Sam Neua is the capital city of Houaphan Province, in the northeast region of Laos. It has been fairly untouched by tourism and there are only a handful of guest houses and restaurants that cater to tourists’ needs.
One of the most remote places in Laos, Sam Neua sits in a small valley filled with fertile rice paddies and towering mountains and is famous for its local crafts, with hand woven fabrics and clothes crafted in Sam Neua being sold all over the country.
Same Neua is close to Vieng Xai, which boasts some interesting caves set deep inside stark limestone cliffs. The surrounding area is stunning and a trip to Sam Neua provides visitors with an insight into Laotian life off the regular tourist path.
The infrastructure is very basic as tourists are few and far between. However, there is a nice selection of decent guest houses and the locals are friendly and welcoming. The white concrete houses are crested with rich red roofs which make the town look a little monotonous but the surrounding scenery makes up for the bleak first impression of the actual town itself.
Getting There & Away
There is only one way in and out of Sam Neua after the closure of the local airport. Buses arrive daily from larger cities like Vientiane (20 hours) and songthaew (shared taxis) and tuk-tuk (motorized rickshaw) travel between the local villages and towns throughout the day and evening. The nearest international airport is in the capital, Vientiane.
Sam Neau attractions
- Hintang Archaeological Park: the park is made up from numerous sites of randomly placed stone pillars that protrude from the ground for no apparent reason.
- Stone Park: this site can be reached by road or on foot and is close to some pretty waterfalls.
- Local weaving villages: the villages offer an interesting daytrip where tourists can take home a souvenir of the beautifully crafted fabrics and textiles.
- Neighboring Vieng Xai: also known as the Hidden City, it is very close to Sam Neua and many tours and excursions center on the area.