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 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
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
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
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 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
