Meet Ban Say on The Mekong

Ban Say – an ethnic Tai Lue village in Luang Namtha Province – sits 30 km downriver from the Chinese border. Here, the Mekong enters the Lao-Myanmar Corridor at “The Green Triangle” (Laos, China, Myanmar). Ban Say’s modest boat landing mainly serves local fishermen and passenger ferry/small cargo traffic using longboats. There is currently no regular boat service to Ban Say, though it is possible to negotiate longboat charters to/from Xieng Khaeng, 65 km downriver.

Ban Say only recently popped up on the radar of Luang Namtha’s tour operators, who guide visitors through “Laos’ Adventure Capital” on natural and cultural experiences. You can embark on a multiday program that include Ban Say homestays and Mekong River walks. Combination tours with trekking, cycling, and 4WD components reach Ban Say, and motocross explorers can venture over the rugged trails to the riverside community.