang Namtha Province is located in the northwest of Laos, bordered by Myanmar in the northwest, China to the north, Oudomxai province to the southeast, and Bokeo province to the southwest. The province is mountainous, home to large numbers of minorities. 39 ethnic groups make up the population of 125,000, with each groups having its own dialect, culture and lifestyle, but coexisting peacefully -- a reflection of traditional solidarity. This province has a picturesque beauty with mountains, and many old temples. Although many temples have been destroyed during the war, there is still remaining one major attraction: an old temple noticeably different from other classic temples. The road twists and turns alongside the Nam Luan river, through beautiful vistas of wild countryside. A clearing in the vegetation presents a view of a characteristic village on the slope opposite, belonging to Thai Luan ethnic group. The village of Muang Sing is centered around a large market, where a lively weekly market takes place every Sunday. Being near the Chinese border, this market is an important goods-exchange point for border inhabitants of both sides, and hill people frequent it regularly. The area is populated by a variety of different ethnic groups. They consist of Khamu, Akha, H'mong, 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. The Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area is located in the southwest of Luang Namtha - a pristine habitat of dense tropical rainforest covering almost all of the protected area. UNESCO are funding a eco-tourism project in Luang Namtha that will be capable of sustaining sustainable development in the province. The concept of the project is to provide education, conservation, management and sustainable economic benefits for the local population. Interesting things to do in Luang Namtha include:  a visit the Luang Namtha Museum. The museum has a large collection of local artifacts and items of interest on display, including ethnic clothing, religious artifacts, Khmu bronze drums, currency from the colonial period and a section devoted to the revolution; Visit the Had Yao Village Handicrafts Cooperative. Had Yao is a H'mong village located 2km north of town on the road to Muang Sing. and local artisans sell textiles, jewelry, basketry and clothing on consignment, providing them with supplemental income and the incentive to continue production of these interesting pieces of cultural heritage; explore the waterfall at Ban Nam Dee. Ban Nam Dee is a Lanten (Lao Houei) village roughly 6 km from Luang Namtha City; as only 22% of the province’s population are Buddhists, with the majority of the population practicing various forms of ancestor and spirit worship, visiting one of Luang Namtha’s few temples or "wats", Wat Luang Kone is worthwhile; enjoy a picnic at Gaeng Ngua Picnic Area, approximately 20 km south of Luang Namtha; for weaving and silk production, a visit to Ban Thong Jai is a great opportunity to learn about traditional Tai Dam sericulture methods and the use of natural dyes. You may also be able to purchase locally produced silk and cotton textiles. To get to Ban Thong Jai, cross the bridge at the north end of town and turn right, following the first dirt road immediately after crossing the bridge. Damaged by a 500-pound bomb during the Second Indochina War, That Phoum Phouk (Phoum Phouk Pagoda) is a little known archeological site located 6 km from the airport. Built in 1628, this was once the most respected and famous pagoda in Namtha District, however the site is now overgrown and has been pillaged several times since its partial destruction. For an outstanding view of the Namtha Valley and surrounding peaks, a short hike to the top of the hill behind the Hongta Xaysomboune Hotel is suggested. This is truly the best view in town.

Bokeo (Ban Houei Xai) Province  See Map
Bokeo Province is the smallest province in the country and borders Thailand and Myanmar. This is the Lao side of the 'Golden Triangle'. The province has 34 ethnic groups, the second most ethnically diverse province in Laos. Houy Xai is the border town with Thailand, the city is busy and prosperous. Houy Xai is a short ferry ride across the Mekong River from Chiang Khong in Thailand. Located in the center of Houy Xai is a Shan style Temple, Wat Jawm Khao Manilat. The view from the temple hill over Houy Xai City, the Mekong river and surrounding mountains is a definite reward for making it up the many steps.  Bokeo province has five districts: Houei Xai, Ton Pheung, Muang, Pha Oudom. With 36 townships, it has more than 450 villages and a total population of 61,000, consisting of many ethnic groups, each with their own lifestyles and customs. The most lucrative occupation in Bokeo is gold panning and digging for precious stones best seen at Ban Nam Khok (The Lu village), Ban Houi Sala (The H'mong village). Also the villages at Ban Namkeung Kout, Ban Namkeung Mai and Ban Done Deng can be reached by boat trip, upstream from Houy Xai. 

