Thinking of taking the slow boat in Laos? The complete guide provides everything you need to know about costs, what to expect, what to pack and more!
Taking the slow boat from Thailand to Laos seems like a rite of passage for those backpacking around Southeast Asia. The 2 day journey will take you from the border town of Huay Xai all the way down to Luang Prabang.
Some people refer to it as the journey from hell. Though trust me, it isn’t that bad taking the slow boat to Luang Prabang!
I have read numerous horror stories, but obviously not phased enough by the infamous rumors, I decided to take the journey and form my own opinion.
The slow boat is no doubt the most popular way for tourists to travel between Northern Thailand and Laos.
I have actually done this trip twice. Once on the public boat and the second time on a private operator. If you have done any long bus journeys or plane rides, it isn’t worse than those.
However, there are certainly a few tips and tricks that will make your journey a lot more bearable!
Taking The Slow Boat In Laos: EVERYTHING You Need To Know
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand & Laos: 12Go Asia
Why Take The Slow Boat Between Huay Xai & Luang Prabang
If you have ever gotten off the beaten track of any Southeast Asian country, you will appreciate the slower pace.
People move at their own pace here, so you can easily relax watching the world go by. Take in the sight of playing water buffalo alongside locals and changing landscapes.
Now, it’s worth keeping in mind the boats, even private ones, are in no way a luxury experience.
However, that’s not why we are here, instead simply enjoy the sunshine, do some travel planning, and meet new people.
How To Get The Boat: Crossing The Thai-Laos Border
The first step to start your journey on a slow boat to Laos requires you to cross the Thailand border.
We took a tuk-tuk to the border from Chiang Khong, which cost us $4.50.
The roads busy with vendors selling food and locals starting off their day. Though soon enough, the hustle and bustle disappears, and the landscape opens up to a large building in the distance.
Being early morning, the border is extremely quiet. We are quickly processed through the Thai side and officially exit the country. To get between the Laos and Thai immigration offices, you will need to pay $0.75 for the bus.
This ride lasts a quick 10 minutes as you cross the Friendship Bridge. Annoyingly, we had to wait an extra 20 minutes for the first bus of the day to leave.
Of course, the driver was late, if travel has taught me one thing, it’s for sure patience.
When you jump off the bus on the Lao side, it is a mad rush to get your forms filled out to avoid delays.
Just make sure you write it out correctly and have a pen with you! The visa fee was $30.00, though this amount changes depending on where you are from.
In case you don’t have USD, there is an ATM a few steps away, so no need to worry about getting cash beforehand.
All up, the process probably took about thirty minutes to receive our Lao visas, and the majority of this time was spent waiting in line.
Types Of Boats You Can Take To Luang Prabang
There are actually a couple of different slow boat options you can choose from.
One is a lot cheaper than the other. Though with that comes the crowds.
However, I will get into the positives and negatives of each below.
Public Slow Boat
The Public Boat is what most people taking the slow boat to Luang Prabang do, and it was what I did during my first trip to Laos.
The boat was full of locals and travelers of all backgrounds. This is a much cheaper option for getting to Luang Prabang.
However, as a result, these boats are usually full. It is a mad rush to find your seats, and similar to being stuck on a bus or plane where you just sit down, look out the window, and get up to use the bathroom every so often.
Slow Boat Tour Package
Alternatively, you have the tour package.
This is a lot more pricey, coming to around $150.00 per person. However, it is much more of an experience than just a simple journey.
The group sizes are also much smaller, so you won’t be stuck squished into a seat the whole way.
You will find meals are typically included, as well as a stop at Pak Ou Caves.
Where To Catch The Slow Boat From In Huay Xai
Once you have crossed the border into Laos, you can head down to the slow boat pier.
This is around a 30-minute walk from the main town. However, with all your luggage, I recommend getting a tuk-tuk instead.
Simply let the driver know you want to go to the slow boat pier, and they will know what you mean. This should just cost you a couple of dollars.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand & Laos: 12Go Asia
Cost Of Taking The Slow Boat
At the pier, you can buy your tickets for the slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang from the booth on the top of the hill above the road.
The price is $20.70 / 430,000 LAK for the 2 day journey to Luang Prabang.
You will need to bring your passport and cash along with you when you book it. You will then be given your ticket as well as a seat number.
You can also buy your ticket in town rather than having to go down to the pier. However, you will pay a few dollars more for the luxury, but it will include a tuk-tuk transfer. The price of this is $21.20 / 440,000 LAK.
