Bokeo International Airport overview

Bokeo International Airport is one of the newest airports in Laos. It was built inside the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Ton Pheung district, Bokeo province, close to the point where Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. Despite the word "international" in its name, it currently works as a domestic airport.

Location of Bokeo International Airport

The airport sits in the far north-west of Laos, in the Golden Triangle area near the Mekong River. It serves the province of Bokeo, whose capital is Houayxay, as well as the special economic zone around it.

Terminal and runway at Bokeo

The terminal is modest in size, but the runway can handle narrow-body jets such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The airport was planned with room to grow, with a design capacity of up to 2 million passengers a year.

Airlines and flights from Bokeo

Scheduled service is limited. Flights link Bokeo with Vientiane, the Lao capital, and have been operated by Lao carriers including Lao Airlines. Frequencies have changed several times and the route has at times been suspended or run only in certain months, so always check the current schedule before planning a trip. More domestic and international routes have been planned, but none operate as regular services yet.

Getting around from Bokeo airport

Ground transport is informal. Travellers usually arrange a car or hotel pick-up in advance, especially for trips to Houayxay or the riverside towns along the Mekong.

Around Bokeo and the Golden Triangle

The Mekong riverfront, the slow-boat route towards Luang Prabang from Houayxay and the forests of Bokeo province are the main draws for visitors to this corner of Laos.

Tips for flying via Bokeo

Because flights are few, keep a back-up plan such as the border crossing to Chiang Khong in Thailand or road links to other Lao cities.

Check available flights from Bokeo International Airport on Traveloka.