Houaphan is famous for its intricate Lao silk and cotton weavings. For those interested
in learning about weaving and purchasing high quality products at reasonable prices directly from the producers themselves, Houaphan is well worth the visit.
Visit Viengxay in north eastern Laos today, and you explore this traditional town and the surrounding beautiful landscape of limestone peaks and forests.
But what you can't see is the fascinating history hidden in these rocky crags - the hundreds of caves which sheltered local people and the country's future leaders for a vital period in world history.
In the 1960s Laos was caught up in the conflict known to the world as the Vietnam War. For nine years, from 1964 to 1973, more than 20,000 people lived in a 'hidden city' they built inside the limestone peaks all around the area to try to survive daily aircraft bombing raids directed by US forces.
They were only able to farm or work at night, so inside the caves they built everything they needed for their society to survive, including schools, hospitals, markets, a radio station and the headquarters of the Lao Patriotic Front - also known as the Pathet Lao.
This site tells the story of the 'hidden city' - through the history that created it and interviews with local people - and how you can visit Viengxay and discover the area's beauty as well as its fascinating hidden history.
You can also find out about the best things to see and do around Houaphanh province and download maps of Viengxay and Houaphanh.
Nam Et - Phou Louey (pronounced “naam et poo loo-ee”) National Protected Area (NPA), located in the north east of Lao PDR, is one of twenty NPAs declared in decree 164/PMO, 1993. With an area of 5,959 km2 it is one of the largest in Lao PDR and covers 7 districts and three provinces (Houaphan, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang provinces). The NPA is mostly hilly or mountainous and is the source of many rivers. It is named after its two main features, the Nam Et River and Phou Louey Mountain (“Forever Mountain”). The area has primary forest remaining in many areas, a high level of biodiversity, and a number of endangered species including tiger, gaur, Sambar deer, and white-cheeked gibbon. Visit: namet