Luang Prabang Province  See Map
Luang Prabang Province is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan river. In the center of the city is Mount Phou Si with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still. As part of the UNESCO plan, new buildings have been limited and development must be in keeping with this magical place. Luang Prabang is small, and just about everywhere can be reached by foot. Walking and traveling by bicycle is the best way to see this tiny city. For additional information.

Oudomxai Province  See Map
Oudomxai Province is located in the northern part of Laos. This mountainous province has 23 ethnic groups each with it own distinct culture, religion, language and colorful style of dress. The provincial capital , Muang Xai lies between two strings of H'mong villages. Lao Aviation flies to Oudomxai from Vientiane. Oudomxai can be reached overland from Luang Prabang. Oudomxai is also accessible from Bokeo and Luang Namtha Provinces. Oudomxai is an ideal base for excursions and trekking to varied sights and attractions as well as destination in its own right. Muang Xai, has one of the best produce markets in the area. Near Muang Xai, there is a waterfall, Lak Sip–Et ( located at km No 11) and hot springs near Muang La. The capital, Muang Say, lies between two strings of H'mong villages where the hill people have settle. 11km east of the town is a pretty waterfall, the Lak-Sip-Et falls. A traditional salt-extraction cooperative and a hot spring can be visited at Ban Luang La. 

Houa Phan (Xam Neua) Province  See Map
Houa Phan Province is situated in the northeast of Laos and was the base of the Lao People's Revolutionary Army activities. The province is situated in the remote mountainous north-east, closer and more accessible to Hanoi than Vientiane, 1,200m above sea level. There are over 100 caves in the Vieng Xai district of Houa Phan many of which were used as hideouts and bunkers during the Indochina war. Lao Aviation flies daily to the capital Xam Neua from Vientiane. The most famous caves in the area are:  Tham Than Souphanouvong: formerly known as Tham Phapount. In 1964, Prince Souphanouvong set up his residence in this cave. Tham Than Kaysone: formerly known as Tham Yonesong, was established for the residence of Mr. Kaysone Phomvihane. Tham Than Khamtay was the residence of Mr. Khamtay Siphandone, consisting of many rooms such as a meeting room, reception room and research room. Other attractions include Keo Nong Vay Temple located in Xam Neua district. Hot springs in Xam Tay district are located about 154 km away from Xam Neua the waters reach a temperature of around 40 degrees C. Xam Tay Waterfall is located Xam Tay district. Sale and Nasala villages, well known for their weaving activities, located in Xieng Kor district on the Road 6 to Xieng Khouang province 125 km away from Xam Neua. 

Sayabouri Province  See Map
Sayabouri Province is quite close to Vientiane, but being quite mountainous is quite remote. The province shares its borders with six Thai provinces. The capital of the province, Sayabouri is on the banks of the Nam Hung, a tributary of the Mekong. The province houses the Nam Phoun National Biodiversity Conservation Area which is 1,150 sq km of forested hills that contain Asiatic black bear, dhole, elephant, guar, gibbon, Malayan sun bear and Sumatran rhino. The southern part of the province has many scenic waterfalls, but getting around this part of the province is very difficult. Muang Sayabouri has many impressive temples such as Vat Ban Thin, Vat Ban Phapoon, and Vat Natomoy are located. 

