Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument Northern Laos

At the town's central junction stands the bizarre Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument. Four hooked concrete pincers hold aloft a glittery disco ball that is intended to celebrate Sam Neua's folk-song image as an 'indestructible jewel'. However, the effect is unintentionally comic, with its backing of half-hearted fountains and a frieze full of communist triumphalist soldiers.