Buddha statue,Oudomxay,Laos

Direction to Phouthad Temple about 15 minutes walk off the main road. A side road therafter with an uphill walk on a tarred road.
















Wat Phouthad will be the first sight.There is a side staircase which will be the shortcut instead of walking to the very end where you'll reach the Buddha statue.

A panoramic view of Oudomxay's town in the valley.

18 meter high standing Buddha statue.
The northern highlands formed the backdrop and the mountain top apex is directly aligned to the Buddha statue.






Three headed serpents guarding the stairways entrance.

















Theravada Buddhism is the primary religion of Laos and is often closely tied to animist beliefs and belief in ancestral spirits, particularly in rural areas.

There were nearly 100 over poses of the Buddha statue.
Buddha with both hands folded face-up, resting in the lap is about the attitude of meditation.
 It also represent the days of the week.




  A sitting Buddha image is one of restful meditation, with legs crossed (right leg on top of the left) and both hands resting on the top, with the right hand over the left, both palms upwards.
This is a classic yoga posture and it's Thursday.

 The hand gesture(Mudra) of a Buddha statue has its specific meaning.
There were many other common poses as well, with the most common pose you will find in Thai temples is with the legs crossed, the left hand in the lap, and the right hand pointing to the ground with the palm facing inward toward the Buddha.

This posture is known as Calling The Earth to Witness, and it relates to the moment of enlightenment for the Buddha.

Wednesday evening’s pose represents the retreat to the forest, for the duration of the rainy season. Friday represents “Reflection” or “Contemplation”, with a standing Buddha image. Both hands are crossed at the chest (right over left), palms facing inwards.

The posture depicts the Buddha standing at the Banyan Tree, wondering how he can explain the cause of suffering to his followers.






  A reclining Buddha posture.
The Buddha lies on his right side with his left arm draped along the body and the right arm acting as a pillow, propping up the head.

 One of the most dramatic and breathtaking reclining Buddha images can be found at Wat Po, Bangkok. This temple is also home to the famous Thai massage school. It denotes Tuesday.

There were two images that represent Wednesday, one for the morning and one for the night.
 For Wednesday morning, the Buddha is standing with heels pressed together, holding an alms bowl at waist height, with both hands wrapped around it.







Right Hand Raised - Protection from evil, warding off fear. This is typically in a standing pose, but you can see a seated pose with right hand raised. This posture represents “Preventing Calamities”, which is also known as “Pacifying the Relatives.” It denotes Monday.

Scenic Oudomxay,Laos

The rolling plains with a backdrop of rich tropical rainforest mountains forming part of the unique topographic features of the Province of Oudomxay. Paddy cultivation in the lowlands were done in a commune system and the Lao Loum people of whom made up half of the Lao ethnic groups normally stay around the lowland region or near the Mekong River.

The highest point in town is "Phou Seby" mountain,a must visit attraction spot.Located off the main road by walking a few metres from a nearby petrol station beside the Red Cross Massage Centre.One large building mistaken to be an access road is the UNHCR headquarters.

A breathtaking view coupled with the cool atmosphere. Met one Lao Tourism Office staff,Mr Boun Kuam jogging in the vicinity.A graduate from University of Chiangmai holding a Master of Tourism a Master of Tourism graduate from the University of Chiangmai.He can be contacted at Tel.: + 856-81-212-020 Dansavanh Oudomxay Hotel with a blue rooftop is beside the Lao Tourism Office.

Siamese stupa seen at quite a distance from town.A 14th century temple located where it was once used by the French army as war camp. During the first Vietnamese war the stupa was destroyed and only bricks were left.It was rebuilt in 1994 and now the focusing point of all major celebrations.

The Tourism Office do organize day eco-tourism trip to the dense jungles not far away. Beautiful waterfalls were plenty in the Houay Nam Kat Forest Reserve which is a provincial protected area about 20 km southeast of Oudomxay (also known as Muang Xay).

