Huay Xai Travel Guide

Huay Xai is a charming city situated in the beautiful surroundings of Laos. The capital of Bokeo, Huay Xai is home to the most used point of entry between northern Thailand and Laos.

Is it worth it? Huay Xai is well worth a visit and a few days stay in order to tour around the pretty countryside.

What to Do
explore the stunning scenery on foot or by bicycle, boat trips on the Mekong River, tours around the ethnic villages, jeep rides, the Gibbon Experience.
Best Time to Go
the dry season is hot and sunny and lasts from November to April.
How Long?
It is a nice place to experience for a few days.

Huay Xai boasts an array of cheap guest houses and restaurants that cater to westerners, yet it is often only used as a stopover for travelers going between Thailand and Laos. Huay Xai is a great place to get acquainted with Laos and the boat crossing between the borders is a nice, if somewhat hectic, way to arrive.

The travel agents and guest houses offer information on trips and places of interest in the area and the majority of people go from Huay Xai on the slow boat on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. The town itself offers little to do, but the surrounding area hosts a wide choice of activities from discovering the local villages and their inhabitants to visiting the temple in the center of town.

Travel to Huay Xai - Getting There

Most visitors to Huay Xai arrive from the Thailand border by boat or from Route 3 in a mini bus or taxi. There is a daily flight between Huay Xai and Vientiane but it only runs when it is full. The nearest international airport is at Chiang Mai, in Thailand, about 4 hours away.

Huay Xai Things to Do

Huay Xai Attractions

The Gibbon Experience
this is the main highlight for many travelers in the area; with amazing views and a great program this is well worth a visit.
Boat trips on the Mekong
there are plenty of boat trips to choose from in Huay Xai, whether just for the day or to get to your next destination.
Visiting the temple
the wat in the center of the town makes a nice change from boat trips.
Treks out to the nearby villages
tours are available to watch the local people making noodles, whiskey and bamboo paper.
Jeep rides into the forests and jungle
these trips allow visitors to take in the sights and scenery of the area's plentiful flora and fauna life.
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