From Chiang Mai : 3 Day 2 Night Slow Boat to Luang Prabang

Set out on a captivating 3-day, 2-night slow boat journey from Chiang Mai to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. This tour, priced at €92.41 for groups, takes you through the picturesque Mekong River, showcasing the charm of Laos. With hotel pickup, insurance, and first-night accommodation included, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the White Temple and experience the visa process at the border. But that’s not all – the adventure continues as you uncover the hidden gems of Luang Prabang.

Good To Know

• 3-day journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang via the Mekong River, with an overnight stay in Huay Xai included.
• Price for the tour is €92.41 per group, with a 10% discount from the original price of €102.68.
• Includes hotel pickup, insurance, water, first-night accommodation, and slow boat ticket, but excludes Pakbeng accommodation, visa fees, and personal expenses.
• Boat capacity ranges from 60-100 passengers, with food and drinks available for purchase on board.
• Recommended to pack light, bring sun protection, insect repellent, and warm layers, and book Pakbeng accommodation in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 3-day journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang aboard a slow boat on the Mekong River offers travelers a unique and scenic experience.

Priced at €92.41 per group, it’s a 10% savings off the original €102.68. Travelers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve-now-pay-later option is available.

The tour includes hotel pickup, insurance, water, accommodation on the first night, and the slow boat ticket, but excludes Pakbeng accommodation, visa fees, and other expenses.

It’s not suitable for certain groups, so check the details carefully.

Itinerary and Highlights

The 3-day journey begins with a departure from Chiang Mai, where travelers visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai (entrance fee not included) before an overnight stay in Huay Xai, with accommodation included.

On day two, the group travels to Pakbeng via slow boat on the Mekong River; overnight stay in Pakbeng isn’t included and must be booked in advance.

The final leg of the journey takes them to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Meals include breakfast, lunch, and snacks available for purchase on the boat.

Transportation and Visa Information

To begin the journey, travelers are provided with pickup service from the Chiang Mai city area, with shared transfers arranged. A bus is then provided to transport passengers across the border into Laos, where assistance is offered with the visa process at the Chiang Khong border. Visa on arrival in Laos costs approximately $40 USD or 1,800 Thai Baht. The tour details regarding transportation and visa requirements are summarized in the table below.

| Transportation | Visa Information |

| — | — |

| Pickup from Chiang Mai | Visa on arrival: $40 USD or 1,800 Thai Baht |

| Shared transfers | Assistance at Chiang Khong border |

| Bus across the border | – |

| – | – |

| – | – |

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour package are hotel pickup, insurance, drinking water, accommodation on the first day, the slow boat ticket, and a Laos sandwich for breakfast on the second day.

However, accommodation in Pakbeng isn’t included, and travelers must book this in advance. Plus, the visa fee is excluded, as are any other personal expenses and tips.

Accommodation in Pakbeng isn’t included, and travelers must book this in advance. The visa fee is also excluded, as are any other personal expenses and tips.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years of age.

Travelers should be aware of potential delays, limited visibility on the boat, cramped seating, and cleanliness concerns in the Pakbeng accommodation.

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Customer Feedback and Important Notes

Based on the previous overview, customers have provided an overall rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars for this 3-day slow boat tour from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang.

Some common issues highlighted include:

• Delays due to late arrivals

• Limited visibility on the boat

• Cramped seating

• Cleanliness concerns in Pakbeng accommodation

• Boat capacity ranging from 60-100 passengers, with options to purchase food and drinks on board

While the tour offers an authentic river journey, travelers should be aware of these potential challenges to set appropriate expectations.

Preparing for the Journey

While the 3-day slow boat journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang offers an immersive river experience, travelers should prepare accordingly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip.

Packing light is recommended, as storage space on the boat is limited. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, and warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings.

Snacks and water can be purchased on board, but it’s wise to pack some personal provisions as well.

Booking Pakbeng accommodation in advance is also advised, as options can sell out quickly.

Pre-Departure Checklist

A thorough pre-departure checklist is essential for making the most of the 3-day slow boat journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang.

Be sure to:

• Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing and comfortable shoes

• Bring sun protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

• Carry a portable charger, headphones, and any necessary medications

• Obtain a Laos visa in advance or plan for the visa-on-arrival process

• Ensure you have enough cash for the visa fee, meals, and incidentals along the way

Careful planning will help you enjoy the scenic Mekong River ride and have a memorable adventure.

Exploring Luang Prabang

What makes Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage town, worth exploring? The city’s rich history, French colonial architecture, and tranquil Buddhist temples captivate visitors.

Stroll through the night market, browse local handicrafts, and savor authentic Lao cuisine. Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic city views.

Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a stunning 16th-century monastery. Explore Tat Kuang Si, a multi-tiered waterfall with turquoise pools.

Witness the daily alms-giving ceremony, where monks collect offerings from locals. With its serene atmosphere and cultural treasures, Luang Prabang offers a truly immersive experience.

Don’t miss this gem of northern Laos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Luggage Restriction for the Slow Boat?

The tour doesn’t specify any luggage restrictions. However, passengers should pack lightly as space is limited on the slow boat. Bring only essential items, as storage space is minimal during the journey.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, there are snacks and drinks available for purchase on board as well. Travelers should note the boat’s capacity and any restrictions on carrying liquids or outside food.

How Much Time Is Allocated for Sightseeing at the White Temple?

The tour does not allocate specific time for sightseeing at the White Temple in Chiang Rai. Travelers can visit the temple, but the entrance fee is not included in the tour price, and they’ll need to manage their own time there.

Is There Any Additional Cost for the Laos Visa Processing?

The tour doesn’t include the Laos visa fee, which is around $40 USD or 1,800 Thai Baht. Travelers must pay this fee separately when obtaining their visa on arrival in Laos.

Can I Book the Pakbeng Accommodation Through the Tour Provider?

The tour provider does not include Pakbeng accommodation in the package. Travelers must book their Pakbeng stay separately in advance, as it’s not provided by the tour. This allows flexibility in accommodation selection during the overnight stopover.

The Sum Up

The slow boat journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang is a captivating way to experience the beauty of the Mekong River and the charm of Laos. With stunning sights, visa assistance, and a convenient package, it’s an opportunity to take in the region’s culture and explore the UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang. Careful planning and preparation will ensure a smooth and memorable trip.

You can check if your dates are available here: