Caves open to reveal roots of Lao independence struggle
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Three caves in eastern Laos that served as headquarters for the country's independence struggle have been opened to the public for meetings, workshops and seminars.
The caves in Vienxay district, Huaphan Province, harboured Pathet Lao leaders during their struggle for independence against the Royal Lao Army in the 1960s and 1970s,
but can now be hired by business organisations or groups, offering a unique setting for a workshop or seminar.
“The halls inside these caves, which we have now been opened to the general public for meetings, workshops and seminars can accommodate between 100 and 300 people,” said Phouvanh Phouvanh, deputy director of provincial tourism.
The largest cave costs 500,000 kip (Bt1900) per day to rent, while the smaller two are 300,000 kip and 170,000 kip.
Phouvanh noted the caves were located within the town of Viengxay itself, so access on foot from nearby hotels was not a problem.
Kaysone Phomvihane, who later became the president of Laos and is revered as a national hero, spearheaded the independence movement from the caves of Viengxay.
Of the 500 large caves in the district, a dozen have been developed as tourism sites to lure more domestic and overseas visitors to what is already a popular destination.
A new local airport, set for completion in 2015, will give tourists easier access to the area.
