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 peak’s average annual temperature is a chilly 5°C. Located 30 km north of the provincial capital in Anouvang District, 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.
About 30 km west of Anouvang Town near Kongkhao Mountain, Tad Houay Nok Waterfall plunges 200 metres near Ban Nam Mo and Thong Hak Villages. The falls are a favourite holiday destination among locals. You can also visit nearby farms growing sugarcane and bananas.
Easily accessed from Vientiane Province, Nam Ngum Lake and its river reaches into Xaysomboun Province, 35 km south of Anouvong Town.
Located about 8 km from Long San Village near Nam Ngum Lake, the two-tier Tad Poung Waterfall tumbles 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.
In the province’s northwest, Phou Mork Mountain is accessed from Long Cheng Village, and presents a great place to view the “sea clouds” from above.
The Tad Pha Chae Lae Waterfall shoots 100 metres off a forested mountain about 6 km from Hom at Ban Nam Khien Village.
Set in Xaysomboun’s northeast, Tad Gnong Waterfall drops 30 metres in the Ban Pak Gnong Protected Area in Tha Thom District, about 2 km from Tha Thom on the Route 1D. This area is rich in biological species and rare wildlife.
Near Chao Anouvong Cave are Tad Phouyathao and Tad Longsan Waterfall and Pha Hom Hot Spring known for its therapeutic waters.
Heritage
About 4 km from Anouvong Town in Phouhuaxang Village, Chao Anouvong Caves are surrounded by mountains including Phou Bia, with the Nam Jang River (Nam Ja) running through the pair of caverns. The first is 7 metres high and 4 metres wide and creeps along for 30 metres. The second is 3.5 metres high and 5 metres wide, with a length of 300 metres, and is supposed to have hidden King Anouvong from the invading Siamese army. He eventually re-emerged to set up a stronghold on the Nam Jang Riverbank.
Near Long Cheng Village, you’ll find the 2 x 2-metre Khoum Molakot Battle Bunker built from bombshells by General Vang Pao’s troops in 1969.
Erected in 1967, in the province’s north-western corner near Long Cheng Village, the Palace of King Sisavang Watthana was the vacation home for the royal family during the dry season. Upon achieving independence in 1975, the new government renovated the building into a museum.
Nearby, General Vang Pao’s House was 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 war, still stands nearby.