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This memorial was recently constructed to commemorate the thousands of Pathet Lao soldiers who lost their lives during the Indochina War. The names of 4,500 soldiers are inscribed on three walls located in the grounds. (At the time of writing this information some of the inscriptions had not yet been placed on the walls as the site was still under construction.) It is interesting to note that the names on the list are representative of all major ethnic groups in Laos, Lao Sung (Hmong), Lao Teung (Khmu) and Lao Leum. In the center of the memorial is a large stupa, which houses the bones of the soldiers. It is decorated with a star at the top to signify it as a war memorial. Major ceremonies, on National Independence Day (Feb 12) and National Military Day (Jan 20), are here to honor those who fought for the freedom of their country. Admission to the memorial is 1,000 kip per person. All proceeds are used to maintain and upkeep the grounds. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Please note that if you arrive and the gate is locked, be patient and wait for the caretaker to come and open it for you. |
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This memorial was created to honor and offer appreciation to the Vietnamese soldiers who fought alongside their Lao comrades for the independence of the Lao PDR. In the center is a stupa, which contains the bones of Vietnamese soldiers who died on Lao soil. Inscribed on the stupa is written “Lao-Vietnamese Solidarity and Generosity Forever”. To the left of the stupa is a stone carving, set with gold leaf, symbolizing solidarity in the pursuit of national prosperity and development. Each person in the relief symbolizes a different sector of the economy (agriculture, industry, education etc.), with additional representations of the major ethnic groups of Laos. To the right of the stupa is a relief depicting the people’s struggle, with the help of the Vietnamese. Both Lao and Vietnamese flags as well as Vietnamese and Lao soldiers are placed in the relief to symbolize the unity of the two countries. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, admission to the memorial is 1,000 kip per person. All proceeds are used to maintain the grounds. Please be patient and wait for the caretakers of the memorial (villagers from a nearby village) to open the gates for you. |
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The Phonsavanh fresh food market is an excellent place to sample the variety of unique foods that Xieng Khouang has to offer. With a cool climate and relatively high altitude, Xieng Khouang produces many food items and forest products that are either not available or in scarce supply in other parts of the country. Specialty fruits of the province (seasonally available dependant on species) are Chinese pear (mak jong), passion fruit (mak nawt), peach (mak kai), and plum (mak mun). While at the market look for the many different varieties of mushrooms found here, such as hed deep, a yellow, flower-like mushroom common to the area. You’ll be lucky, however, to find the medicinal, and some say aphrodisiac-like, mushroom hed wai specific to the region, as this species is exported at high value (30-40USD/kg) to connoisseurs throughout the world. Another notable medicinal forest product unique to the province is ya hua, a root used to give strength and good appetite and for treating ailments experienced by women after giving birth. Xieng Khouang’s local chili pastes are the jaeow bong, a sour version of the famous chili paste from Luang Prabang, and jaeow pa khem, a paste made from salted fish. One of the unusual foods that Xieng Khouang is famous for, available only here, is sour swallow (nok ann toong). Every year, beginning in August/September, migratory swallows, travelling from Russia and other northern areas, visit Xieng Khouang to bathe on dust platforms located on hill tops. The swallows are caught and placed in a container to ferment. Later they are prepared by either frying or cooking in a stew. The birds are best eaten whole—without the feathers of course. |
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The S.O.S orphanage was founded by an Austrian man, Mr. Hermann Gmener, to care for the many children who lost their families during the Indochina war. The organization provides education, room and board and other basic services to orphans of Xieng Khouang. Tourists are welcome to visit the center and volunteer some of their time to interact and play with the children during their daily playtime break from 10-11 am. Interested visitors should arrive between 9:30-10 am and first check in at the administration building, located at the S.O.S Children’s Village (the 2nd entrance -behind the school in front). |
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This lake, known as Nong Sadet Jao Supanouvong in Lao language, is a nice place for a quick retreat into the tranquil beauty of Xieng Khouang. It is named after Prince Supanouvong, a prince of Laos and the first president of the Lao PDR. He lived in Xieng Khouang from 1960 – 1964. In his honor and in appreciation of his great service to his country, the lake was later named after him. The lake was also the site of the provincial jail, which has since been moved. Swimming in the lake is allowed, however you must dress appropriately: Women should dress in a T-shirt and shorts or a sarong (Western swim suits are not appropriate), men in swim trunks or underwear. No nudity! On your way to the lake, check out the cemetery. It is known for its unique mix of tombs from various ethnic groups. It is also the site of the Chinese-Lao War Memorial, erected in honor of the Chinese soldiers who lost their lives in their effort to defend the Lao PDR. |
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To watch the sunset, enjoy panoramic views of the plain and its surrounding mountains or enjoy a drink or meal on a shaded veranda, hill-top resorts in Phonesavanh offer a relaxing break from the main part of town. The Phu Pa Daeng Hotel has a good view of the area, country-style French cuisine, and a peaceful environment set in pine forest. The Phu Chan Resort is a hill-top getaway with wide verandas well suited to taking in the beautiful scenery. There is also a great selection of Thai food and spacious surroundings for some excellent short walks. The Phu Xang Hotel, located above Phone Kham village, offers a spectacular view for watching the sunset. |
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This is the largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phonesavanh. Wat Santipap is usually the first local temple to begin the celebration of major Bhuddist holidays held throughout the year. Resident monks and novices at the wat are quite welcoming and enjoy talking to visitors interested in learning about their traditions, daily rituals and lifestyle. Please remember to take off your shoes before entering the temple, do not touch or turn your back to the Bhudda images, and lower yourself in the presence of a monk. Donations, although not required, are appreciated and can be placed at the alter located inside the temple. |
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Xieng Khouang is known throughout Laos for its traditional, paper umbrellas, produced by the Tai Phouane people. A local crafts shop, run by a family in Ban Phonevisay, offers a nice selection of the umbrellas, in addition to many wood carvings, such as small jar images. You can also find a traditional raincoat here, which resembles a large, woven tablemat. To see how the crafts are produced, your best bet is to visit on the weekend. Please remember to ask before taking photos and remember to remove your shoes before entering the house. Your appreciation of the crafts can best be demonstrated by purchasing one at a fair price. Open 7 am – 6 pm daily. |
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Weddings, a central part of local life in Xieng Khouang start in November, with the peak season being January and March, ending around June (they are never held during the inauspicious months of July – October, which is Buddhist lent, and February, the month of the dog). For those interested in joining a wedding reception, one can inquire at the Mueang Phouan Hotel and the Xieng Khouang Mai Hotel, which hold receptions quite often during the wedding season. It is advised, however, that you bring a healthy appetite for family-style Lao food and a willingness to dance, sing and be merry. A small monetary gift to the newlyweds, placed in a white envelope, is also appreciated. Remember to dress politely: long pants/skirt and a clean shirt that covers both shoulders and chest. For those in need of exercise or simply interested in taking part in one of Lao people’s favorite modern sports, the Xieng Khouang Mai Hotel also has badminton courts open to the public. Rackets are available for rent on the premises. Players are required to bring their own sporting attire. |
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