Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One of the best ways to spend your time in Oudomxai is with a visit to the RedCrossHerbal
SaunaandMassage - the perfect way to relax after a bone-numbing bus journey. The money
goes towards supporting the Red Cross's work in helping and educating local people.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: OUDOMXAI AND AROUND
By air Flights are operated between Vientiane and Oudomxai (50min) daily by Lao Airlines
and twice weekly by Lao Skyway. The airport is 1km southeast of town; tuk-tuks will run
into the centre (10,000K), though you could easily walk. There's a Lao Airlines agency at
Litthavixay guesthouse.
By bus Oudomxai's bus station is situated a 15min walk southeast of the town centre. Walk
north (left) out of the bus station to find most of the town's hotels and guesthouses. The town
has excellent transport links, including daily direct services to both China (via Boten) and Vi-
etnam (via Tay Trang). Note that buses can often get very busy - aim to arrive at the bus sta-
tion around an hour before departure as they occasionally leave ahead of schedule if they're
full. Most departures take place between 8am and 10am, though for some destinations, like
Luang Namtha and Luang Prabang, there are also afternoon departures around 2.30/3pm;
for Vientiane, the best bet are the more comfortable VIP services (2pm and 4pm). Note that
Houayxai usually appears on schedules as Bokeo (the name of the province).
Destinations Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam (daily; 7hr); Houayxai (Bokeo; daily; 7hr); Luang
Namtha (3 daily; 4hr); Luang Prabang (3 daily; 5hr); Mengla, China (via Boten, daily; 6hr);
Muang Khoua (3 daily; 4hr); Nong Khiaw (1 daily; 4hr); Pakbeng (2 daily; 3hr 30min);
Phongsali (daily; 8hr); Vientiane (4 daily; 15hr).
INFORMATION AND TOURS
Tourist office The well-run, helpful tourist office (Mon-Fri 8am-noon & 2-5pm; 081
212483, oudomxay.info ) is situated on the northern side of the river, opposite the indoor
market, and has a selection of printed matter on the town and province, plus information on
transport connections.
Tours The tourist office runs a range of tours and one- to three-day treks, including a walking
tour of the town and one-day visits to nearby Akha villages. One of the natural highlights of
Oudomxai province is the huge Chom Ong cave system, 45km west of Oudomxai; two-day
trips, involving some trekking and a stay at a Khmu village, start from 350,000K.
Services For internet, there are a number of computers available at Litthavixay for 8000K/hr.
For a dose of free wi-fi, your best bet is the coffee shop at Charming Lao Hotel .
GETTING AROUND
By bike and motorbike Road bikes (30,000K/day), decent mountain bikes (60,000K/day)
and motorbikes (Chinese 80,000K/day, Honda 100,000K/day) can be rented from Xaiya Ser-
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