Phonhong

Phonhong is the administrative seat of Vientiane Province and lies about 80 kilometres north of the capital of the same name along National Route 13. The small town grew out of a traditional Lao market settlement on the main transport axis between the Mekong valley and the northern upland provinces, and today serves as the administrative, educational and commercial hub for the surrounding districts. Its character comes from a long stretch of street market selling local produce, wooden stilt houses and a number of newer government buildings and schools. The surroundings are dominated by paddy fields, rubber plantations and low hills whose slopes are dotted with Lao Loum, Khmu and Hmong villages. Phonhong is also a gateway to the Nam Ngum reservoir and its hydropower plant.

Nearby cities

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a small town north of Vientiane.

Nam Ngum Reservoir

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

Kasi

Kasi is a small town on Route 13 between Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang.

Sangkhom

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

Nong Khai

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

Udon Thani

Udon Thani is a major regional center in northeast Thailand, serving as a gateway to Laos.

Nong Khiaw

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

Muang Ngoi

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

Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is one of the four major centers of Isan, northeast Thailand, and an important educational hub.

Muang Xay

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

History & landmarks

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.

Pak Ou Caves

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

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 Cement Plant

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

Vang Vieng Organic Farm

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

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.

Nam Ngum Reservoir Valley

A vast valley that was inundated by the construction of the Nam Ngum dam, creating hundreds of islands.

Phu Phra Bat Park Wildlife

Although a historical park, the area also hosts diverse wildlife in its forests, including numerous bird species and small mammals.

Phou Khoun Pass

A strategic mountain pass connecting Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces, often called the gateway to the north.

Vientiane Orchid Farm

A specialized nursery in the capital dedicated to breeding and preserving hundreds of Laotian orchid species.