# Central Laos

Central Laos shares borders with Thailand and Vietnam, as well as with Northern and Southern Laos.

## Regions

From north to south:
* Hua Phan — Bordering Vietnam, this region contains former Pathet Lao caves near Vieng Xai. The regional capital is Sam Neua.
* Xiangkhoang — The regional capital is Phonsavan and this province is popular for the Plain of Jars.
* Vientiane — Home to the capital, Vientiane and backpacker favourite Vang Vieng.
* Bolikhamxai — The regional capital is Paksan.
* Khammuan — The regional capital is Tha Khaek.

## Cities

* 18.2429104.212411 Ban Nahin
* 18.383056103.6669442 Paksan
* 19.45103.23 Phonsavan - access point for the Plain of Jars.
* 20.415104.0461114 Sam Neua - for access to Vieng Xai.
* 17.4104.85 Tha Khaek - a popular base for exploring the Phou Hin Boun National Park including the famous Konglor Cave.
* 18.926667102.4494446 Vang Vieng - riverside town known for backpackers and tubing.
* 20.405278104.2263897 Vieng Xai - famous for the Pathet Lao caves.
* 17.98102.638 Vientiane - Laos' capital.

## Other destinations

* 18.407103.0341 Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area
* 19.431111103.15252 Plain of Jars - hundreds of mysterious stone jars strewn across several sites.

## Understand

What is now Xaisomboun Province (since December 2013) used to be a region during the Vietnam War where the US military recruited Hmong people as support against the North Vietnamese Army. The east of the province still sees unexploded ordnance. With the end of the Vietnam War, the new communist government of Laos singled out Hmong that supported the US for retribution and committed atrocities against the Hmong people. Due to the subsequent Hmong conflict the government introduced the Xaisomboun Special Zone that existed from 1994 to 2006 and was sealed off for foreigners. Even after resolving the Special Zone, as late as 2011, there have been reports of foreign motorcyclists being asked to turn back, pay hefty fines or being detained for entering the area. Now the province sees efforts to open it up to tourism, with 2016 as 'Visit Xaisomboun Year'.

## Get in

Many visitors will enter central Laos through Vientiane's Wattay International Airport. It is by far the busiest and most convenient of Laos' three international airports.
Xiang Khouang Airport (XKH)
In Huaphan province, the capital Sam Neua is served by a new airport, Nong Khang airport, which opened in 2024. There are daily flights to/from Vientiane.

## Get around

The best way to get around is via motorcycle, almost all roads are dirt roads. Hitchhiking is not recommended in Laos as you'll be waiting a long time for someone to stop for you. Bus tickets are dirt cheap anyway. There seems to be boat service on Nam Ngum 2 Lake from the south-west end to the east end of the lake.
Route 13 south of Vientiane (the main highway south) is in a very bad state as of late 2024. Think canyon-sized potholes caused by huge numbers of trucks. However, route 13 from Vientiane to Vang Vieng has recently been resurfaced and is in very good repair.

## See

* Plain of Jars - hundreds of mysterious stone jars strewn across several sites.
* Chao Anouvong’s Cave. Close to the capital.
* Phou Bia. Highest mountain in Laos (2,830m), close to the capital. Might become accessible with the new tourism efforts in the province. (updated Jan 2025)
* Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Project. Dam and lake upstream from the Nam Ngum 1 dam. Road 9308 south from Ban Nongpou offers gorgeous views onto the lake from above, but does not lead straight to the shore of the lake (unlike indicated on some maps). To get to the shore from the west, either take road Nr. 5 from Tha Heua, or a side road in Naxay Savang. Completed in 2011 and the lake now covers some villages and roads that are still present on some outdated maps on its ground. (updated Jun 2015)
* Long Tieng (On the road from Phonsavan). Town and secret air base during the Vietnam War. (updated Jan 2025)(See Stay safe)
* Nang Phone Home Cave. Cave system signposted on the roadside from Pha Tang towards Ban Xuang. Has sections to explore on foot and a river passing through that you can swim in. 10000 kip.

## Stay safe

* Note: Xaisomboun Province is considered, by some governments, as a dangerous part of Laos. There are intermittent attacks on infrastructure and armed clashes with anti-government groups. Some governments advise against non-essential travel to this province.
* Travel advisories
* Australia
* Canada
* New Zealand
* United Kingdom
* United States
* (Information last updated 09 Dec 2024)
Travellers are required to obtain permission from local authorities prior to travel to certain parts of Xaisomboun Province, east of Vientiane. Travellers may be refused entry to some areas of the province, particularly around Long Tieng.
The Vientiane riverbank is a known smuggling route between Laos and Thailand. There is a 22:30 curfew in force. Travellers found in this area during the curfew times may face interrogation and/or detention.
Thieves target tourists in remote locations, including on route 6 near Sam Neua and route 7 between Phou Kounh and Phonsavan.

## Go next

* Northern Laos
* Southern Laos
* Isaan, Thailand
* Vinh, Vietnam