Taking the slow boat to Laos is a travel pilgrimage that I had heard of for years, and after a few days in Chiang Mai, I was finally ready to embark on the journey.
By the time we hit the border, it was 3 in the morning. A few quick winks of sleep, and then back up to start the river journey.
Luckily, I started with a great breakfast with friends while watching sunrise over the Mekong River
After stamping out at Chiang Kong, everybody is piled into a longtail boat and taken across the river into the Lao bordertown of Huay Xai, where restamping happens.
Overall a mostly smooth process
The slow boat is slow, and most of the day was spent relaxing on the water and watching the countryside go by.
At the end of the first day, the boat stopped at the small town of Pakbeng, where all the tourits are aggressively marketed to, and ushered to various guesthouses
Evening in Pakbeng was nice, with some good food and good beers!
The second day started with another beautiful sunrise and breakfast, and then back on the boat for the final leg of the journey.
Finally arriving in Luang Prabang, I hiked up to the road, and shared a TukTuk into town with a few fellow travelers.
This is a great information
My cruise also runs on the Mekong River.
The cruise Luang Prabang is a two-day luxury cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. Please join us on our luxury cruise on the mighty Mekong River. https://www.mekongsmilecruise.com/
Comments
6 responses to “Riding The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang, Laos”
Hello, Do you know if you can start this boat ride in Luang Prabang and finish in Huay Xai?
Thanks
Greg
Hi
When did you take this trip and do you know the slow boat runs daily in low season (may-june)?
Hi there Jeff! Which boat tour/company did you go with?
Jace – I don’t remember specifically – I booked the whole situation at the Julie Guesthouse – ask them, they’re great!
This is a great information
My cruise also runs on the Mekong River.
The cruise Luang Prabang is a two-day luxury cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. Please join us on our luxury cruise on the mighty Mekong River.
https://www.mekongsmilecruise.com/
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