Eat and meet

Huay Xai

Given the volume of travellers passing through Huay Xai it doesn't have as big a culinary and entertainment scene as you may expect -- in fact it makes Chiang Khong across the river look positively booming.

The Riverside restaurant is located just where it promises to be, on a big concrete slab looking out over the river. The section under the tin roof is very brightly lit by fluorescent lights, but just beside it there is an open air area with dim lighting and cover from mango trees (watch for falling ants). The setting is nice and the food is good, although a little sweet. They serve traditional Lao dishes as well as the usual fried rice and noodle favourites. Of note is their sindad, a Lao favourite combining Korean Kimchee and a Chinese Steamboat in a soup/grilled meat do it yourself barbecue at the table.

Located just next to the slow boat pier, the small Latsuly Restaurant offers those last minute meals before you get on the boat. The menu is traditional Lao and Thai standards. The food is tasty and the prices reasonable. The tom yam dishes are particularly noteworthy and the noodles are well worth a try.

 

Open from early until late, the Mouang Neua Restaurant is a small and fairly atmosphere-less place -- but the food is better. They prepare good baguette sandwiches for a take away lunch and a range of hot-cooked meals including standard backpacker dishes and traditionally prepared Lao fare that's surprisingly delicious. At night they do a good trade as a bar, there is, however, little competition in Huay Xai in this regard.

Some of the guesthouses in town can prepare simple meals -- some even offer to take orders the night before to you can get fed and down to the slow boats ahead of the crowd.