Xam Neua
Sam Neua | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Country |  Laos |
| Admin. division | Houaphan Province |
| Population (2002) | |
| • Total | 46,800 |
| • Religions | Buddhism |
Sam Neua is a capital city of Houaphan Province, Laos, located in the northeast of the country. Sam Neua is one of the country's least visited provincial capital.
Demographics
Residents are mostly Lao, Vietnamese and Hmong, along with some Thai Dam, Thai Daeng and Thai Lu.
Tourism
Several guesthouses are located in Sam Neua. While many people in Sam Neua have had little or no contact with caucasians - or foreigners in general - the guesthouses and restaurants have postings/menus in English. There are two flights into and out of the Sam Neua airport each day.
Facts
Sam Neua is located in a valley in the Houaphan Province. In the early morning hours women wash clothes in the river flowing through the city. An elementary school is located near the main bridge crossing this river. At 5:45 am and pm each day there are public addresses from loudspeakers atop a tower on the school playground, expounding on the communist life and philosophy. These addresses are usually accompanied by Lao music. It is reputed there is a Communist re-education center located in Sam Neua.
