laos boat tour

• Ban Mano, Manomai Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
• [email protected]
• Mon to Sat: 8.30 am - 5.30 pm

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• (+84) 98 797 55 14

Explore Laos River Like Never

River cruise at any budget.

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Cruises & land tours, your mekong escape starts here, let’s cruise laos in style.

Top Laos River Cruises

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Shompoo Cruises

Heritage Line Anouvong

Mekong Pearl

Summer Hotest Deals

Featured tours

Best Itineraries to Unlock Laos

Shompoo Cruise 2 Days 1 Night: Huay Xai - Luang Prabang (Downstream)

Huay Xai, Pakbeng, Luang Prabang

4.8  Excellent (16 Reviews)

Shompoo Cruise

Heritage Line Anouvong 3 Nights (Downstream)

Huay Xai, Khon Teun, Huay Ting, Pakbeng, Khok Ek, Kang Hang Yai, Khok Phou, Khok Luang, Pak Ou, Ban Mueng Kay, Luang Prabang

4.8  Excellent (18 Reviews)

Shompoo Cruise 2 Days 1 Night: Luang Prabang - Huay Xai (Upstream)

Luang Prabang, Pakbeng, Huay Xai

Mekong Pearl 5 Nights: Impressions of the Mekong (Upstream)

Vientiane, Salakham, Ban Don Saingam, Xayaburi Dam, Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

Mekong Sun 5 Nights: Highlights of Northen Laos

Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves

Heritage Line Anouvong 7 Nights (Downstream)

Huay Xai, Huay Palang, Pak Beng, Kop Aek, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang, Khok Akha Tourism, Pak Lay, Sandback, Vientiane

Shompoo Cruise 1 Day: Luang Prabang - Pakbeng (Upstream)

Luang Prabang, Pakbeng

Shompoo Cruise 1 Day: Pakbeng to Huay Xai (Upstream)

Pakbeng, Huay Xai

Our Unique Points

Why You’ll Love Us?

Forget generic cruises and rushed itineraries. Laos River Cruises crafts you a gentle and unique voyage. You'll discover Laos like never before.

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Experienced Staff

Address any concerns and ensure your needs are heard.

Combined Cruises and Tours

Combine Laos Cruises with Land Tours

Shompoo Cruise 1 Day: Huay Xai - Pakbeng (Downstream)

Huay Xai, Pakbeng Tourism

Shompoo Cruise 1 Day: Pakbeng - Luang Prabang (Downstream)

Pakbeng, Luang Prabang

Heritage Line Anouvong 9 Nights (Upstream)

Vientiane, Sandbank, Phalat, Pak Lay, Khok Akha, Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Caves, Gaeng Hang Gai, Pak Beng, Huay Xai

RV Champa Pandaw 10 Nights (Downstream)

Chiang Saen, Khamo Village, Pak Ou Caves, Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls, Xayaburi Dam, Xanakham, Vientiane

RV Champa Pandaw

RV Laos Pandaw 10 Nights (Upstream)

Vientiane, Chiang Saen, Pak Lai, Ban Park Bor Village, Pakbeng, Chiang Saen

RV Laos Pandaw

Heritage Line Anouvong 3 Nights (Upstream)

Luang Prabang, Pak Ou, Khok Phou, Khok Luang, Khok Ek, Pakbeng, Huay Xai

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Latest Travel Guide to Laos Cruise & More

Laos Visa - Easy Steps to Get Visa to Laos

• By Vu Giang

The Best Time to Cruise in Laos

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8 Tips to Pack for a Laos River Cruise Trip

Cruise Laos with Experts

First step to your laos river cruise.

• Heritage Line

Cruising the Upper Mekong River in Laos

Discover the picturesque and remote upper Mekong with Heritage Line’s compelling short and long cruise itineraries.

Cruise Highlights

River journeying to wander off in time

The upper Mekong slowly meanders through the captivating landscape of Laos, where local life remains unchanged for centuries. Our uniquely tailored itineraries offer an unequalled Laotian riverine experience filled with spectacular backdrops, untouched riverside villages, ethnic tribes, local culture paired with insightful lectures and a dash of adventure. The short cruise slowly wanders through the Golden Triangle, connecting northern Thailand with Luang Prabang. Our longer cruises extend this journey to Vientiane (inclusive of a full sightseeing of Luang Prabang) to discover other remote parts of the country whilst getting lost in Laotian serendipity.

Inclusion Highlights

Inclusions & exclusions.

Please find inclusions, exclusions and room benefits for all upper Mekong cruises below

Accommodation; daily (group) shore-excursions & entrance fees; sightseeing and transfers during the cruise; transfers from/to Heritage Line’s meeting point to/from the ship (please read details in the embarkation guide); English speaking tour guiding on-and offshore; entertainment/activities during the cruise as mentioned in the program; meals as mentioned in the program; welcome drink, brewed coffee, tea and mineral water; passenger liability insurance; internet on the ship (subject to cellular network signal); complimentary usage of ship facilities (exclusive of spa treatments); port or anchorage fees; river pilots; fuel; taxes.

Crew and guide gratuities; visa fees; private transfers; personal expenses; beverages other than those stated under inclusions; medical services; spa treatments; port and anchorage fees; all other services or items not listed under inclusions.

For more information, please check detailed Inclusions leaflet below

Memorable Sailing along the Upper Mekong

Serene voyages that leave an indelible impression on one’s soul

Available Upper Mekong Cruise Itineraries

Unhurried cruising brimming with local adventures and blissful encounters

• 3 Nights [Huay Xai - Luang Prabang (vice versa)]
• 7 Nights [Huay Xai - Vientiane]
• 9 Nights [Vientiane - Huay Xai]

3 Nights | Huay Xai - Luang Prabang (vice versa)

Daily Adventures

Villagers craft handmade garments using techniques passed down for centuries

A traditional Laotian ceremony performed by local elders welcomes or bids farewells with a blessing

Learn about the the most fascinating national animal - the Laotian Elephant

Kok Aek is a charming village where the locals grow their produces organically (seasonal only)

Many local villages have their own homebrewed whiskey distillery

Very few locals still know how to play the ancient Laotian instrument known as the ‘khene’

The upper Mekong has plenty of sandbanks perfect for remote, open-air dining and cocktails

See remote, picture-perfect local villages in front of amazing backdrops

Many villages in the Golden Triangle are inhabited by a various local ethnic tribes

Enjoy wonderful views of the Mekong from the hill top temple (when time and weather permits only)

Overlooking the Mekong River are sacred caverns with 4,000 Buddha statues

Kayaking on gentle waters is a unique experience in Laos

Get to know the tricks of a traditional medication from a local ‘medicine man’

7 Nights | Huay Xai - Vientiane

Get to know the charm of Luang Prabang with a leisurely walking tour

Take some time on your own to wander through one of Asia’s most beautiful cities

Rise early to witness the hundreds of saffron-robed monks on their morning alms

Take a dip in this jungle paradise’s crystal clear waters

A highlight of our long cruises –passage through the first hydroelectric dam in Laos

Hop on a long tail boat and embark on a real jungle adventure into the unknown

9 Nights | Vientiane - Huay Xai

Additional information.

• Rates & Departures

Featured Journeys

Explore our available itineraries for your luxury cruise along the Upper Mekong in Laos

UPPER MEKONG

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LAOS RIVER CRUISES

Spectacular Laos River Cruises

Our spectacular Laos river cruises allow you to discover the undiscovered as you travel on the Upper Mekong River.

The mighty Mekong River makes its way through six countries and a Pandaw river cruise allows you to explore remote parts of these countries that the average traveller ordinarily wouldn't get to see.

Our exciting cruise travels to or from Vientiane in Laos to Chiang Khong in Thailand. Passengers need to bring with them a real sense of adventure and flexibility as the itinerary of such a monumental cruise can change at any time.

Travelling between these South-East Asian countries can be logistically difficult, embarking on a Laos River Cruise takes away these stresses and takes you into the heart of these beautiful and fascinating countries. The native people are warm and welcoming and waiting to meet and educate you to their way of life. As well as immersing yourself in the culture you will be awe-inspired by the varying, stunning landscapes from lush jungle scenery to mountains, forests, gorges and rapids.

Visit working villages, local markets and experience the difference between the French colonial Laos capital of Vientiane, the temple city of Luang Prabang and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar border.

Step aboard a specifically designed Pandaw ship for our Laos cruise, purpose-built for sailing on the Upper Mekong with low draft and extra powerful engines. Your staterooms are spacious and come with fresh fruits and flowers on arrival. Our staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as it can be.

Longer Expeditions

The Laos Mekong

Rivers : Mekong River

Ships : RV Champa Pandaw, RV Laos Pandaw, RV Sabaidee Pandaw

from US$4,316.40 per person

No Single Supplements on selected dates

Combination Cruises

Halong Bay, Red River & Laos Mekong

Rivers : Halong Bay & The Red River, Mekong River

Ships : RV Angkor Pandaw, RV Champa Pandaw

from US$7,970.40 per person

Save up to 10% and No Single Supplement on selected dates

The Full Mekong, Four Country 21 Night Combo Cruise

For the first time, join Pandaw on an in-depth exploration of the Mekong River from South to North. Combining our two 10 night Mekong expeditions through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam in this special four country expedition. Sailing all of the navigable stretches of this mighty river, you will learn about how one river can support a vast and diverse group of peoples and cultures, all from the comfort of our locally crafted Pandaw vessels.

This combo cruise includes flight from Saigon to Vientiane and one night accommodation in Vientiane between cruises within the price of your ticket.

Rivers : Mekong River, Mekong River, Tonle River

Ships : RV Champa Pandaw, RV Mekong Pandaw

from US$10,075.60 per person

Land & River Tours

Best of Laos & Northern Thailand

Explore the beauty and culture of Laos and Northern Thailand with Pandaw on our new and exclusive river and land tour. Experience all that Laos has to offer along the scenic and serene upper Mekong where local life remains unchanged for centuries aboard your expertly crafted and luxuriously comfortable small Pandaw vessel. We also venture high into the mountains of Northern Thailand to discover the rich culture and diversity of the hilltribe peoples that have inhabited this area for centuries. This unforgettable 16 night adventure is sure to be the trip of a lifetime..

