population: 7.17 million

extension: 15,476 square kilometers

Museums

If you are in Kaysone Phomvihane, a great museum to visit is the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Kaysone Phomvihane, who was a key figure in the communist revolution in Laos.

If you are interested in visiting other museums in the area, you might consider the Lao National Museum in Vientiane, which is about a 5-hour drive from Kaysone Phomvihane. The Lao National Museum is the largest and most comprehensive museum in Laos, with exhibits on the country's history, culture, and natural environment.

Food

Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Kaysone Phomvihane, and throughout Laos, according to local people include:

1. Laab - a spicy meat salad made with minced meat (usually chicken or beef), herbs, lime juice, and chili
2. Tam Mak Houng - a salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, chili, garlic, fish sauce, and lime juice
3. Khao Soi - a type of noodle soup that is popular in northern Laos, made with a coconut milk broth, chicken or beef, and topped with crispy noodles
4. Or Lam - a stew made with vegetables, lemongrass, and your choice of meat (usually beef or buffalo)
5. Mok Pa - a dish of steamed fish mixed with herbs, spices, and sometimes coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and grilled

These dishes are typically served with sticky rice and eaten by hand.

Activities

Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Kaysone Phomvihane and surrounding areas include:

1. Visiting the Buddha Park: This park is located near Vientiane, about a 4-hour drive from Kaysone Phomvihane, and features over 200 statues of Buddha and Hindu deities.

2. Exploring the Tham Kong Lo Cave: This cave is located in the Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area, about a 6-hour drive from Kaysone Phomvihane, and is one of the largest cave systems in Southeast Asia.

3. Attending a traditional Baci ceremony: Baci ceremonies are an important part of Lao culture and involve the tying of white string bracelets around the wrists of participants to bring them good luck.

4. Trying local cuisine: Lao cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh herbs and spices. Some popular dishes include laap (a spicy minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy green papaya salad), and khao piak sen (a noodle soup).

5. Shopping at the Morning Market: This market is located in Vientiane and is a great place to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Lao clothing and textiles.