To have a better travel experience in Houay Xai, there are some useful Houay Xai travel tips which may be helpful for your Houay Xai tour. When plan your trip to Houay Xai, view our answers to questions about Houay Xai travel to get better understanding of Houay Xai.

Useful Numbers

Emergency Services:

• Police: 191
• Ambulance: 195
• Fire: 190

Hospitals and Medical Centers:

• Houay Xai Hospital: +856 81 212 261
• Houay Xai Medical Clinic: +856 81 212 206
• Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Clinic: +856 81 212 247

Transportation:

• Houay Xai Bus Station: +856 81 211 087
• Tuk-tuk (local transportation): +856 81 212 444 or +856 81 211 345

Accommodation:

• Gibbon Experience Office: +856 20 55 77 99 28

Tourism:

• Tourist Information Center: +856 81 211 355
• Laos Tourist Police: +856 20 5551 4662 or +856 20 5551 4663

Note: Please keep in mind that phone numbers and other information can change over time, so it's always a good idea to double-check before relying on them.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Houay Xai, Laos is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. The weather is generally dry, sunny, and pleasant during this time, with lower humidity levels and comfortable temperatures. The peak tourist season is from December to February, so you may find higher prices and more crowds during this time. The wet season in Houay Xai runs from May to October, with heavy rains and high humidity levels. While the countryside is lush and green during this time, it can be challenging to get around due to flooded roads, and outdoor activities may be limited. However, if you don't mind the rain, you may find fewer crowds and lower prices. Overall, the best time to visit Houay Xai depends on your preferences and what you plan to do while you're there. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities and sightseeing, then the dry season is probably the best time to visit. But if you're looking for a quieter, more affordable experience, then the wet season may be worth considering.

What to Pack

When packing for your trip to Houay Xai, Laos, it's important to consider the weather, your activities, and the local culture. Here are some suggestions for what to pack:

• Light and Breathable Clothing: Houay Xai can be hot and humid, especially during the wet season. Pack lightweight and breathable clothing like t-shirts, shorts, and dresses that will keep you cool and comfortable.
• Rain Gear: If you're traveling during the wet season, pack a rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry during the frequent rain showers.
• Comfortable Shoes: Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes for walking and hiking, as well as flip-flops or sandals for the beach.
• Sun Protection: The sun can be strong in Houay Xai, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect your skin.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a problem in Houay Xai, especially during the wet season. Pack insect repellent with DEET or another effective ingredient.
• Respectful Clothing: Laos is a conservative country, so it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or other religious sites. Bring clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
• Cash: Houay Xai is a small town, and many places may not accept credit cards. Bring cash in the local currency (Laotian Kip) for shopping, dining, and other expenses.
• First Aid Kit: It's always a good idea to bring a basic first aid kit with items like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic.

Remember to check the weather forecast before you leave and adjust your packing list accordingly. Additionally, don't forget any necessary travel documents, such as your passport, visas, and travel insurance.

Currency

The Lao kip is the official currency of Laos, and it is abbreviated as LAK. The Lao kip is a fiat currency, which means that its value is not backed by a physical commodity such as gold or silver, but rather by the government's ability to maintain its value and regulate its supply. In Houay Xai, you can exchange your foreign currency for Lao kip at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. It's a good idea to shop around for the best exchange rates and to be cautious when exchanging money with individuals on the street, as there is a risk of fraud or counterfeit bills.

Bank

There are several banks and financial institutions in Houay Xai where you can exchange currency, withdraw cash, and access other banking services. Here are some of the banks that you can find in Houay Xai:

Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao (BCEL)

This is the largest bank in Laos and has a branch in Houay Xai. BCEL provides a range of banking services, including foreign currency exchange, ATM services, and money transfer services.

Agricultural Promotion Bank (APB)

This is a government-owned bank that specializes in providing loans and financial services to farmers and agricultural businesses. APB has a branch in Houay Xai.

Lao-Viet Bank

This is a joint venture between Lao and Vietnamese banks that provides banking services in Laos. Lao-Viet Bank has a branch in Houay Xai.

