Muang Xay(ເມືອງ ໄຊ) is the capital of the province Oudomxay.
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| Muang Xay | ||
| province | Oudomxay | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | approx. 25,000 | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| Tourist info | 856-81-212483 www.oudomxay.info | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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background
getting there
By plane
Oudomxay Airport (ODY) is served by Lao Airlines, which offer flights to and from Vientiane three times a week. Bookings can be made at the “Domestic Terminal” at the airport in Vientiane or in Oudomxay in the airport office or in the Guesthouse Litthavixay. The airport is 5 minutes by tuk-tuk from the city center. MA60 aircraft are used for the flight.
- Vientiane -> Oudomxay (Flight number: QV501) Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays: departure 2:30 pm; Arrival 15: 20h
- Return flight Oudomxay -> Vientiane (Flight number: QV502) Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays: departure 4:00 pm; Arrival 16: 50h
In the street
bus
- From Vientiane (583 km): Times: 6: 45-21: 45; 13: 45-04: 45h; 16: 00-07: 00h; 17: 00-09: 00h - Price: approx. 110,000-130.00 kip (depending on whether VIP1 bus or VIP2 bus)
- From Luang Prabang (194 km) Times: 09:30 am-2:00pm; 12: 30-16: 00h; 15: 00-19: 30h - Price: Approx. 45,000 kip
By boat
mobility
The city can easily be explored on foot. A tuk-tuk is only worthwhile if you have a lot of luggage or for transport to places outside the city center. You can rent bicycles at Guesthouse Litthavixay and at "Samlaan Cycling" (accompanied tours can also be booked), on the corner opposite the first petrol station, approx. 1 km from the bus station towards the city center. There is a moped rental service, but you cannot always rely on it. Mopeds should therefore be rented and brought with you in Luang Namtha or Luang Prabang.
Tourist Attractions
- Chom Ong Cave, 45 kilometers from Muang Xay. The largest known cave in Northern Laos. It has a length of more than 16 kilometers, ceiling heights averaging 30 meters, a river running in the cave and is described by various speleology journals as "unique" ("exeptionelle") and as the "most important discovery and main attraction" in northern Laos . The cave can be reached from the Khmu village "Ban Chom Ong". The traditional village, which nestles in a fertile valley with wet rice fields, has simple accommodation and food options, even if almost no English is spoken. Authentic scenes of unspoiled village life can then be observed from the balcony of the simple "guesthouse" at sunset. Tours in the village and cave can be booked at the tourist office in the center of Muang Xay. Traveling on your own - for example with a rented moped - is theoretically possible, even if the very poor road conditions and language barriers make it very difficult.
- Nam Kad. The Nam Kad waterfall plunges 23 kilometers from Muang Xay into the depths, surrounded by large stones and fantastically intertwined primary jungle, which has become rare in this form even in northern Laos. The waterfall, which has not yet been developed for tourists, is accessible in the dry season by moped, bicycle or car. Even on the dust road there, you will be spoiled with rice field panoramas and scenes of Laotian life. The last 2 km are covered on foot through the jungle. In the rainy season, access to "Nam Kad" is more difficult as there are around 6 river crossings that can be difficult depending on the water level and the vehicle. The construction of "fords" is planned.
- Oudomxay Museum and Phouthat Stupa. Climb the stairs to the museum, climb onto the platform by the radio tower and enjoy the view over Oudomxay: the perfect photo backdrop. Unfortunately, there are hardly any exhibits to look at in the museum itself, but the view over the city from there is definitely worth it. Directly opposite the stairs to the museum, a similarly steep climb leads to an 18 meter high stupa and the brand new 15 meter high golden Buddha statue. The stupa was built in the 14th century to give the people of the region a central point of contact for religious festivals. The stupa was used as a war camp under the French colonial rulers; later it was almost completely destroyed in the First Vietnam War. It was not until 1994 that the reconstruction of the stupa began, which was completed in 1997. In May 2010, the gentle golden Buddha, who watched over Oudomxay, was added. Religious ceremonies take place at the stupa on every full moon day.
- Manycost metal tree. In one of the town's two temples, Wat Santiphab, there is a metal "tree of life", around which an imaginative legend is entwined. It was designed and built in 1990 by Mr. Maidoung-kham at the age of 55. If you take a closer look at the metal tree, you will notice interesting details in the design of the various branches. Asking the monks about the legend!
activities
Trekking toursAll treks can be booked at the tourist office on the main street. The prices depend on the number of people. The tourist office offers the following tours, among others:
- Exploring the Chom-Ong Cave The Chom Ong Cave is a recently discovered natural attraction about 45km from Oudomxay. Gigantic halls and corridors full of sparkling stones and decorations await the visitor. The cave is about an hour's walk from a very nice, traditional Khmu village where you will also stay overnight.
