Viengxay caves, Show cave system in Hūaphan, Laos.
Viengxay is an extensive cave system carved into limestone mountains, with multiple interconnected chambers and passages of varying sizes. The caves sit at different levels and were shaped by natural geological processes over millennia.
The cave system became a refuge during the 1960s and 1970s, sheltering tens of thousands of people fleeing aerial bombardment. It evolved into an underground base that supported military operations and civilian needs throughout the conflict.
The caves reveal how people organized daily life underground during wartime, with spaces for learning, healing, and work still visible today. Walking through them shows the determination of those who sheltered here and built a functioning community beneath the rock.
Wear sturdy footwear, as paths are uneven and can be slippery in places. Guided tours are available and help visitors navigate the complex layout safely and learn about each section.
The caves once housed bakeries and shops where people bought daily necessities, creating a functioning underground town rather than just a military shelter. This level of organization reveals how the community sustained itself during extended periods underground.
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