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Oudom Xay

Oudom Xay (Laos)

Practical information on Oudom Xay

  • Encounters with locals
  • Mountain
  • River
  • Caves
  • Off the beaten track
2 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
3 hours from Muang Prabang by bus
When to go
From November to March
Minimum stay
One day

Reviews of Oudom Xay

Seasoned Traveller
193 written opinions

Oudomxay is a town in the north of Laos where most people stop on the road south to Luang Prabang when they arrive in Laos, or on the road to Phongsaly which is in the extreme north of the country.

My suggestion:
If you want a great view of the town and the region then climb the temple on the hill overlooking the town, Wat Phou That. The view is beautiful, especially at sun down.
My review

Oudomxay looks a bit like a town from the wild west. It is crossed by a long road on which you'll find all sorts of shops, as well as the bus station where buses leave for all over the country. (Expect to spend several hours in the bus, even if your destination is "close".) It is also split into two halves by the Nam Ko river. In the evening there is a small market north of the bus station, it's a bit kitsch but fun.

There's not a lot to do in Oudomxay and the best thing is to visit the surrounding area, especially Chom Ong cave 40 kilometres away, which is 16 kilometres long and thought to be the biggest in north Laos. If you like a sporty holiday, you can organise treks to explore the region.

The main road in Oudomxay
Seasoned Traveller
20 written opinions

Oudomxay is a little Laotian town, in the middle of the Luang Namtha - Luang Prabang - Phongsali triangle.

My suggestion:
There's no need to spend the night if you're in a hurry; it's a bit of a gloomy place. If you do decide to stay, make it only one night!
My review

Oudomxay is a tourist stopover due to its location. Consequently it has all the necessary amenities but lacks comfort. As far as I was concerned, the town wasn't interesting - I'd go so far as to say it was archaic.

Oudomxay is on the crossroads between Thailand, China and Vietnam. It's a stopover point for people taking a break during long journeys! Its positive side is the local life and the fact that the tourist industry hasn't altered it in the same way as places such as Luang Prabang! 

The Oudomxay Province is popular thanks to its natural sites and traditional temples built in styles that reflect its neighbouring countries. 

The upside? A great insight into a typical Laotian town.

The downside? You really need to get out of town if you want to explore the true wonders of Oudomxay Province.

Oudomxay Province