Houaphanh province

Houaphanh province (Laotian: ຫົວພັນ [hǔːa̯ pʰán]; Romanization of Lao: Houaphan) is a province in eastern Laos. Its capital is Xam Neua.

Houaphanh province covers an area of 16,500 square kilometres (6,400 sq mi). The province is bordered by Vietnam to the north, east, and southeast, Xiangkhouang province to the south and southwest, and Luang Prabang province to the west. The terrain is rugged, with dense, forested mountains forming much of the province, particularly on the western side. The main road running through the province is Route 6. The principal rivers are the Nam Ma, which flows from and into Vietnam, passing the village of Ban Muang-Et, and the Nam Sam, on which the towns of Sam Neua and Sam Tai lie.

The province is the home to the Viengxay caves, an extensive network of caves used by the Pathet Lao, and the Hintang Archaeological Park, one of the most important pre-historic sites in northern Laos, dotted with standing megaliths.

Houaphanh is one of the poorest areas of Laos, but has dramatic scenery and fine textile traditions.