"Pak Beng: Rats, Opium and simplicity" Top 5 Page for this destination Ban Pak Beng by Maximilian21

Ban Pak Beng Travel Guide: 48 reviews and 115 photos

Pak Beng

I guess at times i can be a bit of an idealist. I have this vision of myself living in simplicity away from prevalecy of the pervasive nature of the American Dream.
Perhaps Pak Beng was my first taste of what my attitude of escapism might bring.
Its basically a small village on the banks of the Mekong River and is the place for overnight stay on a slow boat to Luang Prabang.
Probably the only thing which can be said about Pak Beng is that it is "very Laos". It is a place which time has almost left behind and its people dot seem to mind so much. Its amazing to see a place where its inhabitants lives revole around the river and its a humbling thing to see.
Although i was only there for a short time, i gained at least a small insight into what it was like to live in such simplicity, reminded me of a nick cave song.
Pak Beng is probably not everyones cup of tea. The infrastructure is poor and the guest houses leave a lot to be desired. There also a slight drug problem they have here and i remeber being approached by a 10 year old concerning Opium.
But hey, Pak Beng probabaly provides for u a tatse of rural Loatian life as good as any.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Simplicity, friendly people
Cons:depends on whetehr you enjoy comfort
In a nutshell:If u love the simple life you will love this place

Last visit to Ban Pak Beng: Mar 2005
Intro Written Jul 4, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (7)

Rural life Favorites (2)

Dont expect to much comfort because this place is all about simplicity. It basically gives you a good indication as to... more travel advice

Mekong Whisky with a family - Ban Pak Beng

Mekong Whisky with a family Things to Do (2)

One of my most cherished memories in Pak Beng was walking around late at night and having a family invite me into thier... more travel advice

Morning in Pak Beng Things to Do (2)

When going down to the port early in the morning to catch my slow boat, i was greeted with one of the most beautiful... more travel advice

The Mekong River Favorites (2)

Pak Beng as much of Laos revolves around this amazing river. Its amazing to wake up in the early morning and see the... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Guesthouse

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Opium

Comments (5)

BillNJ Dec 16, 2009 at 6:13 PM Report Abuse

Great tips, photos, and commentary about your trip to Ban Pak Beng in Laos. I especially like the tip of the family that invited you to drink whiskey with them. Cheers!
juliewong Jun 7, 2008 at 9:19 AM Report Abuse

Nice name for your Laotian VT page. Great tips.
ettenaj Apr 18, 2007 at 7:50 AM Report Abuse

Opium and rats what a combination.............
Nebbs Nov 27, 2005 at 10:21 PM Report Abuse

The rivers and the forestly around creates the fear of water beasts and wild attacks sort of! assure you i won't be there alone.
ATXtraveler Jul 18, 2005 at 4:52 AM Report Abuse

Good start... I would love to go to Laos sometime.