City: Vientiane Province
Top Things to do in Vientiane Province
Top Restaurants in Vientiane Province
Things to do in Vientiane Province, Laos: The Best Nature & Parks
Vientiane Province (also known as rural Vientiane) (Lao ແຂວງວຽງຈັນ) is a province of Laos, located in the northwest of the country. As of 2015 the province had a total population of 419,090 people. Vientiane Province is a large province, covering an area of 15,927 square kilometres (6,149 sq mi) with 10 districts in mid north-western Laos. The province borders Luang Prabang Province to the north, Xiangkhouang Province to the northeast, Bolikhamxai Province to the east, Vientiane Prefecture and Thailand to the south, and Xaignabouli Province to the west. The principal towns are Vang Vieng and Muang Phôn-Hông. Several kilometres to the south of Vang Vieng is one of Laos's largest lakes, Nam Ngum. Much of this area, particularly the forests of the southern part, are under the Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area. The principal rivers flowing through the province are the Nam Song River, Nam Ngum River and the Nam Lik River.
Restaurants in Vientiane Province
1. Vang Vieng Elephant Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By yatsoony - Acton, United Kingdom
This was a great activity to do with our young kids aged 9 and 7. We were picked up at our hotel in Vang Vieng for a scenic 45 minute drive to get to the sanctuary. When we arrived we had an interesting, informative and entertaining introductory talk by the owner of the sanctuary. This gave a background to the culture, history and threats to elephants in Laos, as well as what he is trying to achieve at the sanctuary. A fairly easy trek (waterproof shoes provided) through a beautiful landscape took us to the elephants’ natural habitat. We were able to feed the elephants with bananas and then bathe them in a nearby river. We then trekked back to the sanctuary buildings with elephants, during which we saw them having a mud bath. Back at the sanctuary buildings we fed them some more and were in turn fed a delicious Lao lunch. It was an amazing privilege to be at such close quarters with these gentle, curious and majestic animals. There are four elephants currently at the sanctuary. Groups of visitors (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) are limited in numbers so as to maintain a good visitor-elephant ratio. I can thoroughly recommend this activity as an inspirational way to spend half a day!
2. Mekong River
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
Reviewed By Stevo021 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
I have been I seen the Mekong in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam. I was recently in Luang Prabang and I jumped on a chance for a river cruise down the Mekong to the Pak Ou caves.It's a good trip, the mountains that follow the river make for great scenery. So peaceful on the river and we stopped at a village on the river to see their handicrafts and try their local whiskey. The caves were interesting with all their buddha statues inside. So if you are in Luang Prabang it's worth a trip down the Mekong to see the beautiful countryside.
3. Nam Ngum Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By draghignazzo - Mexico City, Mexico
Excellent if it happens that you take a boat jst to enjoy the views. It is so relaxing. Food is not that great but no complains, order vegetarian and you will be safe
4. Pha Ngern View Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Reviewed By Bouncy_Boycy - Colombo, Sri Lanka
We made it to the first viewing hut in around one hour going slow with breaks. Leave early to make sure you have the time to return slowly before the lights fade. Great outdoorsy experience and view. Turn by the sign for the school and follow the signs to arrive at the entrance. Bring water and take the bottle back with you.
5. Tham Chang Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By Wakey6511
Worth visiting the caves, will need to be prepared for the steep steps and a fair few of them. Once you get to the top worth the work as the caves inside are pretty cool.
6. Tham Loup & Tham Hoi Caves
7. Tham Nam (Water cave)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 458 reviews
Reviewed By Z5160ZBstephenm - Perth, Australia
Buy a ticket in Vang Vieng then they will pick you up and drive you to the cave. You are going to get wet so take appropriate clothes or swim wear. They supply head torch and Tube and a cave leader to look after you Lay back and Enjoy
8. Tham Khan Cave
9. Blue Lagoon 3
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By goodmclean - Brisbane, Australia
After a bone jarring one hour tuk tuk ride, we arrived at the lagoon at 10am. We were the only people there to start with. The water was not as blue as the photos, but still lovely and clear. The water was cold, but not freezing. The swing and zip line over the water are the highlight, but there are still lots of other things if you are not into flying into the water! Tyre tubes, bamboo rafts, beam/log to walk along, kayaks, so much to do. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced (most meals 20,000 - 30,000) We thought maybe an hour or two would be plenty of time, but we ended up spending 5 hours here. Such an incredible day. Can’t recommend it enough.
