Houaphan is a province in the northeast of Laos, and nearly three quarters of its border is shared with Vietnam. The province is home to the Viengxay caves, an extensive network of caves used by the Pathet Lao, and the Hintang Archeological Park, one of the most important prehistoric sites in northern Laos. Houaphan is home to spectacular scenery and fine textile traditions. Textiles from this region are recognized to be among the finest in Asia. The Viengxay caves in Houaphan Province of North-Eastern Laos are an extensive network of caves in limestone mountains. The Pathet Lao were using 480 of those caves as shelter from American bombings during the Second Indochina War!

Up to 23,000 people lived in the caves, which contained a hospital, a school, Pathet Lao offices, bakeries, shops, and even a theatre. The area was home to the Communist army, who were fighting the royalist forces, based in Vientiane. The caves were used for living and working in because the US Army was bombing the area so heavily. Locals say that farmers had to farm at night to avoid bombing raids. Vieng Xay served as a base for the Communist forces because it was close to the Vietnamese border for logistical and political support.

The Lao government hopes to promote the caves as a tourism destination, similar to the Củ Chi tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It is an unusual site in that it offers the opportunity to explore a largely intact revolutionary base and as such should definitely be part of your journey because of its historical significance.