Pak Tha sits where the Nam Tha River empties into the Mekong after flowing from China and Luang Namtha. The tiny landing is about a 2-hour cruise down the Mekong from Houay Xay, and is a mandatory checkpoint for all passing river traffic. This also marks the point where the Mekong leaves its role as the Thai-Lao border and travels solely through Laos until it re-joins the demarcation near Chiang Khan, Thailand. Activities are limited, though a couple of cruise itineraries stop there to camp on the beach.

Tour operators offer 2-day Nam Tha River voyages between the Luang Namtha provincial capital and Houay Xay, with an overnight at Ban Khone Kham, a Tai Lue fishing and weaving village with a lodge and homestays.