Bokeo Province is located in the northern part of Laos, 70% of the land is mountainous. It is Laos’s smallest and second least populous province. As a home for 34 ethnic groups, Bo Keo is the most ethnically diverse province in Laos, each with its own lifestyles and customs.
Places to see and things to do in BoKeo
Town tour around Houei Xai, the provincial capital by cycling, motorbike or tuk-tuk tour will be great experience with ancient temples, a market and a French fort.
The teak temple Vat Jom Khao Manilat Constructed around 1880, remains in pristine condition and is joined by a variety range of golden stupa at different sizes, majestic gong tower and wonderful view.
Vat Pha Thad Souvanaphakham (Vat Phakham) begins east of the town center. There is a small temple on the hilltop, a golden stupa and a row of eight golden Buddha images in different positions.
You can spend some time at the market along the main road, which presented with fresh foods and products for daily use; wandering around the road full of shops selling comfortable rattan stools and baskets along with Bokeo wines, whiskies and fruit-flavored liqueurs.
Fort Carnot is a French-built, high-walled and occupied by Lao troops. This is a top adjacent hill and is clearly visible from the opposite side of the Mekong River, Chiang Kong, Thailand. It is off limits to all visitors.
Golden Triangle circuit
Though boats motor up the Mekong to the Golden Triangle, the 50-km river-road presents easy access with great views of the Mekong’s rocky islands. The road heads northwest from Houei Xai, and then south to the 1,000-year-old city of Souvannakhomkham.
The Gibbon Experience
The Gibbon Experience is one of Bokeo's highlights. This is Laos’ most sought-after adventure a network of canopy zip-lines for an aerial opportunity to spot rare black-cheeked crested gibbons.
River trips to the far north can be arranged from Houai Xay, either on the Mekong or Namtha River. You can then easily proceed overland to the historic town of Muang Sing during the trip. The Mekong near Houai Xay is the largest freshwater fish in the world, the famous Mekong catfish known locally as “paa beuk”. This giant grows up to 3m in length and can weigh up to 300 kg. The meat of this enormous but endangered fish is considered a delicacy and brings a high price in markets as far away as Bangkok.
