Things to See and Do in Huay Xai
Wat Jom Khao Manilat is located at the hilltop in the centre of Huay Xai. To climb up to this attractive temple, traverlers have to walk on the naga colourful flanked stairs. Standing on the peak of the wat, visitors will have a great view the entire town and the beautiful Mekong River. You can listen chanting if staying at here at 6 pm.
Fort Carnot is constructed on the top of hill by French around 1990. The Eastern fort gate is unlocked, therefore, it is easy for visitors to go into the grounds. Inside, there are a variety of hand painted signs. The Western fort includes a series of stairs made from metal and wood. Following these stairs, tourists can move up to the top of the tower and overlook the whole town as well as the river.
Going to the Gibbon Experience, you make sure to experience zipline through the nice rivers, the lush jungle with big trees and thickets of bamboo, massive valleys. Trekking or staying in the magic tree houses is a special thing of this area. What is better than take a photo of the misty jungle in the early morning. Traverlers are able to meet several wildlife animals living here. Another exciting activity for tourists is hiking deep into the park and having a swim at the cold waterfall.
Muang Bokeo Huay Xai Market or Talad Sao on Saykhong Road is a major shopping place of the town. There are a vast selection of food, handicrafts and household products sold at cheap prices in this market. You not only buy something but also have a chance to understand a part of local lifestyles. The scenery of bustling buying and selling will make you feel excited.
One suggestion for visitors is trying traditional products of Ban Khao Pun, kanom jeen and rice vermicelli. Locals eat kanom jeen with phla raa - their famous fermented fish sauce or some different kinds of sauses. Besides, traverlers can watch the process of making these delicious dishes and buy them as souvernirs.
Hotels and Restaurants in Huay Xai
Riverside Huayxay is on the bank of Mekong River. The hotel provides free parking and wifi, a 24-hour front desk for guests. The property’s restaurant serves a large number of local finger licking good dishes and beverage. All rooms come with air conditioner, fridge, cable TV, seating area, balcony viewing the nearby mountains and Mekong River.
Thaveesinh Hotel is located in Ban Houayxay. Common areas are decorated with heavy wooden furniture and ornaments. What makes the building special is there is a breakfast room at the rooftop. Each room features cable TV, fridge, air conditioner and many other conveniences.
Mingmeaung Restaurant has sizzle barbecue attracting tourists as well as local people. Guests will enjoy Lao cuisine and get sticky rice combined with grilled Lao sausage, herbs and chillies. Visitors should try a steaming bowl of noodle soup, a typical dish of Laos, for breakfast or brunch or khao soi, khao piak of Lao northern style.
Daauw Home Restaurant serves a wealth of good dishes such as woodfire oven pizza, freshly organic Hmong food, vegetarian options, barbecue Mekong fish or chicken. It is really awesome when both enjoying your meal and having a great view on the hillside or watching the sunset on the balcony decorated colorful cushions and an open fire.
