Everything you need to know about the slow boat to Laos from Thailand.
Prices for the slow boat to Laos are have been updated for December 2016. Subject to change.
So you’re looking to take the slow boat to Laos from either Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pai or Chiang Khong in Thailand and want some tips on the best way to do it? Here is everything you need to know before you board and once you’re on the boat!
Can I book the slow boat to Laos through an agency?
Yes, there are many agencies that can arrange this for you in each place. Sometimes even your accommodation can organise this for the same price as an agency. Just ask at your reception.
Don’t miss our latest guide on the best things to do in Luang Prabang!
Chiang Rai – 1550 Baht ($47.50)
You get picked up from your Chiang Rai accommodation at 6:30-7am. There is a 2-hour ride to Chiang Khong, which is the closest town to the border, arriving at around 9am.
You then cross into Laos. Once you have officially entered the country you hop on the shuttle and get transferred to Huay Xai where the slow boat leaves. This is a 2-day journey, including shuttle and slow boat to Laos.
Chiang Mai – 1700 Baht ($52)
There are many agencies you can book this through in Chiang Mai. The typical schedule is 10:00am Pick up from your Chiang Mai accommodation.
It is a 4-hour drive to Chiang Kong where the border is located. You will be transferred to your accommodation in Chiang Kong and stay there for the rest of the day.
Pick up in the morning at 8:30am and transfer to Thai Immigration. Cross into Laos by shuttle bus. At 10:00am board the slow boat to Pakbeng.
Packages do include accommodation (either just in Chiang Khong, or sometimes Pakbeng as well), but depending on the price will determine your accommodation standards.
This is a one-day journey in the shuttle to the border town and 2 days on the slow boat to Luang Prabang.
If taking the 2-day slow boat from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang seems like too much of a headache and takes too much time, check out the sleeper bus. You can book it on Bookaway.
Pai- 1750 Baht ($53.50)
Leave Pai at 2pm or 6pm, Fuel up on the outskirts of Chiang Mai to continue on towards Chiang Khong. The trip is long and you will arrive in Chiang Khong around 1-2am.
This package does include all your transport and your one night accommodation in Chiang Khong.
Don’t expect anything fancy with the accommodation. In the morning they will drop you at the border around 9am. This is a…
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