Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat Transfer to Houay Xay
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2d
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable two-day slow boat journey along the Mekong River, traveling from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai. Witness breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in local culture, and experience the tranquil beauty of Laos as you cruise through remote villages and lush jungle scenery.
-Relax on a scenic slow boat cruise with panoramic views of the Mekong River
- Discover traditional Laotian life along the riverbanks, from fishing villages to rice fields
- Enjoy seamless hotel pick-up and drop-off for a stress-free travel experience
Available options
Luang Prabang: 2-Day Slow Boat Transfer to Huay Xai
Pickup included
What's included
Boat ticket from Pakbeng to Huay Xai
Hotel pickup by Tuk Tuk
Boat ticket from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng
What you'll see
Day 1: Luang Prabang → Pakbeng
07:00–07:30 AM: Hotel pick-up by tuk-tuk in Luang Prabang for a smooth start to your adventure.
08:00–08:30 AM: Depart from Bandon Pier, gliding past picturesque jungle landscapes, water buffalo, and rural Laotian villages.Please bring a jacket with you just in case the weather is cold.
05:00 PM: Arrive in the charming riverside town of Pakbeng.You need to take all your stuffs and bring it back tomorrow (Overnight stay not included.)
Day 2: Pakbeng → Huay Xai
08:30–09:00 AM: Continue your river journey toward Huay Xai.
06:00 PM: Arrive in Huay Xai, marking the end of your slow boat adventure.
End Of Service at Slow Boat Pier
Please Note:
1. This transfer is one-way only.
2. Slow boats carry approximately 100–200 passengers on board.
3. The boat is shared with local tourists.
4. The boat will not stop at any point other than Pakbeng.
5. No food or drinks are provided, so please bring your own or purchase them on board.
6. You must stay on the boat for at least 6 hours. If you have health conditions such as knee pain, heel pain, or osteoarthritis, please consider this before booking.
7. For large luggage, it may be difficult to transport from the pier to the hotel due to many steps; we recommend using a backpack or carry-on luggage.
8. Once you arrive at the pier, you can travel to the Lao Immigration Office by public transport (approximately 20 minutes).
Options include a shared taxi (approximately 170 kip per person)
or a private taxi (approximately 350,000 kip).
9. After clearing immigration, take the bus across the border (approximately 20 minutes) for 30,000 kip. Please note that the border closes at 8:00 p.m.
10. After passing through immigration, take a bus across the 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge.
11. After clearing Thai immigration, you have two options:
11.1 Stay in Chiang Khong: This border city in Thailand offers convenient accommodation options.
Transportation to Chiang Khong City: Shared taxi: approximately 60 THB per person; private taxi: approximately 200 THB.
11.2 Travel to Chiang Rai Downtown.
What's not included
Foods and Drinks on the boat
Accommodation in Pakbeng
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For separate bookings, please send all booking references at least 2 days before the travel date so we can try to seat your group in the same van.
Please provide a WhatsApp-enabled phone number when booking so our team can easily reach you on the day of the tour.
If you have a flight after the tour, please let us know. Airport drop-off is not included, and return times may vary depending on traffic.
People prone to seasickness
People with motion sickness
Meeting point
The Tuk Tuk will stop in front of Amazon Cafe
Important notes
When the Tuk Tuk picks you up at the hotel, the driver will give you the boat ticket.
When you arrive at the pier, you need to show the boat ticket to the staff, not the voucher booking from Viator.
If you don’t receive the boat ticket, please ask the tuk tuk driver
About Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Laos architecture and serene natural beauty. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it offers a unique blend of historic temples, French colonial buildings, and lush landscapes.
Top Attractions
Wat Xieng Thong
One of the most important temples in Laos, known for its beautiful architecture and intricate mosaics.
Religious
1-2 hours
5 USD
Mount Phousi
A small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Nature
1-2 hours
5 USD
Kuang Si Falls
A stunning series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, perfect for swimming and picnicking.
Nature
Half day
10 USD
Must-Try Local Dishes
Larb
A spicy minced meat salad with herbs, spices, and lime juice.
Main Dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu.
Tam Mak Hoong
Green papaya salad with tomatoes, chilies, and lime juice.
Main Dish
Vegetarian if made without fish sauce.
Khao Soi
A Northern Lao noodle dish with a coconut curry broth.
Main Dish
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the surrounding mountains
Kayaking on the Mekong River
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Sunset watching at Mount Phousi
Attending a traditional Lao dance performance
Participating in a cooking class
Swimming at Kuang Si Falls
Boat tours on the Mekong River
Best Time to Visit
November to February
This is the cool and dry season, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The weather is pleasant, and it's the peak tourist season.
15-30°C
59-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Lao
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Lao Kip (LAK)
Time Zone
Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Luang Prabang is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour operators
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
Getting there
By air
- Luang Prabang International Airport • 3 km from city center
By bus
Northern Bus Station, Southern Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The most common and affordable mode of transport. Negotiate fares before starting your journey.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Limited app-based services
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town
Ban Phou Khoune
Day trips
Pak Ou Caves
25 km north of Luang Prabang • Half day
A complex of caves filled with thousands of Buddha images, dating back to the 16th century.
Living Land Farm
15 km from Luang Prabang • Half day
A working farm offering insights into traditional Lao farming practices and sustainable agriculture.
Festivals
Lao New Year (Pi Mai) • April 13-15
Boun Ok Phansa • October (date varies)
Pro tips
- Visit Kuang Si Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool weather.
- Attend the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) for a unique cultural experience, but be respectful and follow the rules.
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and local life.
- Try local Lao coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the many cafes in town.
- Bargain politely when shopping at markets, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
