Bokeo Guides

Everything you Need to Know about Bokeo

Situated in the heart of the golden triangle, Bokeo is just over the border from Chiang Rai province in Thailand and also borders Myanmar while China is less than 100 kilometres away. Although Bokeo is the smallest province in Laos, it harbours a large number of interesting minority groups (approximate 30 ethnicities). The province split off from Luang Namtha and was created in 1983. The name Bokeo translates as 'gem mine'; the city is known as the land of sapphires. Panning for gold, and digging for precious stones is a major occupation here.

Huay Xai, the capital provincial of Bokeo, sits on the bank of the Mekong River. Like most minor cities in Laos, several temples built in earlier centuries and surrounding villages seem to be the only attractions. However, Bokeo's real economic strength is tourism. A holiday among a network of hunts and shelters built on top of trees in primary monsoon dry deciduous forest is a decidedly appealing one. A perfect spot where one can observe the forest's rare habitants from above. Besides fascinating attractions and delightful activities, Houay Xai is also known as the gateway to explore the rest of Laos A famous stopover spot for most arrivals before boarding a boat and heading southeast to Pak Beng and Luang Prabang. A trip up north on Bokeo's winding and bumpy roads will lead to Luang Namtha and beyond.

Over the centuries, Bokeo has remained an important stopover for Chinese traders traveling by boats between China and Thailand. Nowadays, the only connection between Bokeo and Chiang Rai is via ferry and speedboat. However, a bridge between Laos and Thailand is scheduled to open in 2012.

Bokeo Attractions

All tourist attractions around Huay Xai can be done on foot within a single day. Observe the view from the top of the Chinese-style temple Jom Khao Manilat, an important sacred place for the locals. There is also the stunning French-built Fort Carnot. Both sites are located near the ferry crossing pier Huay Xai.
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Bokeo Activities

After visiting attractions along the Mekong River and the town, it is best to explore the surrounding areas or join the economic tourism program. The Gibbon Experience is Bokeo's highlight. A trek into the wild, provides an opportunity to see wild inhabitants like bears, tigers, birds, and the rare gibbons that were once thought exttinct. (Read More)

Bokeo Restaurants

Decent restaurants serving standard local food and simple western dishes can easily be found along the Mekong River. Several of them offer outdoor seating with big patios overlooking the river. A culinary highlight is the Lao-style barbecue - a tasty do-it-yourself menu in which meats and veggies are grilled and stewed by customers themselves, combination like Japanese Shabu-Shabu and Korean BBQ. (Read More)

Bokeo Nightlife

Bokeo is the smallest province in Laos and visitors might have a difficult time looking for a decent large and busy bar to drink in. Bokeo's spotlight is focused more on its traditional ways rather than lights and sounds of the night. However, several restaurants along the Mekong River are perfect spots to socialise and drink with an impressive view of the Mekong River before and after the sunset. Tourists should definitely try the famous local beer; Beer Lao, 'Asia's Best Beer' (TIME Magazine) A reminder to solo travellers; wandering around alone late at night is not recommended.

Bokeo Shopping

Muang Bokeo Huay Xai Market is a major shopping location for both locals and tourists. Besides fresh meats, fruit, vegetables, and food ingredients, the stalls surrounding market also offer local products and souvenirs, not only from Laos but from neighbouring countries like China, Vietnam, and Thailand. The market is also known as the 'talad sao', and is located in the southern part of Huay Xai, on Saykhong Road. The best time to visit is early morning. Although this sleepy town has not much to offer in terms of shopping, unique souvenirs from villages in Huay Xai are definitely worh checking out.

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