Huay Xai Travel Guide - Everything You Need To Know

The most common entry point into Laos from northern Thailand is Huay Xai, which is the northern gateway to the country. As such, most travelers view it as a place to stop for a break along the way, but despite its lack of amenities, the small town itself is worth exploring and especially as a way to get a feel for Lao culture. In addition, Huay Xai may become increasingly appealing to tourists as a result of the accessibility of its roads, aircraft, and waterways.

This article describes the best things to do in Huay Xai, what to eat, where to stay as well as how to get to this beautiful village. Believe me, Huay Xai is not as dull as you may imagine.

Huay Xai is usually regarded as a safe tourist destination

Is Huay Xai a safe place to visit?

Huay Xai is usually regarded as a safe tourist destination. It's a little town with a relaxed vibe, and the people are nice and hospitable. However, like with any tourist location, there are certain considerations to keep in mind. 

There are a variety of safety concerns and scams to be aware of at the Laos-Thailand border. Tourist agents (not official visa agents) may be found at the border crossing at Houay Xai, who will assist you in filling out visa paperwork and asking whether you wish to take a slow boat to Pak Beng. These agents, on the other hand, operate a fraud and will overcharge you for the boat fare.

Other difficulties include your luggage going missing when an agent offers to transfer it to the boat for you, so avoid this and instead walk down to the main dock and purchase a ticket directly from one of the boat companies that operate here.

Top Things To Do In Huay Xai

Huay Xai is the provincial capital of Bokeo, located in Northwestern Laos. This village in Northern Laos offers a lot of fascinating opportunities to explore the indigenous nature and engage with the local culture. Here are some of the top things to do in Kuay Xai:

Huay Xai is the provincial capital of Bokeo, located in Northwestern Laos

1. Explore Fort Carnot

A trip to Huay Xai's Fort Carnot is like traveling back in time; it was constructed during the French colonial era and provides insight into the rich history of the area. Perched atop a hill with a view of the Mekong River, this well-preserved fort is a fascinating site to explore, and as you stroll around its walls, you surely could not help but be struck by the sense of wonderment you had for the stories it must have.

2. Have a drink on the Mekong River

Huay Xai is not really large enough to have a vibrant nightlife, but if you are looking for somewhere to go for a drink in the evening, you should go to the waterfront, where a variety of eateries and cafes serve up tasty Beer Lao, the local Laotian beer.

As you might expect, one of the most popular things to do in the town is to enjoy a sundowner while watching the sunset over the Mekong River, so make sure to schedule your visit accordingly.

3. Shop at the Morning Market

The largest market in Huay Xai is also known as the Morning Market.

As the name implies, to experience the market at its busiest, you must arrive as early as possible in the morning. A wide variety of produce is available here, and if you arrive early enough, you may even encounter vendors who come from nearby villages to sell ethnic handicrafts in addition to fruits, vegetables, and textiles.

4. Visit Wat Keophone Savanthanaram

Wat Keophone Savanthanaram is a temple best known for its murals, which depict violent scenes of acts of torture. If you are not squeamish, you can observe these along the walls of the ordination hall or go for a walk around the grounds instead.

If you walk up the hill behind the temple, a large statue of a Reclining Buddha can be found.

Wat Keophone Savanthanaram is a temple best known for its murals

How To Get To Huay Xai

How to get to Huay Xai 

How to get around Huay Xai

If you're only going to explore the downtown core of Houay Xai, you can take an easy walk, especially along the river. If you want to go a little further, you can rent a bike from most hostels and guesthouses to look around. When you're in town, another option is to ride an electric tricycle, known as a tuk-tuk, which is a great option if you want to visit the edge of town.

How to get from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai 

Bus travel is still one of the most economical and practical ways to get from one place to another. Although it is not the fastest option, many travelers choose to take the bus from Chiang Rai to Huay Xa; tickets of various classes are available for all tastes and budgets, making the bus from Chiang Mai to Huay Xai Bus Station an economical and environmentally friendly choice.

How to get Luang Prabang to Huay Xai

The fastest and least expensive method to get from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai without a car is to ride the ferry, which costs $14 and takes 8 hours 45 minutes. The ferry leaves once daily and takes 8 hours 45 minutes total.

How to get Luang Namtha to Huay Xai

The route, including transfers, takes around 21h 18m. There is no direct bus from Luang Namtha to Huay Xai station. Instead, there are services that leave from Luang Namtha and arrive at Huay Xai - Bokeo Station via Oudomxay and Luang Prabang - Naluang Station.

How to get Nong Khiaw to Huay Xai

Mini van and sleeper buses are the two main ways to go from Nong Khiaw to Huay Xai. They both take approximately 10 to 12 hours. The small van departs from Nong Khiaw at 8 am and arrives in Huay Xai at around 8 or 9 pm.

Huay Xai become increasingly appealing to tourists as a result of the accessibility of its roads, aircraft, and waterways

Where To Eat In Huay Xai

Huay Xai isn't likely to be a standout in culinary circles, but there are a few good options for Lao cuisine. The Riverside Huay Restaurant, situated off Saykong Rd. and open daily from 8 am to 10 pm with main courses at 14,000 kip, serves a diverse menu of both Lao and Thai dishes with a scenic Mekong view. 

Meanwhile, the Nut Pop, also on Saykong Rd. and open daily from 11 am to 10 pm with main courses at 10,000 kip, sits on a charming leafy deck and offers fiery, traditional, and delightful Lao cuisine. Additionally, Muang Neua on Saykong Rd., serving main courses at 14,000 kip and open daily from 8 am to 10 pm, presents interpretations of both Western and Lao dishes.

Huay Xai are a few good options for Lao cuisine

Where To Stay In Huay Xai

Huay Xai has a good variety of lodging options, from budget guesthouses to nice midrange small hotels; it is advisable to book ahead from Thailand for the cheaper options, since the guesthouses tend to fill up quickly. A few of the guesthouses have a view of the Mekong River.

Choose to stay in the town center or along the riverbanks for easy access to restaurants, shopping, and breathtaking views, such as Phonevicith Guesthouse, Riverside Houaysay Hotel, and the M Bokeo Hotel.

Conclusion

As you journey through Huay Xai, you'll uncover a world of adventure, culture, and serenity. From shopping at the Morning Market to exploring Fort Carnot, Huay Xai promises an unforgettable experience.

Ready to embark on your Huay Xai adventure? Plan your trip and apply for a Laos eVisa effortlessly through our Laos Immigration Services website. Immerse yourself in the wonders of this hidden gem, where every moment unveils a new facet of Laos' charm and splendor. Huay Xai awaits, ready to enchant and captivate your senses.

Pack your bags, secure your eVisa, and get set for an extraordinary journey in Huay Xai, where adventure meets tranquility and discover things to do in Huay Xai at every turn.