Muang Xay

Monks Ody - Inhabitants of Muang Xay giving alms to the monks in front of Phou That mountain

Muang Xay (ເມືອງໄຊ) (also ອຸດົມໄຊ Oudomxay, Udomxai, etc.) is the capital of the multi-ethnic Oudomxay Province, in the Nam Ko River Basin and surrounded by scenic mountains. It's the largest city in Northern Laos and, if you're travelling by land, you'll probably end up here at some point.

An introduction to Muang Xay

The town is formed by small villages at an important intersection between China and Vietnam, and the city has a multicultural atmosphere.

A free city map can be obtained in the bus station or tourist information centre; the map includes basic information and "things to do".

Travel to Muang Xay

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Muang Xay

Lao Airlines has three flights a week to/from Vientiane (1 hr, full fare USD98). The local ticket reseller is in Litthavixay Guesthouse in the town centre on the main street.

Travel on a Bus in Muang Xay

Please note that Muang Xay has a new (approx. 6 kilometers down south, around here) and an old bus terminal (closer, yet south to the downtown). Tuktuks from the new one to the downtown are 15,000 Kip, to the old station 10,000 Kip.

• Buses from/to Luang Namtha cost 40,000 kip and take up to 4 hours. Departures from Muang Xay are at 08:30, 11:30 and 15:00.
• Buses from/to Nong Khiaw cost 45,000 kip and take up to 4.5 hours. Departure from Nong Khiaw at 11:00. Departure from Muang Xay (New Bus Terminal) at 10:00.
• Buses from/to Luang Prabang cost 60,000 kip, leave three times a day and take about 5 hours.
• Bus to Kunming costs 350,000 kip (for a sleeper), takes up to 15 hours. Departure at 12:00.
• Other daily buses come from/go to Vientiane, Phongsali, Pak Beng, Muang Khua, and Bokeo. Buses to China also.

What to see in Muang Xay

In town

Stupa Ody - The stupa in Muang Xay

• Oudomxay Museum - The museum doesn't have much, but the view you have from the top of "Phou Sebey" mountain is very nice. Go there early in the morning, when the sun is still low. You can watch the town centre waking up and enjoy the morning light as it starts caressing the roofs before the day gets too hot.

Phuuthat Stupa at full moon - The stupa at full moon

• Phuuthat Stupa - The stupa was built in 14th century to allow all people of the region to come together to celebrate religious festivals. When the French came to control the land and the stupa grounds were made into an army camp until independence from France. During the first Vietnamese war the stupa was destroyed and only bricks were left. Reconstruction started in 1994 and finally concluded in 1997. Every full moon religious celebrations are held at the stupa. Since April 2010 there has been a golden, 15 m high Buddha statue watching over Muang Xay from the top of Phou That, seeming to spur local residents to new heights of devotion. Enjoy the view over the town and see the stupa and Buddha shining in the sunset. The monks at the nearby temple are always happy to training their English with foreigners.

Nature

• Ban Chom Ong | An outstandingly beautiful village of about 500 people of the ethnic group Khmu. It is starting point to the biggest cave in Northern Laos. Surrounded by Rice paddies, locked away by mountains, it is still largely untouched by modern influences. There is no electricity nor mobile phone signal in the village, but as compensation you'll get the chance to observe authentic village life. Handicraft production is engaging—most of the people still wear their traditional Khmu clothes. For their scarce visitors and the villagers have a basic bamboo guesthouse with an outside Lao-style bathroom (15,000 kip), and they will be happy to cook some good, solid meals for you (10,000-62,000 kip per person). There is very little English spoken in the village, so prepare for communication problems or take a translator with you. The Tourism Office offers 1-day, 2-day and 3-day guided tours to village and cave, including transportation. On 1-day tour price for 1 person is 1,400,000 kip, for group of 8 persons 360,000 kip per person. If you decide to go on your own, you can rent a motorbike or a vehicle to go on the (difficult) 40 kilometers dirt road from Muang Xay to the village (Update 14/5/2022: According to Tourism Office there is no bike or motorbike rental in Oudomxay any longer).

• Chom Ong Cave - Gives the visitor a dazzling feeling of entering Tolkien's Mines of Moria. The biggest cave in Northern Laos is a recently discovered system of more than 16 kilometers of natural tunnels, adorned with pretty sparkling sinter formations, huge stalagmites, and stalactites. Passages have ceiling heights up to 50 m and there is a stream course flowing in the cave. There is now a fork from the dirt road to Ban Chom Ong which is signposted to the cave. If you come here on your own you nevertheless need to make prior arrangements to meet a guide at the cave.

• Nam Heeng - If you're adventurous, it's also feasible to reach Ban Chom Ong by going to a village called Ban Nam Heeng first. The village itself is not particularly interesting, but from there it is feasible to walk the last 16 kilometers to Chom Ong. So called "packing" cars leave from a special public transport station very near the normal bus station. It costs about 35,000 kip to Nam Heeng. The challenging hike from Nam Heeng to Chom Ong takes roughly 5 hours. In any case, ask the villagers for the direction to Ban Chom Ong.

