Pakbeng is a village on the Mekong river in Oudomxai province, about halfway Huay Xai en Luang Prabang. There is a road connecting Pakbeng to Oudomxai. The place is used as a stopover for boats going from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang and vice versa. These so-called 'slow boats' take two days for the trip; the passengers have to spend one night in Pakbeng.

There is a choice of hotels and guesthouses, many of them have there own restaurant and sometimes even a sauna. Travellers often are offered marijuana or opium here. Keep in mind that this is illegal in Laos, the use of these drugs can be dangerous and there is a serious penalty if you are caught.

• Pakbeng Lodge