Muang Xai: Temple History and City Panorama

Muang Xai offers two distinct historical perspectives for trip planning: the architectural history of Cheng Temple and Phu That Stupa, with its view over the city. A market and a nearby waterfall complement this picture of the area. Those who look beyond the city to the wider Oudomxay destination will find distinct nature and handicraft themes there.

Temple History and City Views

Construction of the original wooden Vat Ban Chang temple at Cheng Temple 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 by war in 1954. Its history therefore spans several stages: the start of construction, its takeover and completion under another name, and later damage.

Phu That Stupa is located in the middle of Muang Xai and offers panoramic views over the city. The stupa is said to have originally been built by the Thai Leu in the 14th century. This date is presented as tradition. In this respect, the history of Phu That differs from the specific dates associated with Cheng Temple: here, a city view and a traditionally reported early origin sit alongside dated construction and damage events.

Market, Products, and Nearby Waterfall

The Productivity and Marketing Centre in Muang Xai offers sesame oils and essential oils. This adds a specific connection to local products alongside the temple histories. Tad Lak Sip-et, also called the “11 kilometres waterfall,” is located in the area around the destination. It is 11 kilometers outside the city and is considered a popular place among locals for picnicking and swimming. Nongmengda Market is especially lively in the morning. The market, oil products, and waterfall each add a distinct note: the market is characterized by its morning bustle, while the waterfall is defined by its location outside the city and the activities popular with locals.

Oudomxay as a Wider Destination

In the wider Oudomxay destination, Nam Kat Yorlapa is located in Phou Hi Phi Provincial Protected Forest, in Xay District. A Lao News Agency report from March 2025 mentions forest trekking, hiking, waterfall visits, ATV rides, and bridge crossings, including the well-known Tovi Bridge. Also listed are climbing a spider web, ziplining, and panoramic views of Tor Hin Mountain. In this way, nature and activities in Oudomxay form a distinct regional focus alongside Muang Xai’s temple history and city panorama.

Another cultural focus in Oudomxay is the Tai Lue Handicrafts Center in Phasak Village, Xay District. A Lao News Agency report from March 2025 associates the center with the “One District, One Product” initiative and describes its specialization in traditional textile handicrafts. These include Lao skirts, shirts, fabrics, bags, and baskets. The handicrafts center complements the region’s nature themes with a distinct look at textile work and products.

Another destination in wider Oudomxay is Chom Ong Cave, in the village of the same name in Xay District, about 45 kilometers from Xay City. A roughly two-kilometer shortcut leads from the village through the rice fields to the cave; alternatively, it can be reached by a road accessible to vehicles. The access options therefore differ in how visitors travel: they include a footpath through the rice fields and a road accessible to vehicles.

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

Back to the wider travel overview: Oudomxay.