Phou Khao Khouay National Park is located some 70km from Vientiane. Within its 2,000 sq km are several forest types, mountains, a plateau, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The park is home to a number of threatened species including tiger, wild elephant and gibbon. It can be split into two distinct areas of interest, each of which is inaccessible from the other within the park.

The southern perimeter is the most popular part of the park for travellers, and is home to lodges, wild elephants and waterfalls. The western part of the park and its surroundings see many fewer visitors, but has some of its own distinctive features and attractions including impressive viewing points overlooking Vientiane plain and an artificial lake.

While Phou Khao Khouay stretches across both Vientiane and Bolikhamsai provinces, we've included it in the Vientiane section as you're most likely to head here from there.