Central Laos
Laos · Asia
關於Central Laos
Central Laos shares borders with Thailand and Vietnam, as well as with Northern and Southern Laos.
Central Laos旅遊指南
城市概覽
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.
如何抵達
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 IATA) In Huaphan province, the capital Sam Neua is served by Nong Khang airport, which opened in 2024. There are daily flights from Vientiane.
當地交通
The best way to get around is via motorcycle; almost all roads are dirt. 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 a boat service on Nam Ngum 2 Lake from the south-west end to the east end of the lake. Vientiane–Vang Vieng is also connected via the Laos–China Railway. Route 13 south of Vientiane (the main highway south) is in poor condition as of late 2024, with canyon-sized potholes caused by huge numbers of trucks. However, route 13 from Vientiane to Vang Vieng has been resurfaced and is in very good repair, as of 2025.
必看景點
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.
順遊推薦
Northern Laos Southern Laos Isaan, Thailand Vinh, Vietnam
城市概覽改寫自 Wikipedia，旅遊指南來自Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。照片來自 Wikimedia Commons.