Laos, Xayaburi Province

Project gen by hotsia

Other trips of mine in Xayaburi: Lao-style papaya salad in Xayaburi, delicious local food of the Xayaburi people, traveling Xayaburi - Luang Prabang, Phou Du border crossing into Laos, Paklai Southern Bus Station, Paklai local food, Ban Tha Suang homestay, international border crossing Huay Kon - Namngen border. On my first trip to Xayaburi Province, I entered via the Huay Kon border checkpoint in Nan Province, went to Muang Ngeun, then to Hongsa, and then took a bus to Xayaburi town in Xayaburi Province. On this second trip, I entered via the Phou Du international border checkpoint in Uttaradit Province.

I got my passport stamped at Huay Kaew checkpoint in Paklai town. On this trip, I hitchhiked on a corn truck from the Thai border checkpoint to Paklai town, about 30 kilometers apart. For traveling to Xayaburi, I recommend entering via Huay Kon first because it's easier to find rides than at Phou Du checkpoint. Let me share a bit of history — I usually don't mention this when writing travel stories because I focus on culture rather than countries, but mentioning it helps visualize and connect when visiting Xayaburi.

Xayaburi Province was once part of Thailand and was the first territory lost when Chanthaburi was returned from France over a hundred years ago. Therefore, part of the lifestyle of the Xayaburi people is similar to Thai people. When mr.hotsia travels, knowing the background helps understand the way of life better. A highlight of Xayaburi that differs from other provinces is its abundant forests. The Xayaburi market is very interesting with many unique things to see. For me, I really like the Lao-style papaya salad sold in the Xayaburi market; I find it very tasty.

Lao-style papaya salad tastes good because of the delicious fermented fish sauce. The salad is made the same way with the same ingredients, but the different flavors of the fermented fish sauce make the taste unique. I recommend this route and culinary travel if you come to Xayaburi. You might visit Nan, then Huay Kon, cross the border to Muang Ngeun, Hongsa, and then take a bus from Hongsa to Luang Prabang, or continue by bus to take a boat. Few people travel directly to Xayaburi, but I like it. I enjoy small towns like this, strolling and enjoying the view at Paklai by the Mekong River.

Or the Xayaburi town market is also amazing. In Hongsa, there is a lignite power plant factory where many Thai workers are employed. There are also goods deliveries. Recently, Hongsa seems busier than the capital Xayaburi. Thai workers spend money from Hongsa to Xayaburi. Xayaburi hosts the World Elephant Festival every year in February. Previously, it alternated between Xayaburi and Hongsa, but from now on, it will be held only in the capital Xayaburi.

This is a major event I must attend. The Elephant Festival (Elephant Festival Xailabouli) is a cultural event showcasing the bond between people and Asian elephants, which are endangered. About 50-60 elephants participate. It is believed that tourists from Laos and foreigners, especially from Thailand, will attend. If coming by car, you can enter via Phou Du checkpoint or the Thali border checkpoint. Tourists will receive excellent border crossing assistance during the event.

If coming from Bangkok, mostly via Thali checkpoint in Loei Province, I recommend some hotels in Xayaburi. In Xayaburi town, stay near the Hueng River. On my first visit, I stayed at Nok Noi Guesthouse; the second time at Chai Anan Hotel, probably the largest in the province. Staying in this area makes it easy to find food and walk to the market, which is not far. For accommodations, I suggest staying near the market. Hongsa town is small with limited accommodations, around 400 baht per night. In Paklai, stay by the river for a beautiful view. I stayed at Jinny Guesthouse.

In Muang Ngeun, opposite Huay Kon checkpoint, stay near the market because in the morning you won't have to walk far to catch transport. When I went, I stayed a bit farther but still walked about 400 meters before reaching the market. The food of the Xayaburi people is not much different from Northern Thai cuisine. From what I observed, the top famous dish is Tam Buk Hung or Lao-style papaya salad from Xayaburi. Second is Jin Som or fermented pork sausage. Third is various types of Mok dishes; I especially like Mok Tun. I recommend buying Northern-style rice and fermented pork to enjoy at the hotel.

I bought food to eat at Chai Anan Hotel during my trip. It was delicious. Buses from Xayaburi town to Luang Prabang depart at 9:00 AM. The bus station is 3 kilometers away. The songthaew fare in town is 60 baht per person, but if booked from the Xayaburi Southern Bus Station, it's 40 baht per person. mr.hotsia May 2013. The best Lao-style papaya salad in Xayaburi. Green papaya salad Chaiyaburi Chaianan hotel chaiyaburi Chai Anan Hotel Chaiyaburi fresh market Xayaburi evening market.

Landmark of Xayaburi market Water monitor Varanus salvator The best fermented pork sausage in Xayaburi Chaiyaburi local food mrhotsia Breakfast in Xayaburi at Chaianan hotel Lao-style breakfast in Xayaburi market, very delicious. 19 16 8.717 N, 101 42 29.52 E Hotel staff at Chai Anan Hotel 19 15 43.817 N, 101 42 47.579 E On the bridge crossing Hueng River 19 16 8.67 N, 101 42 30.101 E 19 15 43.295 N, 101 42 47.441 E 19 15 43.193 N, 101 42 47.411 E

Xayaburi people bathing by the Hueng River 19 15 43.085 N, 101 42 47.513 E 19 15 46.949 N, 101 42 33.455 E 19 16 8.699 N, 101 42 30.329 E Bought from the market at the hotel 19 16 8.472 N, 101 42 26.213 E 19 15 44.658 N, 101 42 38.934 E 19 15 42.431 N, 101 42 46.547 E Selling grilled food by the Hueng River 19 15 42.156 N, 101 42 46.559 E 19 16 8.861 N, 101 42 30.293 E 19 16 8.634 N, 101 42 30.215 E 19 16 8.621 N, 101 42 30.125 E

19 16 8.393 N, 101 42 26.897 E 19 16 8.423 N, 101 42 29.268 E 19 16 9.593 N, 101 42 30.233 E

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