Xieng Khouang, located in the heart of Laos, is a must-visit destination for any adventurous traveler.
Known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this city is a true gem waiting to be discovered.
The area is home to the Plain of Jars, an enigmatic archaeological site that features thousands of ancient stone jars scattered across the landscape.
Visitors can explore the site and learn about the legends and myths surrounding these mysterious artifacts.
The city is also surrounded by lush forests and verdant hills, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
For those interested in history,
the Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum is a must-see attraction, showcasing the city's fascinating past and cultural heritage.
And when it comes to food,
Xieng Khouang is a foodie's paradise, with a wide range of delicious local dishes to try, including spicy papaya salad, laap, and khao soi.
Whether you're looking for adventure, culture, or simply a relaxing escape,
Xieng Khouang has it all.
So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey to this amazing city.
- Plain of Jars
- Phou Kout
- Xieng Khouang Market
- Wat Phia Wat
- Tham Piu Cave
- Mulberry Silk Farm
- Phonsavan Night Market
- Vieng Xai Caves
- Phou Bia Mountain
- UXO Visitor Center
1. Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is a group of fields containing thousands of stone jars created by an ancient civilization.
It is located in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang, Laos, approximately 19° 16' 0" N, 103° 12' 0" E.
The Plain of Jars is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.
Visitors can explore the different fields, each containing various sizes of jars.
Some fields have been partially restored, while others remain untouched. Visitors should be aware of unexploded bombs in the area and should stay on marked paths.
- Entrance fee: 10,000 Lao kip (approximately $1 USD)
- Opening hours: 8am - 5pm
- Best time to visit: November - February (dry season)
- Recommended duration: 2-3 hours
2. Phou Kout: A Must-Visit Destination in Xieng Khouang, Laos
Phou Kout is a stunning mountain located in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang, Laos.
It is a popular tourist destination that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Laos.
Phou Kout is known for its stunning natural beauty, and there are several things to see and do while exploring the mountain. Some of the highlights include:
- Visiting the Phou Kout viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Exploring the numerous caves that dot the mountain, many of which contain ancient artifacts and relics.
- Visiting the nearby Hmong village, where you can learn about the local culture and traditions.
3. Xieng Khouang Market
Located in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang, Laos (approximate latitude: 19.2562° N, approximate longitude: 103.2124° E), the Xieng Khouang Market is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the local culture and cuisine.
The market is a bustling hub of activity, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce and meats to handicrafts and textiles.
You'll find a wide variety of traditional Lao dishes, such as laap (a spicy minced meat salad) and khao soi (a coconut curry noodle soup), as well as street food like grilled meat skewers and fried rice.
- Bring cash in small denominations, as many vendors may not accept credit cards.
- Be prepared to negotiate prices, especially for handicrafts and textiles.
- Try to visit the market early in the morning when it's less crowded and the food is fresher.
- Be adventurous and try some of the local delicacies!
4. Wat Phia Wat
Located in the heart of Xieng Khouang City, Wat Phia Wat is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Laos.
This temple, also known as Wat Phia, is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in the region, with a history dating back to the 16th century.
There are several must-see attractions at Wat Phia Wat, including:
- The main temple, which features stunning architecture and intricate carvings
- The Buddha statue, which is one of the largest in Laos and is said to have healing powers
- The meditation hall, where visitors can practice mindfulness and meditation in a peaceful and serene environment
- The beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with friends and family
5. Tham Piu Cave
Tham Piu Cave is a must-visit destination in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang, Laos.
This cave is located approximately 20km from Phonsavan, the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang, and can be easily reached by car or motorbike.
Tham Piu Cave is open to visitors every day from 8am to 5pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help support the upkeep of the site.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the cave can be slippery
- Bring a flashlight or use your phone's flashlight to navigate the cave
- Be respectful and keep a quiet and solemn demeanor while inside the cave
- Do not touch or remove any of the bones or skulls
- Tham Piu Cave is a powerful and moving experience that offers a glimpse into the tragic history of Laos. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, culture, or human rights.