Ships : RV Laos Pandaw

from US$6,687.60 per person

Rivers in Laos

Mekong River

RV Champa Pandaw

RV Laos Pandaw

RV Sabaidee Pandaw

River cruise stops.

Cruising The Mekong

Golden Triangle

Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang

Discover Pandaw Cruises

The friendliness of the crew made the whole trip such a delight

posted by LORNA & DAVID WILLIAMS

Travel Blogs

Land of One Million Elephants

Luang Prabang , nestled in the lush, mountainous landscape of northern Laos , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Southeast Asia . Th....

Laos Climate

Laos Optional Extensions

Exploring Angkor

Explore Hanoi

Sapa & Hanoi

Hill Tribes of North Thailand

Explore Chiang Mai

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Discover our unique collection

Experience the journey of a lifetime with Luang Say Cruises along the river banks of the world famous Mekong from Houei Sai to Luang Prabang, taking in one night stay at the relaxing Luang Say Lodge, situated near Pakbeng.

Luang Say Lodge enjoys a stunning collection of teak and rosewood bungalows that overlook the Mekong River in all its glory. Set over 17 pavilions, all have vistas gazing out across the Mekong, the naturally abundant surroundings perfectly compliment the overall concept of this stunning lodge. Your journey onboard one of the Pak Ou boats will then take you to the World Heritage site of Luang Prabang. If you want to absorb the stunning Mekong atmosphere and enjoy the local culture and its colorful peoples, this is the cruise of a lifetime.

The original Mekong cruise

The Mekong is the artery of life in Laos: a trading route, a source of food and water, and a social center for the settlements along its banks. Known locally as The Mother of Waters, the Mekong river has been venerated and worshiped for thousands of years.

The Vat Phou Cruises offer a fantastic opportunity to discover the splendor of the Mekong River and the Unesco World Heritage Vat Phou Temple on a delightful three-day voyage aboard a luxurious floating hotel.

Since 1999, our custom built river cruiser has traveled on the Mekong in Laos between Pakse, Champasak and Don Khong Island. The boat is appointed with everything for your comfort, safety and enjoyment.

Our boat staff and guide are always available to help you with any need you may have during your cruise on the Mekong.

Awards | Partners

THE 10 BEST Laos Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in laos.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Gondola Cruises
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Swim with Dolphins
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Pak Ou Caves
• Kuang Si Falls
• Trips Chiang Mai
• Asian Trails LTD
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages

2. Nagi of Mekong cruise

3. Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang

4. Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance

5. Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline

6. Dine and Cruise on Mekong River

7. One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng

8. From Chiang Rai 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Boat to Luang Prabang,Lao

9. Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day

10. 3 Days 2 Night From Chiang Mai : Slow Boat to Luang Prabang, Lao

11. Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving

12. Luang Prabang A Venerable Cruise to the Pak Ou Caves with Lunch

13. Luang Prabang_ Vientiane 6 Days 5 Nights

14. Pak Ou Caves river trip

15. Kuang Si Waterfalls by Bike and Boat

16. Discover Vang Vieng in 4 nights & 5 days (Lakefront Resort)

17. 4-Day Classic Laos Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

18. Luxury Boat Cruise to Luang Prabang from Chiangmai 3 Days 2 Night

19. From Chiang Rai Luxury Boat Cruise to Luang Prabang 3 Day 2 Night

20. A Rice Journey in Luang Prabang

21. Luang Prabang Extension - 5 Days 4 Nights

22. Private Slow Boat Tour to Pak ou cave, Pottery Village and Kuangsi Falls

What travellers are saying.

THE 10 BEST Laos Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in laos.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Gondola Cruises
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Swim with Dolphins
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Pak Ou Caves
• Kuang Si Falls
• Trips Chiang Mai
• Asian Trails LTD
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages

2. Nagi of Mekong cruise

3. Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang

4. Sunset Cruise in Luang Prabang with Live Performance

5. Vang Vieng Tour A - Blue lagoon 3 with Caves and Zipline

6. Dine and Cruise on Mekong River

7. One Day Guided Tour: Kayaking, Zipline & Tubing In The Cave from Vang Vieng

8. Bike to Kuangsi Waterfall and Cruise the Mekong River Back - Luang Prabang 1 day

9. 3 Days 2 Night From Chiang Mai : Slow Boat to Luang Prabang, Lao

10. Discover Vang Vieng Private Tour- Trekking, Kayaking and Caving

11. Luang Prabang A Venerable Cruise to the Pak Ou Caves with Lunch

12. Luang Prabang_ Vientiane 6 Days 5 Nights

13. Pak Ou Caves river trip

14. Kuang Si Waterfalls by Bike and Boat

15. From Chiang Rai 3 Days 2 Nights Slow Boat to Luang Prabang,Lao

16. Discover Vang Vieng in 4 nights & 5 days (Lakefront Resort)

17. 4-Day Classic Laos Tour from Vientiane to Luang Prabang

18. Luxury Boat Cruise to Luang Prabang from Chiangmai 3 Days 2 Night

19. From Chiang Rai Luxury Boat Cruise to Luang Prabang 3 Day 2 Night

20. A Rice Journey in Luang Prabang

21. Luang Prabang Extension - 5 Days 4 Nights

22. Private Slow Boat Tour to Pak ou cave, Pottery Village and Kuangsi Falls

What travellers are saying.

Classic Laos: Luang Prabang & Vientiane

Customizable private tour with flexible start date

• 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS

• Experience the very best of Laos on a classic route through Luang Prabang and Vientiane
• Cruise Laos' serene stretch of the upper Mekong aboard a French-colonial style riverboat
• Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang
• Bond with the elephants at Mandalao Reserve Elephant Sanctuary
• Visit the spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall and Bear Rescue Centre
• Help change the life of locals in the Mekong Delta by donating a sampan
• Explore the famous Buddha park in the capital Vientiane
• Activities and accommodations can be tailored to suit your taste and budge
• Private guided excursions and transfers to enrich your experience

This Laos classic tour to Luang Prabang and Vientiane is perfect for active families. Explore Luang Prabang and the countryside by bike and by boat down the Mekong River. Enjoy jungle walking tours and waterfall explorations and meet ethnic tribes and the rescued elephants and bears on this unforgettable vacation.

Your Mekong River Cruise

Step aboard a sumptuous French-colonial-styled riverboat for a leisurely Mekong River cruise through Laos to Luang Prabang. While discovering the most beautiful, remote, areas of Laos in utmost luxury, you will see serene nature, isolated villages and magnificent temples. Hang out with the elephants at an elephant preservation sanctuary. Meet the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong residents at the tiny village of Kop Aek, and dive into centuries-old traditions and practices. Observe the local weavers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts at the village of Muang Keo, and take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong’s rocky shore.

• Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a tiny city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995; it is one of Laos’ best-loved destinations. Enjoy a captivating evening of traditional storytelling and music in an intimate theatre. Spend a day biking through the surrounding areas, marvel at Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. Cycle through villages, past jungle-covered mountains, through teakwood forests and rice fields along the banks of the Nam Khan River. Board a boat for a cruise upriver to the Tad Sae Waterfall for lunch and a swim.

Waterfalls, Farming, Elephants and Bears

Visit the vibrant Phou Si Market, and then take a leisurely hike to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Observe one of the country’s most endangered species; learn about the threats to bears and what can be done to protect the precious wildlife of Laos, and help out with the bears’ midday scatter feed. Afterward, walk to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can swim if you wish. Spend an enjoyable half-day on a community-based rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, experience the life of a farmer by trying your hand at some farm activities. You will also have the opportunity to learn about bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. Tour the organic garden and learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine. Visit the Mandalao Reserve Elephant Sanctuary, meet and bond with the elephants and then accompany them on a 2-hour trek through the beautiful Lao jungle, passing traditional Lao farms and the Huay Nok stream, where the elephants may frolic in its cool waters.

In the Laotian capital of Vientiane, visit the famous Buddha Park, a quirky concrete sculpture garden that is home to over 200 statues depicting Buddhist and Hindu figures, as well as animals, humans, and demons. Enter through the mouth of a 10-foot-tall demon head and climb staircases from Hell to Heaven. View sculptures at each level with a panoramic viewpoint at the top level.

Please note this itinerary is just a sample that can be tailored in accordance with your personal wishes. All excursions and transfers are on a private basis, with the exception of the cruise portion, which is shared with other passengers.

Itinerary & Prices

AVAILABILITY

PLACES VISITED

• Laos Mekong
• Animal Rescue Centers
• Breathtaking Natural Scenery
• Colonial Era History
• Cultural Performances
• Folklore and Traditions
• Practice Tai Chi
• Ride Traditional Ox Carts
• Temples & Spirituality
• Sustainability Practices
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• Unique Photo Opportunities

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 3 Night Mekong Cruise
• 6 Nights Hotel Accommodation
• Private Transfers
• Meals as Specified in the Itinerary
• Private English Speaking Guides
• All Entrance Fees

WHAT’S EXCLUDED

• Travel Insurance incl. medical evacuation
• Anything not stated in Itinerary
• International Flights
• Mekong Port Fee

Welcome onboard Anouvong!

AM: Good morning! Your Laos adventure starts early with a beautiful cruise. We will pick you up from the hotel in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and give you a lift to the immigration office – an entry point to Laos and your cruise meeting point. Anouvong’s team will meet you to assist you with all immigration procedures on both the Thai and Laotian sides. After all formalities, we transfer you to the vessel, which is moored at Huay Xai pier. Settle in your room as we start the downstream journey.

The first stop today is Huay Palang village, home to the Khmu minority. The locals’ lifestyle here depends fully on the Mekong as a means of transportation and a primary food source.

PM: As the sun sets over the Mekong River, we will hold a Baci Ceremony, traditionally performed by the village elders as a Laotian welcome. It’s a ceremony of spirit-calling practiced at special occasions in life.

After dinner, there is a famous Laotian “comedy” movie scheduled in our nightly “on-board cinema”. The movie, called “Chang” (Laotian for“elephant”), was shot not far away from our current location in 1927 and was made by the same producer as the first King Kong movie.

