population: 0.28 million

extension: 16,500 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Houaphanh and interested in visiting museums, one suggestion is the Houaphanh Provincial Museum located in Xam Neua. It showcases exhibits on the history, culture, and traditions of the province. Similar museums in the area include the Viengxay cave museum, which focuses on the history of the Pathet Lao resistance movement, and the Xieng Khouang provincial museum in Phonsavan, which displays artifacts from the Plain of Jars archaeological site.

Food

Some popular and typical dishes to try in Houaphanh, Laos are:

1. Laap - a spicy minced meat salad made with chicken, beef, or pork, mixed with herbs, spices, and lime juice.
2. Tam Mak Hoong - a spicy green papaya salad made with fish sauce, chili, garlic, and tomatoes, pounded together in a mortar and pestle.
3. Khao Poon - a rice noodle soup made with coconut milk and flavored with lemongrass, galangal, and dried chili.
4. Ping Kai - grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, served with sticky rice and dipping sauce.
5. Mok Pa - steamed fish wrapped in banana leaves and mixed with herbs and spices like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Houaphanh include:

1. Visiting the Viengxay Caves - These caves were used as hideouts during the Indochina War and are now open for visitors to explore.

2. Trekking in the Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area - This protected area is home to diverse wildlife and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

3. Participating in a traditional Baci ceremony - The Baci ceremony is a Lao tradition that involves tying white strings around a person's wrist to provide good luck, prosperity, and protection.

4. Exploring local markets - Local markets, like the Xam Neua Morning Market and Vieng Thong Market, offer a glimpse into daily life in Houaphanh and the opportunity to sample local food and handicrafts.

5. Watching traditional dance performances - Traditional dance performances, such as the Phi Ta Khon festival in July, showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.