LAOS- NORTHERN MOUNTAIN BOKEO

BOKEO

CAPITAL : HOUAY XAY

TOTAL AREA : 6196 SQUARE KILOMETERS

POPULATION: 165661

Bokeo, meaning “gem mine “is the smallest province in Laos, but one of the most ethnically diverse with over 30 recognised ethnic groups .The Lahu, a Tibeto Burman speaking people common in northern Myanmar and Thailand are present in Bokeo in significant proportions. The province is located in the heart of the infamous “Golden Triangle” sharing borders with Luang Namtha as well as Myanmar and Thailand. Houay Xay, just across the border from the Thai town of Chiang Kong is a popular starting point for boat trips down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, a two day journey south.

Since ancient times Huay Xay, the provincial capital, has been the disembarkation point for travellers and traders from Yunnan province in southern China on their way to Thailand. It is still a popular town for trading in Chinese goods. Wat Jom Kao Manilt, a teak Shan –style pagoda built in 1880 houses a stele that dates back back to 1458.Fort Carnot, a remnant of the French colonial period is still standing but off limits to visitors, as today the fort is occupied by the Lao army. Just south of the main town it is possible to visit one of the main sapphires –mining areas in Indochina.

For the energetic visitor or for those heading up to Luang Namtha, stop in Vieng Phukha to organized a one, two or three day guided trek to local Khamu, Lahu and Tai Lu villages.In the Nam Kan provincial protected area one of the few remaining populations of Black cheeked Crested Gibbons can be found, singing their eerie and beautiful early morning songs during the cold season from November –February. If you are interested in archaeology visit the ancient city of Souvannakhomkham near Ton Peung just north of Huay Xay.

River trips to the far north can be arranged from Huay Xay, either on the Mekong or the smaller Namtha.River travel north on the Mekong terminates at Xieng Ko in Luang Namtha, where you can then easily proceed overland to the historic town of Muang Sing.The 2 day journey up the Namtha requires an overnight stay in your boatman’s village, a memorable experience for those seeking an off the beaten path adventure.

Swimming in the Mekong near Huay Xay is the largest freshwater fish in the world, the famous Mekong catfish known locally as “paa beuk”.This giant grows up to 3m in length and can weigh up to 300 kg. The meat of this enormous but endangered fish is considered a delicacy and and brings a high price in markets as far away as Bangkok.