South East Asian Trips

Pakbeng is in Bakeo Province, Laos. This small village lies half-way between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang on the banks of the Mekong river. You will likely be in Pakbeng because the two-day boat between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang has to stop for the night. It`s also the eastern end of Road 2, originating in Udom Xai. To call Pakbeng sleepy is an understatment. It's quiet to the point of being dead. Electricity goes out at 10.30pm, when the generator is shut down for the night. Pakbeng is in the Golden Triangle, and in the midst of one of the world's drugs production areas. From the moment you set your foot in Pakbeng, you will be offered weed and opium, plus cocaine and amphetamines, the latter usually Burmese in origin. If you are stupid enough to buy anything, you are highly likely to soon be approached by a different guy with a more or less fake police badge, who apparently will give you in to the police if you don't pay. It cannot be said often enough; when in Asia, stay away from drugs!! There is nothing to see except the mighty Mekong and rural Laos life.