Travel in Bueng Kan Province

Experience traveling in Bueng Kan Province on the Laos side in Bolikhamxay Province with mr.hotsia

Hello friends, I am mr.hotsia. Today I will take you to experience the atmosphere of Bueng Kan Province, but on the Laos side. Actually, Bueng Kan Province in Thailand is famous for tourist spots like Phu Thok or Bung Khong Long, which I have shared before.Traveling in Bueng Kan ProvinceThis time, I want to take you across the Mekong River to the Laos side in Bolikhamxay Province, which borders Bueng Kan directly, to give an overall picture that “Bueng Kan” is not only on the Thai side. The Laos side also has charm and an interesting way of life just as much.

Getting to Know Bueng Kan Province on the Laos Side and Bolikhamxay Province

Bolikhamxay Province, which many may not be familiar with, is the area located opposite Bueng Kan Province on the Thai side, separated by the Mekong River. This place still maintains simplicity and the traditional Lao way of life. Most houses are old wooden structures, peaceful and with an atmosphere different from the big cities we are used to. This charm is what I, mr.hotsia, really like when visiting such areas.

Have you ever heard the famous song “Kulap Pak San”? That song talks about Pak San town, which is in Bolikhamxay Province. The song tells the story of a beautiful woman like a golden rose by the Mekong River, deeply reflecting the beauty of this place. (Read more atTraveling Pak San, Bolikhamxay)

Walking Around Bueng Kan Town on the Laos Side: Lifestyle and Market

I recommend starting by walking around Bueng Kan town on the Laos side first because this area is convenient and clearly shows the villagers’ way of life. The town is not large. The main road is around the post office, which is the route for local minibuses going to nearby districts. This spot has gold shops, agricultural product stores, and a very lively market on Tuesdays and Fridays. I consider this market a colorful “Thai-Laos Market” because it features goods exchanged from both Thai and Laos sides, including rare forest products and local foods rarely seen elsewhere. (Read about the market atThai-Laos Market, Bueng Kan)

Here, I, mr.hotsia, enjoy strolling and tasting roadside snacks, including traditional sweets and fresh foods from Laos. Some are unusual and delicious enough that I want to recommend friends to try. For those who like lively fresh markets, this market is a must-visit.

Cycling Around Town: Experience the Simple Life Along the Mekong River

If you just walk around, it might take only about 30 minutes. But I, mr.hotsia, recommend renting a bicycle to ride around town because the streets are simple, straightforward, and easy to navigate without getting lost. Especially along the Mekong River, there is a riverside road stretching hundreds of meters, perfect for a chill bike ride or a pleasant walk to enjoy the Mekong River view.

The Mekong River here is wider than at Chiang Khong. You can see Pak San town and the San River flowing into the Mekong, which gives the name “Pak San.” This was something I, mr.hotsia, had wondered about and found the answer by visiting myself.

The riverside atmosphere here is not very crowded but has restaurants spaced along the way. Most are permanent shops located on the inner road, not right on the Mekong like on the Thai side where there are often floating or temporary evening restaurants.

Dinner by the Mekong with “Jane Korean BBQ”: Simple Delicious Food at an Affordable Price

For tonight, I chose to eat at “Jane Korean BBQ,” a Korean grilled meat buffet for 99 baht per person. This place is similar to Isan-style pork pan but uses Korean branding to highlight the local cuisine. I ate alone and paid a little extra to 129 baht. The taste was very worthwhile: fresh meat, tender pork, and large shrimp available to order with unlimited refills.

The restaurant atmosphere is not fancy but clean and friendly, suitable for travelers like me who want to eat well, enjoy tasty food, and not spend too much time. After eating, I went for a walk by the Mekong River at night, enjoying the lights from the Thai side and the cool breeze, which helped me relax before preparing to travel to Pak San the next day.

Transportation and Convenience in Bolikhamxay Province

To get to this area, most people rely on local buses or minibuses because roads and distances between tourist spots in Bueng Kan Province on the Laos side are quite spread out. Without a private car, it might be a bit difficult. However, in the main town of Bueng Kan on the Laos side, traveling by bicycle or on foot is the best option.

If anyone is interested in crossing to Bueng Kan Province on the Thai side, it is convenient to use the Mekong River ferry service at Pak San checkpoint, which is not far from the bus station. From there, it is easy to continue by car into Bueng Kan town. (Read travel details atPak San Bus Station)

Impressions from mr.hotsia

For me, traveling to Bueng Kan Province on the Laos side in Bolikhamxay Province is an experience of a simple and charming lifestyle that many might overlook. Like me, who enjoys walking the market, tasting local food, and cycling peacefully along the Mekong River, seeing villagers doing business with smiles, and hearing the song “Kulap Pak San” that seems to lull you into relaxing with nature.

If you are looking for a not-too-crowded destination with rustic charm and want to learn about the culture on both sides of the Mekong, “Bueng Kan on the Laos side” in Bolikhamxay Province is another option that I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend without hesitation.