Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Vientiane, Laos
1. Phou Khao Khouay National Park
Explore Laos's lush rainforest and spot gibbons at Phou Khao Khouay. The park offers hiking trails and elephant-back safaris, ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
- Rainforest Exploration: Hike through Laos's diverse rainforest ecosystem.
- Gibbon Spotting: Observe the endangered white-handed gibbons in their natural habitat.
- Eco-friendly Safaris: Travel through the park on elephant-back, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.
2. Ban Vat Phu Nong Khiaw
Discover a traditional Lao village suspended on cliffs at Ban Vat Phu Nong Khiaw. Experience sustainable living with local families and learn about eco-friendly farming techniques.
- Cliffside Village: Live among the unique stilt houses built on cliffs.
- Eco-farming Education: Learn about traditional and sustainable farming practices.
- Cultural Exchange: Interact with local families and learn about Lao culture.
3. Friendship Bridge (Thau Dam)
Cross the Mekong River on the Friendship Bridge and enter Thailand. The bridge connects two countries promoting sustainable economic growth through tourism.
- International Connection: Experience both Laos and Thailand on one trip.
- Sustainable Growth: Support the economic growth of two countries through tourism.
- Mekong River Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the Mekong River during your crossing.
4. Vientiane Eco Discovery Centre
Learn about Laos's rich biodiversity at the Vientiane Eco Discovery Centre. The centre offers eco-friendly tours and workshops focusing on conservation and sustainable development.
- Biodiversity Education: Discover Laos's diverse wildlife and ecosystems.
- Eco-friendly Tours: Embark on guided tours that promote minimal impact on the environment.
- Conservation Workshops: Attend workshops to learn about conservation efforts in Laos.
5. Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Discover Buddhist and Hindu statues at the unusual Buddha Park. The park is set in a serene natural environment, promoting peace and sustainability.
- Religious Sculptures: Explore an assortment of Buddhist and Hindu statues.
- Natural Setting: Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the park's natural surroundings.
- Sustainable Development: Support local artisans who craft and maintain the statues.
6. Wat Phu Tai
Visit Wat Phu Tai, an ancient Khmer temple dating back to the 9th century. The temple's restoration follows eco-friendly practices, preserving its historical significance.
- Ancient Temple: Explore a Khmer temple dating back to the 9th century.
- Eco-friendly Restoration: Learn about eco-friendly restoration techniques.
- Historical Significance: Discover the rich history and culture of the Khmer empire.
7. Tamnak Lao Cooking School
Learn traditional Lao cooking techniques at Tamnak Lao Cooking School. The school uses locally sourced ingredients and sustainable cooking methods.
- Traditional Cooking: Master authentic Lao dishes using local ingredients.
- Sustainable Practices: Support sustainable cooking techniques and local farmers.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Lao culture through food and cooking traditions.
8. Vientiane Orchid Garden
Stroll through the enchanting Vientiane Orchid Garden, home to over 200 species of exotic orchids. The garden focuses on sustainable orchid cultivation and conservation.
- Exotic Orchids: Marvel at a variety of beautiful orchid species.
- Sustainable Cultivation: Learn about sustainable orchid farming practices.
- Conservation Efforts: Support the conservation of endangered orchid species.
9. Vientiane Organic Agriculture Network (VOAN)
Join VOAN's community-supported agriculture program and learn about sustainable farming practices. The network aims to promote organic agriculture in Vientiane.
- Sustainable Farming: Discover organic farming methods with the VOAN community.
- Community Supported Agriculture: Support local farmers and their sustainable practices.
- Environmental Education: Learn about the importance of organic farming for a healthy environment.
10. Vientiane Night Market (Talaat Sao)
Shop for handmade Lao crafts at the bustling Vientiane Night Market. The market promotes local artisans and sustainable products.
- Handmade Crafts: Discover unique, locally made crafts.
- Local Artisans Support: Support local artisans and their sustainable practices.
- Nighttime Atmosphere: Experience the vibrant, nighttime atmosphere of Vientiane.
11. Vientiane Art Gallery
Discover contemporary Lao art at the Vientiane Art Gallery. The gallery showcases works by local artists and promotes sustainable practices in the arts community.
- Contemporary Art: Explore Lao contemporary art created by local artists.
- Local Arts Support: Support the local arts community and sustainable practices.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Lao culture through art.
12. Vientiane Cycling Adventures
Explore Vientiane on two wheels with eco-friendly cycling tours. The tours focus on sustainable transportation and responsible tourism.
- Sustainable Transportation: Travel by bike, reducing carbon emissions.
- Responsible Tourism: Promote responsible tourism practices that respect the environment and local communities.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover Lao culture while cycling through the city.
13. Friendship Bridge (Friendship Bridge Park)
Relax at Friendship Bridge Park on the Laos side of the Mekong River. The park offers a tranquil escape and supports sustainable economic development through tourism.
- Tranquil Escape: Find peace and relaxation at the park.
- Sustainable Development: Support sustainable economic growth through tourism.
- Mekong River Views: Enjoy stunning views of the Mekong River from the park.
14. Vientiane Botanical Gardens
Stroll through the lush Vientiane Botanical Gardens, home to over 200 species of exotic plants. The gardens focus on sustainable plant conservation and education.
- Exotic Plants: Discover a variety of beautiful exotic plants.
- Sustainable Plant Conservation: Learn about sustainable plant conservation techniques.
- Educational Exhibits: Explore educational exhibits on plant biology and conservation.
15. Phonsavan's Plain of Jars
Marvel at the mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan. The site showcases hundreds of stone jars and promotes sustainable tourism by supporting local communities.
- Mystical Stone Jars: Discover the enigmatic Plain of Jars.
- Sustainable Tourism: Support local communities and responsible tourism practices.
- Historical Mystery: Explore the mystery behind the Plain of Jars.