Asia

Sabai dee and welcome to this guide to Travel in Laos. Laos is a small country in South-East Asia, somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours Thailand and Cambodia, which has managed to develop without becoming tourism-dependent. This doesn’t in any way mean that it’s not worth visiting! Picture a landscape of rice paddies as far as the eye can see, where it’s not unusual to see water buffalo working the land. It’s a country where the beauty of the stormy skies mingles perfectly with the waters of the rivers. The people are unbelievably kind. Buddhism is omnipresent and governs every stage of life. It’s a country where you can switch off from normal life, chill out, take your time and just listen to the rice grow. It’s a country that’s simply a delight to travel in. You’re not imagining it: a stay in Laos is an exquisite and timeless experience. You will be charmed by the sublime Luang Prabang. The former capital houses magnificent temples and monasteries, interspersed with a wonderful natural landscape of hills and the waters of the Mekong. The Mekong, or ‘mother of water’ is sure to be the common thread that runs through your trip to Laos, as you follow its winding course by bus, by car and above all by boat, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the ancient kingdom of a million elephants…

Laos

Xiengkhouang

Being on the other side of the Mekong than Pakse, it's a great departure point if you're heading to Wat Phou Champassak. The village itself is not void of interest, and you'll be enchanted by a short stay here.

Champassak

Khong

Muang Sing is a pretty village miles from anywhere, about 2 hours from Luang Nam Tha and lost in the countryside of northern Laos. 

Muang Sing

Oudomxay is a town in the north of Laos where most people stop on the road south to Luang Prabang when they arrive in Laos,  or on the road to Phongsaly which is in the extreme north of the country.

Oudom Xay

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Oudomxay looks a bit like a town from the wild west. It is crossed by a long road on which you'll find all sorts of shops, as well as the bus station where buses leave for all over the country. (Expect to spend several hours in the bus, even if your destination is "close".) It is also split into two halves by the Nam Ko river. In the evening there is a small market north of the bus station, it's a bit kitsch but fun. There's not a lot to do in Oudomxay and the best thing is to visit the surrounding area, especially Chom Ong cave 40 kilometres away, which is 16 kilometres long and thought to be the biggest in north Laos. If you like a sporty holiday, you can organise treks to explore the region.

Oudomxay is a tourist stopover due to its location. Consequently it has all the necessary amenities but lacks comfort. As far as I was concerned, the town wasn't interesting - I'd go so far as to say it was archaic. Oudomxay is on the crossroads between Thailand, China and Vietnam. It's a stopover point for people taking a break during long journeys! Its positive side is the local life and the fact that the tourist industry hasn't altered it in the same way as places such as Luang Prabang!  The Oudomxay Province is popular thanks to its natural sites and traditional temples built in styles that reflect its neighbouring countries.  The upside? A great insight into a typical Laotian town. The downside? You really need to get out of town if you want to explore the true wonders of Oudomxay Province.

Oudomxay is a little Laotian town, in the middle of the Luang Namtha - Luang Prabang - Phongsali triangle.

Oudom Xay Vacations

Oudom Xay: How to get there?

Oudom Xay: See when to go ?

Oudom Xay: For how long?

Oudom Xay: What to see nearby?