The small stopover village of Pakbeng

Located halfway between Houay Xai and Luang Prabang, the village of Pakbeng can be reached by boat or by road from Oudomxay. Nestled at the foot of a mountain, this small stopover village is often where travellers spend a night. The local population has become accustomed to the arrival of boats, and residents have made tourism their main activity. The village therefore has many guesthouses and small restaurants. Early in the morning, as travellers head towards the boats, the street is lined with stalls filled with freshly prepared drinks, pastries and sandwiches.

Pakbeng: ປາກແບງ

The village of Pakbeng

What to do in Pakbeng?

We offer a stopover in Pakbeng on our Mekong cruises from Houay Xai to Luang Prabang. Although Pakbeng serves only as a “stop” for travellers, the setting is nonetheless remarkable. Numerous viewpoints over the Mekong await those who take the time to stop. Strolling along the riverbanks is also very pleasant, and during the day the village enjoys a restful calm.

Where to stay in Pakbeng?

Here are some of our recommendations for hotels in Pakbeng: Pakbeng Lodge offers 30 spacious, tastefully decorated rooms and is the ideal starting point for walks through the surrounding forests and mountains. In addition, this is where the Mekong Elephant Park is located, allowing you to learn more about these emblematic animals of Laos. If you are looking for a little more authenticity, Luangsay Lodge offers large bungalows in traditional Lao architecture in a comfortable, characterful setting. Finally, Grand Pakbeng offers an unforgettable stay with its 45 villas featuring private terraces and a jacuzzi. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful luxury resorts in northern Laos. Please do not hesitate to contact us to book your charming hotel in Pakbeng. If the hotel of your choice is not included in your Laos itinerary, please let us know. Your satisfaction and wishes are our priority, and we tailor the accommodation for your trip to Laos to your specific requirements.

What to see around Pakbeng?

If you travel up the Mekong towards Houay Xay, you can continue your journey to Thailand by crossing the border, or you can head downriver to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer the road, you will reach the town of Oudomxay a little further north. This small town further north serves as a commercial crossroads with China. Just 1 hour from Oudomxay is Muang La Lodge, a superb eco-lodge with only 10 rooms, located in the heart of the northern mountains, on the lands of ethnic minorities. With its massage pavilion facing the river, its pool on the heart of its private island, its sauna and two large natural hot-water pools overlooking the landscape, this charming lodge will undoubtedly guarantee you an exclusive relaxing stay!

Fishing in the river

Visit Pakbeng with Asia Safari Laos

Because every trip to Laos should be unique, our team of local travel advisors is on hand to organise your stay in Pakbeng. We assist you in choosing your accommodation, transport and activities as closely as possible to your expectations. Our services allow you to experience the true north of Laos and discover the country differently, off the beaten track.

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    Why choose Asia Safari for your trip to Laos?

    With Asia Safari, you plan your tailor-made trip directly with a local English-speaking team. Our agency has been based in Vientiane since 2002. Its founder, Jean-Paul Duvergé, has worked in Laos since 2000. Our guides are Lao, our accommodations are hand-picked, and each itinerary is tailor-made. The result: a vibrant, fair trip, without unnecessary frills.

    • Local English-speaking agency: we speak your language and know the country from the inside
    • Zero intermediaries: you deal directly with the local team
    • Truly tailor-made: no fixed catalog — each trip is unique
    • Since 2002, Asia Safari has been creating tailor-made journeys in Laos, drawing on the experience its founder has gained in the country since 2000.

    How does our tailor-made service work?

    1. You send us your request (dates, budget, desires, profile)
    2. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information: your itinerary, accommodation and a quote specifying the services included.
    3. We refine the proposal together, adjusting the itinerary, accommodation and activities to suit your expectations and budget.
    4. We coordinate the services included in your itinerary on the ground: guides, transport, accommodation and activities.

    When to visit Laos?

    From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.

    The cost depends on the length of your trip, the season, the number of travellers, your accommodation and the services you choose. We prepare a personalised quote based on your wishes and budget, specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    Entry requirements depend on your nationality, the length of your stay and your point of entry. Depending on your circumstances, you may apply for an e-Visa or a visa on arrival. The tourist e-Visa allows a stay of 30 days and can only be used at designated entry points. We help you check which procedures apply to your trip.

    Yes. We adapt the pace, destinations, accommodation and activities to your children’s ages and your family’s wishes. We focus on a balanced itinerary, with time to rest and suitable journeys between stops.

    Yes. You can plan your trip in English with our local team. Depending on your itinerary, we arrange visits with English-speaking guides and the support you need during your stay.

    A few days allow you to explore Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Allow around ten days to combine Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane, or 15 to 18 days to include southern Laos. We adapt the itinerary and journeys to the time you have available and your preferred pace.

    Laos, the heart of your Indochina tour

    Laos is often the surprise of a trip: uncrowded, authentic, with a quiet beauty. Asia Safari makes Laos much more than a stopover — we make it the central experience of your stay, before or after Vietnam, Cambodia, or Thailand.

    Our travel ideas for Laos and neighbouring countries

    Laos + Cambodia: from the temples of Luang Prabang to Angkor, shape a journey combining cultural heritage and Mekong scenery. A visit to Tonlé Sap can complement the itinerary, depending on your interests and the time available.
    Laos + Vietnam: Two contrasting countries — the calm of Laos and the energy of Vietnam. From Hanoi to Vientiane or vice versa.
    Northern Laos + Yunnan: from the landscapes of Yunnan to the mountains of northern Laos, the Laos–China railway can connect some of the stops on your journey. We plan the route with you, in either direction.
    Grand Indochina Tour (40 days): Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand — a memorable trip for life.

