Things to do in Sam Neua

Weaving villages

Sam Neua is renowned for its beautiful weaving, with its gorgeous and original designs popular throughout Laos. Most upmarket textile shops in major tourist towns feature work made in Sam Neua rather than the local produce. Unfortunately, a wander around the Sam Neua market reveals little evidence of the local skill, as most pieces are sent to markets and shops in Vientiane and Luang Prabang.

However, within the town of Sam Neua there are three small weaving villages. In these, workgroups consisting mainly of young women weave richly elaborate textiles, filled with mythical Buddhist and animist creatures and other meaningful symbols. While the product of their work is usually sent off to other towns, it is usually possible to see and purchase some samples.

Hintang Archaelogical Park

Sam Neua's answer to The Plain of Jars consists of a number of sites featuring clusters of standing stone pillars which rise out of the earth inexplicably. Not a natural feature of the local geology, little is known about why these totems have been placed there, or what their purpose is. Despite this, the stones have been dated to the same age as the Jars at Phonsavan, and may be a relic of the same civilisation. Like the Jars, speculation is generally that their function was funerary.

Signage at the site explains the site's history, and entrance is free. There is a simple hut at the entrance. No fee is being charged, but it seems only a matter of time.

The Tourism Office organises treks and tours that take in the Stone Park, either as a direct visit, or in conjunction with other local activities, such as a waterfall and an overnight stay in a local village. A couple of guesthouses also hire out a car and driver so you can do it independently.

Alternatively, it is possible to take the public bus to Houamuang, then walk 3 km further (or if transport is going past, get off at Suan Hin), where the road turns off, leading 5km to the park.