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Golden Triangle & Thai border

Bokeo & Huay Xai

Treehouse ziplines, the slow boat to Luang Prabang and the Fourth Friendship Bridge.

A black crested gibbon in the forests of Laos
Adventure01

The Gibbon Experience

ກິບບອນ ເອັກສປີຣຽນ

Multi-day ziplining through the Bokeo Nature Reserve canopy, sleeping in giant treehouses.

  • Book months ahead
  • Listen for gibbons singing at dawn
  • Tours start from Huay Xai
Slow boats moored on the Mekong at Pak Beng at sunset
Nature02

Slow boat to Luang Prabang

ເຮືອຊ້າໄປຫຼວງພະບາງ

Two days down the Mekong with an overnight stop in the river village of Pakbeng.

  • Arrive early for a good seat
  • Bring a cushion, snacks and water
  • Book Pakbeng rooms in high season
Wat Jom Khao Manilat
Temples & spiritual03

Wat Jom Khao Manilat

ວັດຈອມເຂົາມະນີລາດ

A teak hilltop temple above Huay Xai with views across the Mekong to Thailand.

  • Climb the naga staircase from the main road
  • Visit at sunset
  • Dress modestly
History04

Fort Carnot

ປ້ອມກາໂນ

The weathered remains of a French colonial fort on the hill above town.

  • A short walk from the temple
  • Good for photography
  • Respect any closed-off areas
Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Getting around05

Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge

ຂົວມິດຕະພາບໄທ-ລາວ ແຫ່ງທີ 4

The road crossing between Huay Xai and Chiang Khong in Thailand.

  • Shuttle buses cross the bridge, and walking isn't allowed
  • Visa on arrival is available for many nationalities
  • Keep some Thai baht and Lao kip
The Mekong at the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet
Off the beaten path06

The Golden Triangle

ສາມຫຼ່ຽມຄຳ

Where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet on the Mekong. The Lao side is a casino economic zone.

  • The classic viewpoint is at Sop Ruak on the Thai side
  • Boat trips circle the confluence
  • Be cautious of offers in the casino zone

Checked September 2026. Opening hours, prices and boat or train timetables change, so confirm locally before you go. Photo credits

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