Udomxai
Travel Guide
Northern Laos' biggest town, Udomxai (sometimes referred to as Muang Xai) has developed into a major travel hub -- primarily due to its size and location rather than its charm -- it has about the same level of charm as a major bus station.
While the distances in northern Laos are not huge between towns, the roads are still, in some places, in quite bad condition. Heavily-laden buses sometimes make their journeys at a slow pace, especially in the wetter months. All roads lead to Udomxai, however, and the town has grown and flourished over the years as travellers have been forced to stay overnight before departing for their intended destinations.
In itself, the town is not very attractive: square concrete blocks of buildings, dusty roads and few places of immediate interest to the average tourist. But if you have the time and inclination to look, Udomxai is home to a range of activities, particularly in its surrounding areas.
A few years back, the provincial tourism office brought in a foreign consultant to help develop the area's potential. This has definitely paid dividends and the area is flourishing with new tourist attractions which are becoming more and more attractively packaged. The office is also working hard to improve services in the region, and trekking trips are now available, making visits to the many interesting local villages and other sights worth seeing.
There is also a thriving cycling scene developing in and around the town, with two bike touring companies offering various tours around the area. The cycling is becoming increasingly popular due to the varied terrain on offer. There are hills, flats and rough terrain all within a few kilometres of town. Most of the major highlights can also be visited by bicycle.
There are good banking facilities in town with currency exchange and ATMs. There is also a large post office with holding and forwarding facilities. Udomxai holds all the regional administration offices which help to bolster the towns growth and population.
The town also boasts an airport, located virtually in the town centre. This airport is one of the few we have come across which you can walk to from the centre of town.
Text and/or map last updated on 10th August, 2009.
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Muang La
Nong Kiaow
Muang Khua
Luang Nam Tha
Muang Ngoi
Luang Prabang
Muang Sing
Boun Neua
Phongsali
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The above are all within 200km of Udomxai.
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Crossroads only
Stopped here for one interesting evening after coming over the China-Lao border. Had spent the entire day in bus, and got to Udomxai in the early evening. The next bus out to Luang Prabang wasn't until late morning the next day so we had a stay here. We did stumble onto some interesting grill -- and as a first experience of Laos it was ... a place.
I don't recommend stopping here for any reason other than to sleep If you can make it to Pak Mong or Nong Khiaw to the east or Luang Nam Tha to the northwest instead of stopping, you should. There are clean guest houses, and there is food -- but I really didn't find anything special.
By caseyprich (dabbler)
Written on 9th March, 2010 after a visit to Udomxai in February, 2008
Also reviewed by caseyprich: Can Tho, Champasak, Don Dhet, Ko Chang, Ko Maak, Ko Wai, Luang Prabang, Muang Ngoi, Pakse, Phonsavan,