If you are on a tight itinerary, it will be best to spend 1 night in Huay Xai so you can book tickets for the boat the day before.
However, you can risk it as I did and simply turn up on the day and hope for the best.
First Day On The Slow Boat Experience
After taking a tuk-tuk from the border to the pier, we were quickly directed to the ticketing booth. They took our passport information, and we were given allocated seat numbers.
Heading to the boat, we dump our bags in the back and wait patiently in our seats. There are about ten other people on the boat. However, the list at the ticketing office was already quite full, and we are not seated together.
Sneakily, we switch around a couple of pieces of paper with ‘numbers’ written on them and chill out. Many other people did this as well. It ended up being the solo travelers sitting together and those coupled up in another group.
At this point, it is still mid-morning, so we stock up on snacks from a couple of nearby stores. It is six hours until we are off the boat, so food is necessary.
As the boat fills up, the weight pushes us deeper into the water, and the crew prepares to depart. The majority of people onboard the Laos slow boat are international tourists.
The seats are surprisingly comfortable, being chairs ripped out of old vans. Though, they are not bolted to the ground so it’s a fight for legroom.
We head off not long after we are meant to and begin our journey down the river.
The countryside goes by, and it quickly becomes the same view for the next six hours.
A long boat trip with no books and a limited amount of phone battery left from the previous hours has left me with not much left to do.
I grab a cup of noodles from the vendor at the back of the boat to keep me entertained as I stare at our location on Google Maps, slowly getting closer to Pakbeng.
Staying In Pakbeng
Arriving in Pakbeng was a relief, finally being able to get out and stretch my legs. We arrived an hour earlier than expected, and this is during the dry season when water levels are low.
After so long in the boat, everyone is eager to leave, all grabbing their bags in a rush. Ours is unfortunately squished at the bottom since we were first to arrive, so we chill out and wait.
Departing the boat, people are standing around the river’s edge, holding up signs with available rooms.
Pick-up trucks wait on the road to take people to their guesthouse. Pakbeng is quite a hilly area, so the cars are much appreciated.
We booked at the Phomephithak Guesthouse for $14.00 total.
In all honesty, arriving at our guesthouse was an absolute shit show. But luckily, we ended up in a room with a big double bed, private bathroom, and air-con.
At night, we head down the road for dinner. My advice is to find somewhere with a good view of the river.
I just ate a sandwich for $3.90. We also order our lunch for the next morning before heading off to bed at our Guesthouse.
The following day, we got up to a slight chill in the air and grab breakfast while watching elephants across the river have their morning bath.
The breakfast and packed lunch cost $5.40. Afterward, we grab our bags and head down to the slow boat pier.
Second Day On The Slow Boat Experience
Heading down to the slow boat, the crowds are already lining up.
We get worried that it’s too late to get a decent seat. Luckily, they start filling up a second boat, and we manage to snag a couple of seats near the front.
Continuing down the river for our last day, we are all a little over it.
I quickly fall asleep to the rocking motion and the river rushing by. I wake up to a little commotion as the boat stops along the river to drop off locals.
Continuing down the river, still equally as bored as the previous day, it is time for noodles again. The overpriced noodles have kept me sane a little longer.
The last couple of hours away from Luang Prabang, the scenery of the river has finally begun to change.
It’s beautiful looking out and seeing the impressive limestone karsts dotting the landscape. No doubt this is the most picturesque part of the journey, and it’ll get you excited for exploring Laos.
Arriving In Luang Prabang
One of the main things you will read online about the Laos slow boat is being dropped off in the middle of nowhere and paying ridiculous prices to get to Luang Prabang town.
This is ALL old information.
Docking up, everyone forms a human chain to help get the bags off. The late afternoon heat is intense, and the sun is blaring down. Once we receive our bags, we climb a short but steep path up the riverbank, and at the top is a tuk-tuk stand.
Here we give our details, pay $2.40 per person, and then jump on. In all honesty, it is extremely organized and fairly priced.
As we leave, we spot a few people walking along the dirt road to try flag down a tuk-tuk for a cheaper price.
🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Thailand & Laos: 12Go Asia
Additional Tips Worth Knowing
- The toilets on these boats are not great. Honestly, the toilet itself was not too bad, but lord, did it flood. Try to go relatively early and then hold on until you arrive in Pakbeng. I am going to assume it’s water from the bucket that is used to flush the toilet, and nothing else!
