Huuay Xai Case Study

Huay Xai

Also known as Houay Xai or Houeo Sai, Huay Xai is located on the banks of the Mekong River and is the capital of Bokeo. It is a part of Laos’ border with Thailand and while it is best known as a stopover to other destinations, Huay Xai gives tourists the opportunity to adapt and experience the Lao lifestyle, such as sitting in the banks of the Mekong with a Beerlao on hand and just watching the river flow past.

Attractions
Aside from immersing in the Lao lifestyle, Huay Xai also offers a number of attractions and activities to tourists. The Gibbon Experience allows visitors access into the Bokeo Nature Reserve, where one can hike, rent tree houses located over 40m high on giant trees, and glide via cable from the surrounding hill
You can also reach Huay Xai via bus trips from Luang Nam Tha (takes 3.5 hours and costs 60,000 Kip or 7.21 USD), Luang Prabang (takes 12 hours and costs 130,000 Kip or 15.63 USD), Udomxai (takes 7 hours and costs 90,000 Kip or 10.82 USD), and Vientiane (takes 23 hours and costs 230,000 Kip or 27.65 USD).

Another and most popular option is via slow boat down the Mekong River from Pakbeng (for 110,000 Kip or 13.22 USD) or Luang Prabang (for 220,000 Kip or 26.45 USD). Tickets can be bought from the actual pier or via travel agencies and guesthouses for an extra cost, which may also include tuk tuk rides and
However, the noise from the speedboats can be unbearable and travellers may suffer from temporary hearing loss.

You can also travel by ferry from Thailand and as long as you arrive before 18:00, you can process and get your Visa upon arrival from the office right beside the ferry stand.

Money Matters
Establishments at Huay Xai accept Kip, Laos’ official currency that is available in denominations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10000, 20000, and 50000. As Huay Xai is a small town, ATM machines may not be as widely available as it is in the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang and charge fees for withdrawals, and the same goes for credit cards. So it is better to prepare and pay in Kip. Also note that the Kip is inconvertible outside of Laos, so better exchange in the airport before leaving the country.

Weather
Average temperatures in Huay Xai are always high, with the rainy season experienced during May to October, and dry periods from January to March and December. The warmest month is April, coolest month is December, dampest month is August, and driest month is February. The best months to visit is during the months of November to January, as these months are the coolest and generally have nice