Viengg Phoukha Nature and Kao Rao Caves

Kao Rao Cave or Nam Eng Cave

Vieng Phoukha town is surrounded by limestone karsts formations that have many interesting and beautiful caves. Formed by centuries of weathering that has gradually carved huge caverns out of the porous limestone, Vieng Phoukha’s caves have some of the most beautiful underground formations in northern Laos. During prehistoric times many of the caves might have been inhabited by people, but today they primarily support nesting swifts and thousands of roosting bats of over a dozen species. Some of the most accessible are the caves near Nam Eng Village (Tham Kao Rao) and the network of caverns at the base of the Phou Prasat limestone formation near Tha Louang Village.

The northern-most extreme of the Mekong River in Laos is found in Muang Sing. As the Mekong rushes out of China into the Green Triangle bordering Myanmar, it makes its way through steep canyons before slowing down further south. This section can be accessed by boat from Xiengkok in Long District, but also by gravel road leading across the mountains from Muang Sing down to Xieng Khaeng. On this remote and beautiful stretch of the river are some of the oldest Tai Lue settlements in the district: Ban Xay and Ban Xieng Khaeng. Those looking for adventure can explore Xieng Khaeng on a 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7 days trek and river cruise or on a 4WD tour to be booked by Phou Iu Eco-Tourism Laos or Phou Iu Bungalows in Muang Sing.

Sacred Bor Kung and Bor Kang
Directly behind the tourism office is the sacred forest that protects Bor Kung, the shrimp spring. The area is renown for its clear waters and abundant fish, crabs and of course shrimp. Another nearby spring is Stewpot Spring or Bor Kang. Like a stewpot it is always brimming with water. Bor Kang is the source of the Sai stream which remains clear and cool during all seasons, flowing into the nearby Nam Jook River.

Sacred Bor Kung and Bor Kang	Sacred Bor Kung and Bor Kang