Laos' mountaintop Hmong park slated for November launch

VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/ANN): Huaphan province plans to officially open a new Hmong culture park at the end of November this year with 80 per cent of the park’s construction already completed.

The project worth more than 500 million kip is located on a 1-ha mountaintop site between Namterp and Nong Tong villages in Sobbao district, with investment coming from local businessman and Namterp resident Yia Limua.

He told local media recently that construction of the park commenced in June this year and is on schedule to open in late November.

“Construction of the culture park will complement Daen Phou Soung Waterfall and aims to promote the Hmong culture and lifestyle to domestic and foreign tourists, and also boost poverty reduction among local residents, ” he added.

Highlights of the park will include Hmong statues dressed in traditional clothing, sweetcorn and pumpkin sculptures depicting local farming production, a restaurant serving ethnic style food and a camping ground.

Visitors will be able to enjoy stunning views from the mountain location, camp under the stars, watch the sunrise and experience the Hmong culture and lifestyle. Nearby Daen Phou Soung Waterfall offers several adventure activities including a suspension bridge with beautiful views of the waterfall.

The Hmong culture park is about 35km from Sobbao district and 6km off the main asphalt road.

Huaphan province has numerous natural places of interest, including Sa Lery, Tadloun and Phavang waterfalls, Tham Hang cave, and the Hiem and Nam Meuang hot springs. The province is also home to Pha Thee mountain and has a renowned city pillar.

Visitors can enjoy local food such as jeo pa bam (fish with chilli sauce), chicken soup, and phan seen (pork with chilli and herbs wrapped in pomelo leaves).

The province also has several colourful events including the Tai Deng Ethnic Festival, Crystal City Pillar festival, and boat races.

Huaphan province is located in the north of Laos about 600km from Vientiane and can be accessed by bus or plane. - Vientiane Times/Asia News Network