The fascinating food market is well-stocked with fresh vegetables and meats, some rather startling. Field rats are displayed cut open to show the freshness of their entrails. Banana leaves might be stuffed with squirming insects. And there's plenty of dead furry wildlife that you'd probably prefer to see alive in the forests.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
11.66 MILES
Joining a truly fascinating 18-point tour is the only way to see Vieng Xai's seven most important war-shelter cave complexes, set in beautiful gardens…
18.92 MILES
Almost as mysterious as Xieng Khuang's more famous jars, this unique, unfenced collection of standing stones is thought to be at least 1500 years old…
11.19 MILES
This impressive series of cascades forms a combined drop of almost 100m. It's briefly visible from eastbound Rte 6 roughly 1km after Km 55 (ie 36km from…
8.86 MILES
Tham Nok Ann is a soaring, well-lit cavern through which a river passes beneath awesome rock formations. It's dripping, creepy and very atmospheric, with…
0.26 MILES
At the town's central junction stands the bizarre Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument. Four hooked concrete pincers hold aloft a glittery disco ball that is…
0.04 MILES
The main market is predominantly stocked with Chinese and Vietnamese consumer goods. However, some fabric stalls here carry regional textiles, and…
0.31 MILES
Enchanting river scenes are visible from this bike-and-pedestrian suspension bridge. To find it, turn right down the tiny lane in front of the jumbo-sized…
Nearby Northern Laos attractions
0.04 MILES
The main market is predominantly stocked with Chinese and Vietnamese consumer goods. However, some fabric stalls here carry regional textiles, and…
2. Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument
0.26 MILES
At the town's central junction stands the bizarre Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument. Four hooked concrete pincers hold aloft a glittery disco ball that is…
0.31 MILES
Enchanting river scenes are visible from this bike-and-pedestrian suspension bridge. To find it, turn right down the tiny lane in front of the jumbo-sized…
8.86 MILES
Tham Nok Ann is a soaring, well-lit cavern through which a river passes beneath awesome rock formations. It's dripping, creepy and very atmospheric, with…
11.19 MILES
This impressive series of cascades forms a combined drop of almost 100m. It's briefly visible from eastbound Rte 6 roughly 1km after Km 55 (ie 36km from…
11.66 MILES
Joining a truly fascinating 18-point tour is the only way to see Vieng Xai's seven most important war-shelter cave complexes, set in beautiful gardens…
7. Hintang Archaeological Park
18.92 MILES
Almost as mysterious as Xieng Khuang's more famous jars, this unique, unfenced collection of standing stones is thought to be at least 1500 years old…