Ban Houayxay—also spelled Huay Xai or Houeisay—rests on Laos’ northeastern border with Thailand and is often treated as a simple transit stop, though it offers much more to those who pause and explore. Highlights include the lively Muang Keo Morning Market in Ban Muang Keo, where stalls overflow with fresh produce, local delicacies and handmade goods, as well as the atmospheric French-colonial ruins of Fort Carnot. Nature enthusiasts can venture into the nearby Bokeo Nature Reserve via The Gibbon Experience, an immersive conservation project allowing visitors to traverse forest canopy walkways and spot wildlife. For a deeper cultural connection, Daauw Village provides opportunities to engage with traditional Lao life through community-run programmes, with all contributions supporting local development. Ban Houayxay rewards curious travellers with authentic culture, history and nature in equal measure.