Houei Xai is a prosperous district of Bokeo Province along the border intersection
of
Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. It lies on the banks of the Mekong River, forms the
border to Thailand and is home to many ethnic groups, each with own lifestyles and
customs.
What to do? There is not much to see in this small town. You can walk the main street
and enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River from a riverside restaurant.
Located
in the center of Huay Xay, near the border crossing is Chomkao Manilat temple. The
view from the temple hill over Houy Xay city, the Mekong River and surrounding mountains
is a definite reward for making it up the many steps.
At Ban Namkeung Kout, Ban
Namkeung Mai and Ban Done Deng, it's 26 km far from the center of
Houei Xai town
to the north where you can visit the traditional Lu village, who came originally
from
Muang Sing,
Luang Namtha. The villages can be reached by boat trip, upstream
from Houei Xai.
Getting there Slow boats travel between
Luang Prabang and
Huay Xay via Pakbeng takes
two nights. Taking a slow boat is an adventure for seasoned travellers only. Expect
no toilets, no comfort and expect to take your time. This is the real way to see
old
Indochina.
Speed boats run on the same routes but will take just a few hours
- you will pay accordingly. The journey is fast and furious and not for the faint
of heart. There are also buses run between Huay Xay,
Luang Prabang, Udomxai and
Luang Namtha. From Thailand, Huay Xay is reached by ferry from Chiang Khong border.
But this border entry point does not currently issue visas on entry unless you are
travelling with a pre-arranged tour.
