Chiang Rai-Luang Prabang: 2-Day Slow Boat Tour Incl. Pick-up

Comfortable van transfer from Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang Pier, with pick-up at your hotel. Enjoy a scenic 2-day slow boat journey into the heart of Laos from Northern Thailand.
Discover one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic travel experiences – a two-day slow boat cruise along the mighty Mekong River from Northern Thailand into the heart of Laos. Perfect for travelers who want to soak up the scenery and experience life along the river at a slower pace.

Your journey begins with an early morning pick-up between 05:00 and 05:45 from your accommodation in Chiang Rai. Please be ready at the front of your hotel. You’ll travel in a comfortable, shared, air-conditioned van or minibus toward the Thai–Lao border. Enjoy the peaceful ride – you can rest, chat with fellow travelers, or simply admire the morning views of rural Northern Thailand.

At 07:30, you’ll arrive at Chiang Khong border checkpoint. After completing Thai departure immigration and passport control, you’ll board the official shuttle bus across the 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. In just a few minutes, you’ll glide over the Mekong River and cross into Laos.

Around 08:30, you’ll arrive at Laos Immigration in Huay Xai. Here, you will process your passport and visa before a short transfer to the pier. Make sure to bring two passport-sized photos (approx. 1.5 inches) if you haven’t arranged a Laos eVisa in advance, and check your visa requirements before travel. Most nationalities pay USD 40 for a Laos visa, payable in USD or Laotian Kip – so please bring enough cash, as card payments are not accepted. Currency exchange is available at the border.

By 08:45–09:00, your slow boat journey begins. From Huay Xai, you’ll cruise down the Mekong River toward Pak Beng, a small riverside town where you’ll spend the night. Depending on the season and the river current, the ride takes 6–8 hours. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of untouched landscapes, local villages, and daily river life. There is no transfer from Pak Beng pier to your accommodation, so we recommend booking your stay in advance, especially in high season, as this is a small town with limited availability.

The next morning, make your way to the pier by 07:15. The boat departs promptly between 07:30–07:45 for the second leg of your journey to Luang Prabang. This day’s cruise also takes 6–8 hours, arriving at Luang Prabang pier around 16:00–18:00. Transfer to your accommodation in Luang Prabang is not included, giving you the freedom to arrange your own onward travel or enjoy an easy arrival stroll into this UNESCO-listed city.

This journey is more than just transportation – it’s an adventure through stunning landscapes and cultural heartlands. You’ll have two full days on the Mekong to watch riverside life unfold, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy the changing scenery at a gentle pace.

Important Notes:
After booking, please send us your Thai phone number or WhatsApp contact for smooth communication.
Be well-rested for your early start.
Bring snacks and plenty of water – there is no food or drink service on the boat.
This is a two-day trip in total, with an overnight stay in Pak Beng at your own arrangement.

Aby zagwarantować dostępność wycieczki / aktywności zarezerwuj tak szybko, jak to możliwe. Wczesna rezerwacja jest szczególnie warta rozważenia, jeśli planujesz podróż w szczycie sezonu, np. w święta, weekendy lub latem.

Wycieczka ta może zostać odwołana bez ponoszenia żadnych kosztów przed upływem 24 godzin przed rozpoczęciem podróży. Jeśli anulujesz to po 24 godzin lub nie pojawisz się na wycieczce, nadal będziesz obciążony pełną opłatą za aktywność. Spóźnienie na odbiory lub wycieczkę będzie uważane za nie pojawienie się.