Tour Laos

Enjoy Laos' Renowned Laid Back Atmosphere at Houay Xay and Experience Unique Ethnic Villages   

by Exotissimo Travel

Houay Xay, sometimes known as Ban Houay Xay is a town near the Thai border and is the capital of Bokeo Province. The town lies on the Western banks of the Mekong River opposite Chiang Kong Disctrict of Chiang Rai, Thailand and serves as the northernmost border crossing between the two countries. The town is home to several eye-catching temples as well as being a gateway to some of the region's most unique ethnic villages and the almost mystic-like Mekong Giant Catfish.

The most prominent temple in Houay Xay is Jom Khao Manilat Temple. It was built in 1880 and follows the Shan-style of architecture, with bright colorful paintings and murals. The temple's location on top of a hill allows visitors to watch the sun set over the Mekong River, a truly beautiful sight in itself. The temple is a short walk away from the ferry pier.

The local market, known as Talad Sao is a great place to experience the lifestyle of Houay Xay's residents and to observe the local products on hand. The best time to be at the market is early morning, when it is at its busiest and certainly at its most colorful.

About 20 kilometers away from Houay Xay is Ban Nam Sing Village. What makes this village interesting is that it is home to the Lao Huay ethnic group, one of the rarest in Southeast Asia. Their way of life has not changed much over the centuries, so it is best not to offer gifts to them as this will surely change their traditional lifestyle. A donation to the headman will be greatly appreciated instead, of which the proceeds will be used for the local school.

Ban Yong Hin Village, home to the Thai Lue people features a unique attraction. Here, the people live in mobile wooden houses. This is done by placing the house's stilts onto stones instead of into the ground. Not only does this provided mobility if the situation calls for it, but this distinctive architectural feature also protects their residences from termites.

If one wants to see how rice vermicelli (kanom jeen) is produced, then head over to Ban Khao Pun. Once there, having the kanom jeen with fermented fish sauce is a must try. The noodles here are of top quality along with the fish sauce.

An interesting attraction at Houay Xay is the Mekong Giant Catfish. There are reports of this fish growing to a length of three meters and some with a mass of about 300 kilograms. The catfish, sadly is in danger of extinction due to overfishing and development. They can however, be seen in the river during mid-April and May.

Houay Xay is certainly a pleasant town with its fair share of attractions. The town is easily accessible by foot and the whole town can be explored within a day. Your first destination in Exotissimo's Laos in Depth tour is at the laid-back border town. This tour is the perfect in-depth introduction to Laos, immersing you to its friendly people, intriguing spiritual culture and natural wonders.

If you like cycling, then why not try our Splendors of North Laos Biking Tour? This tour takes you to the wonders of this region, often overlooked by visitors to the country. The last leg of this memorable cycling tour is at Houay Xay. You can contact us if you would like to extend your stay at this charming town by the Mekong or if you would like to tweak any of our tours.

About the Author

 

Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator with 16 offices throughout Southeast Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia at the best possible price.

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Lao Travel Planning Tips

By Duangpy Rasavong

Planning a trip to Laos? By now you might have done your research, and know a bit about Laos. You might already get excited and dream of the place you're heading to. But wait! You need to plan your trip a bit before you go.

A careful planning plays an essential role in determining your travel experience (good or not so-good). Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Laos.

If you plan to go to other countries in the region before or after Laos (e.g Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam), at least determine where to go first, next and last plus the entry/exit points in Laos. It's important to have a clear plan to avoid doubling back that can eat up your time and money.

• Plan your itinerary carefully. It helps saving hassle, time and money if you plan your routs thoroughly.


• Decide where and how to get your tourist visa. Tourist visas are now valid for 30 days. Here are two ways to get the Lao visa:


• Arrange it with the Lao Embassy, either in your neighbor countries if there isn't one in your own country or in one of Laos's neighboring countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China). Allow plenty of time if you chose this option.


• Get it at Lao border or airport. Tourist visa is issued at most Lao ports of entry. Visa fee ranges from US$20 (China) to US$42 (Canada). Remember to take exact amount of money and 2 passport photos for that.

 

Please note that not everyone is eligible for Lao visa-on-arrival, you better checkto make sure you aren't in the list of "not entitle" nationalities.

• Get your passport ready. Make sure your passport is not expiring within the next six months. You won't be given a visa to enter Laos if your passport has less than six months validity. It can be worse if you plan to get a Lao visa-on-arrival, and arrive at a Lao border or Airport only to find your passport is invalid.


• If you consider taking anti-malarial drugs, take it well in advance because you might have awful reactions to anti-malarial. If you take it too close to your travel date, you may still feel awful on your vacation. It's best to ask your doctor.


• Sort out your traveler check or credit card(s) for use in Laos. Take some cash as well. Small notes make it easy when you need to buy things on the go like bottled water and snacks.


• Book/buy your tickets early. Book your ticket as soon as you have a clear plan. You can save good amount of money by purchasing your ticket early. Stay with the same airline during your entire trip to receive round-trip or connecting fare discounts.


• If you're on medication ask your doctor for your prescribed medicine. Take enough for the period of your travel. It's a good practice to keep them in their original packages (in case you have to declare at the airport security checkpoint). Putting them in your carry-on bag to ensure that you have your medicine whenever you need.