Elephants and Ethnic Communities

AM: Early birds are welcome to join the daily morning exercise on the terrace deck (Tai Chi or Yoga). As we cruise along in the morning, our local expert hosts a lecture about Asian elephants, particularly the Laotian species, their cultural importance in the past, and the current threats which have brought them to the brink of extinction.  PM: After lunchtime, we arrive in the small town of Pakbeng. We pass by the local market scene and visit a beautiful hilltop temple with amazing views of the gently flowing Mekong below. We then have the chance to expand on the knowledge from our morning lecture when visiting an elephant preservation sanctuary. The elephants here used to work as logging elephants and can live in peace and safety here as they cannot now survive in the wild.  Back on board, the journey continues for a few more hours – lay back and enjoy the scenic views as the Anouvong proceeds towards her next destination. At a secluded sandbank, the local ethnic Lao, Khmu, and Hmong residents welcome us to the tiny village of Kop Aek. Dive into centuries-old traditions and practices as you immerse yourself in a unique Laotian experience. As we remain at the sandbank into early evening, kick back with an aperitif accompanied by a classical dance performance by the local people. After the show, we have another highlight in store for our guests – a barbecue dinner on the terrace deck as we take in the sights and soothing sounds of nature.

Pak Ou Caves and a Lao Culture Expert

AM: After breakfast, join the lecture about the Laotian culture of the diverse tribes living along the upper Mekong. Next up – the cooking class. The rest of the morning is at your disposal as Anouvong sails through lush vegetation and gently rolling verdant hills. PM: In the afternoon, we arrive at another little village named Muang Keo. Here you can observe the local weavers honoring their timeworn traditional crafts.  From Muang Keo, we take a short and easy trek to the famous Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong’s rocky shore. There are two spacious grottoes with approximately 4,000 sacred Buddhist statues.  Back on board, you can the peaceful waters of this part of the Mekong. Get refreshed before the evening, where we get to meet Mr Francis Engelmann, a writer and retired consultant to UNESCO on heritage preservation projects since 1994. He will share some insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage, the turbulent history, and the day-to-day life of Lao people. Our culinary team is pleased to spoil you on your last evening as our chefs have prepared some delectable dishes for dinner. Have a grand time together with your newly made friends and join our staff to celebrate this wonderful journey and dance the night away. The ship moors this evening near Pak Ou.

Disembark Anouvong and Evening Stories

The last sunrise aboard paired with a morning activity is the perfect way to commence your final day. After breakfast buffet, we arrive in central Luang Prabang. You will disembark at 10:30 AM and meet your local guide at the pier. Transfer to your hotel by private car and enjoy some free time to walk around this splendidly charming town.

Your guide will see you again tonight for an evening of traditional storytelling and local dinner. In an intimate theatre in Luang Prabang’s historic old town, listen as a Lao storyteller presents stories in English, with the live accompaniment of the khene, a Lao folk mouth instrument. After the performance, transfer to a local restaurant.

After dinner, return to your hotel by private car.

Cycling Around Luang Prabang and Picnic by the Waterfall

Enjoy a day biking through the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang.

You will meet your guide early in the morning to get fitted on one of Tiger Trail’s quality mountain bikes. We will ride from the city center to the first stop at Wat Pa Phon Phao, a golden temple with a great view of Luang Prabang. Follow the paved road further through teakwood forests and rice fields along the Nam Khan River to visit the resting spot of Henry Mouhot.

We then continue biking through villages and past jungle-covered mountains until arriving at the Tiger Trail Adventure Camp terrace on the banks of the Nam Khan River.

Park the bikes and board a boat for a cruise upriver to the Tad Sae waterfall where we will enjoy lunch and the beautiful landscape, maybe even a swim. There are also elephants in the area you can watch and photograph or you can buy some bananas and feed them.

Return by boat to our bikes and cycle through beautiful scenery back to Luang Prabang City.

Bears and Waterfall Picnic

Bears and Waterfa

Spend a half-day exploring the area around Kuang Si Waterfall, highlighted by a private tour of the Asian Bear Rescue Centre.

Depart on a 1hr drive south of Luang Prabang, with a stop at the vibrant Phou Si Market. Continue to the waterfalls, and take a leisurely hike through the natural park to the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre. Enjoy a 1 hour private guided tour of the center, established by the Free The Bears Fund Inc. in 2003 to look after bears destined for use in the traditional medicine trade, including the Asiatic Black Bear (moon bears). Observe one of Laos’s most endangered species and learn about the threats to bears and what can be done to protect Laos’s precious wildlife. Arrive before 11:00 to help out with the bears’ midday scatter feed by hiding food around the enclosure to stimulate the animals and get them to work for their food.

Afterward, walk to the beautiful cascading Kuang Si Waterfall. Swimming in the refreshing turquoise waters is possible, although the water temperature is very cool between November and January. Back to Luang Prabang for late lunch.

The remainder of the day at leisure.

Serene Rice Farm Hand-On Experience

Spend an enjoyable half-day on a community-based rice farm situated in the idyllic countryside, surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer by trying your hand at some farm activities. All can join in and there are great photo opportunities. Alternatively, watch life on the farm unfold from the comfort of a traditional Lao rice house balcony surrounded by rice terraces and an organic vegetable farm. During the experience, you will also have the opportunity to learn about bamboo weaving, blacksmith work, and sugar cane processing. After, tour the organic garden and learn how natural herbs are used in traditional medicine.

Jungle Walk with the Elephants

Explore the mysterious beauty of the Lao jungle with our recently rescued elephants as your companions. This journey is the perfect way for these happy elephants to enjoy a walk in their natural habitat after decades of hard labor in logging camps, and also offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to connect with these wonderful animals. MandaLao’s guides and mahouts will teach you how elephants and humans can communicate with one another – once this connection is made it’s almost impossible not to empathize with these giant beasts, our own emotions reflected clearly in their behavior; a life-changing experience with animals that at first appear vastly different. After picking you up from your hotel in town, we will leave Luang Prabang for the nearby village of Xieng Lom and enjoy a coffee or tea as your guide for the day provides an in-depth introduction to elephant behavior. Then we will embark on a short boat ride across the Nam Khan River to meet the waiting elephants, bearing special treats to feed them – a surefire way to begin an instant friendship! Following behind, start walking with your new gigantic companions on a 2-hour trek through the beautiful Lao jungle, passing traditional Lao farms and the Huay Nok stream, where the elephants may frolic in its cool waters. As you walk alongside the elephants, listening to their gentle footsteps on the small dirt trail, experience a profound sense of understanding, respect, and caring for these magnificent creatures. Prepare to start your return trek to MandaLao and bid farewell to your new friends with a few last hugs, and of course, treats! Following lunch, you will take a short ride back into Luang Prabang and have one more chance to ask your guides any final questions.

Transfer to Vientiane and Visit Buddha Park

After breakfast, your driver will take you to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. There you will be pick up by private car and transfer to your hotel.

After lunch, your guide will meet you for a relaxing half-day exploring Vientiane’s Buddha Park.

It is a fanciful sculpture garden containing more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues including a quirky giant concrete pumpkin with a three-level interior representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven. Enter through the mouth of a 3m (10ft) tall demon head and climb staircases from Hell to Heaven. View sculptures at each level with a panoramic viewpoint at the top level. Stroll around the park to observe the many concrete sculptures scattered throughout including characters from Hindu mythology, as well as animals, humans, and demons.

Return to your hotel in the early evening.

Your driver will meet you in time for your transfer to the airport.

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Mekong River Cruises in Laos

The Best Mekong River Cruises in Laos Collection: Best Value & Best Price Guarantee

• RV Mekong Princess Cruise
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All Mekong River Cruises in Laos Recommended For You

Among six countries that great Mekong river flows through, it's a must for an exciting cruise through Laos, an ethnically diverse country in the region with a collection of green-covered landscapes, French colonial-style buildings, and Buddhist sanctuaries. Every once in a while, passengers need to bring with them a real sense of adventure to explore remote parts of the country that the average travelers ordinarily wouldn't get enough luck to see. No matter how mighty the river would look like, embarking on a Laos River Cruise takes away these stresses and takes you into the heart of these beautiful and fascinating countries. The native people are warm and welcoming and waiting to meet and educate you to their way of life. As well as immersing yourself in the culture you will be awe-inspired by the varying, stunning landscapes from lush jungle scenery to mountains, forests, gorges and rapids. Visit working villages, local markets and you might get to know how you fall in love with the journey that no one else could feel the same.

Mekong Cruise Destinations in laos

 Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. 

 Enjoy 5 -star services during cruise journey with affordable price

 Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. 

 Visit tribal villages and explore into jungle and countryside

 Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang

 Be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos

 Enjoy traditional Laos dancing on the upper deck late afternoon

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Vientiane to Chiang Saen

Chiang saen to vientiane.

 Have chance to admire the natural beauty of Laos and Thai Land on luxurious cruise. 

 Enjoy 5 -star services during 11-day cruise with affordable price

 Ideal cruise for visitors who would like to discover the life on Mekong river along Thailand and Laos. 

 Visit to the opium museum in the Golden Triangle

 Have chance to take part in the largest elephant festival in South East Asia, usually in February

 Visit the jungle pools and dramatic Khaung Si waterfall, a butterfly garden and elephant camp

 Explore of the delightful French city in Laos.

 Be the first river expedition since pre war days to cross all Laos.

 Being romantic cruise on Mekong River cruise in Laos

 The cruise is the blend of traditional Laotian artwork with French-colonial accents.

 Meeting friends at Café-Bar & Lounge, relaxing on terrace deck with sun loungers and cabanas and experiencing Bodhi Spa on board. 

 Your luxurious room feels like home from the very first moment.

 Preparing the rich and flavourful cuisine of Laos and Southeast Asia with the best and freshest ingredients.

 Interesting activities on board: Local dance & music performances, sandbank barbecue and cocktail events,cooking class, evening cinema, kayaking, traditional welcome ceremony.

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Taking The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang: BEST Tips 2024

Thinking of taking the slow boat in Laos? Find out absolutely everything you need to know such as costs, where to take it from, what to bring, what to expect, and more important information on your slow boat to Luang Prabang!

Taking the slow boat Laos seems to be a right of passage for many travelers backpacking around Southeast Asia. The 2-day journey takes you from the Laos border town of Huay Xai down to Luang Prabang .

Some people refer it to as the journey from hell. Though trust me it isn’t that bad taking the slow boat Luang Prabang!

