Tourist Places to Visit in Oudomxay, Laos, Asia

Tourist Places to Visit in Oudomxay, Laos, Asia

Oudomxay also called as Muang Xai is one of the important cities of Laos situated at the coordinates 20°42′ N 101°49′ E. It is the capital city of Oudomxai Province located about 532 kms from Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Oudomxay is placed on the banks of Nam Ko River and is considered as the largest city of Northern Laos. Oudomxay Province is spread over an area of 15,370 sq. km.

Agriculture is the main economy source of Oudomxay and also the natives are involved in mining activity because of the greater availability of zinc, antimony, brown coal, kaolin and bronze. Oudomxay houses one of the biggest caves in Northern Laos ‘Chom Ong Cave’ and Saymoungkhoune Rattana Stupa is the most important landmark of Oudomxay.

Geography and Climate of Oudomxay:

Oudomxay Province experiences a moderate monsoon climate and shares its borders with China in the north, Luang Prabang Province on the east and southeast, Xaignabouli Province towards south, Bokeo Province to the west and Phongsali Province on the northeast.

History of Oudomxay:

Oudomxay was formed as a province in the year 1976 by carving out from Luang Prabang Province and its capital changed from Ban Nahin to Muang Xay in the year 1987.

Culture, shopping and Cuisine in Oudomxay:

Oudomxay has a strong cultural background and the dressing and food culture varies from region to region. The natives of Oudomxay celebrate ‘The Baci festival’ with great enthusiasm every year gathering together. There are plenty of handicraft shops located in Oudomxay and one of the prominent shop situated opposite to the airport street with traditional clothes and bags.

Shopping is very easy in Oudomxay compared to other regions of Oudomxay and the best shops and their facilities are as follows: doubt

Luxay Market is open from morning 9 AM to evening 5 PM, offers variety of branded clothes and shoes.

Chinese Market is adjoining Luxay Market, houses Chinese food corners and cloth centres.

The famed food markets situated in Oudomxay include Tin Market, Nonmengda Market and Phoukhaiw Market.

Connectivity to Oudomxay:

Oudomxay is served by its own airport with weekly three time air services to Vientiane City, located 1.5 km away from the centre of the city. Oudomxay is well connected with nearby city Luang Prabang through National Road 1 and also there are regular buses plying between Oudomxay and other major cities of the country Phongsali, Pak Beng, Muang Khua and Vientiane.

Tourist Attractions in Oudomxay:

Saymoungkhoune Rattana Stupa:

Saymoungkhoune Rattana Stupa is more than 400 year old stupa located in Oudomxay and is considered as one of the sacred places of Theravada Buddhists.

Chom Ong Cave:

Chom Ong Cave is the longest cave in Oudomxay and second longest in the country. It is located about 44 kms from the heart of Oudomxay City and stands at a height of 50 meters. Due to the bad road infrastructure, monsoon season is not an ideal time to visit the Cave.

The list of other tourist attractions near Oudomxay is as follows:

Vipassana Temple and Park
Bear Rescue Centre
Phou Si
Tad Thong Waterfall and Nature Trail
Vat Xieng Toung
Tad Sae Waterfalls

Ideal time to visit Oudomxay:

Between October and March is the best time to travel Oudomxay to visit caves and stupa.

Accommodation Options in Oudomxay:

Hotels in Oudomxay charge from 60,000 kip to 100,000 kip per night. The best guest houses and luxury hotels located in and around Oudomxay are as follows: