Udomxai

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Udomxai Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days

Best Time: October to February Read More

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Also Refered As:

Oudomxay

"Limestone Caves, Ethnic communities and countryside life "

Udomxai Tourism

Udomxai is a province located in North Western Laos. Its capital city, Moung Xai is the second-largest city in the country. The province is known for its fertile plains used for cultivation, mineral deposits and the natural caves situated amidst limestone cliffs. 

It is one of the recommended places in Laos for tourists to experience an offbeat destination rich in natural beauty and culture adopted by the remote ethnic villages.

Things to do in Udomxai

1. Chom Ong Caves

Chom Ong Caves
Chom Ong is a natural cave located close to the city of Oudomxay in Oudomxay province in northern Laos. Spreading for over 16km, it is the second-longest cave in Laos and the 9th longest in South East (Read More) Asia. Best explored with a guide, it is one of the worth-visiting attractions for tourists traveling in northern Laos.

2. Luxay Market

Luxay Market
Luxay is a night market located in the city centre if Udomxai in Laos. Established in 2016, it is a new market in town where tourists can buy various types of souvenirs, handmade products like clothes (Read More), bags, silver jewellery, lamps, and statues. Visitors can also savour the local cuisine including desserts, different kinds of BBQs and noodles.

3. Nam Kat Waterfalls

Nam Kat Waterfalls
Nam Kat is a natural Waterfall located in Phou Hiphi national conservation forest near Ban Faen village in Oudomxay Town in Northern Laos. It is a small waterfall compared to others in the region, but (Read More) is a popular destination among the locals and tourists who come here for hiking on the bamboo bridges and fantastic views of the landscape from the top of wooden skywalks.

4. Thai Ly Handicraft Shop

Thai Ly Handicraft Shop
The Thai Ly is a small handicraft shop located in the city of Muang Xay in Oudomxay province in northern Laos. It is a famous shop among tourists who visit to buy from a range of local handicrafts mad (Read More)e in the surrounding villages by ethnic Lao communities including Khmu and Hmong. You can purchase many items like bags, hand-made jewellery, textiles and statues.

5. Ban Chom Ong

Ban Chom Ong
Ban Chom Ong is a village located close to the city of Oudomxay in northern Laos. It is the entry point to head to Chom Ong caves, which is a popular tourist attraction for people visiting Oudomxay. (Read More)The village is also home to Khmu ethnic group, who offer a tour to the visitors to get glimpses of their lives in the countryside and their unique culture and traditions. It is also very beautifully located, surrounded by paddy rice fields and mountains on all sides.

6. Phu That Stupa

Phu That Stupa
Phu That is a 14th-century Buddhist stupa located on the mountain of Phou Sebey, close to the town of Oudomxay in northern Laos. A 15 metre-high golden Buddha statue is present at the top of Phou That (Read More). The views of Oudomxay from the top surrounded by forests and the river is splendid, especially during sunsets and sunrises. It is recommended to visit the temple while traveling in the city.

7. Oudomxay Museum

Oudomxay Museum
Oudomxay Museum is located close to the city centre of Oudomxay in northern Laos. It has a small collection of the province's history, ethnic communities and culture from the 17th century until the re (Read More)cent war period. The Museum itself does not have an impressive collection, but its location atop Phou Sebey hill makes it a popular spot for viewing amazing sunrises and sunsets among tourists visiting the town.

8. Mekong Elephant Park

Mekong Elephant Park
Mekong Elephant Park is a small elephant centre located on the banks of the Mekong River in the city of Pak Beng in Laos. It is a non-riding elephant conservation centre which is run in collaboration (Read More)with Sanctuary Pakbeng Lodge. Here visitors get to interact with the elephants and watch them bathing and swimming in their natural habitat. It is worth visiting the Elephant park on your visit to Pak Beng.

9. Muang La

Muang La
Muang La is an idyllic town on the banks of the Nam Pak River close to Oudomxay town in northern Laos. It is known for beautiful natural hot springs with rolling hills around, along with scenic and tr (Read More)aditional villages. It has become of the secluded towns for tourists visiting Oudomxay to take a day trip or stay for more days amidst nature.

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Places to Visit

Chom Ong Cave - Chom One is the biggest cave in Northern Laos, located about 45 km from the capital city of Muang Xay. The cave comprises of more than 16 km natural tunnels containing vivid formations of massive stalagmites and stalactites.

You can only explore the cave with a guide, which can be hired at Ban Chom Ong, the village through which you will have to pass for about 50 minutes on foot. Pay an entrance fee of 10,000 LAK per person plus guide charges of the same amount. The best way to reach the cave is by renting a motorbike or booking a group tour from your guesthouse or hotel.

Ban Chom Ong - Visit Ban Chom One not to get an entry to the cave alone, but the village is home to Khmu ethnic group, who offer a tour to the visitors to get glimpses of their lives in the countryside and their unique culture and traditions. It is also very beautifully located, surrounded by paddy rice fields and mountains on all sides.

