Pakbeng - The Quaint Town On Mekong River

by Seni World May 16, 2023

Located between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, Pakbeng is easy to reach by boat from those destinations. The odd town between two tourist hubs does not have a lot to offer, but it still attracts visitors by its idyllic landscape, friendly people as well as the natural and wildlife area.

A Little Bit about Pakbeng

Pakbeng is a small village in Bakeo province, Northern Laos. Because it is situated in a spot where the Nam Beng river flows into the Mekong river, it gets its current name in which Pak means mouth and Beng refers to the Nam Beng river.

Pakbeng plays an important role in trading since it is the riverine transport route to deliver goods from Thailand into the interior. Moreover, nowadays, Pakbeng is known as a night stop for shipment and backpackers because the slow boats run between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai over a period of two days.

Things to See and Do in Pakbeng

Mekong Elephant Camp - The lovely destination

Laos is well known with another name – the land of million elephants and Pakbeng is one of the evidences for its fame. The Mekong Elephant Camp is located along the Mekong River and opposite the Pakbeng city. This natural setting is home of 8 elephants and is ideal destination for visitors to get new experience with these big but friendly animals.

Coming to this site, visitors can have a chance to learn about the information related to elephant such as the privileged role of elephant in Lao culture. This site also enables visitors to witness the daily ritual when 8 elephants bath at the same time in the pool. This kind of ritual is appreciated since it solids the relationship between the elephant and its mahout.

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Pakbeng Village - The Backwood Village

Crossing the port area, visitors will reach the real Pakbeng which lies on the top of the hill. Except the luxury lodges on the bank of the river, the traditional houses are all found in village. The genuine, honest people living with green tree and forest will be sometime willing to help you discover their live and enjoy some traditional meal. Wandering around the village is also a good option to recharge your energy before you go to the next tourist hub. The two wats – Wat Kokkor Mingmoungkoun and Wat Sichomecheng which overlook the Mekong are worth visiting. Most of the old temples were destroyed over 300 years ago due to the war with the Thai Kingdom. Thus, the two wats dedicating to Buddha here have highly historical value to the local. Watching sunset from these location you can capture some beautiful things for your memory.

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Coming to Pakbeng, you should not forget to visit the local market where you can meet the ethnic in their traditional dress. The market starts every morning and is available for you to visit all day. It’s not hustling and luxury but it’s traditional.

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