- Do not book your accommodation in Pakbeng in advance unless you want to stay somewhere super-duper fancy! Even in saying this, no place in Pakbeng is that nice!
- Do not listen to the man who will come onto the slow boat and start selling accommodation. These beds are overpriced, and it is a scam.
- At Huay Xai, buy some baguettes to bring onboard. Peanut butter and bananas are a favorite of mine. You can also preorder to pick it up the next day. No one should live off cup noodles.
- It’s well known that the boat seats in the back are the worst, as the motors on the boat are deafening. Arrive early to get yourself a seat up front. You won’t regret it.
- Your Thailand SIM card will work for the majority of the journey! Yes, even though we are not in Thailand, we are so close to the border that Thailand SIMs work, and Laos ones do not. You can buy a Laos SIM card in Huay Xai. However, you won’t be able to use it much on the first day.
What To Pack For The Journey
While onboard, your main bag will be at the back of the boat and basically unreachable until you get to Pakbeng, then the following day, until Luang Prabang.
You should pack all essentials in your day pack, which you will have on you.
Jacket: A jacket or hoodie will protect you from the cool morning breeze, which is common during the early hours on the Mekong River until the sun appears. You can even use the jacket as a pillow once it gets warm.
Sunblock: Depending on the direction the boat is facing, you may be stuck under the sun. Definitely bring sunblock to prevent yourself from getting burned. You are basically stuck in those seats, so there is nowhere else to go.
Toilet Paper: The toilets on the boat are not the best, and trust me, just bring toilet paper or wet wipes. This is something you should always carry in your day pack anyway.
Snacks: You don’t go on a road trip without snacks, so don’t do the slow boat without them either! There are shops down at the pier that sell a variety of nibbles.
Entertainment: Now, I don’t know what you do for fun, but I presume it’s not taking a 2 day boat. Anyway best to take some sort of entertainment, including a battery pack to charge your phone.
Unfortunately, there are no tables, so I wouldn’t bother with cards, etc.
Where To Stay In Luang Prabang?
There are plenty of choices when it comes to accommodation in Luang Prabang, from the impressive 5* resort, historic hotels, simple hostels, and locally owned guesthouses.
We stayed on a quaint side street minutes from the center and the Mekong River on our recent visit, and I fell in love with this little spot. There are a few budget guesthouses and nicer hotels available down this street as well.
Check out Villa Pumalin, which has an indoor pool and beautiful wooden rooms starting at $30.00 per night.
A chill hostel with friendly staff. Dorms start from $6.50 per night inclyding breakfast. BOOK NOW |
More of a luxe hostel with great facilities. Dorms start from $10.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW |
A great location and with rooms starting from $45.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW |
A walk from the city attractions, starting from $26.00 per night with breakfast. BOOK NOW |
FAQs About Taking The Laos Slow Boat
How long is the slow boat to Laos?
You will spend 2 days onboard with an overnight stop in Pakbeng. Exactly how long you spend each day will depend on the water levels, though you can expect around 6 to 7 hours.
How much is a slow boat to Luang Prabang?
The price is $20.70 / 430,000 LAK for the 2 day journey to Luang Prabang.
What time does the Laos Slow Boat leave?
The slow boat leaves for Luang Prabang at 10.30 am from Huay Xai. If you already have tickets, then I recommend arriving 30 minutes prior. However, if you don’t, you will want to arrive as early as possible to try to book a spare seat.
Other Things To Do In Luang Prabang
There are plenty of awesome things to do, so much that I recommend spending at least three days in Luang Prabang.
It’s an awesome city with gorgeous landscapes, some of Laos best waterfalls, and delicious food.
Wrap Up: Ready For The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang
Now you have read absolutely everything you need to know about taking the slow boat, you should be able to do this 2 day journey with ease!
Don’t fall for the scams, snag yourself a comfortable seat, bring some snacks, and then your journey to Luang Prabang will fly by.
LIKE IT? PIN IT!
Want more Laos Inspiration? Check out….
