Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang 2 Day Slow Boat with Pak Ou Caves

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2 days (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Take the scenic route to Luang Prabang on this relaxed 2-day journey from Chiang Rai. This slow boat adventure includes hotel pickup in Chiang Rai, visa assistance at the Thai–Lao border, an overnight stay in Huay Xai, and a full-day cruise along the Mekong River. Enjoy local stories from an onboard guide, visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, and take in the lush landscapes of northern Laos. It’s the most peaceful and immersive way to travel between countries.

What's Included

Basic accident coverage
1-night hotel in Huay Xai (breakfast included)
Transfer to Chiang Khong border and assistance with Lao immigration procedures
Shuttle bus across Friendship Bridge number 4.
Lunch
Hotel drop-off in Luang Prabang (within 3 km from pier)
English-speaking guide
Breakfast
Infant document fee is included in the price. No cash payment is needed on the travel day.
Slow boat ticket to Luang Prabang
Hotel pickup in Chiang Rai (within 3 km from city center)
Entry to Pak Ou Caves
Transfer to Huay Xai boat pier
Laos visa fee (approx. $40 or 1,800 THB)
Travelers with e-Visa or visa-free entry pay THB 70–100 tourist tax in... THB 100.00 per person
Drinks on the boat

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Please provide the pickup name, address, and room number at least 3 days in advance, and we will confirm the pickup time accordingly. Pickup time is around 02:00- 02.30 PM in the afternoon. The tour starts from Chiang Rai.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 days (approximately)
    Day 1

    Chiang Rai to Chiang Kong - Huay Xai

    5 stops
  • 1

    2:00 – 2:30 PM: Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Chiang Rai city center. Please be ready at the lobby during this time.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    2:30 PM – Travel by shared, air-conditioned van from Chiang Rai to the Chiang Khong border, passing through scenic countryside.

    1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

    4:00 PM – Border crossing and Laos visa assistance. Our staff will guide you through Thai immigration and assist with the Laos visa-on-arrival process at the Chiang Khong–Huay Xai border.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 4

    4:45 PM – Cross the 4th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge by shared shuttle bus. You'll travel over the Mekong River and officially enter Laos, where our local Lao team will be waiting to welcome you.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 5

    5:00–5:30 PM – Meet our Lao team in Huay Xai and enjoy a short transfer to your hotel for check-in.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
    • Day 2

    Huay Xai - Mekong River - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang,Lao

    6 stops
  • 6

    06.40 - 07.10 AM. Travelers will be picked up from their accommodation and transferred to the slow boat pier. It's about a 10–20 minute transfer from your hotel to the pier.

    50 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 7

    07:30 AM – Arrival at the pier and preparation for boarding. Our team will assist you with necessary documentation and ensure you have everything you need before boarding the slow boat. This includes checking travel documents, confirming luggage, and giving a short briefing about the journey ahead.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 8

    8:00 AM: Begin your slow boat journey from Huay Xai to Pak Ou Caves. The scenic cruise takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on river conditions and water levels. Along the way, relax and enjoy the peaceful landscape, observe daily life along the Mekong’s banks, and gain cultural insights from your onboard guide.

    6 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 9

    1:30 – 2:00 PM, Midday – Explore Pak Ou Caves (Approx. 40 minutes) Visit the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha images placed over centuries by devoted pilgrims. Take in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy a short walk through the limestone grotto overlooking the Mekong River.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 10

    1.5 – 2 Hours, Afternoon – Scenic Cruise to Luang Prabang Relax and enjoy the final stretch of your Mekong River journey. Cruise past tranquil riverside scenery for another 1.5 to 2 hours before arriving at the Luang Prabang pier, where your unforgettable adventure concludes.

    2 hours • Admission ticket free
  • 11

    5:00 – 6:00 PM: Arrive at the Luang Prabang pier. A complimentary transfer to your hotel (within 3 km) is included.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Visa on arrival requires cash payment. Please note that new USD bills are required.
  • Travelers who obtain a visa on arrival do not need to pay the Laos tourist tax separately, as it is already included in the visa fee of THB 1,800 (approx. USD 40).
  • Travellers with an e-Visa or visa-free entry must pay the tourist tax (THB 70–100) in cash at the border control on the day of travel.
Supplied by Trips Chiang Mai

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Tags

Overnight Tours
Multi-day Tours
Bus Tours
Multi-day Cruises
Tuk Tuk Tours
Underground Tours
Water Tours
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Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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