Xaysomboun

Few have visited Xaysomboun, which opened for tourists in 2015. Thickly forested mountains hide 29 natural sites, 5 cultural sites, and 5 historical sites, many of which you can visit. And for those seeking to interact with the locals, stay awhile in one of the district centres. Travelling to and around can be challenging. The … Read more

  Though still undeveloped, the province offers clusters of activities. Climb Phou Bia Mountain, Laos tallest peak. Check out historical sites in Long Cheng, and immerse yourself in nature around Anouvong.    Northwest: Long Cheng Climb Phou Mork Mountain near Cheng Village, and look down on the misty “sea clouds”. Nearby, explore the 2 x … Read more

The province has an 18-room hotel, and the district centres offer several guesthouses. Prices are reasonable, and most rooms are clean and comfortable, though facilities may be limited.

  Chao Anouvong Caves: Explore the two caves that once sheltered Lane Xang Kingdom’s throne-bearer, Chao (King) Anouvong, from invading Siamese at Ban Phouhuaxang, about 4 km north of Anouvong Town. Trees shroud the mountain-base entrance, where the Nam Jang (Nam Ja) River flows into the cave pair. The first passage runs 30 metres and … Read more

Most visitors come to Xaysomboun with their own rented transportation or with a tour operator. However, a few sawng taews (Pickup trucks with benches) travel between district centres for those who arrived after taking a series of local transportation from outside the province. You can also negotiate with local tuk tuk and sawng taew operators … Read more

Xaysomboun Province, Laos’ 18th and newest province, was established on 13 December, 2013. Previously it had been a special administrative zone. The province is extremely mountainous, as seen in Laos’ highest peak at Phou Bia (2,820 m), and the jungle thick. This presented strategic locations and hideouts during the revolution in the 1960s-70s, and holds … Read more

  The Hmong have established hilltop villages in Xaysomboun, and are skilled at hunting, mixing herbal medicines and raising animals. Intricate embroidery and heavy silver jewellery adorn their clothes, and some villages create batik designs using beeswax and indigo dyes. The Hmong New Year in December/January features top-spinning competitions and courting couples tossing mak kone … Read more

  There are no flights or public transportation directly to Xaysomboun. However, roads enter the province from Vientiane Capital, Vang Vieng, Xieng Khouang, and Bolikhamxay, and a series of rides in sawng taews (Pickup trucks with benches) can get you there. Xieng Khouang and Vientiane Provinces open the door to Long Cheng, while Bolikhamxay and … Read more

  Surrounded by Vientiane, Xieng Khouang, and Bolikhamxay, plenty of roads lead to Xaysomboun’s five districts, though transportation options are limited. A few tour companies offer custom tours, car rentals are available in Vientiane City, and it’s heaven for bikers.  Nature At 2,820 metres, Phou Bia Mountain stands as the nation’s highest mountain, and its … Read more

Visit the vacation home of King Sisavang Watthana. Explore the 2 x 2-metre Khoum Molakot Battle Bunker built from bombshells in 1969, by General Vang Pao’s troops. Inspect the cave complex that hid King Anouvong from the invading Siamese army. And be sure to stop at Vang Pao’s 21-room house near the old Long Cheng … Read more