Khone-Phapheng waterfalls are in the 4,000 Islands in the south of Laos. They are thought to be the biggest in Asia and their flow is the biggest in the world.

Asia

Laos

Khone Phapheng

The main city of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a world heritage site, making it a must-visit for anyone touring the country. 

Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng has the reputation of being a destination for backpackers who come to party day and night. Nevertheless, this city and its surroundings are unbelievably beautiful, ideal for hiking. 

Vang Vieng

 Wat Phou is the biggest and most beautiful archaeological site in Laos. It is 10 km from Champassak, surrounded by pretty scenery.  

Vat Phou

Houesai is on the banks of the Mekong, on the path between China and Luang Prabang, about 200 km from Luang Nom Tha, or 6 hours by bus.

Houay Sai

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During my <a href="/laos/">trip to Laos</a>, I came into the country at Houesai, arriving from Thailand which is just opposite it. At that point there are two options for travellers. Either travel down the Mekong for two days to get to Luang Prabang, or do as I did and take a bus to the northern mountains. Much more interesting because sailing on the river can also be organised from the villages in that part of the country.   Apart from being a frontier town with a pretty craft market, Houesai isn't very interesting. There are lots of cheap hotels to use while you are waiting for your delayed bus or boat. Apart from that, there are too many marvellous things to see in Laos to stay for long in Houesai.

Houesai is on the banks of the Mekong, on the path between China and Luang Prabang, about 200 km from Luang Nom Tha, or 6 hours by bus.

It was a short visit but, nonetheless, a learning curve when it comes to tourism in the region! I'd spent 2 days on a boat heading up the Mekong from the amazing Luang Prabang, my aim being to cross the Thai border by nightfall. On arriving, however, I found myself caught up with locals negotiating room prices and hearing tales of border officials demanding bribes at certain times of day. Whatever you do, you need to negotiate hard and check things out as much as possible before crossing the border! Houay Xai is a town where you can live 'Lao-style': karaoke, beerlao and barbecues abound! The morning market is interesting as local ethnic villagers come here to sell their wares, which include a lot of crafts. The upside? The view of the Mekong at sunrise and the morning market. The downside? Neverending negotiations with locals when planning to cross the border.

Houay Xay, a Laotian/Thai border town, is an almost obligatory stopover if you're heading to Thailand.

Houay Sai Vacations

Houay Sai: How to get there?

Houay Sai: When to go?

Houay Sai: For how long?

Houay Sai: What to see in the surroundings?