Kasi

Kasi is a small town and the seat of Kasi District in northern Vientiane Province, lying along National Route 13 roughly midway between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. It nestles in an elongated valley along the Nam Lik River, framed by steep, densely forested karst mountains that form one of the most scenic stretches of the highway. Until the new expressway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang was opened, the route through Kasi was a necessary if adventurous leg of every overland trip; today the town is more of a peaceful waypoint of street kitchens, petrol stations, small markets and guesthouses. The surrounding countryside is home mainly to Lao Loum and Hmong families farming rice, maize, tobacco and vegetables. Clouds often drift through the surrounding peaks.

Nearby cities

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a small town north of Vientiane.

Phonhong

Phonhong is the administrative center of Vientiane Province.

Nam Ngum Reservoir

A vast reservoir north of Vientiane, famous for its scenic islands, boat cruises, and floating restaurants.

Sangkhom

A peaceful riverside town on the Mekong, known for its stunning river views, misty hills, and the skywalk at Wat Pha Tak Suea.

Muang Xay

Muang Xay is the most important transport hub in northern Laos.

Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is picturesquely situated on the Nam Ou River, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Sainyabuli

Sainyabuli is the capital of the province of the same name.

Muang Ngoi

Muang Ngoi is a picturesque riverside village surrounded by towering karst peaks, offering a tranquil escape along the Nam Ou River.

Phongsaly

Phongsaly is the northernmost provincial capital in Laos.

Nong Khai

Nong Khai is a city on the bank of the Mekong River, opposite the Laotian capital of Vientiane.

History & landmarks

Pak Ou Caves

Sacred caves along the Mekong where thousands of small and large Buddha statues have been left by pilgrims.

Pha That Luang

The most important national monument in Laos, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the center of Vientiane.

Buddha Park

An unusual sculpture park along the Mekong River that houses over 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues.

Nature

Nam Song River

A picturesque river in Laos flowing through the stunning karst landscape surrounding the town of Vang Vieng, drawing tourists.

Nam Ngum River

One of the largest rivers in Laos and a major tributary of the Mekong, heavily utilized for hydroelectric power generation through dams.

More places

Vang Vieng Organic Farm

A riverside organic farm specializing in mulberry cultivation and goat cheese production.

Vang Vieng Cement Plant

An industrial facility benefiting from the region's rich limestone deposits, supplying building materials for the country's rapid infrast…

Phou Khao Khouay National Park

A national park near the capital that offers dense forests, wild orchids, and picturesque waterfalls.

Phou Khao Khouay National Park

Translated as Buffalo Horn Mountain, this park is very close to Vientiane and offers a mix of sandstone mountains and orchid forests.

Elephant Village Sanctuary

A peaceful sanctuary that rehabilitates former working elephants and gives them a life on the banks of the Nam Khan River.

Luang Prabang SEZ

An economic center under development, aiming to bring light manufacturing and services to the historic and tourism-focused province.

Wat Aham

A small but important historical temple in Luang Prabang that was once the center of both animist and Buddhist worship.

Nam Ou Valley

The valley carved by the Nam Ou River, one of the most important rivers in Laos, known for its dramatic limestone karst landscapes.