OVERVIEW OF HOUAPHANH
- Location: in the north of Laos
- Total area: 16,500 square kilometers
- Population: (305,579) 2020
- 10 districts: Xam Neua, Vieng Xai, Hiem, Xam Tai, Son, Kwon, Huameuang, Xiengkhor, Sopbao & Et
- Capital: Xam Neua
Houaphanh is bordered by Vietnam to the north and southeast, Xieng Khouang to the southwest and Luang Prabang to the west. . While in the past navigating the province's treacherous terrain was difficult, now road upgrades make travel easier and more enjoyable. The scenery along the road into Houaphanh is stunning.
Houaphanh Province ( Laos : ຫົວ ພັນ [kʰwɛ̌ːŋ hǔːa̯ pʰán] ; Laotian Latin : Houaphan ) is a province in eastern Laos . Its capital is Xam Neua .
Houaphanh Province covers an area of 16,500 square kilometers (6,400 sq mi). The province is bordered by Vietnam to the north, east and southeast, to the south and southwest by Xiangkhouang province, and to the west by Luang Prabang province . The rugged terrain, dense mountains and forests make up most of the province, especially the West. The main road running through the province is Road No. 6 . The main rivers are Nam Ma , flows from and into Vietnam, passing through the villages of Ban Muang-Et and Nam Sam , on which the towns of Sam Neua and Sam Tai are located.
HISTORY OF HOUAPHANH
This province, along with Xiangkhoang, has been part of the Kingdom of Muang Phuan (Vietnamese: Bon Man) since the 14th century. After the invasion of Vietnam in 1478 led by King Le Thanh Tong, it became the Tran Territory. Ninh of Dai Viet Kingdom with its capital at Sam Chau (present-day Xam Neua). The area is known as Hua Phan Tang Ha Tang Hok, "the fifth and sixth province," and was listed by Auguste Pavie as "Hua Panh, Tang-Ha, Tang-Hoc." The provincial capital is in present-day Muong Het.
Le Duy Mat rebelled to rule the area from 1739 to 1770. In 1802, King Gia Long of the newly established Nguyen Dynasty ceded the area to the Kingdom of Vientiane. However, after the Laotian uprising, Chao Noy, the ruling prince of Muang Phuan, who had previously sided with the Siamese, was executed by the Vietnamese. King Minh Mang of Vietnam annexed it in 1828.
It remained a Vietnamese outpost until 1893 when the French government transferred ownership back to Laos during the French colonial period. According to the French writing, this province is usually Hua Phan.
The province is home to the Viengxay Caves, an extensive network of caves used by the Pathet Lao. Many caves in the province served as refuges for important Laotian figures in the 1950s and 1960s. Tham Than Souphanouvong Cave was the hideout of the revolutionary leader and later President Souphanouvong, who built it. base there in 1964. Revolutionary leader and later President Kaysone Phomvihane hid in Tham Than Kaysone Cave since 1964, and then President. Khamtay Siphandone has been hiding in Tham Than Khamtay Cave since 1964. He has established a base there, with meeting rooms, reception rooms and research rooms.
Houaphanh Province is the birthplace of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. However, it is one of the least visited provinces in the country and offers an authentic and varied experience for visitors:
- Enjoy an unspoiled natural environment of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and forests, visit the caves in Vieng Xay for an insight into the country's history.
- Explore the mysterious Standing Stones in Hintang Archaeological Park, a collection of rough, vertical rocks about 2m high, some with tunnel-like caves underneath, dating back more than 2000 years.
Houaphanh has many unique and beautiful natural attractions. The provincial capital, Xam Neua, is a quiet and rustic city on the Xam River.
Here you will enjoy the markets selling products from China and Vietnam and a variety of handicrafts produced by the Hmong, Tai Dam, Tai Daeng and Tai Lue ethnic groups. Also of interest in Xam Neua is Wat Phoxainaram, home to an impressive bronze Buddha that can be dated to 1565 and a series of interesting murals depicting the Buddha's life and scenes from Lao History.
HOUAPHANH . tourist information
Xam Neua
Tourist Information, located on phathee in the center of Xam Neua, (Cuture Hall) operates tourist information, advice on transport options and tours available.
They are open Monday to Friday, 08:00-11:30 and 13:30 to 16:00.
Tel: 064-312567, 020 97788771
Viengxay
- Viengxay Cave Visitor Center is open daily from 08:00 - 12:00 and 13:30 - 16:30. One cave a day. culture and nature available. They also offer a Guided Audio Tour of the caves (in Lao & English)
Tel: 064 315022, Website: www visit-viengxay.com
Meuang Hiem (Viengthong)
Visitor center is located opposite Meuang Hiem bus station, If tourists need more information about Namet - Phoulouey can visit Nam Et-phou louey Visitor Center located in Meuang Hiem town between main road and hot spring open from Monday to Friday. 08:00 - 11:30 and 13:00 - 16:00.
Tel: 064-810008, Email: info@namet.org, website: www nemet.org, www.ecotourismlaos.com Reservations
can be made here for the South Nern night safari, the Nam Et river cruise into the area National defense.
The Department of Tourism of Houa Brake will make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information but is not responsible for any changes.
Information Department, Contact: 064.312.567.020 97788771
(Updated: May 11, 2022)
