Central Laos Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels

About Central Laos

What is now Xaisomboun Province (since December 2013) used to be a region during the Vietnam War where the US military recruited Hmong people as support against the North Vietnamese Army. The east of the province still sees unexploded ordnance. With the end of the Vietnam War, the new communist government of Laos singled out Hmong that supported the US for retribution and committed atrocities against the Hmong people. Due to the subsequent Hmong conflict the government introduced the Xaisomboun Special Zone that existed from 1994 to 2006 and was sealed off for foreigners. Even after resolving the Special Zone, as late as 2011, there have been reports of foreign motorcyclists being asked to turn back, pay hefty fines or being detained for entering the area. Now the province sees efforts to

Top Attractions in Central Laos

Explore the best things to see and do in Central Laos:

• ★Chao Anouvong’s Cave
• ★Long Tieng
• ★Nam Ngum 2 Hydroelectric Power Project
• ★Nang Phone Home Cave
• ★Phou Bia

Central Laos Travel Guide Sections

Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: