How to Get in Houay Xai

By Air

To get to Houay Xai by air, you would need to fly to Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) or to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) in Thailand. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Houay Xai Airport (HOE). Another option is to fly to Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) in Thailand and then take a bus or taxi to the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai border crossing, and then cross the border into Laos to reach Houay Xai.

By Bus

From Vientiane, you can take a bus to Luang Prabang. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including Soutchai Travel, Sengchaleun Bus, and Naluang. The journey takes around 10-12 hours, depending on the route and the type of bus. It's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Once you arrive in Luang Prabang, you can take a bus to Houay Xai. The bus station in Luang Prabang is located on Kounxoau Road, near the airport. The bus journey from Luang Prabang to Houay Xai takes around 10-12 hours, depending on the route and the type of bus. The buses are usually comfortable and air-conditioned, but it's a good idea to bring warm clothing as the temperature can get chilly in the evening. Alternatively, you can take a minivan from Luang Prabang to Houay Xai. Minivans are faster and more comfortable than buses, but they can be  more expensive. The journey takes around 8-10 hours, depending on the route and the type of minivan. You can book your minivan tickets at travel agencies or through your hotel. It's also possible to take a bus from Chiang Rai in Thailand to Houay Xai. There are several bus companies that operate on this route, including Green Bus and Sombat Tour. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on the route and the type of bus.

By Boat

Slowboats

Houay Xai is a town located in the northwestern part of Laos, along the Mekong River. The most common way to get to Houay Xai by boat is by taking a slow boat from Luang Prabang or Pakbeng. To reach Houay Xai by boat from Luang Prabang or Pakbeng, you can follow these steps:

• Get to either Luang Prabang or Pakbeng by bus or other means of transportation.
• Find a tour agency or a guesthouse that organizes slow boat trips to Houay Xai.
• Purchase a ticket for the slow boat ride to Houay Xai. The ticket price usually includes transportation, food, and overnight accommodation on the boat.
• Board the slow boat and enjoy the scenic journey along the Mekong River to Houay Xai.

It's important to note that the slow boat journey can take up to two days, depending on where you start from. You should also bring plenty of water and food for the journey, as well as warm clothing as it can get chilly on the boat.

Luxury Slowboats

Luangsay Cruise The Luangsay Cruise provides a deluxe experience for travelers seeking a two-day journey on a comfortable boat with an overnight stay at the lavish Luangsay Lodge, along with all meals, visits to notable sites like Pak Ou Caves, border transfers, and the assistance of an English-speaking guide. However, this luxurious experience comes at a considerable cost, which varies depending on the season and ranges from $396 to $490, with an additional charge for solo travelers. The company has offices located on the main streets of Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Shompoo Cruise Shompoo Cruise targets the mid-market demographic by offering slow boat rides with comfortable lounge-style seating and a maximum capacity of 40 passengers. For a downriver journey to Luang Prabang, the cost is $145, while the reverse upriver trip from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai is slightly cheaper at $130. The price includes transfers, lunches, stops at select tourist sites, and a local guide, but accommodation is not covered. However, customers have the choice to include accommodation as an optional add-on.

Speedboats

Alternatively, you could also take a speedboat from Luang Prabang to Houay Xai, which takes around 6-7 hours, but it's important to note that this option is faster but also more dangerous and less comfortable than the slow boat. The noise level on the boat can reach unbearable levels, and some travelers have even reported experiencing temporary hearing loss. In addition, there have been reports of various mishaps caused by boat malfunctions and inexperienced drivers. As a precautionary measure, it is highly recommended that passengers wear the provided life jacket and helmet for both safety and to minimize exposure to the loud noise and outdoor elements. It is also advisable to wear clothing with long sleeves and pants to avoid sunburn.

By Car

You can get to Houay Xai by car from various cities in Laos, but the road conditions can be challenging in some areas. Here's how you can get to Houay Xai by car:

• From Luang Prabang: Take Route 13 north towards Oudomxay and continue on Route 3 to Houay Xai. The journey takes around 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
• From Vientiane: Take Route 13 north towards Luang Prabang and continue on Route 3 to Houay Xai. The journey takes around 17-20 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.
• From Luang Namtha: Take Route 17 east towards Muang Sing and continue on Route 3 to Houay Xai. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

Note that road conditions in Laos can be challenging, especially during the rainy season from June to October. Some parts of the road may be unpaved or in poor condition, so it's important to hire a reliable driver and vehicle, and plan your journey accordingly.

Getting Around Houay Xai

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are easy to find in Houay Xai, and they can take you to most places within the town. The fare depends on the distance and negotiation skills, but a short ride within the town should cost around 20,000 - 30,000 LAK (Laotian Kip), which is equivalent to about 2-3 USD.

Motorbike Taxis

Motorbike taxis are also readily available in Houay Xai, and they are a good option for shorter trips. The fare is usually cheaper than tuk-tuks, but make sure you agree on the fare before you start your journey. A ride within the town should cost around 10,000 - 20,000 LAK (1-2 USD).

Bicycles

Renting a bicycle is a popular option for exploring Houay Xai and the surrounding area. Most guesthouses and bike rental shops offer bicycles for rent at a daily rate of around 20,000 - 30,000 LAK (2-3 USD). It's a good idea to check the condition of the bike before you rent it, and make sure you wear a helmet and bring plenty of water if you plan to cycle outside of the town.

Private Cars

If you want to explore the area around Houay Xai, hiring a private car and driver is a good option. You can negotiate the price with the driver, but expect to pay around 500,000 - 700,000 LAK (50-70 USD) per day, depending on the distance and the type of vehicle. It's important to choose a reliable driver and vehicle, and agree on the itinerary before you start your journey.