- 2 WEEKS IN LAOS ITINERARY
- BACKPACKING LAOS ON A BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
- COST TO TRAVEL LAOS & MY TRAVEL BUDGET
- COMMON SCAMS IN LAOS
- BEST WATERFALLS IN LAOS
- CHIANG KHONG TO HUAY XAI: THAI LAOS BORDER CROSSING
- TAKING THE SLOW BOAT TO LAOS
- CHIANG MAI TO LUANG PRABANG TRANSPORT GUIDE
- 3 DAYS IN LUANG PRABANG ITINERARY
- BACKPACKING LUANG PRABANG TRAVEL TIPS
- VISITING THE LUANG PRABANG NIGHT MARKET
- WHERE TO EAT IN LUANG PRABANG
- BEST HOTELS IN LUANG PRABANG
- KUANG SI FALLS TIPS FOR VISITING
- THE BEST HOSTELS IN LUANG PRABANG FOR BACKPACKERS
- VISITING PAK OU CAVES: IS IT WORTH IT
- TRAVEL LUANG PRABANG TO VANG VIENG
- BEST HOSTELS IN VANG VIENG
- THAM CHANG CAVE & BLUE LAGOON TWO IN VANG VIENG
- BLUE LAGOON THREE IN VANG VIENG
- BEST RESTAURANTS AND WHERE TO EAT IN VANG VIENG
- TUBING IN VANG VIENG LAOS
- VANG VIENG TO VIENTIANE
- ONE DAY IN VIENTIANE ITINERARY
- VISITING KONG LOR CAVE
- TAD YUANG WATERFALL IN PAKSE
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.
Photo credit: “Chiang Khong, Thailand 22” (CC BY 2.0) by JamesAntrobus . “The slow boat up the Mekong River in Laos” (CC BY 2.0) by DanSearle
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Thanks for sharing your tips! The insights on navigating the slow boat experience in Laos are super helpful. I can’t wait to try the local snacks you recommended and appreciate the advice on preparing for the long journey. It sounds like an unforgettable adventure!
Thank you for the detailed guide! I love how you emphasize the beauty of slowing down and enjoying the journey along the Mekong River. Your tips, especially about the border crossing, are super helpful for anyone planning the trip. It sounds like a unique way to experience Southeast Asia at a relaxed pace!
this 2024 I read and just did it but we booked the slow boat to Laos with So Good airline service and Travel (agency) for 1490 Baht only because many people recommended this company on google and they were amazing. Everything was so smooth and they took care of everything – from dropping us off at the border, helping with the visa and dropping us off at the slow boat. We even got a sandwich included! I think it was very value for money.
Hi, Tasha.
Reading your post made me feel good because it reminded me of an old experience.
According to the latest information, the slow boat stop has been moved to the south of Huay Xai.
Your MyMaps map still seems to show the old stop. I hope you can take another look at it.
(Of course, people will probably take a tuktuk or some other form of transportation anyway, so the chances of them making a mistake are small…)
Hey! The speed boat pier is to the south of the township, however the slow boat pier is where listed. A year ago or so a location popped up online called “new slow boat pier” near the speed boat pier, however this was a scam run by a local travel agency trying to get people to book with them.
Oh, my God!
Sometime after the new bridge was built between Chiang Kong, Thailand and Huay Xai, Laos, I started to get information that the slowboat stop had been moved, and now a few sources were pointing to where I said it was.
I don’t plan on traveling that way anytime soon, but I could have easily spread misinformation.
(Even OpenStreetMap – which I trust because the local information is often quite accurate, you can check it out on Maps.me, etc. – has misinformation on it.)
Thanks to you for correcting my mistake.
(It was a good thing I asked you the question).
Hi Tasha, thank you for your narrative for this journey. Wife and I will be doing the trip this coming February and was wondering who the company you used for the trip. Looks comfortable and sparse in the number of people on board. You mentioned $150 p/p. Assuming that was the cost when you traveled. Thank you again
Unfortunately the company is no longer operating post covid. If you are wanting to book something in advance Luxury Cruise Mekong or Luang Say Cruise booked through Mekong Cruise have options. For cheaper prices you may need to wait until you are in Chiang Rai / Chiang Khong / Huay Xai to shop around for a deal and be flexible with dates.
Just took this journey end of july 2023 after reading this guide many times.
Firstly, the price from the docks was ~430,000lak and from the hostel in huay xai including a tuktuk to the dock (which left ridiculously early and we ended up sitting on the boat for about 2 hours, welcome to lao time) cost 440,000lak. Found this out only because we hadnt found anything recent on the internet regarding prices and couldnt tell if we were getting ripped off.
We had beautiful weather and the journey involved meeting all sorts of foreigners, locals and kids who just jumped on at unmarked stops. Highly recommend buying a cooler and filling it with beerlao at one of the convenience stores in huay xai.