Xieng Khouang (Phonsavanh) Province  See Map
Xieng Khouang Province is situated in the north of Laos, a province of green mountains and karst limestone. Much of the province was heavily bombed during the Vietnam war and old war scrap is used in building houses throughout the province. The capital of Xieng Khouang is Phonsavanh, a small basic town, airstrip, shops, market and a few government buildings. Situated at an altitude of 1,200m it has an excellent climate. December and January can be chilly so bring a light jacket or fleece for cool evenings and mornings. It consists of 6 districts: Muang Khoune, Muang Phonsavanh, Muang Nong Hai, Muang Kham, Muang Mork, and Muang Phou Koud. The former chief-city was Muang Phouane, now called Muang Khoune. After the liberation, the Lao government settled the chief-city of the province in Muang Phonsavanh. Muang Khoune is the old capital of Xieng Khouang, bombed and abandoned in the war and now a plain town, with a few old temples, high mountains and green valleys. Muang Phouane was the main old town of Xieng Khouang province with its historical sites such as the Siphom Temple, Phia Wat temple, That Chom Phet temple. According to legends, these temples were built 250 years before the establishment of the Lane Xang kingdom. It is a province that holds great importance in Lao history for the war waged against foreign invaders and was the stronghold of revolutionary forces. The Hot Springs, 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. Tham Piu: A cave where almost 400 local people were killed by a rocket strike in 1969 is located a few kilometers from Muang Kham, 33km east of Phonsavanh. The mysterious Plain of Jars is an undeveloped area near Phonsavanh in Xieng Khouang Province where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered, the biggest weighing as much as six tonnes (6.6 tons). 

Vientiane Municipality:  See Map
Vientiane, capital city of Lao PDR with a population of 464,000 and an area of 180 sq.km, is located on the bank of the Mekong River. Vientiane is the center of culture, commerce and administration in Laos. Vientiane's major attractions are its serene Buddhist monasteries and significant monuments that dominate the scene on the streets of central Vientiane. That Luang as the National Symbol is featured on the National Emblem of Laos. It was constructed in 1566 by King Say Setthathirath in a typical Lao style and is one of the best known That or Stupa in Laos. Patouxai, or Arch of Triumph, was formerly known only as Anousavary (monument). Constructed in 1958 on Lan Xang Avenue, the architecture is inspired from the Arc de Triomphe of Paris with typical Lao motifs. Wat Phra Keo was constructed in 1565 by King Xayasethathirath when he moved the capital of Lan Xang to Vientiane. It housed the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok. Wat Si Saket is the only temple in Vientiane that has survived the destruction of the city by the Siamese in 1828. It is the oldest monastery standing intact in its original form, and certainly one of the most interesting in the whole country. Inside the main hall, and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, are hundreds of little niches and shelves containing a total of 6,840 Buddha images. Vientiane is busy and hectic in comparison to the rest of the country, it is quiet compared with any other city in Asia. Vientiane, as all of Lao's major cities, is situated on the Mekong river which forms the lifeline of the country. Vientiane is the hub for all travel in the country. The city has a population of 450,000, about 10% of the country. Vientiane is a city full of surprises. Here you can find fields of rice and vegetables, agriculture hidden behind tree lined avenues. French Colonial architecture sits next to gilded temples. Freshly baked French bread is served next to shops selling noodle soup. There is little modern in Vientiane. Old French colonial houses are being restored as offices and as restaurants and hotels. There are only a handful of modern buildings which sometimes look remarkably out of place in this quiet capital. For additional information.

Vientiane Province:   See Map
Sharing border with Vientiane Municipality, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang and Bolikhamxai provinces, Vientiane province has a total population of 305,000. Its chief town is Phonhong. Vientiane province is divided into nine districts: Phonhong, Thourakhom, Keo Oudom, Feuang, Vang Vieng, Kasy, Saysomboon, Hom and Sanakham. Nam Ngum Lake is situated about 80km to the North of Vientiane. The beautiful scenery over the Nam Ngum river and its green valley is enhanced by the presence of a vast, spectacular lake. This is a man-made reservoir of an hydroelectric power dam, generating most of the electricity sold to Thailand. The forests with a big variety of woods is still there on the thousands of islands dotting the lake. It is a rewarding experience to cruise around by motor-boat or spend the day or the week-end at the many bungalows or on the "floating restaurant boat" to enjoy the picturesque scenes of water, island, forests and charming fishing-villages. On the way to Nam Ngum Lake, a short detour will take you to Vangsang, an 11th century Buddhist archeological site, where primitive Buddha images are carved right on the rock cliff. A salt extraction plant using traditional methods and the Zoo can be visited at Ban Keun.

