Capital: Savannakhet

Total area: 21,774 km2

Population: 824,000

Savannakhet Province is located at the crossroads between the North, South, East and West of Laos and has long been a center of trade and power. The Province is well noted as the birthplace of the Honorable Kaysone Phomvihane, first Secretary of the Lao Communist Party and co-founder Savannakhet town. His house and a museum documenting his life achievements can be visited in area was once inhabited by dinosaurs as evidenced by the bones found in Ban Tang Wai Village and the giant footprints found in Phalanxai, which are documented in the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. Remnants of an ancient civilization can be seen at the Stone House, a pre-Angkorian building located 40km down stream from town along the Mekong. That Ing Hang stupa, originally built more than 1,000 years ago and later rebuilt by King Saysethathirath in the 16^th century, is the province’s most important religious site. Also of interest is the history library, Ho Tai Pi Dok, which is believed to have been built in the 18^th century and was traditional used to house old bail an Buddhist scriptures, of more recent history is the section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail which passes through Savannakhet. Old tanks, guns and other war equipment left behind in the trail can be seen near villages on Route 9 near the Vietnam border.

The Phuthai ethnic group , known for its unique silk and cotton weaving, claims its origin in the province’s Villaboury District. The Katang ethnic group, which is loved for its famous folk song, Lam Dtang Wai, also has traditional lands in Savannakhet. For nature enthusiasts, trekking in Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area (NPA) provides an opportunity to see rare Douc and Silvered Langurs. Phou Xang Hae NPA has a population of wild elephants as well as distinctive rocky outcrops and vistas. The Eld’s deer, once considered to be extinct in Laos, were rediscovered in 2002 in Xoubouly District and are revered by local villagers. The province is a hot spot for crocodiles, which inhabit the confluence of the Champone and Xe Bang Hieng rivers. Hundreds of stump-tailed macaques, considered sacred by locals, are easily spotted in the 4-hectare Monkey Forest. Giant Asian soft shelled turtles, also considered sacred, can be easily seen in Ban Don Daeng. In Dong Natad Provincial Forest, snakes, monkeys and old-growth forest are well protected by the villagers for spiritual reasons. Locally guided tours to the area are available.

Savannakhet is most notes for its weavings, especially Phuthai silk and cotton weaving in Villaboury district, and ethnic Katang weaving in the Dong Phou Vieng area. The favorite national meat, sin savanh, a flat, sweet dried beef sprinkled with sesame seeds, originates from Savannakhet and can be purchased in local markets.

The That Ing Hang festival is the largest festival of the year and is typically celebrates in December at the time of the full moon.

Capita: Thakhek

Total area: 16,135 km2

Population: 330,000

Khammouane, meaning “happy gold”, is believed to have been named after the gold deposits found in the area hundreds of years ago. The province’s history dates back as early as the 6^th – 8^th centuries when the region was part of the Sikhotabong Kingdom. Remnants of the ancient civilization include the Great Wall (Kampeng Nyak), Meuang Phone Stupa, and Sikhotatong Stupa – one of the most sacred in Laos. The province has many remaining buildings that date to the colonial period, especially in the provincial capital of Thakhaek. There is an abandoned railway track that was originally planned to connect Laos with Vietnam but never finished – today the only evidence of this endeavor is an old railway over the Nam Done River.

Khammouane is a land of rugged karsts mountains which were once the refuge of a succession of ethnic groups fleeing the Haw invasions in the north during the 19^th century. The famed Mu Gia pass at the end of route 12 was one of the main transit points of the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Indochina Wars. This dreamlike landscape has served as a sanctuary for a number of wild animals that were unknown to scientists until the 1990s. the khan nyou, a small rodent-like creature the size of a small squirrel was found in Khammouane in the early 21^st century and possibly will be the last remaining mammalian family to be described on earth.

The Limestone Mountains are honeycombed with countless caves, some of which for ages concealed forgotten treasures. The Buddha Cave (Tam Pa Fa) was just discovered in 2004 and houses 229 priceless Buddha images. Kong Lo Cave in perhaps the most well-known in the province. It is 7,5 km long and as high and wide as 90-100 m in some places. The province has three national protected areas (NPA) that cover an enormous area – 6,295 km² in total. Phou Hin Poun NPA encompasses much of the Limestone Forest and has 43 recorded species of bats. The HIn Namno NPA is located in the area where the Central Indochina Limestone meets the Annamite Chain, and as a result, has prominent limestone escarpments and caves. The most important area is terms of biodiversity, however, is the Nakai-Nam Teun NPA with its complex range of habitats  and newly discovered species of mammals such as the saola, giant muntjac, and Indochinese warty pig.

