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Located
at Ban Kheun Village in Thoulakhom District, the
zoo is about 60 kilometers from the capital Vientiane. Exotic and rare
animals
from the jungles of Laos are featured in a surprising example of
excellent
animal management in Southern Asia.
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Opportunities
exist for boating and picnics on the islands
scattered in the Nam Ngum Reserve. Visitors can make their way to Ban
Thalad
village, Keo-Oudom District which is situated about 80 kilometers from
Vientiane. Fine fish dishes can be tasted at the well-known floating
restaurants while sporting activities can be enjoyed at the facilities
found at
the resort at Thalad Village |
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Located
at Ban Sivilay
Village, a community-managed birds
sanctuary a few kilometers to the west of the park with hundreds of
whistling
ducks and egrets roosting here
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Vangvieng
is situated 152
kilometers from Vientiane on
Route 13 (north). This small village is set against a backdrop of
dramatic
Limestone Mountains. Vangvieng is an ideal place to break the long
journey from
Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Bamboo cabins and guesthouse are both
available for
those seeking overnight accommodation |
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Many
mysterious places can be visited including Patang,
Patho Nokham, Tha Chang Cave and the Namxong River. Tourists can stroll
along
the riverbanks and explore the network of caves. Some of the caves are
outlets
for underground streams and are ideal places to cool off with a swim.
On route
to Vangvieng you can see a vanity of impressive landscapes and should
take the
opportunity acquaint with local people |
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Vangxang
Cave or Elephant
Court is home to the remains of
an ancient sanctuary dated over 300 years before the foundation of the
Lane
Xang Kingdom. Located at km 48 on Route 13 (north) Vangxang consists of
5 large
pink sandstone scultures and 2 huge Buddha images. This place has now
becomes a
tourist center and a weekend picnic area for Vientiane residents |
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A
village called “Ban Bo”
in Thoulakhom District is
renowned for its salt extraction. Located some 60 kilometers from the
capital
Vientiane, the majority of inhabitants earn a part time living by
producing
salt. Traditional extraction methods remain in use, despite modern
processes
being commonly available today
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Phou Khao Khouay,
The National Protected Area
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An
extensive sandstone
mountain range 40 kilometers
northeast of Vientiane is the site of one of Laos’ most beautiful
nature
reserves. The area encompasses a variety of landscapes and habitats,
ranging
from sheer sandstone cliffs and pristine river gorges to rough
mountainous
terrain. Three large rivers and numerous tributaries empty into the
nearly
Mekong in this area |
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The
diversity of forest types in the area includes
evergreen, mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp and pine, all of which are
waiting
to be explored. The forest habitat is home to a range of large animals
including
elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons and langurs, as well as for various
reptiles,
amphibians and birds. The Green Peafowl, a bird believed to be close to
extinction in Laos, can still be found here. While sightings of smaller
animals
are relatively common, a great deal of patience and luck is needed to
observe
larger species |
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During
the rainy season (May-October) the reserve comes
alive as the forest become green and lush, the waterfalls reach their
full flow
and sources of vibrantly colored butterflies fill the sky |
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The
Nam Leuk reservoir in
the center of Phou Khao Khouay
nestles amidst lush forest. Although accessible by road, this beautiful
narrow
lake is best explored by boat |
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Tad
Xay is arguably the
most beautiful waterfall in the
park, particularly during the rainy season. Cascading over seven steps,
the
water flows through a picturesque valley for about 800 meters before
plunging
40 meters into a breathtaking gorge |
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This
part of Phou Khao
Khouay is aready a popular
destination for visitors from Vientiane, but is by no means crowded. It
offers
facilities including a Visitor Center with an exhibition of the fauna
to be
found in the area, a nature trail and a small restaurant. Tad Leuk is
the omost
accessible attraction in the park and is ideal for relaxing, swimming,
camping
or as a starting point for treks into the surrounding forests |
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Not
far from the road,
this steep 50-meter high cliff
offers panoramic views across to the mountains of Phu Khao Khouay and
the
adjacent ranges to the north. During October, the flat rocks of the
riverbed
are studded with orchids and other flowers – a photograph’s paradise |
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This
village on the edge
of the protected area offers
guided trekking into the nearby bamboo belt and forest. Numerous animal
tracks,
including those of wild elephants, can be spotted. If you are lucky,
you may
even see the animals themselves. As a fragile wildlife area, Ban Na can
only be
visited on pre-arranged tours |
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The
route to this small
waterfall and the surrounding pine
forest provides panoramic views of distant mountain ranges and the
Vientiane
Plain |
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Exploring Phou Khao
Khouay
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Easily
accessible by road
and less than 2 hours drive from
Vientiane, this 2,000 square kilometer area of mountains, rivers and
pristine
forests of Phou Khao Khouay offers great opportunities for exploring
nature in
Laos |
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Getting to Phou Khao
Khouay
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The
heart of Phou Khao
Khouay is perfect for outdoor
activities such as hiking, trekking, canoeing, biking, wildlife
watching and
picnicking. It approximately to Vientiane makes it ideal for day trips.Travelling by road to Phou Khao Khouay
from Vientiane is easy by rented
vehicle
or public transport. Take route 13 (south), and turn left at the small
town of
Thabok (km 90). The western part of the area can be reached via Route
10
(north); turning right at Ban Napheng. Organized tours can also be
arranged
through several tour operations in Vientiane |
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