Tham Piew Cave, Xieng Khouang Plateau Travel Guide

4.3 (69)

A somber memorial in Laos, Tham Piew Cave marks the site of a tragic wartime event and honors the lives lost.

Tham Piew Cave, located near Muang Kham, serves as 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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Take time to learn about the historical significance of Tham Piew Cave before your visit to fully appreciate its importance.
Dress modestly and respectfully, as Tham Piew is a memorial site.
Consider bringing incense sticks to burn in front of the altar as a sign of respect for the deceased.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Xieng Khouang Provincial Museum

Plain of Jars Site 2

Xiangkhoang Plateau

Plain Of Jars Visitor Center

Nice village, bridge and river view

Explore Tham Piew Cave on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tham Piew Cave, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car/Motorcycle

Tham Piew Cave is approximately 60 km east of Phonsavan. From Phonsavan, hire a taxi or rent a car or motorcycle. The drive typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on road conditions. Follow Route 6 north from Muang Kham town for 2 km to Ban Bouam, turn left (west), and follow the road to the end. There is a parking area at the base of the mountain. Expect to pay around 40,000-50,000 LAK for a taxi from Phonsavan.
Tuk-tuk

From Phonsavan, you can hire a tuk-tuk to Tham Piew Cave. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Negotiate the price beforehand, as there are no set fares. Expect to pay around 40,000-50,000 LAK for the trip.

Discover more about Tham Piew Cave

Tham Piew Cave is a site of profound historical significance and natural beauty, located in the Xieng Khouang province of Laos. The cave is a memorial to one of the most tragic events in Laos' history during the Second Indochina War. On November 24, 1968, a missile fired from a U.S. fighter plane struck the cave, instantly killing 374 men, women, and children who had sought shelter within its walls from the ongoing bombing campaigns. The villagers were trying to find refuge from bombing campaigns designed to contain the Marxist Pathet Lao.Today, Tham Piew Cave serves as both a memorial to those who perished and a place for reflection. Visitors can see the remnants of the tragic event, including debris and scattered rocks. A memorial temple at the foot of the trail features a statue of a sorrowful man cradling a child. Along the series of steps to the cave entrance, you'll find the marked graves of the deceased. Inside the cave, you'll see burn marks on the walls, serving as a chilling reminder of what occurred.Visiting Tham Piew is a somber experience, offering a glimpse into a painful past and highlighting the resilience of the Lao people. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is more comfortable for exploring the cave and its surroundings.