Paksan

The provincial capital of Bolikhamsai is Paksan, a blip of a town that sits at the confluence of the Nam San and Mekong Rivers almost opposite the small Thai town of Bueng Kan, visible across the river. The provincial capital is a sleepy transportation hub, mostly just used as an over-nighter or as a point of entry as Paksan is now an international crossing to Thailand.

There is just about nothing to see in town, you can take a nice stroll through town towards the river bank and that is about it. If you're planning on exploring further afield though, the province has some spectacular natural scenery, with a boat trip up the Nam Kading River being a highlight along with the scenery along Route 8 to the border crossing with Vietnam at Nam Phao, east of Lak Xao.

The locals here are particularly friendly and a substantial number of English speaking local NGO workers in the area can make for some fun evenings in the limited restaurants of Paksan.

Orientation
In terms of services, internet is not available in Paksan, but there's a branch of the Lao Development Bank near the market, along the main road (T: (054) 212 022; 212 823, F: (054) 212 023). You can exchange kip, baht and dollars and cash travellers cheques. Credit card advances are not available. The Post Office is across the street and a bit north of the Lao Development Bank.

The Paksan-Beung Kan Border
You can cross the border into Thailand here -- follow the sign off the main road, just passed the Manolom Guest House and follow the sign that says Port. The crossing is open daily from 08:00 to 16:30, and a boat to the Thai side costs 60B when full (seven to ten people). Arrive in the morning to catch the day-tripping Lao crossing to shop in Thailand to be sure of a full boat, otherwise it's 360B per boat to cross.

No Lao visa on arrival is available crossing to the Lao side from Thailand, so be sure to get one ahead of time if you plan to use this border.