Oudomxay Province Travel Tips

To have a better travel experience in Oudomxay Province, there are some useful Oudomxay Province travel tips which may be helpful for your Oudomxay Province tour. When plan your trip to Oudomxay Province, view our answers to questions about Oudomxay Province travel to get better understanding of Oudomxay Province.

Useful Numbers

• Emergency services: 195 (ambulance), 190 (fire), and 191 (police)
• Oudomxay Provincial Hospital: +856 81 212 145
• Oudomxay Provincial Tourism Department: +856 81 212 382
• Oudomxay Provincial Administration Office: +856 81 212 115
• Oudomxay Provincial Department of Education and Sports: +856 81 212 117
• Oudomxay Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry: +856 81 212 148
• Oudomxay Provincial Department of Health: +856 81 212 146
• Oudomxay Provincial Department of Industry and Commerce: +856 81 212 147
• Oudomxay Red Cross: +856 81 212 129
• Oudomxay Airport: +856 81 211 578
• Oudomxay Bus Station: +856 20 57 997 017
• Oudomxay Police Station: +856 81 212 012

Best Time to Visit

What to Pack

• Lightweight and Breathable Clothing: As Oudomxay Province can be quite hot and humid, it's important to wear clothing that is comfortable and allows your skin to breathe. Cotton and linen materials are good choices.
• Comfortable Footwear: You may want to pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or sandals, as there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Oudomxay Province such as trekking, sightseeing, and exploring the local villages.
• Sun Protection: The sun can be strong in Oudomxay Province, so you may want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your skin and eyes from the sun's rays.
• Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other insects can be a nuisance in some parts of Oudomxay Province, so it's a good idea to pack insect repellent to avoid getting bitten.
• Rain Gear: While the dry season is the best time to visit Oudomxay Province, it's still possible to experience rain showers, especially in the afternoon or evening. Consider bringing a lightweight rain jacket or poncho to keep you dry.
• Personal Medication: If you take any prescription medications, make sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip. It's also a good idea to bring a small first-aid kit with basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic, and pain relief medication.
• Cash and a Small Backpack: Oudomxay Province is a rural area with limited ATMs and banks, so it's important to carry enough cash with you for your trip. You may also want to bring a small backpack to carry your essentials during your outdoor activities.

Currency

The official currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). However, US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas and can be used to pay for accommodation, activities, and meals. In fact, many hotels, restaurants, and shops quote their prices in US dollars. It's a good idea to carry both Lao Kip and US dollars with you during your trip to Oudomxay Province. You can exchange currency at banks or authorized money changers in the city. Keep in mind that small shops and vendors may not accept credit cards, so it's always best to have some cash on hand.

Banks

• BCEL (Banque pour le Commerce Exterieur Lao): This is the largest commercial bank in Laos, with branches throughout the country. BCEL offers a range of banking services, including savings accounts, loans, money transfers, and foreign exchange services. BCEL also operates ATM machines throughout Laos, including in Oudomxay Province.
• JDB (Joint Development Bank): This is a state-owned development bank that provides financial services to support rural and agricultural development in Laos. JDB offers a range of services, including loans, savings accounts, and money transfers. JDB also operates ATM machines in Oudomxay Province.
• Agricultural Promotion Bank: This is another state-owned development bank that focuses on providing financial services to support agriculture and rural development in Laos. The bank offers loans, savings accounts, and other financial services to farmers and rural communities.
• ATM machines: There are a few ATM machines located in the city center of Oudomxay Province, including BCEL and JDB ATMs.

Language

In the Oudomxay province of Laos, the majority of the population speaks Lao, which is the official language of the country. However, there are also several ethnic groups in the province, each with their own languages and dialects. One of the largest ethnic groups in Oudomxay is the Hmong people, who speak the Hmong language. Other ethnic groups in the province include the Khmu, Akha, and Tai Dam, who each have their own distinct languages.

Etiquette and Taboos

• Greetings: When greeting someone, it is customary to bow slightly and say "sabaidee" (hello) or "sabaidee mai" (how are you?). It is also respectful to address someone using their title or honorific, such as "Nai" for men and "Nang" for women.
• Dress Code: Dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites. It is also considered inappropriate to wear revealing clothing, especially for women.
• Shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering a temple or someone's home.
• Respect for Monks: When encountering monks, it is important to show respect and avoid physical contact. Women should not touch monks or hand anything directly to them.
• Showing Respect: Pointing your feet towards someone is considered impolite, so be mindful of your body language. Additionally, avoid touching people's heads as it is considered a sacred part of the body.
• Taboos: It is considered impolite to touch or show affection in public, and it is also inappropriate to raise your voice or display anger in front of others.
• Gift Giving: When visiting someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift such as fruit, sweets or flowers. The recipient will often politely refuse the gift, but it is expected to persist and insist that they accept it.
• Dining Etiquette: It is customary to wait until the host invites you to sit down and start eating. Use utensils to eat, as it is considered impolite to use your hands. Also, never leave chopsticks standing upright in a bowl of rice, as this is a symbol of death.
• Tipping: Tipping is not widely practiced in Laos, and it is not expected in most situations. However, it is becoming more common in tourist areas, particularly in restaurants.
• Temple Visits: When visiting temples, it is important to dress appropriately and behave respectfully. Do not touch or sit on any religious statues or artifacts, and keep your voice low so as not to disturb other visitors or the monks.
• Haggling: Haggling is common in markets and shops, but it is important to do so politely and with a smile. It is not considered appropriate to haggle excessively or aggressively.
• Personal Space: Laos culture values personal space and physical contact, particularly between members of the opposite sex, should be kept to a minimum in public.

Hospitals

• Oudomxay Provincial Hospital: This is the main hospital in the province, located in the capital city of Oudomxay. It provides a range of medical services and facilities, including general medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, and obstetrics.
• Nga District Hospital: This hospital is located in Nga District, about 40 km south of Oudomxay city. It provides basic medical services to the local population.
• La District Hospital: This hospital is located in La District, about 60 km northwest of Oudomxay city. It provides basic medical services to the local population.
• Beng District Hospital: This hospital is located in Beng District, about 100 km northeast of Oudomxay city. It provides basic medical services to the local population.
• Houn District Hospital: This hospital is located in Houn District, about 110 km south of Oudomxay city. It provides basic medical services to the local population.

Educational Institutions

• Technical Vocational school of Oudomxay province

Oudomxay Technical and Vocational Education College is a technical vocational school located in Oudomxay province in Laos. The college provides technical and vocational education and training programs to students who wish to pursue careers in various fields such as construction, mechanics, electronics, agriculture, and hospitality. The programs are designed to provide students with hands-on training and practical skills that they can use in the workforce.

• IVET Oudomxay

IVET stands for "Intermediate Vocational Education and Training". It is a type of vocational education and training that bridges the gap between basic education and technical vocational education. IVET programs provide students with practical skills and knowledge that they can use to gain employment or pursue further education.

• Lao International College Branch of Oudomxai Province

Lao International College Branch of Oudomxai Province is located in Muang Xay. Lao International College Branch of Oudomxai Province is working in Higher education (colleges and universities), public administration activities. You can contact the company at 081 211 615.

Tourist Center

• Tourist Office (Provincial Tourism Department of Oudomxay)

It has masses of information about onward travel, accommodation and local sights. It has free town maps and sells GT-Rider Laos maps. Visitors can fins useful information in the tourist office.