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Houayxay Port

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Port

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Houayxay Port is a vital river port located in Bokeo Province, Northern Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River directly opposite the Thai town of Chiang Khong. It serves as one of the primary gateways for cross-border trade and passenger transport between Laos, Thailand, and Southern China. Since the opening of the Fourth Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in 2013, the port's role has evolved, but it remains essential for the waterborne transport of bulk goods and agricultural products. The port facilities have been continuously modernized to meet the growing demands of regional trade and to shorten the turnaround times for cargo vessels. Beyond its economic significance, Houayxay is a major tourism hub, as it is the starting point for the popular two-day slow boat journeys downriver to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang. The strategic importance of the port is further highlighted by its location within the Golden Triangle, where significant investments in cross-border infrastructure are driving the economic integration of Mekong sub-region nations.

Location: Laos
Top sights: Fort Carnot Viewpoint · Choko Temple · Thung ngio Temple
Nearby: Muang Long (74 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	19	21	24	27	27	26	25	25	25	24	21	18
Rain mm	19	5	23	53	117	110	198	217	129	67	27	13

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

Houayxay Port is a significant river port on the Mekong in northwestern Laos. It serves as a major hub for inland waterway shipping and cross-border trade with northern Thailand.

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Visiting

The port is open to the public as an active cargo and passenger transshipment point. Visitors can observe operations from the quay and see ferries and cargo vessels.

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Where to view it

The best public viewpoint is the promenade along the quay, offering a good view of the Mekong and docking ships. The nearby bridge also provides a panoramic view of the port.

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Local products

Agricultural products like rice, vegetables and fruit, plus consumer goods from Thailand and China are transshipped here. Seasonal products include fresh tropical fruits available depending on harvest time.

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Active season

Port activity continues year-round, with peak times during the main harvest season from November to February. Large volumes of agricultural products are shipped then.

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Nearby

Combine a visit with the town of Houayxay, known for its temples and the border market with Thailand. The Mekong riverside and caves in the surrounding area are also worth exploring.

Geography

Coordinates

20.27000, 100.41000

Facts

Located on the Mekong River in Bokeo Province.
Border town situated directly opposite Chiang Khong, Thailand.
Major transshipment point for goods from China and Thailand.
Primary starting point for Mekong river trips to Luang Prabang.
Car ferry traffic decreased after the bridge opened in 2013.
Serves as a customs checkpoint for regional river trade.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bokeo International Trade Zone<1 km · WExplore →

Phou That14 km · WExplore →

Bokeo Nature Reserve38 km · NExplore →

Nan52 km · NEExplore →

Phrae52 km · SEExplore →

Nam Kan National Park55 km · NExplore →

Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)56 km · NWExplore →

Mae Sai59 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Houayxay Port (8)

Fort Carnot Viewpoint 🌿 nature

This viewpoint by the old French fort features the best vantage point over Houayxay and the Mekong River.

Choko Temple ⛪ religious

A small, quiet Buddhist shrine embedded in the daily religious life of the local riverside community.

Thung ngio Temple 📍 landmark

A traditional Buddhist complex known for its well-kept gardens and peaceful atmosphere.

Pratad Doi Mae Ya Mon Temple 📍 landmark

This hilltop pagoda provides a quiet retreat for worshippers and a broad view of the surrounding mountains for visitors.

Naga Shrine ⛪ religious

A riverside religious shrine dedicated to the mythical Naga serpents, the protectors of the Mekong.

Chiangkhong Bible Church ⛪ religious

A modern Christian place of worship in Houayxay serving the local international community.

Wat Hau Vieng 📍 landmark

A historic temple known for its intricate wood carvings and traditional Laotian artworks.

Mouang Keo Market 🎭 culture

A local market center specializing in traditional Laotian silk and woven handicraft products.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the significance of Houayxay Port?

It is an important hub for trade on the Mekong River between Laos and Thailand.

Can tourists take boats from here?

Yes, the famous 'slow boats' for the two-day trip to Luang Prabang start here.

Where is the port located?

In Bokeo province, directly across from the Thai town of Chiang Khong.

What is handled at the port?

Mainly consumer goods, construction materials, and agricultural products.

Are there hotels nearby?

Yes, Houayxay has many accommodations for travelers crossing the border.

Houayxay Port: where is it located?

Houayxay Port is located in Laos.

Houayxay Port: what is there to see?

Highlights include Fort Carnot Viewpoint, Choko Temple, Thung ngio Temple.

Houayxay Port: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Nov, Dec.

Houayxay Port: why is it worth visiting?

Houayxay Port is a vital river port located in Bokeo Province, Northern Laos, situated on the banks of the Mekong River directly opposite the Thai town of Chiang Khong.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Houayxay Port

Best time to visit & climate