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Tham Piew Cave: A Memorial to Loss

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A place of remembrance and reflection, Tham Piew Cave stands as a memorial to the victims of the Secret War in Laos and the enduring spirit of its people.

Tham Piew Cave is a poignant memorial site near Muang Kham, Laos, commemorating the tragic loss of 374 villagers who sought refuge there during the Second Indochina War. In 1968, a U.S. missile struck the cave, resulting in the death of all who were sheltering inside. Today, it stands as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of war on civilian populations.

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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tham Piew Cave.

  • Wear comfortable shoes as the cave floor is uneven and can be slippery.
  • Bring a flashlight to navigate the darker parts of the cave.
  • Take time to learn about the history of Tham Piew Cave before your visit to fully appreciate its significance.
  • Dress modestly and respectfully, as this is a memorial site.
  • Consider bringing incense sticks to burn in front of the altar as a sign of respect.

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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Phonsavan, the provincial capital of Xieng Khouang, you can hire a taxi to Tham Piew Cave. The journey is approximately 60 km and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. A taxi from Phonsavan to Muang Kham and then to the cave will cost approximately $45-$60. Taxis can typically be found in Phonsavan.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Tham Piew Cave via public transport, take a bus from Vientiane to Phonsavan, and then take a taxi from Phonsavan to Muang Kham. From Muang Kham, Tham Piew Cave is about 6 kilometers. At Muang Kham's main intersection (at the market), turn off of Highway 7 and head north for 3.5 kilometers, then turn left and continue for two kilometers. The cave is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. The bus from Vientiane to Phonsavan will cost $45-$60.

Discover more about Tham Piew Cave

Tham Piew Cave, located in the Muang Kham district of Xieng Khouang province, is a site of profound historical significance and immense sorrow. During the Second Indochina War, from 1964 to 1973, villagers sought shelter in the cave to escape the relentless bombing campaigns. Tragically, on November 24, 1968, a U.S. fighter plane fired a rocket into the cave, killing 374 men, women, and children.Today, Tham Piew Cave serves as a memorial to those who perished. Visitors can see the remnants of the tragedy, including debris and scorched rocks. A memorial temple at the foot of the trail features a statue of a sorrowful man cradling a child, and marked graves line the walkway to the cave entrance. Inside the cave, the walls are blackened with scorch marks, and locals often light incense to pay tribute to the dead.The cave itself is set on a rugged mountainside, approximately 80 meters high, with a spacious interior. The area around Tham Piew is naturally beautiful, with limestone mountains and lush greenery. Visiting Tham Piew is a somber experience, offering a moment to reflect on the human cost of war and honor the resilience of the Lao people.

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