Vieng Xai (Pathet Lao Caves)

The former Pathet Lao (PL) revolutionary headquarters of Vieng Xai sit in a striking valley of fertile hills and limestone cliffs riddled with caves, several of which were used to shelter PL officers during the Second Indochina War. The town is famous for the caves in which the stoic officers and some 23, 000 people found shelter, but Vieng Xai itself is unbearably pretty. Manmade lakes spot the landscape and wildflowers explode in crimson and yellow to join the emerald and karst backdrop. The beauty of the terrain somehow underscores the decimation it suffered during the American bombing campaign.

Getting there & away

Sǎwngthǎew run regularly between Sam Neua and Vieng Xai (US$0.80, 50 minutes, 29km, 6.20am to 5.20pm), with departures more frequent in the morning.

The Provincial Tourist Office in Sam Neua can arrange half-day tours to Vieng Xai for US$35 per group. You could also charter a pick-up truck to take you and up to eight other passengers from Sam Neua to Vieng Xai and back for about US$20, for a half day.

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See More Vientiane Laos

Xieng Khuan | Wat Sok Pa Luang | Wat Si Saket Buddhas | Wat Si Saket | Wat Si Muang | That Dam | Pha That Luang | Patuxai | Papaya Spa | Lao National Museum | Lao National Culture Hall | Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial | Haw Pha Kaeo | Vieng Xai (Pathet Lao Caves) |

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