18 Attractions to Explore Near Nam Ngum Reservoir

Pha That Luang, located about 4km northeast of the city centre, is the most important national monument in Laos – a symbol of Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Legend has it that Ashokan missionaries from India erected a tâht (stupa) here to enclose a piece of Buddha's breastbone as early as the 3rd century BC.

Patuxai is a massive war monument and triumphal arch in the center of Vientiane, Laos. It was completed in 1968. It’s also known as the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane due to its resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Patuxai, however, is slightly taller than its Parisian counterpart, has four gates rather than two, and is covered in distinctly Laotian designs.

That Dam is a 16th-century Buddhist stupa in central Vientiane. Also known as the Black Stupa, it’s located on a quiet roundabout not far from Talat Sao (morning market) and the American Embassy. Visit That Dam in the late evening, when the ancient site is illuminated in colourful artificial lighting. You can even enjoy the view from most restaurants and bars surrounding the stupa.

Wat Ong Teu Mahawihan was originally built in the 16th century by King Setthathirat, the builder of Pha That Luang. Like the Great Stupa, it was destroyed in the Siamese invasion of 1828 and was later rebuilt in the 19th century. The temple takes its name from the massive 16th century bronze Buddha image, the largest in Vientiane. The temple is also the residence of the Lao Supreme Patriarch.

Wat Si Saket is the only temple in Laos that survived the Siamese occupation, which destroyed much of the capital in 1828. It features over 10,000 Buddha sculptures of varying sizes and styles. The temple also has beautiful architecture and layout, with a history that dates back to 1818.

The Presidential Palace is the official residence of the President of Laos, who, by convention, also holds the position of General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party. The building is surrounded by well-manicured lawns and gardens and fenced off by tall walls and a wrought iron gate. The Presidential Palace is not to be confused with the official home of the Lao president which is located in the Vientiane suburb of Ban Phonthan. The palace is lit up in the evening and offers a grea

Ho Phra Keo is a former Buddhist shrine dating back to 1565 – today, it serves as a museum of religious arts in Vientiane. Locals call it ‘the Temple of the Emerald Buddha’ as Ho Phra Keo has a gilded throne meant for the Emerald Buddha, which now sits on the grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace.

Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, Laos in a meadow by the Mekong River. Although it is not a temple, the park may be referred to as Wat Xieng Khuan, since it contains numerous religious images. The name Xieng Khuan means Spirit City. The park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. The socialist government operates Buddha Park as a tourist attraction and a public park.

Sala Keoku is a park featuring giant fantastic concrete sculptures inspired by Buddhism and Hinduism. It is located near Nong Khai, Thailand in the immediate proximity of the Thai-Lao border and the Mekong river. The park has been built by and reflects the vision of Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat and his followers. The construction started in 1978. It shares the style of Sulilat's earlier creation, Buddha Park on the Lao side of Mekong, but is marked by even more extravagant fantasy and greater propor

Phou Khao Khouay National Park is located only 40 kilometres northeast of Vientiane, accessible via Route 13 headed to Tha Khaek. The park, which means “Buffalo Horn Mountain”, features some beautiful scenery and a vast array of biodiversity ranging from dense jungle to cool, misty pine forests, rivers and waterfalls, including noteworthy Tad Leuk and Tad Xay.

Phou Khao Khouay National Park is located only 40 kilometers northeast of Vientiane, accessible via Route 13 headed to Tha Khaek. The park, which means “Buffalo Horn Mountain”, features some beautiful scenery and a vast array of biodiversity ranging from dense jungle to cool, misty pine forests, rivers and waterfalls and so more.

Tham Jang is a cave just to the southwest of Vang Vieng, Laos. Approached by a bridge over the Nam Song River and then a long flight of steps, a spring is located about 50 metres inside the cave. The cave was used as a bunker in the early 19th century during the Chinese-Ho invasion.

The Nam Song River is a small river in Laos that flows through the town of Vang Vieng. It is a popular tourist destination as many people enjoy seeing the Laotian countryside while going down the river in the inner tube of a tractor tyre or in a kayak. The river is surrounded by striking karst rock formations. Upstream from Vang Vieng, numerous bars have been built on the river's banks to attract the tourists floating by.

Nong Prachak public park is a vibrant and peaceful destination popular with tourists and locals.

Udon Thani Museum is an important historical attraction of Udon Thani since it gathers the history of Udon Thani inside. The museum exhibiting the cultural heritage, history, archeology, art, and tradition, including lifestyle of Udon Thani people from the past to the present.

It is believed that the City Pillar is the home to the guardian soul of the city, known as "Chao Pho Lak Mueang". Udon Thani city pillar shrine is Located in middle of the Mueang Udon Thani city.

Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre is an institution to preserve the art, culture, lifestyle, and philosophical principles of the ancestors of today's Udon Thani Thai-Chinese community.

Wat Pa Ban Tat is located at Ban Tat, Tambon Ban Tat, was first founded in 1955 and established as a Buddhist temple on 17 September, 1970. It used to be a residence of Luangta Maha Bua Yanasampanno, an insight development monk master.