I have read numerous horror stories about taking the slow boat Thailand to Laos . Though, obviously not phased enough by the infamous rumors I decided I would take the journey and form my own opinion on the two-day adventure.

The slow boat is no doubt the most popular way for all types of people to travel between Northern Thailand and Luang Prabang, Laos. Though, it is certainly not for everyone.

I have actually taken the slow boat Laos twice. Once on the public slow 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. Though there are certainly a few tips and tricks that will make your journey a lot more bearable!

In this guide, I will let you know anything and everything so your slow boat in Laos journey is as stress-free and easy as possible! From departure points, costs, what to expect, and more.

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 To Luang Prabang

If you have ever traveled into the countryside of any Southeast Asian country you will appreciate the slower lifestyle. No one is in a rush and you can just simply relax and watch the world go by. Well, this is exactly how I would describe the slow boat to Luang Prabang.

It provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and breathe.

With a constant stream of fresh air, you can take In your surroundings. Watch the water buffalos play on the shore, see the locals who live along the river that connects them with the rest of the world, and look at the landscapes changing along the way.

Sometimes, especially when traveling, you forget to appreciate the smaller things in life and this provides the perfect opportunity for this.

The journey is in no way luxurious, even on the private slow boats. Though you will be able to bask in the sunshine, meet other travelers, and reminisce on all the memories you have been able to make on your travels so far.

Crossing The Thai-Laos Border

The first step in taking the slow boat to Laos is crossing the border from Thailand. We took a tuk-tuk to the border from Chiang Khong which cost us $4.50. Racing through the town the cool morning breeze is a refreshing change from what we are used to.

The roads are busy with vendors selling food at the morning markets. Dust looms in the air from the dry landscape. Soon enough the hustle and bustle disappear behind us 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.

The ride lasts about 10 minutes and goes over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. However, we had to wait about twenty minutes in line with about thirty other people for the first bus to depart. Of course, the bus driver was late, a typical occurrence on this side of the world.

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 Slow Boat Laos Journeys

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. I have done the journey on both the public slow boat and on a private slow boat as part of a tour. The experiences varied greatly.

Though I will get into the positives and negatives of each below.

Public Slow Boat: The Public Slow Boat was what the majority of 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.

It is a much cheaper option when it comes to getting to Luang Prabang via the Mekong River. Though as a result these boats are usually filled to the brim.

It is a mad rush to find your seats and I would relate this more to being stuck in a bus or plane where really 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. Though it is much more of an experience than just a simple journey. The group sizes are also a lot 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 which the public boat doesn’t do. This journey is a lot more relaxing where you can walk around, change spots, and it also has cleaner toilets. You can check out more about this journey in the below video.

Where To Catch The Slow Boat In Huay Xai

Once you have crossed the Thai Laos border you can head to the slow boat pier. This is around a 30-minute walk from the main town. Though with all your luggage I recommend getting a tuk-tuk instead.

You must simply advise the tuk-tuk driver to take you to the slow boat pier. They will know what you mean as that is where 90% of travelers in the area go. This should just cost you a couple of dollars.

Slow Boat To Luang Prabang Price

Once to the pier, you will need to buy your tickets for the slow boat Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. The ticket booth is 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. They will give you a ticket and a seat number in exchange.

You can book the slow boat in the town of Huay Xai itself rather than having to go down to the pier. However you will pay a few dollars more for the luxury of a third party organizing it all for you, but it will include a tuk-tuk transfer. The price of this is $21.20 / 440,000 LAK.

If you are on a strict itinerary it will be best to spend 1 night in Huay Xai so you can book tickets for the boat the day prior. Though 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 Thailand To Laos

After taking a tuk-tuk from the border to the pier we are quickly directed to the ticketing booth to purchase the slow boat tickets which would take us to Luang Prabang . They took our passport information and we were given allocated seat numbers.

Heading down to the boat we dump our bags at the back and wait patiently at our seats. There are about ten other people on the boat. Though the list at the ticketing office was already quite full. Unfortunately, James and I are not seated together.

Though, we just switch around a couple of pieces of paper with ‘seat 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 and the boat doesn’t depart until 11 a.m. We stock up on snacks from a couple of nearby stores. It is six hours until we would next be off the boat so food is necessary.

As the boat begins to fill up the weight pushes us deeper into the water and the crew starts preparing to depart. The majority of people on the Laos slow boat are tourists. The seats on the boats are surprisingly comfortable.

They are 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. The speed we are traveling provides an extremely enjoyable breeze, a great relief from the hot temperature.

A six-hour boat trip with no books to read and a limited amount of battery left from the previous hours I spent playing Candy Crush has left me with not much left to do. I decide to grab a cup of noodles from the vendor at the back of the boat.

The overpriced $1.20 cup keeps me entertained for the next thirty minutes as I stare at our location on Google Maps slowly getting closer to Pakbeng.

Staying In Pakbeng

Arriving in Pakbeng was a great relief, I could not wait to get out and start stretching my legs. We arrived an hour earlier than expected and this is in the dry season when the water levels are low.

There is a mad panic with everyone grabbing their bags quickly. Ours is at the bottom since we were one of the first to arrive that morning, so we chill out and wait for the crowds to disperse a bit.

Departing the boat numerous people are standing around the river’s edge holding signs up 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. We were one of those stupid people who booked via the guys who came onto the boat at the start.

Arriving at our guesthouse in all honesty it was not that organized. People were directed to rooms that were already full and not having enough available, even though it was all pre-booked. We ended up in a room with a double bed, private bathroom, and air-con.

At night we head down the road to find somewhere for dinner. My advice is to find somewhere with a good view of the river. We ended up at a restaurant just up from the Happy Bar. The food was reasonably good and by the time our meals came out the place was full.

I just ate a sandwich for $3.90.We also order our lunch for the next morning as well before heading off to bed at our Guesthouse.

The following day we get up to a slight chill in the air and the sound of roosters. Back down at the same restaurant as the previous night we grab breakfast and watch the 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 To Luang Prabang

Heading down to the slow boat the crowds are already lining up on the river’s edge. We get worried it’s too late to get a decent seat. Luckily as we line up 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 on the journey we are all a little over it. I quickly fall asleep to the rocking motion and hearing the river rush by. I wake up to a wee bit of a commotion as the boat makes its regular stops along the river to drop off locals to their village.

A tourist’s backpack and been taken off by someone thinking it is one of the locals. The Laotian people don’t understand why this foreigner is freaking out and we tourists don’t know how to say to the locals to stop driving away.

Luckily a young local woman can translate and they pull back into the river’s edge to collect the bag. The young backpacker’s life is restored and we all cheer in relief.

Continuing down the river, still equally as bored as the previous day it is time for noodles round two. I am vegetarian and I have no idea what type of noodles are which, especially as the lady behind the counter makes them.

I basically check which one appears less meaty, pick up any lumps of meat-looking substance. The overpriced noodles of $1.20 have kept me sane a little longer.

The last couple hours away from Luang Prabang the scenery on the river finally begins to change. It becomes a lot more mountainous with limestone karst jutting up out of the ground.

Personally, I think this is the most picturesque part of the journey and certainly gets you excited for the adventures to come in this amazing new country.

Arriving In Luang Prabang

One of the main things you will read online about the Laos slow boat journey is being dropped off in the middle of nowhere and having to pay ridiculous prices to get into the center of Luang Prabang . This is ALL old information.

Docking up at the port everyone forms a human chain to help get the bags off in a timely fashion. The late afternoon heat is intense and the sun is blaring down. Once we receive our bags it is a short but steep climb up the river bank. At the top is a formal tuk-tuk stand.

Here we gave our details, paid $2.40 per person, and then jumped on the next tuk-tuk leaving. In all honesty, it is extremely organized and no one was demanding ridiculous prices.

As we are leaving a few people walk along the dirt road to flag down a tuk-tuk. It is known that you will get a cheaper rate. Though, I could not imagine lugging my bag down there in this heat.

Additional Tips For The Slow Boat

• The toilets on these boats are not great . In all honesty, the toilet itself was not too bad, but lord did it flood. Try to go relatively early on in the trip 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 fingers crossed no other kind of liquid!
• Do not book your accommodation in Pakbeng in advance unless you are wanting to stay somewhere super-duper fancy! Even in saying this no place in Pakbeng is truly fancy and certainly not worth the prices you see online!
• Do not listen to the man who will come onto the slow boat at the beginning of the journey 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 were a favorite of mine. You can also preorder if you are staying in town to pick it up the next day. No one should live off cup noodles.
• It’s well known that the Laos slow boat seats in the back are the worst as the motors on the boat are literally deafening. This is no joke, they are crazy loud! Arrive early to get yourself a seat up the front half. 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 will only be able to use it for a small portion of the journey on the first day.

What To Pack For The Slow Boat In Laos

While onboard the slow boat Huay Xai to Luang Prabang your main bag will be at the back of the boat and be basically unreachable until you get to Pakbeng, then the following day until Luang Prabang. As a result, you will want to bring a day pack with all of your necessities to ensure you have a smooth trip.

Jacket: The mornings on the Mekong River can be foggy and cold. Until the sun really starts shining you may find yourself a bit cold. Bring along a hoodie or jacket you can easily take off. This can also double as a pillow for ultimate comfort levels.

Sunblock: If the boat is facing a certain direction you may find yourself stuck under the sun. Definitely bring sunblock to prevent yourself from getting burned. You are basically stuck in those seats for the journey so there is no way to move.

Sunglasses : It’ll definitely be worth bringing sunglasses along with you. The sun shining off the Mekong can be super bright so protect your eyes by bringing along a pair of sunglasses.

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 from Southeast Asia anyway as you never know when you could get stuck.

Snacks: Feel free to live on overpriced cup noodles. Though instead I highly recommend bringing your own snacks on board. I mean 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 slow boat pier which 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 slow boat in Laos. Anyway best to take some sort of entertainment. Whether that is a battery pack to charge your phone, or some paper to write your adventures down in.

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 choosing accommodation in Luang Prabang . From the impressive 5* resort, historic hotels, simple hostels, and locally owned guesthouses, you will find something to fit your budget and needs.

During our recent visit, we stayed on a quaint little side street minutes from the center and Mekong River. I fell in love with this little spot. There are a few budget guesthouses and nicer hotel-style accommodations available down this street.