- Day trip to Nam Kat waterfall: Unique primary forest, picnic on large stones and a cool bath in the pool of the waterfall
- One day hike around Muang Xay: Beautiful mountain panorama and view of the nature around the provincial capital, visit to a Hmong village, a cave and a market
- Day trip to Muang La: Idyllic place on the river in the Nam Phaak valley, beautiful temple with the "Singkham Buddha" (one of the most important sanctuaries in Northern Laos), hot springs, traditional salt production, typical Thai-Ly architecture. From there, further tours in the mountains to ethnic villages in the middle of rice fields etc. can be started. On the way to Muang La there is also the opportunity to make a two-hour detour to the "Singkham Buddha Cave" and visit the Khmu village of Samakhisay.
- Khamu Trek: Either two or three days. A moderately demanding tour past the "Singkham Buddha Cave", a limestone and primary forest area and a waterfall. You will spend the night in two different Khamu villages. The local guides explain the background of the traditions, such as traditional hunting, manual labor, knowledge of natural medicine, etc.
bike tours
- Samlaan Cycling Tours (on the corner opposite the first gas station). E-mail: [email protected].offers, among others, the following accompanied bike tours:
- 2 days of cycling and trekking to Muang La and ethnic minority villages
- 3-day bike tour and boat trip to Luang Prabang via MuangKhua, MuangNgoy and the Pak Ou Cave (or to Huay Xai via Pakbeng)
- 5-day bike tour to Houay Xai via Luang Namtha, Muang Sing, Xiengkok and the Golden Triangle
Courses
- Lao cooking class: In Oudomxay there is the opportunity to try out and learn the low-fat and fresh Laotian cuisine for yourself. The cooking class includes information about Lao dishes (you can decide which one you want to try), a visit to the market to buy the ingredients, cooking - and of course eating the delicacies you have prepared yourself. Bookable at the tourist office.
shop
- Luxay market hall. Open: Mon-Sun until 5pm; Not all shops are open on Sundays.- You can stock up on groceries and cosmetics in the large market building opposite the tourist office. There is a clothing market on the upper floor. Most of the products offered in the Luxay Market are imported from Thailand.
- Chinese market - Around the market hall there are Chinese clothing, grocery and household goods stores that, unlike the Luxay market, are open until late at night.
- Grocery markets. Three fresh produce markets invite you to take a tour of discovery: Ban Thin Market, Nongmengda Market and Phoukhaiw Market. In addition to the classic culinary adventures such as squirrels, songbirds and fried rats, you will also find typical northern Laotian products that are sometimes difficult to obtain in other parts of the country. Particularly nice: the handicrafts of the different ethnic groups.Open: Every day until around 6:00 pm; Particularly colorful offer on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
- Thai Ly Handicraft and Handicraft Productivity and Marketing Center. In the two handycraft shops there is a variety of handicrafts from the ethnic minorities living in the province, such as essential oils, sesame oil, bamboo and banana paper or embroidered cotton bags. "Thai Ly Handicraft" is on the main road about the same as the turnoff to the airport; the "Handicraft Center" on the road to Phongsaly.
kitchen
- Souphailin's Restaurant (is a bit hidden at a bend in front of the post office on the main street). Price: Prices per dish around 12,000 kip.- The owner conjures up vegetarian dishes, North Laotian delicacies, desserts and even European dishes that are deliciously freshly prepared and without any flavor enhancers on the plate. The note on the menu that the typical northern Laotian dishes must be pre-ordered 4 hours in advance is old - Souphailin now manages them in a few minutes. Nevertheless, be prepared for long waiting times when there are many guests. Particularly recommended: the curry banana pineapple rice and the banana iced coffee with coconut cream.
- The Siso Bakery sells great breakfasts (homemade strawberry jam!), open baguettes, muffins, apple pie, pizza and even real wholemeal bread. Rumor has it that the best hamburgers ("oudomburger") in all of Laos are served here! The pizzas have to be ordered about 2 hours in advance, special bread requests can be made one day before collection.
- in the Muang Nuea Restaurant & Cafe there is pasta and other European feasts, but also Asian. Cocktails and good music can be enjoyed in the pretty garden. The portions are a bit smaller and the prices slightly higher than in other restaurants.
nightlife
The term "evening life" would be more appropriate for the bars, restaurants and clubs listed below, as in Oudomxay - as in all of Laos - the lights usually go out before 12 noon. Nevertheless, this early departure in Oudomxay is also an experience, as in contrast to many other places in Laos, only locals are out and about in the pubs.
- In the vicinity of the airport you will find some restaurants with loud music where a lot of beer is consumed - such as the restaurant Freedom
- in the Phonemali (pronounced: Ponnmali) there are dark seating areas and even a dance floor, on which strange formation dances are sometimes performed during Thai pop at a later hour. Every day of the week you can find a few people here from 9 to 12. Definitely an experience!
- Also in Aoneua and in Singthong you can dance.
accommodation
- The Vivanh Guesthouse. Price: LAK 60,000 per day.is centrally located and has nice, small, clean rooms.
- in the Litthavixay Guesthouse It is also possible to rent bikes and buy plane tickets.
health
Practical advice
trips
- waterfall. 11 km from Muang Xay, 50 m off the road to Luang Prabang, a waterfall rushes down the woods. The popular weekend and picnic destination can be reached from Muang Xay by tuk-tuk or bike (bike rental at Litthavixay Guesthouse).Price: Entry: LAK 5,000.
