Mekong at Ban Thanoun

Peace Along the Mighty Mekong

Ban Thanoun
Ban Thanoun is a very picturesque Kh’mu village set on the Mekong river banks, upstream Pakbeng, Oudomxay province, where most of the boats going to and coming from Luang Prabang stop overnight. Instead of following the flow of tourists to Pakbeng, try stopping over at Ban Thanoun to experience real Lao life on the river. The village is gorgeaous and the white sand beaches are unique to the region. Kh(mu hospitality is a must-live in Laos! This tiny village is also a possible starting point for a 2 days trek to Hongsa through an untouch portion of old forest and small villages. Arriving in Hongsa offers an incredible panoramic view on its valley and rice fields… Ask local people to take you there! They are the best possible guides you will find!

Getting There

There are two ways to get to Ban Thanoun. Either by land from Hongsa. At the Hongsa bus station, ask for a local taxi to take you to Ban Thanoun (on the way to Tha Souang, turn right and on to Thanoun). Another way to get there is by boat from Luang Prabang, Pakbeng or Tha Souang.

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Sayaboury Province’s four northern districts – Hongsa, Ngeun, Xienghone and Khop – will take you off-the-beaten track right into the land of ancient spiritual beliefs and handicraft traditions. En route to Luang Prabang and Vientiane, or on your way to and from Northern Thailand, Sayaboury – the “Land of the Elephants” – is a perfect stop in between – just stay another day!
Festivals. Enjoy vibrant festivals such as the Boat Racing Festival, the Spiritual Ghost Festival, Pii Mai Lao (New Year) or Khmu New Year. And every February the must-go for all friends of the Big Grey Ones is the national Elephant Festival – don´t miss it!
Mystic. All year round you can learn about ethnic minority groups like the Lue, Yuan, Iu Mien, Phrai, Hmong and Thai Dam; each with unique beliefs in natural spirits and Buddhist rituals that reveal ancient traditions. Immerse yourself in traditional lifestyles and enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the Lao people.
Adventure. Ready for Sayaboury’s adventures? You will get your money’s worth on Sayaboury’s off-the-beaten track tours by boat, motorbike and trekking. Visit the Elephant Conservation Center at the Nam Tien Protected Area and get to meet elephants in their natural habitat in one of Asia’s best managed sanctuaries!
Relax. For a more tame adventure head to the Nam Tien Natural Protected Area near Sayabouly city, play golf or enjoy the view over the lakeside with Lao cuisine. For meditation and a traditional spa, the best spot in town is the Herbal Spa Center at the Nam Heung river banks.

The four districts are bordering the Mekong River in the North and Thailand in the South. A national road crosses the districts and connects all of them with the province capital of Sayaboury. All four districts have access to the Mekong where boat services are available to Bokeo, Oudomxay and Luang Prabang.

There is an international border check point with visa on arrival in Ngeun district, connecting Thailand, Laos and China/Vietnam by a new international road linking Nan Province (Thailand), Ngeun district and Oudomxay province. A ferry is crossing the Mekong from Pakhouaykhene/Ngeun to Oudomxay.

Also the land route from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang makes traveling shorter, offering beautiful nature on both Thai and Lao sides.