Pakbeng is a very charming town, with ~200 families who all know each other. Upon arrival we found a guesthouse with about 9 rooms available that were ~200,000 lak per night for 2 people. Cheaper than the 9-beds-to-a-room hostel on booking.com (it did not get great reviews from our boat buddies). There’s definitely more options in town than the apps suggest, so dont be too worried about booking in advance. The happy bar is open late and is THE bar in town. Worth a look and a few drinks over a game of pool.
The second day’s boat was more comfortable and less crowded, and knowing what to do, what to bring and how it all worked after the confusion of day one was nice. There scenery is good but just keep in mind the mekong is an incredibly polluted river. It is brown and full of plastic, and once you reach luang prabang you can see the difference between the small tributaries (with no plastic) and the mekong.
Speaking of luang prabang, yes, the boat drops you off ~45minutes from the city by tuktuk. The tuktuks do set pricing per person, so singles have to find a group (usually min. 4 people) or wait for the tuktuk to fill.
Luang prabang itself was beautiful, one of the most picturesque cities ive seen in asia.
Some people we met took the bus which was 18 hours straight of bumpy roads and they shared sleeper beds with strangers on the bus, so I’m not sure i would recommend this route. On the other hand, some people taking the boat a few days after us got drenched in non stop rain for two days and had a very different opinion of the boat journey, so your milage may vary.
Hey Andy!
Thanks for the comment! I have updated the prices in the article to reflect your recent experience for future travelers who may read this post.
You have listed some good tips so thank you for taking the time to write this.
Enjoy your travels!
Do you know if this immigration point accepts e visas?
As Of April 11, 2023, Thai=Lao Friendship Bridge IV does NOT accept e-visas for US passport holders. However, it is fast and easy to get a visa on arrival. I recommend having you visa photos in hand to expedite the process.
Slow boat departs at 9.30h every morning (the ticket staff said its been like this for a year). We (and several other tourists) lost ours today thinking it was at 11.30h.
It is now impossible to get the first bus at Chiang Rai and arrive in time for the slow boat, so now this tiring journey will waste 3 of your beautiful days.
Took the journey today. Boats now seem to be running every day of the week. I saw multiple other boats packed with tourists. Mine was 95 percent full. Departed Huay Xei at 11 am. So its quite possible to stay in chiang rai the night before and get picked up between 6 and 7 am and still have plenty of time. Border crossing now quite straighforward. 40 dollars for the visa for most nationalites.
The package i bought in CR was 1690 baht and included boat ticket and all transfers
Good to book ahead for accommodation in Pak Beng i think. The hotels include transfers. I opted for mekhong guesthouse. Only 12 usd or so on agoda. Nice room with a view and decent food offerings for em dinner and breakfast.
The first day voyage is from 11 am to 5 pm and the 2nd day 9am to 5 pm. For some reason the boat travels slower (10 knots) on the 2nd day for the latter half of the trip, instead of the average 15 knots otherwise.
Lao sim cards work well most of the way. Thai sim cards have coverage if you’re roaming. Lao sim the better way to go. 5 days unlimited data for 200 baht.
Noodles, snacks and beer on board, not much more expensive than on land. I wouldn’t mess with an ice box) . Large ice cold beers at the bar for 25000 kip certainly made a long slow journey more bearable.
A pleasant journey all in all even for non backpacker types like myself in my sixties.
Certainly a novel and cheap way of getting from Northern Thailand to Laos.
The very fast speedboat is way better. An absolute thrill and only takes 5 or so hours, with a stop in the middle for lunch at a restaurant on stilts in the middle of the river. You also change boats for the second part of the journey. I watched the slow boat people arrive while I was sipping a drink at a bar in Luang Prabang, it was the second night after we arrived having last seen them in Huay Xai. Probably best not to do this in the rainy season though as it’s more dangerous.
Hi Colin, Were you able to book the speedboat in advance from Chaing Rai or can you just turn up and find one. i am going in November and want to have the certainty of booking as only have a few days there. thanks. Julie
I am also going in November, on the 3rd. Did you find out if you can book this speedboat in advance?
Thanks for this intersting article!
Regarding the public slow boat, do you know where we can find more detail on the hours of departure. I will sleep in chang rai the day before and I want to know if i have to rush to laos in the morning or if there are afternoon departures . Also do you recomend to book in advance.
I was just thinking the same!! We’re planning to do this crossing too and are looking for more info!
