Bokeo province
The northwestern Lao province of Bokeo is best known for the provincial capital of Huay Xai which forms the launching point into Laos for all arriving overland from northern Thailand.
Bokeo province is small though mountainous, and for much of its border faces onto the Mekong River. Bisected by Route 3 which runs northeast to Luang Nam Tha some travellers opt to head north along this route, but the bulk arrive in Huay Xai, only to leave again on a slowboat downriver to Luang Prabang.
Aside from Huay Xai there are plenty of opportunities for more adventurous travellers to explore Bokeo -- while it may well be the smallest province in Laos, Bokeo makes up for its diminuative size with more than a couple of places worth investigating.
The riverside villages of Pak Tha, and Pak Hat to the south (both on the Nam Tha River) and Ban Nam Keung Kao to the north are all worth a peak if you have the time -- and have a good phrasebook packed! More intrepid travellers, may want to consider a jeep trip from Pak Hat to Pha Udom which passes through some spectacular scenery.
However for a growing few, a foray off to the Gibbon Experience -- an environmental protection programme with a difference -- forms the highlight of their time in Laos.
