Sam Neua (also spelt Xam Neua or Xam Nua) is the capital of Hua Phan Province, Laos.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Sam Neua (pronounced "Sam nah") is a small town of some 30,000 people, with oversized administrative buildings and quiet streets. There is not too much to see in the town itself, but it can serve as a base for visiting Vieng Xai, and is often a necessary stop-over if coming or going from Vietnam. The surrounding countryside is also beautiful and host to some interesting sites. The town sits at an elevation of 1200m, so while the area is warm from April until October, it is pretty cold the rest of the year! Hua Phan province (pronounced "hooa pawn"), bordering Vietnam, is one of the remotest and most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos.
The center of town is easily walkable and there is little traffic. There are a few tuk-tuks and taxis around. In town, they tend to congregate around the monument. You might need to take one to get to the Nathong bus station or sights further away from the center. There are two bus stations just outside of Sam Neua: the intra-provincial Nathong station for Vieng Xai and other nearby destinations about four kilometers east of the center and one inter-provincial (for Luang Prabang, Phonsavan, Vietnam, etc.) about 1 km south of the center atop a hill.
The strange monument at the center of the main roundabout. This is the Suan Keo Lak Meung (ສວນແກ້ວຫຼັກເມືອງ) monument. The shiny ball at the top is a reference to Sam Neua's nickname as an "indestructible jewel" however the effect is quite bizarre. Two active temples. The wet market on the east side of the river with "exotic" wildlife for sale. Open 06:00 to 18:00. Former Pathet Lao Caves in Vieng Xai. Namnoua waterfall just off the road between Sam Neua and Vieng Xai. Hintang Archaeological Park.
Visit some local villages outside of town. The scenery in the area is stunning, but the only way to experience it is on a rented scooter. Otherwise to get to the caves, ask at the tourist office to book you a driver.
Cheap pho and various small bites, as well as fresh produce, can be found at the market on the east side of the river. A small night market is set up across the street from the city park each evening, with a variety of grilled and deep-fried options to eat. A couple of Vietnamese restaurants are found east of the bridge. Chittavanh Restaurant (Attached to Chittavanh Guesthouse). also has an English menu, and locals sometimes eat there too. (updated Apr 2021) Dannao Meaung Xam Restaurant (In the guesthouse block, facing the main road). The most popular place. Has an English menu with a number of options for Lao and Western food. Mains 15,000-50,000 kip.
The streets are generally empty by 21:00, but all restaurants and many guesthouses will sell you Beerlao. Many Coffee and Yuni Coffee both serve good specialty coffees on the main road.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Sam Neua typically sees ~27°C daytime highs and 28 rainy days.
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