Laos - The Viang Xai War Caves
Laos Information
Population: 5.8 million (UN, 2006)
Capital: Vientiane
Major Languages: Lao, French (for diplomatic purposes)
Currency: Kip
Major Religion: Buddhism
Click on the map to find out more about the locations
See
Laos Holidays
The region's other significant attraction is the dozens of 'war caves' at Viang
Xai, close to the Vietnam border. The caves only opened to visitors in 2006 and
prior to this served as the houses and headquarters for the Pathet Lao during their
thirty year struggle with the colonial forces. In the past very few travellers have
made it this far due to poor roads, communication and general lack of information
on the site. However, this is all set to change with the caves being marketed as
a new attraction thanks to the newly opened (sometimes) Vietnamese border crossing
at Nong Het/Na Maew. The border opening has vastly cut the travel time and tourism
is likely to ‘boom’ in the coming years (just don’t expect a McDonald’s
anytime soon!).