Xay District

Xay District or Meuang Xay

In 1987, Meuang Xay became the capital of Oudomxay Province instead of Ban Namhin. In the past, many ethnic Khmu moved from Khmu villages to Meuang Xay and now live and work there, as in the town they see better opportunities to earn money.

The residents of the town are mainly Lao Loum, but the presence of the ethnic group Khmu, 60% of the province's population, has an important impact on the town. Hmong, 15% of the provincial population, have an influence on the town. Typical Hmong products like colorful textiles are sold inside the market building.

Many women from the surrounding villages of different ethnic groups come to Meuang Xay to sell their products at the town markets, often spending hours walk, as they can get better prices there.

Some families living in surrounding villages send their children to school in Muang Xay. The way, which is often many kilometers, is covered either by bicycle or by foot by the children. Some sons and daughters also go to the so-called "ethnic school", a boarding school in Meuang Xay for children from more remote villages.

In Meuang Xay there are many Chinese immigrants, which influence the town scape through restaurants and a Chinese market.

Meuang Xay is in a mountain basin between green hills. Two opposed hills soar above the town. On one is the "Oudomxay Museum", on the other one is a Buddhist temple with a stupa.

Oudomxay Province has a moderate monsoon climate. Due to its relatively high elevation, there are more variations in temperature during the year and a colder dry season in northern Laos than in the rest of the country.

Yearly precipitation is about 1,900–2,600 mm. Temperatures in February and March average between 18 and 19 °C, from April to May temperatures climb over 31 °C.

Especially in the colder months (October to January) there are high variations in temperature from day to night. Due to Oudomxay's location between hills and mountains, fog covers the town from evening to morning. In the course of the day, the fog starts to dissolve, so that in the cool season, mornings are brisk. The Nam Kor River flows through Meuang Xay.

Tourism

Xay town is located in the center of the province with more ppulation and areas than the other provinces. The district zone covers both sides of Namkor and Namhin River. The beautiful landscape consists of mountains, forests, rivers and others. It's also considered as a multi culture place where there are many ethnic groups living together. Moreover, there are several famous tourist destinations, such as Namkat Yorlaopa, Chom Ong Cave, Phasingkham Buddha Temple and others.