LAOS- NORTHERN MOUNTAIN OUDOMXAY

OUDOMXAY

CAPITAL : MUANG XAY

TOTAL AREA: 15370 SQUARE KILOMETERS

POPULATION : 299935

Tranquil, beautiful and sometimes hidden in the clouds, Oudomxay is located in the heart of northern Laos and is one of the most accessible of the far Northern provinces. The rugged mountainous landscape has peaks up to 1850 m covered in varying forest types and swidden fields. The province’s three main rivers are Nam Ou, Nam Beng and Nam Tha.Oudomxay is mainly populated by the Khamu, Hmong and lowland Lao, with a total of 23 ethnic minorities, each with their own languages ,cultural heritages and lifestyles.

In Muang Xay, the provincial capital, visit the Chinese market next to the Kaysone monument to see a variety of local products from Oudomay as well as imported Chinese goods. Take a wal outside of town to see That Phouxaya atop the mountain overlooking Xay for a birds eye view of the surrounding valley.

The countryside around Xay has several beautiful natural features to visit, including Tad Lak Sip-et (kilometer 11 waterfall)set in a stunning limestone environment and the peaceful Hoouay Nam Kat waterfall. Chom Ong Cave is situated 45 km from Oudomxay near the Khamu village of Chom Ong Thai. Entering the cave you can follow the spring of the Nam Kaeng River for 1600 m passing through large halls with heights of up to 35m and widths of 20m. Visit the therapeutic baw nam hawn (hot springs) on the road to Pongsali in Muang La to soothe aching muscles, or the Singkham Buddha Cave that was used to safeguard historical artefacts during the war.Ban Na Xieng Di has some interesting archaeological sites believed to date back about 500 years. Also unique is the Buddha footprint or phabath found in Ban Nong Nha

Pak Beng, located at the confluence of the Beng and Mekong Rivers is set on a scenic curve of the Mekong shrouded in green mountains. Explore Pha Ho-Pha Hong Cave in Beng district, or experience the shared Lao and Chinese Heritage at Ban Theiio or Ban Nam Xeng. Visitors can spend time in La district trekking to minority villages in remote and picturesque locations. 

If you are in Oudomxay during December inquire about the dates of the annual Hmong and Khamu New Year’s celebrations, colourful festivals that include music, trade fairs and lots of local food and drink.

Most restaurants in Oudomxay serve a variety of traditional Lao and Chinese food, with one of the local Lao specialties being gang nor kom or bitter bamboo shoot soup. Oudomxay province is famous as one of the places where ancient bronze drums were case, which have been a symbol of status and wealth for centuries. 

Master drum makers continue to make these beautiful drums and purchasing a new drum supports this disappearing cultural industry. Please refrain from purchasing antique drums- it illegal and contributes to the loss of Laos’ provinces cultural heritage. Ban Bo village is well known for skilled handicraft production, especially rattan and bamboo basket weaving. Other quality local handicrafts include cotton weaving and shoulder bag production, salt making, mulberry paper and silk products.