Vang Vieng is a scenic district of Vientiane province, enjoying excellent weather with breath-taking views of rock and limestone mountains (Pha Tang, Phatto Nokham), caves and rock outcrops overhanging the Nam Song River. Vang Vieng is located about 152km from the city of Vientiane. The temperature there is a bit cooler than in Vientiane with a magnificent natural environment. Warm in the day to cool at night in the cool season (Dec-Feb). There are daily buses taking tourists taking about 3-4 hours from Vientiane to Vang Vieng and vice versa but be aware that bus breakdowns are common. Overnight stays in the middle of nowhere are possible. Attractions in Vang Vieng include River Floating - basically floating down the river on large inner-tubes, deep caves for exploring, steep mountains for climbing.  You can climb up to Tham Chanh (a beautiful cave with limestone). If you want some adventure you can float on a tube along the Nam Song River to feel the unspoiled nature around the river. Catching the sun set is a must when you visit Vang Vieng. At only 3km of its center, you'll find Tham Chanh, Tham Phra, Tham Baat, and Tham Leusi the holy caves in the Chang rocky mountains.

Bolikhamxai (Pakxan) Province   See Map
Bolikhamxai province contains part of the wilderness area known as the Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area the largest conservation area in the country at 3700 sq km. The area is home to over a dozen threatened species including Asiatic black bear, clouded leopard, elephant, giant muntjac, guar, Malayan sun bear, and tiger. The saola (spindlehorn) or Vu Quang Ox - Pseudoryx nghetinhensis was discovered in neighboring Vietnam in 1992 and sighted since then in Laos in the conservation area. Only two other land mammals have been classified with their own genus this century. The first live saola was captured in neighboring Khammouane province in 1996. The capital of Bolikhamxai is Phaxang (Paksan), which can be reached from Vientiane by bus in about three hours. Paksan is a commercial center located opposite to the Thai town of Beung Kam.  The province has a total population of around 28,000, comprising mostly of lowland Lao groups such as tribal Thai, Phuan, Tri and H'mong. 80 km from the city of Vientiane, on the way to Paksan, in Bolikhamxai is a town called Phra Baat Phonsan. With a large Phra Baat (footprint of Buddha) shrine, it is an important pilgrimage site. 
 

Khammouane (Thakhek) Province  See Map
Khammouane Province contains two vast wilderness areas known as the Khammouane Limestone National Biodiversity Conservation Area and the Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area. The Khammouane Limestone is a maze of limestone karst peaks forming a stone forest of caves, rivers and pristine jungle. For most of the wet season, the area is not accessible by road - most 'roads' being tracks with log bridges across deeps streams. These tracks are often routes across rice paddies near the river banks - during the rainy season, the only way to get around is by boat. The National Tourism Authority of Lao PDR is currently investigating eco-tourism projects in this beautiful region. The capital of Khammouane province is Thakhek, situated across the Mekong from Nakorn Phanom in Thailand. Fertile land here is well suited to plantation of rice, cabbage, sugar cane, bananas etc. A total population of 258,000 is made up of lowland Lao groups: Phuan, Tahoy, Kri, Maling and also H'mong. Thakhek is the provincial capital and is well-know to day-tripping Thais from Nakhon Phanom, just across the Mekong. It also has well-preserved French colonial architecture similar to that found in Vientiane. At about 8km to the south of the town is the That Sikhotabong or Sikhotabong Stupa, constructed around the ninth to tenth century by King Nanthasen. Striking limestone formations in the vicinity, especially those along the Sebangfai River near Mahasay town are worth seeing. Thakhek is accessible by Lao Aviation flights every Friday from Vientiane. By road, it is about 354 km, and from Savannakhet to Thakhek is about 137km.