    Tips for preparing your multi-country tour

    Visas: each country has its own rules — Asia Safari guides you through all procedures.
    Duration: we adapt the number of stops to the time you have available. For a trip combining two countries, we consider the regions you want to explore, travel between destinations and your preferred pace.
    Seasons: seasons vary by country — we help you choose the best window.
    Budget: the cost of a multi-country trip depends on its length, the season, the number of travellers, accommodation and transport between destinations. We prepare a personalised quote specifying the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    We can combine Laos with Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand or Yunnan in China. We design the itinerary around your dates, interests and arrival point, then select connections suited to the route and each country’s entry requirements.

    To explore several regions in Laos and either Vietnam or Cambodia, allow around 15 to 18 days. A shorter combined trip is possible with fewer stops. Allow several weeks for a grand tour of multiple countries. We adapt the route to the time you have available and your preferred pace.

    Yes. We arrange the transport included in your itinerary: airport transfers, road journeys, trains, boats and domestic flights, depending on the programme. Your quote specifies the services included and any expenses to budget for separately.

    Absolutely. Asia Safari welcomes solo travelers as well as couples, families, or small groups of friends. Each trip is designed for you.

    Yes. Whether you prefer an active trip or a more leisurely pace, we design your itinerary with you, based on your interests, mobility and preferred level of comfort.

    Our Story

    Jean-Paul Duvergé has worked in Laos since 2000. In 2002, he founded Asia Safari in Vientiane to design tailor-made trips in Laos and Indochina. Today, the agency’s French-Lao team plans each itinerary with its travellers and coordinates arrangements on the ground with its local guides and partners.

    What sets us apart

    A team on the ground: based in Vientiane, we plan your trip using our knowledge of Laos and information from our local partners. We take the seasons, travel conditions and accommodation into account when designing your itinerary.
    We speak your language: our team supports you in English, from planning your trip to assistance during your stay. English-speaking guided visits are arranged according to your itinerary.
    Direct contact with our team: you speak with the people who plan your trip and coordinate its organisation on the ground. Your quote specifies the price of your trip and the services included.
    Tailor-made journeys: our suggested itineraries are starting points. We adapt the destinations, pace, accommodation and activities to your dates, wishes and budget.

    Our commitment

    We give preference to local accommodation providers and partners. When visiting villages, we take care to respect residents and their customs. Our approach also aims to help preserve the cultural and natural sites that make Laos special.

    Asia Safari is a local agency based in Vientiane, Laos. Founded in 2002 by Jean-Paul Duvergé, it has a French-Lao team that plans and coordinates your trip on the ground.

    You can contact us through the questionnaire on our website, by email or by phone. We send you an initial response within 24 working hours, followed by a detailed proposal within 48 working hours of receiving the necessary information.

    Yes. We design tailor-made trips for families and groups of friends, adapting the itinerary to the number of travellers, their shared interests and budget. For larger groups, we review your plans on request.

    Asia Safari accepts international bank transfers. Payment terms (deposit, balance) are specified in your personalized quote.

    Our local team can be contacted seven days a week during your stay. If anything unexpected happens, we assess the situation with you and coordinate any necessary adjustments with our partners on the ground.

    Laos in figures

    Laos covers 236,800 km² and had a population of around 7.9 million in 2025. Its capital is Vientiane, its official language is Lao and its currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Theravada Buddhism is the main religion. The country is in the UTC+7 time zone.

    Laos must-sees

    Luang Prabang: Former royal capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site, its golden temples, French colonial houses, and gentle way of life make it an undeniable favorite.
    Vientiane: The human-sized capital — That Luang, Patuxai, and the banks of the Mekong are worth a visit.
    Vang Vieng: Surrounded by limestone karsts, ideal for kayaking, caving, and hiking.
    Southern Laos and 4000 Islands: Champassak, the Vat Phou temples (UNESCO), the Bolaven Plateau, and the Mekong islands.

    Lao culture

    Theravada Buddhism has an important place in Laos, alongside a variety of cultural traditions. In Luang Prabang, the monks’ morning alms round is a religious ritual to observe with discretion and respect. Boun Pi Mai, Lao New Year in April, and Boun Ok Phansa, which marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat, are among the events that shape the year.

    Nature and biodiversity

    The forests and protected areas of Laos are home to a variety of wildlife, including Asian elephants, gibbons and sun bears. Rivers, mountains and plateaus offer many opportunities to explore nature.

    We plan your itinerary with local conditions in mind and explain the precautions relevant to your planned journeys and activities. Before departure, also consult official travel advice, which outlines the risks in different regions.

    From November to February, the weather is generally drier and temperatures are milder. March and April are often hotter. The rainy season, from May to October, brings lush green landscapes; we adapt the itinerary and transport to local conditions.

    The official currency is the Lao kip (LAK). Bring cash in kip for everyday expenses and stays in rural areas. ATMs are available in the main towns and cities; card acceptance varies by establishment.

    Before departure, check that your routine vaccinations are up to date. Additional vaccinations, including hepatitis A, and any preventive malaria medication should be discussed with your doctor or a travel vaccination centre, based on your health and itinerary. Also take precautions against mosquito bites.

    A few days allow you to explore Luang Prabang and the surrounding area. Allow around ten days to combine Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. A more extensive itinerary into central and southern Laos requires more time: we adjust its length to your interests and preferred pace.