Check out Mylaohome Hotel & Spa for comfortable rooms, an awesome spa, and a delicious cafe onsite from $23.00 per night. There is also Villa Pumalin which has an indoor pool and beautiful wooden rooms starting at $30.00 per night.

FAQs About Taking The Laos Slow Boat

Where do you get the slow boat from to laos.

The slow boat starts in the border town of Huay Xai in North Laos. You can catch the boat to Luang Prabang from the slow boat pier.

How long is the slow boat from Thailand to Laos?

You will spend 2 days on the slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang with an overnight stop in Pakbeng. How long you spend on the boat depends on the water levels, though you can expect to spend 6 to 7 hours each day onboard.

How much does the slow boat to Laos cost?

The price is $20.70 / 430,000 LAK for the 2-day journey to Luang Prabang.

Does the slow boat to Laos run every day?

Yes, the slow boat to Laos runs every day. In the high season, you may find there are multiple morning departures.

What time is the slow boat to Laos?

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 already have tickets you will want to arrive as early as possible to try to book a spare seat.

The slow boat starts in the border town of Huay Xai in North Laos. You can easily catch the boat to Luang Prabang from the slow boat pier a short drive out of the town center.

Other Things To Do In Luang Prabang

There are plenty of awesome things to do, so much 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.

Ready For The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang

Now you have read absolutely everything you need to know about taking the slow boat to Laos you should be able to do this 2 day journey with ease!

Don’t fall for the scams, snag yourself a comfortable seat and bring some snacks and your journey from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang will fly by.

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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

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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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Backpacking Laos: The BEST Travel Guide [2024]

Find out everything you need to know for backpacking Laos on a budget. Learn about [...]

Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

49 thoughts on “ Taking The Slow Boat To Luang Prabang: BEST Tips 2024 ”

Thanks! What time of year did you go? Wondering if it’s cold all year round or specifically when you went.

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.

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.

thank ypu for all the information. I have 2 questions. Firstly want to get the slow boat from luang prabang to huay xai in july but can only find out about the tour package ones and unfortunately they only run on a Wednesday and sunday. I can’t do either of those days. I cannot get information on the public boats what days they run? anyone know? Also I know it is rain season but how rain is that??

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!

Ahhhh awesome! It’s so cool to see people traveling again, you are going to have an amazing time!

Hallo. Hast du diese reise im 2022 gemacht? Wir suchen hoffnungsvoll nach anbietern von luang prabang nach huay xai

Thanks for the good article. Do you have any recommendation for a private tour operator? Apparently, all the ones we contacted are shut down since the pandemic.

Thanks in advance!

Wow, these pictures are so cool. Just awesome. I also plan to go on a trip and I want to take a slow boat. This article helps me. Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

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!

Hey Christina! I am glad you found this helpful! The slow boat is often made out as a horrible journey, though it truly is not! The ride is not as long as they claim (we always arrived at least one hour earlier than what the crew advised) and make sure you dont get ripped off by prebooking accommodation, you can get the same room once you arrive in Pakbeng for half the price! Let me know how it goes :)

Ooh, I’m planning to do that trip in the next few weeks and am so looking forward to it. Great post!

Hope it went well

I always love reading your blog posts and this one is no different! You have AMAZING photos like usual! And I will be planning my entire trip to Asia based on your trip. So I will be following in your foot steps. Looking forward to it! Hahaha. Perfect info, thanks!

Thanks :) I appreciate the feedback! If you have any questions about planning your trip let me know :)

Wow I never thought about taking the slow boat, looks like a cool and cheap way to get around. Cant wait to visit this area!

Wow! This looks super adventurous! Going to be in Chiang Mai in December. Now you’ve got me interested!

What an amazing adventure. i love that you took a risk and tried something very different and it paid off! The boat trip sounds so worth it and like it would create amazing memories. I also really appreciate all the links you embedded into your post. Happy exploring!

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.

Very interesting. Doesn’t sound too bad to me except for the toilets – I am not sure if I would be able to handle that. I also can’t believe how cheap everything is in that area!

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!

Yeah there are not too many overland options to travel between Laos and Thailand, though this is definitely the best way! It honestly isnt too bad, its just like taking a bus two days in a row!

Oh my word! What an experience! I love Thailand, but I had never thought about catching the slow boat to Laos… until now! You’ve convinced me :) (And, being a broke millennial scraping by in Sydney, your price breakdown of food and accommodation day-to-day is making me drool.)

Thank you so much for sharing!

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The Ultimate Guide to the Slow Boat in Laos

The Slow Boat in Laos refers to the river taxi that runs from the border of Thailand to Luang Prabang, the old capital of Laos until 1975. Here’s a complete guide for the tour, whether you book with an agency or purchase every step on your own.

I originally went down the slow boat back in 2017 as one of my Visa runs while living in Chiang Mai. Back then, I said it wasn’t a once-in-a-lifetime experience as I was looking forward to doing it again someday. Well, now I have repeated my journey and garnered even more information on how to make it a successful, fun and inexpensive trip.

Table of Contents

What is the Slow Boat in Laos?

For centuries, the only way to traverse the jungles of Laos was by elephant or some herculean hiking skills. The other option was to take a boat up or down the river. Not long ago, a few basic dirt roads were constructed. Then in the 1960s, a barebones highway system was built in Laos by the Chinese. These roads were treacherous and in some cases only available to the military.

Thus, to this day, the Mekong River has been the primary method of traveling through Laos by locals and foreigners alike. And not just Laos. The Mekong River actually starts as the Lancang River in the heart of China. It creates the border between Laos and Myanmar, and then separates Thailand and Laos before it turns deeper into Laos. Most of the major cities in Laos, including the former and current capitals (Luang Prabang and Vientiane), are on the river. It continues south into Cambodia, runs through the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, and finally reaches the sea in Vietnam. The massive Mekong Delta is the second largest delta in the world, just to the south of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon).

The slow boats ply the river every day running both north and south (unless the rumors are true that there are no boats during the rainy season). The boats are flat-bottomed and have about 70 seats available, depending on the configuration. There are usually two rows of seats, four or five across, but some of the fancier tour boats have fewer seats and tables available.

Behind the seats is usually a tiny food station with a small selection of snacks and drinks. Behind this is a simple bathroom with a modern toilet, but you have to pour water in from a bucket to flush it. At the rear of the boat is the engine room. The engine is a beast of a machine which will deafen you. That’s where you can go to smoke. A lot of the locals who are using the boat as a taxi between villages also hang out there.

How to Get to the Slow Boat

The easy way to take the slow boat is to sign up for a tour, either from Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai. The tours from Chiang Mai are three-day tours and include a few attractions in Chiang Rai at the end of the first day (after the four-hour bus ride to get there). The tours from Chiang Rai are just two days. Tours are as little as $50 (for the two-day option from Chiang Rai). Or you can get a “luxury” cruise for as much as $634.

To be honest, taking a prepackaged tour just isn’t worth it. You might have marginally more peace of mind, but making the journey on your own is actually dead easy. It’s the logical method if you’re on a budget, but why waste the money even if you’re not tight?

The first step is to get up to Chiang Rai. If you’re traveling from Chiang Mai, head to the Arcade Bus Station on the east side of town near the Central Festival Mall. Go into the terminal on the south side of the street and find the Green Bus Company to your left as you enter. They’re the only decent company with buses to Chiang Rai. Tickets are about 130-250 baht ($4-$7.50) but they can sell out fast so either get there early or book online at their website .

If you get to Chiang Rai early in the day, make sure you get to some of the popular attractions there . If you arrive in the evening, get a good night’s sleep as you’ll be getting up really early. I’d recommend about 5 a.m., depending on where your accommodations are and how quickly you can get to the bus station.

Make your way to the central bus station in the center of town (which is now in a different location from the first time I went on the slow boat). The first bus to the border of Laos leaves at 6 a.m. [possibly 7:30 a.m. in 2022] and then every hour throughout the rest of the day. Tickets are 65 baht ($2), which takes you right to the border. (Two years ago, the bus dropped me off on the main road and I had to get a tuk-tuk for another 50 baht to the border 2 miles away!)

The bus takes about two hours to get to the border. If you get the 6 a.m. bus, you should be in the immigration line before 8:30. This is just before the organized tours usually arrive. Get your passport stamped out of Thailand (God forbid you’ve overstayed your visa). On the other side of immigration, purchase your ticket for the Friendship Bridge bus to Laos Immigration. The sign says tickets are 20 baht, but they’ll charge you 25 ($0.80). The bus across the friendship bridge leaves every ten or fifteen minutes and takes about 10 minutes.

At the Laos border, there are several steps to take. First of all, fill in the TWO arrival forms with all your information. There are several windows and it can be really confusing. In the center of the building are the usual immigration officer stations. These are your last stop. Instead, head to the far right where you’ll see two windows. Give your immigration forms to the clerk at the right window, along with your passport and a spare passport photo.

Keep your attention on the window to the left. A few minutes later, they’ll call your name. This is where you have to pay for your visa. You can pay in Thai baht, but it’s cheaper (and preferred by them) to pay in US dollars. The cost depends on your nationality and ranges from $30 to $42. For US and UK citizens, the cost is $35. Also, note that there is an additional $1 fee if you’re arriving on the weekend, and probably other times as well. The Laotians certainly love to skim some extra money wherever they can.

Finally, it’s time to get some Lao kip. As of mid-2019, the conversation is $1 USD to about 8,500 kip (yep, it’s crazy!) and 1 Thai baht to 273 kip. Many of the money exchange services and ATMs throughout the country will give the same, fair rate, including at the border. You can either use the ATMs around the corner, or exchange Thai baht with the snacks lady. If you’re traveling solo, I’d recommend getting around 500,000 kip ($60/2000 baht) for the first three days in Laos, or 1 million kip per week. [These figures might be higher for 2022.]

With your local cash in hand, head to the immigration windows in the center of the building. You should still be there before the tour company crowds arrive. If so, you’ll be through in a couple minutes. Finally, pay 20,000 kip ($2.50) for the taxi waiting at the curb to take you to the pier. It’s about a 30-minute ride. If everything goes fine, you’ll be at the slow boat ticket counter by 9:30 a.m., two hours before the boat is scheduled to leave.

