This new province of Laos was a special zone barred to tourists in the past. Now tourists are allowed to travel, though many places still require use of registered Lao travel agents.

It is bordering Vientiane province and close to the Nam Ngum dam lake and its river in the north-east of Vientiane province. The province is full of forested hills and is sparsely populated. Lao highest mountain "Mt. Bia" (over 2800 meters) is located in the province.

It is an inviting place for the nature lovers, trekkers and rafters. The Nam Ngum river offers many high level white waters during the rainy season between June and December. However The trekking and village home stay program must be arranged by a Lao based tour operator. It needs time and preparation of travel document.