Savannakhet (Shanthabouli) Province  See Map
Savannakhet Province is situated on the banks of the Mekong river opposite Mukdahan in Thailand. The province bridges the country between Thailand and Vietnam and the town is a very active junction for trade between the two countries. The town itself can be easily explored by foot and has a number of interesting temples, including Vietnamese temple and school and a large Catholic church. Much of the town's architecture is French Colonial. Savannakhet Province has 692,000 inhabitants. The importance of this province lies in its strategic position for traveling from Thailand through Laos and on to Vietnam by Road 9, the highway servicing trade between Thailand and Vietnam. Savannakhet Town (also known as Muang Khantabuli), population 45,000 is the capital city of the province and is a legal entry point for all nationalities. Its main tourist attractions are the temples. These are among the most typical and beautiful in the country, especially That Ing Hang, built in 16th century. The sanctuary of That Inghang holds special ceremonies in the third month of the year. Interesting Khmer ruins are found at Ban Heu Hin. Vat Saya Phoum is the most important temple in Savannakhet. The Ho Chi Minh Trail with its network of tracks and roads used by the North Vietnamese/Viet Minh to fight the French and then the American allies starts about 170km east and the town of Sepon is about where it starts. For those interested in war history, the Ho Chi Minh Trail is a network of dirt paths and gravel roads running parallel to the Laos-Vietnam border. The trail was used by the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War and by the Viet Minh against the French in the 1950s. Although the North Vietnamese denied the existence of the trail, and the USA denied bombing it, 1.1 million tons of explosives were dropped on the area between 1965 and '69, as well as massive quantities of herbicides. The trail is fairly remote, so there's been little in the way of tidying up: you'll see helicopters, fighter planes and a whole heap of other war junk. The closest town is Sepon, about 600km (370mi) south-east of Vientiane. Sepon was flattened during the war, and its now little more than a collection of shacks. You can get there by bus from Savannakhet. 
 

Salavan Province   See Map
Salavan Province is best known for the Bolaven Plateau, which also extends into Attapeu, Champassack and Sekong provinces. The Bolaven Plateau is situated on the north east of Champassack province, the plateau covers parts of Salavan, Attapeu and Sekong provinces although there are more options for tourists visiting the plateau in Pakse. The plateau is fertile farmland specializing in coffee, tea, cardamom and fruit. The plateau houses a dozen mainly animist ethnic minorities, including Laven, Alak, Katou, Ta-Oy, Houne, Ngai and Sto find out about the Bolaven Plateau. The plateau is best accessed from Pakse, in Champassack province. Salavan province is home to the Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, covering nearly 1,000 sq km in the western part of the province next to the Mekong river. It is thought that Asiatic black bear, banteng, clouded leopard, Douc langur, elephant, gibbon, guar, Siamese crocodile and tiger and inhabit this area. 
 

Sekong Province
Sekong Province is best known for the Bolaven Plateau, which also extends into Attapeu, Champassack and Salavan and provinces. Sekong Province is rugged, wild and very scenic, but transportation is very difficult, especially by land in the rainy season. Si Phan Don - Four Thousand Islands - The southernmost part of Champassack province, forms the border with Cambodia. Here, the Mekong river spreads to a width of up to 14 km during the rainy season forming hundreds of islands and islets. The larger island are inhabited and the largest southern island, Don Khone Island has an old disused 5 km railway, built by the French as part of the Mekong bypass route. The river cannot be navigated south of Don Khone because of the Khone Falls - the smaller Samphamit Falls and the larger Khong Phabeng Falls - the biggest in Asia, and maybe the widest falls in the world. Near the falls can be found the endangered Irriwaddy dolphins. 
 

Attapeu Province   See Map
Attapeu Province is best known for the Bolaven Plateau, which also extends into Champassack, Salavan and Sekong provinces. The plateau is best accessed from Pakse, in Champassack province. Attapeu province is rugged, wild and very scenic, but transportation is very difficult, especially by land in the rainy season. The town of Samakhi Xai (Attapeu) is situated in a large picturesque valley. The population of the province is more Lao Loum than the neighboring provinces. Parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail can be explored from Attapeu, although using a local guide is essential. 

