Tham Piew Cave: A Memorial to Loss

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A poignant memorial site in Laos, Tham Piew Cave stands as a reminder of the tragic consequences of the Second Indochina War and honors the lives lost.

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Tham Piew Cave

Tham Piew Cave, located near Muang Kham, is a poignant memorial to a tragic event during the Second Indochina War. In 1968, a U.S. missile struck the cave, where hundreds of villagers sought refuge, resulting in a devastating loss of life. Today, it stands as a place of reflection and remembrance.

A brief summary to Tham Piew Cave

MHF9+VCX, Muang Kham, LA

Monday 8 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Take time to learn about the history of Tham Piew Cave before your visit to fully appreciate its significance.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting nearby villages or temples.
Bring incense sticks to burn in front of the altar as a sign of respect for the deceased.

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Getting There

Car/Motorbike

From Phonsavan, Tham Piew Cave is approximately 60 km away. Head east from Phonsavan on Route 7, then turn north onto Route 6 towards Muang Kham. From Muang Kham, follow the signs for Tham Piew Cave. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Renting a motorbike in Phonsavan costs approximately 150,000 LAK per day.
Tuk-Tuk

Hire a tuk-tuk from Phonsavan for a direct ride to Tham Piew Cave. Negotiate the price before starting the journey. A tuk-tuk to the airport or bus station typically costs around 50,000 LAK per person. Expect to pay more for a longer trip to Tham Piew Cave.

Discover more about Tham Piew Cave

Tham Piew Cave is a somber yet compelling historical site located in the Muang Kham district of Xieng Khouang province. This cave is not just a geological formation but a memorial to a tragic event that occurred during the Second Indochina War. On November 24, 1968, a missile struck the cave while it was being used as a shelter by local villagers seeking refuge from bombing campaigns. The attack resulted in the deaths of 374 men, women, and children.Today, Tham Piew Cave serves as a place of remembrance and reflection. Visitors can see the remnants of the attack, including debris and scattered rocks, which serve as a stark reminder of the events that unfolded. A memorial temple with a statue of a sorrowful man cradling a child stands at the foot of the trail leading to the cave, honoring those who perished. Inside the cave, one can find a golden Buddha, a milestone, and a bomb crater, marking the site's tragic history.The cave is open year-round, with the dry season (November to April) being the ideal time to visit due to more pleasant weather. A small visitor center at the base of the mountain provides historical context from a Laotian perspective. The path to the cave includes a series of steps, passing grave markers of the deceased, urging visitors to show respect for the locals and the deceased.