South East Asian Trips

Huaphanh (or Houa Phan) province, a mysterious, beautiful and abundant land, is situated in the North East of Laos, bordered by Xieng Khuang and Luangprabang to the west and Vietnam to the east. It was the base of the Lao people's Revolutionary activities and especially the historic interest as the geographical heart of the liberation struggle.

The province has a total population of around 247,300; consisting of many ethnic groups, each with their own life styles, costumes, folkways in wedding and other ceremonies, festivals, folkdances and songs, differing from each other.Huaphanh has six districts: Viengxay, Xamnuea, Xamtai, Viengthong and Huamuang. The principle town is Viengxay the former name know as Nakai, according to the former time this area had many of birds, reptiles, wild animals.

The province is also a famous by limestone mountains and caves with more than one hundred caves are located in rhe Vieng Xai district of Hua Phanh and many of which were used as hideouts and bunkers during the Indochina war. Tham Than Souphanouvong, the formerly known as Tham Phapount, where in 1964 Mr. Souphanouvong came to set up his residence in this cave. Tham Than Kaysone, formerly known as Tham Yonesong, where in 1964 this cave was establishedfor the residence of Mr. Kaysone Phonmvihane. Tham Than Khamtay is the part of Tham Xanglot; it was also the residence of Mr. Khamtay Siphandone; consisting of many compartments, such as meeting room, reception room and research room etc.

Other attractions include Keo Nong Vay Temple located in Xam Neua district.

Hot springs in Xam Tay district are located about 154 km away from Xam Neua the waters reach a temperature of around 40 degrees Celcius. Xam Tay waterfall is located Xam Tay district.

Saleu and Nasala villages, well known for their weaving activities, located in Xieng Kor district on the road No: 6 to Xieng Khouang province 125 km away from Xam Neua.