About Bokeo accommodation

Bokeo sits in the far north-west of Laos, where the Mekong River forms the border and rainforest still covers much of the province. Most travellers arrive at the riverside town of Houay Xai (Huay Xai), either crossing over from Thailand or breaking a Mekong boat journey, before heading into Nam Kan National Park for the province's biggest drawcard, the Gibbon Experience.

Accommodation is mostly clustered in Houay Xai itself, with everything from budget guesthouses to a handful of smarter hotels along the riverfront. If you're booking a Gibbon Experience trip, it's worth staying a night in town either side, since transfers into the park leave from the Gibbon Experience office in the morning.

Where to stay in Bokeo

• Houay Xai: the provincial capital on the Mekong, with riverside guesthouses, restaurants and the departure point for slow boats to Luang Prabang and Gibbon Experience transfers.

How much is Bokeo accommodation?

• Budget: AU$15-35, a simple guesthouse room with fan or air-con, some with Mekong views
• Mid-range: AU$40-80, a private hotel room with air-con, WiFi and breakfast included

What Bokeo is known for

• The Gibbon Experience: a multi-day adventure through the rainforest canopy of Nam Kan National Park, ziplining between platforms high above the forest floor and sleeping in treehouses built into the canopy.
• Nam Kan National Park: dense protected rainforest home to gibbons and other wildlife, with trekking trails, rivers and waterfalls running through it.
• The Mekong riverfront: Houay Xai's stretch of riverside restaurants and guesthouses makes for a relaxed stop before or after time in the jungle.

Top-rated hotels in Bokeo

• Riverside Houayxay Hotel: a long-running favourite right on the Mekong, with river-view rooms and a restaurant terrace popular at sunset.
• The M Bokeo Hotel: one of the more upscale options in town, with air-conditioned rooms, a small gym and free WiFi.
• Bokeo Lodge & Restaurant: a straightforward lodge just outside the centre, with a terrace, restaurant and bar.
• Phonevichith Guesthouse: a budget-friendly guesthouse with Mekong views and a welcoming, family-run feel.

Travel tips for Bokeo

• Book your Gibbon Experience trip well ahead, as groups are small and spots fill up fast in the dry season (November to April).
• Houay Xai is the main crossing point between Laos and Thailand, so it's a common overnight stop either side of the border.
• Pack light, waterproof gear if you're heading into Nam Kan National Park, since the rainforest sees rain year-round.
• The slow boat to Luang Prabang leaves from Houay Xai and takes two days with an overnight stop in Pakbeng, so sort your seat and a packed lunch the day before.