Slow Boat to Luang Prabang Ultimate Guide
The first person who said, “the journey is as important as the destination” was talking about the slow boat to Luang Prabang (no data to back up this claim, but also no data to deny it, so just go with it, ok?). Once primarily used for transporting goods and locals down the Mekong River, it is now a staple of many Southeast Asia adventures.
From Huay Xai to Luang Prabang is a two day journey, offering scenic views of limestone cliffs, dense jungles, small villages, and wildlife along the riverbanks. We will guide you step by step from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang and share the best ways to experience this trip – whether you are looking for a budget-friendly Thailand to Laos border crossing or a relaxing experience you will never forget. Get ready to jump on board the slow boat to Luang Prabang.
Slow Boat to Luang Prabang: The 3 Ways To Do It
The Thailand to Laos slow boat journey has a duration of two days, but it doesn't have to be an exhausting experience filled with endless planning, suitable only for the most adventurous souls. In fact, there are three easy ways to plan your Thailand to Laos border crossing and slow boat trip to Luang Prabang:
Slow Boat to Laos Complete Package
Imagine a journey from Thailand to Laos where every detail is handled for you, ensuring the most comfortable and enjoyable experience. From visa assistance to all transportation seamlessly arranged from your hotel in Chiang Khong to your hotel in Luang Prabang. An English-speaking host who will guide you through the Thailand to Laos border crossing. Lunch and refreshments on board both days, and sightseeing stops along the way – perks the public slow boat doesn’t offer. Accommodation in Pak Beng is also included, with the option to upgrade the hotel if you wish.
The visa fees are never included in the Thailand to Laos border crossing tour packages.
While this may be the most expensive option, it's well worth the price for all that is included. Unfortunately, there are not many companies that offer such a seamless Thailand to Laos experience without a hefty price tag. However, the features we have mentioned are all part of the Nagi of Mekong* package, which is great value for money, at just 175€ per person.
Not all packages are the same! Beware of scams and overpriced tour packages that only include transportation (in the public slow boat) and a “guide” to assist with the Thailand to Laos border crossing, which you don’t really need.
Transportation All Sorted from Thailand to Laos
Are you okay with arranging your own hotels and meals, and don’t mind traveling on the public slow boat to Luang Prabang, but would prefer to avoid booking all the transportation, dodging scams, and ensuring all your connections are on time? Then this option is for you.
This service covers all transportation from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang, starting with a pickup from your hotel and ending at Baan Don Pier in Laos. From there, you will need to catch a songthaew (a type of open-sided truck used as public transportation) to your accommodation. The total cost for this service is 40€.
If you choose this option, be sure to read the Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang step-by-step chapter to fill in the blanks of your adventure, and ensure a smooth journey.
Border Crossing Thailand to Laos Solo
Getting from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang on your own is not only possible but also the most budget-friendly option (though this will depend on your accommodation choices). However, it is also the option that requires the most planning and time management. Embarking on the slow boat to Luang Prabang is a journey that invites you to embrace the adventure and simplicity of travel. While the public boat offers a humble, no-frills experience, this is part of its charm. With an open mind and a flexible attitude, you'll find plenty to enjoy along the way.
Follow the steps in the next chapter to ensure your journey goes smoothly – we will tell you everything you need to know!
Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Step-by-Step
The cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in northern Thailand are absolute must-visit destinations that you should add to your Thailand itinerary. While traveling from Chiang Mai to Laos is possible, the best transportation options are either catching a flight or taking a long (looooong) bus* – which is neither fun nor comfortable, so we can’t really recommend it. Alternatively, you can take a bus or taxi to Chiang Rai*, explore the city, and then begin your journey from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang.
Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong
Chiang Khong is a charming town in northern Thailand known for its picturesque views of the Mekong River and its close proximity to the Friendship Bridge (Chiang Khong/Huay Xai) border crossing. Getting from Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong is a fairly easy 2-hour drive, and you can travel there by:
Local Bus: This is the most affordable option, with tickets costing only 70 baht (1.90€) to the city center, with the option of being dropped off at the border. Tickets are purchased directly on the bus, which departs hourly from 7.30am to 4.30pm from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 – typically from lane 9.
Taxi or Transfer Service: This is the most comfortable option and also slightly faster. The price of a taxi will vary depending on your bargaining skills, but for reference, a Grab (equivalent to Uber in Thailand) can cost around 1500 baht (40€). Transfer services with hotel pick-up start from 17€ per person.
.png)
You can either spend the night in Chiang Khong or go straight from Chiang Rai to Huay Xai, in Laos. The main reason people usually stay overnight on the Thai side is the wider range of value for money accommodations options.
Chiang Khong Accommodation
The border crossing from Thailand to Laos will demand an early start, so book a comfortable accommodation for the night, grab something to eat – we went to Padthai Baan Yim and it was pretty good – and call it a day. Here are some of the best accommodations in Chiang Khong:
Border Crossing Thailand to Laos
The goal is to start the Thailand to Laos border crossing as soon as immigration control opens, which is usually at 8am. To get to the Friendship Bridge, you will need a tuk tuk, taxi, or transfer van, which we suggest arranging the night before via your hotel or negotiating with local drivers. A private tuk tuk should cost around 150 baht (4€). Upon arrival, just queue up – there is no paperwork to fill in. They will just ask a couple of questions, stamp your passport, and off you go to Laos.
