By Phoulavanh Thepphavong

(KPL) Huaphan is one of the northern provinces of the Lao PDR. It is well-known as the revolutionary stronghold where Lao leaders spent their revolutionary days in caves and fought for national freedom against the Americans and US-backed administrations during the Indochina war, 1964-1973.

Today, this revolutionary area has been protected and turned into a historic tourist site. The area currently has become a place for visitors to learn about Laos’ revolution history and heritage culture while enjoying the beautiful mountains, nature, and trekking in the dense jungle.

In Viengsay district, visitors can now visit the Lao-Japan Friendship Sakura Park which was just handed over to local authorities earlier this month.

Sakura Park, planted with 300 sakura trees, is located close to Kaysone Phomvihane Park, which is named after late President Kaysone Phomvihane, one of the key revolutionary leaders of Laos.

At the handover event the Japanese ambassador expressed gratitude to both the Lao and Japanese for their contributions to making the Lao-Japan Friendship Sakura Park a reality.  

Huaphan is surrounded by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to the north and south-east, Xieng Khuang Province to the south-west and Luang Prabang Province to the west. 

As its location is on a peak, tourists can enjoy cool weather all year round, fresh air and the green mountains surrounding the cities.

Visitors can also enjoy beautiful natural attractions and discover the different lifestyles of various ethnic groups. The provincial capital, Xamneua, is a quiet town on the Nam Xam river where visitors can enjoy markets trading produce from neighbouring countries, especially China and Vietnam, and also handicrafts produced by the Hmong, Tai Dam, Tai Daeng and Tai Lue people among other minorities.

Viengxay district is located to the northeast of Xamneua, boasting over 100 limestone caves, 10 of which have immense national and historical significance as the hidden headquarters of the Neo Lao Hak Xath (Lao Patriotic Front) from 1961-1975.

Tham Xanglot is an interesting cave where visitors can seek basic information from the authorities, including the historical stories of the Lao leaders and Lao people's painful experiences during the Indochina war.

An audio tour is available at Tham Xanglot with an audio explanation of 16 stops from President Kaysone Phomvihane's house. The cave complex houses the Lao revolutionary movement's military headquarters.

The Viengxay caves housed some 20,000 locals who transformed the grottos into kitchens, factories, hospitals and schools. Visitors will also hear the first-hand stories and thoughts of those who sought refuge in the caves during the years of aerial bombardment.

Nam Xam National Protected Area is habitat to several endangered species. This 1,734 sq km National Protected Area is home to tigers, gibbons, elephants, and threatened birds.

Traditionally, local and foreign visitors travel to this province by public bus, private car or plane. Huaphan Province covers an area of 16,500 sq km. Its population is estimated at more than 322,000 people.

KPL