Laos Guide
The northwest
If you need a break from Vientiane there are plenty of places on the plain to the north that make easy excursions. Most travellers, though, are heading up towards Louang Phabang. Although both Vientiane and Louang Phabang are both on the banks of the Mekong, the land between them is extremely mountainous, while the river's west bank, composed of huge ranges separating Laos and Thailand, is truly remote. If you don't fancy making the ten-hour bus journey from Vientiane to Louang Phabang in one go, Vang Viang makes an ideal stopover and is well worth an extended visit in its own right
Highlights
1 Phou Khao Khouay NBCA Laos's most accessible wilderness park, home to elephants and tigers, and just two hours from the capital.
2 Ang Nam Ngum Reservoir There's fishing, boating and island-hopping in this vast lake north of Vientiane.
3 Outdoors in Vang Viang Jaw-dropping views provide the backdrop to this natural playground where caving, mountain biking, rafting, rock-climbing and kayaking are all on offer.