Capital of Bokeo province and the northern gateway to Laos, Huay Xai is the most popular entry point to the country from northern Thailand. A big opium shipment centre for the Americans during the war, the town now busies itself moving people rather than narcotics. The border is known as the Chiang Khong/Huay Xai crossing and the two towns face each other across the Mekong. Travellers once crossed between the two countries by boat but since 2013, the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 4 located 10 kilometres from town is the official border; it is no longer possible for foreigners to ferry across. Many people choose to stay overnight in Chiang Khong on the Thai side, but Huay Xai is a good enough spot for a night and makes catching the slow boat a little less stressful. It’s also a good place to ease yourself into Laos, particularly if Pakbeng is to be your next stop.