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 2-metre Khoum Molakot Battle Bunker built from bombshells in 1969, by General Vang Pao’s troops.
While in the area, check out the Palace of King Sisavang Watthana. Constructed in 1967, as the vacation home for the royal family during the dry season. Upon achieving independence in 1975, the government renovated the building into a museum.
And don’t miss General Vang Pao’s House, built in 1966 during the Indochina War. The 21-room residence is open to the public during working hours, and serves as a memorial to the country’s history. The old Long Cheng Airfield, used during the wall, still stands nearby.
Central Xaysomboun: Anouvong
The hearty can make their way to the top of Phou Bia Mountain, which at 2,820 metres is Laos’ highest peak, and the average annual temperature is a chilly 5°C. Phou Bia is home to several wildlife species, and a rare type of smooth, soft grass that resembles straw. The valley presents thousands of interesting Mai Long Leng trees.
Explore Chao Anouvong Caves about 4 km from town in Phouhuaxang Village, and see where King Anouvong allegedly hid from the invading Siamese army. Surrounded by mountains, the two cavities are large enough to stand upright as you walk along the Nam Jang River (Nam Ja), which flows through both. The first cave runs 30 metres, and the second, where the king laid low, stretches 300 metres. He eventually re-emerged to set up a stronghold on the Nam Jang Riverbank.
Near Chao Anouvong Cave, you can visit Tad Phouyathao and Tad Longsan Waterfalls and Pha Hom Hot Spring, known for its therapeutic waters.
About 30 km west of Anouvong Town near Kongkhao Mountain, you can visit Tad Houay Nok Waterfall plunge 200 metres. The falls are a favourite holiday destination among locals. You can also visit nearby farms growing sugarcane and bananas.
About 35 km south of Anouvong Town, you can easily access Nam Ngum Lake and its river, on which you may be able to catch a boat ride.
Southwest: Long San
Head about 8 km from Long San Village near Nam Ngum Lake to admire the two-tier Tad Poung Waterfall, which drops 10 metres and then 8 metres through thick forest.
About 10 km further along, Dan Pha Saeb Cliff launches a 30-metre-wide two-tier waterfall, each about 10 metres high. The top falls run underground, while the second can be found where giant beehives hang.
North of Long San, capture the amazing Tad Pha Chae Lae Waterfall, which plunges 100 metres off a forested mountain about 6 km from Hom at Ban Nam Khien Village.
Northeast: Tha Thom
About 2 km from Tha Thom on the route number 1D in the Ban Pak Gnong Protected Area, view Tad Gnong Waterfall dropping 30 metres in an area rich in flora and rare wildlife.
