Houaphanh’s Heritage Sites

  Cave City: Serving as the Pathet Lao revolutionary movement’s command centre from 1964-1975, Viengxay’s “Cave City” housed some 20,000 people, government offices, temples, markets, schools, hospitals, theatres, and factories. You can take a tour of the caves. Start your tour in the garden of the Cave’s Visitor Centre, and be sure to grab a … Read more

Houaphanh Waterfalls

  Nam Neua Waterfall Admire Nam Neua Waterfall, as it squeezes through thick forest down an 80-metre trough and over two tiers to its rocky bottom. The falls are located close to Viengxay Caves. Houei Yad Waterfall A short walk from the serene Nam Muang Hot Springs, Houei Yad Waterfall crashes over sloping rocks as … Read more

Travel Guide to Houaphanh

  Houaphanh, considered the birthplace of Lao PDR, is mostly known for Viengxay Cave City, where the Pathet Lao leaders planned and carried out the revolution for independence. The north-eastern province can be easily accessed from Vientiane, Luang Prabang, and neighbouring Vietnam. Though getting around can be a challenge, its attractions are well worth the … Read more

Houaphanh Accommodation

  Most of the province’s 10 hotels and almost 60 guesthouses are clustered close to Xam Neua’s sites, the Nam Xam River, and the airport, though rooms are available closer to the caves. Homestays and village lodges are available at trekking and excursion destinations. You can find 2-3-star hotel rooms for $25-50, though lower-end establishments … Read more

Houaphanh’s Top Attractions

  Investigate the Hintang ancient burial site, or take the Night Safari to search for wild animals. Discover the heritage, culture, and nature of this rarely visited province. Heritage A walk around Xam Neua Town reveals its past dating to the 16th century. In the centre of town straddling Phati Road, a pair of ancient … Read more

Things to Do in Houaphanh

  Take a leisurely walk through Xam Neua Town, or head further away on the Xam Neua Bike Trail. No trip to Houaphanh is complete without going on the Viengxay Caves Tour or visiting the Hintang Archaeological Park with 2,000-year-old burial sites. The Viengxay Bike Loop to the Vietnam border opens the way to local … Read more

Houaphanh’s History

  Houaphanh was home of the Bon Man Kingdom (Muang Phuan) beginning in the 14th century. Following a Vietnamese invasion in 1478, it became the Tran Ninh Territory of the Dại Viet Kingdom with the capital at present-day Xam Neua. The area was once known as Hua Phan Tang Ha Tang Hok, “the fifth and the sixth province.” It remained a … Read more

Houaphanh’s Ethnic Diversity

  The Hmong migrated from China to Houaphanh in the 19th century. Most live in hilltop villages, and are skilled at hunting, mixing herbal medicines, and raising animals, particularly horses. Intricate embroidery and heavy silver jewellery adorn their clothes, and some villages create batik designs using beeswax and indigo dyes. The Khmu came to Laos … Read more