Travel Guide and Transport Info for Oudom Xay, Laos by Hobo Maps -

Travel Oudom Xay
- Oudom Xay is the crossroads of Northern Laos with direct routes to China, Vietnam and Thailand. Oudom Xay province shares borders with Luang Prabang province to the east, Phongsali province to the northeast, Luang Namtha province to the northwest, Sayaboury province to the south and China's Yunnan province. The diverse population is made up of more than 20 ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Akha, Khamu, Thai Dam and Yao. The town of Oudom Xay has been greatly improved over the past few years and is now a nice clean town with paved streets and friendly people. It's not that large and all points can be easily reached by walking. Some nice hiking and biking routes are just outside of town in the surrounding hills where locals rarely see visitors. Bike rentals are available. The tourism office is well stocked with info and has transport schedules posted in the windows for those coming by after the office is closed. There's a good feeling these days in the area as commercial activity increases and the local people seem keen to take advantage of it. Tourism is still in it's infancy and few people come here as tourists but rather as a one night stopover on longer travel trips. New hotels and guest houses are being built, there are interesting markets and at least one good restaurant is now open (Meung Neua Rest.). The airport at Oudom Xay has flights at this time only to and from Vientiane as shown in the schedule below.

Starting Nov. 2011 there is a bus from Oudom Xay bus station direct to Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam departing 08:30 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday - cost is 60,000 kip