Places to Visit in Xiangkhouang, Laos, Asia

Places to Visit in Xiangkhouang, Laos, Asia

Xiangkhouang is one of the provinces of Laos situated about 464 km northeast of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. It is placed on Xiangkhouang Plateau spread over an area of 15,880 sq. km. It is located between latitude 19°25′0″ in the north and longitude 103°30′0″ in the east. Xiangkhouang is one of the leading regions of the country in maize production and the capital city of Xiangkhouang Province is Phonsavan.

The landmarks of Xiangkhouang:

Plain of Jars
Relics of Wat Piawat Temple
Lang Waterfall

Geography of Xiangkhouang:

Xiangkhouang Province is surrounded by Houaphan Province in the northeast, Luang Prabang Province towards northwest, Bolikhamsai Province in the southeast, Vientiane Province in the southwest and Vietnam on the east. Phu Bia is a maximum peak of the province and the country, located at an altitude of 2700 meters.

History of Xiangkhouang:

Xiangkhouang was earlier known as Muang Phouan. During the Second Indochina War, most of the regions of Xiangkhouang suffered due to heavy bomb blasts by the USAF airplanes.

Cuisine, Culture and shopping in Xiangkhouang:

The population of Xiangkhouang is covered with different tribes like Tai Daeng, Phuan, Khmu, Hmong and Tai Dam and also the province is home to Vietnamese and Laotian Chinese. There are bullfights organized in Phonsavan during every Hmong New Year.

The capital city of Xiangkhouang Province Phonsavan houses food corners of Vietnamese, Indian and Chinese with variety of dish. Nirvana is one of the main restaurants of the Phonsavan offers western style along with local food. Other popular food corners located in Phonsavan include Vasana Hotel, Sangha Restaurant, Bamboozle and Nisha.

Phonsavan is one of the best cities in Laos to purchase handicraft products. The traditional handicraft products of natural dyes and textiles like mulberry paper umbrella and Hmong embroidery are very popular among the regions of Xiangkhouang Province. The best handicraft product centres located in Phonsavan include Hmong Craft Center, The Mulberry Silk Farm and Navang Craft Center.

How to reach Xiangkhouang?

All the regions of Xiangkhouang Province have good connectivity with national capital Vientiane and other major cities. Minivans are very useful in Xiangkhouang along with buses and there are daily bus services available to Vientiane and Hanoi of Vietnam at northern bus terminal of Phonsavan.

Muang Phonsavan Airport is the main airport of the province located in Phonsavan City with weekly six flights served by Lao Airlines.

Tourist Attractions in Xiangkhouang:

Tham Piu Cave:

Tham Piu Cave is a historical cave located about 60 kms from Phonsavan. It is a beautiful cave situated in the vicinity of statues, shrines and a small museum. The admission fee is 5,000 kip.

Nong Tang Lake:

Nong Tang Lake is a prime tourist destination sited 48 km away from Phonsavan. It is surrounded by numerous ruined historical temples like Wat Pong, Wat Xiengna and Mang Stupa.

Tad Ka Waterfall:

Tad Ka Waterfall is the best weekend picnic spot placed 32 km north of Phonsavan City. During Lao New Year holiday is the best time to visit this stunning waterfall.

Other tourist attractions in Xiangkhouang include: