Where to Stay

Hotels and Guesthouses

There are several hotels and guesthouses in the town, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale accommodations.

Homestays

For a more immersive experience, you can consider staying with a local family in a homestay. This will allow you to learn more about the local culture and way of life, and you may also get to try some traditional Lao dishes.

Treehouses

The Gibbon Experience is a popular activity in Houay Xai that involves hiking through the jungle and staying in treehouses. The treehouses are basic but comfortable, with mattresses, mosquito nets, and blankets. Meals are provided, and guests can go on guided hikes to see gibbons and other wildlife. The Gibbon Experience is a unique and adventurous way to experience the jungle in Laos.

Camping

If you enjoy camping, there are several campsites in the area where you can pitch a tent and spend the night under the stars. The Bokeo Nature Reserve, located near Houay Xai, has several campsites with basic facilities, including bathrooms and picnic tables. You can also check with local tour operators to see if they offer camping trips in the area.

Accommodation Areas

In Houay Xai, most of the accommodations are located in the town center, along the main road that runs parallel to the Mekong River. Here are some of the main accommodation areas in Houay Xai:

• Riverside: Some hotels and guesthouses in Houay Xai are located along the banks of the Mekong River, offering beautiful views of the river and the mountains beyond. Staying in a riverside accommodation can be a great way to enjoy the scenery and relax in a peaceful setting.
• Town Center: Most of the accommodation options in Houay Xai are located in the town center, within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Staying in the town center can be convenient for exploring the area and accessing transportation.
• Homestays: Homestays in Houay Xai are located in various neighborhoods throughout the town, often in quieter residential areas. Staying in a homestay can give you a more authentic experience of daily life in Laos and provide a glimpse into the local culture.
• Jungle: For those who want to experience the jungle, some accommodations are located in or near the Bokeo Nature Reserve, which is home to the Gibbon Experience. Staying in a treehouse or camping in the jungle can be a unique and adventurous experience.

Overall, the accommodations in Houay Xai are fairly spread out and not concentrated in one particular area, so you have some flexibility in choosing where to stay based on your interests and preferences.

Recommended Hotels

Comfortable Hotels

Phonevichith Guesthouse & Restaurant

Address: 1.5km out of Huay Xai Tel: (084) 211 765; (081) 027 4081 Phonevichith Guesthouse & Restaurant is a popular budget accommodation option in Houay Xai, with rooms that are clean and comfortable. The guesthouse is located near the town center, making it convenient for exploring the area and accessing transportation. The on-site restaurant serves a variety of Lao and Western dishes, and the staff is said to be friendly and helpful.

Riverside Houayxay Hotel

Address: Huay Xai Tel: (084) 211 064 The Riverside Houayxay Hotel is a mid-range hotel located along the banks of the Mekong River in Houay Xai, Laos. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the rooms have balconies with river views, providing a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy the scenery. The Riverside Houayxay Hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of the town center, making it easy to explore the area and access transportation. The staff is said to be friendly and helpful, and the hotel provides a comfortable base for exploring the region. Overall, the Riverside Houayxay Hotel is a popular choice among travelers visiting Houay Xai.

Wangview Hotel

Address: Huay Xai Wangview Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located in the town center of Houay Xai, Laos. The hotel offers simple and clean rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the rooms have balconies with views of the city, and guests can choose from different room types depending on their needs.

Gateway Villa Hotel

Address: Huay Xai T: (084) 212 180; (081) 554 0923 The Gateway Villa Hotel is a mid-range hotel located in the town center of Houay Xai, Laos. The hotel offers comfortable and spacious rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the rooms have balconies with views of the city or the nearby mountains. Gateway Villa Hotel is within walking distance of the town's main attractions, including the Mekong River and the night market. The hotel provides a convenient base for exploring the area and accessing transportation. The staff is said to be friendly and helpful, and the hotel offers a good value for the price. Overall, the Gateway Villa Hotel is a popular choice among travelers visiting Houay Xai.

Economic Hotels

Khaup Jai Guesthouse

Address: Huay Xai Tel: (020) 5568 3164 Khaup Jai Guesthouse is a budget-friendly guesthouse located in the town center of Houay Xai, Laos. The guesthouse offers simple and clean rooms with fan or air conditioning options, and some of the rooms have shared bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

BAP Guesthouse

This guesthouse is located in a quiet area and offers simple but comfortable rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. It is a short walk from the Mekong River and the town center.

Phonetip Guesthouse

Address: Huay Xai Tel: (084) 211 084 Phonetip Guesthouse is another budget-friendly option in Houay Xai, Laos. This guesthouse offers clean and simple rooms with fans and shared bathrooms. Some rooms also have air conditioning and private bathrooms. The guesthouse has a garden and a terrace, and free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. It is located near the Mekong River and is within walking distance of restaurants and shops.

Daauw Home

Address: Huay Xai Tel: 030-9041296 A charming Hmong family operates Daauw Home, where you can stay in a comfortable bungalow located near the town center. Your stay here not only offers cozy accommodation but also an opportunity to support women's empowerment and minority rights, as the property is a grassroots project led by Project Kajsiab. The bungalows and rooms are equipped with basic amenities, including a private bathroom, balcony, and hammock for your relaxation.

Little Hostel

Address: Huay Xai Tel: 030-5206329 This hostel boasts vibrant furnishings that add a pop of color to the otherwise simple concrete floors. The hostel features a couple of four-bed dorms that are well-maintained, as are the showers. The hostel provides a friendly atmosphere where you can easily connect with fellow travelers, thanks to the ample common area. Additionally, the hostel's location is central and convenient, situated on the main street. It's worth noting that the rates fluctuate significantly depending on the season.

Thaveesinh Hotel

Address: Huay Xai Tel: 084-211502 Thaveesinh Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located in the town of Houay Xai in northern Laos. The hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms also have a balcony with views of the town or the Mekong River. Thaveesinh Hotel is conveniently located near the Mekong River and within walking distance of restaurants and shops. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and can arrange transportation to and from the airport or bus station.