Oudomxai (also spelled Oudômxai or Oudomxay) is a province in northwestern Laos that has not yet received many tourists. The local Provincial Tourist Office (in Oudomxay City) has been offering since November 2006 some very nice hiking including homestays in Khamu family houses (not guest houses, as in other more touristy places, which makes the experience very special and intimate). Although not as colourful as other ethnic groups of Laos, the Khamu people are very nice and happy to have foreigners visiting their villages.

Get in

Oudomxai City is easily accessible by bus, or by airplane from Vientiane. In fact, it might be the best bet from Vientiane if one wishes to go to the northwest of the country, as the Luang Nam Tha airport will be closed for many months (major improvement to the airstrip). From there, it is an easy bus ride to Luang Nam Tha (northwest), or to the east and toward Luang Prabang.

Eat

• Souphailin Restaurant (Turn right before the post office). Very tasty Lao food.