Champassack Province   See Map
Champassack province is one of the main political, cultural and economic centers of Southern Laos. It is a province where there are historic sites in Pre-Angkorian style of the period of Lan Xang (1353-1779). Champassack was a rich cultural center like many other provinces. It still keeps the typical style of an abundant culture. 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 Salavan 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 is located at Phapho Village: located 67km south of Pakse on Road 13. The capital of Champassack is Pakse with a population of about 160,00 on the junction of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, established by the French in 1905. Southeast Asia's biggest waterfalls, Khone Pha Pheng Waterfall is in the south of Laos, at about 130 km from Pakse. It is known as the most beautiful waterfall of Southeast Asia. Khone Pha Pheng waterfall drops 20m and is the widest waterfall in the world. It is also the biggest and most beautiful waterfall in South East Asia. Because of the strength of the water flow, no one has been able to travel through it by boat. The "Pa Kha" or river dolphins inhabits this part of the river. They are nearly extinct and considered an endangered species. The dolphins could be a potential major attraction for tourist, as they are only found in this area of Asia. Champassack was once, 1,400 years ago, the center of power in the lower Mekong basin, later a revered outpost of the Khmer Angkor empire and, later still, one of the three kingdoms to rule over the remains of Lane Xang. A fine heritage that, according to the last prince of Champassack, was brought to hard times by a former queen's indiscretion. The beautiful Nang Pao ruled over Champassack in the mid-17th century. But it's lonely at the top and the queen found comfort in the arms of a prince from a neighboring kingdom. Alas, for the lady's pennyroyal was ineffective, and Nang Pao fell pregnant. A great scandal ensued and, though the queen remained in power and was succeeded by her illegitimate daughter, Nang Peng. The unhappy Nang Pao decreed that all unmarried mothers in the kingdom must sacrifice a buffalo for their sins. The practice survived in some local communities until the 1980s, the unfortunate women being known as 'Nang Pao's Daughters.'  Though the Kingdom of Champassack prospered for a while after the final dissolution of Lane Xang, at the beginning of the 18th century of its fortunes faltered quickly and it was reduced to a vassal state of Siam before the century had passed. For its part in Chao Anou's abortive attempt to win freedom from the Siamese for the Lao kingdoms, Champassack lost all of its territory east of the Mekong. Under French rule the once mighty kingdom became a mere administrative block; its royalty stripped of many of its privileges. "With an unmarried mother as queen," Prince Boun Oum na Champassack, the last of the kingdom's royal line, once said. "Everything started so badly that the game was lost before it began."  Boun Oum, who died in French exile in 1980, may have griped about his family's downfall (though he was not a direct descendent of Nang Pao), but it did not stop him from using his remaining royal privileges to loot the nearby Wat Phu. The magnificent Angkorian temple complex was recently made a UNESCO heritage site and is considered one of the finest Angkor-inspired edifices outside of Cambodia. Wat Phou is an ancient stone palace, an architectural marvel, located on the eastern slope of Kao mountain, at about 45 km from Pakse district. A Khmer temple from Angkor period, it is a mix of Hindu and Buddhist motifs. Its is the crowning jewel of Champassack province and perhaps of the entire country. When the water level falls back in the dry season, thousands of small islands rise from the river, giving the area the name Si Phan Don "Four Thousand Islands"  The biggest island with 55,000 inhabitants is Don Khone Island, a peaceful place for an overnight visit. Several waterfalls drop over the escarpment. Some of the most spectacular are Tat Phan with height of 120m and Khon Pha Pheng.

Laksao   See Map
Once a sleepy logging town and convenient link to the Lao/Vietnam border, Lak Sao in recent years has seen remarkable growth. It's entrance marked by giant limestone escarpments, Lak Sao itself is little more than a dusty boom town. However, the forests to the north, south and east of the town - along the Annamite Mountain range and the border with Vietnam- are populated by a wealth of rare and endangered flora and fauna, including elephant, Javanese Rhinoceros and tiger. The Nakai Plateau - to the north of Lak Sao - was once a royal hunting ground, but today is part of the Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area (NBCA). Over 3,700 sq.km have been designated for protection, making it the largest area of its type in Laos.