The Oudomxay Supermaket,a Chinese owned grocery store beside the main road.

The Phuuthat Stupa with a 15 meter high Buddha statue overlooking Oudomxay from the top of Phou That Hill,is a great blessing to the locals.The Buddha statue was recently built as an addition.

A revolutionary hero's monument in honour of a great leader who booted out the French colonialists which also saw Laos gaining independence from the France. This monument standing at an altitude height aligned to the stupa and buddha statue on Phou That hill. The anti-French hero Kaisones Phouvihan was a Russian backed ally.Being half Vietnamese he was the first Lao prime minister in the year 1955. He led the communist forces retaliate against the Kingdom of Laos(having a king at that time) and the Americans. After their victory he served as Prime Minister from the founding of the Lao PDR in 1972 until 1991. He created Sekong province to honor the southern minority for their support on the war effort. After his death, the Laotian government built an eight million dollar gold-plated museum in his honor, in Vientiane, partially funded by Vietnam.

Oudomxai,capital of Muang Xay municipal office.There were 7 subdistrict namely Xay,La,Namo,Nga,Beng,Houne and Pakbeng.

Oudomxay Provincial Government Administration building

Hotel not far from bus terminal.

The Surinphone Hotel,a luxury hotel located in Phoxay Village, Xay District, Oudomxay.

A French colonial style building.

The Assemblee Nationale Province De Oudomxay.Bureau De La 4 eme Circonscription.

A newly completed shopping bazaar.

Shop lots for rent.

Houay Xai (Laos) transit.