Connecting Thailand to Laos, there is a bridge that cannot be crossed on foot, only by bus. The fare is 40 baht (1.10€), and the bus leaves when full. The counter that sells the tickets also offers currency exchange services, where you can exchange any remaining baht for kip.
Laos Border
Fill out the Laos visa on arrival form available next to the immigration windows (bring a pen, or be prepared to fight for one) – this applies only if you didn’t apply for the e-visa beforehand, which is actually 10$ more expensive. Then head to window number 1 to hand in this form, 1 passport-sized photo, your passport (which must have at least 2 empty pages), and pay the 40$ visa fee.
You can pay in Dollars, Euros, Kips, or Baht. However, Dollar and Euro bills must be pristine, as if they were printed 2 seconds ago, or they will be rejected. ATMs are available at the Laos border for withdrawing the local currency, Kip.
After a few minutes, your name will be called to approach window number 2 to collect your passport and proceed to immigration control, where you will get a stamp allowing you to stay up to 30 days in Laos.
Be sure to double-check visa requirements before your trip, as they can vary between countries and change frequently.
Once your passport is stamped, and before you have time to celebrate your arrival in Laos, chances are you will be approached by people claiming that the slow boat to Luang Prabang is about to leave and offering special deals to get you there on time. Don’t panic – this is not true. Smile and continue to the songthaew station.
A songthaew to the Huay Xai Pier should cost around 2€ per person. It departs when it has at least 4 passengers on board.
Slow Boat to Luang Prabang
Your journey from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang starts at the pier, where you can purchase the 2-day boat ticket, with a stopover in Pak Beng. The cost of the Laos slow boat is 400 000 Kip (16€), and there is one departure each day around 11.30am (be flexible, as it probably won’t leave on time).
At the pier, you will find a mini market and some sandwich stands offering reasonably priced options. Get yourself some snacks and lunch, as you will only arrive in Pak Beng in the evening.
Slow Boat to Luang Prabang Characteristics
There are quite a few important details regarding the slow boat to Luang Prabang that you should know before embarking on your solo journey down the Mekong River:
2 Boats: There are two different types of slow boats doing this route. The type you get depends on the number of people traveling that day. During the low season, or if you’re traveling from Luang Prabang to Thailand, you might get a boat with power plugs, tables, and wooden seats. However, most people end up on the regular slow boat to Luang Prabang, where you will sit in loose car seats with little to no legroom.
Your ticket comes with an assigned seat, which doesn’t mean much. Often, more tickets are sold than there are seats, so make sure you are ready to board when they give the green light. Many boats end up with passengers sitting on the floor or by the motor due to the lack of seating. Trust us, you don’t want to be one of them.
Where to Sit: If you have a choice, try to sit in the front part of the boat. The motor is located at the back, and it is not only extremely loud but also causes the floor of the surrounding area to shake (quite an immersive experience).
F&B: Cold beverages and snacks are sold on board, but expect slightly inflated prices.
Toilet: There is a toilet on board, but friendly advice: use it right at the start of the trip, or not at all.
Environment: The atmosphere of your journey will largely depend on the crowd on board. Usually, there is a relaxed environment where people start talking, sharing experiences, singing, and even dancing. If you are looking for two days of zen meditation down the Mekong River, you might be disappointed. However, think positively – you might meet some fantastic people with whom to share stories, and time will fly by.
Please be respectful to others on board and their personal space, which is already limited.
Slow Boat to Luang Prabang: First Day
On day 1 of the trip down the Mekong River, you will travel for around 5 to 6 hours with no stops until arriving in Pak Beng. Enjoy the scenic views and observe villagers going about their day along the riverbank.
Pak Beng is a small riverside town located in northern Laos, with just enough accommodation and restaurants to meet the needs of travelers spending the night. Upon arrival, homestay owners will be at the pier ready to negotiate good rates for the one night stay. However, most people book their accommodation online to avoid bargaining and possible disappointment after 6 hours on a boat. Most accommodations will pick you up from the pier if you booked in advance. Here are some of the best places to stay in Pak Beng:
Before going to bed, make sure to arrange breakfast and lunch for the next day, either at the hotel or somewhere around town, as you won’t have time for it in the morning.
Slow Boat to Luang Prabang: Second Day
Day 2 of the slow boat to Luang Prabang is about a 7 to 8 hour journey. The boat usually departs at 9.30am, but this may vary due to the tides, so be sure to check with the boat crew on day 1.
Boarding tends to be more chaotic on day 2, as those who had bad or no seats the day before arrive earlier to secure a decent spot. Seat numbers didn't mean much yesterday, and today they mean absolutely nothing. Get there early to board.
Another beautiful journey awaits, with muddy water buffaloes staring at the passing boat, kids frantically waving and smiling, and magical landscapes enveloped in morning mist.
Luang Prabang Pier
The slow boat to Luang Prabang arrives at its final destination, but not you. The pier is actually 2 km away from the city, so you will still need a songthaew to get to your hotel. Grab your luggage and head up the narrow stairs to the main road. Resist the urge to run to one of songthaews by the side of the road to negotiate a price. Instead, go inside the building on the right hand side and buy a songthaew ticket. You will always pay more if you negotiate directly with the driver. If you are still looking for your home away from home in Luang Prabang, here are our top recommendations:
Keep reading on Thailand & Laos
Planning Time
If you are ready to start planning your next trip, here you have all the usefull links you need to make it happen! By using them you are supporting our work as we might get a small fee from it. But hey! You pay the same (or might even get a discount), so is a win-win situation!
.png)
This applies to all the links in this website marked with a *