Xieng Kok is a beautiful Laotian town full of character that is scenically located on the banks of the Mekong River with stunning views across to Myanmar. It houses a small village community in traditional bamboo shacks and wooden stilted homes.
It has gained popularity in recent years for offering boat trips to and from the nearby town of Huay Xai. It allows visitors a fascinating insight into local life and despite being something of a sleepy town, it is full of charm. You may need to occasionally side-step a cow which is sleeping at an intersection or a goat which is wandering around, but this adds to the experience.
There is not a great deal to do once you are in the town, although most people arrive to take in the sights and smells of local life. It is not brimming with manmade attractions. Instead it is the natural beauty which makes this town an interesting stop off. There are many small rivers outside the town as well as rice fields, cliffs, small villages and rolling hills.
Getting There & Away
There is no official bus station in Xieng Kok, although buses do pass through and drop people at the boat landing point and border checkpoint. Buses service routes throughout the province of Luang Nam Tha, from where you can get to Luang Prabang via Udomxai. There are also boats offering river journeys to and from Huay Xai.
Things to Do
Xieng Kok Attractions
- Mekong River
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Along the banks of this part of the river, visitors will be able to explore beautiful countryside and traditional houses. many locals live along the river, which is their life source. they use the river water for bathing, washing, cooking and cleaning and life along the banks is fascinating to watch.