LAOS-SOUTHERN PROVINCES ATTAPEU

ATTAPEU PROVINCE

CAPITAL: SAMAKHIXAY

TOTAL AREA: 10320 SQUARE KILOMETRES

POPULATION: 127285

Attapeu is the southernmost province in Laos and shares a border with Cambodia.It has rich history dating back to the Lane Xang Kingdom in the 16^th century, as evidenced by the ancient stupa Saysettathirath, which local people believe to house the remains of King Sayasetthatirath. In more recent history, the province became known as the “Land Of Heroism” for its strong role in the revolution. 

There is evidence of the war remaining today, mostly concentrated in the eastern part of the province along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Attapeu is well known for its diverse population of Mon-Khemer speaking ethnic groups that still practice traditional livehoods and swidden farming under a variety of ecological conditions. Some of the main ethinc groups are the Lavae 9Brao) located in Phouvong District, the Oy found mostly at the edge of the Bolaven Plateau, the Taliang in Attapeu town and the Alak located in the eastern parts of Attapeu Province near the border with Vietnam.

Nature abounds in Attapeu Province. There is an extensive river network which includes the Xe Kong, Xe Kaman and Xe Xou rivers. One can travel the Xe Kong Rivera along the border of Cambodia and then up in the Xe Pian River with access to Xe Pian National Protected Area (NPA).3 waterfalls along the Xe Pian River, Tad Saepha, Tad Samongphak and Tad Saeponglaican, can be by food or by boat with a local guide. Tad Phapong  , a waterfall on the Xe Xou River is accessible by trekking or boating and is noted for its many colorful  rocks that line the riverside. 

Dong Ampahn NPA, located in the province’s north-east quadrant cover 1975 square kilometes and has elevations ranging from 120m to 2052m. The area is inhabited by a variety of rare and endangered species, including the buffcheeked gibbon. Asiatic golden cat, clouded leopard, tiger, elephants and Trong Song muntjac. Some of Attapeu’s 280 bird species include the Siamese fireback, crested argus, the woolly necked stork and rufous winged buzzard. 

A remote and little known Crater Lake called Nong Fa is the largest Crater Lake in the country and has beautiful clear waters surrounded by pine forests. Exploration of these remote and beautiful areas is possible with local guides.

The ancient art of traditional pottery is still practiced in Attapeu , including the production of large vessels used to hold rice wine called lao hai. Alos unique are the crafts of the Taliang people which include weavings, bamboo baskets, bows and arose, pipes and jewelry.

The main festivals of Attapeu belong its many ethnic groups. Festivals of note (typically celebrated in February) are Boun Kin Ard of the Alak, Taliang and Ye groups and Boun Kin Aleub of the Lavae and Oy groups.