What to Do for Two Days

The slow boat departs from the village of Huay Xai. To purchase your tickets, walk just a few steps up the hill opposite the boats. There’s a ticket hut at the top. You can get tickets to Pakbeng or Luang Prabang (only select the latter). It’s 210,000 kip ($26) [300,000 in 2022] per person and doesn’t include anything except a seat on the boat. Going this way means you have to purchase all your meals separately and make your own booking for a place to stay in Pakbang – the halfway point between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang. Getting to the ticket booth as early as possible is beneficial as the seats are numbered on the first day (it’s first come, first serve on the second day), and I personally consider the seats at the front of the boat to be more comfortable as you have some floor space to play around with.

Spend the couple hours before the boat leaves to get breakfast at one of the local restaurants, order a couple sandwiches, some snacks (if you haven’t brought them already) and plenty of water (I’d recommend at least 2 liters). You’ll probably still have some time to meet your traveling companions before departure.

The boat is scheduled to leave at 11:30 a.m. Two years ago, it didn’t get underway until noon, but this time it “weighed anchor” just after 11:30 (not that the slow boat uses anchors). Now it’s time to relax and get the camera and those cards ready to go. It’s six hours of cruising on the first day, and seven on the second day.

The wilderness and wildlife along the banks of the Mekong River are worth the whole journey. Hopefully you’ve got a DLSR or perhaps the Huawei P30 with a good zoom to catch all the water buffalos, goats, elephants and other creatures coming down to drink. On my recent ride, significant portions of the jungle were on fire or recently scorched, but the majority of the journey was still lush, verdant jungle foliage interspersed with irregular, small settlements.

The slow boat stops at most of these settlements to drop off or pick up customers and goods. Sometimes kids come out to see the boats pass by. On the second day, the boat docked on a sandy beach while local children ran up to sell friendship bracelets to the passengers. A mere 5,000 kip for one was too good to pass up.

Perhaps there are some people who can gaze serenely at the jungle for the full thirteen hours of the cruise, but personally, I like a little more action. It’s also nice being disconnected from the Internet and other distractions of life for a little while. The Kindle is the best option with a couple good books. I don’t have one, but my tablet with Google’s Play Books and the Kindle apps are acceptable substitutes. Just make sure you bring a power pack (I’d recommend Anker ) to charge your devices. A lot of the passengers were also watching movies. I went through half of one myself.

Depending on the crowd, there can be a variable level of camaraderie. On my first ride in 2017, there were so many passengers that we were barely able to fit on two boats. We also had a high percentage of college-aged passengers, and things got a bit wild more than once. On my second trip, the crowd was generally older and more relaxed. Regardless, I had brought an Uno deck and had no problem getting several other players to join in for a couple hours. Regular playing cards are good too, but Uno seems to be suitable for more players.

If you’re a digital nomad like me, you could also bring your laptop along to get some work done. Just remember that there aren’t any power outlets on the boat. I did some writing on my tablet, but personally I spent the majority of my time either enjoying the landscape or getting through my novel.

Sleeping in Pakbang

The midway point between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang is a little village called Pakbeng. Well, it was small on my first trip. It got bigger. Instead of just one main street in the village, there are now two! Many new guesthouses have opened up, while the original one I stayed at in 2017 ( Vatsana Guesthouse ) seems to be closed. Sadly, the great pizza restaurant across the street from Vatsana is no more, but I found the Indian food at Khopchaideu Restaurant was quite good. Just know that there is actually a road connecting the pier to this restaurant and the rest of the guest houses on this street that doesn’t appear on Google Maps.

If you’ve chosen to go with a tour for the slow boat, the more expensive ones include a preselected room in Pakbeng. It was a bit disconcerting back in 2017 to see several tour passengers board the boat the next morning covered in bed bug bites. It is possible to book accommodations online in advance, but there’s no reason why you can’t just get off the boat, walk up the street, pick the first guesthouse you think looks good and get a room there. I don’t actually think it’s possible for every place to be full. Many of the rooms are as little as 25,000 kip ($3) per night [100,000 in 2022] and come with the basic amenities, but you can pay just a couple of dollars more for something a little (just a bit) more luxurious.

In the morning, make your way back toward the boat for some really nice cafes that have your American breakfast, bagel or croissant and coffee ready to go. Pick up a couple more sandwiches or some fried rice, more water and any other snacks (at a premium). There are a few snacks (chips, instant noodles and soft drinks) available on the boat, but these are even more expensive.

Finally, just before the boat leaves at 9:30 a.m., cast your gaze across the water to the far bank of the river. If you haven’t noticed them yet, you should be able to see a couple of elephants from the Mekong Jungle Sanctuary having their morning bath in the river. Not that special if you’ve already been to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai , but hey, they’re elephants!

Arriving in Luang Prabang

The boat arrives at the pier in Luang Prabang around 3:30 p.m. Or rather, a pier outside Luang Prabang. There’s one final surprise in store. Instead of taking you to the center of town, as is completely possible, the boat takes you 5 miles away. You have to pay a final 20,000 ($2,50) for a tuk-tuk into town, even if you’re on one of the “all-inclusive” tours. As I said, the Laotians like to get their extra bits of cash.

Cost of the Slow Boat

If you purchase a slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang, including a place to stay in Pakbeng, you’re looking at a price tag of around $80 or more. If you make this journey on your own, you can get that down to under $50 (not including the visa, which isn’t included in the tour either) on the following breakdown:

• Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – $4
• Hostel in Chiang Rai – $5
• Bus to the border – $2
• Bus across the Friendship Bridge – $1
• Taxi to the pier – $2.50
• Boat ticket – $26 [$40 in 2022]
• Accommodations in Pakbeng – $3 [$10]
• Total from Chiang Mai – $43.50 [$64.50 in 2022]
• Total from Chiang Rai – $34.50 [$55.50 in 2022]

Not included in this total are the visa, all food and drink expenses, and the final taxi ride. Including your dinner at the Chiang Rai night market, you can keep these expenses down to about $15 for the three days (plus $35 for the visa). Just know that food in Laos is, on average, about 50% to 100% more expensive than in Thailand.

What to Pack for the Slow Boat

• $30-$42 in American dollars for the visa-on-arrival (depending on your nationality) and a passport photo
• A pen for filling out the forms at the border (none are provided and the lack of one will hold you up)
• Clean, unmarked bills. If you’re bringing baht from Thailand, make sure there are no written marks, tears or even deep creases in the bills (restaurants in Laos will flat-out refuse to accept them)
• Lots of snacks (as mentioned, food in Laos is more expensive, and a premium in Pakbeng)
• Cards, Uno or other simple games
• Phone, tablet, laptop, power pack and any other electronics you need for ebooks, movies and whatnot
• Go old-school and bring a real book or two

Everything Else You Need to Know

Are there insects on the slow boat.

This is SE Asia, so yes. There are hardly any insects or mosquitos on the boat, but you’ll be lucky to find a guesthouse in Pakbeng or Luang Prabang that is completely mosquito free, and I already mentioned the bedbugs. I won’t mention the specifics here, but you can go to my Facebook page to read about my insect horror story in Luang Prabang.

Can I get seasick?

Well, I guess anything is possible, but I’d say it’s highly unlikely. The motion of the boat is really mild and relaxing.

What footwear should I bring?

You have to take your shoes or sandals off before you get on the boat and put them in a bag. It’s a wooden floor and dirt or slivers are always a possibility, so perhaps an old pair of socks would be a good idea.

Do I need sunscreen?

Not really? The whole boat is covered. It also rains a lot in Laos, so you might not even see the sun (like my first trip in 2017).

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Further reading.

Planning to visit Laos? Here are my other stories on what to do there, and some of my personal adventures.

• Journal Entry: Putting Up With the Scams in Asia
• A Guide to Spending Three Days in Luang Prabang, Laos

Here’s some extra reading to save hundreds on your next vacation or stage of your journey.

• 5 Steps to Book Cheap Flights
• Hostels: To Book or Not to Book
• Is Workaway Worth it for the Traveler?

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Did the fast boat and slow boat trip back in 2000. There was no friendship bridge, no soft seats only wooden benches. Pak Beng had 1 street and was seriously rural. Luang Prabang had very few tourists and prices were well low. I guess progress has it’s down side but at least a beautiful country is growing and catching up with it’s neighbors, not that this is always a good thing. I’m making the slow boat trip next week, a trip down memory lane you could say.

That sounds incredible! I wish I had seen it back then. I had a friend tell me about how it was like to visit Chiang Mai several decades ago, when the only way to get around was by elephant-back, as the jungle was impassable otherwise.

Hi, great guide thanks for taking the time. My concern is that the web seems full of conflicting info (including Google maps) as to the location of the Departure pier at Huay Xai…some say its North as marked on Google and other state its now further south as also marked on Google but called `new`, adding to the confusion is that people have posted pictures of the same ticket office and conflict as to the location. I will not have a lot of time at arrival so dont want to waste it going to the wrong pier..also, Lovely Google says ticket office is a 42 mins walk from the pier. Can you or anyone else please confirm up to date location of Both ticket office and departure pier? I was thinking on staying in Chiang Khong night before or even do crossing and stay in Huay Xia the night before

Hopefully someone else can comment on this. I haven’t heard about a new pier landing, and I know there was a much older one closer to the border crossing. I’ll be back in a few months to do the slow boat for my third time, and I can update the details as I find them then.

I tell you what since you wrote this guide the cost of things has changed considerably. 300,000kip for a ticket now. Fried rice and chicken/pork/beef are all 25,000kip now when it used to be 15. I went and walked to all the guest houses and it’s now basically 100,000 for a room. I managed to get one with a fan for 80,000 but she originally wanted 100k from me. The sandwiches here are 20,000 now also

Dang, that’s some huge increases! I guess the whole world is like that…except Morocco where I found plans nearly the exact same from 4 years ago. I’ll be back in Thailand and Laos in a few months and will definitely get all the new prices updated.

Hi, on the visa run, once arrive luang prabang, what’s your suggestion route getting back to chiangmai? Take the slow boat back again? Any advise on that?

Good question. My favorite route is to go south through Vang Vieng, Vientiane, back into Thailand to Udon Thani, and then the overnight bus back to Chiang Mai. I give a full guide to a week’s visa run through Northern Laos.

