Bokeo Province, Northern province in Laos
Description
Bokeo is a province in northwestern Laos that stretches along the borders with Myanmar and Thailand. Five administrative districts lie between the Mekong and forested mountain ranges, where villages scatter across steep slopes.
History
A stone inscription from the 15th century documents early settlement in this region, which long served as a passage for trade routes. The province took its current form during administrative reforms in the 20th century.
Culture
The province takes its name from the Lao word for gem mine, referring to the sapphire deposits once worked in this area. Different ethnic communities inhabit the valleys and mountain slopes, with each group maintaining distinct textile patterns and house styles.
Practical
The provincial capital Houayxay sits on the Mekong and offers ferry crossings to Thailand as well as downstream boat trips to Luang Prabang. Mountain roads lead inland, though many routes become difficult during the rainy season.
Did you know?
A protected area shelters black-crested gibbons that researchers believed extinct until the late 1990s. Today their calls can occasionally be heard from the jungle in the early morning hours.
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Phu Chi Fa
50.2 km
Fourth Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge
1.9 km
Nam Ha National Protected Area
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Wat Phra That Pha Ngao
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Wat Phra Kaeo
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43.2 km
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2.6 km
Wat Pong Sanuk
34.5 km
Wat Pong Khong
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Wat Ban Thung
20.2 km
Wat Chedi Chet Yot
33.1 km
Wat Ko Pha Dam
27.3 kmAng Kep Nam Huai Kwan
23.9 kmAng Kep Nam Tat Khwan
41.3 kmPhou Kandai
80.3 kmDoi Luang Prae Muang
8.7 kmAng Kep Nam Huai Chang
9.9 km
Wat Phra That Song Phi Nong
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50.2 kmWat Pa O Bun Rueang
33.4 kmSouvanna Khomkhan ancient village
27.9 kmBan Panna Tai
11.6 kmCafe & Tourist goods
50.1 kmTourists document check point
27.7 kmPromenade along the river
33.8 km
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