Prince Souphanouvong Bridge
The Prince Souphanaouvong Bridge, also known as the Khoua Ban Darn Bridge, is a line designed by Prince Souphanaouvong that was eventually destroyed by American Forces to stop supply lines connected to the Ho Chi Minh trail.
What appears to be a drab, puzzling bridge is a gem to history buffs as it tells the story of the many struggles during the Vietnam War. All that remains in the structure that once spanned the Xe Don river are the three concrete columns and one steel structure that somehow show how grand the bridge was before. Though the road to this place is bumpy and dusty and there’s nothing much to see apart from the remnants of the bridge, the striking contrast between the peaceful surroundings and evident pieces left by the Vietnam war make this place oddly interesting.
Location
Prince Souphanaouvong Bridge is an attraction 20 kilometres northwest of Salavan.
Opening Days and Hours
You can visit the bridge anytime.
Entry Fee and Bookings
No entrance fee is required when visiting.
How to Get There
- Fly from Vientiane to Pakse via Lao Airlines.
- From Pakse, board a VIP bus to Salavan.
- From Salavan, you can hire a motorbike and drive all the way to Prince Souphanaouvong Bridge.
Suggested For
- Backpackers/solo travelers
- Couples
- Group of friends
- Families
Time to Spend
You can spend around 30 minutes to an hour in this attraction.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
You can visit the place all year round without worrying about large crowds. It is best to schedule your Salavan trip between August and January.
Food
Nearest dining options are in Salavan. You can choose from Sabadee Salavan Restaurant, Phay Pha Xok Restaurant, Samunzon Restaurant. Vilayvone Restaurant and Lucky 2 Restaurant.
Nearby Attractions
- Phou Xieng Thong National Protected Area
- Xe Ban Nuan
Stay
There are two decent guesthouses — Sanyo Guesthouse and Sokmixay Guesthouse — that offer accommodations near the Prince Souphanaouvong Bridge. Rates range from USD 20 to USD 50.
