Major city · Laos
Vieng Xai
Spend a half‑day to see the Vieng Xai Caves; add a night in a guesthouse if you arrive early or want to rest before the bus back.
Vieng Xai is a small town in Hua Phan province, best known for its revolutionary‑war caves. The caves are reachable in under an hour from town and the tours last 1–2 h, so a half‑day visit is enough. Overnight stays are cheap and useful if you catch the early bus from Sam Neua.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- LAK
- Best months
- Nov–Feb
- avoid May–Oct (rainy season, road closures may occur)
- Airports
- Sam Neua (NEU) · Thanh Hoa overland (THD)
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Laos ↗Get the visa only from the official government e-visa portal or at the airport or border desk; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Laos ↗Carry Lao kip in small notes; small shops, tuk-tuks and markets are cash-only, and Thai baht or US dollars are only accepted at some tourist businesses.
- Laos ↗At dawn alms-giving, watch from across the street, keep quiet, never use flash and never touch a monk.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Vieng Xai191 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Vieng Xai, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Lao kip (LAK) in small notes for markets, tuk-tuks and food stalls.Laos-wide
- SIM or eSIMUnitel, Lao Telecom and ETL sell SIMs at airports and shops; passport registration required.Laos-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; bottled and refill water everywhere.Laos-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Round up or leave LAK 10,000–20,000.Laos-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C/E/F. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Laos-wide
- SafetyVieng Xai is generally safe for tourists; keep an eye on road conditions during the rainy season and watch your belongings on buses.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop at bus stops and markets.Laos-wide
- Emergency numbers191 police · 190 fire · 195 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidayscheckGovernment offices close on all holidays; many shops shut for Pi Mai; Luang Prabang has a late-night curfew for bars (about 23:30 — check).Government offices close on all holidays; many shops shut for Pi Mai; Luang Prabang has a late-night curfew for bars (about 11:30 PM — check).Laos-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNEU Sam Neua Airport (Nathong) (About 30 km (19 mi) from Vieng Xai; songthaews and buses to Vieng Xai leave from the Nathong bus station near the airport…NEU Sam Neua Airport (Nathong) (About 19 mi (30 km) from Vieng Xai; songthaews and buses to Vieng Xai leave from the Nathong bus station near the airport…
- Getting aroundHire a mountain bike from the caves visitor centre (15,000 kip per tour, 30,000 kip per day) or walk – the caves are a 5‑minute walk from town centre.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NEU Sam Neua Airport (Nathong) (About 30 km (19 mi) from Vieng Xai; songthaews and buses to Vieng Xai leave from the Nathong bus station near the airport, roughly 08:00, about 1 h, 20,000 kip (check)) · THD Thanh Hoa (Vietnam) overland (Vietnam-bound buses on Route 6 pass through Vieng Xai; the Sam Neua–Thanh Hoa bus passes about 08:45, 180,000 kip, seats may already be full (check))NEU Sam Neua Airport (Nathong) (About 30 km (19 mi) from Vieng Xai; songthaews and buses to Vieng Xai leave from the Nathong bus station near the airport, roughly 8:00 AM, about 1 h, 20,000 kip (check)) · THD Thanh Hoa (Vietnam) overland (Vietnam-bound buses on Route 6 pass through Vieng Xai; the Sam Neua–Thanh Hoa bus passes about 8:45 AM, 180,000 kip, seats may already be full (check))NEU Sam Neua Airport (Nathong) (About 19 mi (30 km) from Vieng Xai; songthaews and buses to Vieng Xai leave from the Nathong bus station near the airport, roughly 08:00, about 1 h, 20,000 kip (check)) · THD Thanh Hoa (Vietnam) overland (Vietnam-bound buses on Route 6 pass through Vieng Xai; the Sam Neua–Thanh Hoa bus passes about 08:45, 180,000 kip, seats may already be full (check))NEU Sam Neua Airport (Nathong) (About 19 mi (30 km) from Vieng Xai; songthaews and buses to Vieng Xai leave from the Nathong bus station near the airport, roughly 8:00 AM, about 1 h, 20,000 kip (check)) · THD Thanh Hoa (Vietnam) overland (Vietnam-bound buses on Route 6 pass through Vieng Xai; the Sam Neua–Thanh Hoa bus passes about 8:45 AM, 180,000 kip, seats may already be full (check))
Map of Vieng Xai
Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.