• Nam Kad Waterfall and Forest - While visiting Nam Kad Waterfall, you can not only swim in the ice cold basin under the waterfall, but also see one of the most untouched and beautiful forests in Laos. Rent a motorbike and follow the sign which says "Nam Kad". At a village called "Ban Faen", turn right, and then just follow the road. After some 10-12 kilometers you arrive at a parking lot. Nam Kad is now a privately managed conservation area and you are not allowed to enter with your own vehicle. Get a ticket and proceed through a turnstile. You can either continue in one of the open shuttle vanes or on a mountain bike provided by the site. You'll have to cross the winding river 5 or 6 times, which might be slightly difficult in the rainy season. When the road ends after 5-6 kilometers, it is a 30 min walk to the waterfall in a wonderful jungle atmosphere. The way crosses some small gorges on a number of suspension bridges and leads to a wooden platform with a good view of the waterfall. Picknick tables and benches are provided. If you continue on a suspension bridge and turn right you can swim in the basin at the base of the waterfall. The distance from Muang Xay to Nam Kad is 23 km.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Muang Xay

• Hiking | The local Provincial Tourist Office in Muang Xay offers some very nice hiking including night stays in Khamu family homes (not guesthouses), which makes the experience very special and intimate. Although not as colourful as other ethnic groups of Laos and the Khamu people are very nice and happy to have foreigners visit their villages.

• Massage - The Lao Red Cross offer very good massages.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Muang Xay

Buy Ody - Women selling handicraft articles in Muang XayThe (Thai) Ly Handicraft Shop opposite the airport street has some very nice traditional fabrics, bags and clothes.

• Banking - There are three banks and one post office offering change for cash and travellers' cheques. BCEL, about 1 kilometers north of the bus station, changes traveller's cheques for a 3% commission (minimum of USD7). It might be worth checking Lao Development Bank (which might offer a better value). BCEL provides an ATM, accepting international cards (BCEL charges 62,000 kip. There's a maximum of 700,000 kip per transaction.

• Chinese Market - Around Luxay Market, Chinese clothing, food, and housewares shops can be found. In contrast to the Lao shops, most of the Chinese shops are open until late at night.

• Food Markets - Muang Xay has three fresh food markets: Tin Market, Nonmengda Market, and Phoukhaiw Market. All are excellent places to discover the variety of unique foods that Oudomxay has to offer. Oudomxay has many food items and forest products that are either not available or in scarce supply in other parts of the nation. The markets are open every day, however they are particularly colourful on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. At all the markets you will find products of different ethnic groups.

• Luxay Market - In this market you can find all sorts of products. Upstairs is the clothing and shoes section. Get your daily necessities at the market.

Halal Restaurants in Muang Xay

To be updated

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Muang Xay

Muang Xay - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Muang Xay, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Muang Xay. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Muang Xay and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Muang Xay. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Muang Xay. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMuang Xay: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Muang Xay.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Muang Xay: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Muang Xay, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Muang Xay.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Muang Xay, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Muang Xay, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Muang Xay and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Muang Xay, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Muang Xay, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Muang Xay without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Muang Xay is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Muang Xay.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Muang Xay is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Muang Xay, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Muang Xay Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are a number of halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506290&&Mouang+Sai&&.Zz63986 bcca80e4f769aaac97-206204 decent hotels in town]. Basic rooms with showers and hot water should cost around 40,000 kip. General room prices in the town centre including TV are around 40,000-70,000 kip. A few minutes from the bus station are places for 50,000 kip including TV and en suite baths. Be sure to bargain if they claim no TV or hot water is 50,000 kip or more.

Then again, as of September 2022 all the cheapest places seem to be asking 70,000 kip even in low season and whether or not they provide Wi-Fi. Haggling the price down by 10,000 is feasible in some.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506290&&Mouang+Sai&&.Zz63986 bcca80e4f769aaac97-206204 Lithavixay Guesthouse - Offers, besides good rooms, free Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals, and flight bookings.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506290&&Mouang+Sai&&.Zz63986 bcca80e4f769aaac97-206204 Phanmixay Guesthouse - Rooms and beds are in bad condition. Double rooms with shower, hot water, and cable TV.
• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506290&&Mouang+Sai&&.Zz63986 bcca80e4f769aaac97-206204 Vila Keo Seum Sack - Beautiful, bright double rooms, including TV and air-con.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506290&&Mouang+Sai&&.Zz63986 bcca80e4f769aaac97-206204 Vilavong Guesthouse - Small, nice guesthouse. Wi-Fi is very spotty upstairs.

• halal.io//2023-09-16&checkOut=2023-09-17&1506290&&Mouang+Sai&&.Zz63986 bcca80e4f769aaac97-206204 Vivanh Guesthouse - Nice, clean rooms.

Travel Next

• There is a provincial bus station in the town offering bus service to Luang Prabang, Nong Khiaw, Pak Beng, Meuang La, Phongsaly, Vientiane. Buy your ticket via eHalal Travel Group an hour in advance.
• Beside that, just opposite the Sinphet Restaurant and there are international buses from China serving the Kunming to Luang Prabang and Luang Prabang to Kunming route. The international bus will stop around 15 minutes for lunch at the Chinese restaurant just opposite Sinphet Restaurant. A bus all the way to Kunming leaves at about 11:30 and takes 3 hours to the border and, after immigration, another 11 hours. 350,000 kip.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.