The Ang Nam Leuk reservoir is a small artificial lake, located in
the central-northern part of the park. It is surrounded with dense
green forest. This magnificent scenery is a tourist destination
in its own right. It offers a cool retreat from the heat of Vientiane
during the March to May hot season.
The beautiful narrow lake is best explored by boat.
These boat or canoe trips are particularly interesting for bird
and wildlife watching.
It is also possible to visit the Tad
Leuk Waterfall, a beautiful nature trekking where you
can enjoy wildlife observation go camping in the forest. Multiple-day
trekking can be booked on pre-arranged
tours in Vientiane.
The river Nam Leuk originates in the far northwest
of the park at the slopes of Phou Sang Mountain (1666 m). A dam,
about 15 kilometres upstream of Tad Leuk and opened only in 2001,
has been constructed for power generation. It covers 1280 hectares
at the height of the wet season.
The lake is relatively easy accessible by car or
motorbike (and of course bicycle for the ‘die-hards’) from Vientiane via National Road No. 13 (South). Turn
left at Km 90, short before entering Thabok. Signs along the way
will guide you.
From Vientiane, Ang Nam Leuk is just a 2,5 hour-drive
away. It therefore makes for a perfect day trip. It is possible
to go camping overnight on a pre-arranged trip through various tour
operators in Vientiane. |