Vientiane Prefecture

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Vientiane ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ
Prefecture
Viengchan Prefecture
Seal
Map of Vientiane Prefecture
Location of Vientiane Prefecture in Laos
Coordinates: 18°06′N 102°36′E / 18.1°N 102.6°E / 18.1; 102.6
Country	Laos
Established	1989
Capital	Vientiane
Area
• Total	3,920 km2 (1,510 sq mi)
Population  (2015 census)
• Total	820,924
• Density	210/km2 (540/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+7 (ICT)
ISO 3166 code	LA-VT
HDI (2017)	0.795[1] high · 1st

Vientiane Prefecture (Lao: ນະຄອນຫຼວງວຽງຈັນ, Nakhônlouang ViangChan) is a prefecture of Laos, in the northwest Laos. The national capital, Vientiane, is in the prefecture. The prefecture was created in 1989, when it was split off from Vientiane province.^[2]

On a curve of the Mekong River, and bordering Thailand, the prefecture covers an area of 3,920 km² (1,510 sq mi). Vientiane city was built in the 16th century in the reign of King Saysethathirath. The older part of the city has ancient temples, museums, monuments and parks.^[2]

Protected areas in the prefecture include Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area, Phou Phanang National Protected Area, and Houay Ngang Forest Reserve, a good area for bird and butterfly watching.^[3]

The prefecture is the site of the First Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge spanning the Mekong to connect with Nong Khai Province, Thailand and the New Laos National Stadium open 2009 at Route 13.