- Vieng Xai
- Basic guide
Directions in Google Maps · Apple Maps
Guides nearby
- Na Meo · 46 km straight line
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Feb
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Mar
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: May–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C) low), wettest Jul (15 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Vieng Xai: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
5 rd
Feb
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
May
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
12 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
15 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Hire a mountain bike from the caves visitor centre (15,000 kip per tour, 30,000 kip per day) or walk – the caves are a 5‑minute walk from town centre.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Vieng Xai Caves
goDoor to door: 15 min walk
Walk or bike from town centre to the Visitor Centre, then join an English‑language tour at 09:00 or 13:00Walk or bike from town centre to the Visitor Centre, then join an English‑language tour at 9:00 AM or 1:00 PM
Tour fee 60,000 kip for foreigners, 20,000 kip for locals/Vietnam/China
Sam Neua (provincial capital)
cautionDoor to door: 1 h each way
Bus or songthaew from Sam Neua to Vieng Xai (1 h); return bus departs Vieng Xai at 15:00Bus or songthaew from Sam Neua to Vieng Xai (1 h); return bus departs Vieng Xai at 3:00 PM
Return bus may be unavailable in low season; verify schedule.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Naxay Guesthouse
Wooden bungalows, mosquito net, hot‑water bath; 50,000–70,000 kip per night
Thavisay Hotel
Two‑storey, private bath, fan; 50,000–60,000 kip per night
Thongnakay Guesthouse
6 rooms, fan, double bed, mosquito net; 50,000–60,000 kip per night
Xailomyen Guesthouse
Timber stilts over lake, restaurant, Wi‑Fi; 60,000–70,000 kip per night
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- LAK 12,000–18,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- LAK 18,000–30,000 excl. bed
- High
- LAK 30,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse room1 × 1 night × LAK 5,500 | LAK 5,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × LAK 12,000 | LAK 12,000 |
| Cave tour (foreigners)1 × LAK 60,000 · check | LAK 60,000 |
| Bike hire (day)1 × LAK 30,000 · check | LAK 30,000 |
| Bus return Sam Neua1 × LAK 20,000 · check | LAK 20,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | LAK 12,800 |
| Trip total≈ LAK 140,300 per person per day, bed included | LAK 140,300 |
Typical range 50,000–70,000 kip per night for two guests
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Noodle soup (around bus station) | 30,000–45,000 kip |
| Bottled water (1 L) | 5,000–8,000 kip |
| Bike hire (hour) | 15,000 kip |
| Taxi Sam Neua → Vieng Xai (one way) | 150,000 kip |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Songthaew schedules vary; during low season there may be no return service – plan a backup bus.
- Roads can be washed out in the rainy season; check local conditions before travel.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 191
- Fire
- 190
- Ambulance
- 195
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Vieng XaiVieng Xai
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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ກະລຸນາພາຍໃສ່ທີ່ນີ້To this address, please
Emergency
- Police191
- Fire190
- Ambulance195
Embassy
US embassy in Vientiane; other consulates in Luang Prabang and Pakse.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Sam Neua → Vieng Xai: about 20,000 kip, 1 h (check schedule)
- Cave tour (foreigners): 60,000 kip, 1–2 h
Say or show
- ເທັ່ງບໍ? — How much is it? (teng baw?)
- ສະຖານທີ່ລົດເບັດແມ່ນໃສ? — Where is the bus stop? (san tha tee lot bet mae nai sai?)
- ຂໍພັກຫ້ອງຫນຶ່ງຄືນດຽວ — I would like a room for one night. (kho pak hong neung khuen diaw)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Vieng Xai. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb · avoid May–Oct (rainy season, road closures may occur) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a night in Vieng Xai after a morning cave tour to catch the late afternoon bus to Sam Neua.
- Combine with a border crossing to Na Meo (Vietnam) if you have extra time.
Sources
Ask about Vieng Xai
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