Journey Overview
Travel from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai on a classic 2-day public slow boat journey along the Mekong River. Cruise through peaceful countryside and riverside villages, spend the night in Pakbeng, and continue to Huay Xai on Day 2. This package includes slow boat tickets for both days and morning pickup in Luang Prabang. Accommodation and meals in Pakbeng are not included.
Highlights
Traditional Public Slow Boat
Travel along the Mekong River by traditional public slow boat
Overnight in PakBeng
Overnight stop in Pakbeng. (Hotel and Breakfast no included)
Local Riverside Village
Enjoy views of mountains, jungle, farmland and riverside villages
Slow Boat to Huay Xai City
The scenic Mekong River Journey from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai City
This Tour Start in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Itinerary
Day 1: Luang Prabang → Pakbeng
Approximately 07:00–07:30 AM
Pickup from your hotel within the designated pickup area in Luang Prabang. Transfer to the slow boat pier.
Approximately 08:00–08:30 AM
Depart Luang Prabang by public slow boat.Cruise along the Mekong River and enjoy views of rural Laos, forested mountains, farmland, water buffalo and local communities along the riverbank.
Approximately 5:00 PM
Arrive in Pakbeng.Spend the night in Pakbeng.
Accommodation and meals in Pakbeng are not included. Guests should arrange their own accommodation.
Day 2: Pakbeng → Huay Xai
Approximately 08:30–09:00 AM
Return to the pier and prepare for departure.
Approximately 09:00 AM
Depart Pakbeng and continue travelling upstream along the Mekong River towards Huay Xai.Enjoy another relaxing day on the river with views of mountains, forests and local river life.
Approximately 6:00 PM
Arrive at Huay Xai Slow Boat Pier.
Standard service ends at Huay Xai Slow Boat Pier unless an additional transfer has been selected.
What’s Included / Not Included
✓ What's Included
- Public slow boat ticket from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai
- Transfer and Hotel pickup within 3 km of Luang Prabang Night Market
- Travel insurance provided by the local operator
✕ What's Not Included
- Accommodation & Meals in Pakbeng Night 1
- Food and drinks during the journey
- Laos or Thailand overstay and/or immigration fees
- Friendship Bridge shuttle bus ticket
- Transportations after arriving at Huay Xai Pier
- Any services not specifically listed in “What’s Included”
Additinal Add-On
Private Transfer
- Chiang Khong Border → Chiang Rai Downtown
- Huay Xai Pier → Laos Immigration
Before You Go
Confirmation will be sent within 24 hours. If you do not receive confirmation, please contact our team.
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +66 91 825 5642
Insurance Requirement
To ensure travel insurance coverage, passengers are required to submit a copy of their passport at least 1 day before departure via email or WhatsApp
The journey crosses from Chiang Khong in Thailand to Huay Xai in Laos via Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge No. 4.
Border crossing process:- Complete departure procedures at Thai Immigration.
- Take the shuttle bus across Friendship Bridge No. 4.
- Complete visa and entry procedures at Lao Immigration.
- Continue by local transportation to Huay Xai.
Please note:
Thai Immigration is generally open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, while Lao Immigration is generally open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Opening hours may change without notice, so travellers should check the latest border operating hours before travelling. Immigration queues and processing times may also affect your onward journey or arrival time.✨ Free hotel pick-up & drop-off within 3 km of the night market in Luang prabang.
📍 Staying outside the area? Simply choose a convenient meeting point (click images for directions)
🤍 No worries if you don’t select one — we’ll arrange the nearest pick-up point for you
📌 Final pick-up details will be confirmed after booking
If you choose a meeting point, please fill in the booking form as follows:
Hotel Name for Pickup: Meeting point name
Address for Pickup: Meeting point
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure (where eligible)
- Transport tickets may be non-refundable once issued
- Refunds to the original payment method when possible
- Changes subject to availability
- No refunds for no-shows or invalid documents
- We’ll support you if plans change
Non-Refundable Tickets
Train tickets, boat tickets, and other transport tickets are non-refundable once purchased or issued on the guest’s behalf.
For more details, you can visit our Cancellation & Refund Policy page.
Frequently Asked Questions
A simple sandwich-box breakfast is included on Day 2. Other meals are not included.
No. This package uses a public slow boat shared with other passengers.
One night’s accommodation in Huay Xai is included. Accommodation in Pakbeng is not included.
Large suitcases are allowed but may be difficult to carry due to stairs at boarding and arrival points.
For transfers to the Chiang Khong border, additional or oversized luggage is subject to a fee of 200 THB per item.
Special equipment, such as bicycles, may incur additional charges. Please inform our team before booking to confirm availability and applicable fees.
The service ends at the slow boat pier in Luang Prabang.
No. The entrance ticket, lunch and personal expenses are not included.
No. This is a ticket and transfer package, not a fully guided tour.
Yes. A private room in Huay Xai is available for an additional 400 THB, payable on the travel day.
We recommend bringing Lao Kip (LAK) or Thai Baht (THB) in cash for onboard bar purchases, tipping the guide/crew, and personal souvenirs at village stops
We recommend avoiding flights, trains or fixed onward travel on the same evening because the boat may arrive later than scheduled.
For slow boat journeys, pick-up service is provided at the departure point. Upon arrival at the final destination, travelers are responsible for arranging their own onward transportation.
For private transfers, we will provide the vehicle photo and driver's contact number at least one day before departure. With your permission, we may also share your photo and contact number with the driver to ensure smooth communication and easy identification.
Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance. For last-minute bookings, please contact us.

