Houei Xai Destination Guide

Houei Xai

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.

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.

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.