Banque Franco-Lao (BFL)

This is a joint venture between a French bank and the Lao government that provides banking services in Laos. BFL has a branch in Houay Xai.

Joint Development Bank (JDB)

This is a development bank that provides loans and financial services to support economic growth in Laos. JDB has a branch in Houay Xai. In addition to these banks, there are also exchange offices and ATMs located throughout Houay Xai where you can withdraw cash or exchange currency. It's a good idea to check with your bank before traveling to Laos to see if they have any partner banks in the country to avoid high withdrawal fees.

Language

The official language of Laos is Lao, which is spoken by the majority of the population. In Houay Xai, as in most of Laos, you will hear Lao spoken in daily life. However, because of the town's location near the border with Thailand, you may also hear Thai spoken in Houay Xai. Many Thai people come to Houay Xai for trade, tourism, or to cross the border into Laos, and Thai is widely understood and spoken in the town. In addition, you may also encounter other ethnic minority languages in Houay Xai, such as Khmu and Hmong, which are spoken by some of the local hill tribes. These languages are not as widely spoken as Lao or Thai, but you may hear them in certain areas or in interactions with members of these communities. English is also spoken by some people in Houay Xai, particularly those who work in the tourism industry or with foreign visitors. However, the level of English proficiency can vary, so it's a good idea to have some basic Lao or Thai phrases handy if you plan to travel to Houay Xai or other parts of Laos.

Etiquette and Taboos

In Houay Xai, as in many parts of Laos, it's important to be aware of local customs and etiquette to show respect for the culture and avoid causing offense. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:

• Dress Modestly: Lao culture values modesty, so it's best to avoid wearing revealing clothing or shorts and tank tops in public places. Instead, opt for loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
• Remove Shoes Before Entering Homes and Temples: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a Lao home or a temple. Look for a pile of shoes at the entrance and follow suit.
• Use Your Right Hand for Eating and Greeting: In Lao culture, the left hand is considered unclean, so it's important to use your right hand for eating, passing objects, and greeting people.
• Show Respect for Elders and Monks: In Lao culture, it's important to show respect for elders and monks. When greeting an older person or monk, bow slightly with your hands in a prayer position.
• Avoid Public Displays of Affection: Lao culture is conservative, so it's best to avoid public displays of affection, such as kissing or hugging, especially in more rural or traditional areas.
• Do Not Touch People's Heads: In Lao culture, the head is considered sacred, so it's considered impolite to touch someone's head, even in a friendly manner.
• Do Not Point Your Feet at People or Sacred Objects: In Lao culture, the feet are considered the lowest part of the body and pointing them at someone or a sacred object, such as a statue or altar, is considered disrespectful.
• Avoid Discussing Sensitive Topics: It's best to avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or religion, especially if you're not familiar with the local context or customs.

Overall, showing respect, humility, and a willingness to learn about local customs and traditions can go a long way in making connections and building relationships with people in Houay Xai and other parts of Laos.

Hospitals

There is only one hospital in Houay Xai, Laos:

Houay Xai Hospital

This is the main hospital in Houay Xai and provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient care, laboratory services, and radiology services. In addition to the hospital, there are several clinics and pharmacies in Houay Xai where you can receive medical care and purchase medication and medical supplies. These include:

Houay Xai Clinic

This is a private clinic located in central Houay Xai that provides medical services to the local community, including general medical care, laboratory services, and some specialized services.

Pharmacie Sivilay

This is a pharmacy located in central Houay Xai that provides medication, medical supplies, and some basic medical services.

Vientiane Pharmacy

This is a pharmacy located in central Houay Xai that provides medication and medical supplies. It's important to note that medical facilities in Houay Xai and other parts of Laos may not meet the same standards as medical facilities in more developed countries, so it's important to take precautions to protect your health while traveling in Laos. You may also want to consider purchasing travel insurance that includes medical coverage before traveling to Laos.

Tourist Center

Tourist Information Office

Tel: 084-211162 It offers free tourist maps of the town and some suggestions for excursions around the province.