Ang Nam Ngum
Reservoir Large reservoir and hydropower lake in Laos
North of Vientiane, Ang Nam Ngum Reservoir supplies hydroelectric power and offers boat trips, shoreline fishing and visits to riverside villages; tourists come for lake scenery, local markets and simple guesthouses by the dam.
Overview
A major reservoir on the Nam Ngum River in central Laos formed by the Nam Ngum Dam. It is a key hydropower facility and a prominent inland waterbody used for fishing and tourism.
What visitors find
An extensive lake with islands and shoreline resorts, boating and fishing activities, and several townships and communities that serve visitors and lake industries. The reservoir and its islands are frequented by local and regional tourists.
History
Formed when the Nam Ngum Dam was constructed in the early 1970s to provide hydroelectric power; the dam and reservoir reshaped local land use and created new lakeshore opportunities.
Location
Located to the northeast of Vientiane in Vientiane Province, the reservoir occupies a basin on the Nam Ngum River and stretches across the surrounding low hills.
- Hydropower and recreation: Created by the Nam Ngum Dam, the reservoir is a major hydropower source and a focal point for lakeside recreation and fishing in central Laos.
What to See #
- Dam and reservoir: The Nam Ngum Dam and its impounded reservoir, which formed the principal lake and shoreline now used for fisheries and lakeside resorts.
Tips for Visiting Ang Nam Ngum #
- Visit Ang Nam Ngum on a weekday if possible - the reservoir is a very popular weekend getaway from Vientiane and islands, floating restaurants and boat services get busy.
- Take a boat trip to one of the reservoir's islands in late afternoon for calmer conditions and attractive sunset views; local operators based at the main piers can arrange half-day trips.
Best Time to Visit Ang Nam Ngum #
Best visited in the cool, dry months (November-February) for comfortable lakeside activities and easier road access.
Weather & Climate near Ang Nam Ngum #
Ang Nam Ngum's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in June) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2605 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
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February
February is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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April
April is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (295 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (442 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (666 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (543 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain.