Just an important note about the bus times in Chiang Rai. The first, most early bus from terminal 1 to Chiang Khong is 7:30am. That is the FIRST available bus. This makes leaving via bus from Chiang Rai very tight. It allows almost no time for anything to go wrong. I just did this and it felt like a mad dash. If you do choose the bus, and if you actually make the slow boat you will pay 5X for thei tuk tuk to the boat ticket booth. The tuk tuk will know you are in a hurry and they will make you pay for that. Really awful but their country their rules. You will also be the last person on the boat and have the worst seats right next to the engine, that is if you actually make the boat. So disappointing that they dropped the 6am bus. It really changes things.

Thanks for the heads up! That’s so frustrating. I was told that there was no bus at that time when I went, but the bus showed up at 6 a.m. anyway. It certainly would be close if you have to leave 2 hours later.

I can confirm this. We got up at 4:45am and got to the bus station for 5:45am but the bus wasn’t leaving until 7:30am so we ended up paying 1,200 bhat for a transfer. Very annoying but didn’t want to risk arriving late to immigration and that taking so long that we missed the boat/it sold out.

I can’t believe they did that. It might be easier to spend the night closer to the border. I’ll have to do some more research and update this post. Hopefully that’s just a temporary change, or another company starts to offer the early rides.

Really great guide for taking the slowboat, have pinned it for later. Hopefully once the borders are open, these boats will be running again!

Thanks! I’d love to go back and do it a third time myself!

Lovely. Photos of the children are amazing. The boy’s fun fighting is my favourite. The information is very useful as it’s a straight forward step by step guide for a first timer. Even for a Goordie to understand 🙂 5 stars.

Thanks! I hope you can make the journey on your own someday.

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• Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Laos Boat Tours, Water Sports and Marine Wildlife 2024/2025

Boat s, water sports and marine wildlife tours in Laos. Looking to explore Laos on a boat s, water sports and marine wildlife tour? We offer 22 boat s, water sports and marine wildlife tours through-out Laos having in total 28 reviews. All the tours are offered by 10 curated tour agencies in Laos. Durations range from 1 day to 27 days.

• Laos Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit Laos

22 Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife with 28 Reviews

• Starts Luang Prabang, Laos
• Ends Vientiane, Laos

5 Days | Caves and Mysteries

• Free cancellation
• Trip customizable
• Tour Type Private Tour
• Activities Eco tours & Caves Eco tours , Caves , Natural landmarks sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local boat rides & Sightseeing Tours 'data-more-tripid='38272'>+4 more
• Accommodation Hotel
• Transport Boat
• Age Range 12-85 yrs
• Operated in English
• View More Jan 1, 2019 Jan 2, 2019 Jan 3, 2019

• Ends Pakse, Laos

Explore Laos's Hidden charm - 10 Days Private Tour

• Best price guaranteed
• Activities Local boat rides & Waterfalls Local boat rides , Waterfalls , Off the beaten path , Trekking and Hiking & Natural landmarks sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='39999'>+3 more
• Transport Boat, Coach, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-90 yrs
• Operated in English, French, German, Spanish
• Brochure Price: US$ 3,632
• Special Deal (50%): - US$ 1,816
• Total Price from: US$ 1,816

• Ends Lovina, Indonesia

Lovina Sunrise Dolphin Watching Tour

• Activities Marine wildlife
• Accommodation No Accommodation
• Age Range 5-75 yrs

• Starts Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand & Laos Adventure

• No booking fees
• Tour Type Small Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local boat rides & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='3564'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Guest House
• Transport Train, Boat, Bus, Minibus & Taxi
• Age Range 15-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 2,155
• Special Deal (15%): - US$ 323
• Total Price from: US$ 1,832
• Apr 24 Only 3 seats left
• May 01 Only 2 seats left

• Ends Luang Prabang, Laos

Day Hike: Thin Pha Trail

• Activities Trekking and Hiking & Local boat rides Trekking and Hiking , Local boat rides & Countryside and village visits 'data-more-tripid='18474'>+1 more
• Age Range 8-70 yrs

• Starts Hanoi, Vietnam

Treasures of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia & Laos

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Cruise Cultural, religious and historic sites , Cruise , Waterfalls , City sightseeing & Local boat rides 'data-more-tripid='41056'>+3 more
• Transport Boat, Bus, Coach & Flight
• Age Range 1-88 yrs

• Ends Bangkok, Thailand

Essential Indochina 16 Days (Start & End in Bangkok)

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Local boat rides Cultural, religious and historic sites , Local boat rides , Local culture , Caves , Waterfalls & City sightseeing 'data-more-tripid='41072'>+4 more
• Age Range 2-90 yrs

• Ends Siem Reap, Cambodia

Bike, Hike & Kayak Laos and Cambodia

• Activities Bicycle tours & Trekking and Hiking Bicycle tours , Trekking and Hiking , Kayaking and canoeing & Adventure 'data-more-tripid='16242'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel & Resort
• Transport Flight, Private Vehicle & Boat
• Age Range 18-99 yrs
• May 19 10+ seats left
• Jun 09 10+ seats left

• Starts Vientiane, Laos

Laos to Thailand: Night Markets & Mekong Cruising

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Cruise Countryside and village visits , Cruise , Cultural, religious and historic sites & Chill out 'data-more-tripid='9779'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Guest House, Home-stay, Ship Cabin & Villa
• Transport Boat, Bus, Sleeper Train, Train, Cruise Ship & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 18-39 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 999
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 250
• Total Price from: US$ 749
• Apr 17 Only 6 seats left
• Apr 19 Only 3 seats left

Laos to Northern Thailand: Treks & Trails

• Activities Countryside and village visits & Trekking and Hiking Countryside and village visits , Trekking and Hiking , Local boat rides , Local culture & Cooking classes 'data-more-tripid='18543'>+3 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train, Hut, Guest House, Home-stay & Bungalow
• Transport Boat, Train, Bus, Sleeper Train & Private Vehicle
• Brochure Price: US$ 1,349
• Special Deal (25%): - US$ 338
• Total Price from: US$ 1,011
• May 24 Only 2 seats left
• Jun 07 Only 2 seats left

• Starts Nong Khiaw, Laos
• Ends Nong Khiaw, Laos

Nong Kiaw Boat Ride on Nam Ou River - Full Day

• Activities Cruise & Kayaking and canoeing Cruise , Kayaking and canoeing , Local boat rides & Local culture 'data-more-tripid='6464'>+2 more
• Age Range 5-79 yrs

Indochina Highlights In 15 Days

• Activities Natural landmarks sightseeing & Countryside and village visits Natural landmarks sightseeing , Countryside and village visits , Local culture & Cruise 'data-more-tripid='40113'>+2 more
• Transport Boat, Bus, Coach, Flight & Private Vehicle
• Age Range 1-99 yrs
• Brochure Price: US$ 4,914
• Special Deal (55%): - US$ 2,703
• Total Price from: US$ 2,211

Spirit of Laos

• Activities Cultural, religious and historic sites & Kayaking and canoeing Cultural, religious and historic sites , Kayaking and canoeing , Countryside and village visits & Local boat rides 'data-more-tripid='21777'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Home-stay, Resort & Guest House
• Transport Boat, Bus, Flight, Train & 4WD Jeep
• Age Range 16-95 yrs
• Nov 02 Only 8 seats left
• Nov 09 Only 10 seats left

• Ends Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Laos to Vietnam - 16 Days

• Tour Type Group Tour
• Activities City sightseeing & Cultural, religious and historic sites City sightseeing , Cultural, religious and historic sites , Cruise & Bicycle tours 'data-more-tripid='16025'>+2 more
• Accommodation Hotel, Sleeper Train & Resort
• Transport Boat, Train, Flight, Private Vehicle, Rickshaw, Bus, Sleeper Train & Taxi
• Age Range 18-80 yrs
• May 26 Only 8 seats left
• Jul 28 Only 8 seats left

Laos Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife Reviews

• Tracie Fuerte
• Cleopatra Brown
• Ariel Sordo

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Laos Tours & Vacations

Travelers come to Laos to experience the rolling mountains, remote villages, tribal crafts and the magic of the Mekong.

They leave with so much more: irreplaceable memories of smiling locals, saffron-robed monks receiving alms and markets brimming with fresh produce. For those searching for authentic Asia , Laos doesn’t disappoint.

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Learn more about Laos

Best time to visit laos.

Laos is a great place to visit at any time of the year as the weather doesn't vary much – it’s always hot and humid! The coolest time to visit is from November to January. This is also the driest time, and the main festival period, so it’s an interesting time to travel through Laos. The wet season runs from June to October. It rains frequently during this time, temperatures average over 85 degrees Fahrenheit and although some roads may be closed due to flooding, it is a great time for river travel. February to May is drier but hot, with temperatures climbing over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Culture and customs

The population of Laos is made up of more than 100 different ethnic groups, with each having their own distinct clothing, language, customs and way of life. The Lao Loum, who reside in the lowlands along the Mekong, make up the largest ethnic group. Smaller ethnic groups include the Hmong and Mien, both highland dwellers, and the Lao Thoeng, who prefer the lower mountains. Many tribes share cultural similarities with tribes from neighbouring countries, so it’s possible to see Chinese , Vietnamese , Khmer and Thai influences within the dress, food and arts of these people. 

Generally, Laotians are known for their laidback lifestyle and calm, steady approach to life. With an emphasis on the simple pleasures of family, food and religion, most people from Laos remain closely connected to their family and village for a lifetime. Most Laotians live in villages, rather than the city, where the sense of community is strong and people are connected to their neighbours and friends. Visiting wats (temples) to make offerings and give alms to monks is a common part of daily life for most, with much respect and reverence reserved for monks.

Buddhist holidays and traditional festivals linked to harvest time and holy periods are commonly celebrated throughout the villages of Laos and are timed according to lunar cycles. With different dates each year, it can be hard to predict the exact timing of these local celebrations, but visiting one can provide great insight into the fascinating culture of Laos.

Eating and drinking

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.

Laotian cuisine draws on culinary traditions from its neighbors, so visitors will be able to taste the flavors of China, Thailand and Vietnam in the food of Laos.

Things to try in Laos

This spicy meat salad is considered the national dish of Lao. The delicious combination of minced beef, chicken or pork seasoned with chili, lime and mint, served with vegetables and sticky rice is a firm favorite with locals and travelers.

