Oudomxay (Muang Xay) is the capital of Oudomxay province in northern Laos, a crossroads town at the junction of routes connecting China, Myanmar, Luang Prabang, and Luang Namtha. The surrounding hills are home to numerous ethnic minority villages including Akha, Hmong, and Tai Lue communities, and the town has developed as a trekking base for exploring the remote northern province.