The village also has one guest house with basic amenities if you wish to stay overnight. You can take up either a day or multiple day trips to the town, which also includes a trip to the cave organised by the tourism office.

The tours cost between 80 to 150 USD and can be booked at Muang Xay. You can also rent a motorbike and tour the village on your own for about 20 USD per day, but the road to the town is quite steep and slightly dangerous if you are not an experienced driver.

Nam Kad Waterfall - One of the secluded waterfalls surrounded by dense forests, Nam Had is located close to Ban Faen village. You can reach there by renting a motorbike. You can get to the bottom of the falls during all seasons except monsoon. It is a great place to swim, hike around the falls and relax amidst nature.

Oudomxay Museum - The Museum itself does not have an impressive collection, but its location atop Phou Sebey hill makes it a popular spot for viewing amazing sunrises and sunsets.

Phuuthat-Stupa - Also located on the mountain of Phou Sebey, Phuthat is a 14th-century Buddhist stupa. A 15 metre-high golden Buddha statue is present at the top of Phou That. The views of Udomxai from the top surrounded by forests and the river is splendid, especially during sunsets and sunrises.

Tips

  • There are one or two ATMs in working condition most of the time. It is better to carry sufficient cash as most of the transactions happen through money.
  • Also, the areas around villages have limited options for food and drinks, although there are small eateries run by the locals. So carry your snacks and water.
  • There are no public toilets too. Accommodation options are limited in the town and can get booked during the peak season.
  • It is recommended to book hotels and guesthouses in advance. If you are visiting during the monsoon season, be careful of your safety, especially while exploring the caves. Some of them get closed as they are filled with water. The path to the caves get slippery so take caution while walking.
  • Carry sunscreen, an umbrella, sunglasses, a hat for the sun and raincoats as well.
  • Also, it is recommended to wear good walking shoes for walking around steep, slippery areas.

Best Time to Visit Udomxai

How to Reach Udomxai

How to Reach Overview

By Flight - There are three flights per week to Udomxai from Vientiane, which costs about 100 USD per person.

By Bus/minivans - There are two bus stations in the town being connected to all the major cities. Buses leave from Luang Namtha, Pak Beng and Nong Khiaw, which are the nearest towns, which takes about 45,000 to 60,000 LAK per person and takes about 4 to 6 hours.

From Luang Prabang, there are buses thrice every day leaving to Udomxai, which costs about 60,000 LAK per person and takes about 5 to 6 hours.

Local transport in Udomxai

The best way to explore Udomxai is on foot or by renting a motorbike. For getting to caves and nearby villages, you can reach by hiring a Tuk-Tuk or renting a bicycle daily. Cabs are available too if you want to commute to faraway places more comfortably. You can also take up boat rides to the nearby villages.

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FAQs on Udomxai

What is famous about Udomxai?

Oudomxay is an excellent place for people travelling in Laos to experience its authentic countryside and unspoiled natural beauty comprising of limestone mountains home to caves, and the unique lifestyle of the ethnic communities in the villages along the Mekong.

What is not so good about Udomxai?

Oudomxay is not one of those towns with many popular things to do. So if you don't prefer relaxing or are short on time, it is not a destination that you might enjoy.

Who should visit Udomxai?

Oudomxay is ideal for all kinds of travellers, whether you are travelling alone or as couples, or with families. If you love spending time in a place without many activities to check off, you'll enjoy your trip.

What is the best time to visit Udomxai?

The best time to visit Oudomxay is between October and February. The weather is not hot, and the humidity is less during these months. It is a great time to be outdoors to hike to the caves and nearby ethnic villages to experience the countryside in pleasant weather. From late February, summer sets in slowly with March to May being the hottest months. Monsoon begins in late July and lasts until September, with the city witnessing landslides and floods. 
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What is the best way to reach Udomxai?

By Flight - There are three flights per week to Udomxai from Vientiane, which costs about 100 USD per person.

By Bus/minivans - There are two bus stations in the town being connected to all the major cities. Buses leave from Luang Namtha, Pak Beng and Nong Khiaw, which are the nearest towns, which takes about 45,000 to 60,000 LAK per person and takes about 4 to 6 hours.

From Luang Prabang, there are buses thrice every day leaving to Udomxai, which costs about 60,000 LAK per person and takes about 5 to 6 hours.


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What are the things to do in Udomxai?

The top things to do in Udomxai are Chom Ong Caves, Luxay Market, Nam Kat Waterfalls, Thai Ly Handicraft Shop, Ban Chom Ong, Phu That Stupa. You can see all the places to visit in Udomxai here

What are the places near Udomxai?

The top places near to Udomxai are Vientiane which is 2 km from Udomxai, Luang prabang which is located 219 km from Udomxai, Luang namtha which is located 94 km from Udomxai, Phonsavan which is located 177 km from Udomxai, Chiang mai which is located 392 km from Udomxai

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