Locally made products include handmade incense sticks, naturally dyed cotton and silk weaving produced in the Kong Lo area. The province’s favorite snack, khaonome parn, is a soft sticky green and black colored sweet wrapped in banana leaves made with yellow soy beans and coconut in the middle. This treat was originally brought to Laos generations ago by Vietnamses settlers. Today, whenever Lao people visit Khamouane they are obliged to bring back a bag of khaonome parn to their friends and family.

That Sikhottabong Festival is the most important festival in Khamouane Province and is celebrated at That Sikhottabong on the full moon on February (or the third lunar month of the Lao calendar) lasting for several days.

Capital: Pakxan

Total area: 14,863 km2

Population: 190,000

Bolikhamxay Province, located just south of Vientiane in central Laos, is a center for ecotourism activities with its two national protected areas and extensive system of wetlands. The journey from Ban Khoun Kham to Lak Sao on Route 8 offers spectacular scenery of karsts mountain landscapes and is considered to be one of the most impressive passages in the country. Vat Phabath, located on the between Vientiane and Paksan is an important pilgrimage site and sacred temple that houses a shrine containing a giant footprint of the Lord Buddha (phabat). It is believed that all travelers passing by the temple should stop and stay respect to the spirits for a safe journey and strong health.

Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (NPA) covers an area of 2,000 km² in Bolikhamxay and Vientiane Provinces has excellent evergreen, mixed deciduous and coniferous forests in addition to extensive fire-climax grasslands which support key species that include wild elephants, white-cheeked gibbons and green peafowl. A community managed elephant watch tower in Ban Na provides one of the best opportunities to view large wildlife in Laos. One can take nature walks with village guides through the park’s old growth forests and well-known waterfalls – Tad Leuk, Tad Xay and Tad Xang. Self-guided walks are also available from the visitor center at Tad Leuk which has camping facilities and tents for rent. Nam Kading NPA is abundant with wildlife due its low population density and biologically diverse forest ecology. Elephant, gaur, giant muntjac, gibbon the sooty babbler, rufous-throated fulvetta, river lapwing, wreathed and great hornbills and large otters are just some of the many species that inhabit the area. One of the country’s most extensive wetland system is located southwest of Paksan town and is known to have a very unique and abundant population of migratory birds. The wetlands can be reached by motorbike or truck via a number of dirt trails leaving town. Also of interest is the natural cool springs along he Nam Mang River, a pleasant site for swimming and picnicking.

The province’s legendary festival, Bang Fai Phayanak (Naga Rockets) is held at the picturesque Phonesane Temple overlooking the Mekong River on the 15^th day of the 11^th month of the Buddhist lunar calendar, coinciding with the last day of Buddhist lent, usually in mid-October. On this special night small multi-colored fire balls mysteriously shoot out of the Mekong River and disappear into the sky. The best place to view this mysterious natural light show is at Ban Hai near the mouth of the Nam Ngum River.

(Source: Tourism GuideBook Laos)

Capital: Muang Xay

Total area: 15,370 km2

Population: 250,000

Tranquil, beautiful and sometimes hidden in the clouds, Oudomxay is located in the heart of northern Laos and is one of the most accessible of the far Northern provinces. The rugged mountainous landscape has peaks up to 1,850 m covered in varying forest types and swidden fields. The province’s three main rivers are Nam Ou, Nam Beng and Nam Tha. Oudomxay is many populated by the Khamu, Hmong and lowland Lao, with a total of 23 ethnic minorities, each with their own languages, cultural heritage and lifestyles.

In Muang Xay, the provincial capital, visit the Chinese market next to the Kaysone monument to see a variety of local products from Oudomxay as well as imported Chinese goods. Take a walk outside of town to see That Phouxaya atop the mountain overlooking Xay for a birds-eye view of the surrounding valley.

