It lies on Route 4 which along with Route 13 connects it to Luang Prabang, roughly 80 kilometres northeast by road and to the Thai border across the Luang Prabang Range in the southwest.

The capital stands on the banks of the Nam Hung, a tributary of the Mekong River towards the northern end of the province.

The area is allegedly a heartland for military involvement in illegal timber trade.

[2] Wat Si Bun Huang, a Buddhist temple of over 500 years vintage lies in the southern part of the town.

Also of note is Wat Si Phan Don, noted for its diamond-shaped stupa and Wat Sisavang Vong, reputedly erected by King Sisavang Vong himself on the site of a former temple.