A Day in Huay Xai, Northern Laos

by Amanda/Backpacking Tips Asia
(Oslo, Norway)

While I staying for the night in Huay Xai, I found out there was nothing much to do in Huay Xai. Most travelers use this place as a pit-stop for the 2-day slow boat to Luang Prabang, or if they're heading for Muang Sing near Luang Namtha.

But in some cases, you probably have to stay in this sleepy town.

I stayed at a guesthouse close to the river crossing from Chiang Khong. I paid like 300B for one night, and the standard was OK. But I couldn't sleep that night because large dark green grasshoppers were jumping through the wall fan and onto my bed!

So the whole night I was killing grasshoppers (sorry grasshoppers). Fortunately, there are a couple of other guesthouses on the main road.

Probably the best part of Huay Xai is the local food. Dozens of local restaurants can be found on main road. I tried their delicious soups and it cost only 30-50 B. While I was eating my meal, I heard two Danish girls. I struck up a conversation with them in Norwegian. The other girl didn't understand me. Oh well. Later in the journey, I met them in Koh Pha Ngan in Thailand.

In the evening, I chose a restaurant recommended by Lonely Planet called Riverside Restaurant, which was overlooking the beautiful Mekong River. I ate a very good fish dinner and watched the sunset. A great end to my short stay in Huay Xai.