The Mekong river boat waiting for passengers.It was a cool morning by the river and it's still early for them to get enough customers. After clearing the Thai Immigration proceeded to catch a boat for our river crossing.Paid 40 baht at a small ticketing booth and was issued a receipt. A Thai girl being the first and only passenger before us.This boat I think fit for 8 to 10 people and if you have a big backpack should be less than that. This is Stefan,my new found travel buddy whom I met and shared the room in the late night arrival at Chiang Khong. He's a young University of Berlin grads from Germany majoring in Mechanical Engineering. As for me,no need visa for entering Laos but Stefan has to apply an on arrival visa and a tout help him through the immigration formality. This is Houay Xai's main entrance point from across the Mekong River from Chiang Khong.The Lao Immigration is at the far end left beside the river.They are very courteous in their duty. Those people hanging around here are in fact minivan,tuk tuk drivers waiting to offer their services to incoming passengers. This side road is less than 300 metres from the main road. Standing on the platfrom at the Lao Immigration checkpoint,managed to catch a glimpse of the mighty Mekong River with a small island on it. I have 10 more days to cover Northern Laos before I leave through Vientianne. My plan today is to reach Luang Nam Tha and spend a night there. I think Muang Sing and Boten both near China's border has to be ommited due to lack of time. Oudomxai,Phongsali,Luang Prabang,Vang Vieng and Vientiane will be my coverage. Stefan is also going to Luang Nam Tha for his eco-tourism plans so we are together in this quite spacious van.Cost:300 baht per person. Altogether there are 9 foreigners. We met Ester this morning who will be taking a slow boat ride with an overnight stopover at Pak Beng on the way to Luang Prabang. Slowboat from Houay Say to Pak Beng cost 130,000 kips. The main street of Huay Xai looks quite similar to Chiang Khong and that's where all the tour agencies,guesthouses,banks,restaurants are located. I change my baht to kips from a tour agency .(10 baht =2,500 lao kips) If you care to turn right and walk further up as you exited from the immigration,say another 300 metres is a commercial bank with ATM machine. The rates here: kips - baht (2698/2670) Friendship Guesthouse. Friendship lives up to its name with friendly, efficient service. The small but neat rooms have slightly dank bathrooms but windows, wooden floors and a nice rooftop view compensate. Telephone: 084 211 219 Houay Xai Guesthouse. I think Lao people prefer to call it Houay Say. Just like Vientianne,they'll say ViengChan. After stamping your passport as you walk out to the main road,your first view is the staircase leading to a temple. Other places to sleep in Hoay Xai: 1) BAP Guest House Turn left coming from the pier, and BAP is 50m up on the left. All rooms come with fan and hot-water shower. This friendly two-storey place is a good spot to find out about boats going to Luang Nam Tha via Pak Tha or Xieng Kok. There's also a good restaurant downstairs. Telephone: 084 211 083 2) Chaleunshine Guest House Its short distance from town puts this lovely guesthouse in a more authentic bâan location. Rooms are breezy and bright, with spotless tiled floors and hot-water showers in the bathrooms. Telephone: 084 212 076 3) Keoudomphone Hotel The nicest hotel in town is a 15-minute walk from the main strip but it's well worth the effort for the spick, span and spacious rooms. Each has a TV, small couches and plenty of charm and sunlight. Pricier rooms have air-con. This property has been reviewed and recommended by a New Road author. However it is not bookable online either with New Road or with a recommended hotel booking provider. In order to book this property please contact them directly. Telephone: 084 211 405 3) Mekong Lao Hotel Opposite the Keoudomphone, this hotel has a promising exterior and although the rooms are large and comfy, they're pretty musty. They all have air-con and TVs though and are decent for the price. Telephone: 084 211 277 4) Oudomphone Guest House This guesthouse is a spotless option with fan-cooled rooms, clean sheets and surfaces and friendly owners. It's slightly tucked off the main street and good for a quiet night's sleep. There's a small café out the front serving good breakfasts. off Thanon Saykhong 5) Sabaydee Guest House A good cut above the cheaper options in town, this immaculate guesthouse has pristine rooms with firm beds, large windows and commodious hot-water bathrooms. It's efficiently run and recommended. Thanon Saykhong ,Telephone: 084 211 751 6) Thanormsub Guest House One of the best deals in town, this single-story guesthouse has fresh rooms with ceiling fans and hot-water showers attached. It's low-key, immaculate and extremely friendly. Thanon Saykhong ,Telephone: 084 211 095 7) Thaveesinh Hotel This grand pink structure contains an assortment of rooms ranging from cosy, fan-cooled versions to capacious suites with air-con. All have TV, hot water and garish bedspreads. It's not as clean as some of the guesthouses but you're paying for the amenities. Thanon Saykhong ,Telephone: 084 312 039 Places to eat1) Latsuly Restaurant Right next to the slow boat landing, this spot overlooking the Mekong serves an assortment of fried noodle and rice dishes, buffalo steaks, and a good basil pork. They can also whip up sandwiches for you to take on the boats 2) Muang Neur There's plenty of fragrant Lao cuisine to be had at this humble little restaurant, like whole crisp fried fish stuffed with ginger and garlic, spicy seafood soup with lemongrass, and delicious fǒe . It also advertises itself as the Gecko Bar for those in need of lào-láo . 3) Nut Pop Tel: (084) 211 037 (info) On an atmospheric timber deck surrounded by foliage, this restaurant serves great Lao dishes like peppery hot pork, baked fish or chicken with chilli and lime. 4) Riverside Houay Restaurant Address: off Thanon Saykhong The only thing broader than the Mekong view at this restaurant is the menu. A huge array of Thai and Lao is on offer with some good seafood dishes including fried prawn cakes. The tom yams and curries come in all manner of meats, or you can just tuck into an omelette. It has a particularly ambient setting, although the cheesy Thai pop music detracts a little from it. Shopping: Lao Red Cross Thanon Saykhong , Tel: (084) 211 264 (info) You can take a traditional herbal sauna and/or Swedish-Lao massage at the Lao Red Cross . Talat Sao Thanon Saykhong Huay Xai's main morning market, Talat Sao attracts traders from numerous ethnic backgrounds and is situated at the southern end of town near the bus terminal.