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

Houesai is on the banks of the Mekong, on the path between China and Luang Prabang, about 200 km from Luang Nom Tha, or 6 hours by bus.

Houay Sai

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During my <a href="/laos/">trip to Laos</a>, I came into the country at Houesai, arriving from Thailand which is just opposite it. At that point there are two options for travellers. Either travel down the Mekong for two days to get to Luang Prabang, or do as I did and take a bus to the northern mountains. Much more interesting because sailing on the river can also be organised from the villages in that part of the country.   Apart from being a frontier town with a pretty craft market, Houesai isn't very interesting. There are lots of cheap hotels to use while you are waiting for your delayed bus or boat. Apart from that, there are too many marvellous things to see in Laos to stay for long in Houesai.

Houesai is on the banks of the Mekong, on the path between China and Luang Prabang, about 200 km from Luang Nom Tha, or 6 hours by bus.

It was a short visit but, nonetheless, a learning curve when it comes to tourism in the region! I'd spent 2 days on a boat heading up the Mekong from the amazing Luang Prabang, my aim being to cross the Thai border by nightfall. On arriving, however, I found myself caught up with locals negotiating room prices and hearing tales of border officials demanding bribes at certain times of day. Whatever you do, you need to negotiate hard and check things out as much as possible before crossing the border! Houay Xai is a town where you can live 'Lao-style': karaoke, beerlao and barbecues abound! The morning market is interesting as local ethnic villagers come here to sell their wares, which include a lot of crafts. The upside? The view of the Mekong at sunrise and the morning market. The downside? Neverending negotiations with locals when planning to cross the border.

Houay Xay, a Laotian/Thai border town, is an almost obligatory stopover if you're heading to Thailand.

Houay Sai Vacations

Houay Sai: How to get there?

Houay Sai: See when to go ?

Houay Sai: For how long?

Houay Sai: What to see nearby?