Vieng Xay Caves

Explore the traditional town of Vieng Xay and its surrounding limestone peaks and forests. The town in the Houaphanh Province of northeastern Laos contains an extensive network of caves which were used by the Pathet Lao for shelter during the Vietnam/American War.

In the 1960s, when Laos was caught up in the middle of the war, up to 23,000 people lived in the caves, which contained a hospital, a school, offices, bakeries, shops, and even a theatre. The area was home to the Communist army, who were fighting the royalist forces, based in Vientiane.

The caves which became a ‘hidden city’ were used for living and working during the time when U. S. Air Forces were heavily bombing the area. Locals say that farmers had to farm at night to avoid bombing raids. Vieng Xay served as a base for the communist forces (and holding facility for captured US servicemen) because it was close to the Vietnamese border for logistical and political support.

Today, take an audio tour that tells the story of the 'hidden city,’ including first-hand accounts of interviews of people who lived through this time.