Houaphanh Province

Houaphanh province is located in the northeastern of Laos and has a total area of approximately 16,500 square kilometers. The total population is about 280,000 people and Xamneua is its capital city.

The province has eight following districts:

• 1. Xamneua District
• 2. Xiengkhor District
• 3. Viengthong District
• 4. Viengxay District
• 5. Huameuang District
• 6. Xamtay
• 7. Sopbao
• 8. Add

Houaphanh has a long border with Vietnam from the north to east and southeast, Xieng Khoang province in the south west, Luang Prabang province in the west. This is a province that has abundant natural resources with limestone mountains and numurous caves. Many caves are the former residence and hideout of the revolutionary leaders of Lao People Revolutionary Party such as: Cave Than Souphanouvong Cave Than Kaysone Phomvihane Cave Than Nouhak Phoumsavanh Cave Than Poumi vongvichit and Cave Than Khamtay Siphanhdone Houaphanh province is home to many different ethnic groups, among them the Hmong, Thai Daeng and Yao peoples.

Cave Entrance

Houaphanh also has the following attractions:

Hintang Archaeological Park (Standing Stones)

Hintang is 36 km south-west of Xamneua and is accessible from the Phonesavan/Xieng Khouang to Xamneua road.

Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA)

This, the largest NPA in Laos, is best known for harbouring one of the most important remaining tiger populations in Indochina and many species of large mammals and birds.

Hot Springs water

There are several hot springs in Houaphanh, with one of the best known about 1 km north of Vieng Thong village in the mountains beside the Nam Khao river.

Waterfalls

The waterfall on the Nam Neua river is about 80m high and is at its most dramatic in September/October, just after the rainy season.

Saleui waterfall is near Saleui Village about 35km from Xamneua. The waterfall is about 100m high. Both are popular picnic spots.

Getting to Houaphanh:

By air, Lao Ailines flight from Vientiane airport periodically to its capital city Xamneu.

By road, there are buses leaving Vientiane to Phonsavanh then you need a few buses connection before getting to Xamneua.

Return from Houaphanh Province to Provinces of Laos