2. Khao Poon

This popular soup of meat, rice noodles, lime leaves, chili, garlic and fish sauce has a few variations. The version made with coconut milk makes the dish similar to a laksa, while the version without coconut milk is a lighter option.

3. Fresh fruit

The markets of Laos have a cornucopia of delicious fruits on offer, either fresh or whipped up in a juice. Pineapple, orange, watermelon, guava and banana are plentiful but why not try more exotic fruits like lychee, longan, rambutan or jackfruit?

The answer to Laos’ heat and humidity is a bottle of locally brewed Beerlao, best served cold at the end of a long day of exploring.

Geography and environment

Landlocked Laos is located in South-East Asia, bordered by China, Thailand , Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar . The topography of Laos is very mountainous, with much of the land being covered in forest and unsuitable for farming. Due to the mountainous terrain, Laos lacks a developed road network, with most locals living in small villages in the highlands, lowlands and along the Mekong River. Visiting Laos is like going back in time to when highways, traffic jams, mass transit systems and skyscrapers didn't exist. Visitors will be awed by the lush landscapes and stunning scenery, which is unlike anywhere else on earth.

History and government

Early history.

It's thought that Laos has been inhabited by people for thousands of years, although written evidence reveals that societies existed in the 9th century. Early society was based on agriculture and prior to the advent of Buddhism in the 16th century, people largely subscribed to animist beliefs and Shiva-worship, with archaeological evidence of this remaining today.

Like its neighboring countries, Laos was ruled by a series of kingdoms and was subject to invasion from surrounding forces from nearby domains. Europeans first arrived in the area in the 1600s, with the Dutch being the first to arrive. Despite this, the French have had the most European influence in the region. After enduring years of invasion and control from neighboring countries, Laos also had French rule to contend with in the late 1800s, when it became a French colony.

Recent history

Laos was controlled by Japanese forces during World War II, was declared an independent state in 1950 and gained full independence as a constitutional monarchy in 1954. The 1960s proved to be a devastating time for the people of Laos, with their nation gaining the dubious honor of being the most bombed country in the world. The United States bombed Laos extensively in an attempt to eradicate North Vietnamese sanctuaries, and sadly contemporary Laos is still dealing with huge amounts of unexploded ordnance (UXO) that is littered throughout the countryside.

A coalition government was set up in 1962, but in 1975 Laos became a Communist state when the king gave up his throne in favor of a president and prime minister being instated. During the late 1970s, many people of Laos fled to neighboring countries as refugees, as trade embargoes from foreign nations led to widespread poverty and disadvantage. By the 1990s, Laos had become a full member of ASEAN and foreign nations had lifted their trade embargoes, which allowed free enterprise to grow.

Top 10 outdoor experiences in Laos

1. waterfall wander.

Walking around peaceful Kuang Si Falls is a must-do for anyone traveling through the Luang Prabang area. Gentle cascades of water flow into turquoise pools creating a heavenly atmosphere that draws in both tourists and locals keen on some respite from the heat.

2. Play petanque

The French game of petanque is a lot like bowls and quite popular with the people of Laos. If you’re lucky enough to come across a group of kids playing this game in the streets, try to join in – it’s fun and simple to play, and free.

3. Beautiful biking

Hiring a bike and cycling past quiet villages, small farms and rice paddies is a great way to spend an afternoon in Laos, as you can take in stunning scenery, meet locals and get fit all at once.

4. Have a kick

Get amongst the action by watching and playing a bit of Sepak Takwar with locals in the parking lots, streets and parks of Laos. This game (which could be described as a hybrid between football and volleyball) is commonly played throughout South-East Asia, and the locals of Laos are no exception.

5. Power to the paddle

Paddling a kayak down the Nam Song River is an interesting and energetic way to get active and see the sights of Vang Vieng.

6. Get back to nature in Nam Ha

Home to a wide range of rare plant and animal species, this protected area is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and animal lovers. The challenging hike through forested terrain provides many rewards in the form of animal spotting and breathtaking scenic vistas.

7. Refreshing river swim

Taking a dip in one of Laos’ many rivers is the perfect way to escape the heat on a hot summer’s day.

8. Spiritual stroll

Taking a leisurely walk around Vientiane’s quirky Buddha Park (also known as Xieng Khuan) is akin to taking an active history, religion and art lesson. Full of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures that depict myths, legends and stories – the giant reclining Buddha is a highlight for most. Surrounding trees, gardens and flowers add to the serenity.

9. Cruise along an icon

Taking a riverboat journey down the Mekong is an iconic journey to savor. Sit on deck, catch the breeze and take photos of the surrounding landscapes as villages, people and mountains glide by.

10. Tough trek

Test your fitness against some of Laos’ mountains on a challenging trek. With so much mountainous terrain, there are many different options and places to hike all around Laos – bring your best hiking boots and a sense of adventure.

Apart from being a great place to pick up handmade wares, buy fresh produce and mingle with locals, the many markets of Laos are one of the most interesting places to take photos also.

It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in Laos

1. Textiles

Laotian weavers are responsible for crafting an impressive range of top-quality fabric wonders. Silk and cotton are the most common and with everything from handmade bags, scarves, cushion covers, placemats and linen on offer, it won’t be hard to go over your luggage limit here.

2. Saa paper

Saa paper (also known as Mulberry paper) is made from the leftover bi-products of the silk industry. You’ll be able to find Saa paper notebooks and stationery, cards and even gorgeous hanging stars in some of Laos’ markets and boutiques.

3. Hmong handicrafts

The Hmong people are famous for creating colorful handicrafts, which can be found in most markets around Laos. Hand-embroidered bedspreads, vibrant clothing and cotton dolls make meaningful global gifts for friends back home.

Festivals and events

Bun pi mai (lao new year).

One day just isn’t enough for Laotians to celebrate New Year - they need a whole three days! The festive period is characterized by water fights, street parties, feasts, laughing and smiles, as the past year’s troubles are washed away to welcome a new year of luck and prosperity.

Vientiane Boat Racing Festival

Entrants from all over Laos travel to Vientiane to compete in this big boat racing festival held at the end of Buddhist Lent. Food stalls and sideshows line the streets to entertain the thousands of people who gather on the river to watch the races.

Further reading

Laos travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Laos?

You can get your visa in advance, but a visa can easily be obtained on arrival at most airports from around 35-50 USD (dependant on nationality). Please check with the consulate in your country for more details before you travel. If you are planning to get your visa at the airport we recommend bringing two passport-size photos.

Is tipping customary in Laos?

Tipping isn't mandatory or customary in Laos, but a tip of spare change or another small amount would be appreciated by restaurants, drivers and other service workers, especially if the service has been particularly good.

What is the internet access like in Laos?

Internet access is available easily in tourist areas like Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang and Vientiane, but is far less likely to be found in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Laos?

You'll be able to use your cell phone in most urban areas of Laos, although rural and remote areas may not have network coverage. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your phone carrier before you leave home if you wish to use your phone while in Laos.

What are the toilets like in Laos?

You'll have to adjust to different standards of hygiene and sanitation whilst in Laos. The standard toilet is of the squat variety and this may take some getting used to, although western-style toilets can be found in large hotels and some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

• Market snack = 7,000 LAK 
• Large bottle of beer = 9,000 LAK
• Budget restaurant meal = 23,000 LAK
• High-end restaurant meal = 55,000 LAK

Can I drink the water in Laos?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Laos. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found; some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Laos?

Major credit cards are generally accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants in the city and tourist areas in the cities. However, they may not be accepted by smaller vendors such as small family restaurants, market stalls or in remote towns and rural areas. Make sure you carry enough cash for purchases, since credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in Laos.

What is ATM access like in Laos?

ATMs can be found in the cities of Laos, so withdrawing cash shouldn't be problematic. Smaller villages and rural areas may not have ATM access, so prepare for this before venturing too far from a city or major town.

What public holidays are celebrated in Laos?

View a current list of public holidays in Laos .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip to Laos support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to Laos directly support our foundation partner, MandaLao Elephant Conservation . 

MandaLao Elephant Conservation  

MandaLao Elephant Conservation was the first non-riding elephant sanctuary in Luang Prabang, and they actively promote ethical elephant care and create jobs in communities in Laos. Donations from our trips help them care for rescued elephants at their sanctuary (including food and veterinary costs) while providing employment opportunities within the local community.  

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 1 DAY Mekong Cruise to Pak Ou Caves. Kuang Si Waterfalls . Local Villages

2. Private Vientiane Tour - include Buddha Park

3. Luang Prabang City Tour & Kuang Si Waterfalls

4. Luang Prabang Evening Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk

5. Vientiane City Day Tour and Buddha Park Visit with Lunch

6. Nagi of Mekong cruise

7. Full Day Trek to Kuang Si Waterfalls, Remote Village

8. Train ticket Vientiane to Luang prabang

9. Discover Art & Science of Aroma Candle Making Class & Lao Tea

10. Small Group Half Day Luang Prabang city tour

11. Private Tour: Pak Ou Cave and Kuang Si Waterfall Tour from Luang Prabang

12. Half Day Kuang Si Waterfalls and Hmong village

13. Sunset Cruise Luang Prabang

14. Living Land Rice Farming Experience

15. Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls

16. Vientiane Half-Day City Tour

17. Vang Vieng Tour B - Nam Xay Viewpoint Hike & Blue Lagoon 1 Tour

18. Half Day in The Rock Viewpoint Laos

19. FULL DAY – Kuang Si Waterfall, Kayak on the Nam Ou / Mekong River, Pak Ou Caves

20. Private Luang Prabang City Tour

21. Full Day Kayak To Tad Sae Waterfall

22. Elephant keeper programs option Kuang si waterfall in Laos

23. Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in

24. Vientiane Cuisine & Culture: The Hungry Tuk Tuk - All-Inclusive

25. Kuang Si Waterfall Minibus (Private)

26. Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise

27. Nalan Trail Kmu Ethnic Experience - 2days forest trek with homestay.

28. Private Tour: Half-Day City Tour of Luang Prabang

29. Luang Prabang Foodie Walking Tour and Monk Blessing

30. Tribal Cooking Class in Luang Prabang Forest

What travellers are saying.