The countryside around Xay has several beautiful natural features to visit, including Tad Lak Sip-et (kilometer 11 waterfall) set in a stunning limestone environment, and the peaceful Houay Nam Kat waterfall. Chom Ong Cave is situated 45km from Oudomxay near the Khamu village of Chom Ongthai. Entering the cave you can follow the spring of the Nam Kaeng River for 1,600m passing through large halls with heights of up to 35m and widths of 20m. visit the therapeutic baw nam hawn (hot springs) on the road to Phongsali in Muang La to soothe aching muscles, or the Singkham Buddha Cave that was used to safeguard historical artefacts during the war. Ban Na Xieng Di has some interesting archaeological sites believed to date back about 500 years. Also unique is the Buddha footprint or phabath found in Ban Nong Nha.

Pak Beng, located at the confluence of the Beng and Mekong Rivers is set on a scenic curve of the Mekong shrouded in green mountains. Explore Pha Ho – Pha Hong Cave in Beng district, or experience the shared Lao and Chinese heritage at Ban Theio or Ban Nam Xeng. Visitors can spend time in La district trekking to minority villages in remote and picturesque location. If you are in Oudomxay during December inquire about the dates of the annual Hmong and Khamu new years celebrations, colorful festivals that include music, trade fairs and lots of local food and drink.

Most restaurants in Oudomxay serve a variety of traditional Lao and Chinese food, with one of the local Lao specialties being gang nor kom or bitter bamboo-shoot soup. Oudomxay province is famous as one of the places where ancient bronze drums were cast, which have been a symbol of status and wealth for centuries. Master drum makers continue to make these beautiful drums and purchasing a new drum supports this disappearing cultural industry. Please refrain from purchasing antique drum – it illegal and contributes to be loss of Lao’s precious cultural heritage. Ban Bo village is well known for skilled handicraft production, especially rattan and bamboo basket weaving. Other quality local handicraft include cotton weaving and shoulder – bag production, salt making mulberry paper and silk products

(Source: Tourism GuideBook Laos)

Capital: Namtha

Total area: 9,235 km2

Population: 145,000

Famous for trekking and ecotourism opportunities in the Nam Ha National Protected Area and home to over 30 distinct ethnic groups, Luang Namtha is perhaps the most diverse province in the entire country. Akha villages are located in the hills and some are easily accessible. If you are interested in kayaking and rafting, 1-3 day trips can be arranged when you get there or by advance booking through a travel agent. Motorized boat trips on the Namtha River are a popular activity, as is simply renting a bicycle to explore the lush countryside and rice fields surrounding the town. At Nam Ngean Village, climb the hill to Phoum Phouk stupa for an amazing view of the Namtha valley. In Vieng Phoukha, halfway between Luang Namtha and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand you can visit the abandoned 16^th century settlement known as the Kou Vieng Ruins. For cave exploration, don’t miss the Phou Prasat and Nam Eng caves in Vieng Phoukha.

In Namtha District, visit Black Tai villages to see sericulture and purchase hand-made silk textiles. If you are interested in watching paper made by hand, stop at one of the Lantaen villages outside of the main town. Because of its concentration of Khamu villages Namtha is a great place to purchase bamboo and rattan basketry – the Khamu are legendary basket – weavers. Here the bamboo and rattan are used for both handicrafts and food. Bitter bamboo-shoot soup and rattan-heart salad are two delicious local dishes. If you like rice noodles, the kao soi in Muang Sing is a must.

The historic Tai Lue communities are Muang Sing were formerly part of thr Sipsongpanna Kingdom centered in Yunnan, China. Today you can see evidence of Muang Sing’s golden era by visiting the town’s ancient temples and archaeological sites. The Muang Sing market is one of the most colorful in northern Laos, with Akha, Khamu, Tai Dam and Hmong traders selling a variety of forest products and handicrafts every day. Just outside Muang Sing are the Xieng Teung and Jorm Sing stupas, highly revered by Buddhists in Laos, China, Thailand and Myanmar. From Muang Sing you can travel overland to Xieng Kok and then take a boat down the Mekong to Houay Xay on this remote and beautiful section of the river

Special festivals in Luang Namtha are the boat races – Boun Souang Heua, in October and the That Xieng Teung festival held during the 12^th lunar moth (usually November) each year. The Xieng Teung festival draws many faithful Tai Lue Buddhist from Lao, China, Thailand and Myanmar. Boun Souang Heua is a fun-filled celebration with colorful traditional boat racing and revelry.

(Source: Tourism GuideBook Laos)