Muang Xai: Temple History and City Views

Muang Xai offers two different ways to experience the city: the architectural history of Cheng Temple and panoramic views from Phu That Stupa. There is also a specific oil selection at a centre in the city and Tad Lak Sip-et, eleven kilometres outside the town. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Muang Xai, you can first decide what you want to focus on: should the city itself, with its temple history and views, shape your stay, or would you also like to consider scenic destinations in the wider Oudomxay travel destination?

Cheng Temple: Building History in Several Stages

Construction of Cheng Temple’s original wooden temple, Vat Ban Chang, began in 1850. In 1900, the prince’s son took over the unfinished temple; it was completed under the name Vat Xaisimaharam. Cheng Temple was damaged in the war in 1954. This sequence makes the temple a distinctive focus if you are interested in building phases and historical ruptures: the start of the wooden construction was followed by a takeover and completion under a different name, before the war damage occurred.

Phu That: City Panorama and Historical Tradition

Phu That Stupa is located in the centre of Muang Xai and offers panoramic views across the city. The stupa is said to have originally been built by the Thai Leu in the 14th century. In Muang Xai, a wide view across the town and two different historical reference points stand side by side: the building history of Cheng Temple and the traditional dating of Phu That Stupa. If you plan your exploration around your interests, you can distinguish between architectural history and city views.

Oils and a Waterfall Nearby

The Productivity and Marketing Centre in Muang Xai offers sesame oils and essential oils. This specific type of offering adds a different connection to the city alongside its temple themes. Tad Lak Sip-et, also called “11 kilometres waterfall,” is located eleven kilometres outside the town. It is a popular place for picnics and swimming among local people. Travel interests differ accordingly: temple history and panoramic views focus on Muang Xai itself, while the waterfall, picnicking and swimming offer a destination outside the town.

Oudomxay as a Wider Travel Destination

In the wider Oudomxay travel destination, Nam Kat Yorlapa Waterfall is located in Phou Hi Phi Provincial Protected Forest in Xay District. The route includes five kilometres of paved road to Ban Bo, followed by 18 kilometres of gravel road to Ban Fan and about 900 metres on foot to the waterfall. The road sections and the final walk are separate stages that you can consider individually when planning.

Tad Nam Haeng Waterfall is also part of the wider Oudomxay travel destination. It consists of three successive cascades approximately 13, 8 and 5 metres high. After four kilometres of paved road, the route continues along a gravel and red-earth road that is passable only in the dry season. Keep this seasonal condition in mind if you include Tad Nam Haeng in your plans.

Another scenic destination in Oudomxay is Nam Hin Lake. The lake is in Houay Un village in Xay District and is the largest reservoir in the province. It covers about 121.7 square kilometres and stretches across seven villages; several streams converge there. These differences can help you choose the scope of your trip: Muang Xai is about temple history and city views, while the destinations mentioned in Oudomxay focus on waterfalls, cascades and a larger lake landscape.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pak Beng, Ban Cat, Ban Nakham.

Go to the overview of the wider travel destination: Oudomxay.