VIENTIANE: The Tham Fa Meu cave, a newly opened geological and archaeological heritage site featuring more than 280 prehistoric rock paintings, is expected to strengthen cultural tourism in Khammuan province and shed new light on an ancient human settlement in Laos and the wider South-East Asian region.
The cave in Khounkham district was officially opened to visitors during a ceremony on June 8 that was attended by the Vice Chairman of the Khammuan Administration Committee, Dethsackda Manikham, the Ambassador of France to Laos, Bénédicte Deschamps, and provincial officials.
Speaking at the event, Dethsackda said the discovery of Tham Fa Meu cave marked an important historical and archaeological milestone for Khammuan province and the entire country.
The site has more than 280 ancient rock paintings, most of them palm prints in both open-hand and palm-stamped forms, alongside depictions of people, animals and other symbols.
These artworks provide valuable evidence of prehistoric human settlement and symbolic communication, and also demonstrate cultural links between communities across South-East Asia, he said.
The opening of the cave adds a significant new attraction to Khammuan’s growing tourism portfolio and is expected to enhance the appeal of the province’s popular tourism circuit known as “The Loop”, which attracts increasing numbers of domestic and international visitors each year.
According to provincial authorities, Tham Fa Meu complements existing attractions in the area, including Kong Lor-Natan cave, a regionally renowned destination that has received Asean awards for community-based tourism over several consecutive years.
Together, these attractions are expected to contribute to tourism growth targets outlined in the province’s 10th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan for 2026-2030.
Dethsackda noted that the opening of Tham Fa Meu cave represents both the launch of a new geological and historical tourism destination, and the success of long-term cooperation between Khammuan province and French development partners dating back to 2009.
Khammuan province is widely recognised for its dramatic limestone landscapes and extensive cave systems, many of which remain hidden within rugged karst formations.
Beyond Tham Fa Meu, visitors can explore a range of natural attractions, including Kamphengyak, also known as the Giant Wall, and the Sangsou and Nam Sanam waterfalls. Adventure tourism is growing in popularity at Phou Phamarn hill, where visitors can experience zip-lines, a canopy walkway and guided forest hikes.
Tourists can support local communities by purchasing traditional handicrafts, including woven bamboo rice baskets, naturally dyed cotton clothing and other locally made products.
Provincial authorities believe the development of heritage, nature-based and community tourism will help create new economic opportunities for local residents, while preserving the unique cultural and natural assets of Khammuan province for future generations. - Vientiane Times/ANN
