Snapshot – Meuang Feuang

SNAPSHOT

PHOTOGRAPHS BY PHOONSAB THEVONGSA TEXT BY TEXT BY JASON ROLAN

Meuang Feuang is a scenic district in Vientiane Province that is usually compared to Vang Vieng, but the similarity ends there. As it’s not on the backpacker circuit, it has not been greatly developed as a tourist destination, but this gives it a more local charm. Located alongside the Nam Lik River and surrounded by unusual limestone mountains, the scenery is one of the more surreal in Laos.

The unusual panoramic views of Meuang Feuang

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1. Karst mountains that look like sharks’ teeth. 2. Storks and other wildlife enjoy the rich feeding grounds created by an abundance of rice paddies. 3. Wat Sinxayaram is one of the most unique temples in Laos with a wide variety of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures built into the natural surroundings. 4. The reservoir created by the Nam Lik 1 Hydropower Plant creates a nice area for fi shermen and opportunities for scenic boat rides around the lake.

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An aerial view of the boat pier on the Nam Lik Reservoir

above: Bats take fl ight from one of the caves in the limestone karst.

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GETTING THERE Meuang Feuang is located approximately 120 km northwest of Vientiane. Drive north on Rte. 13 and turn left at Hin Heup. Local guesthouses are available in town, as well as a nicer holiday home rental on the riverside: facebook/isleofwhitemeungfeuang

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1. Rainwater slowly creates caverns in the limestone mountains. 2. Cave paintings show that humans have been living in this area for a very long time.