Chiang Mai tours

Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via Chiang Kong/Huay Xai

The Slow Boat from Chiang Kong to Luang Prabang, Laos

Chiang Mai is now a popular jumping off point for a trip to Laos. The Laos boarder town of Huay Xai is a 5 hour bus ride from Chiang Mai and now with Laos visas available on arrival this makes a convenient border crossing to enter Laos.

Boat Chiang Kong to Luang Prabang

Most travelers crossing at the Chiang Kong/Huay Xai border will be heading to the charming world heritage town of Luang Prabang and the most convenient way to get there from Huay Xai will be to take the Huay Xai Luang Prabang boat

The slow Boat to Luang Prabang

Transport boats have been plying the Mekong for thousands of years. Back when Laos started to open up to tourists some adventurous travelers could turn up in the Laos riverside town of Huay Xai and enquire with the cargo boats and hitch a ride down the Mekong River. However since then things have become more organized with the increasing amount of tourists and the realization that they can be a far more lucrative cargo than the usual wares which were transported up and down the Mekong. Many of the traditional cargo boats have been converted to carry passengers. However the conversion is little more than installing a few wooden benches which can make the trip a little uncomfortable. Some boats however have been kitted out with more comfortable seats however you don’t get any choice of the boat you take as you have to board the next available departure.

Huay Xai from the Chiang Kong side

The trip from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang is usually covered in 3 days with the first day spent taking the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Kong with an overnight in either Chiang Kong or Huay Xai. The second day will be spent on the boat with an overnight in the small riverside town of Pakbeng and the final day will be spent on the boat again. Although long, this is trip is a great way to see traditional Laotian riverside life and a rewarding way to get yourself from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang.


Typical Mekong 'slow boat'	Chiang Mai immigration

The Fast Boat Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang

If you are in a hurry then there is a fast boat option between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang which will cover the distance in about 6-7 hours so there will be no need to spend a night in Pakbeng. Although quick the small boats are cramped, noisy and a little dangerous. You will usually be made to wear life jackets and crash helmets.