Latitude: 19.4127° N
Longitude: 103.1895° E
6. Mulberry Silk Farm
The Mulberry Silk Farm is located in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang, Laos, at approximately 19°27'N 103°12'E.
The farm is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in learning more about the traditional silk-making process.
The farm is home to a large number of mulberry trees, which are used to feed the silkworms that produce the silk.
Visitors to the farm can take a guided tour of the facilities, where they will learn about the entire silk-making process, from the feeding of the silkworms to the weaving of the silk into beautiful fabrics.
The tour includes a visit to the silkworm rearing house, where visitors can see the silkworms in their different life stages. They will also learn about the process of harvesting the silk from the cocoons, which involves carefully unwinding the silk thread from the cocoon while it is still intact.
After the tour, visitors can browse the farm's shop, which sells a range of silk products, including scarves, shawls, and clothing. Visitors can also purchase fresh mulberry leaves to feed the silkworms, and even take home their own silk cocoons to try their hand at spinning the silk.
The Mulberry Silk Farm is a unique and educational experience that provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the traditional silk-making process.
7. Phonsavan Night Market
Phonsavan Night Market is a bustling market located in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang, Laos.
The market is known for its colorful stalls selling a variety of goods, from local handicrafts to delicious street food.
The market is open every evening from around 5pm until late at night. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with music playing and crowds of people browsing the stalls.
- Browse the local handicrafts, including textiles, pottery, and handmade jewelry
- Taste the delicious street food, including grilled meats, noodle dishes, and fresh fruit
- Watch traditional Lao dance performances on the stage in the center of the market
- Take a stroll through the market and soak up the lively atmosphere
- Buy souvenirs to take home, such as handwoven scarves or carved wooden figurines
8. Vieng Xai Caves
The Vieng Xai Caves are a fascinating maze of tunnels and chambers, with each cave serving a specific purpose.
The caves were equipped with facilities for cooking, sleeping, and even broadcasting propaganda messages to the outside world.
Visitors can explore the caves on foot, guided by a knowledgeable tour guide who will provide insight into the history of the site.
Some of the most interesting caves to visit include:
- The Presidential Cave: This cave was used by the leader of the Pathet Lao, Kaysone Phomvihane, and is the largest and most luxurious of all the caves.
- The Hospital Cave: This cave was used as a makeshift hospital, and visitors can still see the medical equipment and supplies that were used during the war.
- The Cinema Cave: This cave was used as an entertainment center, with films and plays performed for the soldiers and leaders of the Pathet Lao.
9. Phou Bia Mountain
Phou Bia Mountain is the highest mountain in Laos, located in the Xieng Khouang city of Xiangkhoang province. Its peak stands at an impressive 2,820 meters (9,252 feet) above sea level.
The mountain is considered sacred by the local Hmong and Khmu people, and it is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Phou Bia Mountain offers a range of activities for adventurous travelers. The most popular activity is hiking to the summit, which takes around 2-3 days.
The trek is challenging and requires a good level of fitness, but the views from the top are absolutely breathtaking.
Along the way, you'll pass through dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages.
If you're not up for the challenging hike, you can still explore the lower slopes of the mountain.
There are several trails that lead to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
You can also visit the nearby Hmong and Khmu villages and learn about their way of life.
10. UXO Visitor Center
If you're interested in the history and culture of Laos, or are simply looking for a unique and educational experience, the UXO Visitor Center in Xieng Khouang is a must-visit destination.
This center is dedicated to educating visitors about the dangers of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that still litters the landscape of Laos, decades after the end of the Vietnam War.
The UXO Visitor Center features a number of exhibits and multimedia presentations that help visitors understand the impact of UXO on Laos and its people.
The center also offers guided tours of a nearby village that was heavily impacted by UXO, giving visitors a firsthand look at the ongoing efforts to clear this dangerous legacy from Laos's landscape.
