Photo by Parker Hilton on Unsplash
The Mekong in Laos: where the river runs, from the Golden Triangle to the Khone Falls
After China, no country has as much of the Mekong as Laos. The river first runs along it, then crosses the north, then forms the border with Thailand again before leaving at the Khone Falls. Here's where it runs, town by town.
Where the Mekong runs in Laos
The river reaches Laos as it leaves China. It first forms the border with Myanmar down to the Golden Triangle, then with Thailand down to Huay Xai, across from Chiang Khong.
It then enters the country and flows east between wooded banks: this is the slow boat stretch, from Huay Xai to Pakbeng and on to Luang Prabang. From there it turns south through Xayaburi province.
Across from Chiang Khan, it becomes the border with Thailand again, along its longest stretch in Laos: Vientiane, Thakhek and Savannakhet each face a Thai town on the other bank.
It re-enters Laos a little upstream of Pakse, where the Xe Don joins it, flows past Champasak and splits into thousands of islands at Si Phan Don. The Khone Falls, on the Cambodian border, then block all navigation.
Lao towns on the Mekong, from north to south
From upstream to downstream. In the north, the river is the road: you travel down it by boat. In the south, a road runs alongside.
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Huay Xai
Across from Chiang Khong, via the 4th Friendship Bridge. Where the slow boat to Luang Prabang leaves.
Our guide to Huay Xai → -
Luang Prabang
Our pickThe former royal capital, where the Nam Khan meets the Mekong, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Our guide to Luang Prabang → -
Vientiane
The capital, on the left bank, facing Thailand. The 1st Friendship Bridge links it to Nong Khai.
Our guide to Vientiane → -
Thakhek
Across from Nakhon Phanom, via the 3rd Friendship Bridge. The starting point for the Thakhek Loop.
Our guide to Thakhek → -
Savannakhet
An old colonial town across from Mukdahan, via the 2nd Friendship Bridge.
Our guide to Savannakhet → -
Pakse
Where the Xe Don meets the Mekong: the south's main town and the base for the Bolaven Plateau.
Our guide to Pakse → -
Si Phan Don, the 4,000 Islands
Our pickInhabited islands and the Khone Falls, just before the Cambodian border.
Our guide to Si Phan Don, the 4,000 Islands →
Dams on the Mekong in Laos
Laos is the only Lower Mekong country to have built dams on the river's main stem. Two are in operation, others under construction or planned.
Xayaburi
In operation since October 2019
1,285 MW, south of Luang Prabang. Its power is sold mainly to Thailand.
Don Sahong
In operation since January 2020
260 MW, on one of the channels of the Khone Falls, at Si Phan Don.
Luang Prabang
Under construction, due to start in 2030
1,460 MW, upstream of the town. 72% complete at an inspection in July 2026.
Pak Beng and Sanakham
Preparatory works and consultation
Pak Beng (912 MW) is in preparatory works, due to start operating in 2033. Sanakham (684 MW), near the Thai border, is under consultation at the Mekong River Commission.
The Mekong in Laos through the seasons
From November to February, the cool dry season is the most pleasant, in the north as in the south. Late in the dry season, low water uncovers sandbanks and rocks, and slows the slow boat. During the monsoon, from May to October, the river runs high and brown.
Best time to visit Laos, region by region →Questions about the Mekong in Laos
Does the Mekong flow through Vientiane?
Where does the Mekong leave Laos?
How many dams are there on the Mekong in Laos?
Sources: river course and borders, Natural Earth; lengths and stretches calculated on that course; dams: Mekong River Commission (prior consultations, October 2026), The Nation and Vientiane Times (Luang Prabang, July 2026), Radio Free Asia (Pak Beng, August 2026; Xayaburi and Don Sahong, October 2019). Updated October 12, 2026 by Pierre-Marie Coupry.