Hey! Departures are usually between 9am to 10am in the morning, the amount of travelers affects how many boats there are, but they usually head off around the same time. I would recommend staying in Chiang Khong or Huay Xai the night before, but not Chiang Rai. As far as I am aware there are no afternoon departures.
I have stayed in both Huay Xai on the Laos side and Chiang Khong on the Thai side. On the Thai side we left at around 8am to catch the first bus across the Friendship bridge at the border, and ended up with about an hour spare before the slow boat departed.
Oh one more thing. I booked ahead for Pakbeng and we were all met and taken to our accommodation for free. Same deal in the morning, back to boat, no charge.
I completed the journey yesterday. The slow boat only runs Monday and Thursday at the moment. No private boats at all. There is a tour company in Chiang Rai called Kochaporn Tour who were fantastic.
For 1690 THB you are picked up at your accomodation (6 to 6.30am) driven to the border, go through Thai border, tour guide meets you and gives a ticket for short bus ride. You are handed the Visa form plus entry/exit card for Laos. You then go through the various booths to be processed (all up, perhaps 1/2 hour) get on the tour transport to the boat. Easy……suggest you weigh up the cost but I think this option is pretty good value for money.
Hi Kate, thank you for this really helpful info from a recent experience! I will be doing something similar in October. Did this price include the fare for the slow boat journey, or do you pay for the boat on arrival at the dock? And did you pre-book any accommodation in Pakbeng or arrange that on arrival? Sorry for all the questions, any advice is hugely appreciated! Thanks!
For those buying your own slow boat ticket it’s currently 300000 kip per person and 80000 kip for a bicycle. As of 22nd Sept the boat only leaves on Monday and Thursday at 11.30 am.
Ahhh I’m convinced! It sounds looooong but great. Just to clarify, the journey you describe and picture above, is this the public boat?
Hey! It is a long day, but if you have done long bus trips it is no different, actually, it is better because the views here are awesome. Yup that is the public boat in the pics, though the majority of people on it do need up being travelers, with only a handful of locals who disembark at their villages along the river.
This is such a thorough and helpful post! Thank you so much. Planning on taking this route in October!
What month did you do this journey in? I’m looking to do it in September and wasn’t sure whether the fact that it is rainy season would affect my ability to do son?
Hey Chloe! I did this journey in February. Though as far as I am aware the boats run regularly throughout the year. I have heard that the boat trip is actually faster (and more bearable) during the wet season and after the wet season as the water currents are stronger, so in my opinion September would be a perfect time to do it. Maybe just spend a night before in Huay Xai to ensure you get onto a boat as its likely they do less trips per day in the wet season.
This post is so so helpful! I’ve saved it for when we do the same trip in April. Thank you!
I will be taking the slow boat in a few days and feeling a bit nervous! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I loved how well you described exactly how it went which is easing my nervousness. I am looking forward to the experience!
Ooh, I’m planning to do that trip in the next few weeks and am so looking forward to it. Great post!
Was interested to read this because I considered doing it but really didn’t have the time so I flew from Chiang Mai to LP instead. I would like to do this sometime (even though it sounds like a mission with crazy Asia BS…as I fondly call it after being there 3 months). It looks like a memorable experience and so very SE asian. I LOVED Luang Prabang and hope you did too!
Wow, this sounds like a great journey! Thanks for the reccommodation! Saving it for my South East Asia trip next year
Thanks for your guide Tasha, I’m in Luang Prabang now and was thinking of doing the slow boat trip but after reading your article I’ve decided not to. I’m a 61 year old man who’s been backpacking since I was 18 so I’ve done plenty of hard travelling and know when I’ve had enough of it. It’s refreshing when someone is honest when writing about the downsides of a particular journey. I’ve no need to go to Huay Xai so after going from here to Nong Khiaw and maybe further north I’ll head down to Vientiane and Nong Khai in Thailand which I visited in 1988 before you could go to Laos.
This looks so much more enjoyable than taking the bus from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai (20+ hours, what I did!!) I agree the scenery on the river close to LP is incredible – with a good book to read and plenty of food (and not too much to drink!) this journey looks incredible! And definitely better than the bus ;-).
I actually had no idea there was a boat option to thailand! Thanks for this!
I didn’t even know this was a way you could travel from Thailand to Laos. Very cool! Although, I do think I’d probably be pretty stir-crazy by the second day. Sitting isn’t really my thing. :) Still, great way to travel, see pretty scenery, and do it all on a budget!