Muang Sui

Travel guide

Quicklinks
» Accommodation	» Getting there & away

The quiet little town of Muang Sui is notable for a few reasons. During the American war it was famous for being the last site to be evacuated by the Royal Laos Army and the US CIA backed Air America operation. It was known as Lima Site L-108 and the runway and some of the buildings abandoned are still visable today.

The other reason to visit Muang Sui is for the wealth of Buddhist sites in the local area, including historic temples and caves. As with some of the caves around Sam Neua, some of these were used as shelter during the American War, and evidence of this (in the form of medical debris) can still be seen in some of the caves.

The town sits on the plain, just at the foothills of the mountains which take you westwards toward Luang Prabang and Vientiane. The town is steadily growing, but there is still plenty of space for expansion.

There is a quite scenic lake in town -- the Nong Tang -- with its impressive limestone cliff on one side. If you walk to the back of the cliff you will see a few caves. There is no particular history to be admired, but the cliffs and caves are worth a look for their natural beauty.

Just outside of town, but within walking distance, you'll find Wat Ban Phong -- a ruined temple that is impressive if only because of its resilience to the onslaught of the fighting in the final months of the war. Monks are still using the temple and some restoration work has taken place.

Back in town, at one end of the lake you'll find the only guesthouse in town, with some food vendors operating opposite the lake's silent shores.

 

On the subject of Muang Sui's culinary scene, 'survival' cuisine is a little strong, but Muang Sui doesn't really offer much in the way of eating. It is the epitome of small town Laos. There are a couple of food shops near the lake, and a few others dotted around, but nothing really catering to the traveller. Prices are cheap, the menus aren't extensive, but you will get some local Laos food cooked for you. Avoid the frogs, snakes and assorted dried rodents.

Muang Sui is probably not a place you want to stay for a long time; however there is enough to do and see to keep you interested for a day.

Having said that, the accommodation is very basic and, as the sights and attractions of Muang Sui can be seen in a day trip from Phonsavan (50 km away), many opt for doing that instead.

Photographer Craig Raskin has a good collection of photos of Muang Sui on display at his website.

Text and/or map last updated on 10th August, 2009.

Considering a tour to Laos?



Add to scrapbook

 

 

  Search for accommodation

Search for guesthouses & hotels
where in Laos?
Attapeu Ban Khiet Ngong Ban Phou Ngeng Boun Neua Champasak Don Dhet Don Khon Don Khong Hat Sa Huay Xai Konglor Cave Lak Xao Luang Nam Tha Luang Prabang Muang Kham Muang Khua Muang La Muang Long Muang Ngoi Muang Sing Muang Sui Na Hin Nakai Nam Thone Nong Kiaow Pak Kading Pak Song Pak Tha Pakbeng Paksan Pakse Phongsali Phonsavan Phou Khao Khouay National Park Salavan Sam Neua Savannakhet Sekong Tad Lo Tha Khaek Tha Teng Thalang Udomxai Vang Vieng Vieng Xai Vientiane Xieng Kok

Sort results by:
Travelfish ranking (best first)
Price (cheapest first)
Name (A-Z)
Show only properties bookable online

 

Fresh off our Asia travel forum

Here are some discussions off the Travelfish forum, perhaps related to Muang Sui. You can find the full forum here.

Topic	Replies	Views
Phonsavan, Muang Kham and Muang Sui updated  In Laos: by somtam2000, last reply by BruceMoon	2	1260

Muang Sui reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Not a soul has had a thing to say about this place -- why don't you get the ball rolling?

Have your say