Visit the Lao Wildlife Conservation Center – A Meaningful Day Trip from Vientiane
If you are looking for a place near Vientiane where nature, learning, and responsible travel come together, the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife is well worth a visit. Reopening to the public on 19 January 2026, the Lao Wildlife Conservation Center welcomes visitors to its newly built site after relocating from Ban Keun, Thoulakhom District.
For Laos Travel Hub readers, this is an experience we recommend not as a “must-see attraction,” but as a place to understand Laos more deeply. This center is not a zoo and does not exist for entertainment. It is a rescue and rehabilitation facility for wild animals saved from illegal wildlife trade. Animals here are cared for quietly and professionally, with the long-term aim of returning them to the wild whenever possible.
Walking through the center, you will learn how rescued animals are treated, how carefully their diets are managed, and why their environments are designed to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior. The visit is calm, educational, and reflective. It is especially suitable for families who want children to learn respect for wildlife, students interested in conservation, and travelers who prefer experiences with meaning rather than crowds.
The center is located near the Nam Ngum area, making it an easy half-day trip from Vientiane Capital. Many visitors combine the visit with nearby nature spots, creating a relaxed and rewarding day outside the city.
When you visit, you are not just observing wildlife. Your presence supports conservation work in Laos and helps protect species that are part of the country’s natural identity.
How to Visit the Lao Wildlife Conservation Center
The center officially opens to the public on 19 January 2026. From that date onward, visitors can walk in without advance booking. Opening hours may vary by season, so it is recommended to check the official Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife Facebook page before your visit for the most up-to-date information.
The site is accessible by car from Vientiane, with a comfortable drive along main roads toward the Nam Ngum area. Location maps and directions are shared through the center’s official channels.
Visitors are encouraged to dress comfortably and modestly, suitable for walking outdoors and respecting a conservation environment. Quiet behavior is important. This is a working rescue center, and animals may be sensitive to noise and sudden movement.
photo from THOLAKHONG
Photography is generally allowed, but flash photography, loud conversations, chasing animals for photos, or trying to get their attention should be avoided. Feeding animals, touching them, or entering restricted areas is strictly not permitted. These rules exist to protect both visitors and wildlife, and to support successful rehabilitation.
photo from THOLAKHONG
Children are welcome but should be supervised closely at all times. This is a place for learning patience and respect rather than active play.
By following these simple guidelines, visitors help ensure that the center remains a safe space for animals and a meaningful learning environment for everyone.
Map to Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5Qz8uYYNKv7Yu4tp8?g_st=ipc&fbclid=IwY2xjawPUMKtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBXRkVNd0pQTnBJeWo3d1pIc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrR2I3bhkl0DVNpmW6L4EINVdr0p5p0j5MGipx6VZ2JI-rMb1evdX3bNqXI6_aem_Z4zQC8oQ63w5y-bqi73DGw