Huay Xai, Laos: travel guide
Mekong border town and departure point for the slow boat to Luang Prabang
Bokeo province capital on the Mekong, facing Chiang Khong across the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge IV. The overland entry point into northern Laos from Thailand and the departure pier for the two-day slow boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang.
About Huay Xai
Huay Xai is a Mekong border town in Bokeo province, facing Thailand across the river. It is a gateway into northern Laos for many overland travellers and a short, easy place to spend a night.
The main reason to come is the slow boat, which leaves from here on a two-day journey down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. In town, Fort Carnot has a viewpoint over the river, and Wat Chom Khao Manilath is a quiet temple stop.
Huay Xai suits travellers crossing from Thailand or beginning the river trip. The cooler months from November to February are the most comfortable for the boat journey.
- Country
- Laos
- Currency
- LAK
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
Last updated
Top places to visit in Huay Xai
Fort Carnot
Cultural · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Wat Chom Khao Manilath
Temple · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Kaysone Monument
Heritage · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Where to stay in Huay Xai
Hotels
- 1 Min to Slow Boat Guesthouse USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Oudomphone Guesthouse 2 USD 28 to USD 55 per night
- Nakaraj Princess Hotel USD 28 to USD 55 per night
Where to eat
- Cafe Da Cafe, Coffee, Shop
- DreamBakery & Coffee Cafe, Coffee, Shop
- Riverside HouaySai Restaurant Lao
- My Laos Local, Lao, Asian
- Maelay's Restaurant Lao
- Phursaraphone
- Gec Ko Bar Cafe
- Daauw Home
Getting to Huay Xai
Nearest airport: Chiang Rai (CEI), about 66 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Walking
Best time to visit Huay Xai
- Jan 25°C
- Feb 28°C
- Mar 32°C
- Apr 33°C
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct 28°C
- Nov 27°C
- Dec 25°C
More in Laos
Frequently asked questions about Huay Xai
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Huay Xai?
- The highest-rated places in our Huay Xai guide are Wat Chom Khao Manilath, Fort Carnot.
- How do I get around Huay Xai?
- Ways to get around Huay Xai covered in our guide: Walking.
- What is the weather like in Huay Xai?
- Average daytime highs in Huay Xai run from 25°C in Dec to 33°C in Apr.