UXO (UneXploded Ordnance)

Viang Xai, near Xam Nua, Laos

Taken on: 4th March, 2007. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See Sparky the Neon Cat's page of Flickr

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About an hour by tuk tuk from Sam Neua is the small town of Vieng Xai. It is set among beautiful karst limestone mountains that rise out of the rice fields like hulking monoliths.

During the Secret War this area was the seat of command for the most powerful members of the Pathet Lao, the nationalist party that won the war and now runs the country. The caves are the major reason for visiting Vieng Xai, either staying overnight or traveling as part of a package from Sam Neua.

It is not possible to see the caves without a government guide, so you'll need to swing by Vieng Xai Cave Visitor Centre, just past town heading toward the largest limestone mountains. Tours can be arranged on arrival, but they will only depart tours between 09:00 and 11:00 and after lunch at 13:00 until 16:00.

Done on foot, with a guide of good English-speaking ability, the tour takes you into the ... Read our complete Vieng Xai travel guide

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