Huay Xai has one city-center attraction, “The Temple on the Mountain.” Entering from the customs entry point, you can’t miss the dragon-painted steps and handrail – many, many steps, in fact, that lead up to it’s perch over the town.
Definitely low art, when compared to most other temple complexes you will find in Laos, there is a certain hand-made charm to the complex of wooden and white plaster temples. The temples are further complimented by the garish colors and the faintly pornographic paintings that form the temple walls art work.
The main reason to go here is for the sunset and views looking back across the Mekong River and into Thailand.
The town market to the south of the temple is a good place to find anything you need for the two-day trip to Luang Prabang. Mainly modern clothing and footwear, there are some fun toys, as well as Lao style clothing.