Central Laos

Region

Vientiane, the karsts and the Plain of Jars. The low-key capital sits on the Mekong; Vang Vieng's limestone towers and river are a short train ride north, and Phonsavan is the base for the Plain of Jars. Further south, Tha Khaek is the start of the Thakhek Loop past Kong Lor cave, and Vieng Xai in the far north-east has the Pathet Lao caves. The dry season runs from November to April.

Central Laos Plain of JarsBuddha ParkPhou BiaNew Laos National StadiumWat Si SaketWat Si MuangTam Pa Ling CaveBan PakoVientianeVang ViengPhonsavanThakhekMuang KasiBan NahinMuang Phôn-HôngPha That LuangPakxanXam NeuaLak SaoVieng XaiBorikhamBan Napè

Central Laos essentials

Country: Laos
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Kip (₭)
Language: Lao

Where to Go in Central Laos

City Vientiane VientianeRelaxed Mekong capital of temples and cafés City Vang Vieng Vang ViengRiverside town of karsts, caves and kayaking City Phonsavan PhonsavanGateway to the Plain of Jars City Thakhek ThakhekBase for the Thakhek Loop motorbike route City Pakxan PakxanCity in Bolikhamsai, known for its natural beauty City Xam Neua Xam NeuaCity in Houaphan known for its natural scenery City Muang Phôn-Hông Muang Phôn-HôngCity in Laos with cultural significance City Lak Sao Lak SaoSmall town in central Laos on Route 12 City Vieng Xai Vieng XaiHistoric cave network used by Pathet Lao History Plain of Jars Plain of JarsMegalithic archaeological landscape with mysterious stone jars Nature Phou Bia Phou BiaLaos' highest peak and remote limestone mountain Nature Tam Pa Ling Cave Tam Pa Ling CaveLimestone cave with ancient human fossils and archaeology
Regions & Cities
Vientiane Explore Vientiane The Mekong promenade, Patuxai arch and That Luang stupa shape Vientiane’s low-slung streets; cafés, bakeries and street-side noodle stalls make it a stop for temple runs and relaxed local meals. Vang Vieng Explore Vang Vieng Karst towers and the Nam Song carve Vang Vieng into cliffs and river bends; visitors arrive for tubing or kayaking, cave explorations, rock climbing and sunset viewpoints along winding rural roads. Phonsavan Explore Phonsavan Plain of Jars fields dominate Phonsavan’s landscape; archaeologists, curious drivers and Hmong markets converge to see carved megaliths, wartime museums and misty upland views. Thakhek Explore Thakhek Motorbike loops, karst landscapes and the Kong Lor cave put Thakhek on overlanders’ maps; colonial-era streets, river markets and pebble lanes make for slow days between cave boat trips. Muang Kasi Explore Muang Kasi A riverside town that opens onto karst hills, cave mouths and hill‑tribe paths. Explore Ban Nahin A rural Bolikhamsai settlement, Ban Nahin offers travelers simple village life, wooden houses, Buddhist shrines and access to jungle tracks - the kind of place for slow walks and market-side tea. Explore Muang Phôn-Hông Muang Phôn-Hông presents a provincial Lao market town: morning wet markets, Buddhist temples hosting daily alms, surrounding rice paddies and dirt roads that lead to village homestays and the quieter country pace of Vientiane province. Pha That Luang Explore Pha That Luang Pha That Luang in Vientiane is Laos’s large gilded national stupa; pilgrims and visitors attend religious ceremonies, view traditional Lao architecture and encounter ceremonial processions at major festivals.

Central Laos at a Glance

Local Time
6:42 AM
GMT+7
Population
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Best Things to Do in Central Laos