Oudomxai

Oudomxai is a mountainous province in the northern part of Laos, wedged between Luang Prabang in the east, Phongsali in the northeast, Sayabouri in the south and a little bit with China. It is a mixture of 23 ethnic groups such as Hmong, Akha, Thai dam Thai khao, Thai Neua, Khamu, Lao Huay, and many others. All are with their own distinct culture, religion, language and colorful dress.

What to do?
Its capital, Muang Xai, is the junction of the highways connecting Lao Northern provinces: Phongsali, Luang Namtha, Bokeo and Luang Prabang. Better roads are on the northern part of the province, while in the southern part people depend more on the river travel. The lower part of Nam Tha river is in Oudomxai province, where travellers can take boat from Paktha village upstream to Luang Namtha taking two days and a night in a village house normally prepared by the boat-man.

In Muang Xay, there are some very nice hiking including night stays in Khamu family houses which makes the experience very special and intimate. Although not as colorful as other ethnic groups of Laos, the Khamu people are very nice and happy to have foreigners visiting their villages.

Travel Tips
To prepare for trekking, wear good shoes. Also, in rainy seasons, nylon stockings are recommended as a barrier that leeches cannot penetrate.

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