Boten (Lao: ບໍ່ເຕັນ, pronounced [bɔ̄ː.tèn]; Chinese: 磨丁) is a town in Laos located in Luang Namtha Province, situated on the China–Laos border opposite the Chinese town of Mohan.[1]: 129 Although Boten is part of Laos, most of its inhabitants speak Mandarin Chinese as their native language. The town operates on Beijing time.
## Economy
Boten allows the use of both the Lao kip and the Chinese yuan.[1]: 130
The Boten Special Economic Zone is currently under development.[1]: 129 The town is aiming to transition from its former gambling-focused economy to one centered on logistics and tourism.
## Transport
After five years of construction, both the Vientiane–Boten Railway and Yuxi–Mohan railways opened in December 2021, connecting Boten south towards Vientiane and north towards Kunming, China. Boten is the northernmost Lao town on the 414 km railway, which features 198 km of tunnels and 62 km of bridges, and operates at a speed of 160 km per hour. The town is served by Boten railway station.
