Bokeo is the smallest province of the country and is situated on the Lao side of the ‘Golden Triangle’. Its capital is the border town of Houayxay (also spelled Huay Xai or Houei Sai), opposite Thailand. The town’s main attractions are Chomkao Manilat temple and Carnot fort, a French fort in ruins. Gold panning and digging for gems are the main activities of Bokeo, and visitors can see this at Namkhoh and Houi Sala villages.
Bokeo has a domestic airport and local transportation includes buses and speed and slow boats along the Mekong river.