The province faced many invasions from the Siamese throughout its history. The foundation of Paksan dates from the late nineteenth century. In 1836, the Siamese assumed suzerainty over Laos. After 1865, the invasions of "Hos", Chinese gangs from southern China, affected the provinces of Xieng Khouang and Bolikhamsai (Borikhane).
In 1876, the King of Siam, Rama V, ordered the creation of the Muong Borikhane with the last survivors of the Ho invasion of 1874. The Muong of Borikhane was placed under the authority of Kha Luang Nong Khai.
In the 1890s, Christian missionaries of the Missions Etrangères de Paris arrived on the Mekong River, a few miles from the mouth of the Nam Sane. They built a church at Paksan. By 1911, the Muong Borikhane had about 61 villages housing a population of about 4000
inhabitants. Paksane had grown to several thousand in 1937.
Borikhamxay was established in 1967 during the Lao revolution period by splitting parts of from Vientiane and Khammuane Province. Initially the province had 4 districts but over time the number of districts grew and since 2009 the province has 7 districts - Pakxanh, Thaphabath, Pakkading, Borikhanh, Viengthong, Khamkeuth and Xaychamphone with Xaychamphone district established in 2009 by combining parts parts of Khamkeut and Viengthong districts into the new district.
Bolikhamxay climate and 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.
Bolikhamxay Transportation
By Bus
Vientiane is often the city of entry into Laos though there are land crossings from Vietnam and Thailand. Those on organized tours in Laos will have everything arranged for them. Independent travelers can catch buses throughout the Country.
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.
Kaeng Luang Rapids
'Luang' means ' significant', these are the biggest rapids of the 'Namtheun' River, travelling by boat 1hour (12.7km) from 'Thabak' village (Namtheun Bridge); there are many other rapids along the river. Alternatively, you can head west along Rd. 8 and at Ban Nongkok head south-east along the track and once you reach Ban Phonlom, ask the villagers for further directions.
Tad Leuk (Leuk Waterfall)
From 'Wat Phabath' head 16 km east along Rd 13 and then turn north on Rd. 4508 for about 16 km from where you take the turn to the south to the Tad Leuk Waterfall in the 'Phou Khao Khouay' NPA, This beautiful waterfall is the most accessible attraction in the park and ideal for relaxing, swimming, camping and trekking, Tad Luek has a Visitor Center and a "Nature Trail".
Tad Xai (Xai Waterfall)
Cascading over seven steps, Tad Xay is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in the Phou Khao Kuay NPA. It is particularly attractive during the rainy season, and can be easily reached by a nice boat and trekking tour from 'Ban Hatkai' village, near 'Tad Leuk' in Thaphabath District.
Tad Heua Hak (Heua Hak Rapids and Waterfalls)
Located in 'Xaisavang' village (N18.44098 E103.51675) 'Pakxan' district, there are many waterfalls and rapids surrounded by green nature, its name means 'wrecked boat' that concerned to local tale. 15Km on South 13 Road from 'Pakxan' Municipality.
Tad Nam Pa (Nam Pa Waterfall)
Traveling by boat starting from a nice sandy beach on the bank of 'Ban Nampa' (,N18.48529 E103.63030) a fairly typical Lao village, you will see the exciting nature view of 'Tad Nam Pa' waterfall. 'Ban Nampa' is just 25 minutes drive from 'Pakxan' on the Route 4B (5101) in Pakxan District . The village also has handicraft products made by local people.
Tad Kaih Waterfall (Ask at Ban Thabak or at the junction of Rd. 8 and 1E for the location). The waterfall of 'Nam Mang' River is close to the Route 8, 'Thabak' village 'Nongkok' Region, 37Km from 'Khamkeut' Municipality, Nongkok Region, Khamkeut District.
Tad Vangfong Vangfong Waterfall
In the midst of lush green vegetation. This beautiful waterfall at the confluence of the Nam Kading and Nam Theun rivers can be reached after an hour by boat, starting from Ban Phonsy (N18.29970 E104.09662), Pakkading District. Not sure if this waterfall can still be reached by boat as a Hydropower project is/will be constructed on the Nam Kading although the construction of the dam seems to have been postponed.
Napong’s Waterfall Trek to Tad Thone and the Napong Elephant Rock
As Route 8 cuts through the “Karst Corridor” a large elephant-shaped out-crop resembling a man riding on the elephant known locally as Pha Xang, appear about 15 km from the Route 13 junction with Road 8. Welcome to Ban Napong (N18.16031 E104.38874), an ethnic Toum village which is a sungroup of the Khmu Tribe.
From the village treks are launched to Tad Thone Waterfall in the Nam Kading National Protected Area while the village also offers homestays.
The 7 km morning trek (which takes about 3 hours with the last kilometer being steep) to Tad Thone kicks off with a walk through rice fields to an old-growth forest. The trail traverses streams, before the going gets rigorous, with bursts of steep in clines and precarious ravine crossings.
But after about 3 hours, Tad Thone appears, shooting over two ledges before a final plunge approaching 100 meters. You can then descend to the fall’s base, and avalanche of massive boulders big enough to host a picnic.
Ban Na (Na village) and Wild Elephant Observation Tower
Near 'Wat Phabath' in Thaphabath District. This village (coordinates - N18.28700 E103.16169) at the edge of the 'Phou Khao Khouay' National Protected Area offers guided trekking tours into the nearby bamboo belt and forest, it is known for its wild elephants which can be seen with a bit of luck from an observation tower close to a salt lick. The villagers are also accepting tourist for home stay.
Caves along Rd 13 South - Tham Kaep (Kaep Cave)
Located in 'Phou Kout', the Provincial Protected Area near 'Nong Boua' village ( about 16 Km. from 'Pakxan'. This mysterious attraction is believed to be a sacred place for local people.
Walking into a good forest then climbing quite steeply, you will arrive at a small waterfall and a variety of rock overhand, which provides a shelter for relaxing. The journey continues to the top of escarpment from where you can have good views over the country side
Pha Taen Cave
The cave of 'Pha Taen' Mountain in Nongboua village (N18.13568 E104.19279), 'Pakkading 'District, Surrounded by rice field, there are two rocks with many caves, the most wonderful cave is in the smaller rock.
General Information of Nongboua Village.
'Nongboua' is a farmer village, located in beautiful nature surroundings, from 'Pakxan' 77 km on the South 13 Road, by 'Thongnamy' Market turn right 6 km.
Sunset Viewpoint (Ask at Ban Thabak for the location)
Where 'Nam Yuang' River meets 'Nam Theun' River, this is an excellent point for seeing sunset; 2.8km by boat from 'Thabak' village, Nongkok Region, Khamkeut District.
'Pha Phi Hong' (Ask in Lak Xao how to get there)
This outstanding mountain is so close to Lak Sao, Khamkeut district. There is a quite steep trail to the view point to see the fantastic views of Lak Sao and the mountain on the Lao-Vietnamese border.
Located near Nong Or village along 8A road to Vietnam, 17Km from Khamkeut Municipality. The hot water comes from below the river bed and piped to a series of baths. There is also guesthouse available.
Tai Taeng Tribe and Silk Weaving
'Tai Taeng' Tribe (No. 31) in 'Nong Or' Village and 'Na Pae' Village in Bolikhamxay Province, Laos - located near the Hot springs at Rd 8. - Coordinates (N18.29668 E105.07045)
The 'Tai Teng' form a small, but colorful Lao ethnic minority group. Mostly they live around Ban NongOr and Ban Napae, 17km from Laksao. Besides rice farming, they are well known for their silk handicraft
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