The province lies almost entirely on the western side of the Mekong river. It borders Thailand to the west, Vientiane and Luang Prabang provinces to the east (over the Mekong river), and Oudomxai to the north, also across the Mekong.

The border areas with Thailand is of high mountains, the highest being 2155 meters above the sea level. The province is rich in timber especially teak and lignite. Elephants are used extensively in the timber extraction. The low land plain areas close to the Mekong are rice bowls of the country.

Many ethnic tribe groups live in the province, many of which have family ties with those on the Thai side. The main economies are timber and its related businesses, and agriculture. Since local Lao people still lack international communication experience, outside brokers regularly come and act as coordinators cum promotors.

The road infracture is in its infancy. The only reasonably good road is from north to south; Luang Prabang to Kaen Thao village across the Mekong from Thailand's Loei province with the provincial capital Xayabouri in the middle. In the north the road connecting to Pak Beng is being developed. From Vientiane ones can go up the Mekong to Pak Lai, the town in the southern province, from where visit to several waterfalls are possible.

Hong Sa is a new tourist destination in the northern province. Eco tourists can enjoy the nature life, the hilltribe village life, and kinds of relaxation. The small town is reached from Pak Beng (on the Mekong river). Elephant ride and trekking are popular.