Overview
Bolikhamxay Province in the middle of Laos actually has borders with international neighbours, Vietnam to the east and Thailand to the west. Its capital is Paksan and within the Province there is the country’s largest Dam, Nam Theun 2 which is a major source of electricity. The Annamite Mountain Range go east to Vietnam while the iconic Mekong River flows through in the west.

The Nakai–Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area within Bolikhamxay and the neighbouring Khammouane Province is one of the largest protected area in the Country. Its highest peak is at 1,500 metres while a tributary of the Mekong, Nam Kading, is the main river. Our Laos travel guide intends to provide more information on the provinces and those to include in Laos travel packages.

Indochina tour packages visiting more than a single country will reveal differences and similarities between countries.

How to get there
Laos’ transport system is not particularly well developed, especially in comparison to its easterly neighbour Vietnam. Roads are poor in the monsoon season and not especially good at other times though people on holiday in Laos are usually aware before they travel.

Vientiane is often the city of entry into Laos though there are land crossings from Vietnam and Thailand. Those on organised tours in Laos will have everything arranged for them. Independent travellers can catch buses throughout the Country.

Best time to visit
The monsoon season is between May and October but there are annual variations in the amount that falls. There are highs well above 30C but lows can drop almost to freezing in the higher areas.Laos welcomes visitors every month of the year and the ultimate choice on a visit to Laos may depend on where else is included in the itinerary.

Things to see and do
Those on Laos tour packages coming into Bolikhamxay do so largely to enjoy what nature has to offer:

• In terms of scenery there is the karst limestone mountains and three waterfalls; the Tad Leuk, Tad Xay and Tad Xang.
• The mixed semi-tropical forests, one of the largest such areas in Indochina, has wonderful fauna including the extremely rare tiger, black and sun bear, gaur, clouded leopard, gibbon and Asian elephant in the Khao Khouay  National Park.
• The wetlands of Nam Kading host plenty of migratory birds as well as plenty of residents such as bulbuls and hornbills.
There are some landmarks, notably Wat Phabath and Wat Phonsanh temples.

As with everywhere else in Laos there are a number of festivals throughout the year:

• Watermelon Festival in Bolikhan
• Phabath Stupa Festival in Thaphabath
• Wat Dan Festivalat Dan Soung Temple in Pakxan.
• Boun Bang Fai, Rocket Festival asks for rain and several are held throughout the Province.
• Boun Suang Heua, Boat Racing Festival, celebrates the harvest.
• Hmong New Year Festival

Accommodation
There are guesthouses and hotels to choose from within the Province. Pakzan offers the best choice of hotels though there are othersin Kamkeuth, Pakkading and Bolikhan.There are also a couple of resorts in the Capital. Those on organised tours will have their Laos itinerariesorganised for them.