Vat Phoxaysanalam: Visit Xam Neua’s most sacred temple. Vat Phoxaysanalam houses a Buddha statue dating from 1565 and weighs 3,850 kg. Stupas and monk’s houses (kuti) also sit on the grounds.

Location: The temple and stupa are located at the northern end of town on Phati Road near the confluence of the Nam Hang and Nam Xam Rivers and across from the Weaving Houses Cluster.

Pathi Road Stupas: Examine a pair of historic stupas that withstood US bombings. Unfortunately, the war destroyed the temple next to which the stupas stand.

Location: The two stupas straddle Phati Road about 400 metres north of the town centre, just past the stadium.

Ban Poung & Ban Kan: Stop at Ban Poung and Ban Kan and check out the ruins of an old temple and historic stupas, and watch villagers distil rice alcohol.

Location: These villages are located just north of Xam Neua Town on the Nam Hang River, and can easily be reached on a rented bicycle or motorbike.

Ban Tham Stupa & Temple: Visit Ban Tham, and investigate the village’s temple, stupa, and Buddha Cave across the road.

Location: Ban Tham is located north of Xam Neua Town on the Nam Xam River, and can be reached on a rented bicycle or motorbike.