Hua Phan

Far away from the usual beaten tourist track, lies the northern province of Hua Phan. It is not easy to get to this province from the neighbouring provinces, that's why many travellers choose to come here from Vietnam.
The best time for a visit is between April and October, after the rainy season. That is when the villages and the nature are lush and green.
The main tourist attractions in Hua Phan are the Vieng Xai caves, the former headquarters of the Pathet Lao. Tourism is still a new activity here. The capital of the province is Sam Neua, about 20 percent of the provinces population lives there.

Sam Neua

Capital of beautiful Hua Phan province, Laos became territory at the time of the creation of the French Protectorate, Sam Neua remains fairly untouched by tourism. Located in a remote area, the city was heavily bombed, like most northern cities, and has struggled to rebuild.
The few travelers venture any time in this part of Laos for its ethnic diversity and historical interest, Hua Phan is considered the birthplace of the Lao Communist Party. 
Sam Neua has a market quite picturesque, popular with many different ethnicities. There are all sorts of objects, including sumptuous textiles.
Near Sam Neua and Hua Phan province are very pleasant, with the possibility to visit the menhirs Hintang, mysterious archaeological park containing huge megaliths, and listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. But also a superb walk leading to the cave Buddha Ban Tham.