History: Delve into Bokeo’s past, from an ancient kingdom to a historic trading post. Ancient chronicles state that Tai people settled in present day Chiang Saen District, Thailand, when the city “disintegrated into swamp” during the 11th century. They then “set up a new town to the southeast. This settlement was on high ground...Read more.
Ethnic Diversity: Meet the people of Bokeo, home to the rarely visited Lahu and other distinct tribes. The Akha live in Bokeo’s mountains, and follow a cultural code called Akha Zang, the “Akha Way”. This defines traditions and laws, as well as how Akha farm, hunt, treat illnesses, and relate to each other and outsiders. Women...Read more.
Things to Do: Bokeo has it all: the Golden Triangle, ancient heritage sites, ethnic groups living off the forests, and the Mighty Mekong. Your Bokeo adventure starts in hillside Houay Xay Town, the provincial capital and Mekong riverboat transport hub linking Thailand to Luang Prabang. Begin a half-day town tour climbing a...Read more.
Top Attractions: Bokeo wraps nature, culture, and history into combo experience. Tackle Bokeo’s tough terrain to unrivalled mountain-top vistas most people only dream about. Phou Nya Kha’s peak presents climbers with spectacular views of the Golden Triangle’s three-country junction, and you’ll see ancient tea trees along...Read more.
Getting There: It keeps getting easier to access Bokeo’s capital, Houay Xay. Lao Skyway operates six weekly flights from Vientiane. The new 60-seat turboprops depart Vientiane at 08:30 every day for the 1-hour scenic flight. Lao Airlines occasionally operates the route, depending on demand. Be sure to book early and be...Read more.
Getting Around: How to get around depends on where you want to go. Hotels, guesthouses, and travel agents in Houay Xay rent motorbikes and bicycles for local sightseeing or venturing to a nearby destination. Sawng taews and busses travel between Houay Xay Bus Station and other Bokeo district capitals. Check departure times...Read more.
Where to Stay: Enjoy a laid back stay in Bokeo, before or after a Mekong cruise. Hotels, guesthouses, and travel agents in Houay Xay rent motorbikes and bicycles for local sightseeing or venturing to a nearby destination. Sawng taews and busses travel between Houay Xay Bus Station and other Bokeo district capitals. Check...Read more.
Travel Guide: Houay Xay Town unlocks the door to Bokeo and north-western Laos. Lao Skyway offers daily flights to/from Vientiane. The 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge processes visas on arrival and offers a bus service from Chiang Khong, Thailand. Cruises to/from Luang Prabang via Pak Beng arrive and depart every day. Read more…
