Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: May 27, 2026
Laos is divided into 17 provinces (khoueng) and one capital city. Here are the provinces and the capital city of Laos:
Laos is a landlocked Southeast Asian country bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. The country is divided into 17 provinces and 1 prefecture for administrative purposes. Vientiane is the national capital and also the largest city in Laos.
The country includes mountain ranges, river valleys, forests, agricultural plains, and remote rural communities centered around the Mekong River system. Different provinces are known for hydropower projects, agriculture, Buddhism, ecotourism, and traditional ethnic cultures.
Key Facts
- National capital: Vientiane
- Total population: 7,900,000 (Official estimate 2025)
- Total area: 236,800 km² (91,429 sq miles)
- Currency: Lao Kip (LAK)
- Bordering countries: China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar
- Total Provinces and Prefecture: 18
- Total Districts: 140+
List of Provinces and Capitals of Laos
Total administrative divisions shown: 18 | Combined population: 7,900,000 | Combined area: 236,800 km²
| # | Province Name | Capital City | Region | Area (km²) | Population (Latest Census) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Attapeu | Attapeu | Southern Laos | 10,320 | 165,000 |
| 2 | Bokeo | Houayxay | Northwestern Laos | 6,196 | 210,000 |
| 3 | Bolikhamxai | Paksan | Central Laos | 14,863 | 315,000 |
| 4 | Champasak | Pakse | Southern Laos | 15,415 | 790,000 |
| 5 | Houaphanh | Xam Neua | Northeastern Laos | 16,500 | 325,000 |
| 6 | Khammouane | Thakhek | Central Laos | 16,315 | 430,000 |
| 7 | Luang Namtha | Luang Namtha | Northern Laos | 9,325 | 185,000 |
| 8 | Luang Prabang | Luang Prabang | Northern Laos | 16,875 | 470,000 |
| 9 | Oudomxay | Muang Xay | Northern Laos | 15,370 | 330,000 |
| 10 | Phongsaly | Phongsaly | Northern Highlands | 16,270 | 190,000 |
| 11 | Salavan | Salavan | Southern Laos | 10,691 | 420,000 |
| 12 | Savannakhet | Savannakhet | Central Laos | 21,774 | 1,150,000 |
| 13 | Sekong | Sekong | Southern Highlands | 7,665 | 135,000 |
| 14 | Vientiane Prefecture | Vientiane | Capital Region | 3,920 | 980,000 |
| 15 | Vientiane Province | Phonhong | Central Laos | 15,927 | 500,000 |
| 16 | Xaignabouli | Xaignabouli | Western Laos | 16,389 | 420,000 |
| 17 | Xaisomboun | Anouvong | Central Highlands | 8,500 | 110,000 |
| 18 | Xiangkhouang | Phonsavan | Central Highlands | 15,880 | 290,000 |
Largest Provinces by Area
- Savannakhet - 8,407 sq mi (21,774 km²)
- Luang Prabang - 6,515 sq mi (16,875 km²)
- Houaphanh - 6,371 sq mi (16,500 km²)
- Xaignabouli - 6,328 sq mi (16,389 km²)
- Khammouane - 6,299 sq mi (16,315 km²)
- Phongsaly - 6,282 sq mi (16,270 km²)
- Vientiane Province - 6,149 sq mi (15,927 km²)
- Xiangkhouang - 6,131 sq mi (15,880 km²)
Most Populous Provinces
- Savannakhet - Population: 1,150,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Vientiane Prefecture - Population: 980,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Champasak - Population: 790,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Vientiane Province - Population: 500,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Luang Prabang - Population: 470,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Khammouane - Population: 430,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Salavan - Population: 420,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
- Xaignabouli - Population: 420,000 (Official Estimate 2025)
Smallest Provinces by Area
- Vientiane Prefecture - 1,514 sq mi (3,920 km²)
- Bokeo - 2,392 sq mi (6,196 km²)
- Sekong - 2,959 sq mi (7,665 km²)
- Xaisomboun - 3,282 sq mi (8,500 km²)
- Luang Namtha - 3,600 sq mi (9,325 km²)
- Attapeu - 3,985 sq mi (10,320 km²)
Provinces by Regional Grouping
- Capital Region: Vientiane Prefecture
- Central Laos: Bolikhamxai, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Vientiane Province
- Central Highlands: Xaisomboun, Xiangkhouang
- Northern Laos: Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay
- Northern Highlands: Phongsaly
- Northeastern Laos: Houaphanh
- Northwestern Laos: Bokeo
- Southern Laos: Attapeu, Champasak, Salavan
- Southern Highlands: Sekong
- Western Laos: Xaignabouli
Landlocked Provinces
- Attapeu
- Bokeo
- Bolikhamxai
- Champasak
- Houaphanh
- Khammouane
- Luang Namtha
- Luang Prabang
- Oudomxay
- Phongsaly
- Salavan
- Savannakhet
- Sekong
- Vientiane Prefecture
- Vientiane Province
- Xaignabouli
- Xaisomboun
- Xiangkhouang
Provinces with Coastline
- None - Laos is a landlocked country.
Provinces Sharing Borders with Other Countries
- China: Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Phongsaly
- Vietnam: Attapeu, Bolikhamxai, Houaphanh, Khammouane, Phongsaly, Savannakhet, Sekong, Xiangkhouang
- Cambodia: Attapeu, Champasak
- Thailand: Bokeo, Champasak, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Vientiane Province, Xaignabouli
- Myanmar: Bokeo, Luang Namtha
Sources
- Lao Statistics Bureau
- World Bank - Laos Data
- CIA World Factbook - Laos
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Laos
- Government of Laos
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