Located: about 70 kilometers, north of the Vientiane capital. (Divided from the Vientiane capital in 1983).

Total area: 15,927 square kilometers.

Population: 350,000.

10 Districts: Phonehong, Thoulakhom, Keo-Oudom, Kasy, Vangvieng, Feuang, Xanakharm, Mad, Hinhurp and. Viengkham.

Capital: Phonehong.

Vangvieng District
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.

Thoulakhom Zoo
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 Southeast Asia .

Nam Ngum Reservoir
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.

Nong Nok or Bird Lake
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.

Vangxang Cave
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 sculptures and 2 huge Buddha images. This place has now becomes a tourist center and a weekend picnic area for Vientiane residents.