Houaphanh
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Things To Do in Houaphanh
Hintang Archaeological Park (Standing Stones)
Over 2,000 years old, the menhirs (standing stones) in the park were first examined in 1931. The park also had burial sites, which contained ancient trinkets. Marked by standing rock slabs and stone disks, these relics predate the Plain of Jars and are located along a 12km mountain ridge in the province’s south.
Viengthong/Muang Hiam Hot Springs
The springs are located approximately 1km North of the town. The water in some of the springs can reach temperatures of up to 100 degrees. The site offers opportunities for medicinal bathing as well as cooking boiled eggs for your own breakfast or lunch.
Independence Monument
The Independence Monument, situated 1km from the town center, was constructed in 1978. Located on a hill at the Northwest edge of the town, the monument offers a panoramic view of the provincial capital, Xamneua.
Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park
The Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park (NEPL) is the largest and one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Lao PDR. Nam Et-Phou Louey is unique in its rich wildlife biodiversity supporting a wide range of species, many of which are endangered, including wild cats and bears, wild dog “Dhole”, the critically endangered Northern White-cheeked Gibbon, Phayre’s Langur, binturongs, otters and many more. NEPL NP is also great for birding. Almost 200 bird species are recorded in NEPL NP, including: Blyth’s Kingfishers, Eared pitta, and Red-Collared Woodpecker.
The National Park tours are not only one of the few opportunities in Lao PDR to spot wildlife in its natural habitat, but are designed to support alternative livelihoods for local people and generate community support for wildlife conservation. Currently two tourism ventures exist in the National Park: the award-winning Nam Nern River Safari wildlife spotting tour since 2010, and various trekking itineraries focusing on the wildlife identification since 2016.
GETTING THERE
The Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park covers three provinces, Houaphan, Xieng Khouang, and Luang Prabang. The National Park is situated between the UNESCO heritage town of Luang Prabang, Sam Neua-Viengxay,- the birthplace of Lao PDR, and Phonsavanh,- famous for the UNESCO Plain of Jars sites.
The National Park Headquarters are located in Muang Hiam town in Houaphan Province.
If you are traveling from the direction of Luang Prabang or Nong Khiaw, you can either meet your guide in Muang Hiam and take public bus to the start next morning or you can travel to Ban Son Koua, the Night Safari start independently and meet your guide there. If you are traveling from Phonesavan or Sam Neua then we recommend that you meet your guide directly in Ban Son Khoua village. All trekking tours start from Muang Hiam.
Departing from Luang Prabang
PUBLIC BUS: Take the bus heading to Sam Neua, which leaves daily between 7-8 am from the Luang Prabang northern bus station, and get off in Ban Son Koua. The bus trip to Muang Hiam is about 10 hours, with an addition 1.5 hours to Ban Son Koua.
PRIVATE CAR/MOTORCYCLE: From Luang Prabang go north on Road #13 about 100 km and turn right onto Road #1C at the Pak Mong junction (follow the sign towards Nong Kiau). Travel 200 km on Road #1C northeast past Muang Hiam. The drive is about 9-10 hours.
Departing from Nong Khiaw
PUBLIC BUS: Take the bus from Luang Prabang heading to Sam Neua that stops at Nong Khiaw daily around 12o’clock. You can either get off in Muang Hiam where the Head Office is located and stay overnight here (the bus trip to Muang Hiam is about 5-6 hours), or you can continue to Ban Son Khoua (additional 1.5hour after Muang Hiam) where you can stay in overnight in a village home stay.
PRIVATE CAR/MOTORCYCLE: From Nong Khiaw travel 175 km on Road #1C northeast to Muang Hiam. The drive is about 5 hours.
Departing from Sam Neua
PUBLIC BUS: Buses and public mini vans leave from the Sam Neua bus station towards Muang Hiam daily between 7-8 am. The trip is about 3.5 to 4 hours.
PRIVATE CAR/MOTORCYCLE: Follow Road #6 southwest towards Muang Kham/Phonesavanh. Veer right at the Ko Hing junction and follow Road #1C for another 7km.
Departing from Phonesavanh
PUBLIC BUS: There is a daily bus leaving Phonsavan at 8:30am from the “Bus station of Xiengkhouang province” to stop at Kor hing three junction and villager go to pick you up to Ban Son Khua or if you have more time you can travel to Sam Nuae to visit the Viengxay caves and after that take the bus from Viengxay to Sam Nuae to take the bus from Viengxay to Ban Son Khau on the day after.
PRIVATE CAR/MOTORCYCLE: Follow Road #6 northeast towards Sam Neua passing Muang Kham along the way. Turn left at the Ko Hing junction and follow Road #1C for 7km.
Departure from Nam Nern Night Safari in Ban Son Khoua village:
PUBLIC BUS: The buses to Nong Khiaw, Laung Prabang, Sam Neua and Phonsavan are driving through the Ban Son Khoua village daily between 9.30-12am. Please inform our guides in advance about your further travel plans and they will make sure that you catch the right bus in time.
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Vieng Xai Caves in Sam Neua, Houaphanh Province
Nestled in the remote mountains of Houaphanh Province, near Sam Neua, the Vieng Xai Caves are one of Laos’ most significant historical and cultural landmarks. These vast limestone caves once served as a hidden underground city during the Laotian Civil War (1964-1973), providing refuge for thousands of Pathet Lao soldiers and civilians as they endured heavy bombings by U.S. forces. Today, the caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Laos’ wartime history and the resilience of its people.
Visiting the Vieng Xai Caves is like stepping into a secret world frozen in time. More than 480 caves were used as homes, hospitals, schools, military headquarters, and government offices during the war. The caves were not just shelters—they became an entire underground society, where people lived, worked, and planned for the future of Laos.
Some of the most significant caves you can explore include:
- Kaysone Phomvihane’s Cave – The residence and office of the Pathet Lao leader, featuring a meeting room, living quarters, and a bomb-proof bunker.
- Prince Souphanouvong’s Cave – The home of the “Red Prince” and an important command center.
- Theater Cave – A cultural space where performances and films were shown to boost morale during wartime.
- Hospital Cave – A fully functional underground hospital where wounded soldiers and civilians were treated.
- Market Cave – A communal space where residents could trade food and supplies.
Each cave tells a story of survival and ingenuity, with remnants of wartime life still visible today.
Getting to Vieng Xai Caves
Vieng Xai is located about 30 km from Sam Neua, the provincial capital of Houaphanh. From Luang Prabang, you can take a long but scenic bus journey to Sam Neua, then hire a tuk-tuk or local transport to the caves.
For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, private transportation is available upon request. If you need assistance with travel arrangements or more information, please contact us here.
