The north-eastern province is bordering with Vietnam to the north and east, Luang Prabang to the west, and Xieng Khouang to the south. The mountainous region is home to many ethnic groups such as Hmong, Phu Noi, Khamu, Yunanese, Thai Nuea, Vietnamese, etc.

Nam Xam NBCA is located at the north-eastern corner of the province bordering Vietnam. The topography is limestone mountains, caves, headwaters of many rivers. Good amount of healthy forest and wildlife still exist in the province.

It is also the starting place of Lao Pathet (revolution) movement. Some of the caves used in the revolution, located near Vieng Xai town, are open to public. The hot springs in the north of Sam Neua town are among tourist spots. The textiles made by the tribal groups are famous for their design and materials.

The roads are mostly unpaved dirt tracks, thus good for dry season and very difficult in the wet months. Most of the few number of foreign tourists the province receives come by flight. Vietnamese visitors and traders come in the motor vehicles since the road to the border is in better shape. Naionals of the third countries are not allowed to use the border pass.