Pakbeng

If you like to enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River by boat to Luang Prabang or to Huoixai (Houayxay or Huay Xai). You will obviously be in Pakbeng as the slow two-day boat ride between Luang Prabang and Houayxay have to stop for the night. Upon your arrival there will be local restaurants and hotels that have been set up to welcome you.

Pakbeng meaning in Laotian "The mouth of the Beng" is a small rural village in the Oudomxay province, at the confluence of the Mekong river and the Beng river. This place is one of the highlights of your northern Laos discovery and houses some hill tribes like the Khamous, the H’mongs, and the Lues. You will have the chance to observe their daily life and learn more of their unique culture. Most people live through fishing on the Mekong river where you can feel the spirit.

As local people are hospitable, you will certainly be warmly welcomed as a guest to taste specialty at their home.

With respect to interesting things to do in Pakbeng you can find here:

• Live unforgettable experiences with the 8 elephants at the Mekong Elephant Camp where you will have the opportunity to learn the information about this animal, such as its important role in the Laotians’s life, and then participate in the bathing of these 8 elephants in a large lake;this ritual helps to attach the elephant to his mahout.

• Explore the two temples of Wat Kokkor Mingmoungkoun and Wat Sin Jong Jeang located on a fairly gentle hill not far from the main street to contemplate a stunning sunset over the Mekong.

• Visit the local market open every day from morning to afternoon where you can surprise several different food and handicrafts made by local people.

A little attention: electricity is available 24 hours in Pakbeng but it is occasionally cut off, so it would be better to prepare an electric torch