Bokeo
Tourist Destination in Laos
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.
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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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.
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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. Most of the guesthouses
also provide simple choices on the menu at reasonable price.
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Nightlife in Bokeo
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.
Shopping in Bokeo
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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