Houayxay

Houayxay is the capital of the Bokeo province, and is surprisingly packed with foreign tourists – despite its considerable distance from the national capital.  The border cross with Thailand is located here, which brings in a lot of tourists via different touristic routes. The main route is rafting along the Mekong to Luang Phabang. There are low-speed boats which take three days to complete the route, which takes three days, including two overnight village stays en route.

There are no special attractions in Houayxay. There are just a few sights to visit. It’s a place where tourists stop to relax between sections of their route – mostly spending their time strolling the main street, or enjoying some time in a cafe. Local travel companies offer different radial excursion routes, of which trekking is the most popular. It’s interesting just to soak up the local atmosphere and lifestyle – the locals are well used to tourists, and pay little attention to them. 

The local cuisine includes homemade rice wine, and frogs  bought at the market.

There are a number of Buddhist shrines and monasteries in Houayxay 

The monastery of Chom Khao Manilath is located at the top of a small mountain in the centre of the town. From its bell-tower there’s a view over nearly all of the town. A brightly painted staircase descends to the banks of the River Mekong. You can take a look at the unhurried daily life here.