HUAY XAI AT A GLANCE
CITY
Huay Xai (ຫ້ວຍຊາຍ)
COUNTRY
TIMEZONE
UTC+7 (ICT)
TRAIN
None
BUS
None
TERRAIN
Small Riverside Town
WEATHER
Cool Season: 59ºF - 76ºF November to April / Hot Season: 86ºF+ March to May / Monsoon Season: 75ºF - 89ºF and Rainy May to October
AVERAGE MEAL COST
₭50000 LAK / $2.42 USD
AVERAGE HOSTEL COST
₭300000 LAK / $14.51 USD
LAST UPDATED
28/10/2023
The Best Bites in Huay Xai, Laos
LANDSCAPE
NOTABLE FEATURES
Huay Xai, a tranquil town perched on the banks of the Mekong River in Northwestern Laos, is celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, thriving cultural diversity, and a sense of calm that envelops all who visit. This remote retreat has earned renown for its stunning vistas, featuring verdant hills, dense forests, and the majestic Mekong River meandering gently through the surroundings, offering a serene canvas for exploration.
TRAVELER'S NOTES
The Mekong Gateway to Laos
Huay Xai (pronounced "why sigh") is often spelled Houay Xai, Houayxai, Huoeisay, or Houei Sai. As confusing as that may be, keep it in consideration when searching for local activities and information. Huay Xai is the Mekong gateway to Laos and a popular backpacker pass-through city on the way to Luang Prabang and northern Laos. The popular route involves crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship bridge IV and embarking on a slowboat journey from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang down the Mekong with an overnight stop in Pak Beng.Boun Ok Phansa
I had the pleasure of experiencing the beginning of Boun Ok Phansa, the celebration of the end of Buddhist Lent in Laos, while in Huay Xai. This involved boat races and a festival across the Huay Xai market area. Although Huay Xai is a small town, they know how to party! It was a great experience and introduction to Laotian culture.The Gibbon Experience
A popular activity in which I did not participate, but about which I have heard great reviews from other travelers, is the Gibbon Experience. The Gibbon Experience involves one to three nights of sleeping in treehouses, zip lining through the Lao jungle, and encountering southeast asian creatures in their natural habitat. One of the more popular encounters are the gibbons, while some of the treehouse encounters backpackers are less fond of are the many snake species in Laos. Either way, you're sure to have an adventure with the Gibbon Experience!ACTIVITIES
Popular Activities
Mekong River Cruises: Explore the serene Mekong River on boat cruises, often used as a scenic route to travel to Luang Prabang.
Trekking Adventures: Embark on trekking expeditions in the lush hills and forests surrounding Huay Xai, with opportunities to visit local villages.
Gibbon Experience: Experience the Gibbon Experience, which offers treehouse accommodations in the jungle canopy and zip-line adventures.
Local Temple Visits: Explore the local temples, such as Wat Chome Khong, to learn about the region's Buddhist culture.
Night Market Exploration: Stroll through the night market, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and sample local street food.
Cultural Interaction: Engage with the local community to experience the blend of Lao and Thai cultures.
Hill Tribe Visits: Visit nearby hill tribes to learn about their traditional way of life.
Mekong Sunset: Enjoy a beautiful sunset over the Mekong River, often accompanied by relaxing by the riverbanks.
Local Cuisine: Savor local Lao and Thai cuisine at restaurants and street food stalls, with a variety of flavorful dishes to try.
Underrated Destinations
Sunset at Phu Chi Fa Viewpoint: While it's not directly in Huay Xai but rather a short drive away, visiting Phu Chi Fa offers a breathtaking experience. This viewpoint, known for its stunning sunrise views, is often less crowded at sunset. You can enjoy the mesmerizing sight of the sun setting over the misty mountains, creating a magical and serene atmosphere.
Homestays with Locals: Consider staying in a homestay in one of the nearby villages. This immersive experience allows you to connect with local communities, learn about their daily life, and gain a deeper understanding of the region's culture and traditions. It's an authentic and underrated way to explore the area.
NEIGHBORHOODS
Rverside Area: The town's focal point is the Mekong River, which runs along its western edge. The riverside area is where you'll find guesthouses, restaurants, and places offering riverboat services. It's a great place to enjoy views of the river and catch sunsets.
Main Road: The main road, known as Sisavangvong Road, runs parallel to the Mekong River and serves as the primary commercial and social hub. It's lined with guesthouses, shops, cafes, and restaurants. This road is where you'll find the majority of businesses and accommodations.
Local Market Area: In the central part of town, you can find the local market, which is a hub for fresh produce and daily essentials. It's also a place to experience local life and the daily routine of residents.
Border Crossing: In the northern part of town, you'll find the border crossing point to Thailand. This area includes immigration offices and facilities for those crossing the border.
Hills and Outskirts: Surrounding the town are rolling hills and lush forests, offering opportunities for trekking and outdoor adventures. Many of the activities and experiences related to nature and cultural exploration are found in these areas.