More about hotels in Bolikhamxai
About Bolikhamxai accommodation
Bolikhamxai is a quiet province in central Laos, tucked between the Mekong River and the forested slopes of the Annamite Range on the border with Vietnam. It's one of the country's least-visited corners, which suits travellers keen to see rural Laos away from the usual backpacker trail. Most visitors base themselves in Paksan, the provincial capital, set where the Nam Xan River meets the Mekong.
Accommodation is modest and mostly limited to Paksan, with a scattering of basic guesthouses in smaller towns like Pakkading and Bolikhan. Don't expect resorts or international hotel chains here. This is a practical stopover for travellers exploring Nam Kading National Protected Area, or breaking up a long drive along Route 13.
Where to stay in Bolikhamxai
- Paksan: The provincial capital and the only town with a genuine choice of places to stay, from simple riverside guesthouses to a couple of straightforward hotels near the Mekong.
How much is Bolikhamxai accommodation?
- Budget: AU$15-45, a basic room in a family-run guesthouse, fan or air-con, shared or private bathroom.
- Mid-range: AU$45-90, a modest inn or hotel room with a private bathroom and more reliable air-con.
What Bolikhamxai is known for
- Nam Kading National Protected Area: A rugged, little-disturbed forest reserve east of Paksan, cut through by the Nam Kading River. It shelters elephants, gaur, gibbons and hornbills, but the terrain is steep and the rivers aren't navigable, so visits mean guided trekking rather than easy sightseeing.
- Rural Mekong countryside: Karst limestone hills, rice paddies and farming villages line the roads out of Paksan, with quiet stretches of the Mekong riverfront good for an evening walk.
Top-rated hotels in Bolikhamxai
- BK Guesthouse: A long-running backpacker favourite in Paksan, known for small but well-kept rooms and a warm welcome.
- Paksan Hotel: A renovated hotel with clean, straightforward rooms, on-site parking and overnight security.
- Paksan Rose' Guesthouse: A garden-set guesthouse in Muang Pakxan with a relaxed, homely feel.
Travel tips for Bolikhamxai
- Book ahead where you can, Paksan's small stock of rooms can fill up quickly with travellers passing through on Route 13.
- Pack for basic amenities, air-con and hot water aren't guaranteed in every guesthouse.
- Treat Paksan as your base for Nam Kading, the protected area itself has no accommodation and is reached on foot with a guide.
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