Embark on a serene 3-day slow boat journey from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Experience the Mekong’s beauty and local culture. Book now!
Chiang Mai to Chiang Kong - Huay Xay
Wat Rong Khun - Wat Rong Khun, the stunning White Temple in Chiang Rai
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the “White Temple,” is the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai. It is not an active Buddhist temple as no monks reside there. It is a highlight on our list of “things to do in Chiang Rai.” Despite its relatively short existence, Wat Rong Khun has become the most famous and popular tourist attraction in Chiang Rai.
Visit this renowned, magnificent white temple in Chiang Rai for 50 minutes. You can have lunch at a restaurant around the temple. The food prices are reasonable, ranging from 40-80 Baht depending on what you order.
Wat Rong Khun is the life’s work of Chalermchai Kositpipat. Allegedly, there was a rundown local temple at this location. They established a community first known as Wat Rong Khun, which later changed to Ban Rong Khun. In 1964, villagers constructed the ubosot, which later became the White Temple.
(Sometimes, the van will not visit here due to bad traffic or lack of time.)
Huay Xai - After completing Thai immigration formalities and being stamped out of Thailand, we will cross the Mekong via the new Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge to the Laos Immigration Post where you can obtain your Laos visa and be transferred to your Huay Xai accommodation. For the rest of the day, you are free to explore this Mekong Riverside town.
We provide a bus across the border from Thailand to Huay Xai, all included. Then, we have a van waiting for you at Huay Xai, Laos, to bring you to the hotel, included.
Huay Xai is right across the river from Chiang Khong, Thailand. For most tourists, it is seen as a transport stop-over, which is unfortunate. While there is not much to see in this small town, it’s a good place to adapt to Lao life: sit on the banks of the Mekong, have a Beer Lao, and watch the river flow past, or even better.
Huay Xai to PakBeng, Lao
Pak Beng - Pakbeng is a small village in Laos, on the Mekong River, about halfway between the Thai border at Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, Laos. Pakbeng is connected by a sealed road with Oudomxay province along the Nam Beng River.
The hotel is not included in Pak Beng, please book the hotel by yourself. You have to book in advance, or you can book when you get to Pak Beng. It is easy to find a room in the Pak Beng area; there are many hotels and guesthouses there.
The boat will leave PakBang Pier at 9 am on the morning of Day 3. (Please go to PakBang Pier around 8:30 am to board the boat.)
Pakbeng to Luang Prabang, Lao
Luang Prabang - The boat will depart Pakbeng at 09:00 am for the final day of transport on the Mekong River to Luang Prabang.
The boat should finally dock in Luang Prabang at around 5:00 pm. At Luang Prabang Pier, there are many local Tuk Tuks to bring you to your hotel. Prices start from 100 Baht.
Luang Prabang has both natural and historical sites. Phou Si, in the center of the town, offers broad views of the town and river system and is a popular place to watch the sunset over the Mekong River. There is a night market where stalls sell shirts, bracelets, and other souvenirs. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple are among the best-known historical sites. The town, particularly the main street, is dotted with many smaller wats. Every morning at sunrise, monks walk in a procession through the streets accepting alms offered by local residents, an event popular with tourists. Luang Prabang received ‘Best City’ in the Wanderlust Travel Awards 2015.
- Air-conditioned vehicle from Chiangmai to Chiangkong
- Breakfast
- Travel accident insurance
- Lunch
- Lao visa fee
- Wat Rong Khun $3 per person
- You will need to purchase lunch before you are on the boat of Day 2,3.Only snacks&drink to sell.
- Tips & other expenses
The most relaxing, beautiful, and local way to get between Laos and Thailand is by the Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang slow boat.
Take the incredible two-day journey down the mighty Mekong on the slow boat to Luang Prabang.
On the slow boat,there are 100–200 people on board.And the boat may not be exactly the same as in the pictures.
The package provides accommodation for the first night in Huay Xai, along with a complimentary breakfast that includes a traditional Lao sandwich.
The guests are responsible for arranging their accommodations for the second night at PakBeng.
Please note that meals and beverages are not provided on the boat; however, they are available for purchase.
You will need to purchase lunch before you are on the boat for days 2 and 3. There are some snacks and drinks to sell, but no food to sell on the boat.
When you’re on the Lao side, please follow the instructions given by the greeter for more information.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