 

Duangpy is the owner and author of http://www.laos-guide-999.com. Her website provides a wide range of information on Laos from Lao travel tips to the rich culture of Laos

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duangpy_Rasavong

"Giant jars and a little whiskey lao lao" Ristohannah's photos around Phonsavan (travel pics)


 

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Student educational tour of Laos


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South East Asia for a beginner traveller?

Hello everyone,

I have never been travelling before and I am planning on going to South east Asia this summer for 8-9 weeks or so. As I am a newbie to travelling and I will be going on my own I have been looking at tours around the region and one tour called Indochina Discovery which is 30 days and starts from Bangok goes into Cambodia,up Vietnam, across into Laos before going to Chaing Kong and Chaing Mai before finishing again Bangok. The cost of this tour is £1499 and that doesnt include all the meals, just transportation (not including flights) and accomodation? Do you think that would be good enough value for money or a bit of a rip off? Would it be alot cheaper doing it on my own?

Thanks, any knowledge or advice would be much appreciated

agreed. if you are total new to travel plus all by yourself, it will be a great investment to start your trip with a guided tour
you can do this part of the world as cheap or lavish as you choose
depends how much you can afford for one
and what level of luxury you are comfortable with
some places you can have a great newer room for 5$ or ten with AC
or you can spend $50,$100 or more if you wish
food, lunch for $1 but usually 3 or 4 dinner 5 to 10
but you can also pay 15 or 20 for lunch or 75 for dinner


in general even if you pay too much, its still cheap
you can barter for anything,and are expected to
not as much in higher end stores/restaurant/hotel
but always ask

talk to as many people as possible, locals and fellow travellers
be aware though. dont let your guard down for a moment
you want to meet people and see things/be adventurous but there are people everywhere that are there to scam you
travellers and locals
Im jealous and wish I were going
TRAVELLERS CHECKS

good to buddy up with someone or a small group for a few days of travel
but again you can never let your guard down totally
make sure that even if the worst thing happens, you still have your passport and $100
and or your credit card

just be smart but dont worry too much
have fun. see crazy and wonderful things, the main attractions are popular for a reason but the best things are around the corner and down a narrow back alley
i would suggest as a general rule, stay clear of any drugs or illegal activity

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Somkhith Phapakdy - My trip to Ban Sythantay, Laos..Part 3


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Travel in Viet Nam with Haivenu Tour

Vietnam's Destination

This section of the web site contains an overview of the many attractions that Vietnam has to offer, designed with tourism and travel in Vietnam in mind. Where comments and opinions are expressed, they are a combination of our subjective views and feedback from former customers.

Vietnam
In general, the best way to enjoy most places in Vietnam is to travel between urban centres and use them as a base to explore the areas in and around them. Long distances and the country's limited transport infrastructure makes a linear tour impractical if visitors want to experience more than one or two of Vietnam's regions.

The North

Hanoi
Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, is just over half the size of its southern counterpart. Like Ho Chi Minh City, it is expanding. It's more stately and calmer than its boisterous offspring, with tree-lined boulevards and large colonial villas, many of which are now embassies or government buildings, and its prices are more reasonable. It is surrounded by many ‘craft villages', each specialising in a specific traditional craft.

Hai Phong
Vietnam's third city is Hai Phong, with just under two million people. Also in the north, about a hundred kilometres from Hanoi, it is the country's main seaport. Hai Phong is close to Cat Ba Island and is an entry point to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long City
Ha Long City has a population is around 200,000. It is a comparatively recent amalgamation of a major tourist area with a heavy industrial mining town: initially uneasy bedfellows, the two elements are now fusing. Apart from being the main access point for Ha Long Bay, it is also a centre for Quang Ninh Province and the northeast.

Dien Bien Phu and Sa Pa
These two small towns are the main centres for the northwest mountains.

The Centre

Da Nang
Da Nang, in central Vietnam, is an expanding port and industrial area: its population is now well over a million. It is an attractive centre for three World Heritage areas: Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary, as well as being very close to some excellent coastal resorts.

Hue
Hue is relatively small – less than a third of a million - but enjoys the status of being the ancient Imperial City (and the income from armies of tourists!). It is also a centre for visits to Quang Tri Province and the Demilitarized Zone.

Nha Trang
Nha Trang, Vietnam's premier resort with a population of about 320,000, is an attractive destination for beach lovers and divers. It is also the main access point to the Central Highlands from the coast.

Dalat
On the southern end of the central highland plateau, the temperate climate of Dalat attracts many Vietnamese tourists to swell its 150,000 population. Other small towns further north, such as Buon Ma Thuot, are also important centres for visitors to the Central Highlands.

The South

Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, is by far the largest urban centre in Vietnam. It has a population of around five and a half million, a figure that is expanding rapidly as poor people migrate to the wealth of the metropolis. Saigon is the country's main commercial area: brash, noisy and, in Vietnamese terms, expensive. People seldom seem to be indifferent about it – they either love or hate the place.

Can Tho
Can Tho is a town of about 300,000 people and is regarded as the centre for the Mekong Delta area.

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Haivenu Tours

CHOW Tour: From Laos to Ethiopia


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